Great debut novel by Carrie Byrd! This was a quick, enemies to lovers romance. Mattie is a drama teacher and Jillian is a soccer coach at the same school. They instantly clash. I thought the MC’s were well developed with great plot. Highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and YLVA publishing for the ARC.

I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mattie is newly divorced and has moved back in with her parents. She’s an actress and takes a job at a high school teaching theater after going months without getting any roles. On her first day she meets the soccer coach, Jillian, and the two get off on the wrong foot.

I know I’m a bit of an outlier with this one. And while I did get to a point where I liked this, it took me a while to get into it and I had a few issues with it overall.

“Loser of the Year” is exactly why I have an issue with a single point of view in a romance. Mattie’s pov is the only one we get and I think the story would’ve been much better with Jillian’s pov as well. In the beginning, I didn’t understand Jillian as she’s guarded and she comes across as very Sue-like from Glee. So, it took a long time for me to get to a point where I liked her and understood what Mattie saw in her.

There was also a lot of telling instead of showing. The timeline is spread out and it was hard for me to buy into the relationship once they get to that point. Most of their interactions are of the sexual variety once that starts and I wish we would’ve had more conversations and emotional depth to go along with all the steamy scenes.

Another thing is something that’s more of a me thing. This is a rivals-to-lovers romance but Mattie spends all their time as rivals thinking about how hot Jillian is. It’s one of those things that bugs me because it pops up every time they interact. I know it’s not an issue for everyone, but for me if I don’t like someone, I don’t spend time thinking about their hot arms or jawline.

However, like I said above, I did get to a point where I became invested. It just came a little late. I loved the evolution and growth Mattie and Jillian go through, especially Jillian’s story. I also enjoyed the interactions with their students and how it propelled them in their growth.

“Loser of the Year” by Carrie Byrd is a debut but doesn’t feel like one. It’s clear Byrd is a talented writer and I look forward to see what she has planned next.

Mattie Belman is a grown woman of 38, forced to move back home with her parents in her old hometown. Her acting career has stalled and she’s financially strapped so she takes a job as the theatre teacher at her old Catholic HS. There, she meets Jillian Reed the legendary coach of the girls soccer team which has won 13 state championships in a row. Of course, they clash in classic fashion in a way that stirs ire and sexy urges.

Mattie and Jillian are unapologetically themselves, annoying, strong, opinionated, vulnerable, and real. I appreciate that their friendship and relationship grow into something special that is also imperfect. The pain of hiding a love because of church/work rules is crazy but portrayed authentically. I feel their fear and anxiety but their heat is ultimately inevitable. In addition, the students add an extra layer to the story and I would smile whenever they would pop into a scene. I could definitely see this author writing good YA if she was inclined. Overall, very enjoyable read with some clever surprises and heaps of spice.

This was a very interesting story of how the main characters dealing with themselves and falling for each other. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers theme. And the author gave the characters differcult situations so they can grow. I great read.

Loser of the Year is a solid debut that introduces a fresh twist on the typical romance narrative with a closeted, fire-queen character at its centre. Mattie, a new theatre teacher, navigates her complicated feelings toward Jillian, a brash and guarded soccer coach whose depth remains somewhat unexplored. While Jillian's character is presented as complex and loveable, the story relies heavily on Mattie's perspective, leaving some aspects of Jillian's character underdeveloped.

The story shines most in its vibrant supporting cast, including the sharply drawn students and the antagonistic school principal. These characters help elevate the narrative, providing humour and tension that add layers to the story. Although the chemistry between Mattie and Jillian is intense, the narrative could have benefited from more moments of genuine connection and conversation to balance out the scenes with physical intimacy. For me, their romance lacked the depth that might have made it truly compelling.

Overall, Loser of the Year is an entertaining and promising debut that offers a mix of humour, drama, and steamy romance. If this is Carrie Byrd's debut then I can't wait to see what she releases next.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Carrie Byrd has written a real winner! The richness of her enemies-to-lovers debut romance extends beyond the basic plot and character dynamics, inviting readers into a deeper exploration of themes and emotional journeys. Loser of the Year draws its strength from its well-scripted, emotionally rich narrative and it’s quite a ride, to say the least! The journey of Mattie and Jillian goes beyond mere attraction; it becomes a profound exploration of self-discovery, connection, and the courage to embrace love in all its forms. This story not only entertains but also resonates deeply, reminding readers of the life changing power of relationships and the importance of daring to take risks—both in love and in life.

Mattie Belman and Jillian Reed are exceptionally well-crafted characters. They are designed with textured layers that make them compelling and relatable. Mattie’s transition from a hopeful actress to a disheartened teacher sets the stage for her character arc. Readers witness her grappling with self-doubt and the pressure to reclaim her passion for the arts. Her journey toward self-acceptance—and eventual love—is gradual and nuanced, filled with moments of vulnerability that allow readers to connect with her on a personal level.

Jillian, on the other hand, embodies the archetype of a strong, independent woman who has built a façade of confidence to protect herself from the vulnerabilities of life and love. Her initial antagonism toward Mattie stems from a mixture of professional pride and personal insecurity. As the story unfolds, Jillian’s character is neatly fleshed out, revealing struggles and fears that make her relatable, despite her outward toughness. The duality in their personalities creates a rich tapestry for conflict and eventual connection.

The relationship between Mattie and Jillian is steeped in the classic trope of opposites attracting, yet it is enriched by their fierce rivalry. Jillian’s initial arrogance and dismissive attitude towards the theater arts serve as a catalyst for conflict. This animosity fuels the narrative, allowing readers to witness the evolution of their connection as they navigate their differences. The tension between them is not merely antagonistic; it’s charged with an underlying chemistry that simmers beneath the surface. As Mattie begins to uncover the complexities of Jillian’s character—her passion, dedication, and vulnerabilities—readers are drawn further into the intricacies of their relationship. The gradual peeling away of Jillian’s tough exterior reveals a deeper emotional landscape that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to connect with someone who seems different at first glance.

Resilience and bravery are recurring themes in this narrative, and it works well to support the central motif of the romance—daring to take risks. Both Mattie and Jillian are at a crossroads in their lives, confronting their fears and uncertainties. Mattie’s journey back to the stage reflects her desire to reclaim her identity and self-worth, while Jillian’s initial resistance to Mattie’s musical symbolizes a fear of vulnerability. The narrative encapsulates the idea that love often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the unknown, even if it leads to potential heartbreak. This inherent risk appeals to readers who crave stories that not only entertain but also challenge them to invest a little of themselves in the storytelling.

The emotional stakes in this story are palpable and reflect the complexities of human relationships. The tension between Mattie and Jillian is not merely a vehicle for romance; it heightens the exploration of self-acceptance and self-respect within the context of a wlw romance. The book does not shy away from the complexities of love and self-worth, offering a nuanced portrayal of two women navigating their feelings in a world that may not always be accepting. As their relationship develops, readers are treated to a range of emotions, from frustration and anger to tenderness and longing. The moments of realization and vulnerability—when both women let their guards down—are particularly impactful, as they reflect the universal journey of opening oneself up to love despite past hurts. The journey of self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self—despite what others think—resonate with readers, making the story relevant and impactful.

Final remarks…

The appeal of this enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract sapphic romance lies in its rich character development, thematic depth and emotional resonance. Mattie and Jillian’s journey from rivalry to romance perfectly captures the beauty of love, even when it exposes vulnerabilities so crushing, one nearly feels paralyzed by it. As these two women navigate their differences and discover the scorching passion that hisses anytime they are near, readers are reminded that sometimes, the most compelling stories are those that challenge us to take a big leap of faith, even if the landing is a little jarring. Loser of the Year is no loser; it is an exceptional debut and exceedingly worthy of praise. It promises not only to entertain but to charm, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance. In fact, every book Carrie Byrd writes from here on out needs to be on one’s must-read list! This book firmly puts her on the map, proving she is one to watch!

Strengths…

Well-written
Engaging
Relatable, likable characters
Captivating story world
Rich secondary characters
A must-read

It’s been too long for Mattie Belman’s, she was tired and needed a change. When her mom mentioned St. Rita, a local catholic girls school was looking for someone to teach and take over the job of producing a play, which she should know something about, seeing as she was an actress, mind you not a famous or rich actress. She needed the job and if she needed to put herself in the ‘closet’ again it would be for only a few months.
When Jillian Reed got through high school she knew where she was going. She was a soccer player, and more than a few colleges wanted her to be on their teams.
When she came home she didn’t tell anyone why she quit and returned home, it wasn’t anyone’s business. When she was hired to teach at St Rita’s her main job was coaching the girls soccer team. Never too friendly with her fellow teachers she tried to keep to herself .
So Ms Byrd decides to have these two ladies (one an open and proud lesbian) meet at a catholic high school. Of course, when Mattie meets Jillian, well that is when this book gets really interesting. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ YLVA

This was a fun debut from Carrie Byrd. I enjoyed Mattie and Jillian's story. This one has lovable characters, great pacing and a heartwarming end. The two MCs interact quite a lot though much of the book is Mattie's internal dialogue. I liked the evolution of their relationship through forced proximity directing the school play. It was fun and id recommend it to anyone looking for a well written HEA.

Mattie is a drama teacher that has agreed to work at St. Ritas. Jillian is the soccer coach who is very arrogant and gets what she wants.
Due to the fact that several of Jillian's players are in the school musical, she gets assigned to assist Mattie.
There is a tension between the two women. Mattie is attracted to Jillian, but Jillian shows interest, but it is very veiled. When the two do agree that there is chemistry, they start seeing each other in Jillian's locked office and then at Jillian's house.
All is going well, until the school's principal catches the two sharing a kiss.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story went directly to my to-reread folder on my Kindle and it is absolutely going to be one of my top 10 books this year. It’s funny, sweet, sexy, and is directly responsible for a few nights of terrible sleep. If you like fire queens, strong women in tank tops, clashing and then falling in love, and stories with a spectacular twist, I cannot recommend Loser of the Year enough.

Wow what a great book! Not only did I love seeing a character tackle later aged inner homophobia mixed with still caring about their parents acceptance, but the growth of both characters and how they deserve so much more was great to see. I obviously wasn't the biggest fan of Jillian when you first meet her, but you quickly realize that's just a front and the real person was awesome.

Would definitely recommend this book. I didn't want it to end.

What a fantastic debut! Sometimes I really get surprised by how a book can pull me in. This read was no exception. I was thoroughly entertained by Mattie's hijinks and workplace romance.

Thank you to Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Fun and all the feels: an opposites attract lesbian romance
This debut author sets the stage like a seasoned professional: A stodgy, old-fashioned Catholic school in rural Pennsylvania with all the moral clauses and bigotry you can dream up and a liberal, lesbian theater teacher (Mattie). Said liberal and somewhat naive teacher who is supposed to perform a musical with her students meats the icy, arrogant coach of the star soccer team (Jillian) who is used to get ALL. THE. FREE. TIME of her players.
Add to this great set-up wonderful writing which captures the characters, their development, the voluntary and involuntary humor of many a situation, the heartwarming and the chilling combined with a great story arch and you don‘t want to put down this book.
I especially relished the finer points of humor when Jewish Mattie is confronted with her daily dose of Catholicism. And it is great to see the coming of age of students and teachers alike. Of course a melting (butch) ice queen doesn‘t exactly hurt!
Thanks to Lee Winter I picked up this book. No regrets. At all.

I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

Knowing that Carrie Byrd’s wife is Roslyn Sinclair and being a huge fan of her work, I was super hyped going into this book. Maybe those expectations were ultimately a bad thing because I found myself sadly disappointed. My main issue was I just didn’t like or emphasize with the character of Jillian. While the things she said and did were at times very funny, I didn’t think they were believable. I was also very much looking forward to the “ice queen melt” when we find out her true motivations for acting the way she does and I found it very lackluster.

Because of this I lost interest about half way in and could not finish reading. I would give this author another shot since it’s her debut, but in good conscience cannot recommend this particular book.

Carrie Byrd may be a new star in the sapphfic universe, she shoots right into the stratosphere with this debut. It’s sharp, funny, vulnerable and so very addictive!

I received an advance copy from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mattie Belman was supposed to be a successful actress by now. And happily married. Instead, she is newly divorced with no actual acting success to her name. Defeated, Mattie returns to her hometown to live with her parents and start a new job as a drama teacher at a private Catholic school for girls. A very strict Catholic school, that is. Well, that might be a slight challenge for an out and proud Jewish lesbian like Mattie. To top that off, behind the scenes the school seems to be run by the very successful but equally arrogant soccer coach Jillian Reed. Why oh why does Mattie feel an instant pull towards this aggravating woman? To speak with Carrie Byrd’s/Mattie’s own hilarious words: ‘the outcome seems inevitable, like death, taxes, or homophobic politicians getting caught on gay-dating apps.’

Mattie is a powerhouse. She might not think so herself, but she is determined right from the start to not let Jillian overpower her like some lame chicken. The way she immediately challenges the infuriating head coach is something to be admired and cheered on with dances and pompoms! Mattie stole my heart right from page one. She is anything but sure of herself or her future, but she values herself enough to stand up for what she feels is right, for her and her students.

Now for Jillian, it took me a good while to actually like her. Byrd does an impeccable job in introducing her as the narcissistic villain of the story who only cares about her own success. The tension between Mattie and Jillian is delicious. The story is told from Mattie’s POV, so you only get glimpses of Jillian’s suppressed attraction, but these little peeks behind that wall of pure arrogance are everything. Through Mattie’s eyes we get to watch those concrete walls crumble one tiny piece at a time.

Mattie’s witty self deprecation is hilariously honest. Her self talk made me grin more than once. She can look at her own thoughts, twist her way of thinking into something agreeable and call bullshit all in the same sentence. It makes her very human and very, very funny.

The parallels in the dynamics between the musical characters and between Mattie and Jillian are spot on. Mattie plays a very important role in the lives of some of her students. Showing them, struggling against the catholic school’s restrictions, that being different is ok and being different doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy life or find love.

While Mattie and Jillian grow closer, Jillian is weighed down by her families expectations and the fear of not being good enough if she would live her life authentically. At the same time she tries to teach the musical kids about standing up for themselves and believe in their abilities. My heart ached for Jillian and for Mattie as well. To see the woman she loves struggle like that? Heartbreaking. If only Jillian could take her own lessons to heart…

I could write on and on about how good I think this book is, but you know what, go read it and let it speak for itself. One thing is absolutely true though: Carrie Byrd is one new author to watch out for!

Did anyone else read this picturing Katy O'Brian as Jillian... or was that just me?

(Adding extra text here on NG to make up the minimum word limit)

After a failed acting career, Mattie ends up back in her parents house and a theater teacher. Jillian is an over the top soccer coach, with championships to back it up, at the same school. Religion plays a role in this book as both queer women teach at a catholic school. I enjoyed getting to know both characters, especially Jillian because she had my eyes rolling. The book is fullll of chemistry and a connection that is hinted to go deeper than the surface. I had an inkling from the beginning of the story. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This is an absolutely brilliant story that includes so many different topics, each one handled expertly and with so much care. The difficulties of starting over are woven in with religious beliefs, and homophobia around a high school musical, giving each topic airtime and allowing readers to fall in love with Mattie and Jillian. Elements of humor and sarcasm smooth out the rough edges of these difficult topics, enabling a well-rounded, and relatable story. Profound insights with a touch of wit make this story truly memorable.

Loser of the Year is a compelling romance with well-developed characters you can’t help but love. Relatable challenges are woven with a profound narrative that struck me to my core. The emotions conveyed run the gamut from shame, regret, and complacency, to delight, joy, and love, allowing for a truly memorable reading experience. The story will make you laugh out loud and wipe empathetic tears from your eyes (sometimes at the same time). It’s a layered tale that will keep you turning pages right up to the very end. So grab your copy, drop into your favorite reading spot, and enjoy this stunningly brilliant read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4

I looked forward to this book for months and, my goodness, it did not disappoint! It had everything that I love in a romance: a frosty ice queen, quirky side characters, great banter, And excellent character development. The story was funny, heartwarming, and empowering. It felt like Mean Girls and Glee rolled into one queer package.

Mattie and Jillian were such a great couple, each understanding the other on a cellular level and calling each other on their BS. I loved the way that they had to learn to fit together and adjust the way that they approached being together. Jillian was an amazing ice queen with the way that she was so unapproachable to everyone but found ways and reasons to be near Mattie. She was also great at disguising her compliments as insults when she was trying to hide how smitten she really was. Every time I thought I had Jillian figured out, she threw me another curveball (or whatever the soccer equivalent of a curveball is).

Another thing that really stood out to me was the general lack of a reference to Mattie’s size. It’s hinted at that she’s a bit plus sized but never overtly stated. There is absolutely nothing wrong with stating that a character is plus sized or curvy but I loved the way that Carrie Byrd made it known without making a big deal out of it. Mattie’s size wasn’t a plot point, it was just a fact of life. It was a part of her that didn’t need to be addressed or dealt with and as a plus sized woman myself, I found this refreshing.

It wasn’t just the two main characters who learned from their experiences. All of the characters in the book were truly special and showed some kind of growth. The side characters were just as complex and fun to read about as Mattie and Jillian. Carrie Byrd also expertly captures the spirit of growing in a small, religious town and all of the effects that that can have on a young queer person.

I’ll recommend this book to anyone. Literally anyone. It’s definitely a new favorite. Thank you so much to Carrie Byrd, Ylva, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found the character of Jillian hard to like- while most 'ice queens' aren't supposed to be likeable initially I can usually find at least one redeemable quality early on - with Jillian it took a little time.
Apart from sex the two MC's have appear to have little in common with issues is religion and sexuality being barriers to overcome but also with a little history making an appearance as well.
The story was well written but I found it lacking a little in the 'romance' department and I don't feel it had anything to do with the 'hiding away' due to schools policy but more about the way the characters developed- it seemed the strongest link was sex!