Queen B’s Decree: For a high school romance, this really went into some deeper emotions and issues.
Maeve’s dad and twin brother are the football coach and quarterback (respectively) in their small town; the same small town that has a major rival with the boy she just can’t stop thinking about, also quarterback Wes. So this story definitely has a forbidden aspect, with Juliet x Romeo vibes—where the two sneak around and just quietly and adorably fall in love.
One of the themes that stood out to me in Kiss Now, Lie Later was how diminished women’s sports are compared to men. Maeve is a fantastic soccer player but her family barely supports her, focusing all their attention on Liam and football. Except for Wes, the book boyfriend of my heart, she basically is skating through life with minimal support from anyone. It’s a sad reality, one that even I’m a part of—I watch men’s NHL hockey but I’ve never gone or seen a women’s game, so I’m part of the problem.
Off my soap box, spoiler alert: there is a third act break-up that I could see coming. Just have to remind myself that these kids are eighteen years old and are just learning to have healthy communication. Of course they mess it up!
I did really enjoy this story (and the edges are just too cute to pass up!) so I’ll be keeping an eye out for the re-release of the rest of the series.
Book: Kiss Now, Lie Later by C.W. Farnsworth
Series: Rival Love #1
Genre: YA/Football
Plot Devices/Tropes: forbidden