Just Friends: A Teen Sports Romance

by Becca Nelson

Sam is captain of her high school gymnastics team and Joe is the top swimmer on their school's State Championship swim team. With similar personalities and a drive to always do their best, Sam and Joe are immediately drawn to each other...but dating is out of the question. Joe is off limits and comes with a set of rules from his strict coach. They become each other's biggest supporters through the drama that unfolds in their sports seasons. A lowkey spring break stuck at home gives them the opportunity to finally hang out and spend time together. Strong feelings quickly develop and their bond is undeniable, even if they're...just friends.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2022

Reviews

[Kristin]

This is such a sweet YA book! It is very easy to read, and it reads very quickly. It is very easy to fall in love with both characters. I appreciated that Nelson really built up the friendship between Sam and Joe. It really makes the reader watch these characters fall for each other in what feels like real time. Nelson had me cheering each of them on! I was genuinely hoping that Sam and Joe would be successful. The support that they showed each other was amazing, and very mature. Also, get your tissues ready because be prepared to cry, even if it’s happy tears! This book is perfect for anyone that likes to read YA. I’m really hoping Nelson will write a sequel!

[Sarah Delany]

It took me a while to get into it but once I did I enjoyed it. It's a slow burn and a sweet friends to lovers story. It follows Sam and Joe as they both follow their dreams in the world of competitive gymnastics and Joe's lead up to trying to make it into the Olympics for swimming. If you like sports romance and clean YA romance then you'll enjoy this.

[Michelle Lipp]

Just Friends, by @beccanelsonauthor

Super sweet YA sports romance novel.

Two high school juniors with bright futures, show priority to their respective sports in order to achieve the dreams they have been working towards since childhood. As their attraction to one another grows, they are determined to keep their promises to family, coaches, and each other and remain Just Friends. Through great wins and devastating loses, Joe and Sam stick together to create an impenetrable bond. A friendship that stands the test of time and in turn only
proves to strengthen their romantic compatibility. In the end, regardless of how their seasons go, love
always wins.

📖 Fun and easy read for all ages.
🏊‍♂️ 🤸‍♀️ Sports lovers will adore the build up and find themselves rooting for the home team right beside
the sportive characters.
💕👫The innocence of young love shines bright .
💔 No unrealistic conflicts or third quarter break ups.

Can’t wait for your next book!

[Sandy Dal Santo]

Just Friends is a really nice, well thought out story about two H.S. athletes who have to overcome the road blocks and challenges in their sports. Working towards a goal is not easy and somethings in life had to give. The Author touched on a lot emotions athletes go through in practice and competition. Oh, and yes she throws in a sweet romance as well. It was a really good read. I’d recommend this to all H.S. athletes who have a goal in life.

[Rhonda Mast]

This was super sweet. I have a weakness for high school romances and sports romances, and this was both. I appreciate that there were no blowups or breakups at the ninth hour, because I hate that.

[Claudia Vogt]

A very mellow cute love story. Exactly what I was looking for, a heartwarming closed door easy read!

[Ana Toledano]

Wholesome and not sus so that made it bearable

[Lindsay Rochester]

I really enjoyed this one! As an adult, I enjoyed the trip back to high school and first love. I also liked seeing it through the eyes of a serious athlete (because that’s not who I was).
I would also love for my preteen daughter to read this in a few years! She will enjoy it as well, I’m sure!
Well done, Becca!!

[L.M. Ransom]

I adored this book! I haven't read that many swimming or gymnastics books before, and it was fun seeing how Joe and Sam handled their budding relationship while being immersed in their respective sports. They were really cute together, and I loved how they cheered each other on! I definitely recommend this one if you love YA sports romances!

[Havelah McLat]

Sorry for late reveiw. I got to read this early this year in 2023. The story was nice. I like how two best friends find a way to stay connect while supporting each other in their dreams and goals. And their friendship blossomed into something more. It was a good YA sport/romance novel.