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Sidelined
An emotional YA romance about small town secrets, high school football, and broken hearts.
Julian Jackson has a short to-do list for his senior year at Crenshaw County High School in Meridian, Texas: football, football, and more football. He knows he's only got one chance to earn a college scholarship and make it out of his small town, and keeping his head down, his grades up, and his cleats on the field is that one chance. And then Elijah Vance walks back into his life, throwing all of his carefully-laid plans into a tailspin.
Elijah and Julian used to be best friends, maybe even on their way to something more than just friends. But three years ago, Elijah broke into the school to steal money from the coach's office, and Julian was the one who turned him in. After that, Elijah and his family disappeared without a trace. And now he's back, sitting at Julian's grandmother's kitchen table.
But time and distance haven't erased all of their feelings, and Elijah knows that he finally has a chance to prove to Julian that he's not the same person he was three years ago. But with secrets still growing between them and an uncertain future barreling towards them, it may be harder to lean on each other than they thought.
Julian Jackson has a short to-do list for his senior year at Crenshaw County High School in Meridian, Texas: football, football, and more football. He knows he's only got one chance to earn a college scholarship and make it out of his small town, and keeping his head down, his grades up, and his cleats on the field is that one chance. And then Elijah Vance walks back into his life, throwing all of his carefully-laid plans into a tailspin.
Elijah and Julian used to be best friends, maybe even on their way to something more than just friends. But three years ago, Elijah broke into the school to steal money from the coach's office, and Julian was the one who turned him in. After that, Elijah and his family disappeared without a trace. And now he's back, sitting at Julian's grandmother's kitchen table.
But time and distance haven't erased all of their feelings, and Elijah knows that he finally has a chance to prove to Julian that he's not the same person he was three years ago. But with secrets still growing between them and an uncertain future barreling towards them, it may be harder to lean on each other than they thought.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2021
26 people are currently reading
3216 people want to read
About the author
Kara Bietz
6 books52 followersKara Bietz grew up in New England but now resides in north Georgia with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 22, 2021
Sidelined
is a sweet YA book about rekindling old friendships, football, and life in a small town.
Sometimes a legacy is a tough thing to live up to—or live down. Julian Jackson has lived his whole life in the small town of Meridien, Texas. Now it’s his senior year of high school and he’s captain of the football team.
He feels a lot of pressure—he has to get a scholarship in order to leave town, attend a good college, and pursue his dreams, but he’s also expected to come up with a series of colossal pranks against his team's biggest rival. It’s a tradition the town lives for. But he’s worried the pranks could go awry and his whole future could be destroyed.
The last thing he expects is for Elijah Vance to return to town. Elijah was his best friend and teammate, and there was a brief minute where it looked like they could be more than friends. But then Elijah and his family left town suddenly and he didn’t say goodbye to Julian. It’s been three years since then.
Elijah is nervous about returning to Meridien after all this time, and he’s even more nervous about seeing Julian. Can they recapture their friendship—and is something more possible?
But first, both must confront the legacies their fathers left behind. Julian’s dad was the football hero, destined for great things, while Elijah’s was a pariah. But legacies aren’t always accurate.
I enjoyed this sweet story a lot. I loved that this was a small, working-class town in Texas, and no one cared that the captain of the football team was gay. There was A LOT of focus on the whole prank thing (a little too much, IMHO), but it was actually the catalyst of an interesting thread in the story.
Another example of why I love YA books so much!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Sometimes a legacy is a tough thing to live up to—or live down. Julian Jackson has lived his whole life in the small town of Meridien, Texas. Now it’s his senior year of high school and he’s captain of the football team.
He feels a lot of pressure—he has to get a scholarship in order to leave town, attend a good college, and pursue his dreams, but he’s also expected to come up with a series of colossal pranks against his team's biggest rival. It’s a tradition the town lives for. But he’s worried the pranks could go awry and his whole future could be destroyed.
The last thing he expects is for Elijah Vance to return to town. Elijah was his best friend and teammate, and there was a brief minute where it looked like they could be more than friends. But then Elijah and his family left town suddenly and he didn’t say goodbye to Julian. It’s been three years since then.
Elijah is nervous about returning to Meridien after all this time, and he’s even more nervous about seeing Julian. Can they recapture their friendship—and is something more possible?
But first, both must confront the legacies their fathers left behind. Julian’s dad was the football hero, destined for great things, while Elijah’s was a pariah. But legacies aren’t always accurate.
I enjoyed this sweet story a lot. I loved that this was a small, working-class town in Texas, and no one cared that the captain of the football team was gay. There was A LOT of focus on the whole prank thing (a little too much, IMHO), but it was actually the catalyst of an interesting thread in the story.
Another example of why I love YA books so much!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
January 23, 2022
Engaging, sweet portrait of a rural Texas utopian town where the high school football heroes walk to school with their pinky fingers entwined. If you're looking for realism, you won't find it in Meridien. But if you're looking for a homespun glimpse of an unbiased future (in Texas of all places), look no further.
TRIGGER WARNING: Light brushing of lips in several scenes!
TRIGGER WARNING: Light brushing of lips in several scenes!
July 20, 2022
3.5
A charming queer YA second chance sports romance between two gay football players living in small town Texas. Julian and Elijah were best friends growing up and things were headed towards something more when Elijah suddenly moved away with no explanation. Two years later Elijah's back just in time for the homecoming season. Can these two former friends repair their friendship and resolve past hurts? I found the book a litle heavy on Julian's obssession with avoiding the homecoming prank but did enjoy the backstory about the two boys' fathers and finding out the reason why Elijah moved away. Recommended for fans of Becky Albertalli and good on audio.
A charming queer YA second chance sports romance between two gay football players living in small town Texas. Julian and Elijah were best friends growing up and things were headed towards something more when Elijah suddenly moved away with no explanation. Two years later Elijah's back just in time for the homecoming season. Can these two former friends repair their friendship and resolve past hurts? I found the book a litle heavy on Julian's obssession with avoiding the homecoming prank but did enjoy the backstory about the two boys' fathers and finding out the reason why Elijah moved away. Recommended for fans of Becky Albertalli and good on audio.
November 14, 2021
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ENDING?! It falls flat and it’s just… oh God! :’) I wish there was smth else deeper than that kind of ending. Ugh whatever
May 12, 2023
It's Homecoming time in Meridien, Texas, and everyone is watching quarterback Julian Jackson and his long-lost once best friend and teammate, Elijah Vance. Elijah was a once-promising defensive player and until three years ago the two boys were "joined at the hip"...inseparable. Then, as often happens, Elijah and his family moved away without any explanation or even saying goodbye.... but Julian knows the "why" of it. Now that he’s back and unresolved feelings are stirred up between them just as the biggest game of the season against their rival high school team is coming up. This is a really well-done sports romance that includes all the pomp and gala of small-town Texas with not a single trace of homophobia. When it comes to their sexuality, both main characters experience nothing but love and support from their community, including their local pastor and...are you ready for this???...His Husband! There is tension but it focuses on their families’ intertwined histories...perceptions of teen pregnancy...and the pressure of upholding the tradition of a local rivalry with the rival football team. Some clues in the text describe secondary and background characters that indicate some ethnic diversity, which isn't a surprise for Texas...but gender representation remains solid. The book was a pleasure to read... written in first-person with chapters that alternate between the perspectives of Elijah and those of Julian, both of whom are presumed to be White. It's the "will-they", "won’t-they" suspense that moves the story along...but it moves almost too fast at some points, making the reader want/need a few more chapters...with the conclusion being a bit abrupt. Overall, it's a well written engrossing story of two guys discovering who and what they are and what they can be.
March 5, 2023
This was a nice and easy read, with low stakes and low angst, but still captivating. It took me a while to get into it, because the first two chapters are a little bit introductionary with almost no plot, but then when the story actually unfolds I just couldn't stop reading.
It's about two boys, who once were best friends on their way to become more, until one of them abruptly moved away without a word. Three years later he's not only back, but also moving in with him and his grandmother. And he's also joining his high school football team.
There are a lot of secrets to be uncovered, tensions to be resolved, not only between the two boys but also some family issues and small town quirks. The main themes of the book are family, friendship and traditions.
I liked that the book wasn't overly dramatic. People eventually talked things out and problems weren't dragging on and on forever. The inevitable third act drama was also more of a trouble and therefore bearable. There were some loose threads, plot lines I expected to grow into something bigger and problematic, but they they just faded out or were forgotten. (In case you're wondering what I'm talking about: )
This was a nice and comforting read, perfect to take your thoughts of other things for a while.
It's about two boys, who once were best friends on their way to become more, until one of them abruptly moved away without a word. Three years later he's not only back, but also moving in with him and his grandmother. And he's also joining his high school football team.
There are a lot of secrets to be uncovered, tensions to be resolved, not only between the two boys but also some family issues and small town quirks. The main themes of the book are family, friendship and traditions.
I liked that the book wasn't overly dramatic. People eventually talked things out and problems weren't dragging on and on forever. The inevitable third act drama was also more of a trouble and therefore bearable. There were some loose threads, plot lines I expected to grow into something bigger and problematic, but they they just faded out or were forgotten. (In case you're wondering what I'm talking about: )
This was a nice and comforting read, perfect to take your thoughts of other things for a while.
September 13, 2022
This was just a really sweet queer contemporary and exactly what I was looking for. While stories dealing with homophobia are important, it was a nice change not to have this present in this story. The fact that Julian and Elijah are two guys never really comes up and I really liked that. While the ending was a little rushed, I really enjoyed the sort of slow burn second chance romance!
February 28, 2022
Lovely and tender book abouth secund chance friendship and romance,
December 9, 2022
It was a sweet read, I am not a fan of the main characture Julian but otherwise I enjoyed the easy charm.
January 5, 2022
Julian Jackson is the star quarterback for Crenshaw County High School. He has fame and popularity, but something is missing. He wants to earn his scholarship and get the heck out of Meridien, Texas and explore the world. All he has to do is survive senior year without any major mishaps. But then Elijah Vance comes back into town. Elijah used to live in Meridien and was Julian's best friend. In fact, they might have been more than friends had Elijah not left town three years ago after being caught trying to steal money from the Coach's office.
Despite the time and the distance, their feelings for each other have not faded. Elijah just wants one more chance to prove to Julian that he has changed, but Julian isn't having it. It'll take more than a sweet smile and a few charming words to convince Julian. Despite his best efforts, Julian just can't seem to shake Elijah off. Past secrets began to resurface, and both boys will have to navigate uncomfortable situations as they try to figure out their own feelings for each other.
This was a really cute read! It was interesting reading a story set in small-town Texas where no one cared that the star quarterback was openly gay. Both points of view were captivating to read, and I found myself liking both of them. I enjoyed the added football element, as it is not a theme that I see often in these types of books. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I hope to read more from Kara Bietz in the future!
Despite the time and the distance, their feelings for each other have not faded. Elijah just wants one more chance to prove to Julian that he has changed, but Julian isn't having it. It'll take more than a sweet smile and a few charming words to convince Julian. Despite his best efforts, Julian just can't seem to shake Elijah off. Past secrets began to resurface, and both boys will have to navigate uncomfortable situations as they try to figure out their own feelings for each other.
This was a really cute read! It was interesting reading a story set in small-town Texas where no one cared that the star quarterback was openly gay. Both points of view were captivating to read, and I found myself liking both of them. I enjoyed the added football element, as it is not a theme that I see often in these types of books. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I hope to read more from Kara Bietz in the future!
March 24, 2023
Do you wanna read an entire book about a guy who doesn’t want to continue a ridiculous prank war tradition because he’s worried about it affecting his future? And then he gets shamed by his entire hometown including his best friend, grandma and love interest for not wanting to participate? Well then this is the book for you!!
They also spend way more time on football and all the dumb fucking football traditions than on the romance of this book!
They also spend way more time on football and all the dumb fucking football traditions than on the romance of this book!
December 28, 2021
An easy read, this m|m YA novel pulls at the heartstrings. Both main characters were interesting and I liked the format of giving each boy an alternating chapter. The only thing that was off was the ending. I didn't hate it, I just wasn't expecting it. I thought there would be at least another chapter, it just...ended. A good story nonetheless, even for a nonfootball fan like me.
August 24, 2024
Climax???
Like what was the actual plot?? It didn’t feel like there was a climax at all it was just like a section of the story with some major details missing. What happened at the game? How did they get back together? What happened when Frankie came back? The book was easy to read but incomplete.
Like what was the actual plot?? It didn’t feel like there was a climax at all it was just like a section of the story with some major details missing. What happened at the game? How did they get back together? What happened when Frankie came back? The book was easy to read but incomplete.
July 28, 2022
I built up hype for this book after finding it in a used bookstore. I loved the cover, title, but most of all, the plot sounded different from other high school book summaries I’ve read!
There’s a big mystery or two throughout the story I didn’t expect, which I enjoyed! I also instantly fell in love with Elijah from the first scene with his niece! So cute!
- The (continued) development of the MCs’ relationship is well-paced. Some really sweet moments happen between Julian and Elijah that stuck with me for the rest of the book, but I loved that it wasn’t all lovey-dovey dates, weightless banter, starry eyes and hearts - all that. It was more subtle and explored the idea of just CARING about someone and love aligning with that. And the level of concern and emotion between the MCs is so satisfying.
- I’m a sports fan and football’s one of my favorites so the focus on it was a plus. The story has good side characters too. I wasn’t, however, expecting the southern theme - taking place in Texas. I live in South Carolina and all the cowboy boots, jacked up trucks, etc are things I want to get away from. I thought that might turn me away from finishing the book but it didn’t. I like Kara’s writing style and it didn’t make it FEEL like a stereotypical southern city.
- One thing that bothered me was, at least in the first half of the book, the way flashbacks and the passing of time was handled. There were a few times the present transitioned to a flashback and it threw me off. I understand the attempt to make it feel seamless but it missed the mark for me in a few places. The second half used those ellipses things (forget what they’re called) to separate time periods much better. I wish they would’ve been included in the first half too.
- I also struggled with separating Julian’s name from Elijah’s. It could just be that they felt like similar names to me, even though the characters were different. I had to keep reminding myself who was who. Again, that could just me be.
Overall, the plot is my favorite aspect and Elijah is my favorite character! I’d say this book satisfies my expectations at least and I’m definitely glad I read it. Maybe not one I’ll rave about every chance I get but one I recommend!
There’s a big mystery or two throughout the story I didn’t expect, which I enjoyed! I also instantly fell in love with Elijah from the first scene with his niece! So cute!
- The (continued) development of the MCs’ relationship is well-paced. Some really sweet moments happen between Julian and Elijah that stuck with me for the rest of the book, but I loved that it wasn’t all lovey-dovey dates, weightless banter, starry eyes and hearts - all that. It was more subtle and explored the idea of just CARING about someone and love aligning with that. And the level of concern and emotion between the MCs is so satisfying.
- I’m a sports fan and football’s one of my favorites so the focus on it was a plus. The story has good side characters too. I wasn’t, however, expecting the southern theme - taking place in Texas. I live in South Carolina and all the cowboy boots, jacked up trucks, etc are things I want to get away from. I thought that might turn me away from finishing the book but it didn’t. I like Kara’s writing style and it didn’t make it FEEL like a stereotypical southern city.
- One thing that bothered me was, at least in the first half of the book, the way flashbacks and the passing of time was handled. There were a few times the present transitioned to a flashback and it threw me off. I understand the attempt to make it feel seamless but it missed the mark for me in a few places. The second half used those ellipses things (forget what they’re called) to separate time periods much better. I wish they would’ve been included in the first half too.
- I also struggled with separating Julian’s name from Elijah’s. It could just be that they felt like similar names to me, even though the characters were different. I had to keep reminding myself who was who. Again, that could just me be.
Overall, the plot is my favorite aspect and Elijah is my favorite character! I’d say this book satisfies my expectations at least and I’m definitely glad I read it. Maybe not one I’ll rave about every chance I get but one I recommend!
December 26, 2021
AYO AYO AYO
UNDERRATED BOOK RIGHT HERE 🗣🗣
UNDERRATED BOOK RIGHT HERE 🗣🗣
September 23, 2021
Football, friendship, romance? What’s not to love.
Julian Jackson and Elijah Vance. Once childhood best friends. Now…. Three years after Elijah and his family left town, he has returned. Julian isn’t sure what to think. Does Elijah know it was Julian who called the police and told them Elijah broke the Coach’s window and was going to steal the money? Is Elijah the same boy he remembers? And does he remember that moment before he left? Elijah knows Julian isn’t happy to see him again - he makes that pretty clear. But is there any chance of fixing what was once between them and becoming friends again or something more?
This book is so American and so Texan it’s not funny (though it is delightful). It’s a setting that just jumps from the pages and gives the perfect backdrop to this football-loving romance.
This book features a gay relationship but coming out, LGBT+ relationships, sexual identity, and acceptance are not themes of this book. Julian and Elijah are both out. They are both comfortable with their sexual identity. There is not one homophobic remark, not one comment about them being together, living together, playing together. Not one eyelid is battered. And by gosh that is nice. Because, while sadly it might not be the reality for LGBT+ teens, it is lovely to have a book that is just about the characters and their feelings and their romance and their love of football and not societal problems, same as any book that features a heterosexual relationship.
I thought there would be a bit more about the hurt and backstory between Julian and Elijah. While Julian is initially frosty to Elijah and they are both uncertain where they stand and the welcome to town isn’t exactly, you know, welcoming, there was little drama about the past. Far less drama than I expected, which was actually really nice. Instead, the book focuses more on football, romance, Julian’s leadership of the football team and his reluctance to participate the in the traditional pranks between the two rival football teams. In the process, we also learn more about Julian and Elijah’s fathers and how their relationships with their fathers and their fathers’ friendship impacts their decisions today.
An easy book to read and enjoy, Sidelined is a delightful romance.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Julian Jackson and Elijah Vance. Once childhood best friends. Now…. Three years after Elijah and his family left town, he has returned. Julian isn’t sure what to think. Does Elijah know it was Julian who called the police and told them Elijah broke the Coach’s window and was going to steal the money? Is Elijah the same boy he remembers? And does he remember that moment before he left? Elijah knows Julian isn’t happy to see him again - he makes that pretty clear. But is there any chance of fixing what was once between them and becoming friends again or something more?
This book is so American and so Texan it’s not funny (though it is delightful). It’s a setting that just jumps from the pages and gives the perfect backdrop to this football-loving romance.
This book features a gay relationship but coming out, LGBT+ relationships, sexual identity, and acceptance are not themes of this book. Julian and Elijah are both out. They are both comfortable with their sexual identity. There is not one homophobic remark, not one comment about them being together, living together, playing together. Not one eyelid is battered. And by gosh that is nice. Because, while sadly it might not be the reality for LGBT+ teens, it is lovely to have a book that is just about the characters and their feelings and their romance and their love of football and not societal problems, same as any book that features a heterosexual relationship.
I thought there would be a bit more about the hurt and backstory between Julian and Elijah. While Julian is initially frosty to Elijah and they are both uncertain where they stand and the welcome to town isn’t exactly, you know, welcoming, there was little drama about the past. Far less drama than I expected, which was actually really nice. Instead, the book focuses more on football, romance, Julian’s leadership of the football team and his reluctance to participate the in the traditional pranks between the two rival football teams. In the process, we also learn more about Julian and Elijah’s fathers and how their relationships with their fathers and their fathers’ friendship impacts their decisions today.
An easy book to read and enjoy, Sidelined is a delightful romance.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
May 24, 2022
A decent, but ultimately disappointing, story of former best friends, Julian and Elijah, reconnecting after 3 years apart. The plot was all over the place; there was so much focus on the town traditions, specifically the pranks before the homecoming football game, and on the boys' fathers' high school experiences.
The chapters were written in alternating POVs of the two main characters. I found it hard to distinguish between the two POVs sometimes, they sounded very similar. There was very little relationship development between the characters and the book would have basically been the same without the romance sub-plot.
The ending was very abrupt; with all the build up to the homecoming football game, I was surprised that the story ended before the game.
The chapters were written in alternating POVs of the two main characters. I found it hard to distinguish between the two POVs sometimes, they sounded very similar. There was very little relationship development between the characters and the book would have basically been the same without the romance sub-plot.
The ending was very abrupt; with all the build up to the homecoming football game, I was surprised that the story ended before the game.
February 13, 2022
This was a fun and quick-paced read with some moments of real heart, but the plotting felt a bit messy. It feels like there's an extra 20-50 pages of this book that are just missing at the end, and certain threads just sort of go up in smoke. The romance is also a little half-baked at points. This book is earnest and fun - I just wish it was a bit more developed!
September 2, 2021
Thank you so much, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review.
Julian Jackson knows what to do in senior year: get good grades, play football and hoping to get a scholarship and make it out of Meridien, but all his plans are upset when his best friend (and maybe something more) comes back in his life. Elijah Vance and Julian Jackson were best friends years ago, but when Julian caught him breaking into school to steal the car wash money and turned him in, Elijah and his family left without saying goodbay. Now that he’s back, Julian and Elijah realize time and space didn’t erase their feelings and Elijah is determined to show Julian he’s not the person everyone thinks he is. Between secrets, between them and in the city and the fear for their own futures, Julian and Elijah fight to be themselves and together.
Sidelined was a brilliant, sweet and funny read I devoured right away. The story is told by two POVs, Julian’s and Elijah, while they navigate high school, expectations from others, their history together, their past and present. Julian and Elijah are very different from one other. Julian is the son of the town hero, a town obsessed with football, traditions and history, while Elijah is, unfortunately, seen as the son of Eric Vance, who is in jail and who tried to steal money, three years ago. Both of them are weighed down by people’s, right and wrong, expectations and both are struggling to fit and escape them, to show the world and themselves they are more than their fathers’ sons. Elijah’s return to Meridien upset Julian’s plans and changes everything, unearthing secrets and so much more.
The story focuses on Julian and Elijah, on their journeys, getting more and more close to one other and facing the world and future together, understanding each other better, while, also, focusing on football, friends, town’s traditions and funny and moving moments.
Through Julian’s and Elijah’s POVs, the author talks about their feelings, attraction and love, their passions and friends, their struggles and fears. Julian and Elijah are teenagers, dealing with school’s pressures and expectations, unpredictable futures, friends and family and they are very realistic in their feelings and actions. They fight, laugh, they are scared, upset, in love with one other, afraid to lose each other in a windwhirl of emotions and beautiful and intense moments.
Their relationship is lovely, complicated by misunderstandings and secrets and I loved the way they are open with one other, talking and explaining, trusting, helping, supporting and loving one other.
The author also deals with people’s prejudices and preconceptions, expectations and how hurtful they can be, how often push others into boxes and refuse to let them out. Julian and Elijah are determined to be themselves, to be seen as they are, to be free from others’ expectations and be in love and together.
Julian Jackson knows what to do in senior year: get good grades, play football and hoping to get a scholarship and make it out of Meridien, but all his plans are upset when his best friend (and maybe something more) comes back in his life. Elijah Vance and Julian Jackson were best friends years ago, but when Julian caught him breaking into school to steal the car wash money and turned him in, Elijah and his family left without saying goodbay. Now that he’s back, Julian and Elijah realize time and space didn’t erase their feelings and Elijah is determined to show Julian he’s not the person everyone thinks he is. Between secrets, between them and in the city and the fear for their own futures, Julian and Elijah fight to be themselves and together.
Sidelined was a brilliant, sweet and funny read I devoured right away. The story is told by two POVs, Julian’s and Elijah, while they navigate high school, expectations from others, their history together, their past and present. Julian and Elijah are very different from one other. Julian is the son of the town hero, a town obsessed with football, traditions and history, while Elijah is, unfortunately, seen as the son of Eric Vance, who is in jail and who tried to steal money, three years ago. Both of them are weighed down by people’s, right and wrong, expectations and both are struggling to fit and escape them, to show the world and themselves they are more than their fathers’ sons. Elijah’s return to Meridien upset Julian’s plans and changes everything, unearthing secrets and so much more.
The story focuses on Julian and Elijah, on their journeys, getting more and more close to one other and facing the world and future together, understanding each other better, while, also, focusing on football, friends, town’s traditions and funny and moving moments.
Through Julian’s and Elijah’s POVs, the author talks about their feelings, attraction and love, their passions and friends, their struggles and fears. Julian and Elijah are teenagers, dealing with school’s pressures and expectations, unpredictable futures, friends and family and they are very realistic in their feelings and actions. They fight, laugh, they are scared, upset, in love with one other, afraid to lose each other in a windwhirl of emotions and beautiful and intense moments.
Their relationship is lovely, complicated by misunderstandings and secrets and I loved the way they are open with one other, talking and explaining, trusting, helping, supporting and loving one other.
The author also deals with people’s prejudices and preconceptions, expectations and how hurtful they can be, how often push others into boxes and refuse to let them out. Julian and Elijah are determined to be themselves, to be seen as they are, to be free from others’ expectations and be in love and together.
February 9, 2022
With Cupid’s impending arrow and Super Bowl Fever being so heavily n the air, it was easy to decide which book to pull off my “to-be-read-bookcase” to kick off my annual February M/M Romance Reading Month- it had to be Kara Bietz’s “Sidelined.” Although I very much enjoy this one and the will they/won’t they relationship had me turning the pages so quickly that I complete this one in just a few sittings, but most off the waiting was because this book is too much about football and nor that much about gay stuff. In fact, I don’t even think they burn this one in West Virginia.
I thought a book set in Texas with gay football players might tackle homophobia, but Bietz decides not go that route, and I appreciate it. I must give kudos to our author for the way she normalizes gay characters and gets right to the plot of the book. Instead of a coming out story we learn that Elijah's mother is broke and has to take a job back in their hometown of Meridian, Texas, where Elijah left in shame 3 years ago after being caught stealing his football team’s fundraising money. Not only does he have to move back, but he is going to stay with his former best friend, Julian, the town’s local football hero. Julian and Elijah haven’t spoken since the day they shared a passionate kiss in the locker room. Since all of this is in the book’s backstory, the reader is able to hit the ground running. We discover along with the two boys, what they have been doing the past few years, what that kiss meant to them, and what if any future they now have.
Teen readers and sports enthusiasts will probably enjoy this one more than I did, but I still give it a moderate recommendation
I thought a book set in Texas with gay football players might tackle homophobia, but Bietz decides not go that route, and I appreciate it. I must give kudos to our author for the way she normalizes gay characters and gets right to the plot of the book. Instead of a coming out story we learn that Elijah's mother is broke and has to take a job back in their hometown of Meridian, Texas, where Elijah left in shame 3 years ago after being caught stealing his football team’s fundraising money. Not only does he have to move back, but he is going to stay with his former best friend, Julian, the town’s local football hero. Julian and Elijah haven’t spoken since the day they shared a passionate kiss in the locker room. Since all of this is in the book’s backstory, the reader is able to hit the ground running. We discover along with the two boys, what they have been doing the past few years, what that kiss meant to them, and what if any future they now have.
Teen readers and sports enthusiasts will probably enjoy this one more than I did, but I still give it a moderate recommendation
September 21, 2021
I had never read anything from Bietz before but I was blown away by what a quick and easy to get into book this was, I was honored to be able to read it and cannot wait to pass it on to my teen. This book so seamlessly made me comfortable with Julian and Elijah, as if I was inside the story and not just a casual observer.
The depth of their second chance at friendship and more, with mixed emotions, family struggles and the communities preconceived ideas of what a Texas footballer or teen from a certain family made this book incredibly relatable. Books like this one make me so excited for teens today, to have books that they identify with and can find the tough topics to lean into.
Thank you to TBR Beyond Tours for having me on this tour, and for the ARC thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and the Novl for the opportunity to read this one!
The depth of their second chance at friendship and more, with mixed emotions, family struggles and the communities preconceived ideas of what a Texas footballer or teen from a certain family made this book incredibly relatable. Books like this one make me so excited for teens today, to have books that they identify with and can find the tough topics to lean into.
Thank you to TBR Beyond Tours for having me on this tour, and for the ARC thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and the Novl for the opportunity to read this one!
January 22, 2024
A very heartfelt, quick read that was enjoyable from beginning to end.
I thought the slow-burn romance between Elijah and Julian was very engaging and wholesome. There were never any really long lasting or tough conflicts, which I really liked, because I hate when books have a third act conflict where the characters just cease all contact with each other for like 50 pages. This book not having that was amazing.
All of the other characters were not incredibly fully fledged or anything, but in a 289 page book, you can’t really expect too much depth from the side characters.
This book was short, sweet, and to the point, and even taught me a little bit about football.
I give Sidelined a 3.5/5 stars.
I thought the slow-burn romance between Elijah and Julian was very engaging and wholesome. There were never any really long lasting or tough conflicts, which I really liked, because I hate when books have a third act conflict where the characters just cease all contact with each other for like 50 pages. This book not having that was amazing.
All of the other characters were not incredibly fully fledged or anything, but in a 289 page book, you can’t really expect too much depth from the side characters.
This book was short, sweet, and to the point, and even taught me a little bit about football.
I give Sidelined a 3.5/5 stars.
March 8, 2023
2023 reads: 75/350
as a senior, it’s julian’s last chance to earn a college scholarship for football and make it out of his small town. but when his ex-friend, elijah, walks back into his life, will he still be able to follow his plans?
this was dual pov and i really enjoyed getting to know both mcs through this narration. it was also interesting to see them find out who their fathers were and how the reality of that compared to what they’ve always been told.
as a senior, it’s julian’s last chance to earn a college scholarship for football and make it out of his small town. but when his ex-friend, elijah, walks back into his life, will he still be able to follow his plans?
this was dual pov and i really enjoyed getting to know both mcs through this narration. it was also interesting to see them find out who their fathers were and how the reality of that compared to what they’ve always been told.
September 21, 2021
well that was a disappointment
Rep: gay mcs
Rep: gay mcs
Read
March 30, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Teen pregnancy
Teen pregnancy
January 6, 2024
i'm not gagging
March 12, 2024
3.5 stars.
This was a super sweet story with very low stakes and very little angst. Originally when the book banners came for us this year, this was on their list of things they wanted us to get rid of because it's queer. I did remove it from the library only because I hadn't read it and couldn't vouch for it. I plan to attempt to put it back into my library next year.
This book is very PG, and honestly, it's more about football and a broken friendship than it is a story of romance. Are there some moments? Sure. But it's very tame. I think my only complaint about this book is that it was told in alternating chapters between Elijah and Julian, and I STILL can't tell you which is which. There was absolutely no difference in voice between the two chapters, and so I frequently had no idea which perspective I was reading from until it said something like "my sister", which would be a key difference between the boys.
This was a super sweet story with very low stakes and very little angst. Originally when the book banners came for us this year, this was on their list of things they wanted us to get rid of because it's queer. I did remove it from the library only because I hadn't read it and couldn't vouch for it. I plan to attempt to put it back into my library next year.
This book is very PG, and honestly, it's more about football and a broken friendship than it is a story of romance. Are there some moments? Sure. But it's very tame. I think my only complaint about this book is that it was told in alternating chapters between Elijah and Julian, and I STILL can't tell you which is which. There was absolutely no difference in voice between the two chapters, and so I frequently had no idea which perspective I was reading from until it said something like "my sister", which would be a key difference between the boys.
October 23, 2021
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What happens when your best friend from long back comes back to your life and shakes it up? The author wrote a beautiful YA contemporary romance in Sidelined.
What I loved about the story were the two main characters. The author depicted Elijah and Julian perfectly as they reunited with each other. Many moments just warmed my heart, like how they reminisce over the good times of the past and how they talk about the people they miss. The author also portrays their feeling and relationship nicely. Julian is the star everyone loves, while Elijah is the troubled boy with the colored past who comes back to town. Elijah tries to ignore what people tell about his father and how his friendship with Julian strengthens him.
Moreover, the author portrayed their emotions realistically. Both Julian and Elijah carry their baggage of how people perceive them and how they need to behave differently. Elijah was my favorite more than Julian, as I thought he was more emotionally inclined than Julian, considering his backstory. The two of them share their ups and downs and try to work towards meeting each other midway. Moreover, even the side characters like Camille, Nate, and Birdie add nicely to the plot. I loved Julian’s relationship with Birdie and thought they were adorable.
The author also spices up the story with specific events, like the Taylor flag/prank incident and the event from twenty years ago. Moreover, the author brings the football field to life, as she describes the games and the backstage drama in an exciting manner.
Overall, I thought “Sidelined” was a beautiful young adult, contemporary romance with likable characters, and I enjoyed reading it a lot.
September 6, 2021
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion on the book at all.*
What happens when your ex-best friend, who kinda sorta kissed you before disappearing the next day, comes back into town and joins the football team with you? Nothing good, right? Right?
Okay stay with me here: this book is a friends-to-almost lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. Got it? No? Well, keep up! This book grabbed me from page one. The main thing I look for in books is a good mc. Julian and Elijah were some of the best mc’s that I’ve read in a sporty book. They are both SUCH cinnamon rolls and I absolutely adore them.
Another thing that pulled me in is the small town: both Julian and Elijah are out to their town but the thing I love most is no one cares. As important as books about coming out are, I love reading a queer book that’s focused on relationships: emotional or otherwise. There is also a moment in the story where “oh no, there’s only one tent!” So that was really fun to see.
Football is another really big part of this story, and I adored the way this author wrote it in. The story is definitely built around football but that does not take away from any of the internal struggles the characters face or their emotions! In fact, there is a sort of small town mystery that the two guys have to uncover and things only get more emotional from there.
Overall, Bietz’s characters have strong, distinct voices and form some really amazing bonds. This story is an emotional ride for sure, and there is lots of discussion of things that high schoolers deal with. IT COMES OUT SEPTEMBER 21ST, BUT YOU CAN PREORDER IT NOW!!
What happens when your ex-best friend, who kinda sorta kissed you before disappearing the next day, comes back into town and joins the football team with you? Nothing good, right? Right?
Okay stay with me here: this book is a friends-to-almost lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. Got it? No? Well, keep up! This book grabbed me from page one. The main thing I look for in books is a good mc. Julian and Elijah were some of the best mc’s that I’ve read in a sporty book. They are both SUCH cinnamon rolls and I absolutely adore them.
Another thing that pulled me in is the small town: both Julian and Elijah are out to their town but the thing I love most is no one cares. As important as books about coming out are, I love reading a queer book that’s focused on relationships: emotional or otherwise. There is also a moment in the story where “oh no, there’s only one tent!” So that was really fun to see.
Football is another really big part of this story, and I adored the way this author wrote it in. The story is definitely built around football but that does not take away from any of the internal struggles the characters face or their emotions! In fact, there is a sort of small town mystery that the two guys have to uncover and things only get more emotional from there.
Overall, Bietz’s characters have strong, distinct voices and form some really amazing bonds. This story is an emotional ride for sure, and there is lots of discussion of things that high schoolers deal with. IT COMES OUT SEPTEMBER 21ST, BUT YOU CAN PREORDER IT NOW!!
February 3, 2022
Kara Beitz does two things really well: tell an engaging story and get to the heart of young adults.
Against the backdrop of Texas and football, we meet once best friends, Julian Jackson and Elijah Vance. Theirs is a friendship complicated by not only their own past but also the past of their fathers. Beitz weaves these stories seamlessly through their relationship, though that doesn’t mean it’s an easy playing field.
As a fan of football, I really enjoyed the setting; I may be the only reader who wanted more football! But I also appreciated that this is a story about two young men who are working through the emotional perils of high school and growing up to find their place in the world. That they happen to be gay adds another layer of depth but there is so much more to SIDELINED. Love Beitz’ voice and storytelling, look forward to more from this adept author.
Against the backdrop of Texas and football, we meet once best friends, Julian Jackson and Elijah Vance. Theirs is a friendship complicated by not only their own past but also the past of their fathers. Beitz weaves these stories seamlessly through their relationship, though that doesn’t mean it’s an easy playing field.
As a fan of football, I really enjoyed the setting; I may be the only reader who wanted more football! But I also appreciated that this is a story about two young men who are working through the emotional perils of high school and growing up to find their place in the world. That they happen to be gay adds another layer of depth but there is so much more to SIDELINED. Love Beitz’ voice and storytelling, look forward to more from this adept author.
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