There are many sports romances out there, but lately there have been an influx of queer sports romances and I am HERE for it! The main character, Austin, is 20 years old and grapples from GAD. Austin is also in the midst of climbing the tennis ladder, all at 20! Dealing with anxiety is a key part to this story and I know that many could relate to how Austin felt throughout his life and his career.

Even Diego was highly relatable I think. Although this wasn't a traditional romance book, it was still full of yearning and a lot of overthinking, as per usual. I like the subtlety of the romance and the relationships surrounding the main character. A supportive team means a lot to so many people. I really hope this book reaches the audiences it's intended for too. Media like this can mean so much to some people.

Overall, I had a lot of fun with the material that was given and was left with more insight on folks dealing with GAD and/or their sexuality. Reading can teach so much even when it's not explicitly intended to do so.

5/5 stars and here's to hoping for more from Schmit!

This book was literally a roller coaster ride from very start to finish. I LOVED IT! Starting off with the pov of one character and then switching over to another pov, EIGHT YEARS IN THE FUTURE?! What a boss Antonia Hodgson is for that! I was mad at this sudden change, but honestly it was necessary and I couldn't have foreseen the direction that had gone in once I started it.

The second pov we get is the one we are left with for the rest of the book and the way it took us was certainly unexpected. There were so many twists and turns that I found myself shocked at the revelations. I had so much fun reading about Neema's cunning wits and her confound bravery at questioning everything. Growing up as a loner and outcast save for one person, I think that gave our scholar, Neema an advantage here. The villains tried to snub her so many times and it never went how anyone expected due to her vast knowledge of various laws and historical texts. I really liked the air of mystery on top of the fantastical story that was the basis for the plot. The kingdom is large, but this takes place on an island and it gave the plot an air of claustrophobia, adding a small layer of horror.

As the premise tells us, there is a trial and contestants, and those contestants find themselves becoming friends, but ultimately, this is a fight for the literal crown. The story follows all the trials, their contestants, the nuances of the trial, and other key players that will make for a wild ride. Every character we are introduced to plays a part in this crazy story and I like how there was never a shortage of action going on. The subtle romance was also very sweet and wasn't in any way overdone considering the plot. I can't wait to read the next book in this trilogy! I will very much be recommending this to anyone asking for a good fantasy read.

5/5 stars