Game, Set, Matched

by Ivy Bailey

A tennis-inspired YA romance, perfect for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Carrie Soto is Back!

On the court, they’re the perfect pair. Off the court, however…

Billie could win the junior doubles final at Wimbledon—but she needs a new partner. Too bad her best option is Harley, her coach’s nephew she's always hated. Billie hates Harley's lackadaisical attitude, but he's determined to teach her how to relax and (literally) take her eye off the ball. The more time they spend together, the more Billie wonders… is there more to winning than just a trophy?

Summer sports Perfect for those of us who prefer to sit still and read about other people getting hot and sweaty.For the Challengers taught us that tennis is hot, and there's no going back.Enemies, lovers, and The only thing better than enemies-to-lovers.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Audiobook, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Laurensliterarylair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really cute. It was a quick simple read. The book was pretty predictable and is definitely aimed toward a younger audience. As someone who’s in their late 20s I think I wasn’t the target audience for this book but I could see a younger crowd enjoying this book as an introduction to sports romance. The sports aspect of this book was really well done!

[Amélie · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this in one sitting during sunbathing and it for sure got me out of my reading slump

[Emily Race · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read during my first Wimbledon season. Simple, easy, and timely.

[lauren ⋆⭒˚.⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋆⭒˚.⋆ 3.5 stars
⤿ I'm not big on romance and I'm not an expert on tennis at all, but this book was a fun, easy read that has made me, like many other readers, admire and understand the sport a little more as it focuses on Billie and Harley on their way to win the Wimbledon Juniors as an admirable duo. I found this book lacked plot really but it was a fun read if people ever need something just to read or try something new as it's quick and well paced in it's build up and development unlike some romance books. I look forward to read more by Ivy Bailey and romance as a whole.

[Roos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit is echt zo’n heerlijk YA tussenboekje. 3.5 ster voor mij! Denk ik echt perfect voor als je in een (romance) slumb zit. Zaten verschillende leuke plots in, vond de groepschat heeeeel vermakelijk en sowieso las het echt mega lekker weg. Romance zelf was ook heerlijk en tennis vond ik best leuk om over te lezen🎾

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks so much Libro.fm for this gifted audio! The narrator did a fantastic job with this one! This was such a cute and quick listen. A fun YA sports romance for sure!

[Marije · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is fine.
not good, not bad, but fine.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVEDDDDDD THIS BOOK. REVIEW coming soon.

[Katie (Kitkatscanread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5/5 Kitkats

This was a really cute YA novel about junior doubles in Wimbledon.
There is a hate to love romance involved.

[Quinty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oeeeh vind dit echt een hele lastig en zit echt tussen de 3-4 sterren in. De karakters in het boek behalve Bards zijn echt heel erg leuk. Ook wat diepgaande onderwerpen. Wat het voor mij meer een 3 ster dan een 4 ster heeft gemaakt is dat ik op een gegeven moment het irritant vond hoe snel de romance ging. 2 dates en het was al helemaal gebeurd. Maar verder erg vermakelijk

[books (samaira's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I’m being very generous but it was soooo fun to read. The (kind of) enemies to lovers was really cute. The sibling dynamic was the absolute best, and I loved Billie’s best friends!

And of course (extremely swoon worthy) Harley.

[Milz · Rating 4 out of 5]

first book of 2026

[Noa Van Zon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik had echt even een simpele romance nodig😊

[Lina Cesar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Läste på svenska. Den var lite gullig och trevlig. :)

[Arwenna Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

[Kiddayy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cheesy but also strangely fun to read. Extremely quick to finish too. I didn’t like an aspect of the ending though, which dampened the book for me.

[Josefin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still do not understand what Tom's issues were😭

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up by chance because I’ve been looking for more ya sports romances and this one was right there like it was screaming at me from the shelf and with Wimbledon starting that exact week, I decided I couldn’t leave it behind and I’m so glad I didn’t because this was incredible. I already knew I loved Ivy Bailey’s writing but there’s something specifically about this book that I’m completely obsessed with.

Game, Set, Matched follows Billie and Harley, forced into a doubles partnership to make it to the Wimbledon Junior Championships. This book is so well paced and the descriptions of the tennis matches are so easy to follow it feels as though you’re watching rather than reading. There’s just the right amount of it that you feel invested but not overwhelmed and the rest of the plot is so fun!

I truly never wanted this book to end and I love these characters so so much I could read a thousand more pages of them. They’re just so lovely and I wish we could see more relationships in books where the characters completely get each other and communicate healthily rather than having overcomplicated misunderstandings.

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really fun audiobook! I really liked the narrator, and the dynamic between Billie and Harley was witty and romantic. I was also really impressed with the description of the tennis scenes. I played tennis for a long time, and I get really frustrated when it's portrayed in popular media because most of the time it's ridiculous and inaccurate, but I thought this was good! I could tell the author has played and probably watched a lot.

🚨it gets spoliery, just FYI

My main gripe with the story is that the romcom of it all ends about 80% of the way through. The enemies become slightly more, then there's a miscommunication (gross), the FMC gets distant, the MMC asks her out and they mend fences, enemies officially become lovers, and they win the important tennis match (important to their characters). The FMC even resolves things with her dad and everyone loves teacher other again. HOWEVER, the last 20% of the book is just a bunch of random side quests for the other characters that felt like the author needed a higher page count and threw them in. One of the FMC's best friends is dating one of the MMC's friends, but he turns out to be a controlling piece of work who's unfaithful and an alcoholic? That whole confrontation was so unexpected (in a bad way). The brother also has a crazy health issue at the very end that a) prompts Billie and Harley to DROP OUT OF WIMBELDON so they can be with him (girl, what?!), and b) the family has yet ANOTHER heart to heart and the brother decides he doesn't want to play tennis competitively anymore, and also wants to be a veterinarian. Like, no offense, but I don't care at all. I'm here for the romcom, and that ended 12 chapters ago.

Anyways, apologies for the rant- it was a fun time until the last little bit. Tbh, just stop after Billie and Harley make up, and then scroll to the end bc there is an epilogue (that is also kind of a weird anticlimactic ending)

*Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Children's Audio, and the author for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review*

[Shawna Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Game, Set, Matched by Ivy Bailey.
Before I dive into my review, I want to note that while this book is marketed as YA, it felt more like New Adult to me. Although the characters are 18, there is a significant amount of alcohol consumption throughout the story, which may make it a better fit for older teens and adult readers rather than a typical U.S. high school library collection.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book.
I initially picked it up expecting a tennis-centered story, but it turned out to be so much more. While tennis provides the backdrop, the heart of the novel is found in its exploration of love, family, and personal growth. The characters were easy to connect with, and I especially loved the protagonist and watching her navigate both her relationships and her future.
What stood out most to me was the emphasis on communication within families. The story highlights how important honest, heartfelt conversations are between parents and children, and how much can be lost when those conversations don't happen. Those themes gave the book an emotional depth that went beyond the romance and sports elements.
Whether you're a tennis fan or not, there's plenty to love here. Game, Set, Matched is a sweet, heartfelt story about relationships, family, and finding your place in the world.
I think many readers ages 16 and up will enjoy this one as much as I did.

[Zara S · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars

*Game, Set, Matched* is a fun and charming YA sports romance that perfectly blends tennis, rivalry, and romance. I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Billie and Harley. Their banter was entertaining, and their chemistry developed naturally as they learned to work together both on and off the court.

The tennis setting added excitement and kept the story moving at a great pace. I also appreciated the themes of family, personal growth, and learning to let go of expectations. Billie’s journey toward finding confidence in herself, separate from her twin brother, gave the story extra emotional depth.

While some plot points were predictable and followed familiar romance tropes, the likable characters and engaging relationships made it an enjoyable read. The supporting cast, especially Billie’s brother and friends, added warmth and balance to the story.

Overall, this was a cute, feel-good romance that sports romance fans will love. If you enjoy tennis, rivals-to-lovers stories, and characters who grow together while chasing their dreams, *Game, Set, Matched* is definitely worth picking up.

[Sarah Beth G. (a.neverending.tbr) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sports romances focus too little on the sport and too much on the romance. I thought this one did a great job of balancing that out. Enemies to lovers is always a little hard to believe in contemporary fiction because it is usually really one sided (looking at you Harley) but again, I think this worked well here. Billie was so focused and Harley wanted to support her but also get her to loosen up. I was really not liking Billie’s dad but I’m not sure how reliable Billie is in her inner monologues. I was afraid of where the content was going but it fades out quickly and the characters are both 18. I would still say this should be upper YA/New Adult. The comparison to The Summer I Turned Pretty meets Carrie Soto Is Back is spot on.

The narrator did a great job and I enjoyed her performance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Closed door/fade to black romance; some strong language

[Jayla Metzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook was a cute and enjoyable YA sports romance with plenty of charm. The story was easy to follow, and the tennis setting added a fun and energetic backdrop to the romance. Billie and Harley's relationship had good chemistry, and watching their enemies-to-lovers dynamic develop kept me interested throughout the story.
The plot was fairly predictable, and I found myself guessing how everything would turn out long before the ending arrived. Even so, the journey was sweet, lighthearted, and entertaining enough that I still enjoyed spending time with the characters.
If you're a fan of young adult romance, tennis, and the enemies-to-lovers trope, this is a fun pick. While it doesn't bring many surprises, it delivers exactly the kind of feel-good romance it promises. The narrator also did a nice job bringing the characters to life and keeping the story engaging from beginning to end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3stars – A cute love story with a predictable ending, but an enjoyable listen for fans of sports romances and sweet YA relationships.

[Ellie Burgoyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

I really enjoyed this, I have had this book on my tbr for a few months now and im so glad I picked it up . I enjoyed billie and Harleys relationship , their banter made me laugh so many times, however there was a bit of miscommunication that did annoy me a little bit, however they did have a conversation about it and all was cleared up in the end.

We follow Billie who is our fmc and her brother tom who plays tennis ever since they were younger and billie has always wanted to go to tournaments and be in the championships etc. however tom has an accident which leaves billie with no partner to play , then comes along Harley, who's uncle is billies coach and sets them up together to play. that's when their relationship forms and they start to get to know each other . I adored billies friends , they were so funny !!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Bailey's summer sports romance is a perfect mixture of young adult dating that still feels mature, high stakes that aren't so high you're fighting a heart attack, and relatable social conflicts that resolve by the end and tie up into a perfect bow. While a quick read, Game, Set, Matched uses it's pages wisely to explore family conflicts and the highs and lows of dating as a young adult. The UK setting adds maturity as the 18 year old protagonists go out to bars and celebrate their wins with a few drinks at the pub. I think teens everywhere will be able to relate to our FMC Billie's anxiety and ambition that pushes her to crush her goals on and off the court and they'll fall in love with MMC Harley's nonchalance and honesty. This is the perfect book to start summer or get yourself out of a reading slump.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So eine tolle YA Sportromanze! Ich mochte die Kombination aus Tennis – einem Sport, den ich wirklich mag – und Romance so sehr. Sowohl die Romanze als auch das Tennis waren so gut geschrieben! Die Geschwisterliche Beziehung zwischen Billie und Tom war herzerwärmed und ich habe auch die Darstellung der toxischen Beziehung zwischen Kat und Bards sehr genossen. Es ist auch wichtig, das Bewusstsein für toxische Beziehungen zu schärfen, damit jemand, der in einer steckt, sie bemerkt und beendet.
Das Buch ist etwas kürzer, aber die Romanze fühlte sich trotzdem so echt und wahrhaftig an. Ich habe mich oft in Billie wiedererkannt und Harley war ein so lustiger Charakter. Ihre Geschichte zu lesen hat so viel Spaß gemacht ☺️ Ich habe nichts zu beanstanden 🫶

[Lizzie Marsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I loved this book!! So cute and cosy, and a perfect little sports romance.

I saw this at the library and picked it up on a whim, and what a book. The enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, second chance romance. Wow.

Billie Dawson is a twin to Tom, her talented Tennis brother. Billie has always had the mindset that she will never be good enough in her father’s eyes and that Tom is the best.
When Tom gets in an accident 3 weeks before the Wimbledon doubles, she has to think fast or risk it all. But when Harley, cocky, handsome, sassy, untrustworthy Harley walks in, and offers to help, Billie has no choice. He’s her coaches nephew after all.
After MANY ups and downs… the two eventually find their way…

Such a memorable cosy romance FILLED with drama!

[Seri_ously · Rating 4 out of 5]

For YA- this was probably a 5 star but for all books in general, a definite 4. I loved the chemistry between Billie and Harley!!! So cute- exactly what I needed. The Bards side plot was also surprisingly good- It's cool to see and remember that sports people have real lives outside of their sport too. Also really liked the way Bailey wrote about Billie's POV on her mum's death and how the pressure transferred onto her. HOWEVER. The reconciliation with the dad wasn't a happy ever after, BUT, it felt realistic. So did Billie's sibling dynamic. Also I felt like we needed more self growth on Harley's side...not much going on with him huh? Overall, a great read- wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised!

[monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75:

This was so cute and surprisingly enjoyable. At first I didn’t think I would love this and it felt too simply written that it was almost childish but not long later that feeling changed. Although there was a couple times it was a tiny bit cringy but most of the time I actually loved it and thought it was really really cute. As a tennis player the descriptions of play and the way the game worked were really good and surprisingly detailed which I loved. The family and friendship details and ‘drama’ was really good as it gave the story a bit more depth but I do wish there was a bit more detail into these things. And Billie and Harley were actually so cute like doubles partner and couple goals I actually LOVED them.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billie has always doubled in tennis with her twin brother, but when he can’t continue she needs to find a new partner before the junior Wimbledon doubles tournament. The last person she wants to pair with is Harley, the laid back nephew of her coach, but he’s the perfect match. While they learn to work together on the court will they be able to keep the sparks from flying?

The YA sports romance is fast paced and easy to get into. I liked Billie and Harley together and thought they were a good match on and off the court. The enemies to lovers vibe was strong and well done. This book was super easy to get through and made for a quick, enjoyable romance read. Overall this was a good YA romance that held my interest all the way through.