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Out of Step, Into You
Out of Step, into You is a sapphic contemporary romance following childhood friends turned cross-country team rivals who are forced to work together to win the state championship – for fans of She Gets the Girl.
You can’t outrun love.
>Taylor and Marianna were each other’s whole world – best friends, running partners, practically sisters – until Marianna moved away and Taylor promptly ghosted her. When the former best friends turned rivals end up on the same cross-country team three years later, everything is a competition… and a reminder of past feelings, as well as blossoming new ones.
Marianna runs because she’s angry. The oldest child of a single mother, she knows all about responsibility – for her siblings, at her part-time job. She just has to stay focused and be faster than the past nipping at her heels if she wants to secure a new, brighter future. With or without Taylor.
Taylor runs to prove herself. The only child of an almost-Olympian, she’s no stranger to high expectations. With enough effort, she knows she can immortalize herself with a state record and make her parents proud. Then, she can figure out her own passion. She definitely doesn’t have time to untangle her feelings towards Mari.
Can this pair figure out a way to work together before their past catches up with them?
You can’t outrun love.
>Taylor and Marianna were each other’s whole world – best friends, running partners, practically sisters – until Marianna moved away and Taylor promptly ghosted her. When the former best friends turned rivals end up on the same cross-country team three years later, everything is a competition… and a reminder of past feelings, as well as blossoming new ones.
Marianna runs because she’s angry. The oldest child of a single mother, she knows all about responsibility – for her siblings, at her part-time job. She just has to stay focused and be faster than the past nipping at her heels if she wants to secure a new, brighter future. With or without Taylor.
Taylor runs to prove herself. The only child of an almost-Olympian, she’s no stranger to high expectations. With enough effort, she knows she can immortalize herself with a state record and make her parents proud. Then, she can figure out her own passion. She definitely doesn’t have time to untangle her feelings towards Mari.
Can this pair figure out a way to work together before their past catches up with them?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2025
22 people are currently reading
6890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
September 4, 2025
✨ I am updating my review because I also listened to the audiobook✨
👟Bookish Thoughts
This was a fun YA second chance romance! Mari and Taylor used to be best friends and ended up on rival cross country teams… until Mari moves and suddenly they are on the same team again. So very awkward! This was definitely a slow burn, angsty romance, and I liked how their relationship developed, especially with their coach assigning mandatory volunteering at the animal shelter 🤭
I really liked both Taylor and Mari. Mari is so parentified at home and my heart broke for her more than once. She is working, taking care of her siblings, and still trying to show up for school and running. Taylor is also dealing with a lot, between the pressure from her parents and her dad’s kidney disease, I felt stressed for her the whole time. This really felt like a coming of age story. And I really loved the sapphic rep!
The audiobook narration was fantastic and it added so much emotional depth to both Mari and Taylor’s voices. I enjoyed it enough to raise my overall rating.
💗 What You Can Expect
• YA sapphic romance
• Second chance
• Rivals to lovers
• Sports romance
• Slow burn
• Dual POV
• Coming of age
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.25 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 4.5 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo narration
📅 Pub Date (Audiobook): September 9, 2025
📅 Pub Date (Print and ebook): May 20, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, RBmedia, and NetGalley for the ARC and audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
👟Bookish Thoughts
This was a fun YA second chance romance! Mari and Taylor used to be best friends and ended up on rival cross country teams… until Mari moves and suddenly they are on the same team again. So very awkward! This was definitely a slow burn, angsty romance, and I liked how their relationship developed, especially with their coach assigning mandatory volunteering at the animal shelter 🤭
I really liked both Taylor and Mari. Mari is so parentified at home and my heart broke for her more than once. She is working, taking care of her siblings, and still trying to show up for school and running. Taylor is also dealing with a lot, between the pressure from her parents and her dad’s kidney disease, I felt stressed for her the whole time. This really felt like a coming of age story. And I really loved the sapphic rep!
The audiobook narration was fantastic and it added so much emotional depth to both Mari and Taylor’s voices. I enjoyed it enough to raise my overall rating.
💗 What You Can Expect
• YA sapphic romance
• Second chance
• Rivals to lovers
• Sports romance
• Slow burn
• Dual POV
• Coming of age
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.25 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 4.5 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo narration
📅 Pub Date (Audiobook): September 9, 2025
📅 Pub Date (Print and ebook): May 20, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, RBmedia, and NetGalley for the ARC and audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
September 30, 2025
slightly disappointed/misled by the dogs on the cover since this was fully a rival cross country team book but i digress- it was still a fun read but WHY in the world do YA romances wait til the last chapter until they get together??? there’s no way to write a pg romance for 300 pages or what?! 😭
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
May 22, 2025
Welcome to my book tour post for Ciera Burch's Out of Step, Into You! As a runner, I am ALWAYS on the hunt for books that focus on running - what could be better than a sweet sapphic, coming of age romance about two childhood best friends turned rivals who are thrown back together onto the same cross country team? Seems perfect, and y'all, it's a great read. Mari and Taylor are both such dynamic characters, and while they are both going through some really difficult things in their lives, I loved watching how they slowly put aside their differences and rekindle some of the spark that they first kindled when they were younger. It's a slow burn, but it's all worth it in the end. And friends, if you are looking for reads for your Pride Month TBR - you NEED to check out this book! The writing is engaging and interesting AND it has sapphic rep, Black MC rep, and Black author rep. Definitely check it out! Thank you so much to TBR and Beyond tours and Ciera Burch for the gifted ARC, check out https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/ to follow along on the book tour.
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May 22, 2025I enjoyed this one. I liked both of the main characters and the way this romance slowly developed. To be honest the focus was more on their friendship than romance, which I liked. I love estranged best friend stories and this one didn’t disappoint. I also liked the sports element and seeing these two go from rivals to having to work together on the same team. Also the dog walking? So cute. I’m jealous of all the adorable dogs they got to hang out with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for a copy of this eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for a copy of this eARC.
June 13, 2025
First of all, I love the cover of this book! Sarah Madden, please take a bow. I really appreciate when authors/publishers invest in good cover art.
Out of Step, Into You was cute enough, if a little lacking. I like Taylor and Mari a lot and the chemistry of the Jefferson cross country team. I actually wish I got to spend more time with the team, actually. But there's no time to spend with the team because this novel is trying to do a lot--too much if you ask me. There's whatever happened between Taylor and Mari in middle school; there's whatever weird tension is happening between Mari and her old team (and one particular person on that team); there's the storyline with Taylor's dad; there's Mari's home-life stress; and there's the development of the relationship between Taylor and Mari. It's all compelling on its own, of course, but the book isn't long enough to do any of those stories justice, which means Ciera Burch should have left some of it out.
What really ruined this for me is how unrealistic high school sports are portrayed in the novel. There are two specific complaints on this front, but I don't want to spoil anything for readers. But it did not work for me because it's just so not a thing that happens.
But it is cute. And there are dogs! And there's a cute sapphic story too, but I wouldn't say it's the focus (just to set expectations accordingly).
Out of Step, Into You was cute enough, if a little lacking. I like Taylor and Mari a lot and the chemistry of the Jefferson cross country team. I actually wish I got to spend more time with the team, actually. But there's no time to spend with the team because this novel is trying to do a lot--too much if you ask me. There's whatever happened between Taylor and Mari in middle school; there's whatever weird tension is happening between Mari and her old team (and one particular person on that team); there's the storyline with Taylor's dad; there's Mari's home-life stress; and there's the development of the relationship between Taylor and Mari. It's all compelling on its own, of course, but the book isn't long enough to do any of those stories justice, which means Ciera Burch should have left some of it out.
What really ruined this for me is how unrealistic high school sports are portrayed in the novel. There are two specific complaints on this front, but I don't want to spoil anything for readers. But it did not work for me because it's just so not a thing that happens.
But it is cute. And there are dogs! And there's a cute sapphic story too, but I wouldn't say it's the focus (just to set expectations accordingly).
June 22, 2025
this was actually kind of cute, but the dogs made the story much better, ngl 🐩
and confirmed, i’m really not a big fan of second-chance romance plots, so i only focused on the friendship part in the whole story bc the rest kinda annoyed me at times 🫠
but bonus points for that cute cover that got me to read this ✨
and confirmed, i’m really not a big fan of second-chance romance plots, so i only focused on the friendship part in the whole story bc the rest kinda annoyed me at times 🫠
but bonus points for that cute cover that got me to read this ✨
May 25, 2025
I ready this book as an ARC and loved it. It’s a cute read about friendship and how important expressing your feelings are and about not letting conflict fester. I enjoyed this read
August 24, 2025
Taylor and Mari are former childhood best friends after a large misunderstanding has gone unaddressed for many years. But then Mari winds up back at Taylor's high school and the two girls are on the same cross country team--finding themselves forced together at every turn.
This is a cute story--nothing revolutionary, but an interesting YA lesbian romance is always a plus. I believe this would resonate well with its intended audience.
There's plenty of drama (so much drama). Some of it seems a little forced, but they are teens, after all. Somehow teenagers are seeming both incredibly juvenile and wise beyond their years anymore (I say this as a parent of two teens). Mari feels the burden of caring for her younger siblings while her mom works multiple shifts to make rent, and Taylor is dealing with a critically ill father. The book plays off the stereotypes of class, between Mari's working class background and Taylor's wealthier one.
Overall, this story is simplistic at times and can rely on tropes, but Mari and Taylor are well-drawn teen characters, and the younger audience should identify with their struggles, including best friend troubles, parental drama, sports teams dynamics, and Taylor's quest to figure out her sexual identity.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group / Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
This is a cute story--nothing revolutionary, but an interesting YA lesbian romance is always a plus. I believe this would resonate well with its intended audience.
There's plenty of drama (so much drama). Some of it seems a little forced, but they are teens, after all. Somehow teenagers are seeming both incredibly juvenile and wise beyond their years anymore (I say this as a parent of two teens). Mari feels the burden of caring for her younger siblings while her mom works multiple shifts to make rent, and Taylor is dealing with a critically ill father. The book plays off the stereotypes of class, between Mari's working class background and Taylor's wealthier one.
Overall, this story is simplistic at times and can rely on tropes, but Mari and Taylor are well-drawn teen characters, and the younger audience should identify with their struggles, including best friend troubles, parental drama, sports teams dynamics, and Taylor's quest to figure out her sexual identity.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group / Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
September 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers, dual POV, forced proximity, Sapphic second chance sports romance that has two rival track runners stuck as running partners and volunteer dog walkers as they find themselves on the same time after a falling out. Each is also dealing with interpersonal family troubles at home as one's father is on dialysis again after his kidney transplant was rejected and the other finds herself more and more acting as main caregiver for her younger twin siblings while her single mother works a lot.
The emotional depth is strong and the relationship building is realistic. I thought it was good on audio and especially loved the nuanced disability rep both with having a parent with a chronic illness and another protagonist with PCOS. Highly recommended for fans of books like It's a love skate/relationship or She drives me crazy. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
The emotional depth is strong and the relationship building is realistic. I thought it was good on audio and especially loved the nuanced disability rep both with having a parent with a chronic illness and another protagonist with PCOS. Highly recommended for fans of books like It's a love skate/relationship or She drives me crazy. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ overall this was a cute book. I didn’t really feel the romantic vibes ( more Friends vibe ) unfortunately. But I loved that it included important things like forgiveness and learning to trust again. I wish we would have got a much longer book. I also had a hard time telling the difference between the characters without having to remember whose POV the chapter was on.
July 6, 2025
It was soft and steady filled with moments that made me quietly smile 💗
April 25, 2025
4.0🏅
As a black sapphic girly that’s ran track (sprinter) It was only right I tuned into Step into You by Ciera Burch; a rekindling of friendship and acceptance of romance from the POV of sophomore cross-country girlies! And thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group, and Ciera Burch. I was able to.
From the start, the rivalry and the yearning is felt! The similarities of running and chasing for sport vs their relationship is just good food!
Reading this made me so giddy as if I had my own friend to crush. And the yearning throughout the rivalry is so so good.
How they express their memories of each other to theirselves or to the other is so lovely and soft and all consuming how they feel regarding each other.
‘I don’t know why this sleepover feels different, this hundredth sleepover of ours, but Mari is pre— I mean Mari is beau— I mean Mari is my friend.’’
I feared I kicked my feet
‘I lean forward, just a little, slow enough that she can move back and I can shut my eyes and go to sleep and pretend it didn’t happen. But she doesn’t move away so I don’t close my eyes and then my lips are on hers, and she still isn’t moving away, and her hand is still on my cheek and everything is so, so purple.’’
See purple color haters?? Purple is the color of good, softness, and loveliness (said biggest purple fan)
The medical representation and the health anxiety (so real), the pressure of the older black child having to take on parental duties so young. All so well and clear that’s it’s easy to digest especially since this is YA.
"We wanted her to rate the last person she kissed," Khyris clarifies from across the circle. She's a haze through the fire, light brown hair glowing almost copper.
"She gave you a seven," Kerri adds.’
She laughs, locking eyes with me as she takes another greedy bite of her snack. "Maybe I just like girls who are easily manipulated."’
The hell? How did Mari even allow herself to be involved with this girl, forget the benefits she’s messed up! And why’d she just disappear with no repercussions after her meddling of our besties/ship??
Departing Thoughts
Some of the chapters, specifically the last chapters before #46 being short lived was unsatisfactory and resulted into my immersion flickering. I feel the emotions and actions between our two mains and their situations could’ve been depicted a bit better so it wasn’t just 10 pages with a single paragraph leaving us with only 2 full chapters. Felt like a rush to get past the meat and to the end, perhaps unfinished in ways?
Wanted a glimpse of them in their senior year or first year of college. While I appreciated the friendship rekindling and felt it was natural and well done, I do wish we were with them as a couple more, after all that yearning and angst we deserved more of them just sappy and in love. This could’ve been given if our 10 pages of single paragraphs were used differently and fleshed out.
Also would’ve appreciated Mari and her mom’s dynamic being more fleshed out as well; it is on Mari’s side but not so well on her mom’s, some more depth and energy with that and her would’ve done so well!
’The Styrofoam cup, even half burnt with a crisp black void inside instead of noodles, is easy to recognize.
I sigh in relief and then try not to hack my lungs out.
I glance at Moses, who's still waving his towel in the air. "You forgot the water," I say. It's not a question.’
This was too funny, but one of the only ‘black experiences’ I’ve never experienced lol. Like howww?
As a black sapphic girly that’s ran track (sprinter) It was only right I tuned into Step into You by Ciera Burch; a rekindling of friendship and acceptance of romance from the POV of sophomore cross-country girlies! And thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group, and Ciera Burch. I was able to.
From the start, the rivalry and the yearning is felt! The similarities of running and chasing for sport vs their relationship is just good food!
Reading this made me so giddy as if I had my own friend to crush. And the yearning throughout the rivalry is so so good.
How they express their memories of each other to theirselves or to the other is so lovely and soft and all consuming how they feel regarding each other.
‘I don’t know why this sleepover feels different, this hundredth sleepover of ours, but Mari is pre— I mean Mari is beau— I mean Mari is my friend.’’
I feared I kicked my feet
‘I lean forward, just a little, slow enough that she can move back and I can shut my eyes and go to sleep and pretend it didn’t happen. But she doesn’t move away so I don’t close my eyes and then my lips are on hers, and she still isn’t moving away, and her hand is still on my cheek and everything is so, so purple.’’
See purple color haters?? Purple is the color of good, softness, and loveliness (said biggest purple fan)
The medical representation and the health anxiety (so real), the pressure of the older black child having to take on parental duties so young. All so well and clear that’s it’s easy to digest especially since this is YA.
"We wanted her to rate the last person she kissed," Khyris clarifies from across the circle. She's a haze through the fire, light brown hair glowing almost copper.
"She gave you a seven," Kerri adds.’
She laughs, locking eyes with me as she takes another greedy bite of her snack. "Maybe I just like girls who are easily manipulated."’
The hell? How did Mari even allow herself to be involved with this girl, forget the benefits she’s messed up! And why’d she just disappear with no repercussions after her meddling of our besties/ship??
Departing Thoughts
Some of the chapters, specifically the last chapters before #46 being short lived was unsatisfactory and resulted into my immersion flickering. I feel the emotions and actions between our two mains and their situations could’ve been depicted a bit better so it wasn’t just 10 pages with a single paragraph leaving us with only 2 full chapters. Felt like a rush to get past the meat and to the end, perhaps unfinished in ways?
Wanted a glimpse of them in their senior year or first year of college. While I appreciated the friendship rekindling and felt it was natural and well done, I do wish we were with them as a couple more, after all that yearning and angst we deserved more of them just sappy and in love. This could’ve been given if our 10 pages of single paragraphs were used differently and fleshed out.
Also would’ve appreciated Mari and her mom’s dynamic being more fleshed out as well; it is on Mari’s side but not so well on her mom’s, some more depth and energy with that and her would’ve done so well!
’The Styrofoam cup, even half burnt with a crisp black void inside instead of noodles, is easy to recognize.
I sigh in relief and then try not to hack my lungs out.
I glance at Moses, who's still waving his towel in the air. "You forgot the water," I say. It's not a question.’
This was too funny, but one of the only ‘black experiences’ I’ve never experienced lol. Like howww?
September 12, 2025
Underwhelming romance, with decent exploration of familial relationships and how they affect us. Overall, for all the buildup we got (too much, in my opinion, it dragged), the payoff was rushed. Things were tied too neatly for such complex situations. This extends beyond the main relationship, as I was more interested in them repairing their friendship than anything else, but in the conclusion for Taylor's dad's arc, and also for Mari's mom. Also, avoidant people who can't properly communicate don't suddenly learn how to say everything to their kid. People don't talk like that in real life, there is rarely that much openness and honest communication. There are exceptions, of course, but not for this character known for never addressing this.
Also, I am upset at the amount of puppies present when the cover promised something else entirely.
I wish the audiobook narrator differentiated her voice a bit better between characters. I sometimes couldn't tell who was saying what.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ciera Burch and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the chance to read and review this audiobook.
Also, I am upset at the amount of puppies present when the cover promised something else entirely.
I wish the audiobook narrator differentiated her voice a bit better between characters. I sometimes couldn't tell who was saying what.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ciera Burch and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the chance to read and review this audiobook.
Want to read
June 28, 2024Taylor and Marianna were each other’s whole world – best friends, running partners, practically sisters – until Marianna moved away and Taylor promptly ghosted her. When the former best friends turned rivals end up on the same cross-country team three years later, everything is a competition… and a reminder of past feelings, as well as blossoming new ones.
Friends to enemies to lovers??? Sign me the fuck up
Friends to enemies to lovers??? Sign me the fuck up
May 25, 2025
I love a classic sapphic rivals to friends to lovers and this novel does not disappoint! Mari and Taylor were inseparable best friends in middle school until Mari has to move and instead of them continuing their friendship, Taylor decides to cut her off for good and the only times they have ever seen each other since is at cross country meets as rivals. I loved the angst in the first part of this novel as they are reunited after Mari moves back home and joins the cross country team where Taylor is currently the captain.
I loved that this book is dual POV which gives the reader an insight into both of the girl’s minds and how they really feel about the other which is especially good to read as the novel progresses and their friendship gradually improves. They have a lot of history and anger to work through and it isn't easy but I love how much this novel focuses on the return and strengthening of their renewed friendship rather than them immediately getting into a relationship without resolving their issues.
I also liked that the main sport of this book was cross country which isn't one of the most popular options but it was very fun to read and the training and meets did get quite tense! There is a also a big focus on Mari’s home life which is very difficult as her single mum is working all the time and Mari is left to look after her twin siblings which takes a huge toll on her. It is a lot of responsibility for her at a young age but she always does the best she can to juggle everything and make sure everyone is happy.
Along with the dual POVs there were also a few interlude chapters which act as flashbacks to where their friendship changed and ended which was really interesting to get a glimpse into their past and see what really happened to them those years ago. Even though it is only a 300 page book, it felt like such a slow burn and I loved every second of it, how their angst eventually turned into communication and you could see how much they really cared for each other.
The end of the book wraps up really nicely and there were a few chapters at the end that changed format into really short, 1 page chapters which enhanced the intensity of one of the biggest races for Mari and the team as well as Taylor waiting for some important news at the same time. Overall, I really loved this cute sapphic romance which I raced through as I didn’t want to put it down!
I loved that this book is dual POV which gives the reader an insight into both of the girl’s minds and how they really feel about the other which is especially good to read as the novel progresses and their friendship gradually improves. They have a lot of history and anger to work through and it isn't easy but I love how much this novel focuses on the return and strengthening of their renewed friendship rather than them immediately getting into a relationship without resolving their issues.
I also liked that the main sport of this book was cross country which isn't one of the most popular options but it was very fun to read and the training and meets did get quite tense! There is a also a big focus on Mari’s home life which is very difficult as her single mum is working all the time and Mari is left to look after her twin siblings which takes a huge toll on her. It is a lot of responsibility for her at a young age but she always does the best she can to juggle everything and make sure everyone is happy.
Along with the dual POVs there were also a few interlude chapters which act as flashbacks to where their friendship changed and ended which was really interesting to get a glimpse into their past and see what really happened to them those years ago. Even though it is only a 300 page book, it felt like such a slow burn and I loved every second of it, how their angst eventually turned into communication and you could see how much they really cared for each other.
The end of the book wraps up really nicely and there were a few chapters at the end that changed format into really short, 1 page chapters which enhanced the intensity of one of the biggest races for Mari and the team as well as Taylor waiting for some important news at the same time. Overall, I really loved this cute sapphic romance which I raced through as I didn’t want to put it down!
July 10, 2025
My heart wasn't the only one running a marathon that night.
One of the best aspects of an estranged friends becoming lovers narrative is the journey of reigniting their friendship. This story does a fantastic job focusing on rebuilding their dynamic as friends and individuals, learning who the other has become over the last few years apart, before diving into the romance. It's such a supremely satisfying slow burn as they become reacquainted. As for their divide to begin with, there's such a relatability woven throughout of the difficulty in dealing with complex emotions as a kid and how resorting to anger, avoidance or jealousy are common instead of coping with their actual feelings directly.
There's a lot of loss within the story as both of them have a bit of their childhood stripped away. Taylor with her dad's illness and parental expectations. Mari with his sisterly responsibility at home. Both losing their crucial friendship for years. Each of them channel their frustrations into cross country to fill the voids. Taylor's people pleasing tendencies keeping her in the race, while she yearns for the freedom of choice. Mari's avoidance of her familial responsibilities and diving into the escapism of her own natural talent. The longer they spend reunited it helps them both come to necessary personal conclusions, both on and off the track. They're such a magnetic, engaging duo that I was left wanting more. I am still itching to see what they're like together further down the line! Loved the writing style so much.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the arc!
One of the best aspects of an estranged friends becoming lovers narrative is the journey of reigniting their friendship. This story does a fantastic job focusing on rebuilding their dynamic as friends and individuals, learning who the other has become over the last few years apart, before diving into the romance. It's such a supremely satisfying slow burn as they become reacquainted. As for their divide to begin with, there's such a relatability woven throughout of the difficulty in dealing with complex emotions as a kid and how resorting to anger, avoidance or jealousy are common instead of coping with their actual feelings directly.
There's a lot of loss within the story as both of them have a bit of their childhood stripped away. Taylor with her dad's illness and parental expectations. Mari with his sisterly responsibility at home. Both losing their crucial friendship for years. Each of them channel their frustrations into cross country to fill the voids. Taylor's people pleasing tendencies keeping her in the race, while she yearns for the freedom of choice. Mari's avoidance of her familial responsibilities and diving into the escapism of her own natural talent. The longer they spend reunited it helps them both come to necessary personal conclusions, both on and off the track. They're such a magnetic, engaging duo that I was left wanting more. I am still itching to see what they're like together further down the line! Loved the writing style so much.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the arc!
May 18, 2025
rating: 3/5
includes: young adult, sapphic romance, childhood friends to rivals, miscommunication, sports romance (cross country) & slow burn
usually don’t really young adults romances but I’m really glad I picked this book up and gave it the opportunity!
taylor and mari were childhood friends that ended up turning into cross country rivals. from the very first scene, seeing the yearning from mari was kind of everything. without knowing too much at that part, you knew these two were going to have some kind of history.
these are two really complex characters that you really felt invested in. one who has really taken on the role as care taker who is helping raise her siblings as they live pay check to pay check. on the other you have someone who is coping with their father’s health issues.
cross country is a sport I have never read about so this was a really cool opportunity to be able to learn about something new. what I wish the book had more? just a tad bit romance! it just didn’t feel like a romance romance book which was newer to me because I normally don’t read young adult.
really do think the representation & diversity in this book was amazing!
thank you to macmillan children’s publishing and netgalley for an arc of this book <3
includes: young adult, sapphic romance, childhood friends to rivals, miscommunication, sports romance (cross country) & slow burn
usually don’t really young adults romances but I’m really glad I picked this book up and gave it the opportunity!
taylor and mari were childhood friends that ended up turning into cross country rivals. from the very first scene, seeing the yearning from mari was kind of everything. without knowing too much at that part, you knew these two were going to have some kind of history.
these are two really complex characters that you really felt invested in. one who has really taken on the role as care taker who is helping raise her siblings as they live pay check to pay check. on the other you have someone who is coping with their father’s health issues.
cross country is a sport I have never read about so this was a really cool opportunity to be able to learn about something new. what I wish the book had more? just a tad bit romance! it just didn’t feel like a romance romance book which was newer to me because I normally don’t read young adult.
really do think the representation & diversity in this book was amazing!
thank you to macmillan children’s publishing and netgalley for an arc of this book <3
September 8, 2025
Out of Step, Into You is a cute second chance YA romance, but very light on the romance. Mari and Taylor used to be best friends, running partners, close as sisters, etc. until Mari moves and they're suddenly on rival cross country teams. There is a little bit of rival Bring It On energy at the beginning and then Mari is forced to move back and they are back on the same team. When they're both used to being number one of the team (and captain) and they must suddenly deal with both being in the same space and addressing the friendship they lost.
Both Mari and Taylor are mostly likeable- Mari has huge responsibilities at home and is forced into taking care of her younger siblings to keep up, Taylor has family problems with her dad being sick and I honestly kept waiting for there to be an awful event to bring them together. This is a SLOW BURN and I wish there was a bit more growth between them but overall, an easy read.
This will be published 9 September 2025 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Both Mari and Taylor are mostly likeable- Mari has huge responsibilities at home and is forced into taking care of her younger siblings to keep up, Taylor has family problems with her dad being sick and I honestly kept waiting for there to be an awful event to bring them together. This is a SLOW BURN and I wish there was a bit more growth between them but overall, an easy read.
This will be published 9 September 2025 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
April 30, 2025
E-ARC provide by publisher via Netgalley.
A good YA coming of age story with some romance and heavy focus on cross country.
This story centers around ex-best friends Taylor and Marianna in their senior year of high school, trying to overcome their differences and family drama while leading their cross country teams.
The strength of this story is the characters. Like most YA coming-of-age novels, the plot is pretty mild and it's mostly their day-to-day lives, trying to balance their needs/wants/feelings and lots of drama. Taylor is the reserved, maybe-on-the-spectrum Type A personality while Mari is outgoing and passionate. I liked seeing them wrestle with each other and their own feelings, sorting out what is real and what is just and old grudge they can't shake off. I liked the diverse cast of friends, the discussion about economic classes, and different parenting styles. I think the plot is a bit too slow, with not a lot of development until around the 70% mark (forget about the cute dogs on the cover, their barely there), but overall I'd recommend.
A good YA coming of age story with some romance and heavy focus on cross country.
This story centers around ex-best friends Taylor and Marianna in their senior year of high school, trying to overcome their differences and family drama while leading their cross country teams.
The strength of this story is the characters. Like most YA coming-of-age novels, the plot is pretty mild and it's mostly their day-to-day lives, trying to balance their needs/wants/feelings and lots of drama. Taylor is the reserved, maybe-on-the-spectrum Type A personality while Mari is outgoing and passionate. I liked seeing them wrestle with each other and their own feelings, sorting out what is real and what is just and old grudge they can't shake off. I liked the diverse cast of friends, the discussion about economic classes, and different parenting styles. I think the plot is a bit too slow, with not a lot of development until around the 70% mark (forget about the cute dogs on the cover, their barely there), but overall I'd recommend.
May 19, 2025
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours for this opportunity.
3.75- Mari and Taylor were some great ya mcs. I was not expecting to go so deep into their lives. Thought the book was going to be surface level but I’m glad it wasn’t. Both girls dealt with some real issues while also discovering them and each other again. No matter the age we all have stuff going on. Family being one of the main focuses outside of cross country in the book. The author did an amazing job pulling on those emotions with each characters. Making it so real. The rekindling of friendship and more with the flashbacks were some of my favorite parts. I will say that Taylor made me so proud finding herself and what she truly wanted. The moment with her dad towards the end was wonderful.
First read from this author. I’ll for sure read more.
3.75- Mari and Taylor were some great ya mcs. I was not expecting to go so deep into their lives. Thought the book was going to be surface level but I’m glad it wasn’t. Both girls dealt with some real issues while also discovering them and each other again. No matter the age we all have stuff going on. Family being one of the main focuses outside of cross country in the book. The author did an amazing job pulling on those emotions with each characters. Making it so real. The rekindling of friendship and more with the flashbacks were some of my favorite parts. I will say that Taylor made me so proud finding herself and what she truly wanted. The moment with her dad towards the end was wonderful.
First read from this author. I’ll for sure read more.
November 3, 2025
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this! Both Taylor & Mari had complicated lives which is what led to the miscommunication that led to their friendship breakup in middle school. It was really nice to see them slowly come back together and help each other through the things they were going through and it was really easy to root for them to work things out! Gave it a little bit of a lower rating because it was hard to differentiate between Taylor & Mari’s pov until about half way through the book but other than that, it was great!
I really enjoyed this! Both Taylor & Mari had complicated lives which is what led to the miscommunication that led to their friendship breakup in middle school. It was really nice to see them slowly come back together and help each other through the things they were going through and it was really easy to root for them to work things out! Gave it a little bit of a lower rating because it was hard to differentiate between Taylor & Mari’s pov until about half way through the book but other than that, it was great!
May 23, 2025
This was refreshing and emotional read with two strong female leads. In a way this was a second chance love story. Seeing the way they drifted away and resisted their love for one another at first had me dragged in and not wanting to put the book down once I began reading. I want more books like this out there, it was a joy to read through and see both their lives unfold. I recieved this as an arc from NetGalley!
September 6, 2025
Cute second chance, sapphic YA. Taylor and Mari both have well developed backstories, dealing with some big emotional struggles, but they figure out a way back to friendship, maybe more? I am a sucker for fort building and animal shelter rescue plot lines.
Some of the timeline shifts felt a little clunky, and at times I struggled to remember whose POV I was in (this could have just been a me-ADHD to the max-thing).
Thank you Net Galley and Tantor media for the ALC!
Some of the timeline shifts felt a little clunky, and at times I struggled to remember whose POV I was in (this could have just been a me-ADHD to the max-thing).
Thank you Net Galley and Tantor media for the ALC!
April 22, 2025
I have been on a sporty and sapphic kick lately, apparently! This YA romance is lovely. I adore how it was not just about their relationship and was about their friendship rebuilding, too. Taylor and Mari’s relationship only works because their friendship does. As someone with kidney issues, I was partial to the kidney replacement representation as well. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
September 5, 2025
This was a cute YA sapphic book!
Part of it was triggering for me (her dad having renal failure) but overall it was a very relatable book that a lot of teens will be able to vibe with!
Thanks NetGalley for giving me an ALC of this book!
Part of it was triggering for me (her dad having renal failure) but overall it was a very relatable book that a lot of teens will be able to vibe with!
Thanks NetGalley for giving me an ALC of this book!
April 26, 2025
Thank you to the colored pages book tour for this ARC, review coming soon!
May 22, 2025
This was such an endearing and emotional story. The characters were authentic and i appreciated reading how they handled life's circumstances as well as the transition from enemies/rivals to lovers. The Author did a great job with showing emotions from both characters. I will be looking for more books from the author in the future.
June 16, 2025
some plot points felt kind of pointless and i was not feeling the tension that was supposed to be there. still cute
July 1, 2025
wish it was a bit longer so all the different events in the book could be properly fleshed out
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