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The Sterling Cup: A Spicy Sapphic Rom-Com
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 3, 2026
3.25 ⭐
Since this is the author's debut novel, I really wanted to give it a fair chance, and while it didn't completely work for me, I definitely came away thinking this author has a lot of potential.
My biggest issue was, unfortunately, one of the main characters.
I actually had a lot of fun with the childhood rivals to lovers setup. At first, I was convinced Aspen and Maddy had some kind of romantic history because the tension between them was that good. Turns out I was completely wrong, but I still enjoyed watching their dynamic unfold.
Aspen completely stole my heart.
She was sweet, patient, funny, and honestly just an all-around dream girl. Every chapter made me love her a little bit more.
Maddy, on the other hand... we just never clicked.
Even by the end, after she started letting her guard down, I still struggled to connect with her. She spent so much of the story emotionally closed off that she often came across as dry and self-centered to me. Because of that, the romance never fully worked for me. It constantly felt like Aspen was giving far more of herself than Maddy ever was.
Aspen was the one chasing after Maddy, making the effort, and practically spelling out how she felt, while Maddy stayed painfully oblivious for what felt like forever. By the time she finally realized her feelings, she'd already hurt Aspen enough that I honestly didn't find myself rooting for them anymore. I just kept thinking Aspen deserved someone who could love her with the same openness and devotion she gave everyone else, and I never fully believed Maddy became that person.
I also wasn't a huge fan of how Maddy treated the people around her, especially her mother. If there had been a stronger reason behind that resentment, I probably would've understood it more, but I never felt like the story justified her attitude. It came across as unnecessarily immature, and I found myself wishing she'd given her mother even a little bit of grace.
The funny thing is, I don't even think it's because she's an ice queen. I actually love that type of character when it's done well. I just never felt like I got enough access to Maddy's softer, more vulnerable side to truly understand her.
Thankfully, Aspen's family made up for a lot. I adored seeing her with her niece, Maisie, which is saying something because children in books usually aren't my favorite. Maisie was genuinely adorable, though, and every scene with her put a smile on my face. Jake was another highlight. He brought such a warm energy to the story, and his interactions with Maddy helped soften some of her rougher edges.
Even though this one wasn't quite for me, I'm still really excited to see what this author writes next. For a debut, the writing already feels confident and sharp, and I honestly think there's a good chance I'll end up loving one of her future books much more than this one.
Since this is the author's debut novel, I really wanted to give it a fair chance, and while it didn't completely work for me, I definitely came away thinking this author has a lot of potential.
My biggest issue was, unfortunately, one of the main characters.
I actually had a lot of fun with the childhood rivals to lovers setup. At first, I was convinced Aspen and Maddy had some kind of romantic history because the tension between them was that good. Turns out I was completely wrong, but I still enjoyed watching their dynamic unfold.
Aspen completely stole my heart.
She was sweet, patient, funny, and honestly just an all-around dream girl. Every chapter made me love her a little bit more.
Maddy, on the other hand... we just never clicked.
Even by the end, after she started letting her guard down, I still struggled to connect with her. She spent so much of the story emotionally closed off that she often came across as dry and self-centered to me. Because of that, the romance never fully worked for me. It constantly felt like Aspen was giving far more of herself than Maddy ever was.
Aspen was the one chasing after Maddy, making the effort, and practically spelling out how she felt, while Maddy stayed painfully oblivious for what felt like forever. By the time she finally realized her feelings, she'd already hurt Aspen enough that I honestly didn't find myself rooting for them anymore. I just kept thinking Aspen deserved someone who could love her with the same openness and devotion she gave everyone else, and I never fully believed Maddy became that person.
I also wasn't a huge fan of how Maddy treated the people around her, especially her mother. If there had been a stronger reason behind that resentment, I probably would've understood it more, but I never felt like the story justified her attitude. It came across as unnecessarily immature, and I found myself wishing she'd given her mother even a little bit of grace.
The funny thing is, I don't even think it's because she's an ice queen. I actually love that type of character when it's done well. I just never felt like I got enough access to Maddy's softer, more vulnerable side to truly understand her.
Thankfully, Aspen's family made up for a lot. I adored seeing her with her niece, Maisie, which is saying something because children in books usually aren't my favorite. Maisie was genuinely adorable, though, and every scene with her put a smile on my face. Jake was another highlight. He brought such a warm energy to the story, and his interactions with Maddy helped soften some of her rougher edges.
Even though this one wasn't quite for me, I'm still really excited to see what this author writes next. For a debut, the writing already feels confident and sharp, and I honestly think there's a good chance I'll end up loving one of her future books much more than this one.
August 4, 2026
We highly recommend checking out The Sterling Cup if you’re looking for a fun rivals-to-lovers sapphic romance. The story follows Aspen, who’s been secretly in love with Maddie since high school. Now an accomplished physical therapist, Aspen is reunited with Maddie, a driven Type A TV producer who has no idea Aspen has been carrying those feelings all these years.
The witty banter, lingering glances, and undeniable chemistry keep the tension high from beginning to end. Add in two hilarious families and plenty of heart, and you’ve got the perfect feel-good summer read. We can’t wait to see where the story goes in Book 2!
The witty banter, lingering glances, and undeniable chemistry keep the tension high from beginning to end. Add in two hilarious families and plenty of heart, and you’ve got the perfect feel-good summer read. We can’t wait to see where the story goes in Book 2!
August 3, 2026
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a romance where years of unresolved feelings are wrapped up in sharp banter and just enough stubbornness to make you want to lock the characters in a room together.
The Sterling Cup by @brefowlerauthor delivers exactly that.
Maddy and Aspen spend so much of the story pretending they’re only competing with each other that it’s obvious to everyone else what’s really happening. Every sarcastic comment, snort, grin and reluctant moment of teamwork chips away at the walls they’ve built over fifteen years. 📸📚
“I swear to God if you chop chop me again, I’m going to chop chop your head off.”
🧡🤍🩷 Go on meet Maddy and Aspen
When the spice hits… It’s explosive
Oh and that ending… Tease
The Sterling Cup by @brefowlerauthor delivers exactly that.
Maddy and Aspen spend so much of the story pretending they’re only competing with each other that it’s obvious to everyone else what’s really happening. Every sarcastic comment, snort, grin and reluctant moment of teamwork chips away at the walls they’ve built over fifteen years. 📸📚
“I swear to God if you chop chop me again, I’m going to chop chop your head off.”
🧡🤍🩷 Go on meet Maddy and Aspen
When the spice hits… It’s explosive
Oh and that ending… Tease
August 11, 2026
Really enjoyable, an excellent debut!
This was wonderful! An excellent story, lovable characters, and solid writing. I also appreciated how tropes and story beats were handled.
Mild spoilers: While I'm not usually a fan of third act breakups, I don't mind them as much when characters act consistently, they communicate (to some degree), and the logic holds. With those factors, I didn't feel the usual frustration.
As for negatives, the only thing that comes to mind is that it would have benefited from another editing pass, for grammar/formatting/typos. That said, it is in far, far better shape than many books I've read on KU—especially for a debut novel!
I look forward to the second book in this series! The setup for it was handled well in this one.
This was wonderful! An excellent story, lovable characters, and solid writing. I also appreciated how tropes and story beats were handled.
Mild spoilers: While I'm not usually a fan of third act breakups, I don't mind them as much when characters act consistently, they communicate (to some degree), and the logic holds. With those factors, I didn't feel the usual frustration.
As for negatives, the only thing that comes to mind is that it would have benefited from another editing pass, for grammar/formatting/typos. That said, it is in far, far better shape than many books I've read on KU—especially for a debut novel!
I look forward to the second book in this series! The setup for it was handled well in this one.
August 10, 2026
Excellent Debut
Honestly, I was bowled away by this author's first novel. It's exceedingly difficult for a romance to be light and yet still emotionally driven, but this nailed it. I was impressed by the engaging dialogue, chemistry between the two MCs, and just how honest the story felt. No dramatic villains trying to backstab someone or the angst of prolong miscommunication. The misunderstandings felt real, and how they were handled made sense and fit the characters. I'm definitely looking forward to more books, and I appreciate the author for writing the best book I've read in a while.
Honestly, I was bowled away by this author's first novel. It's exceedingly difficult for a romance to be light and yet still emotionally driven, but this nailed it. I was impressed by the engaging dialogue, chemistry between the two MCs, and just how honest the story felt. No dramatic villains trying to backstab someone or the angst of prolong miscommunication. The misunderstandings felt real, and how they were handled made sense and fit the characters. I'm definitely looking forward to more books, and I appreciate the author for writing the best book I've read in a while.
August 18, 2026
I picked up The Sterling Cup not really knowing much about it other than thinking the blurb sounded cute, and this ended up being such a fun read! I loved Aspen and Maddie’s dynamic, but Aspen’s hidden feelings and all that yearning and tension really (REALLY) got me. I felt for her SO much and was rooting hard for her the entire time. There’s just something about watching someone try to keep all those feelings tucked away while I’m sitting there like “PLEASE JUST KISS HER” that gets me every time. And honestly, I kind of want an invite to the Sterling Cup now 😂 An annual family tradition that’s basically an Olympics-style weekend of games and friendly competition sounds like so much fun, and I loved reading all of those scenes. The whole crew made it even better because there were so many fun personalities thrown together and just the right amount of chaos. I genuinely laughed out loud multiple times while reading. For a debut, Bre Fowler absolutely gave me a good time with this one, and I’m excited to see what comes next! Solid 4.5 ⭐️
August 9, 2026
I've had The Sterling Cup on my TBR for awhile now, and I'm so glad that I moved it to the top of the list.
Do you call it a second chance when the leads haven't ever been together? Something that can be debated, but for me, this is a second chance, rivals to lovers romance for Aspen and Maddy.
Aspen has lusted after Maddy since high school, she'd watched her (not in a creepy way), and learned what she liked, but then she started dating the too sweet quarterback, which never ended her fantasies, but had a large impact on her reality.
Maddy left Coronado right after high school, and hasn't been back in fifteen years. We don't learn why until much later in the story (which I'm not going to spoil) but when she comes back there are bridges to mend after disappearing without a word to her friends, or Aspen who she always saw as her rival.
Aspen and Maddy are thrown together to prepare for The Sterling Cup, a multi family multi event challenge that has been going on for years. This brings abut the forced proximity and only one bed tropes, and you can only imagine how that brings them...shall we say closer.
I liked the ridiculousness of the challenges and Maddy's over the top mother, she was such an interesting and infuriating character.
The characters are all so well developed that I really felt that I knew them, I think they could all be mapped to people we know.
Aspen is such a wonderful person, I immediately connected with her and could understand her love of Maddy, who is so imperfectly perfect.
I encourage everyone to read the preface, it really provides insight into why this contest is important to the author and how it became formative in their life.
Do you call it a second chance when the leads haven't ever been together? Something that can be debated, but for me, this is a second chance, rivals to lovers romance for Aspen and Maddy.
Aspen has lusted after Maddy since high school, she'd watched her (not in a creepy way), and learned what she liked, but then she started dating the too sweet quarterback, which never ended her fantasies, but had a large impact on her reality.
Maddy left Coronado right after high school, and hasn't been back in fifteen years. We don't learn why until much later in the story (which I'm not going to spoil) but when she comes back there are bridges to mend after disappearing without a word to her friends, or Aspen who she always saw as her rival.
Aspen and Maddy are thrown together to prepare for The Sterling Cup, a multi family multi event challenge that has been going on for years. This brings abut the forced proximity and only one bed tropes, and you can only imagine how that brings them...shall we say closer.
I liked the ridiculousness of the challenges and Maddy's over the top mother, she was such an interesting and infuriating character.
The characters are all so well developed that I really felt that I knew them, I think they could all be mapped to people we know.
Aspen is such a wonderful person, I immediately connected with her and could understand her love of Maddy, who is so imperfectly perfect.
I encourage everyone to read the preface, it really provides insight into why this contest is important to the author and how it became formative in their life.
September 2, 2026
Congratulations on the debut novel!!
I understood Maddy’s pain on losing her dad. I lost mine 10 years ago. I enjoyed the banter between the two main MC’s. I loved the slow burn. Slow burn is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the side characters. Jake calling everyone Wendy. 🤣🤣 I honestly could have read a few more paragraphs of Jake calling Noa’s dates Wendy.
Now my dislikes. If I took a shot for every time I read the word smirk, I would have alcohol poisoning. I really wished Aspen would have talked about her past relationship and how the leaving affected her. Not only the relationship, but her mom leaving as well. I felt like those were two big milestones in her life. The book overview stated Aspen flirted with Maddy all four years in high school. There were no past scenes and from what it sounded like, they hardly spoke to each other at school.
Aspen was way too forgiving with Maddy. I won’t spoil it, but yeah Aspen should have made Maddy for work for it. Lastly the ending was disappointing. To me the final chapter just didn’t fit. I really wanted an epilogue.
I understood Maddy’s pain on losing her dad. I lost mine 10 years ago. I enjoyed the banter between the two main MC’s. I loved the slow burn. Slow burn is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the side characters. Jake calling everyone Wendy. 🤣🤣 I honestly could have read a few more paragraphs of Jake calling Noa’s dates Wendy.
Now my dislikes. If I took a shot for every time I read the word smirk, I would have alcohol poisoning. I really wished Aspen would have talked about her past relationship and how the leaving affected her. Not only the relationship, but her mom leaving as well. I felt like those were two big milestones in her life. The book overview stated Aspen flirted with Maddy all four years in high school. There were no past scenes and from what it sounded like, they hardly spoke to each other at school.
Aspen was way too forgiving with Maddy. I won’t spoil it, but yeah Aspen should have made Maddy for work for it. Lastly the ending was disappointing. To me the final chapter just didn’t fit. I really wanted an epilogue.
July 23, 2026
⭐️ 4.25! This was my first experience with a sapphic romance and I rank this pretty high with some of the seasoned greats of contemporary romance. Especially for a debut novel. This story had all the things- Grumpy x Sunshine, yearning, second chance, forced proximity, one bed, long distance loyalty, grief and healing, found family.
I instantly loved Aspen and was rooting for her from the very beginning. I had a little harder time connecting with Maddy but, give her a chance! If the cardinal at the end doesn’t make you cry, you don’t have a heart. ❤️ I’m itching to get to know the side characters more! Marion is next and I hope we get to read Jake and Chloe’s story too 😍
Bre’s writing is strong and confident, it’s obvious this story is in her heart. I can’t wait to see her continue to grow.
I instantly loved Aspen and was rooting for her from the very beginning. I had a little harder time connecting with Maddy but, give her a chance! If the cardinal at the end doesn’t make you cry, you don’t have a heart. ❤️ I’m itching to get to know the side characters more! Marion is next and I hope we get to read Jake and Chloe’s story too 😍
Bre’s writing is strong and confident, it’s obvious this story is in her heart. I can’t wait to see her continue to grow.
July 5, 2026
A Solid Debut
I really enjoyed this debut book by new author Bre Fowler. It had everything I love in a romance novel, anticipation, family dynamics, friendships and of course romance. I can’t wait to read more of the Coronado series.
I really enjoyed this debut book by new author Bre Fowler. It had everything I love in a romance novel, anticipation, family dynamics, friendships and of course romance. I can’t wait to read more of the Coronado series.
August 31, 2026
Fun and quirky read!
Please keep writing! For a debit novel, this has been an incredible read. I was hooked on the storyline and characters, and I love that we had actual detailed character development. I can’t wait to see your next book and how you grow as an author.
Please keep writing! For a debit novel, this has been an incredible read. I was hooked on the storyline and characters, and I love that we had actual detailed character development. I can’t wait to see your next book and how you grow as an author.
August 12, 2026
Okay , this book is sooo good !!
August 15, 2026
Absolutely loved it!!
I couldn't put it down!! And I cannot wait until the next book!! You would never know this book is Ms. Fowler's debut novel!!
I couldn't put it down!! And I cannot wait until the next book!! You would never know this book is Ms. Fowler's debut novel!!
August 31, 2026
Really loved Aspen and Maddy's storie. The chemistry between them was off the charts. Bre really captured my attention with her writing. Can't wait for the next one.
September 2, 2026
For a debut novel, this was great! it’s a solid story and romance. Will be re-reading!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews