I was so excited to get this book, and it did not disappoint! As a former soccer kid myself, it hit me so hard in the feelings to see these two women and their love for the game. The romance was absolutely delightful, dual POV, though sometimes that made it extra stressful if there was a miscommunication because the dramatic irony had me drowning in stress in the best way. The spice? Immaculate. The characters? Enrapturing. The nod to mental health and neurodivergence? Perfection. I adored this book, and will definitely be rereading it in the future as a comfort read.

I only have one issue and this is a me problem...not a spoiler really, since Grace's injury is in the synopsis, but I'm a physical therapist and an injured pro athlete would be in the clinic a few days a week. Again, a me problem, not a book problem lol. I will continue to read and enjoy everything this author puts out.

Tropes for Cleat Cute include: WLW romance, idiots to lovers, friends with benefits, athletic rivals, sleeping with your childhood hero, and sports romance

Phoebe Matthews was unbelievably excited, to say the least, when she was drafted into her first professional soccer team. Soccer had been her whole life, well, that and the soccer star she'd spent her whole life looking up to, Grace Henderson. Not only would she get to play the game that she loved, for money!, but she'd get to do it on the same team as Grace. Grace is faced with the fact that the game, the prestige, and the responsibility of being captain of her home team and a star player on the women's national team, may not be all she wants out of life. But meeting Phoebe not only reinvigorates her love of soccer, but for the life she could have when soccer no longer became her whole world. Of course, they need to figure that out along the way in a typical Meryl Wilsner idiots to lovers 'I refuse to admit I have feelings for the woman I'm sleeping with constantly' story. But they'll come to realize that it's more fun to be at each other on the field if they can be with each other in bed.

Cleat Cute is a great, spicy, banter filled sports romance from Wilsner. They've really honed the structure and fun of a romance novel with great characters that you want to root for, without the conventional third act break up. There can be conflict without the characters feeling like all is lost in their relationship. Phoebe and Grace have fights, there is conflict, and it's always completed with some deliciously spicy make up sex. I am giving this one a 4.5 out of 5 and rounding up. If this were about any other sport it would probably be a five star rate easily. But this is a personal thing. This book is about soccer and I know next to nothing about soccer. That's not the book's fault and that's why I'm not marking it down in my official rating. Soccer is a big part of the book. It's as much a part of the book as the relationship is because soccer is the main focus for these women's lives.

But over all it was a fun read with the banter and spice that one can expect from a Wilsner novel. They seem to have found the spice middle ground between their first two novels which had one waiting until the final 20 pages to get steamy and the other starting off with a bang on page 5. The spice is sexy and flows really well with the ebb and flow of the story. Wilsner has done it again!

Big thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed the story arc, the characters, the exploration of a city I’ve never been, even a call back to a sport I genuinely love.

Maybe it’s just me & being new to this author’s work, but I thought the internal writing style was a little childish. The usage of first names paragraph after paragraph made me feel like if it was worded any differently, the author though the audience wouldn’t be able to follow the train of thought. It was a bit redundant to me.

Additionally, this read & felt a lot like Pride & Prejudice with the warring of the two titular characters. One was always a bit pretentious while the other felt immature & contradictorily naive.

I also wanted to add on that this felt entirely exclusionary to anyone that isn’t queer or falls somewhere in the LGBT+ spectrum. I try to stay unbiased even when I lean more into LGBT+ inclusive stories because I love them so much. & I love sapphic works. But there were times where lines were being drawn where the dialogue really felt cutting to anyone who isn’t within that realm of labels. At the same time, I get it, space must be carved where it can be, but it felt as though being an ally in the audience of this book wouldn’t be enough.

& furthermore, I’d like to point out Chapter 35 specifically. I’m not sure if it’s that it took me thing long to notice it, or what, but at this point in the book, I was really eager for more additional character interaction & I finally got it only for the dialogue to be spoiled by lazy writing. 33 times the word “says” was used following or preceding a line of dialogue. For a huge chunk of dialogue, that’s the only descriptor that was used aside from the usage of “asks” or a point where no descriptor was needed, & that portion of the story could have benefitted much more by using more colorful wording. When my eyes finally caught it, I looked for more examples in the following chapters, hoping that I was wrong or that I was missing something, but it continued on much of the same way. & it really didn’t do the dialogue justice.

Sports romance has been my favorite genre as of late and this did not disappoint.
Grace is a veteran soccer star who is starting to lose the love of the game and Phoebe is a rookie who is full of energy and excited to prove what she got. Neither of them looking for a relationship. But does something that starts out as friends with benefits turn into something more. I really enjoy both main characters as well as the diverse cast of side characters.

4.5 stars

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

As an avid USWNT fan I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Cleat Cute follows teammates, Grace, a seasoned player who has lost her love for the game, and Phoebe, an upcoming player who talks too much (it’s cute though).

Grace and Phoebe don’t get off on the right foot, since Grace views Phoebe as a potential rival, but that doesn’t stop Grace from kind of unintentionally making the first move on Phoebe. From there, the two enter into a teammates-with-benefits relationship that includes plenty of spice and cute moments as Grace shows Phoebe around New Orleans.

Grace and Phoebe have fantastic chemistry and good communication even though both characters are idiots. The secondary characters really round out the book and you’ll find yourself cheering them on. Cleat Cute is another hit from Meryl that any USWNT fan will love.

I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cleat Cute is fighting for a top of my favorite Meryl Wilsner read.

Phoebe is a rising soccer player who was drafted to play for New Orleans in the first round. With spunk and grit, she's someone who won't take no for an answer. Grace is a soccer player who's been in the game for a bit. Also playing for New Orleans, she's team captain and won't let her team down.

Phoebe and Grace meet at the women's national team practice. What started out as a quick bet, later turns into a friends relationship. With Grace sidelined with an injury, Phoebe has the door wide open for a position with the national team. Turning from rivarly to friends however; both players want to work together. But will everything stay "cleat cute?"

I enjoyed reading Meryl Wilsner's latest novel, Cleat Cute. This latest lgbtqia + romance has all of the spicy scenes but also depth of characters. It was fun to get into spunky Phoebe's point of view and you couldn't help but root for Grace to find her voice with others. The pacing of this story had me turning the pages and not wanting to put the novel down.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this earc in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

I ate this up on a recent plane ride. I eat up everything Meryl writes. Not that I bought any of these, because I've been lucky enough to win ARCs of each of their three novels, but I couldn't tell you which one I like best. I love them all. Meryl and Casey McQuiston write the best F/F.

I won't lie. I only watch men's soccer. To be fair, my dumbass was introduced to the World Cup in 2010 and things moved from there. I mainly watch for eye candy, but get sucked into the tournament every four years. I sometimes watch the Champions League. If I care. Most of the time I don't.

I know the USWNT is so so so much better than the USMNT. And I don't watch the men. Yes, they suck, but also sorry not sorry, there is not a lot of eye candy. I'm trash. Anyway, what I came here to say is for a person that doesn't watch women's soccer, I was riveted by each and every plot point in this book.

Also, I guess everyone has issues dating? Thought it was just straight women confused about men. Partially happy to be wrong. Mainly sad that we're all so confused.

Real talk, what do I buy and get signed at the LA Times Festival of Books? Obviously, I don't have the physical ARC of this book. And I gave a friend my copy of Something to Talk About. So many problems. So little time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

-Sapphic romcom
-Sports romance (soccer)
-Grumpy veteran player + rookie sunshine
-Dual POV in 3rd person
-Neurodivergent MCs
-Trans, non-binary, and bi side characters

I love a good sports romance, and all the soccer aspects definitely added to the fun of this book. Loved the veteran/rookie dynamic between Grace and Phoebe. All the teammates made a great cast of side characters, too.

The book starts off with Grace seeing Phoebe as a potential rival. First day of training and these two are already trying to outdo the other. After losing a bet, Grace is dared to kiss Phoebe. One kiss and she's hooked. And so begins their friends with benefits situationship. With lots of spice. And dirty talk. 🔥

I thought Grace and Phoebe had sizzling sexual chemistry. Seriously, so much spice. However, I didn't feel the romantic connection between them. I guess it just would have been nice to see a little bit more of it on page, and not just near the end.

Another thing I wanted to note that didn't quite sit well with me was how negatively Phoebe viewed having ADHD. "Is that really how you see me, like some little fucked-up girl? Like my bad qualities are symptoms of some disorder?" I feel like there's a difference between being defensive and being offended. It would have been nice to know how she finally accepted that and how she felt about being diagnosed eventually, since she was very reluctant for many reasons.

Having said that, if you're looking for a light, low angst read with lots of spice and a side of sports, then definitely give this a try!

Wow. I fully admit that I'm a sucker for some hot athletes, but I think even the most unenthusiastic sports fan would dig the chemistry between Phoebe and Grace. Wilsner's prose is catchy and clear and the plot is centered around her two main characters. This is great because both of them defy normal rom-commy stereotypes and slowly build themselves out to be friends you're simultaneously shaking your head at and rooting for. The book has a few slower sections, but you're always drawn along by the hint of something juicy right around the bend.

I read this book as an ARC, and this was my first into to the author but it definitely won't be my last. If you're looking for something to dive into and enjoy, pick Cleat Cute up and take her for a spin!

a very cute fun sweet HOT read, loved the take on miscommunication where it’s not just “TALK TO EACH OTHER” but that they do talk but take different things away from the conversation. another great read from meryl!!

I was very excited when I received the email offering me the Advanced Reader’s Copy. I loved Meryl Wilsner’s, “Mistakes Were Made,” and was SO excited to see she was releasing another book. Not just another book, but a book centered around one of my favorite things: Soccer.

This book has me laughing, groaning, and wincing as the characters stumbled their way through their relationship. The fact of the matter is that Meryl tells a story without it feeling like a story. You feel as if these characters are real, not just words on a page. You feel as if you’re in their world.

Reading the characters learn and grow all while playing soccer to make it to the World Cup was beautifully written. I’ve already recommended the book to several people to read when it’s officially out.

I can’t wait to see what Meryl Wilsner will come out with next!

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner was - mostly - a joy! The Roy Kent-like main character and dual POV really ensnared me immediately, but after about 50% of the way through the novel, I found my interest really waning.

Meryl Wilsner knows how to write the best chemistry between love interests. I know nothing about soccer but was enthralled the entire time. Really good queer representation throughout (two lesbian main characters, trans masculine character, bisexual and pansexual side characters). I really connected with Grace’s character and I thought Phoebe’s character was unique and so much fun. Absolutely one of the best sapphic romances I’ve read (but Meryl’s Mistakes Were Made will always be my fav by them).

Phoebe Matthews receives the opportunity of a lifetime when she is called up to the practice with the U.S. Women's Soccer national team ahead of the World Cup. Even better, she'll be practicing with Grace Henderson, her childhood soccer crush. Grace meanwhile has lost her love of the game and is feeling bogged down by media appearances and a twinge in her hip. When a new recruit joins the national team for camp, at first she finds her annoying, but very attractive. After a lost best results in a secret kiss, Phoebe and Grace fall into a friends with benefits situation, which they're both happy with for a time. However, the more time the two spend together, the harder it is to deny their deeper connection.

Cleat Cute is hilarious and heartfelt, with strong representation throughout. Grace and Phoebe's relationship is well-developed, and both women grow into their relationship together as they mature individually. Readers will find themselves rooting for the main characters as well as the side characters, including Phoebe's friend Gabby and her brother, Teddy.

Arc received from netgalley! Cute story of sports victory. Braiding hair is definitely flirting. Lived the representation of adhd and autism in adult women. Character development could have been more. Definitely interested in this author in the future

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Meryl Wilsner has done it again.

I love sapphic romances and I love sports romance, but this was my first time reading a sapphic sports romance. My standards are impossibly high now.

The romance is amazing. We have Phoebe and Grace in an opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, coworkers romance. Both characters have incredible development as they work through the issues in their life with help from the other.

The cast is filled with diverse characters. The novel also touches on harder subjects like the impacts of stardom on celebrities’ personal lives in addition to the importance of physical and mental health.

I loved this book and I can’t wait to read Wilsner’s next one.

Another cute Meryl Wilsner novel! Grace and Phoebe were great as individuals and great as friends with benefits. This book also brought great autism and ADHD representation. The story moved quickly and was engaging throughout.

Grace and Pheobe are both teammates and professional soccer players. Phoebe is new, drafted right out of her last year of college, flirty and great at soccer. Grace is the team's star player, questioning her passion for soccer, doesn't like to lose and is quite stoic.

Meryl Wilsner is the queen of steamy sapphic romcoms. I loved this book and the deep dive into both Grace and Phoebe as individuals and as friends with benefits. The autism and ADHD representation was handled extremely well, and I felt excited when Grace identified with autism through TikTok, as I did too. The story moved quickly and I was engaged the whole time. While miscommunication tropes don’t always sit right with me, having the dual POV and inside knowledge with each characters stance on their relationship made it extremely compelling.

This book was, as the title suggests, cute! Every character felt authentic and stayed true to themselves. I wish we had spent more time with the supporting characters- I would have loved to hear more about there stories! Overall a very fun romance!

A sapphic grumpy x sunshine sports romance?! Sign me up

As with any book I’ve read by Meryl Wilsner I ate this book up and read it in one sitting.

I will always love a well done grumpy x sunshine book but make it sapphic and it’s 10x better. The characters in this book were believable, the conflicts were very realistic and don’t get me started on the disability rep. I felt so seen reading this book. The struggles Phoebe has with her ADHD and Grace with her autism (although this was never confirmed it was pretty clear to me that Grace was to be portrayed as autistic). Overall I loved every part of this book.. the soccer, the spice, the humour, and oh boy the way phoebe and grace contrasted each other was A+.

Final rating: 4.75/5⭐️