Last week, Marcus insisted on wearing two different soccer socks for luck during a big game—which somehow partially worked, judging by his muddy, triumphant grin and mismatched feet. Rebecca, meanwhile, doodled the scoreboard so much she ran out of purple ink. Sitting in the stands next to Matthew, I realized sometimes life's quirks and routines are about finding where we fit—whether it's mismatched socks or the comfort of cheering together. That feeling of being a little "out of step" made me think about How You Get the Girl, a romance that celebrates late bloomers, anxious hearts, and genuine connection in all its awkward glory.
Plot Summary
How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly is the third book in the Nashville Love series. Set in high school basketball circles, the novel follows Julie Parker—a coach managing both team drama and her own insecurities—and Elle Cochrane, a former WNBA player turned foster parent to Vanessa, Julie's newest team member. When Julie's crush on her lifelong idol Elle collides with her own journey of self-discovery, the game's boundaries blur. As Elle joins Julie as assistant coach, friendship deepens into practice dating—a scenario fraught with growing attraction, old wounds, and found family. Balancing humor, emotional growth, and gentle advice about labels and love, their story is layered with relatable characters, family dynamics, and the tension of firsts. Sports, romance, and self-acceptance intertwine as Julie and Elle decide whether to take a leap—or watch from the sidelines.
Why I Love This Book
I love how honest, funny, and thoughtful the characters feel. Julie's late-blooming journey resonated with me, and Elle's vulnerability made my heart ache in the best way. The writing balances humor and emotion so well; it's a romance that doesn't rush, letting the gentle tension build. The moments of awkwardness, self-doubt, and kindness felt real. I especially appreciated the way Anita Kelly tackled identity and found family without making anyone's journey feel forced. From basketball games to coffee shop conversations, every scene had heart and purpose. The gentle teasing, supportive friendships, and messy family bonds reminded me of how wonderful it is to root for characters who struggle and still find joy.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy queer romance, contemporary and sports-adjacent stories, or themes of self-discovery, "practice dating," and slow-burn attraction, you'll likely love this book. It's perfect for anyone rooting for late bloomers, foster parents, coaches, and teens learning where they fit. The story includes gentle humor, emotional growth, supportive friends, and swoony romance. First kisses are electrifying, and the family dynamics add warmth and meaning. The narrative explores struggles with labels and feeling "behind"—making it beautifully relatable and inclusive.
⚠️ Trigger warning: explicit sexual content, past career disappointment, questioning and insecurity about sexuality, foster care themes, emotionally vulnerable situations.
Tagged As
queer romance, sapphic romance, slow burn, sports romance, basketball, late bloomer, found family, foster parent, workplace romance, Nashville Love series, emotionally vulnerable, dual POV, practice dating, HEA, LGBTQ+, contemporary, steamy, relatable characters, self-acceptance
Steam Level
Romantic tension is high, and the steaminess is explicit—expect detailed, passionate love scenes that contribute to character development. Sexual content is woven naturally, enhancing the emotional connection. Nothing is gratuitous, but the heat level matches the intensity and honesty of Julie and Elle's romance.
