Rebound Play: A Sapphic Sports Romance

by Sasha Brennan

A season threatening injury. The lingering effects of a past relationship. One summer to heal from it all.

Naomi Saiki is finally putting herself first. Putting down roots? Check. Making bold career moves? Check. Reclaiming her hobbies? Double check. When Lucy, 31, stands her up on her reluctant first foray back into dating, she’s able to brush it off…right up until Lucy turns up at her wheelchair basketball club and doesn’t even recognise her. Naomi has no time for the selfish, impulsive, and chronically late Lucy, especially when she has the audacity to smirk after catching Naomi checking her out. But then she makes her laugh, and Naomi’s hard edges begin to soften. Naomi had sworn off dating, but when temptation walks through the door like she owns the place, who is Naomi to resist?

Lucy Adams isn’t happy if she’s not moving forward. Injury rocks her identity and casts doubt over her basketball career. She tries wheelchair basketball and struggles – with no help from the irritatingly sexy club captain, who gives her the cold shoulder. Determined to prove the snarky Naomi wrong, Lucy goes on a charm offensive, which leads to hopeless romantic Lucy dreaming of more than just flirting at training.

But dreams are easily shattered. With their pasts haunting them and their basketball dreams on the line, they'll have to decide whether love is worth the risk.

Rebound Play is a contemporary enemies-to-lovers sapphic sports romance, with ADHD and disabled main characters, found family, and choosing growth over fearful inertia.

Genres: Lesbian

321 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2026

About the author

Sasha Brennan loves cats, coffee, and creativity (and alliteration, apparently). Never far from her keyboard, she loves writing down to earth sapphic romances that feel like eating a box of chocolates next to a warm fire; it's just that, sometimes, that fire might get a little out of control. Sasha is proudly queer and neurodivergent, and this is reflected in her writing. To find out more, visit her website www.sashabrennan.com or connect with her on social media @sashabrennanauthor

Reviews

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

This the first book by Sasha Brennan I’ve read, but I’ve had two of her books on my TBR. Rebound Play did not disappoint. I read this quickly so I do feel like that hinders my judgement a little on the pacing. Lucy herself says that she falls hard and fast. This is definitely true when it comes to Naomi as well. But I do feel like it was realistic. I am usually more of a slow burn girlie but this worked for me.

I loved the representation that we had with Naomi’s disability and Lucy’s ADHD. I found myself relating to both MCs in terms of how Lucy falls hard and how Naomi is terrified of getting her heart broken again. Both are likeable characters and their banter, even in the beginning is witty and wonderful.

The reason for the “third act break up of sorts” was a little petty to me. One of the MCs jumps to conclusions and while the reasoning she gives to call it quits is valid, it doesn’t apply to the situation and if her goofy self wouldn’t have jumped to worst case scenario, this could’ve been avoided. But again, here is me seeing myself in Lucy.

It wrapped up nicely and I am so excited to read the other books in the series! This was a solid 4 stars!a

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested from the start. I think the basketball setting is working more for me in this book than the first in the adjacent series. The slowly becoming friends is also working.
Naturally one main makes a decision the other doesn’t think is good for her….. this is particularly relevant after a previous boundaries conversation. Very well set up by the writer! I internally cheered at the outcome of the decision!…… Now just for the mains to get back on the same page…..
They get on the same page and I am happy!

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to Sasha Brennan for this ARC and I am happily sharing my honest review.

I was stoked to get my hands on the third installment of the courting Blizzards series, a fun and wonderfully entertaining sapphic romance series rooted in basketball. I found Rebound Play to be a lovely addition to the series and was a ton of fun to read. This romance lovingly features disabled main characters and I loved it. I can't say that I've read any sapphic romance where a character is wheelchair bound. I appreciated this unique representation and greatly enjoyed the book. Rebound Play is a fun play on enemies to lovers and is a warm and heartfelt sapphic love story.

Naomi and Lucy were so much fun to get to know and even more fun to watch fall for each other. Naomi has her guards up in her sport of wheelchair basketball and in life. She is strong, structured and a formidable opponent out on the court. She is all heart at her core and being blown off by Lucy on a date she was reluctant to make to begin with hurts her. This definitely sets up the early friction between Naomi and Lucy. I liked the feisty enemies' energy but was happy that it didn't last all that long and the girls were able to build on their initial spark. Lucy has a lot on her plate. She is reeling from injury and her future in basketball, something that has been a priority in her life, has been thrown into question. She is an equal mix of energy and impulsivity and I appreciated her representation of ADHD. I don't know a lot about ADHD and did a smidge of googling to better understand Naomi and it paid off. Reading her internal thoughts made me appreciate her struggle much more once I researched ADHD.

I loved the back and forth between Naomi and Lucy! Their spark was there right away and that gave way to some pretty electric chemistry. Both women have good intentions and big hearts but are flawed and can get in their own ways. I could totally identify with that and their vulnerabilities, insecurities and flaws is what made me love them both. It was great to watch their connection build and their feelings grow, almost without their permission. Naomi and Lucy sort of jump into a physical relationship that become a friends with benefits arrangement because I felt like they were both too scared to go for something real. I very much enjoyed the spicy bits as they were damn hot and very well written. But also, I could see how the physical gave way to the emotional and it was a joy to read. It surprised me that Lucy is the one to sort of fall first while Naomi was reluctant to give in to something more substantial. I was glued to every page and couldn't wait for things to progress. Brennan does make me wait but it was well worth it because when Lucy and Naomi finally get to a place of truth and depth, I believed in them. I was rooting for them from the get go but believing in the longevity of their relationship felt really good. When I begin to care about the characters, as I did with Lucy and Naomi, it makes my heart smile to believe that somewhere off in the sapphic romance universe , they live on in happy relationship bliss.

I never forgot that this was indeed a sports romance as the wheelchair basketball aspect was definitely highlighted. It was really cool actually because I didn't know a thing about wheelchair basketball but quickly learned that it is highly competitive, action packed and super entertaining. I really liked the energy the basketball scenes brought and the team dynamics. They truly are like a family and it made me wish that I'd ever had any athletic talent whatsoever in my life lol!

The writing was, once again, really good. Brennan's writing style really resonates with me and makes for a fun read. The prose is easy to read and straightforward but doesn't lack emotion. There is so much heart in this book and that is infused in the characters and throughout the storyline. There are some highs and lows in the book but never a dull moment. The dialogue between Lucy and Naomi is wonderful and very effective at demonstrating the growth between our girls. The banter is full of sexy tension and a ton of subtext. Their initial snark is exciting and gives way to much more vulnerability and emotion over time. The pacing is done to perfection and depicts organic growth and a realistic progression. Life is messy and so was this story. There was an immediate spark that grew into so much more between Lucy and Naomi but there was turbulence. It took some time and work, along with some bumps and bruises for them to get on the same page. It didn't come easy and that's what kept my rapt attention. Nothing worth having ever comes easy.

Overall, this was a fun read about sports romance with real stakes and real emotion. Brenan does a fantastic job in disability representation. It is highlighted in a way that made me smile and have a newfound respect for the characters. Rebound Play has a little of everything from the competitiveness of the game to the messiness of real life. But at the center of everything is a wonderfully deep and deliciously sweet love story between two strong and incredible women. I very much enjoyed this fun take on enemies to lovers and definitely recommend it. If you enjoy a high stakes, emotional and character driven sapphic romance, you will love this.

[Kristin H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the ARC! All thoughts are my own. Full disclaimer, this is the first book of this series that I read.

I immediately jumped on this ARC because I love seeing a story set in Cardiff, a place I have lived for many years myself, and the disability rep. Granted, the location played little part in the story, but the disability rep didn't disappoint!!
Rebound Play follows certified golden retriever Lucy and black cat Naomi. This is one of my favorite relationship dynamics, and I was super excited when this crystallized in the story. I liked the premise of Lucy forgetting their first date as a setup and the tension it promised for the rest of the story.

This book really delivered on its promise to be a sports romance! Wheelchair basketball plays a huge part, a sport I knew very little about but now have gained all the more appreciation for. I love how the author described the play sequences and the team dynamic of the Comets, and I enjoyed that Naomi initially gave Lucy a hard time over being her forgetful self without that ever having felt cruel.
Their relationship progresses steadily to a friends with benefits situationship. The smut was really well written.
I could understand and emphasize with the conflict of the second half and liked seeing how Naomi's trauma from a past, toxic relationship affected her; it really showed how stubborn and self determined she is as a character, and standing her ground on boundaries, well intentioned or not, made perfect sense to me.
Naomi definitely is my favorite character alongside Zara and Asha. I love how it was never discussed why exactly she was using a wheelchair and her physical disability was just treated as a neutral fact, something she didn't love or hate about herself while still exploring some of the difficulties that come with lack of accessibility and the stares of able-bodied people. It's refreshing to read about characters who are just allowed to be disabled without it being their whole personality or conflict. Lucy's ADHD was very realistically written and her injury was well handled too I thought, balancing the frustration of missing out on playing the running game with a lot of appreciation for wheelchair basketball without ever belittling it, even before she learned how hard it was.

Besides our main couple, there's a lovable sapphic supporting cast. The two couples from the first books make appearances, especially Asha and Sonia; their characters and relationship was enjoyable without having read their story, but I'm sure fans of the series will appreciate seeing them even more! I'll be sure to read their books too.

While this story had some diversity overall, especially when it comes to disability, it did stand out to me that the only time someone's skin color was described, it was Asha's, the only Black character in the story (I assume). Naomi's Japanese heritage wasn't mentioned until fairly late (unless I missed it before), and that is it in terms of defining a characters ethnicity. It felt a little like "White is the default" which, to be fair, isn't all that wrong in Wales statistically speaking, but only specifying when someone isn't White is a book ick of mine.

Overall this was a cute, low-stakes story. I would have loved to see a few more emotional bonding moments between Lucy and Naomi to be able to really root for them as a couple, not just as individuals, but while their relationship felt somewhat surface level still when they for back together (and thank god for that adult conversation), their happily ever after feels earned and I hope we get to see more of them in Zara's and Olivia's book that I'm very excited about.

[The Sapphic Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨Huge thank you to Sasha Brennan for this ARC of Rebound Play! All opinions are my own. Grab a copy when it comes out on April 29th!✨

I was intrigued by Lucy from the moment she showed up in tis series, so when the chance to read her story came along, I didn’t hesitate to dive in. And honestly? She didn’t disappoint…chaos and all 😉

One thing Brennan consistently does well in this series is her portrayal of neurodivergence. Rebound Play is another excellent execution on her part. Seeing Lucy’s ADHD from the inside (her harsh internal monologue, her impulsivity, the gap between intention and impact) was raw and honest in a way that felt true rather than performative. The fact that Lucy accidentally stands Naomi up on their first date isn’t played for cheap conflict. It’s a foreshadowing of exactly the kind of tension that will follow, and it works. Lucy is relatable in that specific, sometimes painful, way where you wince because you get it.

The handling of Naomi’s experience as a wheelchair user was another standout in this book. I loved that wheelchair basketball was the default here. Naomi was in her element, dominating on the court, and it was the “running game” that got treated as the alternative. That framing felt intentional and refreshing. The moments of prejudice Naomi navigates are woven throughout, both subtly and overtly. Lucy’s arc as someone temporarily disabled by an injury, who gradually comes to understand Naomi’s reality, gave those moments real weight. As Lucy learned, so did we.

The chemistry between Naomi and Lucy is hot and heavy, and watching Lucy fall hard and fast while their friends-with-benefits situation quietly imploded was deeply entertaining (and at times 💔). Both characters have a habit of jumping to conclusions, and the tension that creates in their situationship feels earned rather than manufactured. What I appreciated most is that neither of them magically fixes their baggage by the end. They’re works in progress, and the resolution reflects that. Commitment to growth rather than a neat bow to tie everything up.

My one real critique is that there were a noticeable amount of typos and errors that pulled me out of the story on occasion. The storytelling is absolutely there, but I think the book could’ve used more time at the proofreading stage. I’m hopeful that future editorial passes will clear the way for the writing to shine in the way it deserves.

TLDR: A warm, funny, and emotionally resonant enemies(?)-to-friends-to-lovers with two characters you’ll want to root for despite (and because of) their disasters. The representation here is some of Brennan’s best work!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebound Play is part of the Courting Blizzards series but can be read as a standalone. So far this is my favorite book of the series. There was great ADHD and disabled representation In this enemies to lovers sapphic sports romance. I was fully invested in the characters and the emotional payoff was believable and rewarding.

Lucy plays for the newly commercial basketball team the Blizzards. When she has an ankle injury that forces her to be sidelined for several weeks she decides to give wheelchair basketball a try. Despite the learning curve she doesn’t give up and finds she enjoys being active again. What she didn’t expect, when she showed up to learn her new sport, was running into Naomi, someone she met on a dating app and had accidentally stood up.

Naomi is finally getting her life back together after the break up with her fiancé Luke. After moving around several times for Luke’s job aspirations she refused to move anymore and is settling down in Cardiff. She is captain of the Comets, a wheelchair basketball team and is a freelance videographer. She decides to put herself out there and matches with Lucy on a dating app. When Lucy fails to show up for the date she deletes the app and swears off dating. She definitely wasn’t expecting Lucy to show up at a Comets training session and she’s not thrilled to see her.

As the captain of the Comets, Naomi reluctantly shows Lucy the ropes and soon they are spending a lot of time together. After Lucy explains her struggles with ADHD Naomi forgives her for standing her up. They have an undeniable attraction that Lucy wants to pursue with reckless abandon, but Naomi is more cautious and unsure she is ready for a relationship. They fall in and out of bed together but haven’t defined their relationship. The closer Lucy tries to get the more Naomi pulls away.

Rebound Play is a mildly angsty contemporary sports romance with disability rep. I enjoyed how the characters were well developed and likable, each with their own strengths and struggles. This was a quick read for me and I finished it in two sittings. I really enjoyed it and recommend anything Sasha Brennan writes. Thank you for the ARC.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebound Play is the third book in the Courting Blizzards series by Sasha Brennan. This installment is another standalone in the series with minor spoilers for previous novels. As always, the author strikes a great balance between basketball and romance, so that the technical details are not overwhelming for folx who don't typically follow the sport.
The main characters are likable. I particularly like Lucy's butch exterior with soft and squishy insides.
Both found families and biological families offer solid support. The two love interests begin with a missed opportunity and a second chance, which leads to an enemies-to-lovers slow burn and a third-act breakup.
I was not all in on the breakup as it was a bit frustrating, but I am giving the MCs the benefit of the doubt as they were coming from clouded trauma-induced responses, even though it felt a bit excessive in the moment.
I really liked their spicy moments. The two had great chemistry.
I enjoyed seeing characters of differing abilities being presented as strong, successful individuals, and I appreciated the insight into wheelchair basketball.
There is notable disability and WOC rep, and both main characters have lovely biological families.

Quoteworthy:
"Lucy placed a hand on Naomi’s knee, closing the circuit and allowing electricity to flow through them uninhibited."

#Cardiff #Wales #pysiotherapist #basketball #wheelchair #promotionalfilmcreator #ADHD #disabilityrep #slowburn #foundfamily #supportivefamily #enemiestolovers #missedopportunity #secondchance #thirdactbreakup #sports #differeingabilities #HEA #epilogue #spicy #kitchencountersex #toxicex #butchfemme #WOC
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lucy, sweet, hectic, forgetful Lucy. She's the eternal optimist, always falling for someone well before they have feelings for her. She ends up getting hurt a few times, but always keeps her head up.

Naomi, our reticent, careful introvert. After having been second to her previous partner's career, she's finally putting herself first. While she's hesitant to start anything, she can't deny the pull she feels.

Our ladies start off on the wrong foot when Lucy misses a date she had set up with Naomi, which makes Naomi decide to put off dating again.

Watching Lucy struggle at the beginning of wheelchair basketball was rough, but she persevered and started to get it together. Naomi is a firm but friendly guidance she needed.

Honestly, the banter and chemistry between Lucy and Naomi was everything. From the teasing at training, to the sultry comments in the car, to them *finally* getting their heads out of their arses.

This was a joy to read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommend that you check out the entire Courting Blizzards series!

[Sapphic Literary Society · Rating 4 out of 5]

💗 The journey from a disastrous first date between Lucy and Naomi to a second chance that neither of them expected. Watching their connection grow as they decide to go with the flow makes the inevitable falling in love feel completely earned and satisfying.

✨ Naomi wants to dislike Lucy after being stood up, and her frustration feels real and justified. But despite herself, she can’t ignore the chemistry between them, and that tension adds such a compelling push and pull to their dynamic.

🌿 Both Lucy and Naomi are navigating vulnerable moments in their lives, dealing with heartbreak and injury. Their growth, both individually and together, and the way they slowly lower their guard adds real emotional depth.

🏀🎥 What makes their story even more special is watching them fall in love while doing what they love. The sports setting isn’t just a backdrop. It plays a key role in how they connect, heal, and rebuild their confidence, making their relationship feel even more authentic and grounded.

[Kasley.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I like most about Sasha Brennan is how diverse her characters are. I had the chance to read every book from The Courting Blizzards series so far, and each one features some rep. I think that’s awesome, especially when it’s well done.

It’s exciting when you meet a character in the previous installments, and you get to read their story, to discover their struggles, and to follow their journey. In Lucy’s case, her journey into recovery.
I totally relate to her. With a brain that jumps quickly into conclusions and a tendency to run when things get uncomfortable, I get her reactions.
Naomi was great. I loved the disability rep and how it impacts not only day-to-day life but also the perception of others.
It was exciting to see how things would go between them, especially after such a bad start.

I enjoyed Rebound Play, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series

[Wes McGie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Courting Blizzards series. This book adds a new love interest to a current Blizzards player. Lucy, having been hurt in a Blizzards basketball game, is now rehabbing her ankle. She also tries dating, but with her ADHD, she misses a blind date she had. She attends a wheelchair basketball club, and lo and behold, her snubbed blind date is the star player of that team, Naomi. Meet cute this is not! I loved the dynamic between these two as they work to overcome their past dating issues and figure out how to trust each other and their feelings. It’s not easy. As in the previous book in the series, this book does a wonderful job depicting a neurodivergent character, but it also does a great job illustrating being a disabled person in an able-bodied world. I learned so much about wheelchair basketball too. I highly recommend this book as much as I did the first two. I can’t wait for more.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader for this author, I have read every book on this series and loved them all! It is rare to read sapphic sports romance with disabled MC, and this book did a brilliant job on it! I really enjoyed the friends to lovers story and learnt a few things about wheelchair basketball. Lucy's ankle injury led her to the wheelchair basketball team, while she fell for the beautiful and quiet Naomi instantly. Naomi was barely recovering from her painful breakup and didn't want to jump into another relationship so soon. Lucy's charm and unconditional support melt Naomi's heart, and they had a much deserved HEA. I like the diversity of this book, Naomi's family from Japan and Lucy's loving relationship with her step Dad and half siblings. Overall a sweet and heartwarming love story that lingers long after the last page.

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy and Naomi was supposed to go on a date, but Lucy's ADHD made her gorget about the date. Which is very bad luck for her, but also for Naomi. When they meet though, Lucy is not at her best, seeing that she had an injury that now prevents her from playing her favorite sport. When she compensates and goes to play wheelchair basketball, just to keep the game fresh for her, she meets Naomi there, and she is instantly drawn to her. Naomi is equally drawn to Lucy, and slowly her walls crumble and they get together.
That is the best thing that could have happened for either woman.
I can't wait to read the next book.

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

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for some genuine laughs, but also prepare for moments that will absolutely tug at your heartstrings. This tale is packed with both humor and profound emotion, and it just leaves you feeling wonderfully hopeful and uplifted.

Seriously, if you're looking for something to brighten your day and give you a boost of positivity, you absolutely have to check this out!

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

[MS J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series so far. Rebound play just adds another great story.
Sasha writes characters that are facing challenges. Nothing is perfect, but her characters don't quit and grow through the story being weaved. It's a plus they are set in the UK and are sport based. This time wheelchair basketball gets the headline.

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another phenomenal story I loved the main characters their chemistry shined throughout but their own struggles were described with so much depth making you feel apart of their life's my favourite by far, i couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations

[Johnni Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this spicy sports story; the whole series has been wonderful! The author does not disappoint in this sidestep away from the Blizzards team. The story comes together and makes me look forward to the next book with anticipation.

[Steve Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from the series, and I think Sasha did a good job with it.
I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the series. Highly recommend! :)

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The look into the sport of wheelchair basketball really sets this one apart.

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great nod to wheelchair basketball and ADHD and falling in love. Great read