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Half Court Shot: A Sapphic Sports Romance
Daniela Da Costa is working to become the greatest women’s basketball player. But seven years into her professional career, she’s more known for her tragic love life than her skills on the court. When she’s traded to the Jersey Jaguars, and reunited with an old flame, she realizes she’ll do whatever it takes to change her image and the team’s failing odds.
Perry West Reiss has come a long way from the girl she used to be. Mommy issues aside, she’s dedicated her career to the Jaguars—even if they haven’t had a winning season in years to prove it. When the team’s put in a dire spot, she agrees to fake date Daniela, someone Perry hoped she’d never see again.
As Perry and Danny grow closer in the public eye, their private lives get messier as old feelings emerge. But both are determined to fight for the team they love and each other’s hearts, despite their red flags.
Perry West Reiss has come a long way from the girl she used to be. Mommy issues aside, she’s dedicated her career to the Jaguars—even if they haven’t had a winning season in years to prove it. When the team’s put in a dire spot, she agrees to fake date Daniela, someone Perry hoped she’d never see again.
As Perry and Danny grow closer in the public eye, their private lives get messier as old feelings emerge. But both are determined to fight for the team they love and each other’s hearts, despite their red flags.
318 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2026
26 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Kimani Mae
1 book7 followersKimani Mae is a writer from the newly recognized Central New Jersey with deep Southern roots- although she calls Brooklyn home. She is a 2022 WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Quarterfinalist and 2023 Atlanta Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition Quarterfinalist.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 17, 2026
5/5 stars!!!!
Thank you so much to Kimani Mae for this ARC!!
Wow. WHAT A DEBUTTTTTTTTTT!!! I absolutely LOVEDDDD this book DEOWNNNNN. Danny and Perry???? Yes. A million times yes. This book had my eyes welling with tears n shit like woah aight!! But I LOVED ITTTT LOLOLOL.
Perry and her relationship with her mom? Mommy issues gals we UPPP!!!! Let me stop im sorry i genuinely take nothing serioiusly- but it was so raw and so real the feelings that Perry had towards her mother. I love a book with raw emotion, with a character who genuinely has all these thoughts and feelings and has no idea how to handle them. Watching Perry and her diagnosis just ughhhhh omg. It was so realistic and made so much since for her as a character....just...wow. It was written so WELL!!!
Then, Danny. Danny. Danny. Danny. She was complex as well, but i found that watching her grow as a character really made me giggle and kick my feet, and watching her and PErry come back to the realization they still had feelings for each other...I'm barkingggggggg I love a second chance and a right perosn wrong time momenttttttt AHHHWRAFIOUEHFOIWEFJOWJEFWIEF.
Overall, this is one of the best sapphic romances I've read. Absolutely loved the entire book, no notes.
Thank you so much to Kimani Mae for this ARC!!
Wow. WHAT A DEBUTTTTTTTTTT!!! I absolutely LOVEDDDD this book DEOWNNNNN. Danny and Perry???? Yes. A million times yes. This book had my eyes welling with tears n shit like woah aight!! But I LOVED ITTTT LOLOLOL.
Perry and her relationship with her mom? Mommy issues gals we UPPP!!!! Let me stop im sorry i genuinely take nothing serioiusly- but it was so raw and so real the feelings that Perry had towards her mother. I love a book with raw emotion, with a character who genuinely has all these thoughts and feelings and has no idea how to handle them. Watching Perry and her diagnosis just ughhhhh omg. It was so realistic and made so much since for her as a character....just...wow. It was written so WELL!!!
Then, Danny. Danny. Danny. Danny. She was complex as well, but i found that watching her grow as a character really made me giggle and kick my feet, and watching her and PErry come back to the realization they still had feelings for each other...I'm barkingggggggg I love a second chance and a right perosn wrong time momenttttttt AHHHWRAFIOUEHFOIWEFJOWJEFWIEF.
Overall, this is one of the best sapphic romances I've read. Absolutely loved the entire book, no notes.
March 3, 2026
As a girlie who grew up playing basketball all her life this filled my lesbian heart with SO MUCH JOY!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of Half Court Shot is @kimanimaewrites debut published novel it's a sapphic sports romance told from both FMCs’ POVs (Danny and Perry). The two first meet in high school, where Perry becomes Danny’s first heartbreak.
Danny is a talented WNBA player whose very public love life troubles have begun to overshadow her skills on the court, ultimately leading to her being traded to the Jersey Jaguars. Perry is accomplished in her own right and works as the head of marketing for the Jaguars,who are now owned by her father.
These two haven’t seen each other since Perry left “like a thief in the night” during their senior year, so being thrown back into each other’s orbit is… complicated.
When the team’s PR person (who also happens to be Perry’s best friend) suggests a fake dating scheme to help improve Danny’s public image, they reluctantly agree. What starts as a calculated PR move slowly turns into something much deeper.
This is a slow burn, but it’s absolutely worth it. Their journey isn’t perfect, but the effort they put into fighting for each other made it so rewarding. Kimani Mae takes us on a heartfelt path where both women must confront their flaws, forgive themselves and each other, and learn how to truly trust.
I especially loved the inner monologues (as a person that always has a monologue going on in her bead lol) and emotional depth. I could relate a lot to the anxiety and panic attacks that Perry experiences, as well as the feelings they both wrestle with—the fear that people won’t want to be with them because of their flaws, or because of what others think they know about them, rather than who they truly are. That vulnerability made their connection feel honest and deeply relatable. The way they are able see what the other one needs and does not hesitate to offer assurance and calming techniques to build each other up melts my heart
Danny and Perry are, definitely one of my favorite couples.
Danny is a talented WNBA player whose very public love life troubles have begun to overshadow her skills on the court, ultimately leading to her being traded to the Jersey Jaguars. Perry is accomplished in her own right and works as the head of marketing for the Jaguars,who are now owned by her father.
These two haven’t seen each other since Perry left “like a thief in the night” during their senior year, so being thrown back into each other’s orbit is… complicated.
When the team’s PR person (who also happens to be Perry’s best friend) suggests a fake dating scheme to help improve Danny’s public image, they reluctantly agree. What starts as a calculated PR move slowly turns into something much deeper.
This is a slow burn, but it’s absolutely worth it. Their journey isn’t perfect, but the effort they put into fighting for each other made it so rewarding. Kimani Mae takes us on a heartfelt path where both women must confront their flaws, forgive themselves and each other, and learn how to truly trust.
I especially loved the inner monologues (as a person that always has a monologue going on in her bead lol) and emotional depth. I could relate a lot to the anxiety and panic attacks that Perry experiences, as well as the feelings they both wrestle with—the fear that people won’t want to be with them because of their flaws, or because of what others think they know about them, rather than who they truly are. That vulnerability made their connection feel honest and deeply relatable. The way they are able see what the other one needs and does not hesitate to offer assurance and calming techniques to build each other up melts my heart
Danny and Perry are, definitely one of my favorite couples.
March 24, 2026
4⭐️ I giggled and kicked my feet the entire time! Ugh this was so cute and Daniela was SO FINEEEE. I loved the fact that this was second chance with fake dating and the reformed player trope.. and don’t even get me started on the yearning in this book.. i could actually scream LMAO, Daniela the YEARNER that you are pleaseeee omg. But, on a serious note i did appreciate the OCD rep that was in here too, and the way the author wrote about how masc/stud woman are perceived and “expected” to act within relationships was such a real thing to touch on. I also loved Peridot too. This was such a cute, fluffy romance that was so easy to get into with tons of yearning and that tension?!?! Please. i was so here for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WNBA player Danny is traded to New Jersey where her high school crush is the head of marketing. A fake dating scheme is hatched by the head of PR to revive Danny's struggling reputation. Sapphic slow burn fake dating/ friends to lovers/ second chance romance.
There were times when the writing felt a bit clunky to me, but overall I loved the story.
There were times when the writing felt a bit clunky to me, but overall I loved the story.
March 4, 2026
Debut novel by the one and only Kimani Mae!! Strong characters, good pacing and a sweet finding-your-place story among a rekindled love plot. Loved it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honoured to get to read the book in advance. ARC received from the author.
Half Court Shot is a brilliant sapphic romance debut. In this slooooow burn wlw romance, Danny and Perry will have a second chance after reuniting at work. Danny is a star basketball player with colourful relationship history. Perry is a career oriented future franchise owner.
I really liked the writing style and pacing of the book. It was really enjoyable, relatively light and sweet read. There's diverse cast of side characters.
The slow burn was delicious. There's quality spice but the main focus is in the chemistry and building the relationship. Hald Court Shot is the type of romance I really like.
I'd love to see this book as an audiobook. I look forward reading more stories by the author in the future.
Half Court Shot is a brilliant sapphic romance debut. In this slooooow burn wlw romance, Danny and Perry will have a second chance after reuniting at work. Danny is a star basketball player with colourful relationship history. Perry is a career oriented future franchise owner.
I really liked the writing style and pacing of the book. It was really enjoyable, relatively light and sweet read. There's diverse cast of side characters.
The slow burn was delicious. There's quality spice but the main focus is in the chemistry and building the relationship. Hald Court Shot is the type of romance I really like.
I'd love to see this book as an audiobook. I look forward reading more stories by the author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“There is no timeline, no place in this world that you aren’t in with me, Perry. So be it now, six months, or even a year from now. Your heart was always the one for me.”
As a black girl, I always have a little fear when I open a POC-written basketball romance, that I’m gonna get some of the “Love & Basketball” bs that was pushed down the throats of earlier generations. “Half Court Shot” is SOOO far from that.
“The perfect makings of a teenager with an anxiety disorder, and what I suspected to be undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder.” (Chapter Two)
“I was also pretty sure the paper towels I had stuffed onto my armpit were drenched and threatening to break free.” (Chapter Ten)
Above all, as a fellow anxiety girly, I loved the representation primarily with Perry (she’s OCD too, but I can’t really speak to the representation).
Kimani Mae goes beyond just telling us these characters have had life experiences that have left scars. It shows up in their temperament, how they interact with the world, THE INNER DIALOGUE.
I did want Perry to, but cut a little slack for leaving Danny in middle school. Did she, herself, really leave? They were kids. I understand how that could’ve been upsetting, but Perry was dealt a pretty shitty hand from her mother. I would also argue that her dad didn’t do a really good job of acknowledging her feelings, despite being the parent who stepped up. Any person in that situation would have some dysregulation and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
(Also, how many others had their first taste of heartbreak in middle school?)
Slow burn, but totally worth. You have to earn it, but once it happens *confetti & roses* Perfectly placed and timed. Deffffff sapphic.
🌶3/5 ⭐️3.80/5
There were times the dialogue got a little chunky, but I’m not sure if I would’ve paid much attention to it if I weren’t reviewing this book.
“You see me in a way that makes me uncomfortable. Like, every time we’re together, you see how my heart flutters around, or how my fingers tighten with the need to touch you. You hear my thoughts even when I’m not ready to say them, and yet you’re patient with me. I think I fell in love with you when we were kids, but I know I love you now.”
**I received this book as an ARC, but my review and opinions are completely my own**
As a black girl, I always have a little fear when I open a POC-written basketball romance, that I’m gonna get some of the “Love & Basketball” bs that was pushed down the throats of earlier generations. “Half Court Shot” is SOOO far from that.
“The perfect makings of a teenager with an anxiety disorder, and what I suspected to be undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder.” (Chapter Two)
“I was also pretty sure the paper towels I had stuffed onto my armpit were drenched and threatening to break free.” (Chapter Ten)
Above all, as a fellow anxiety girly, I loved the representation primarily with Perry (she’s OCD too, but I can’t really speak to the representation).
Kimani Mae goes beyond just telling us these characters have had life experiences that have left scars. It shows up in their temperament, how they interact with the world, THE INNER DIALOGUE.
I did want Perry to, but cut a little slack for leaving Danny in middle school. Did she, herself, really leave? They were kids. I understand how that could’ve been upsetting, but Perry was dealt a pretty shitty hand from her mother. I would also argue that her dad didn’t do a really good job of acknowledging her feelings, despite being the parent who stepped up. Any person in that situation would have some dysregulation and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
(Also, how many others had their first taste of heartbreak in middle school?)
Slow burn, but totally worth. You have to earn it, but once it happens *confetti & roses* Perfectly placed and timed. Deffffff sapphic.
🌶3/5 ⭐️3.80/5
There were times the dialogue got a little chunky, but I’m not sure if I would’ve paid much attention to it if I weren’t reviewing this book.
“You see me in a way that makes me uncomfortable. Like, every time we’re together, you see how my heart flutters around, or how my fingers tighten with the need to touch you. You hear my thoughts even when I’m not ready to say them, and yet you’re patient with me. I think I fell in love with you when we were kids, but I know I love you now.”
**I received this book as an ARC, but my review and opinions are completely my own**
February 8, 2026
Half Court Shot follows Daniela Da Costa, a basketball player who has a bit of a reputation for the dramas in her love life, and Perry West Reiss who is the head of marketing for the Jersey Jaguars which so happens to be the team in which Danny is being traded to. The story follows them as they reunite after not seeing one another since high school, and as they try to come up with a plan to get Danny's reputation to be more family friendly. Perry's main focus is to get more spectators into the stadium and to hopefully have the Jaguars winning more games than they have done it many years.
Danny and Perry are so goddamn sweet together, and I enjoyed reading their story unfold. Having to fake date whilst both of them pretend not to have feelings for one another was so cute to read. I absolutely loved seeing them reconnect after so many years apart. Both of them have their own issues to deal with, and it's so beautiful to see how they help each other along the way. Giving your heart to someone is never easy but Danny and Perry really do want someone to knock down their defences and actually see them for who they are. And if it's each other, is that so wrong?
This is a story of second chances, of showing the world who you really are, of accepting your own flaws, as well as other people's flaws, and realising that how people may view you, isn't necessarily who you are at your core.
Sapphic love is always beautiful and that's exactly what this story is, beautiful. The story doesn't just display romantic love, it displays platonic love and familial love as well. There is a sense of found family throughout, between Perry and Val, between the players on the basketball team, between Danny, Rashida and Allison and even between Perry and her father.
If you enjoy fake dating, second chances, sapphic romance and sports romance, I think you should give this one a go! I had a really good time with it, and whilst I felt the start was a little bit slow it didn't take anything away from the rest of the story and I really did enjoy this book!
Danny and Perry are so goddamn sweet together, and I enjoyed reading their story unfold. Having to fake date whilst both of them pretend not to have feelings for one another was so cute to read. I absolutely loved seeing them reconnect after so many years apart. Both of them have their own issues to deal with, and it's so beautiful to see how they help each other along the way. Giving your heart to someone is never easy but Danny and Perry really do want someone to knock down their defences and actually see them for who they are. And if it's each other, is that so wrong?
This is a story of second chances, of showing the world who you really are, of accepting your own flaws, as well as other people's flaws, and realising that how people may view you, isn't necessarily who you are at your core.
Sapphic love is always beautiful and that's exactly what this story is, beautiful. The story doesn't just display romantic love, it displays platonic love and familial love as well. There is a sense of found family throughout, between Perry and Val, between the players on the basketball team, between Danny, Rashida and Allison and even between Perry and her father.
If you enjoy fake dating, second chances, sapphic romance and sports romance, I think you should give this one a go! I had a really good time with it, and whilst I felt the start was a little bit slow it didn't take anything away from the rest of the story and I really did enjoy this book!
February 9, 2026
"No one else needed to know about my very real crush on my very fake girlfriend."
Perry and Danny, the women that you both are!! Red might be my favorite color since I couldn't help but fall for both of these characters despite their troubling coping methods. But I mean who doesn't have mommy issues and some questionable exes?
I loved every minute of this book and was blown away by the atmosphere that Kimani Mae curated throughout. While both Perry and Danny had their own challenges to overcome, the way Mae handled telling their stories was beautiful. Perry is trying to overcome her mommy issues by realizing she doesn't have to run away first, and Danny is realizing that she is more than her past, especially when it comes to Perry.
Also, how does Mae write every character so flawlessly? Even the side characters of this story were funny and relatable and overall very flushed out. I'm in love with every single one of them and would like to be transported into this universe please!
If you love women, sports, and watching the kind of love that blossoms out of second chance meetings and healing, then you're not going to want to miss this book!
Perry and Danny, the women that you both are!! Red might be my favorite color since I couldn't help but fall for both of these characters despite their troubling coping methods. But I mean who doesn't have mommy issues and some questionable exes?
I loved every minute of this book and was blown away by the atmosphere that Kimani Mae curated throughout. While both Perry and Danny had their own challenges to overcome, the way Mae handled telling their stories was beautiful. Perry is trying to overcome her mommy issues by realizing she doesn't have to run away first, and Danny is realizing that she is more than her past, especially when it comes to Perry.
Also, how does Mae write every character so flawlessly? Even the side characters of this story were funny and relatable and overall very flushed out. I'm in love with every single one of them and would like to be transported into this universe please!
If you love women, sports, and watching the kind of love that blossoms out of second chance meetings and healing, then you're not going to want to miss this book!
February 17, 2026
So much potential! But sadly didn’t quite come together for me.
Towards the beginning I found it hard to root for Danny in particular. That could just be a personal issue, but I was thrown off by her admittedly “f***girl” behavior, specifically the cheating aspect. She has quotes like “This was the first time I was actually monogamous and honest. But where did that get me?” and “I didn’t even cheat this time!” Now, the author does say on Instagram that both main characters are “walking red flags”, so maybe if you go into it with that mindset you’ll be able to enjoy it all more than I did?
But I also found myself questioning whether Danny and Perry should end up together? They don’t seem to be the most healthy and stable option for each other.
I will say, the writing felt a bit clunky at times, with the occasional sentence that was hard to follow. And the pacing was a bit off to me. The build-up was slow, and then their love confessions seemed to come really suddenly.
But there is clear potential here, especially as a debut!
I would certainly still recommend this book to anyone who’s intrigued by the description and/or tropes involved. Just because this one wasn’t quite for me doesn’t mean it can’t be someone else’s new favorite!
*Thanks to the author for gifting me an eARC*
Towards the beginning I found it hard to root for Danny in particular. That could just be a personal issue, but I was thrown off by her admittedly “f***girl” behavior, specifically the cheating aspect. She has quotes like “This was the first time I was actually monogamous and honest. But where did that get me?” and “I didn’t even cheat this time!” Now, the author does say on Instagram that both main characters are “walking red flags”, so maybe if you go into it with that mindset you’ll be able to enjoy it all more than I did?
But I also found myself questioning whether Danny and Perry should end up together? They don’t seem to be the most healthy and stable option for each other.
I will say, the writing felt a bit clunky at times, with the occasional sentence that was hard to follow. And the pacing was a bit off to me. The build-up was slow, and then their love confessions seemed to come really suddenly.
But there is clear potential here, especially as a debut!
I would certainly still recommend this book to anyone who’s intrigued by the description and/or tropes involved. Just because this one wasn’t quite for me doesn’t mean it can’t be someone else’s new favorite!
*Thanks to the author for gifting me an eARC*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Danny, an all star women’s basketball player, and Perry, a buisness powerhouse in the Jersey Jaguars franchise cross paths when Danny is traded from Portland to Jersey. But it’s not the first time as they had spent some time together in high school, and harbor unresolved feelings. Will their history get in the way of fulfilling their destinies?
Half Court Shot is a charming sapphic sports romance told from both Danny & Perry’s perspectives. Kimani Mae’s writing painted a wholesome love story of two career-driven women reunited by Jersey Jaguars, willing to do anything to save their team. Danny and Perry put their tumultuous past aside to create a future for their team, even though this means fake dating to improve image and interest. The build up is slow and natural, which felt authentic to the story. Building a foundation that cracked at the beginning of their story wouldn’t be quick and easy. I enjoyed the journey of the two women learning to love again and heal together.
Half Court Shot is a charming sapphic sports romance told from both Danny & Perry’s perspectives. Kimani Mae’s writing painted a wholesome love story of two career-driven women reunited by Jersey Jaguars, willing to do anything to save their team. Danny and Perry put their tumultuous past aside to create a future for their team, even though this means fake dating to improve image and interest. The build up is slow and natural, which felt authentic to the story. Building a foundation that cracked at the beginning of their story wouldn’t be quick and easy. I enjoyed the journey of the two women learning to love again and heal together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
LOVED this book so much! FMC's Perry and Danny were each other's high school crush until Perry left and ghosted Danny. Danny's got a bit of a bad girl reputation from her messy love life, she's been traded again to the WNBA Jersey Jaguar's where Perry is the head of marketing. I LOVE a good PR scripted fake dating story and this was perfect! Each of our MC's have scars from their past lived experiences and Kimani did a great job of not just telling us about them, but showing us in how they moved in the world. It's a slow burn, which isn't always my favorite, but this played out really well with the dynamic between Perry and Danny. Their internal monologues were great as well. I'm so glad I got a chance to ARC read this and I can't WAIT for more from Kimani!!
February 10, 2026
I love a good debut novel and this one had such a fun concept. Technically a second chance focus but a different take on it than I’ve read in the past. I expected to have fun (and did) but I didn’t know I would also feel personally represented in some of the diagnoses the MCs experience. And I certainly didn’t expect to cry twice! Timed this perfectly because I finished it on release day (even though basketball is year-round)! I received a copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review. 4.5 stars. Just what I needed during Black History Month.
February 12, 2026
3.75🌟
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of Half Court Shot, my second-ever sapphic read. The story was great, and I enjoyed the character development and growth from both FMCs.
I do feel like the second "half" of the story was a bit rushed, and the first "half" could've been a little less drawn out. Some of the chapters were very long as well - I read on my Kindle was surprised to see that some chapters were 10-15 min reads while others were 2-7 mins.
Overall, I would recommend this book and look forward to more from the author.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of Half Court Shot, my second-ever sapphic read. The story was great, and I enjoyed the character development and growth from both FMCs.
I do feel like the second "half" of the story was a bit rushed, and the first "half" could've been a little less drawn out. Some of the chapters were very long as well - I read on my Kindle was surprised to see that some chapters were 10-15 min reads while others were 2-7 mins.
Overall, I would recommend this book and look forward to more from the author.
February 15, 2026
This was adorable. The emotional growth and development of the characters is a huge part of this story, and I loved reading about it. The main leads truly helped and encouraged each other to grow and heal their traumas. The characters are so loveable, and I loved the focus on not giving into stereotypical gender roles and taking care of the masc in the relationship, and how OCD affects self esteem and thought processes. This was a great read, and I can't wait to see what Kimani Mae writes next. A huge thank you to the author for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored this book. it had a little bit of a slow start, but it was genuinely worth it. i fell in love with both the main characters and the background characters (except the one named after the month). i loved that both the main characters weren’t just perfect. they have their flaws but that gave them a depth that just made me fall in love to the point that i wanted to protect them. i’m so happy i got an arc for this book because the previews just didn’t do it justice.
February 12, 2026
I adored this one. I love a good second chance tale and this definitely fit that. Plus it had a good fake dating setup that helped bridge that gap, without it feeling forced or fake. Their chemistry was off the charts from the very beginning in a way that made it impossible for them not to fall back into each others arms. I just loved it from the beginning to the end and am excited to see what Mae comes up with next.
February 19, 2026
Imagine this, the innocent girl crush you left behind with no explanation ends up being the potential saving grace for your father’s struggling WNBA team? What could possibly go wrong?! Half Court Shot was beautifully written and a testament to love always finding a way. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I’d be so interested in hearing more of Danny and Perrys story or even the stories of other teammates! With all the new eyes on women’s basketball, stories like these are needed.
Review of advance copy
**ARC Review**
This was decent for an easy read.
Some questionable logistics for one of the spicier scenes, and a little slow at times, some typos here and there, but nothing too terrible for me.
Some conflicts that could have been easily resolved with half a sentence, but would recommend for a quick, cute sports romance.
Overall a solid 3.75 stars for me.
This was decent for an easy read.
Some questionable logistics for one of the spicier scenes, and a little slow at times, some typos here and there, but nothing too terrible for me.
Some conflicts that could have been easily resolved with half a sentence, but would recommend for a quick, cute sports romance.
Overall a solid 3.75 stars for me.
February 9, 2026
This book was such a breath of fresh air. The sapphic world sometimes feels so small so it was nice to mix it up.
It’s very clearly written from a place of love, not only for the story but for basketball. It feels layered and realistic while still dragging you out of the real world into Daniela’s.
It has some of the growing pains of a debut novel but not enough to take away from the story.
It’s very clearly written from a place of love, not only for the story but for basketball. It feels layered and realistic while still dragging you out of the real world into Daniela’s.
It has some of the growing pains of a debut novel but not enough to take away from the story.
February 19, 2026
this was so cute!! perry and danny were both strong as individual characters and their relationship was absolutely adorable. the development felt so natural considering their history together. i also loved how endearing all of the friends were, and overall the side characters were so well written. we need more wnba romances!
March 2, 2026
Obsessed! Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every second. Loved the flow of the perspective shift each chapter. Equally in love with Daniela and Perry. Need more books by Kimani ASAP.
February 25, 2026
This book was a great read in that it her debut novel. (I think) The plot flowed very nicely and I was able to visualize everything as it happened. The love story about the bball player and the ex made it a story that i wanted to read and I couldn’t wait to see what happened between the two it was hot and passionate. Would def read another book by this author.
March 4, 2026
everyone say thank you Kimani Mae <3 I had the incredible privilege of reading this book before it was published, so I know what I'm talking about when I tell you it is PERFECT. Danny and Perry live in my head rent free 24/7. Gorgeous, sweet second-chance romance (one of them was the other's queer awakening back in school and the flashbacks are just AHHH), found family with the team dynamics, cute fake-dating-turned-real-dating, mental health rep (done so so sensitively and compassionately and beautifully), and the TENSIONNNN. Anyways. I ate this up and you will too <3
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