Stealing for Keeps is Rebecca Jenshak’s first YA sports romance story between new soccer star Austin and former figure skater Claire. After moving to Frost Lake to play soccer, Austin is the new kid and has everyone’s interest expect the blonde haired girl who accidentally spilled glitter on him after colliding into each other. On a dare from one of his new teammates, Austin kisses Claire not knowing that she’s the ex girlfriend of his soccer rival teammate. Immediately they both feel a connection but it’s complicated because of Claire’s ex and the soccer team.

An art project, stolen moments and finding new hobbies build the foundation of Austin and Claire’s new friendship and hidden relationship. They both tried to stay away from each other but they just couldn’t and when their relationship is made public it causes more drama for everyone involved. Is their relationship too much of a distraction or is it the real thing?

I love Rebecca Jenshak’s writing and I love that I was given an opportunity to read an eARC of Stealing for Keeps. I can’t wait to see where this series heads and to see Claire and Austin thriving together in the future.



Thank you @rebecceajenshak @read_bloom and @valentine_pr_ for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Stealing For Keeps is an incredibly sweet story with a well rounded cast of friends and family. This friends to lovers relationship was written with the perfect organic growth and mixed with the right amount of angst that kept me right on the edge of my seat. Rebecca Jenshak knew just how to toy with my emotions until the very end. Well done.

Claire was the "it" girl...technically she still is, only she feels like her world is over when she broke her ankle and can no longer ice skate and compete competitively. She's snarly and a bit combative, but who can blame her. Within a few weeks of losing what was most important to her, her long time boyfriend also broke up with her. Vaughn...so many feelings wrapped up there...I do hope we get a story there at some point.... Anyway, Claire is looking to the new school year as a new start, but it's hard when she's dragging around her injured foot in a big boot like an albatross and her ex keeps popping up. What finally makes things exciting is a new transfer student, Austin. That is until she realizes he plays soccer with her ex. She's given up on sports and sports players in general, since they've given up on her. Too bad for Claire because Austin is new and doesn't know the history behind anything that's happened at Frost Lake High .

Austin is the bright ray of sunshine to the cloudy mood always surrounding Claire these days. He honestly can't help himself, no matter what happens...he gravitates to Claire's orbit and sparkles with glitter🩵. While he transferred to Frost Lake to play soccer, a chance in a lifetime to play with the coach and team of his dreams, he can't seem to keep him mind off of one person and one person only...even if it could cost him everything.

I swear Jenshak writes found families like no one else. Claire's girl squad is legit. Her friends show up time and time again, no matter what and no questions asked. I love how she brings friends together. I also couldn't get enough of Austin's little brother, Wyatt. ❤️ He's the sweetest little kid and I really hope someday he gets his own book.

Since this is a regularly published book, it is on the sweeter side vs. the spicier side, for those who might be wondering, but the writing and actual plot of the story, it's all Jenshak quality and pure excellence!!

4.5

The absolute nostalgia this book gave me was everything. From those first flutters of high school lust to first love. I adored these characters so much and was thrown right back into those innocent days of navigating growing up and finding out who you are and want to be.

Claire was so real in her passion and her pain over losing what she thought was her future. She makes room for new things but not at the coat of losing herself. Austin is the quintessential boy next door. He's the new shiny toy all the girls want. But deep down, he just wants to fit in and find his place. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this!

Dare you not to LOVE this book! Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak was a sweet, swoony, and emotional YA sports romance that stole my heart from start to finish. Claire and Austin’s journey to HEA was full of forbidden twists, and meant-to-be turns that had me longing for these two to work together to find true happiness together. This is book one in Rebecca’s Frost Lake High series.

Abigail Reno and Max Meyers perform this audiobook in dual narration. Both of these narrators are new to me, and I fell head over heels in love with their performances of Claire and Austin. Abigail’s youthful, upbeat tone conveyed Claire’s conflicted emotions, vulnerability, and newfound hope and desires for all the opportunities in her life. Max’s lively, warm voice encompassed Austin’s steadfast passion for soccer and endearing dedication to Claire. Both narrators created the perfect amount of tension, angst, and love between Claire and Austion’s undeniable connection.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a YA sports romance with a hot charismatic soccer player, a dedicated former figure skater, Frost Lake High, glittery meet-cutes, ex-boyfriend drama, daring kisses, sketchbook drawings, high school parties, different family dynamics, finding new passions, secret dating, light spice, heartache, angst, intense soccer games, and a HEA that will steal your heart, then you will love Claire and Austin’s romance. I always look forward to more from Rebecca Jenshak.

3.5 Stars
While this book was definitely cute, I found this book to be a little boring and not really bring anything new and exciting. I will say it’s not bad by any means, just not really special.

Rebecca has entered her YA Era and I am here for it!! 😍 I was already obsessed with the Valley U and Wildcat worlds, so my expectations for this new series were pretty high and Rebecca absolutely delivered!! 😍

I fell for Austin right from the glitter bomb meet cute and I just kept falling after that! It might have started as a dare, but that boy was already down bad for Claire 🫠 He’s flirty and playful, while also so dedicated to soccer. He carries the guilt of his family’s sacrifices, but I loved his determination to make it all worth it. He was such a good friend to Claire and so supportive in helping her find a new hobby 🥹

Claire was such a relatable girl! After losing the sport she lived for, she struggled with finding her place, and I think everyone can relate to that feeling. I loved her friendship with Lacey (I can’t wait for her book!! 🤭) and the instant connection she felt with Austin. Their relationship was so sweet and I loved their shared love of art! I wish I could see that sketchbook!! 🥹

It was so fun getting introduced to a new world, and I loved that it’s set in high school! It allowed for a little more innocence, but it still had the epic friendship banter and brought along all the teenage angst! 🤭

I am already so in love with the Frost Lake High world and I can’t wait for the rest of the series! 😍 I am already shipping two potential couples and I really hope they happen!! 🤞🏼

Thank you so much Rebecca for the opportunity to read Austin and Claire’s book early!! 🩷

Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Soccer Player x Ex-Figure Skater
- Glitter Bomb Meet Cute
- Forbidden Romance
- Rival’s ex-girlfriend
- Secret relationship
- He Falls First
- It starts with a dare

4.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Rebecca for this ARC!

This is a YA (high school) romance between a former figure skater and the new soccer player (and her ex’s teammate).
Claire Crawford had a figure skating injury causing her to not to continue her competing. Her former boyfriend, Vaughn, couldn’t handle his soccer aspirations and her recovery, so he ended things. Now, new guy Austin Keller, is challenged by his soccer teammate to kiss the pretty blonde.

Sparks fly, but Claire is done with soccer players and Austin doesn’t want his new teammate to dislike him. They can’t avoid their feelings for long especially working on their class art project together. They have to keep things a secret until the season is over, but can they make it that long?

I don’t typically enjoy high school Romances but Rebecca has the best sports romances! These two characters fall in love while still discovering themselves while navigating high school drama. I definitely recommend this one!

I loved this book so much omg. Every now and then I love a good YA book and this one just itched my brain so good! It was so nostalgic and comforting, The audiobook was amazing, the narrators did an amazing job and the production was great.

This book took me back to high school and remembering what it feels like to have a crush back then. This book follows Austin Keller. He is a soccer star that just moved across the country to Frost Lake school to follow his dream of being the best at soccer. He is the shiny new guy at school who turns out to be one of the best players on the team. Then we have Claire Crawford who is one of the prettiest and most popular girls at the school. She is the ex girlfriend of the current soccer star, used to ice skate before an injury, and is trying to find herself in the new school year. In comes Austin getting dared to kiss Claire because it will make the soccer captain, Vaughn, jealous. They quickly become friends and then slowly they become more. I don’t read a lot of ya books anymore since it is hard to connect with the characters but this book took me back to high school and made me remember what it’s like to have a crush in your teens. I recommend this to anyone who likes sports romance, friends to lovers, and ya.

I requested for the figure skating but stayed for the soccer. I enjoyed reading this YA romance! Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy.

One dare. One kiss. That’s all it to bring Austin Keller into Claire Crawford’s life. He’s the newest member of the Frost Lake soccer team. She’s the team captain’s ex-girlfriend trying to find herself after an injury has taken figure skating away. She tries to push him away, he chases her. Through a bit of banter, flirting and sometimes a little of both they form a friendship and from that, he helps her in a way nobody else has.

The cast of characters are unique without overshadowing the plot. The development between Austin and Claire had just the right amount of pacing. There were some bumps and twist here along the way but it’s the growth at the end that gave me such a bittersweet feeling. Finding yourself isn’t easy and Claire’s journey felt so real, my heart broke a little for her but it’s her strength at the end that makes me smile. Austin is determined, focused and cares a lot about those close to him. Being the new guy isn’t easy but he keeps his head high and pushes through. His love for Claire is so sweet. Rebecca Jenshask captures the highs, lows, friendships and self discovery at Forest Lake High.

A special thank you to Blooms Books/Sourcebooks and NetGalley for sending me an ARC.

Claire Crawford is trying to navigate her junior year after an injury sidelines her from figure skating and her boyfriend breaks up with her. When the new guy on the soccer team kisses her at the bonfire, she's determined to not give him the time of day. But he doesn't get the message that she isn't interested and keeps trying to win her over. Rebecca Jenshak is on eof my favorite authors and she delivers again in this new high school romance.

I loved this small town Soccer YA romance. It is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait to see who the author rights about next.

Rebecca Jenshak's Stealing for Keeps is a captivating start to the Frost Lake High series, seamlessly weaving together themes of sports, romance, and self-discovery. The story introduces us to Austin Keller, an ambitious new player on the Frost Lake soccer team, and Claire Crawford, the team captain's ex-girlfriend, who is grappling with the aftermath of an injury that has derailed her figure skating dreams.

Rebecca expertly captures the highs and lows of high school life, from fierce competition to blossoming relationships. Austin's determination and charisma shine as he navigates team dynamics and the growing tension with Claire. Their chemistry is electric, and the slow development of their romance keeps readers hooked. Claire’s journey of self-discovery adds emotional depth, making her a relatable and compelling character.

The writing is engaging and vibrant, bringing the world of Frost Lake High to life with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. The rivalry sparked by a dare infuses the story with excitement, propelling the plot forward.

Stealing for Keeps is a refreshing exploration of young love, resilience, and the journey to find oneself amidst life's challenges. It’s a must-read for YA romance enthusiasts, and I eagerly await the next installment in this enchanting series!