Susan the Librarian

The publisher’s summary

A high school field hockey star must choose between her love of the game and her new, distractingly beautiful rival in this queer YA romance perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy and Cleat Cute!

Evelyn was raised to see field hockey as war.

Before she could write her own name, her family’s legacy on the field was already spelled out. Every step Evelyn takes toward glory is within a footprint her mother left behind. And no step matters more than this next one, with Evelyn about to lead her varsity team into their final battle season. Evelyn is beyond ready to score the Nationals title and win the critical scholarship to her mom’s alma mater that comes with it.

This year, she’s out for blood, and nothing can stand in her way…

…except for Rosa Alvarez, the highly talented new recruit on her biggest rival’s team.

After a humiliating homecoming game and follow-up prank leave the two enemies in a stalemate, they grudgingly strike a deal to help each other overcome their weaknesses on the field. But the more time Evelyn spends with Rosa, the more she finds herself casting her hardened armor aside, until she begins to wonder what life might be like if she left the battlefield behind and fought for love instead.

My recommendation

As well-intentioned Evelyn barrels through her senior year with all of the deftness of a hockey goalie in full padding, her riotous misadventures peel back the layers of her identity, revealing a nuanced exploration of individuality beneath parental expectations, friendships and relationships, and personal aspirations. Within this rousing tribute to women’s sports, Rosewater calls for inclusivity of all those overshadowed by “men’s sports” culture and gives readers a lens into one girl’s attempt to find her sexuality when the labels don’t quite fit. An essential addition to your queer YA rom com shelf!