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Try Hard
A second shot to score your sapphic awakening
Twenty years ago, Eve Archer was the star of her secondary school—funny, popular, and incredible at rugby. She was Ophelia Pendrick’s bisexual awakening, but studious, standoffish Ophelia thought she never stood a chance with Eve. And when Eve went on to become a world-famous rugby star, Ophelia could only admire her from afar—not that she would admit to following Eve’s social media.
But when a childhood friend’s wedding calls them both home, Ophelia isn’t the only one stunned. For Eve, finding her way back to her own childhood crush Ophelia Pendrick takes her breath away, and the chemistry between them is palpable. As they navigate the public, damaging past relationships, and Eve’s fans trying to get close to her, will Ophelia and Eve get a second shot at forever, or will they lose each other again?
Try Hard is a second-chance, slow-burn celebrity romance featuring childhood crushes, forced proximity, return to hometown, and only one bed. Content warnings for vaginismus/genito-pelvic pain disorder, past experiences with fatphobia including in a romantic relationship and in a medical setting, discussion of a verbally coercive ex, and open-door sex scenes.
Twenty years ago, Eve Archer was the star of her secondary school—funny, popular, and incredible at rugby. She was Ophelia Pendrick’s bisexual awakening, but studious, standoffish Ophelia thought she never stood a chance with Eve. And when Eve went on to become a world-famous rugby star, Ophelia could only admire her from afar—not that she would admit to following Eve’s social media.
But when a childhood friend’s wedding calls them both home, Ophelia isn’t the only one stunned. For Eve, finding her way back to her own childhood crush Ophelia Pendrick takes her breath away, and the chemistry between them is palpable. As they navigate the public, damaging past relationships, and Eve’s fans trying to get close to her, will Ophelia and Eve get a second shot at forever, or will they lose each other again?
Try Hard is a second-chance, slow-burn celebrity romance featuring childhood crushes, forced proximity, return to hometown, and only one bed. Content warnings for vaginismus/genito-pelvic pain disorder, past experiences with fatphobia including in a romantic relationship and in a medical setting, discussion of a verbally coercive ex, and open-door sex scenes.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2025
101 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Try Hard is the first book I’ve read by Jacqueline, and I’m happy to say I’m already looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
We follow Eve and Ophelia, who went to high school together and secretly had crushes on each other but never acted on them. Years later, they’re both invited to a wedding by mutual friends — the perfect opportunity for them to reconnect and finally get to know each other properly after so long apart.
At first, based on the premise, I thought their romance might feel a bit rushed considering their history — but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The slow burn is really slow (in the best way), and I loved how the author took her time developing their intimacy step by step instead of throwing them together on a whim. I also appreciated how respectful they were of each other’s boundaries, especially Eve. She’s such a sweetheart to Ophelia and never pushes her to move faster than she’s ready for.
Related to that, I found it refreshing to see a thoughtful portrayal of "vaginismus", something that’s rarely represented in sapphic romance. Jacqueline handled it with care and empathy, making it feel both realistic and important.
Since this is a character-driven story, we get to see both Eve and Ophelia — especially Ophelia — grow into themselves, learning that they deserve love and respect just as they are. While I adored the main characters, I have to admit I couldn’t stand Eve’s sister, Sophie. Every interaction she had with Eve or Ophelia made me so frustrated — her behavior toward Ophelia was completely uncalled for (I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers).
As much as I enjoyed the romance, I would’ve loved to see more glimpses of their high school days through flashbacks or memories to better understand how their feelings started back then. The little bits we did get were nice, but a few more would’ve made their connection even stronger.
Lastly, I felt like the pacing slowed down a bit toward the end, and it lost some momentum in the final chapters — but overall, Try Hard is a heartfelt and gentle sapphic romance that focuses on healing, intimacy, and learning to love yourself. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with a tender slow burn!
Try Hard is the first book I’ve read by Jacqueline, and I’m happy to say I’m already looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
We follow Eve and Ophelia, who went to high school together and secretly had crushes on each other but never acted on them. Years later, they’re both invited to a wedding by mutual friends — the perfect opportunity for them to reconnect and finally get to know each other properly after so long apart.
At first, based on the premise, I thought their romance might feel a bit rushed considering their history — but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The slow burn is really slow (in the best way), and I loved how the author took her time developing their intimacy step by step instead of throwing them together on a whim. I also appreciated how respectful they were of each other’s boundaries, especially Eve. She’s such a sweetheart to Ophelia and never pushes her to move faster than she’s ready for.
Related to that, I found it refreshing to see a thoughtful portrayal of "vaginismus", something that’s rarely represented in sapphic romance. Jacqueline handled it with care and empathy, making it feel both realistic and important.
Since this is a character-driven story, we get to see both Eve and Ophelia — especially Ophelia — grow into themselves, learning that they deserve love and respect just as they are. While I adored the main characters, I have to admit I couldn’t stand Eve’s sister, Sophie. Every interaction she had with Eve or Ophelia made me so frustrated — her behavior toward Ophelia was completely uncalled for (I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers).
As much as I enjoyed the romance, I would’ve loved to see more glimpses of their high school days through flashbacks or memories to better understand how their feelings started back then. The little bits we did get were nice, but a few more would’ve made their connection even stronger.
Lastly, I felt like the pacing slowed down a bit toward the end, and it lost some momentum in the final chapters — but overall, Try Hard is a heartfelt and gentle sapphic romance that focuses on healing, intimacy, and learning to love yourself. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with a tender slow burn!
September 26, 2025
How to rate this book... Sometimes star ratings are so inadequate. I'm going to go with a 3.5 rounded up to 4. Let's chat about why this was so tough.
So we've got Eve and Ophelia. They knew each other since they were 11 years old and went to school together along with several other side characters in the book. It doesn't seem like they really ever spent any time together but somehow had seriously crushes on each other - unbeknownst to them - that tainted every other relationship they've had over the past 20 years. They're thrown back together for some old school friends' wedding. Within days, they're head-over-heels in love.
While all of that felt completely unbelievable, the actual healing and relationship development was lovely. If I pretend that the two weeks the story followed was actually two months, maybe it would have felt better. But the constant "I love you"s just felt unbelievable after such a short amount of time when they didn't really have any relationship during the childhood that they sort of shared.
The very best part of the book was how Ophelia dealt with trauma related to a couple of things. That story line was emotional and meaningful and I felt so much for Ophelia. I loved Eve, too, as a character. If they had been placed in a different story, I would have loved it so much.
I got this as an ARC from Booksprout so I'm not sure how much more work was going to be done so the typos and such might be gone. I'm hopeful the numerous italicized words were pared down. Because there were so many and they were everywhere.
After all that I want to round down but while I was reading, I felt so much for Fia and Eve that I won't. Just know what you're getting into and you might love it.
So we've got Eve and Ophelia. They knew each other since they were 11 years old and went to school together along with several other side characters in the book. It doesn't seem like they really ever spent any time together but somehow had seriously crushes on each other - unbeknownst to them - that tainted every other relationship they've had over the past 20 years. They're thrown back together for some old school friends' wedding. Within days, they're head-over-heels in love.
While all of that felt completely unbelievable, the actual healing and relationship development was lovely. If I pretend that the two weeks the story followed was actually two months, maybe it would have felt better. But the constant "I love you"s just felt unbelievable after such a short amount of time when they didn't really have any relationship during the childhood that they sort of shared.
The very best part of the book was how Ophelia dealt with trauma related to a couple of things. That story line was emotional and meaningful and I felt so much for Ophelia. I loved Eve, too, as a character. If they had been placed in a different story, I would have loved it so much.
I got this as an ARC from Booksprout so I'm not sure how much more work was going to be done so the typos and such might be gone. I'm hopeful the numerous italicized words were pared down. Because there were so many and they were everywhere.
After all that I want to round down but while I was reading, I felt so much for Fia and Eve that I won't. Just know what you're getting into and you might love it.
September 18, 2025
I'm not sure if I loved it or hated it. I did like the plot about two teenagers having a massive crush on each other during secondary school and only reconnecting after twenty years for a schoolmates' wedding, how they were pining for each other all that time.
I did like the two MCs. They were total opposites and rather guarded with their feelings towards each other in the beginning and I could easily relate to both of them with certain aspects of their personalities and experiences. I also liked the conversations between them, the funny and serious ones, the sad and painful ones, the emotional ones but what I couldn't get over was their respective thought processes: how unbelievably lucky they felt to finally be together, how amazing, wonderful and thankful each of them were to each other; but I felt it wasn't necessary to keep repeating it chapter after chapter, I felt like I was listening to (or rather reading) a broken record.
The character development of the two MCs were very well developed, about their past interactions in school and in the ensuing years after. As for the rest of the characters, they were sufficiently developed enough to complement the MCs.
The romance itself was a nice slow burn with Fia being the more reluctant one as she attempts to overcome major issues from her past and also her strong needs for privacy.
It was a pleasant book to read with some light drama, humorous episodes and emotional heart to hearts but overall somehow felt a little flat. I just can't get over it being like a broken record.
I would like to thank the author for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did like the two MCs. They were total opposites and rather guarded with their feelings towards each other in the beginning and I could easily relate to both of them with certain aspects of their personalities and experiences. I also liked the conversations between them, the funny and serious ones, the sad and painful ones, the emotional ones but what I couldn't get over was their respective thought processes: how unbelievably lucky they felt to finally be together, how amazing, wonderful and thankful each of them were to each other; but I felt it wasn't necessary to keep repeating it chapter after chapter, I felt like I was listening to (or rather reading) a broken record.
The character development of the two MCs were very well developed, about their past interactions in school and in the ensuing years after. As for the rest of the characters, they were sufficiently developed enough to complement the MCs.
The romance itself was a nice slow burn with Fia being the more reluctant one as she attempts to overcome major issues from her past and also her strong needs for privacy.
It was a pleasant book to read with some light drama, humorous episodes and emotional heart to hearts but overall somehow felt a little flat. I just can't get over it being like a broken record.
I would like to thank the author for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
Eve is a retired rugby player and Olympian. She began playing at a very young age in England, but after being spotted, she played for high profile teams, including national teams at the olympics. She spent a decade playing in the USA, where she became very well known - a sapphic sporting icon for many, attracting both online praise and abuse. Now she has retired in her thirties, instead going back to England and with her best friend, starting an interior design business based out of London, catering for the very wealthy.
Fia is a travel writer, travelling globally for her company, and being well known and respected in travel circles. She is having a break to attend her schoolfriend Kim’s wedding. Being a very private person, she doesn’t seek publicity or acclaim for her work, not liking comments on her appearance, and seeming a bit prickly to others.
Many years before, Eve and Fia were at school together, but because Eve was the school sporting champion, and Fia was a very conscientious top student, their paths didn’t cross much. However, Eve’s wayward younger sister Sophie needed guidance, and the school appointed Fia as her student mentor, a role that she took very seriously.
The upcoming wedding of Kim and Kieran is a chance for Eve and Fia to meet again, to each realise their crush on the other is still relevant, and for Sophie to still be a pain, having had her own long-term crush on Fia, sparking a bit of familial rivalry.
This is a really deep, insightful and thoughtful story. Slow burn, it takes a long while to get anywhere, but the journey is exquisite. I love the buildup to their romance, the way the past haunts their present, and how the two women help and support one another. We see the problems Fia has had to deal with for years, her insecurities and pain. We also see the effect that media coverage has on Eve, and later on Fia too, and the wonderful support from both of their families. Their story is messy and complicated, but also beautiful.
Overall, one of my favourite books this year.
Fia is a travel writer, travelling globally for her company, and being well known and respected in travel circles. She is having a break to attend her schoolfriend Kim’s wedding. Being a very private person, she doesn’t seek publicity or acclaim for her work, not liking comments on her appearance, and seeming a bit prickly to others.
Many years before, Eve and Fia were at school together, but because Eve was the school sporting champion, and Fia was a very conscientious top student, their paths didn’t cross much. However, Eve’s wayward younger sister Sophie needed guidance, and the school appointed Fia as her student mentor, a role that she took very seriously.
The upcoming wedding of Kim and Kieran is a chance for Eve and Fia to meet again, to each realise their crush on the other is still relevant, and for Sophie to still be a pain, having had her own long-term crush on Fia, sparking a bit of familial rivalry.
This is a really deep, insightful and thoughtful story. Slow burn, it takes a long while to get anywhere, but the journey is exquisite. I love the buildup to their romance, the way the past haunts their present, and how the two women help and support one another. We see the problems Fia has had to deal with for years, her insecurities and pain. We also see the effect that media coverage has on Eve, and later on Fia too, and the wonderful support from both of their families. Their story is messy and complicated, but also beautiful.
Overall, one of my favourite books this year.
September 29, 2025
I knew I was bound to like this one after the very first sentence. I'm a fan of first person alternating chapters, so I loved the inner dialogue and deeper insight of both Fia and Eve. They're well developed characters struggling with insecurities or self doubt who grow closer in this slow burn romance. I became a fan of Jacqueline Ramsden after reading one of her books last year. I've come to expect true to life situations presented honestly with humor interspersed throughout and this one delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
I was wrecked in the best way reading this book. The emotions, the backstories, the connection, the power of love and safety.
Ophelia and Eve met when they were 11 years old in school. One an extrovert and one an introvert. As they grew up, they both unknowingly discovered their sexuality in each other and developed crushes that never went away. Neither felt worthy of the other. Twenty years after graduating, they reconnect while back home for a wedding. What follows is a poignant, beautiful slow burn love story.
Well paced. The characters had depth and growth, including many side characters. Thoughtful. Sweet. Swoon worthy. Highly recommend!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ophelia and Eve met when they were 11 years old in school. One an extrovert and one an introvert. As they grew up, they both unknowingly discovered their sexuality in each other and developed crushes that never went away. Neither felt worthy of the other. Twenty years after graduating, they reconnect while back home for a wedding. What follows is a poignant, beautiful slow burn love story.
Well paced. The characters had depth and growth, including many side characters. Thoughtful. Sweet. Swoon worthy. Highly recommend!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
This was such a good, low angst read. I enjoyed the back and forth with Eve and Ophelia in the beginning. Their chemistry is obviously there from the start.
It was refreshing the conversations that Eve and Fia had with each other, especially around Fia’s vaginismus. As a demisexual, it’s nice when a romance isn’t all about sex and that sex isnt needed for chemistry. The fact that they had a conversation about sex, what it woud look like, etc was a relief to see. I do wish that maybe they had more of a conversation about the not touching and how Fia gets pleasure, since she talked about how it she had to work with a therapist for an orgasm to not be painful. I
t’s obvious that both Fia and Eve are emotionally mature and it is shown in their conversations. Because it is so low angst, I can see where some think it is boring. Towards the end, it did get a little slow, but not enough for me to get bored.
It was refreshing the conversations that Eve and Fia had with each other, especially around Fia’s vaginismus. As a demisexual, it’s nice when a romance isn’t all about sex and that sex isnt needed for chemistry. The fact that they had a conversation about sex, what it woud look like, etc was a relief to see. I do wish that maybe they had more of a conversation about the not touching and how Fia gets pleasure, since she talked about how it she had to work with a therapist for an orgasm to not be painful. I
t’s obvious that both Fia and Eve are emotionally mature and it is shown in their conversations. Because it is so low angst, I can see where some think it is boring. Towards the end, it did get a little slow, but not enough for me to get bored.
October 30, 2025
I loved Eve and Fia! Fia is a bit shy and introverted. She is unaware that others look at her with admiration. So does Eve, who, in turn, Fia admires. I loved how their connection and relationship developed. Pure respect and affection. 4.5⭐️
September 29, 2025
Fia Pendrick travels the world reviewing travel accommodations, she has come back to her hometown because she was invited to a childhood friend’s wedding. Her dad invites her to go plane watching with him and reveals that he’s good friends with Jeremy, Eve’s father. Eve Archer, the rugby player who was her bisexual awakening and she’s had an unrequited crush on for over twenty years, also the older sister of her peer mentee, Sophie. Eve retired from profession rugby after more than a few injuries and now runs an interior design business with her best friend, Rohanna. Her parents are divorced and her dad invites her to go plane watching so she accepts to spend some time with him while she’s in town for her friend Kieran’s wedding. When she arrives she sees Ophelia Pendrick, the girl she’s had a crush for over twenty years. Eve decides to try to get close to her this time, even if just as friends but she can’t keep her feelings under control. She also can’t control the way her fans feel about potential partners. Can they get to know each other like they always wanted or will Eve’s celebrity status and Fia’s need for privacy tear them apart?
I love a good second chance romance. There was definitely chemistry between Fia and Eve and I really liked them as individual characters. It was a very slow burn but, taking into account, Fia’s past relationship experiences, the slow burn was necessary and realistic. They had good banter from early on in the book and that just continued to develop into the sweetest speeches about each other. Eve is a book girlfriend, she’s just so cute and so understanding. I wanted to protect Fia from everything and everyone, not because she’s weak but because no one should have to go through what she went through.
The pacing was good, if a bit slower than I’m used to but not so much that it was boring.
I loved that Eva Pagán’s Loud was playing in Fia’s car. I’m from Puerto Rico so it felt like a special moment to me.
Thank you to Jacqueline Ramsden and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC.
I love a good second chance romance. There was definitely chemistry between Fia and Eve and I really liked them as individual characters. It was a very slow burn but, taking into account, Fia’s past relationship experiences, the slow burn was necessary and realistic. They had good banter from early on in the book and that just continued to develop into the sweetest speeches about each other. Eve is a book girlfriend, she’s just so cute and so understanding. I wanted to protect Fia from everything and everyone, not because she’s weak but because no one should have to go through what she went through.
The pacing was good, if a bit slower than I’m used to but not so much that it was boring.
I loved that Eva Pagán’s Loud was playing in Fia’s car. I’m from Puerto Rico so it felt like a special moment to me.
Thank you to Jacqueline Ramsden and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC.
September 21, 2025
Loved it. So cute and adorable and heart-warming.
Brought together again after 20 years, having been each other's crushes at school, ones that never really went away, it's wonderful to see the way that they reconnect, and discover each other and how much they really do mean to each other.
There are some heavier topics dealt with in this story, as mentioned in the content warnings, and they're treated delicately and well, the understanding between Fia and Eve something that all couples could do with having.
It's slow burn (though it's so obvious that they're together and perfect for each other early on), sweet, with no 3ab, and the kind of heart-warming read that can't help but improve your day.
Another great book from Jacqueline Ramsden, and one that I'd easily recommend (along with all of her other books).
(Reviewed from an arc, opinions are my own).
Brought together again after 20 years, having been each other's crushes at school, ones that never really went away, it's wonderful to see the way that they reconnect, and discover each other and how much they really do mean to each other.
There are some heavier topics dealt with in this story, as mentioned in the content warnings, and they're treated delicately and well, the understanding between Fia and Eve something that all couples could do with having.
It's slow burn (though it's so obvious that they're together and perfect for each other early on), sweet, with no 3ab, and the kind of heart-warming read that can't help but improve your day.
Another great book from Jacqueline Ramsden, and one that I'd easily recommend (along with all of her other books).
(Reviewed from an arc, opinions are my own).
November 13, 2025
I believe this is self-published so I'm sorry to rate it so low, but this was just not even okay for me. I didn't hate it and it was certainly a lot more harmless than many a lesfic, but it never really did it for me. I read this mostly for the , and I don't think it did a good job of it at all. And the hypocrisy of hating receiving compliments on her physicality, when she literally keeps thinking about how hot her crush is.
I also didn't like either of the leads, the closed-off one is too much of an ass at first, while the sunny one is just too ready to find depth in her snark. This read too much like the Edward Cullen syndrome to me. And then, when their dynamic evolves, the closed-off one just gets boring and the sunny one gets so mushy, it's creepy. Not to mention how entirely unrealistic and actually a bit problematic it is to depict a romantic relationship where they just know/understand everything about each other the whole time with less than a look after having truly spoken literally twice in their life...
I will also say that a lot of the writing itself was just awkward to me. Some dialogues were very confusing to me, as if I'd missed a line. I also did not think their chemistry was written well, nor are they endearing or adorable in their mushiness given how over the top it all is, nor do their moments of fun/complicity actually come across as funny or intimate to me.
Other things bothered me. In no particular order: how simplistic the supporting cast is written, how it's not actually a slow burn but just two people in love with each other pining for 20+ years without actually having ever had a conversation first, how fast their relationship develops, how everyone around them colludes to get them together, how the snarky one doesn't even need to get forgiven for not keeping in touch with friends she actually considered only school friends when they apparently wanted her in their life. This read too much like a self-insert where everyone thinks this snarky, distant, lonely woman is amazing, and so kind, and so smart, and gorgeous.
I also didn't like either of the leads, the closed-off one is too much of an ass at first, while the sunny one is just too ready to find depth in her snark. This read too much like the Edward Cullen syndrome to me. And then, when their dynamic evolves, the closed-off one just gets boring and the sunny one gets so mushy, it's creepy. Not to mention how entirely unrealistic and actually a bit problematic it is to depict a romantic relationship where they just know/understand everything about each other the whole time with less than a look after having truly spoken literally twice in their life...
I will also say that a lot of the writing itself was just awkward to me. Some dialogues were very confusing to me, as if I'd missed a line. I also did not think their chemistry was written well, nor are they endearing or adorable in their mushiness given how over the top it all is, nor do their moments of fun/complicity actually come across as funny or intimate to me.
Other things bothered me. In no particular order: how simplistic the supporting cast is written, how it's not actually a slow burn but just two people in love with each other pining for 20+ years without actually having ever had a conversation first, how fast their relationship develops, how everyone around them colludes to get them together, how the snarky one doesn't even need to get forgiven for not keeping in touch with friends she actually considered only school friends when they apparently wanted her in their life. This read too much like a self-insert where everyone thinks this snarky, distant, lonely woman is amazing, and so kind, and so smart, and gorgeous.
October 24, 2025
me naming my daughter Ophelia because I believe in nominative determinism and want her to be a deeply tragic figure
it's a lovely story, over the top in the best way and very focused on having ownership over your own body and how that can be damaged by others. Ophelia as befitting her namesake is a sad, delicate bird who's withdrawn into herself to try to assert ownership over her body, while Eve is a sports celebrity thirst trap who accepts her objectification with a good-natured smile. there's also the incredibly powerful mutual attraction they've both been nurturing for 20 years since ships passed in the night in high school, they're very intense about that
and I know this isn't the point of the story but I spent a lot of time trying to figure out whether Eve played Sevens or in this universe there's 15-a-side in the Olympics. it's just that tighthead props don't generally feature in Sevens. also the book never mentions the cauliflower ears Eve almost certainly has. I do enjoy the fantasy that a tighthead prop for the women's side could end up one of the most famous rugby players the UK has ever produced
the book goes into issues with intimacy stemming from from medical issues and struggling with bodily autonomy, and Eve and Ophelia are so wonderfully sweet and tender in navigating their sexuality. not that I mind a book where the two leads are just fucking ripping each other's clothes off and going to town, but this is achingly sweet. reading the author bio at the end and learning the author is demisexual did make a lot of sense
my only note is the title Tryhard didn't even relate to Eve being a rugby player. themed names are serious business in romance literature and you need to do better
it's a lovely story, over the top in the best way and very focused on having ownership over your own body and how that can be damaged by others. Ophelia as befitting her namesake is a sad, delicate bird who's withdrawn into herself to try to assert ownership over her body, while Eve is a sports celebrity thirst trap who accepts her objectification with a good-natured smile. there's also the incredibly powerful mutual attraction they've both been nurturing for 20 years since ships passed in the night in high school, they're very intense about that
and I know this isn't the point of the story but I spent a lot of time trying to figure out whether Eve played Sevens or in this universe there's 15-a-side in the Olympics. it's just that tighthead props don't generally feature in Sevens. also the book never mentions the cauliflower ears Eve almost certainly has. I do enjoy the fantasy that a tighthead prop for the women's side could end up one of the most famous rugby players the UK has ever produced
the book goes into issues with intimacy stemming from from medical issues and struggling with bodily autonomy, and Eve and Ophelia are so wonderfully sweet and tender in navigating their sexuality. not that I mind a book where the two leads are just fucking ripping each other's clothes off and going to town, but this is achingly sweet. reading the author bio at the end and learning the author is demisexual did make a lot of sense
my only note is the title Tryhard didn't even relate to Eve being a rugby player. themed names are serious business in romance literature and you need to do better
December 29, 2025
2.5/5
I really wanted to like Try Hard more than I did. The premise hooked me right away, and the first few chapters genuinely felt fun—witty, playful, and easy to sink into. Early on, I could see the potential for great chemistry, and for a while I was excited to see where the story would go.
Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last.
As the book went on, it started to feel like it was spinning its wheels. The romance is a very slow burn, but not the kind that builds tension or gives you that delicious will-they-won’t-they payoff. Instead, it’s largely low-stakes and repetitive, with almost no angst to keep things emotionally engaging. The story leans heavily on filler chapters that don’t really move the plot forward, and I found myself skimming—and eventually skipping entire paragraphs—because so much of it felt unnecessary.
A lot of the dialogue, especially involving secondary characters, repeats the same things again and again. Conversations often rehash what the main characters have already made clear through their thoughts and feelings, as if the story doesn’t trust the reader to keep up. That repetition made the pacing feel sluggish, and the writing started to feel more functional than compelling.
What disappointed me most is that the chemistry was there at the beginning. I could feel the spark, and I wanted to root for them. But by around 45%, I realized I had nothing left to look forward to—just more flirting, more re-explaining, and not enough narrative drive to keep me invested. Ultimately, it didn’t hold my attention long enough for me to finish.
I really wanted to like Try Hard more than I did. The premise hooked me right away, and the first few chapters genuinely felt fun—witty, playful, and easy to sink into. Early on, I could see the potential for great chemistry, and for a while I was excited to see where the story would go.
Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last.
As the book went on, it started to feel like it was spinning its wheels. The romance is a very slow burn, but not the kind that builds tension or gives you that delicious will-they-won’t-they payoff. Instead, it’s largely low-stakes and repetitive, with almost no angst to keep things emotionally engaging. The story leans heavily on filler chapters that don’t really move the plot forward, and I found myself skimming—and eventually skipping entire paragraphs—because so much of it felt unnecessary.
A lot of the dialogue, especially involving secondary characters, repeats the same things again and again. Conversations often rehash what the main characters have already made clear through their thoughts and feelings, as if the story doesn’t trust the reader to keep up. That repetition made the pacing feel sluggish, and the writing started to feel more functional than compelling.
What disappointed me most is that the chemistry was there at the beginning. I could feel the spark, and I wanted to root for them. But by around 45%, I realized I had nothing left to look forward to—just more flirting, more re-explaining, and not enough narrative drive to keep me invested. Ultimately, it didn’t hold my attention long enough for me to finish.
September 28, 2025
One of the first books I read by Jacqueline Ramsden (other than ones she co-authored with Lily Seabrooke) was Dear Ripley, which wasn’t in and of itself bad, but it had the character of Morgan, who I detested, so it took me a while to read another Ramsden book again, but now I’ve read nearly every Ramsden book (except Love, Morgan, in which Morgan is a main character), and I’m happy I’ve done so, as every book has been good to great.
That streak continues with Try Hard, with two delightful characters. Eve Archer was popular in school and became a world-famous rugby player, even going to the Olympics. She was also Ophelia Pendrick’s bisexual awakening. Eve is a wonderful character, someone who anybody would want in their corner, without being too good to be true. But it’s Ophelia who is truly outstanding is the novel. Too often in books there is a character who is standoffish or icy, and we don’t understand why anybody would like them, but it’s very clear to the reader who Ophelia (although Eve is the only one allowed to call her that) is and completely understand why Eve is truly delighted with her.
I think if I have any complaint, it might be that the book pushes the thing with Eve’s sister a little too much, but that truly is a minor quibble. Overall, although the book does cover some lightly serious topics, it is overall very low-angst, but a delightful read. This is one I would rate 4.5 stars, b ut as I have to choose between 4 and 5, I say it tips more toward 5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That streak continues with Try Hard, with two delightful characters. Eve Archer was popular in school and became a world-famous rugby player, even going to the Olympics. She was also Ophelia Pendrick’s bisexual awakening. Eve is a wonderful character, someone who anybody would want in their corner, without being too good to be true. But it’s Ophelia who is truly outstanding is the novel. Too often in books there is a character who is standoffish or icy, and we don’t understand why anybody would like them, but it’s very clear to the reader who Ophelia (although Eve is the only one allowed to call her that) is and completely understand why Eve is truly delighted with her.
I think if I have any complaint, it might be that the book pushes the thing with Eve’s sister a little too much, but that truly is a minor quibble. Overall, although the book does cover some lightly serious topics, it is overall very low-angst, but a delightful read. This is one I would rate 4.5 stars, b ut as I have to choose between 4 and 5, I say it tips more toward 5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2025
This is such a cute and heartfelt story—and honestly, a lot more realistic than some might expect from a celebrity second-chance romance. Try Hard digs into the messy, complicated layers of life and love in a way that feels both refreshing and deeply authentic.
Eve and Ophelia (Fia to everyone else, though she insists Eve use her full name) are far from perfect, and that’s what makes them so compelling. On the surface, it might seem almost impossible—how could a world-famous, charismatic rugby star possibly wrestle with insecurities? Or how could a brilliant, beautiful woman like Fia doubt her own worth? But as the story unfolds, we see just how much past relationships, societal expectations, and personal struggles can leave behind invisible scars.
The beauty of this book lies in that honesty: even with supportive families and outward success, people can still carry wounds that shape how they love, trust, and connect. Watching Eve and Fia navigate those vulnerabilities together—sometimes stumbling, sometimes soaring—feels raw and real. It’s not just a romance; it’s a reminder that letting someone in despite the baggage is one of the bravest choices you can make.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also beautiful, healing, and full of second-chance magic. And if you’re lucky enough to get another shot with your person, it truly is everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eve and Ophelia (Fia to everyone else, though she insists Eve use her full name) are far from perfect, and that’s what makes them so compelling. On the surface, it might seem almost impossible—how could a world-famous, charismatic rugby star possibly wrestle with insecurities? Or how could a brilliant, beautiful woman like Fia doubt her own worth? But as the story unfolds, we see just how much past relationships, societal expectations, and personal struggles can leave behind invisible scars.
The beauty of this book lies in that honesty: even with supportive families and outward success, people can still carry wounds that shape how they love, trust, and connect. Watching Eve and Fia navigate those vulnerabilities together—sometimes stumbling, sometimes soaring—feels raw and real. It’s not just a romance; it’s a reminder that letting someone in despite the baggage is one of the bravest choices you can make.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also beautiful, healing, and full of second-chance magic. And if you’re lucky enough to get another shot with your person, it truly is everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2025
Jacqueline Ramsden is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. She's so versatile and can just make any trope her own. Hot and spicy, slow burn, emotional; she can seemingly write them all. I really enjoy her writing style and the way she creates her characters. Even the secondary characters are more multi faceted than other books. Eve and Ophelia made a lovely story. I'll admit that I didn't think I was going to like Fia at first but after learning her past, I quickly abandoned that thought. The author really created a realistic character in Ophelia, who went through so much, not the least of which was medical gaslighting, which is so relatable for a lot of people. Ophelia felt she was destined to not be with a partner due to her issues but then came Eve. Eve was such an amazing character. Was she way too perfect and sweet? Yes but this is fiction and everyone deserves an Eve (*swoon*). Their relationship was full of honesty and hope. I loved that they realized they had both been harboring feelings since they were kids thinking they'd never be reciprocated. It really was a slow burn but I loved every second. Can't wait to see what this author comes up with next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.
November 7, 2025
Literally read this on a whim and ended up getting sucked in and really enjoying it! Can say with complete honesty that I quite enjoyed the main characters. The author did a good job fully fleshing them out. The plot is silly and simple, but a great romance and a solid slow burn. Enjoyed the history of the characters and their quirks and “things” that made them. Ophelia’s medical history and dating history I think really helped add to her as a character and helped guide her decisions very well — rather than sometimes characters will have a sad backstory and it will just exist. Rather than actually align with their actions. Eve was fun too!
I didn’t quite get that Eve had liked Fia from secondary school from the get go, however? When that info was dropped that she was sort of the one that got away that didn’t feel as much like it added up with her reaction when she saw Fia for the first time. Like, it’s clear that Eve is into Fia, but I guess I personally didn’t catch that. And I had to go back after I finished reading, as I’m writing this, to fully catch how into Fia, Eve is from the get go. So that I guess is on me.
Overall, fun read considering I picked it on a whim right before my flight and I was out of wifi.
I didn’t quite get that Eve had liked Fia from secondary school from the get go, however? When that info was dropped that she was sort of the one that got away that didn’t feel as much like it added up with her reaction when she saw Fia for the first time. Like, it’s clear that Eve is into Fia, but I guess I personally didn’t catch that. And I had to go back after I finished reading, as I’m writing this, to fully catch how into Fia, Eve is from the get go. So that I guess is on me.
Overall, fun read considering I picked it on a whim right before my flight and I was out of wifi.
September 28, 2025
This is a really lovely book. I was like warm hug, a good cry and third thing all wrapped up in a book.
First I loved these two characters. The way Eve and Fia come back into eachothers lives and slowly start to realize this is their shot to maybe get the one that got away is so well done. The care these two show for eachother is so heartwarming. They genuinely meet each other where they're at and I absolutely love that stuff in books.
This book also deals with some issues around how society views and comments on women's bodies. I liked how Eve was quick to establish clear boundaries when she felt she was being objectified. One of the characters also deals with vaginismus and i really liked how it wasn't treated as a problem to solve but just another part of this person. It was really sensitively handled.
This book is for anyone who loves a second chance story, seeing two characters just genuinely see each other or just a well written romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First I loved these two characters. The way Eve and Fia come back into eachothers lives and slowly start to realize this is their shot to maybe get the one that got away is so well done. The care these two show for eachother is so heartwarming. They genuinely meet each other where they're at and I absolutely love that stuff in books.
This book also deals with some issues around how society views and comments on women's bodies. I liked how Eve was quick to establish clear boundaries when she felt she was being objectified. One of the characters also deals with vaginismus and i really liked how it wasn't treated as a problem to solve but just another part of this person. It was really sensitively handled.
This book is for anyone who loves a second chance story, seeing two characters just genuinely see each other or just a well written romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2025
I really loved the emotional depth of this book - I felt like both characters were insanely mature and I loved that about them, the healthy communication and their stance to working through insecurities together was such a breath of fresh air we don't always get exposure to in sapphic literature. I also really enjoyed the families as the main secondary characters, in many books there's so often one that has a distant relationship with their family, so I really loved that both characters had such great bonds with their parents.
The only thing that would have taken this to a 5* for me would have been an epilogue that was a litte further in the future, maybe a year or two (engagement, wedding, etc.) just to get a glimpse of where they ended up; however, I felt like it tied up a lot of loose ends nicely so I don't feel that it missed any marks. Finally, how do you ever emotionally recover from MCs with perfect names such as Eve Archer and Ophelia Pendrick? Truly.
The only thing that would have taken this to a 5* for me would have been an epilogue that was a litte further in the future, maybe a year or two (engagement, wedding, etc.) just to get a glimpse of where they ended up; however, I felt like it tied up a lot of loose ends nicely so I don't feel that it missed any marks. Finally, how do you ever emotionally recover from MCs with perfect names such as Eve Archer and Ophelia Pendrick? Truly.
October 11, 2025
Free ARC received from the author does not affect my review.
Jacqueline Ramsden is a master of writing romance novels from all corners of sexuality spectrum. And slow burn. And with heart-achingly realistic characters.
The timeline in the book is a couple of weeks which is very difficult to get right. Insta love is really specific trope and I'm not a fan. Some authors can do it while keeping it realistic, most don't. Jacqueline Ramsden is in the former group. Try Hard is not as good as Something New – which has even shorter timeline – but it's still believable. It helps that both Eve and Fia had secret crushes on each other in secondary school. So, quite short timeline works because it's a second chance romance. With slow burn sprinkled on top.
Eve is such a sweet and understanding love interest and a lover. Her sister is freaking annoying. Her mum is an excellent wing woman. And so are Eve and Fia's old school friends.
Fia has a lot of trauma and issues caused by both self doubt and toxic past relationships. She's almost ready to give up on love and doesn't see herself worthy of affection and happiness. She too has an excellent wing woman of a mum and supportive old friends.
There's a little bit of rugby, a lot of admiration of toned muscles, and cozy English town with layered clothes and thermos full of soup.
Jacqueline Ramsden is a master of writing romance novels from all corners of sexuality spectrum. And slow burn. And with heart-achingly realistic characters.
The timeline in the book is a couple of weeks which is very difficult to get right. Insta love is really specific trope and I'm not a fan. Some authors can do it while keeping it realistic, most don't. Jacqueline Ramsden is in the former group. Try Hard is not as good as Something New – which has even shorter timeline – but it's still believable. It helps that both Eve and Fia had secret crushes on each other in secondary school. So, quite short timeline works because it's a second chance romance. With slow burn sprinkled on top.
Eve is such a sweet and understanding love interest and a lover. Her sister is freaking annoying. Her mum is an excellent wing woman. And so are Eve and Fia's old school friends.
Fia has a lot of trauma and issues caused by both self doubt and toxic past relationships. She's almost ready to give up on love and doesn't see herself worthy of affection and happiness. She too has an excellent wing woman of a mum and supportive old friends.
There's a little bit of rugby, a lot of admiration of toned muscles, and cozy English town with layered clothes and thermos full of soup.
October 15, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
The mutual pinning was chef’s kiss. I love how Eve and Fia interacted with eachother. And they are just the cutest!
I couldn’t put the story down. Although I felt like some of the dialogue felt repetitive. And sometimes it even felt like Eve was saying the same thing 2 or 3 times in one conversation but just reprashed it. I wished we got more of Eve and Fia’s story after Kim’s wedding and how they were navigating life, living together (?), Fia’s new job, etc. The ending and prologue left me a bit disappointed.
As a total simp for good smut I must say I was also “disappointed” because of the trigger warning for “open-door sex sceneS” and it ended up being just one scene 😅 I give this book a 0,5/5 for spice.
It’s a really sweet second chance romance with intersting and fun side characters. With two mc’s who are perfect for eachother.
The mutual pinning was chef’s kiss. I love how Eve and Fia interacted with eachother. And they are just the cutest!
I couldn’t put the story down. Although I felt like some of the dialogue felt repetitive. And sometimes it even felt like Eve was saying the same thing 2 or 3 times in one conversation but just reprashed it. I wished we got more of Eve and Fia’s story after Kim’s wedding and how they were navigating life, living together (?), Fia’s new job, etc. The ending and prologue left me a bit disappointed.
As a total simp for good smut I must say I was also “disappointed” because of the trigger warning for “open-door sex sceneS” and it ended up being just one scene 😅 I give this book a 0,5/5 for spice.
It’s a really sweet second chance romance with intersting and fun side characters. With two mc’s who are perfect for eachother.
September 30, 2025
Wow, I wasn’t expecting this…
This book was simple but incredibly powerful for me. I didn’t realize it until I was about half way through but I can relate to Fia so deeply and this book resonated with me. It wasn’t overtly dramatic, or sexual but the story of these two women was the type of unconditional love that I think many of us search our lives for. To be that seen, that understood. Sometimes novels can make you truly stop and consider things that you may not have had the context or the bandwidth to process and that’s exactly what this book gave me. It was powerful without being in your face. I loved every page.
This book was simple but incredibly powerful for me. I didn’t realize it until I was about half way through but I can relate to Fia so deeply and this book resonated with me. It wasn’t overtly dramatic, or sexual but the story of these two women was the type of unconditional love that I think many of us search our lives for. To be that seen, that understood. Sometimes novels can make you truly stop and consider things that you may not have had the context or the bandwidth to process and that’s exactly what this book gave me. It was powerful without being in your face. I loved every page.
October 3, 2025
Former rugby star Eve Archer is there for her friend Kim's wedding, but she did not expect Fia to be there. Fia, whom she had strong feelings for when they were younger.
Travel writer Fia is equally stunned, having been very attracted to her back in the day. But Fia travels a lot, so....
Adding complications, Eve's sister Soph was into Fia too.
I do find the level of insecurity and jealousy the heroines show is getting annoying.
Amusingly Kim knows about them crushing on each other back them, and invited them as match making.
3 out of 5 stars. It honestly drags a bit... not bad but maybe could be tightened up some.
Travel writer Fia is equally stunned, having been very attracted to her back in the day. But Fia travels a lot, so....
Adding complications, Eve's sister Soph was into Fia too.
I do find the level of insecurity and jealousy the heroines show is getting annoying.
Amusingly Kim knows about them crushing on each other back them, and invited them as match making.
3 out of 5 stars. It honestly drags a bit... not bad but maybe could be tightened up some.
September 23, 2025
It's cute and wholesome all the way. If you're a fan of the hurt/comfort trope, this will probably melt your heart pretty early on. The dramatic beats are mild enough and resolved reasonably fast. The only thing I personally didn't like where the boundary-ignoring, overbearing, overexcited, forceful, ignorant wedding-friends. They dominated every interaction without ANY regard for the MCs, couldn't read the room or behave like decent beings. They were the villains to my introvert-self. But that's just a personal pet-peeve.
September 23, 2025
I just loved this book. Low aghast, great characters and an interesting plot to follow along to. Ophelia, is back home for a friends wedding. At the prenuptials she meets her first crush, Eve. The same Eve that was the star at high school, popular, funny and a great rugby player. Eve went on to represent her country in the olympics, winning a medal. Ophelia never stood a chance, but did she? Eve can’t believe that Ophelia is back and that she seems to be interested in Eve. Eve has loved her from afar for over 20 years. This was a great read, would highly recommend it.
September 29, 2025
Interesting Ride
Initially, this book began with some of the most exquisite character banter that I’ve read in a long time, so high level, it made me excited for the remainder of the novel. I preface, the remainder of my comments by saying that not every book and the themes therein will resonate with everyone. While I found the theme and content of this particular book really important ones, I also found that it steered the book in a direction that impeded the romance factor for me. That being said it certainly a worthwhile read.
Initially, this book began with some of the most exquisite character banter that I’ve read in a long time, so high level, it made me excited for the remainder of the novel. I preface, the remainder of my comments by saying that not every book and the themes therein will resonate with everyone. While I found the theme and content of this particular book really important ones, I also found that it steered the book in a direction that impeded the romance factor for me. That being said it certainly a worthwhile read.
October 3, 2025
I'm relatively new to this author with only reading one full length book and the bonus that came after. That being said, I loved this read. The chemistry between these two was impeccable. I know Eve is used to people flirting with her, being an Olympian and all, but the way that she's kind of coy in her own way is adorable. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2025
This was a cute read! I really liked both main characters and thought the concept of them getting together, albeit a bit unrealistic with the whole ‘unrequited feelings from 20 years ago that neither of us have thought about in decades until we see each other’, was sweet.
It’s definitely slow burn with a lot of yearning and if that’s your jam then you’ll really enjoy this story. I do think that for me personally, there was way too many pages taken up by Eve and Fia talking to their family members and I think there needed to be a lot more of Eve and Fia talking to each other. I often found myself flipping ahead during chapters to see when the conversation Eve or Fia was having with their family would be over because they seemed to span pages and it felt a little repetitive.
All in all it was a delightful slow burn romance that I had a great time reading.
It’s definitely slow burn with a lot of yearning and if that’s your jam then you’ll really enjoy this story. I do think that for me personally, there was way too many pages taken up by Eve and Fia talking to their family members and I think there needed to be a lot more of Eve and Fia talking to each other. I often found myself flipping ahead during chapters to see when the conversation Eve or Fia was having with their family would be over because they seemed to span pages and it felt a little repetitive.
All in all it was a delightful slow burn romance that I had a great time reading.
October 25, 2025
This had that romance element that I was looking for and was invested in what was happening. The overall element worked well overall and was glad it was so well done, and engaging from the story. The characters had that overall feel worked in the slow burn element that I was wanting. I was glad I was able to read this and loved the way Jacqueline Ramsden wrote this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2025
Love the chemistry between them.
Fia, Ophelia, and Eve had mutual secret crushes on each other since before they went to highschool. And after twenty years they find the courage to confess them and they actually still feel the same.
If it wasn't for Kim and Tanika that invited Fia to the wedding it might not have happened for them. The other couples in the book also has potential to be more. But that may be other stories for another time.
Fia, Ophelia, and Eve had mutual secret crushes on each other since before they went to highschool. And after twenty years they find the courage to confess them and they actually still feel the same.
If it wasn't for Kim and Tanika that invited Fia to the wedding it might not have happened for them. The other couples in the book also has potential to be more. But that may be other stories for another time.
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