Twirl

by Jase Peeples

Ethan is a senior on the reigning champion Landon High School Color Guard, a straight-A student, and an all-around perfectionist. His family may be too busy to notice, but he plans to make history by spinning his way to another gold medal at nationals. For Ethan, senior year is all about the wins—if he can get his love life out of last place.

Danny just slid into the DMs of his long-time crush, Ethan. It’s a bold move, but Danny’s been determined to make the most of life since he came out. He’s even patched up his relationship with his two adoptive dads, and his team, the East Valley Color Guard, is about to debut their fiercest show yet. Danny's never been happier, so why is he desperately searching for his biological mother—and why the secrecy?

When Danny and Ethan start dating, their connection feels unbreakable. But as the pressure of nationals mounts, their teams’ rivalry intensifies. The line between love and competition blurs, and both must decide what they're willing to sacrifice—victory, love, or their long-hidden secrets.

275 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2025

Reviews

[Tracey Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter is currently in her second indoor guard season as an 11th grader. I hadn’t even heard of winter guard before she started doing it, but have really enjoyed going to competitions and watching her as an individual and her entire team (scholastic novice) grow. I loved reading about the guard elements in this book and enjoyed the love story as well. I especially liked how Ethan’s team showed up with equipment after Danny’s team’s shed was vandalized. That rings true with the (short) experience I’ve had with the guard community being so supportive, accepting, and welcoming. Fun read.

[Moon Side Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly rating this book is a challenge. I liked this book, but it just does not have anything special. I found it too basic and I feel like it lacked an ending. The story follows two teenage boys, Danny and Ethan. Danny struggles with not having his biological mum in life, while Ethan has problems with not being 'a golden child', but these struggles lack depth and were resolved way too soon. I believe that is why MMCs lacked growth and maturity. Also, I absolutely did not like the use of the abbreviations. What I did like is the communication between MMCs and their growth there, because instead of ignoring each other they talked and came up with some great things to say. I would only recommend this book if you are looking for something to pass your time and an easy read. Also, before entering this book, please remember that it's YA.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️rounded up

So when I started this book I was really into it and as I read on it felt more and more disjointed. It’s advertised as “Heartstopper” meets “Bring It On” and I didn’t feel either of those in this book. Ethan and Danny are on opposing color guard teams but it’s not like they are arch rival teams they just compete against each other and honestly I would have preferred if they were rival teams competing for the top spot and for them to have more tension I just didn’t feel like there were any stakes and don’t get me wrong I don’t mind a low angst book however I just felt like with the advertising of this book there should have been more tension between the two MMC’s. At the end of the day this was a sweet coming of age YA book that will definitely help young queer kids growing up!

[Dawn Percer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book that highlights the relationship struggles as a young adult. The main characters are in that tough spot of grown but still at home late teen and early 20’s time. Their relationships with their friends and parents are so real and timeless. The tension and excitement of having crush and then dating and then falling in love are captured wonderfully in this well written story. It was a quick read that draws you in and holds you. This is my first book by the author and I finished it feeling happy and hopeful. I would have rated it 5 stars but I only use that for books I would read again and again.

[Dawn Percer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book that highlights the relationship struggles as a young adult. The main characters are in that tough spot of grown but still at home late teen and early 20’s time. Their relationships with their friends and parents are so real and timeless. The tension and excitement and of having a crush and then dating and falling in love are captured wonderfully in this well written story. It was a quick read that draws you in a holds you. I was lucky enough to be an ARC ready and this was my first book by this author. Congratulations Jase it is delightful!!!

[claudia reads it all · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny and Ethan are in rival high school color guard teams, and they are struggling with biological parent issues and the drive to prove themselves the best. Not to mention all the other things kids deal with every day.

With the season - and their feelings - in play, they will need to figure things out while they have the chance.

I am (vaguely) familiar with the world of Drum Corps and Color Guard because my husband used to play for Santa Clara Vanguard, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read this sweet love story.

[Kim Swartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first one I have seen focused on color guard and it was refreshing. There were definitely some tough moments in it, but that made the good moments so much better. It would’ve gotten 5 stars if the final competition was included…. I know… that’s not the point of the book, but I was invested! 😆

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this YA novel. A lot of times, I find that authors try to hard when writing YA novels. They try to get in the mindset of teens and it just doesn't work right. I think Jase Peeples did a great job getting into the mindset of teenagers, their language, their emotions, how they see the world. It was also refreshing to read about a different sport than you normally see. I have never read a book about color guard, and I'm glad that the sport was a large part of the book.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely story. I loved Danny and Ethan so much, and as a former Guard Girlie myself this reminded me of so many moments I forgot. Beautifully told layered and has true conflicts and resolution that have emotionally high stakes and our boys support each other so beautifully. This showcased everything I love about BL and Guard in one place.

No spice, but sweet story. Perfect for younger teens or anyone looking for a sweet easy going romance.

Twirl is truly beautiful.

[Allie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super cute! There are real issues that are showcased in the book that I feel are important to include. Plus, having a romance book that is color guard based was something I was so excited about. There’s plenty of other sports books already lol

[Lauren Click · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHHH I loveeeeeed Danny and Ethan but honestly I wish I had more like what actually happened at finals