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Squad Goals #1
Hot by Halloween
Summer may be over, but she's ready to bring the heat.
When her boyfriend shattered her universe last spring, Addy convinced herself that if only she were a little hotter, then she could have kept him. Which is why her senior year goal is to get revenge.
Step one: Join the swim team and get seriously fit.
Step two: Find some gorgeous new arm candy to take to ex's big Halloween party and make him crazy with jealousy.
Step three: Try not to fall super hard for said arm candy.
Gray Turner is a California transplant with goals of his own: get the swim team to regionals, get the scholarship he needs, and get out of this town. Too bad some girl with zero swim skills just joined the team. Private lessons seem like a good idea...until lessons start to feel like something more.
Addy and Gray started the season with specific plans, but falling for one another wasn't one of them.
When her boyfriend shattered her universe last spring, Addy convinced herself that if only she were a little hotter, then she could have kept him. Which is why her senior year goal is to get revenge.
Step one: Join the swim team and get seriously fit.
Step two: Find some gorgeous new arm candy to take to ex's big Halloween party and make him crazy with jealousy.
Step three: Try not to fall super hard for said arm candy.
Gray Turner is a California transplant with goals of his own: get the swim team to regionals, get the scholarship he needs, and get out of this town. Too bad some girl with zero swim skills just joined the team. Private lessons seem like a good idea...until lessons start to feel like something more.
Addy and Gray started the season with specific plans, but falling for one another wasn't one of them.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2019
91 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bucher
19 books74 followersJessica Bucher is a Young Adult author living in Texas with her husband and children. Her first book, The Hereafter, was published in 2016. When she’s not writing, editing, or chasing her kids, she can be found scrolling through Facebook or planning her next travel adventure.
Get to know Jessica more and join her launch group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21743...
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Get to know Jessica more and join her launch group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21743...
Follow updates and exclusives by subscribing here: http://eepurl.com/div4lv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 17, 2019
3.5
Firstly, for anyone out there worried about the whole 'becoming hot to take revenge on a guy' thing- I don't think you should be worried. While it is a part of the storyline, it's not focused on too much, and Addy's swimming definitely turns into something for herself rather than for Mitch.
The development of the relationship between Addy and Gray seemed very organic and I loved the journey. Another relationship I loved was the one between Addy and Max, her brother. They tease each other a lot but when push comes to shove, you know they'd be there for each other. The only quote I highlighted throughout the book (I almost never highlight) was around this relationship, actually.
Overall, Hot by Halloween is a cute read which I couldn't put down, and I would definitely recommend it!
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, for anyone out there worried about the whole 'becoming hot to take revenge on a guy' thing- I don't think you should be worried. While it is a part of the storyline, it's not focused on too much, and Addy's swimming definitely turns into something for herself rather than for Mitch.
The development of the relationship between Addy and Gray seemed very organic and I loved the journey. Another relationship I loved was the one between Addy and Max, her brother. They tease each other a lot but when push comes to shove, you know they'd be there for each other. The only quote I highlighted throughout the book (I almost never highlight) was around this relationship, actually.
Max gave me his version of a hug which was to graciously offer me a chip before shrugging his shoulders and heading back down to the den.
Overall, Hot by Halloween is a cute read which I couldn't put down, and I would definitely recommend it!
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2019
Such a cute feel good read. It has the right amount of romance, friendship, and that feeling of looking into your own life and appreciating what you have. I love when a book makes you think while you read it while also giving you warm fuzzies along the way.
I loved the characters and the amount of depth the author was able to pack into the book. They feel like they could be sitting right next to me.
I cant wait to follow more of the stories that will follow and i hope i will get to see more of Addy and Gray along the way!
I loved the characters and the amount of depth the author was able to pack into the book. They feel like they could be sitting right next to me.
I cant wait to follow more of the stories that will follow and i hope i will get to see more of Addy and Gray along the way!
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October 15, 2021me after reading this book:
I actually bought the ebook for this on accident bc I misclicked something, but committed to reading it instead of trying to undo my mistake bc I am not a coward. While this book was very generic and kind of boring, it was honestly a lot better than I expected and, overall, not an unpleasant read.
I actually bought the ebook for this on accident bc I misclicked something, but committed to reading it instead of trying to undo my mistake bc I am not a coward. While this book was very generic and kind of boring, it was honestly a lot better than I expected and, overall, not an unpleasant read.
September 17, 2019
At first when I read the summary of the book, I was afraid that the story would be too focused on the "being hot" aspect of the story. That wasn't the case at all! I actually really enjoyed these characters and the story was so much more!
Our main character Addy is still trying to get over her ex-boyfriend. After being together for two years, it's hard. Her squad has a habit of setting goals for every school year. I really loved this idea and it was fun reading about the goals they had in the past. It's great seeing friends keep a tradition going like that. Even if the goals could be a bit out there at times, haha. Addy wants to make her ex jealous by getting hot before Halloween and finding someone to make him jealous with.
I think my favorite part of her friendship with Lucy in Nora is how from the start they told her she was already hot. They supported her goals, but told her multiple times from the beginning that she was already hot. Friendships like this are really important and it was nice to see that in Squad Goals.
Gray just moved from California and it's important to him to have a good spot on the swimming team. It's really important to him and his only way to really pay for his dream college. He's been through a lot so he's a bit distant when first starting school and is only focused on swimming and getting a scout to see him.
This book is filled with humor, sweet moments and it's a fast and fun read. These characters feel genuine. Even though this book is predictable, that's not a bad thing. I loved seeing Gray and Addy grow closer even when it goes with some bumps in the road. Their connection was just there and the romance didn't feel forced.
Besides the romances, both characters really grow during this story. Gray starts opening himself up to others and realizes he'll get there when working hard enough. Addy realizes her ex is an ex for a reason and can make peace with that. I loved that even though she wasn't good at something, she really worked at it. Her goals changed a bit during the months while working at them, but she definitely accomplished a lot.
If you're looking for a fun, sweet and quick read, definitely pick this one up. I loved that Halloween was a part of this book, but it can definitely be read at any time. I loved the side characters and hope that a few of them will get their own story! And I have to say it didn't even feel like two authors wrote this book. It flowed really well and the writing was amazing!
Our main character Addy is still trying to get over her ex-boyfriend. After being together for two years, it's hard. Her squad has a habit of setting goals for every school year. I really loved this idea and it was fun reading about the goals they had in the past. It's great seeing friends keep a tradition going like that. Even if the goals could be a bit out there at times, haha. Addy wants to make her ex jealous by getting hot before Halloween and finding someone to make him jealous with.
I think my favorite part of her friendship with Lucy in Nora is how from the start they told her she was already hot. They supported her goals, but told her multiple times from the beginning that she was already hot. Friendships like this are really important and it was nice to see that in Squad Goals.
Gray just moved from California and it's important to him to have a good spot on the swimming team. It's really important to him and his only way to really pay for his dream college. He's been through a lot so he's a bit distant when first starting school and is only focused on swimming and getting a scout to see him.
This book is filled with humor, sweet moments and it's a fast and fun read. These characters feel genuine. Even though this book is predictable, that's not a bad thing. I loved seeing Gray and Addy grow closer even when it goes with some bumps in the road. Their connection was just there and the romance didn't feel forced.
Besides the romances, both characters really grow during this story. Gray starts opening himself up to others and realizes he'll get there when working hard enough. Addy realizes her ex is an ex for a reason and can make peace with that. I loved that even though she wasn't good at something, she really worked at it. Her goals changed a bit during the months while working at them, but she definitely accomplished a lot.
If you're looking for a fun, sweet and quick read, definitely pick this one up. I loved that Halloween was a part of this book, but it can definitely be read at any time. I loved the side characters and hope that a few of them will get their own story! And I have to say it didn't even feel like two authors wrote this book. It flowed really well and the writing was amazing!
September 28, 2019
Every year Addy and her two friends set what they call "squad goals" at the end of Summer before the new school year begins. Addy is still recovering from the breakup of her boyfriend Mitch as they had been dating for two years and now he dumped her for someone whom Addy thinks is hotter than she is. Now her goal for this year is to be Hot by Halloween and win Mitch back. In order to get in shape, she joins the swim team. This would have been perfect but Addy doesn't know how to swim and thinks freestyle swimming is where she can make up her own swim style. Enter Gray Turner, he's the new guy at school as his dad left his family to move in with a new one and now he and his mother have moved to the middle of nowhere. Gray now needs the scholarship to go to college and his strong suit is swimming, the thing here though is their team here isn't as competitive as his old one and they let anybody in including Addy. As the story goes along, we read as Addy in return for her picking Gray up for school, etc he gives her free swimming lessons. We all know what's going to happen though as Addy starts to fall for Gray but her heart is divided as she still wants Mitch back. What will happen though when she is faced with the decision? Will the guy she really wants, want her when he discovers her Squad Goals book which made it out like she was using him as arm candy? Can Addy prove to Gray that she has changed from the Summer and beginning of the year? Find out in this fun cutesy Tween Novel which is perfect for girls aged 11-12+ and while you are reading it, have a think of what your Squad Goals or as we call them here New Years Resolutions would be?
June 22, 2025
3,75⭐️!!
October 27, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I daresay that I read it without any judgements. And for me, at this stage, it is of extreme importance as I just cannot handle all the drama surrounding high school romance anymore. But I seriously loved this book and below are the reasons for it:
1. It had sports in it.
2. For once, I cannot define this book in any categories (which is hard to find these days).
3. I did not include any romance between popular girl/boy and unpopular boy/girl. More like they were pretty much known in their own circle of friends.
4. I liked both the characters equally which is saying something. And actually not only the main characters but everyone in this book because each one had something to look forward to (except Freddy).
5. I loved the fact that the best friends had something sacred between them.
6. I liked the whole basic theme of this story!
Now that I have given my list of the reasons why I liked this book, I'll give a brief description of this book.
So basically, we have this group of three best friends who make a squad goal for each year with the aim of fulfilling it. At the beginning of the senior year of their high school, Addy decides to make 'Hot By Halloween' as her squad goal (to make her ex boyfriend regret breaking up with her - which she realises at the end shouldn't be her squad goal). She joins the school swim team to have a hot bod (I know the aim is not that appreciative but it works for me because dude, swimming does make you more fit). Here, she meets Gray who is a new student and literally lives swimming. He badly wants to get a scholarship to move out of Minnesota. And thus the story begins with two of them having very different objectives of being in the swim team but finally finding a common ground to be with each other.
And that's how the story progresses and it does get more interesting after that. What made this book even more nice was the fact that I like the determination that these characters have in this book. That's something I'll never get tire of.
So I give this book 4.5 stars for all the goodness it gave me!
I daresay that I read it without any judgements. And for me, at this stage, it is of extreme importance as I just cannot handle all the drama surrounding high school romance anymore. But I seriously loved this book and below are the reasons for it:
1. It had sports in it.
2. For once, I cannot define this book in any categories (which is hard to find these days).
3. I did not include any romance between popular girl/boy and unpopular boy/girl. More like they were pretty much known in their own circle of friends.
4. I liked both the characters equally which is saying something. And actually not only the main characters but everyone in this book because each one had something to look forward to (except Freddy).
5. I loved the fact that the best friends had something sacred between them.
6. I liked the whole basic theme of this story!
Now that I have given my list of the reasons why I liked this book, I'll give a brief description of this book.
So basically, we have this group of three best friends who make a squad goal for each year with the aim of fulfilling it. At the beginning of the senior year of their high school, Addy decides to make 'Hot By Halloween' as her squad goal (to make her ex boyfriend regret breaking up with her - which she realises at the end shouldn't be her squad goal). She joins the school swim team to have a hot bod (I know the aim is not that appreciative but it works for me because dude, swimming does make you more fit). Here, she meets Gray who is a new student and literally lives swimming. He badly wants to get a scholarship to move out of Minnesota. And thus the story begins with two of them having very different objectives of being in the swim team but finally finding a common ground to be with each other.
And that's how the story progresses and it does get more interesting after that. What made this book even more nice was the fact that I like the determination that these characters have in this book. That's something I'll never get tire of.
So I give this book 4.5 stars for all the goodness it gave me!
Want to read
October 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/29/2019)! 🎁
October 15, 2020
It was a cute clean young adult romance, but still with hot sparks of romantic chemistry between the hero and heroine. There was depth and character growth, and some coming of age issues in your last year of high school, but it still wasn't heavy. So a perfect relaxing escape read for me between heavier titles during my fall vacation. It is a standalone title, but I became so invested in the heroine's BFF's lives and intrigued by Simon one of the other side characters that I went ahead and purchased the next title.
Language: No profanity.
Sensuality content: Clean. Kisses only.
Source: Personal purchased library.
Language: No profanity.
Sensuality content: Clean. Kisses only.
Source: Personal purchased library.
September 7, 2019
I loved that this was a quick and easy read. It has Halloween in the title but it’s a good book to read anytime.
I really enjoyed the characters and the character development that was shown. It’s a high school romance with some drama but it was still relatable. I loved that the MC didn’t give up on her swimming or on her friends.
I enjoyed the side characters just as much as the main characters. In the beginning I wasn’t a big fan of Gray but as the story went on I really liked him and thought he was a great guy. I felt like the ending was kind of predictable but I read a lot of YA romances so it could just be me. I'm curious to see what happens to Gray and Addy in the future and with college.
I’m excited to see what comes next since this is hinted as a series and it left me with some questions at the end.
I really enjoyed the characters and the character development that was shown. It’s a high school romance with some drama but it was still relatable. I loved that the MC didn’t give up on her swimming or on her friends.
I enjoyed the side characters just as much as the main characters. In the beginning I wasn’t a big fan of Gray but as the story went on I really liked him and thought he was a great guy. I felt like the ending was kind of predictable but I read a lot of YA romances so it could just be me. I'm curious to see what happens to Gray and Addy in the future and with college.
I’m excited to see what comes next since this is hinted as a series and it left me with some questions at the end.
September 30, 2019
3.5/5
Just the book I needed at the moment: a cute, fresh and addictive YA Romance and such a cozy Autumn read.
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much of the plot revolved around sport instead of around the romance (although there are plenty of adorable moments too!). The main characters have a lot of chemistry and you can really root for them. I only wish the secondary characters were a bit more fleshed out.
Just the book I needed at the moment: a cute, fresh and addictive YA Romance and such a cozy Autumn read.
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much of the plot revolved around sport instead of around the romance (although there are plenty of adorable moments too!). The main characters have a lot of chemistry and you can really root for them. I only wish the secondary characters were a bit more fleshed out.
September 16, 2020
A line from the book -
“Don’t try to quit on me again. Coaching a loser is one thing a quitter is another.”
What an entertaining, light read - this was cute. Gray and Addy are schoolmates. This is their love story with a lot of swimming.
The writing was exciting and clean. The friendship goals of Addy were so cool. A classic high school romance which was good. Go, give this book a read.
“Don’t try to quit on me again. Coaching a loser is one thing a quitter is another.”
What an entertaining, light read - this was cute. Gray and Addy are schoolmates. This is their love story with a lot of swimming.
The writing was exciting and clean. The friendship goals of Addy were so cool. A classic high school romance which was good. Go, give this book a read.
September 4, 2019
I really enjoyed Squad Goals: Hot by Halloween.
The plot meshes this positive vibe amidst some relationship puzzles. I liked the characters and the writing style. Not that its advertising yet, but I suspect this will be a series that will be fun to follow.
I'd summarize SGHBH as refreshing, endearing and genuine.
The plot meshes this positive vibe amidst some relationship puzzles. I liked the characters and the writing style. Not that its advertising yet, but I suspect this will be a series that will be fun to follow.
I'd summarize SGHBH as refreshing, endearing and genuine.
September 16, 2019
Squad Goals: Hot by Halloween is the first book in a new series by M.F. Lorson and Jessica Bucher. It was a sweet, very well written YA romance. I liked it very much. Can't wait to read the next book.
September 18, 2019
This was such a cute, feel good teen romance. If you're looking for a fun, sweet romance that has great characters and is easy to read then this is for you.
I actually can't wait to continue on in the series and see what's happening with the other characters.
I actually can't wait to continue on in the series and see what's happening with the other characters.
October 14, 2019
Loved this book Trying to get into shape to show up her ex because she thought she wasn’t good enough. Life doesn’t always work that way. Don’t miss out.
March 18, 2020
Rating: A plastic pumpkin full of candy
Summary: Addy gets it into her head that her ex dumped for for not being hot enough, so she joins the swim team to get fit and find a new guy to make him jealous. Meanwhile, Gray needs to make a big enough splash to nab a college swim scholarship but finds himself distracted by the girl he's tutoring in swimming.
Would you read more from this series? I have, in fact, already read the entire thing. :)
If you're cringing over the premise of this book, ie that a teen girl decides she needs to be hotter to make her ex jealous, it might help to know that the response of everyone who learns of this goal is to tell her something along the lines of, "You're already hot! But swimming will make you healthier and it's good to try new things, so I'll support you."
This is the first book in the Squad Goals series, although it was the second one I read. Overall, I loved the series, although this wasn't my favorite of the three. Every school year, each girl in the squad trio makes a personal goal for the year. They then divide the year into three parts and assign each goal a time frame. Next they focus as a group on helping the current girl achieve her goal. The first book has Addy saying her goal is to be hot by Halloween. Her steps to this include joining the swim team and finding a new guy so the old one will see them together and regret what he gave up.
The plot is a classic sports romance. Girl meets boy. They help each other get better at their sport. They fall in love. There's a misunderstanding and everything comes to a head a big sports event. It worked really well for me.
There is a lot to admire about Addy. While the whole "I must get hot!" mission is questionable, what is certain is that it takes bravery for her to join the swim team for her senior year when she's never swam competitively before. And she really throws her whole heart into getting decent at the sport when it would have been very easy to give into the pressure to quit. She also does a great job of helping Gray learn that you can be serious about a sport without being uptight about it. And she shows a lot of development over the course of the story, both as a swimmer and as a human being.
Gray, who shares narration duties, is also highly likable. He's a general good guy who is trying to take care of his divorced mom while getting enough attention at swim meets that colleges will send scouts. He just moved to town and he's upset at the start of our story by how uncompetitive his new team is, especially new girl Addy, who is apparently bad enough to bring down the entire team's scores. At first, he wants to get Addy to quit, but he quickly shifts to mentoring her instead, trying to make her a strong enough swimmer that she can hold her own. His main flaw is taking everything way too seriously, but he works on it over the course of the novel.
The Squad is also an important element. They're Abby and her two best friends. Both they and their families play strong supporting roles and I really appreciated how dedicated the girls were to building each other up. And, like I said, they supported Abby's swimming while reminding her repeatedly that she didn't need to be "hotter" let alone be "hotter" to get at her ex, but that it was awesome she was going out and doing something new and challenging. Seeing them waving their signs in the stands cheering their friend on made me smile every time.
This book was a fun read that I recommend to those who enjoy a good sports romance. I also recommend the entire series as a positive example of female friendship.
For the notes I took while reading, you can visit my blog at https://andyreadsthings.blogspot.com/...
Summary: Addy gets it into her head that her ex dumped for for not being hot enough, so she joins the swim team to get fit and find a new guy to make him jealous. Meanwhile, Gray needs to make a big enough splash to nab a college swim scholarship but finds himself distracted by the girl he's tutoring in swimming.
Would you read more from this series? I have, in fact, already read the entire thing. :)
If you're cringing over the premise of this book, ie that a teen girl decides she needs to be hotter to make her ex jealous, it might help to know that the response of everyone who learns of this goal is to tell her something along the lines of, "You're already hot! But swimming will make you healthier and it's good to try new things, so I'll support you."
This is the first book in the Squad Goals series, although it was the second one I read. Overall, I loved the series, although this wasn't my favorite of the three. Every school year, each girl in the squad trio makes a personal goal for the year. They then divide the year into three parts and assign each goal a time frame. Next they focus as a group on helping the current girl achieve her goal. The first book has Addy saying her goal is to be hot by Halloween. Her steps to this include joining the swim team and finding a new guy so the old one will see them together and regret what he gave up.
The plot is a classic sports romance. Girl meets boy. They help each other get better at their sport. They fall in love. There's a misunderstanding and everything comes to a head a big sports event. It worked really well for me.
There is a lot to admire about Addy. While the whole "I must get hot!" mission is questionable, what is certain is that it takes bravery for her to join the swim team for her senior year when she's never swam competitively before. And she really throws her whole heart into getting decent at the sport when it would have been very easy to give into the pressure to quit. She also does a great job of helping Gray learn that you can be serious about a sport without being uptight about it. And she shows a lot of development over the course of the story, both as a swimmer and as a human being.
Gray, who shares narration duties, is also highly likable. He's a general good guy who is trying to take care of his divorced mom while getting enough attention at swim meets that colleges will send scouts. He just moved to town and he's upset at the start of our story by how uncompetitive his new team is, especially new girl Addy, who is apparently bad enough to bring down the entire team's scores. At first, he wants to get Addy to quit, but he quickly shifts to mentoring her instead, trying to make her a strong enough swimmer that she can hold her own. His main flaw is taking everything way too seriously, but he works on it over the course of the novel.
The Squad is also an important element. They're Abby and her two best friends. Both they and their families play strong supporting roles and I really appreciated how dedicated the girls were to building each other up. And, like I said, they supported Abby's swimming while reminding her repeatedly that she didn't need to be "hotter" let alone be "hotter" to get at her ex, but that it was awesome she was going out and doing something new and challenging. Seeing them waving their signs in the stands cheering their friend on made me smile every time.
This book was a fun read that I recommend to those who enjoy a good sports romance. I also recommend the entire series as a positive example of female friendship.
For the notes I took while reading, you can visit my blog at https://andyreadsthings.blogspot.com/...
January 30, 2021
Spanish & English Opinion :: 4🍭🍭🍭🍭
ESP ::
Me encantan las series de Sweet YA Romance. Este libro es el perfecto inicio de la historia de 3 amigas que están haciendo metas para su último año de prepa.
Addy es encantadora. Es muy chistosa, tiene la parte teen de superficialidad y un poco de inmadurez pero es bien intencionada y linda.
Gray es un bombón. Poco a poco encuentra en Addy cualidades que le hacen imposible ser indiferente hacia ella.
Conocemos también a Nora, Lucy, Max y Simon, quienes parece que tendrán papeles importantes en los siguientes libros. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
ENG ::
I’m a fan of Sweet YA romance series, and this book is the perfect introduction for this one. It’s about three friends that are making goals for their senior high school year and how it works.
Addy is charming. She’s funny and has this awkward sometimes superficial streak that is common for teenagers, yet she’s genuinely nice and she’s not trying to be mean or hurtful.
Gray is a darling. He has his own story and at the beginning he definitely cannot see Addy’s charm, but little by little he will discover all the beautiful qualities she has, making it impossible to reman indifferent towards her.
We also get to know Nora, Lucy, Simon and Max. They seem to be key characters in the other books👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
ESP ::
Me encantan las series de Sweet YA Romance. Este libro es el perfecto inicio de la historia de 3 amigas que están haciendo metas para su último año de prepa.
Addy es encantadora. Es muy chistosa, tiene la parte teen de superficialidad y un poco de inmadurez pero es bien intencionada y linda.
Gray es un bombón. Poco a poco encuentra en Addy cualidades que le hacen imposible ser indiferente hacia ella.
Conocemos también a Nora, Lucy, Max y Simon, quienes parece que tendrán papeles importantes en los siguientes libros. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
ENG ::
I’m a fan of Sweet YA romance series, and this book is the perfect introduction for this one. It’s about three friends that are making goals for their senior high school year and how it works.
Addy is charming. She’s funny and has this awkward sometimes superficial streak that is common for teenagers, yet she’s genuinely nice and she’s not trying to be mean or hurtful.
Gray is a darling. He has his own story and at the beginning he definitely cannot see Addy’s charm, but little by little he will discover all the beautiful qualities she has, making it impossible to reman indifferent towards her.
We also get to know Nora, Lucy, Simon and Max. They seem to be key characters in the other books👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
November 5, 2024
Well-rounded high school book
This is a super-cute high school book. I haven’t been in high school for a long time, though I’m around some high schoolers regularly. I can just feel the angst I often witness in this story. It’s actually not overly angsty, but it it is certainly funny! I laughed out loud multiple times, which does make me love a book. :)
I loved Gray & Addy. After a rough start, their friendship really grew in a neat way. The secondary characters of Max, Addy’s brother; Nora & Lucy, Addy’s best friends; Simon & others on the swim team are developed pretty well. Add in the challenges of learning and being on a swim team, and you’ve got a well-rounded book. I do not usually read this genre, so I’m not sure how it compares to other books in this category, but I enjoyed it.
My rating is five stars for a high school rom-com.
This is a super-cute high school book. I haven’t been in high school for a long time, though I’m around some high schoolers regularly. I can just feel the angst I often witness in this story. It’s actually not overly angsty, but it it is certainly funny! I laughed out loud multiple times, which does make me love a book. :)
I loved Gray & Addy. After a rough start, their friendship really grew in a neat way. The secondary characters of Max, Addy’s brother; Nora & Lucy, Addy’s best friends; Simon & others on the swim team are developed pretty well. Add in the challenges of learning and being on a swim team, and you’ve got a well-rounded book. I do not usually read this genre, so I’m not sure how it compares to other books in this category, but I enjoyed it.
My rating is five stars for a high school rom-com.
April 3, 2020
First of I listen to this book and I loved the narration. There was no annoyed part about narrator and the story didn’t make me cringe or anything.
I loved addy from the beginning. I thought she was wacky and funny. I loved the squad goals theory and can’t wait to hear about her friends. I loved her brother Max and how close they where. I looking forward to his story with her best friend as I think that where or heading.
Gray for me at first I wasn’t so keen at all but Tanya did a good voice for him. He just seemed too full of himself but not in a way I liked. I ended up liking him in the end and I did love what he did for his mam. The only reason 4 star was I just couldn’t get to like him from beginning and I need that!
I loved addy from the beginning. I thought she was wacky and funny. I loved the squad goals theory and can’t wait to hear about her friends. I loved her brother Max and how close they where. I looking forward to his story with her best friend as I think that where or heading.
Gray for me at first I wasn’t so keen at all but Tanya did a good voice for him. He just seemed too full of himself but not in a way I liked. I ended up liking him in the end and I did love what he did for his mam. The only reason 4 star was I just couldn’t get to like him from beginning and I need that!
September 27, 2023
This was a fun young adult listen. The narrator did a great job bringing this to life. I really felt like the Addy & Gray were telling me the story. And it is only one narrator! Addy has a goal to join the swim team and get fit. Then she will bring the hottest arm candy to the Halloween party. Turns out she is not very good. Gray's only focus is swimming. He is given the assignment to help Addy. They butt heads and are the last ones you'd think to fall for each other. But spending time together let's them get to know each other. This was a great enemies to lovers story. It was also full of lessons that a person of any age could benefit from. I don't want to spoil anything. But its a must read/listen for young adult innocent romance fans. Especially teenagers.
May 7, 2021
Fun read
This was a fun listen for me. I enjoyed the characters and the banter that happens throughout the story between our main characters and her friends. The story had a lighthearted vibe to it that the narrator did a great job of bringing to life. I loved the friendship between the 3 girls and they way that they supported each other through the book. This was just a fun story.
This was a fun listen for me. I enjoyed the characters and the banter that happens throughout the story between our main characters and her friends. The story had a lighthearted vibe to it that the narrator did a great job of bringing to life. I loved the friendship between the 3 girls and they way that they supported each other through the book. This was just a fun story.
September 19, 2020
Short and sweet. Very cutesy high school romance. Slow burn with the expected HEA. Addy was adorable, naive, and just slightly shallow. Gray is stereotypical hot new guy that is her perfect revenge in a washboard ab package. You don't get virtually any really background about either main characters which is kind of to be expected in high school age books. Good read.
October 9, 2020
Super sweet, clean read with a HEA.
I was hesitant at first because I hate when books are based around women changing themselves for/because of a man. In this book however, that realty wasn't a main point and it worked with the rest of the story line.
Addy & Gray are adorable together, and their personal and relationship growth throughout the story was great.
I was hesitant at first because I hate when books are based around women changing themselves for/because of a man. In this book however, that realty wasn't a main point and it worked with the rest of the story line.
Addy & Gray are adorable together, and their personal and relationship growth throughout the story was great.
June 5, 2022
Very cute
Very cute book. I was smiling a lot throughout it. Easy to read and the characters were.relatsble. I liked.not the author wemt.in between the two characters so you get both of their thoughts and views. Looking forward to reading more.
Very cute book. I was smiling a lot throughout it. Easy to read and the characters were.relatsble. I liked.not the author wemt.in between the two characters so you get both of their thoughts and views. Looking forward to reading more.
September 21, 2019
Terrific, G-rated, YA, sports romance
Just before the beginning of her senior year, Addy Altman participates in an annual ritual with the “squad,” a coterie of herself and her two best friends, Nora and Lucy. They each set a goal for the year. This time around, Addy’s goal is to become so hot by Halloween, that her ex-boyfriend Mitch will rue the day that he dumped her last spring for another girl, after two whole years of dating. Addy’s plan doesn’t include a complete makeover. She already knows how to do her hair and makeup and dress well, and she doesn’t need to lose weight. But she wants to become more healthy, with a toned, fit body, and she decides the best way to do that is to join the school swim team. The second part of her plan is to find a gorgeous boy to date, because she is positive that would drive Mitch crazy with jealousy.
Gray Turner was forced to leave behind all his friends and a championship swim team in California, where he had an excellent chance of earning an athletic scholarship to his first-choice school, the University of California at Berkeley. He had to move because his recently divorced mother received a job offer as a nurse at a rural hospital in a town in Minnesota so small, its swim team is a farce. Anyone who wants to can join the team, even if they can barely swim. A major case in point is a girl his age named Addy. She is an utter novice who is hopelessly clueless as to what is required to swim competitively.
If Gray can’t get to regionals, he has zero chance of being seen by a university scout and winning a sports scholarship, which is his only chance to pay for college and get out of this dumpy town and back to his real home, in sunny California. But since the coach refuses to cut anyone from the team, realistically Gray is left with only two options: Convince Addy to voluntarily drop out of the team, or give her lessons so she can greatly improve her performance.
Unfortunately, it becomes immediately apparent that there is no way that Addy will quit the team. She may be a dud at swimming, but she is stubborn as a mule and absolutely refuses to give up. Lessons it will have to be.
This is a delightful, G-rated version of a classic romance plot, “enemies to lovers.” The premise initially sounds like this story will involve another tried-and-true romance formula, the makeover plot. I was delighted to discover, however, that the makeover in this book is not the classic one, which involves going to a salon and getting a fancy hairdo and makeup tips and buying a bunch of stylish clothes. Instead, the makeover in this story is approached from a health angle, eating a better diet and getting fit. Since anything to do with a healthy lifestyle is virtually never a focus of YA novels, I found it a delightful change to encounter it in this story.
Poor Gray has had a very rough row to hoe, with a bum of a father and seemingly losing all he holds dear when transplanted to Minnesota. However, he has a wonderful, loving and supportive mother, whom he is very close with. And it is a pleasure to read how he and Addy slowly progress from adversaries to friends as he helps her improve her swimming skills. Addy’s sunny disposition brings Gray out of the doldrums, and Gray’s expertise in swimming allows Addy to gain a great sense of confidence and competence as she drastically improves her swimming skills.
I love a romantic relationship where the two partners amplify each other, inspiring each other to grow and change in really positive ways. This couple is all of that and more. The fact that in personality they are opposites provides many humorous and also many poignant moments in this extremely appealing story.
I love the swim team plot, both Addy’s dedication to becoming a better swimmer, and her emotional support of Gray, which helps him to achieve a vital, personal goal of his own as a swimmer.
I also enjoyed the subcharacters, including especially Addy’s quirky younger brother, her two friends, and Gray’s mother.
I particularly appreciated that, in the long-time tradition of adult romance novels, this book alternates between the point of view of both protagonists. This approach allows the reader to deeply get to know Gray, who is a very sympathetic hero.
My only slight complaint with this novel is that I wish the epilogue had been set farther in the future, rather than only a few weeks after the end of the story. I would have liked to find out what happened to Addy and Gray after they graduated from high school.
Overall, this is one of the best YA books I’ve read this year. I am hoping this is the first book in a trilogy, and there will be a Squad Goals book for each of Addy’s two best girlfriends. There is a strong hint in this book that one of Addy’s friends may form a romance with Addy’s brother, who is 13 months younger than Addy. What a fun twist on the adult-romance-novel “cougar” plotline that would be!
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Swimming Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Just before the beginning of her senior year, Addy Altman participates in an annual ritual with the “squad,” a coterie of herself and her two best friends, Nora and Lucy. They each set a goal for the year. This time around, Addy’s goal is to become so hot by Halloween, that her ex-boyfriend Mitch will rue the day that he dumped her last spring for another girl, after two whole years of dating. Addy’s plan doesn’t include a complete makeover. She already knows how to do her hair and makeup and dress well, and she doesn’t need to lose weight. But she wants to become more healthy, with a toned, fit body, and she decides the best way to do that is to join the school swim team. The second part of her plan is to find a gorgeous boy to date, because she is positive that would drive Mitch crazy with jealousy.
Gray Turner was forced to leave behind all his friends and a championship swim team in California, where he had an excellent chance of earning an athletic scholarship to his first-choice school, the University of California at Berkeley. He had to move because his recently divorced mother received a job offer as a nurse at a rural hospital in a town in Minnesota so small, its swim team is a farce. Anyone who wants to can join the team, even if they can barely swim. A major case in point is a girl his age named Addy. She is an utter novice who is hopelessly clueless as to what is required to swim competitively.
If Gray can’t get to regionals, he has zero chance of being seen by a university scout and winning a sports scholarship, which is his only chance to pay for college and get out of this dumpy town and back to his real home, in sunny California. But since the coach refuses to cut anyone from the team, realistically Gray is left with only two options: Convince Addy to voluntarily drop out of the team, or give her lessons so she can greatly improve her performance.
Unfortunately, it becomes immediately apparent that there is no way that Addy will quit the team. She may be a dud at swimming, but she is stubborn as a mule and absolutely refuses to give up. Lessons it will have to be.
This is a delightful, G-rated version of a classic romance plot, “enemies to lovers.” The premise initially sounds like this story will involve another tried-and-true romance formula, the makeover plot. I was delighted to discover, however, that the makeover in this book is not the classic one, which involves going to a salon and getting a fancy hairdo and makeup tips and buying a bunch of stylish clothes. Instead, the makeover in this story is approached from a health angle, eating a better diet and getting fit. Since anything to do with a healthy lifestyle is virtually never a focus of YA novels, I found it a delightful change to encounter it in this story.
Poor Gray has had a very rough row to hoe, with a bum of a father and seemingly losing all he holds dear when transplanted to Minnesota. However, he has a wonderful, loving and supportive mother, whom he is very close with. And it is a pleasure to read how he and Addy slowly progress from adversaries to friends as he helps her improve her swimming skills. Addy’s sunny disposition brings Gray out of the doldrums, and Gray’s expertise in swimming allows Addy to gain a great sense of confidence and competence as she drastically improves her swimming skills.
I love a romantic relationship where the two partners amplify each other, inspiring each other to grow and change in really positive ways. This couple is all of that and more. The fact that in personality they are opposites provides many humorous and also many poignant moments in this extremely appealing story.
I love the swim team plot, both Addy’s dedication to becoming a better swimmer, and her emotional support of Gray, which helps him to achieve a vital, personal goal of his own as a swimmer.
I also enjoyed the subcharacters, including especially Addy’s quirky younger brother, her two friends, and Gray’s mother.
I particularly appreciated that, in the long-time tradition of adult romance novels, this book alternates between the point of view of both protagonists. This approach allows the reader to deeply get to know Gray, who is a very sympathetic hero.
My only slight complaint with this novel is that I wish the epilogue had been set farther in the future, rather than only a few weeks after the end of the story. I would have liked to find out what happened to Addy and Gray after they graduated from high school.
Overall, this is one of the best YA books I’ve read this year. I am hoping this is the first book in a trilogy, and there will be a Squad Goals book for each of Addy’s two best girlfriends. There is a strong hint in this book that one of Addy’s friends may form a romance with Addy’s brother, who is 13 months younger than Addy. What a fun twist on the adult-romance-novel “cougar” plotline that would be!
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Swimming Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
March 21, 2020
4/5 Stars
Addy is heartbroken after her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her. His new girlfriend is apparently super hot, so Addy decides to get hot by Halloween. Gray has recently moved into town and is just trying to get through his senior year, with possibly getting a swim scholarship. Addy joins the swim team to help with her goal, with Gray becoming her trainer since she has never competed before.
This ended up being a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Addy's complete lack of self worth really turned me off and I honestly hated the goals she set for herself. I mean, the wording wasn't horrid-join a sport to get fit and make her ex jealous- but in her mind it was just so she could be hot since she didn't believe she was simply due to her ex started dating someone right away. And the fact that her friends went along with it? Ugh.
However, I did enjoy that she grew out of this by the end. And the relationship growth she has with Gray was really cute. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I thought it was written rather well.
Addy is heartbroken after her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her. His new girlfriend is apparently super hot, so Addy decides to get hot by Halloween. Gray has recently moved into town and is just trying to get through his senior year, with possibly getting a swim scholarship. Addy joins the swim team to help with her goal, with Gray becoming her trainer since she has never competed before.
This ended up being a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Addy's complete lack of self worth really turned me off and I honestly hated the goals she set for herself. I mean, the wording wasn't horrid-join a sport to get fit and make her ex jealous- but in her mind it was just so she could be hot since she didn't believe she was simply due to her ex started dating someone right away. And the fact that her friends went along with it? Ugh.
However, I did enjoy that she grew out of this by the end. And the relationship growth she has with Gray was really cute. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I thought it was written rather well.
October 5, 2025
What a cute book. Loved this story and loved these characters. Need to find out what they do when they graduate.
October 13, 2025
Cute
A cute, short, high school swim team romance.
I enjoyed this short story between darker romance books. It's a fluffy fall romance.
A cute, short, high school swim team romance.
I enjoyed this short story between darker romance books. It's a fluffy fall romance.
November 9, 2025
Sweet Romance!
Read this in under 5 hours! Such a good book! I’m a sucker for sweet romances, and this one was amazing!
Read this in under 5 hours! Such a good book! I’m a sucker for sweet romances, and this one was amazing!
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