Infectious queer joy—and romance—worth cheering about.
A cheer captain enters into a secret relationship with a new recruit.
As a squad, the Oak Haven Hornets “could not be gayer if a rainbow itself spat us from its womb.” But when a straight student doesn’t make the squad and alleges discrimination, the coach gives cheer captain Davie, a white girl who struggles with anxiety, an ultimatum: Add a straight cheerleader to the ranks or lose funding. Davie thinks she’s found a “perfect straight” in Kendall, the newest squad member’s older sister. Plot twist: Kendall, who’s cued Black, is bi “as hell.” To make matters worse, Kendall and Davies’ attraction is mutual—and hard to keep quiet. As the pair’s budding relationship heats up under everyone’s noses, the squad hits more roadblocks on their way to nationals. Even if the team makes it, will their relationship ever get to be public? Following their collaboration for 2025’s Call Your Boyfriend, Cole and Woodfolk team up for another Sapphic rom-com that seamlessly alternates between first-person narrative voices. The diverse cast of side characters encompass a variety of skin tones and sexualities, creating a strong sense of queer found family. The overall atmosphere is refreshingly affirming and lighthearted despite the presence of buffoonish villains who exemplify bigoted values. The co-authors also don’t shy away from exploring important themes, including making assumptions about others’ identities, bi erasure, and what it truly means for a space to be safe.
Infectious queer joy—and romance—worth cheering about. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: May 19, 2026
ISBN: 9781665967341
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart.
A surprise inheritance thrusts a small-town Nebraska teen into Manhattan’s elite society—and the orbit of a boy who’s determined to prove she doesn’t belong.
Julia Lowell’s life changes overnight when the 80-something man they know as Lou leaves his fortune to her family instead of his New York City relatives. Lou, who lived in a fishing cabin, was a regular customer of the Lowells’ small grocery store and became a family friend. To inherit, they must live in his Upper West Side home for at least six months, and Julia and her twin brother must attend Gardenwood Academy, a Gossip Girl–esque private school. Julia struggles to navigate her rude, privileged classmates—like Damion Rutledge. Unbeknownst to her, Lou—whose real name was Remington—was Damion’s beloved great-uncle. When a teacher assigns Damion to be Julia’s math tutor, he seizes the opportunity to search Uncle Remi’s house, which he believes is his by right, for evidence of the Lowells’ deceit. But as suspicion gives way to genuine feelings, Julia and Damion, who are cued white, question their assumptions about one another. Painter delivers her signature blend of banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally grounded characters. Told in the leads’ alternating points of view, the familiar enemies-to-lovers setup is complicated by Damion’s secret and Julia’s past heartbreak. While the story follows a predictable path and resolution, the central relationship feels earned and heartfelt.
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart. (soundtrack) (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
ISBN: 9798347100217
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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