2020
WISE Score
Amazon
Romeo and Juliet with football helmets and fewer poisonings—just a lot of sneaking around the end zone.
4.4
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If your teen is into sports romance, this is a safe, middle-of-the-road pick that won't cause any drama at the dinner table. It’s not 'literary gold,' but it’s a solid, readable story about two kids trying to date while their towns are basically at war over a leather ball.
It’s a 'beach read' for the high school set. It’s not going to change their lives, but it’s a much better use of their brain than scrolling through mindless brain-rot clips for three hours.
Best for 14 and up. It’s written for the high school crowd and hits that sweet spot of romantic tension without crossing into 'adult' romance territory. Younger kids will find the football stuff okay but will probably be bored by the 300 pages of pining.
It handles the 'forbidden' aspect of romance with a decent amount of emotional weight rather than just cheap thrills. The conflict centers on family loyalty and the pressure of being a 'legacy' kid, which is relatable for high schoolers. However, the 'lying to everyone you love' theme is the driving force, so don't expect a masterclass in transparency.
This is standard-issue sports romance. You've got the rival towns, the star quarterback, and the coach's daughter. It’s a well-executed trope, but it isn't breaking new ground or asking the reader to explore complex new worlds.
As far as YA romances go, this is relatively tame. There’s romantic tension and 'suggestive smirks,' but it stays within the bounds of what most parents would expect for a 14+ reader. No major trigger warnings or graphic content to worry about, though the characters are definitely sneaking around.
It offers some perspective on looking past labels—realizing the 'enemy' is actually a person. It's good for building empathy regarding social cliques and town-wide prejudices, but it’s mostly here for the 'will-they-won't-they' entertainment value.
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