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Not Here to Make Friends
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26Two swimmers under pressure. One trying not to get close to anyone, the other trying to save their beloved camp. And a growing connection between them that makes everything messier.
Ruby Hopkins has had the worst year of her life. Dropped from her high school’s swim team, nearly kicked out of school, and now newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she is waiting for an opportunity to show the world that she can still have a future in the water. When a comeback comes in the form of an intensive summer training camp, she takes it with no hesitation. She just has one rule: no friends, no attachments, no chances to get hurt again.
Eliana Marsh, team captain and rising social media star, is used to the pressure to perform. But behind their bubbly personality, Eliana is wrestling with their gender identity and what it could mean for their career in swimming. When Eliana learns the camp could close if the team does not place at the upcoming championship, they know it’s now or never to help coach the team to a win.
For Eliana’s plan to succeed, they know training one-on-one with Ruby will help both of their times improve. And despite Ruby’s irritability, she agrees, slowly opening herself up to vulnerability that she never expected.
With the championship fast approaching and recruitment season starting, Ruby and Eliana must decide what they are willing to risk, both in and out of the pool.
Ruby Hopkins has had the worst year of her life. Dropped from her high school’s swim team, nearly kicked out of school, and now newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she is waiting for an opportunity to show the world that she can still have a future in the water. When a comeback comes in the form of an intensive summer training camp, she takes it with no hesitation. She just has one rule: no friends, no attachments, no chances to get hurt again.
Eliana Marsh, team captain and rising social media star, is used to the pressure to perform. But behind their bubbly personality, Eliana is wrestling with their gender identity and what it could mean for their career in swimming. When Eliana learns the camp could close if the team does not place at the upcoming championship, they know it’s now or never to help coach the team to a win.
For Eliana’s plan to succeed, they know training one-on-one with Ruby will help both of their times improve. And despite Ruby’s irritability, she agrees, slowly opening herself up to vulnerability that she never expected.
With the championship fast approaching and recruitment season starting, Ruby and Eliana must decide what they are willing to risk, both in and out of the pool.
- GenresYoung Adult
250 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Casey Swain
1 book4 followersCasey Swain is a non-binary librarian and romance writer, author of the forthcoming Young Adult Novel Not Here to Make Friends. Casey lives in Virginia, and when they’re not writing, you’ll find them deep in a reality TV spiral, or adding yet another queer romance to the ever-growing stack on their nightstand.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
I think it was wonderful for a YA book to have main characters that both provided representation with Ruby having a chronic illness (type 1 Diabetes) that has impacted her relationships, her sports, and her mental and physical health; and Eliana who is non-binary and is in the process of coming out. Both of these characters show strength and resilience in the book that follows them as they attend a swim training camp and work towards qualifying for the state championships.
Representation matters and it was good to see this reflected in the story.
There were some parts that just didn't work for me. I found the start of the relationship between Ruby and Eliana not to have a ton of substance, it felt like they both thought each other was cute and that was all that mattered. Now I will say it has been a long time since I was in high school, but with all the other things going on with the characters I had hoped for a bit more.
There was an entire section of the book about saving the camp that they were training at and if anything I found this detracted from the rest of the story line.
As a former competitive swimmer it was good to see the sport represented; however, there were a few areas that didn't work, like a 4X100 relay but where the swimmers were at opposite ends of the pool. It was just a spot where my mind had a bit of a hiccup but might not be noticed by a YA audience.
It was clear in the writing how important it was for the author to show what living with T1D is like, the complications, and the impact on sport and everyday life.
It was an HEA, which I appreciate, and it was an HEA on all aspects for the lead characters lives, but it felt a little rose coloured glasses to me because of how well everything ended for everyone.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital advanced copy to read and I have posted an honest review.
I think it was wonderful for a YA book to have main characters that both provided representation with Ruby having a chronic illness (type 1 Diabetes) that has impacted her relationships, her sports, and her mental and physical health; and Eliana who is non-binary and is in the process of coming out. Both of these characters show strength and resilience in the book that follows them as they attend a swim training camp and work towards qualifying for the state championships.
Representation matters and it was good to see this reflected in the story.
There were some parts that just didn't work for me. I found the start of the relationship between Ruby and Eliana not to have a ton of substance, it felt like they both thought each other was cute and that was all that mattered. Now I will say it has been a long time since I was in high school, but with all the other things going on with the characters I had hoped for a bit more.
There was an entire section of the book about saving the camp that they were training at and if anything I found this detracted from the rest of the story line.
As a former competitive swimmer it was good to see the sport represented; however, there were a few areas that didn't work, like a 4X100 relay but where the swimmers were at opposite ends of the pool. It was just a spot where my mind had a bit of a hiccup but might not be noticed by a YA audience.
It was clear in the writing how important it was for the author to show what living with T1D is like, the complications, and the impact on sport and everyday life.
It was an HEA, which I appreciate, and it was an HEA on all aspects for the lead characters lives, but it felt a little rose coloured glasses to me because of how well everything ended for everyone.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital advanced copy to read and I have posted an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I think I am about a decade older than the intended audience for this book, I found the story to be quite charming. In fact I think this would have been one of my favorite reads had it been out while I was in middle school.
Casey Swain, in their novel debut, writes of two teen swimmers. Ruby, recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and Eliana, questioning their gender and sexuality while running a very popular Instagram. While this book is a romance, it is really a story about acceptance and finding who you are. As the two characters easily embrace who the other is, they learn to genuinely embrace themselves. You can tell Swain has put a lot of love into making this book accurately depict disability, teenage insecurity, and (probably least importantly, but I appreciated it) the world of swimming.
This novel exudes happiness. The characters do go through struggles, but ultimately this book is very fluffy and sweet. While idealistic at times, I really feel like that is exactly the type of book this needed to be. There aren't a ton of sapphic stories where the characters aren't being put through the ringer, especially intended for younger audiences. Let the queer people be happy.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Casey Swain, in their novel debut, writes of two teen swimmers. Ruby, recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and Eliana, questioning their gender and sexuality while running a very popular Instagram. While this book is a romance, it is really a story about acceptance and finding who you are. As the two characters easily embrace who the other is, they learn to genuinely embrace themselves. You can tell Swain has put a lot of love into making this book accurately depict disability, teenage insecurity, and (probably least importantly, but I appreciated it) the world of swimming.
This novel exudes happiness. The characters do go through struggles, but ultimately this book is very fluffy and sweet. While idealistic at times, I really feel like that is exactly the type of book this needed to be. There aren't a ton of sapphic stories where the characters aren't being put through the ringer, especially intended for younger audiences. Let the queer people be happy.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Not Here To Make Friends by Casey Swain
Publication date: August 18th 2026
Thoughts
I really enjoyed this YA read; yes this genre is a hit or miss for me. I loved the concept of this read, the topics handled in this book were very well done, you can tell it hits home for the author, explores athletes who are dealing with identity and health challenges, more specifically T1D, and nonbinary. Despite this being a short quick read, I did feel that it was jumpy in some parts of the plot, I would've liked certain scenes elaborated
Overall this was a cute story and I would recommend
Plot Summary
After a difficult year, Ruby heads to an intensive summer swimming camp determined to prove she still has a future in the sport, keeping everyone at arm's length. Meanwhile, team captain Eliana is struggling with the pressure of competition, their gender identity, and the possibility of the camp closing. As the two begin training together, an unexpected connection grows, forcing them to decide what matters most as the championship draws closer.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC
My Bookstagram
Not Here To Make Friends by Casey Swain
Publication date: August 18th 2026
Thoughts
I really enjoyed this YA read; yes this genre is a hit or miss for me. I loved the concept of this read, the topics handled in this book were very well done, you can tell it hits home for the author, explores athletes who are dealing with identity and health challenges, more specifically T1D, and nonbinary. Despite this being a short quick read, I did feel that it was jumpy in some parts of the plot, I would've liked certain scenes elaborated
Overall this was a cute story and I would recommend
Plot Summary
After a difficult year, Ruby heads to an intensive summer swimming camp determined to prove she still has a future in the sport, keeping everyone at arm's length. Meanwhile, team captain Eliana is struggling with the pressure of competition, their gender identity, and the possibility of the camp closing. As the two begin training together, an unexpected connection grows, forcing them to decide what matters most as the championship draws closer.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC
My Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a really cute YA novel with good representation. The main characters come into who they are throughout the story, and grow with one another to be confident in those identities. The swimming aspect allows for the tackling of intersecting identities for athletes, specifically nonbinary and type 1 diabetic athletes.
Ruby is a T1D swimmer who is working on swimming again after being diagnosed, and Eliana is a queer and nonbinary swimmer who is navigating what it means to come out. They meet at the BATS camp pushing each other to compete better while also getting closer and closer and providing those safe spaces that each other needed.
Overall, it was a quick read, and a good storyline. The author is clearly passionate about the topics they tackled within the story, which I really enjoyed.
I was a little confused at points because it seemed to jump from point to point, without fully flushing out what was happening. I also would’ve enjoyed more character development, cause that also felt a bit rushed. However, it’s definitely worth the read, and perfect for the summer!
Thank you to Casey Swain and BookFunnel for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Ruby is a T1D swimmer who is working on swimming again after being diagnosed, and Eliana is a queer and nonbinary swimmer who is navigating what it means to come out. They meet at the BATS camp pushing each other to compete better while also getting closer and closer and providing those safe spaces that each other needed.
Overall, it was a quick read, and a good storyline. The author is clearly passionate about the topics they tackled within the story, which I really enjoyed.
I was a little confused at points because it seemed to jump from point to point, without fully flushing out what was happening. I also would’ve enjoyed more character development, cause that also felt a bit rushed. However, it’s definitely worth the read, and perfect for the summer!
Thank you to Casey Swain and BookFunnel for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 6, 2026
A strong YA read that encourages younger readers to pursue full, honest lives despite individual hardships. I adored Ruby and Eli and watching their relationship blossom brought me joy. While some areas of the book weren't as fleshed out as I'd like (namely the supporting cast and Ruby's rivalry with her former friends), it is very apparent the author put a lot of care into writing the main characters. This was definitely a book about identity and I think anyone with diabetes, gender dysphoria or just a love of athletics would enjoy the story.
Reading through some of the other reviews, some expressed disappointment at how neatly the story wraps up. Things are a bit convenient, with Eli literally exclaiming that "nobody cares" about them being non-binary. I do think this is a bit dismissive of the struggles gender non-conforming people face in reality. The rest of the ending, however, is good and has a very positive message. As a trans enby, I'm a bit tired of happy endings for queer characters coming with a "but" attached to them. This book has no "but," just queer joy! I loved seeing a wholesome sapphic couple live their dreams and I would love to see more such endings.
Reading through some of the other reviews, some expressed disappointment at how neatly the story wraps up. Things are a bit convenient, with Eli literally exclaiming that "nobody cares" about them being non-binary. I do think this is a bit dismissive of the struggles gender non-conforming people face in reality. The rest of the ending, however, is good and has a very positive message. As a trans enby, I'm a bit tired of happy endings for queer characters coming with a "but" attached to them. This book has no "but," just queer joy! I loved seeing a wholesome sapphic couple live their dreams and I would love to see more such endings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**I received an ARC from the author, but this review reflects my honest opinion.**
This was a cute YA read. The author did a great job in writing these characters. They felt like teenagers just trying to navigate a world that isn't kind to people like them. The topics, T1D/disability and gender identity, were handled well.
As someone who is nonbinary and queer (didn't come out till college), I related to Eli’s character a lot. I understood their need to be true to themself while being full of the fear of losing loved ones and this idea of who you are supposed to be.
I understood Ruby’s frustration at the world, because people can be cruel and ignorant. T1D is lifelong, and it makes navigating life easier when surrounded by people who care and take the time to understand.
This was a cute YA read. The author did a great job in writing these characters. They felt like teenagers just trying to navigate a world that isn't kind to people like them. The topics, T1D/disability and gender identity, were handled well.
As someone who is nonbinary and queer (didn't come out till college), I related to Eli’s character a lot. I understood their need to be true to themself while being full of the fear of losing loved ones and this idea of who you are supposed to be.
I understood Ruby’s frustration at the world, because people can be cruel and ignorant. T1D is lifelong, and it makes navigating life easier when surrounded by people who care and take the time to understand.
July 26, 2026
When I saw the cover of this book, I was immediately hooked! I have been following Casey Swain on Instagram for a few months now eagerly waiting for updates regarding this book. I was so pleased and excited to have received an ARC of this book!
This book was perfect for me. Formatted on Apple Books, the chapters were short and sweet. I prefer lots of short chapters over a handful of long chapters. The dual perspectives was also excellent in seeing the reactions and feelings of both characters.
This book taught me a lot, it helped open me up about diabetics and learn more about the hurdles they face.
The two main characters of this book are powerful and their struggles help build them into the person they are. The character development of this book is so strong and well done.
The romance was satisfying, especially with Ruby’s intent on not making friends. It was so soft and wholesome.
Without spoiling— the final chapter was a *chef’s kiss*!
Team Elby forever!
This book was perfect for me. Formatted on Apple Books, the chapters were short and sweet. I prefer lots of short chapters over a handful of long chapters. The dual perspectives was also excellent in seeing the reactions and feelings of both characters.
This book taught me a lot, it helped open me up about diabetics and learn more about the hurdles they face.
The two main characters of this book are powerful and their struggles help build them into the person they are. The character development of this book is so strong and well done.
The romance was satisfying, especially with Ruby’s intent on not making friends. It was so soft and wholesome.
Without spoiling— the final chapter was a *chef’s kiss*!
Team Elby forever!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just start off by saying this book was absolutely incredible. I loved that the book had a plot that was separate from just the romance (but the romance was also great).Though, I think my favorite part of this book was the T1D representation. As a T1D, this author did an incredible job with accurately representing diabetes, something i have found very rarely. Not only did this author capture the medical side of things but they also covered the mental load and seeing that was so refreshing.
As for the characters, I found them all so lovable. I felt like every character had pieces I could relate to. Additionally the connections between characters were also so beautiful, I loved how they all supported each other no matter what, as friends should.
As for the characters, I found them all so lovable. I felt like every character had pieces I could relate to. Additionally the connections between characters were also so beautiful, I loved how they all supported each other no matter what, as friends should.
July 27, 2026
This was such a sweet and quick read. It’s a short, heartfelt story that feels perfect for summer time. I really enjoyed the themes of self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to yourself. The author clearly put a lot of care into the characters and their individual struggles.
My only hesitation was that some parts of the story felt a little rushed at times. Certain moments and character developments felt like they could have used more time and exploration, as some details were touched on briefly when I would have loved to see them expanded further.
Overall, this was a lovely, cozy read with a lot of heart. While I wanted a little more depth in certain areas, I still appreciated the message of the story and the care the author poured into these characters.
My only hesitation was that some parts of the story felt a little rushed at times. Certain moments and character developments felt like they could have used more time and exploration, as some details were touched on briefly when I would have loved to see them expanded further.
Overall, this was a lovely, cozy read with a lot of heart. While I wanted a little more depth in certain areas, I still appreciated the message of the story and the care the author poured into these characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of the upcoming young adult novel.
Not Here to Make Friends is cute sapphic novel for middle schoolers. It's about two swimmers who train at a summer camp prior to their junior year of high school.
I'm used to reading young adult books targetting a bit older readers (high schoolers) so Not Here to Make Friends was a bit too naive for my adult taste. It was still a cute and sweet and cozy with important messages. Chronic illness, especially in sports, sexuality, gender identity, pressure caused by social media...
I would have loved to read a book like this as preteen or a bit older.
Not Here to Make Friends is cute sapphic novel for middle schoolers. It's about two swimmers who train at a summer camp prior to their junior year of high school.
I'm used to reading young adult books targetting a bit older readers (high schoolers) so Not Here to Make Friends was a bit too naive for my adult taste. It was still a cute and sweet and cozy with important messages. Chronic illness, especially in sports, sexuality, gender identity, pressure caused by social media...
I would have loved to read a book like this as preteen or a bit older.
July 29, 2026
Queer sports books are very much my niche, and I had not yet read (or even really seen) one featuring a character with a chronic illness. I think the way Ruby's diabetes was depicted didn't overshadow her as a person (and an athlete) first, and her character wasn't ever minimized to her illness. Big thank you to Casey Swain for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love this book! Felt like I was right there in camp with them experiencing everything. Love the representation and diversity. So important! This book blends swimming, queerness, friendships, chronic illness, and more seamlessly together for a great read!
August 4, 2026
This book is cozy and encouraging and illustrates a perfect message of identity, acceptance and friendship, especially for young readers. Not Here to Make Friends is a knockout of a debut novel and i can’t wait to read more from Casey Swain in the future!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews