I really loved this book. It showed the struggles of being a teenager that I had forgotten. You have to be the best, have good grades , but still have fun with friends and not get into trouble.
As a mother of a teenager now it showed me how I want them to succeed, but still be there for them whatever they choose.
Claire and Austin were great together. They got along so well.
Lacey was perfect! I hope her and Rowan get together!
I can’t wait to see the rest of this book world!

Rating: 2.5⭐️

Okay, so this was not my favourite book the author has put out.

At the beginning, I really liked our two leads, Austin and Claire. However, they got on my nerves the more I read. My biggest issue was how they handled the whole situation with Claire’s ex-boyfriend, Vaughn. I wished Claire had more of a backbone and held her ground when it came to him. He treated her terribly by breaking up with her immediately after the injury that ended her figure skating career. But now all of sudden he wants her back and Claire never conveys how much he hurt her and just lets him continue claiming to everyone that they’ll eventually get back together.

As for Austin, it’s obvious from his POV that he has feelings for Claire, but he denies this when Vaughn asks him directly which leads to so much unnecessary drama. Miscommunication trope continues to be one of the worst tropes ever… Claire and Austin constantly gave each other mixed signals. One moment they were into each other and the next they’re acting cold and avoiding each other. It was super frustrating.

I do think that their behaviour stems mainly from the YA genre. There were a lot of moments that felt childish and juvenile and that’s not something I usually see in the author’s new adult/adult romance books. I have read YA books where characters have more maturity, but I don’t know if this was the author’s way of differentiating between YA and adult. It didn’t really work for me though.

Despite those issues, I liked Austin and Claire’s meet cute. They also had good banter and chemistry. There was definitely some insta-love, but that wasn’t my biggest problem with the book. It honestly didn’t bother me as much here.

The supporting characters really elevated the story though. I loved the friendships that were shown throughout the book. Austin’s little brother Wyatt stole the spotlight every time he showed up as well. He was so freaking cute. I also appreciated how the author didn’t make Vaughn a major jerk. There was more to him. I still didn’t really like him, but he wasn’t one-dimensional. He might be the lead for the next book?

All in all, this was not a perfect book but there were some aspects I enjoyed and I’m interested to see what the author does with Vaughn’s book.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Stealing for Keeps is a YA contemporary, sports romance from Rebecca Jenshak and this was so cute! Rebecca Jenshak is already one of my favorite romance authors, and this high school romance was such a delight.

He’s the new soccer star and gets dared to kiss a cute girl on his first day…which happens to be his new team captain’s ex-girlfriend!

Soccer is everything to Austin Keller, in face he and his family moved from Arizona to Michigan specifically for him to play for the prestigious soccer team there. On his first day at Frost Lake High School he runs into—literally runs into, Claire, and gets doused in sparkle. That moment earns him the nickname “Disco” from his new teammates and a crush on the cute girl he ran into.

Claire has been a figure skater her whole life, but a recent injury has her second guessing her future plans. I really liked her character and seeing the complicated relationship between her and her mother. I liked seeing Claire and Austin feel pulled to one another but also him trying to push her away because of her being his team captain’s ex.

“I dare you to kiss me.”

I just really loved this one! There is just something about a high school setting and that coming-of-age aspect to the story where the options feel endless for what you can do with your life…the friends, the hobbies and sports you are into, the relationships, all the highs and lows of that self discovery happening. So good and this was just such a great YA romance debut from an existing romance author!

This was a great book the end 2024 and start 2025 with. Rebecca Jenshak's writing was just as fun and addictive as always. I love that she tried something a little new with Stealing for Keeps being YA. She did a great job making the characters feel authentically like teenagers who do sometimes stupid teenager things while keeping the story on the lighter side. I loved how Frost Lake High school, the sports, and the students came to life. Claire and Austin's story was adorable, and all their friends and family added to that. Their romance wasn't without teen drama, but it wasn't over the top and fit the story well. I can't wait to see what is next in this series.

Listening on Audio:
I am so picky with audiobooks but this one was actually really good! Both narrators were amazing, yea the narrators are older then the characters themselves I didn’t really question or think twice because they just fit for the characters and did such a good job with portraying each scene and moment.

Review:

My overall thoughts of this story, it was so swoony and cute! It’s got those first love feels which gives you a little bit of that nostalgia feeling. Our MMC is the up and coming soccer star, ready to make a name for himself… but he’s dared to kiss the team captain’s ex girlfriend and here is where our story truly begins.

There was the perfect amount of tension and push and pull. The instant attraction and the decision you have to make in highschool… soccer is everything but there’s something there with Claire and Austin that they want to explore. This is on the low steam side but for me that’s never necessary as long as the story makes me feel the love and connection.

When Austin’s family moves across the country for his chance to play with the prestigious Frost Lake soccer team, he’s ready to seize the opportunity. But on his first night out with the team, a dare to kiss the team captain’s ex-girlfriend sets in motion a rivalry that threatens his future. Claire was once an aspiring figure skater, but a recent injury has changed everything. To make matters worse, her boyfriend dumped her. Starting her junior year, she’s unsure of her next steps. One thing she knows for sure: she’s not falling for the new guy. That electrifying kiss at the bonfire? Already forgotten…almost. He’s chasing his dreams. She’s lost hers. The more Claire tries to push him away, the harder he works to win her over. He’s stealing her heart, and he’s doing it for keeps.

I’ve been in such a weird reading mood lately where nothing is really grabbing and holding my attention but this book feels like it may have fixed all that for me. I completely devoured this book like finished in less than 24 hours. This is a YA sports romance and I absolutely adored it. I miss when life was as easy as it was in high school and this gave me the opportunity to just forget all my adult problems and full immerse myself in this world. I definitely recommend this book if you want a cute romance that will make you forget about all your real life problems!!

this was such a sweet & swoony debut to Rebecca’s YA journey! sparkly, adorable meet cute & young love butterflies at its best. 😍

It has been awhile since I’ve read a ya novel. But I love Rebecca Jenshak, and had to read it. Austin has just moved cross country to play soccer with one of the best coaches. On his way to his first practice he runs into Claire. Taking notice of her, but not able to stop and talk. Clair has been a competitive ice skater. But she hurt her ankle and isn’t able to continue skating competitively after she gets her cast off. And while going through all of that her boyfriend the (star soccer player) breaks up with her. Now that school has started back he’s ready to pick up where they left off. And Austin is flirting with her. But she’s done with soccer players. This was a sweet read.

I thought I was too old for high school romance, but I ATE THIS ONE UP!!! Lol I got the audiobook, and immediately fell in love. I love the meet cute so much. Definitely a fun and sweet read. I highly recommend it!!

Claire is an ice skater but she got injured so she will never be able to fully skate to the potential anymore. Austin is the new student at Frost Lake High School joining the soccer team. Austin was immediately drawn to Claire, but he didn't know that Claire was the ex-girlfriend of the captain of the soccer team who he admires. So it was complicated. Lol the more time Claire and Austin spend time with each other, they couldn't control their feelings anymore. The way Austin cares and loves Claire was the best. Got me swooning. What happens when the captain wants Claire back? You'll have to read to find out. 😏

I do have to say, I'm someone who loves my book spicy, but I totally overlooked it for this because they're still in high school. Lol

Anyways, Pick THIS ONE UP!!

Thank you to Rebecca Jenshak and Netgalley for this review copy!

Stealing for Keeps is Rebecca Jenshak’s first YA novel and is the cutest way to end the year!

Set at Frost Lake High school this was the sweetest romance between Austin, a future soccer star, and Claire a recovering ice skater. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Austin and Claire it was just so sweet and wholesome but also with forbidden love vibes which just added an extra level! The spark between them was there from the offset and I loved seeing their relationship grow. With this you get all the teen angst and drama with many a tear and even a fight or two, but I really enjoyed the dynamics between Claire, Austin and all their friends and I am excited to see where the story goes next! What I particularly enjoyed was seeing Claire grow as a person after being injured and having to give up on her dream. I think there is so much pressure put on us from a young age to know what we want to do with our lives but I enjoyed seeing Claire explore other pursuits and realise that new dreams can be made!

This was a fun, sweet sports romance which will have you kicking your feet with giddiness!

This is the first in a new series and this is Austin and Claire’s story.
Austin moves cross country to enable him to play with the prestigious Frost Lake soccer team, and Claire was an aspiring figure skater, until an injury derailed her life. On a night out with the ream, Austin is dared to kiss Claire, the team captain’s ex-girlfriend,
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with family, friendships, emotions, drama, angst, secrets, determination, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

I love everything Rebecca writes! This cute little YA soccer romance is no exception!

This was such a cute, quick read. I loved watching the relationships develop between Austin and Claire. It threw me back into my high school days. What started as a dare, ended up blooming into a beautiful friendship and then a beautiful relationship. I loved how Austin helped Claire work through her grief after her injury.

This YA book was so different than what I’d normally pick up. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect with the characters. However, Rebecca did it so beautifully. It was fun reading something different and truly enjoying it.

I’m excited to see where this series goes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

When I saw Rebecca Jenshak releasing a YA romance, I will admit, I was skeptical. Not that the writing and characters would be questionable, but she writes romance with spice and heat. Would this book stay true to the YA spice levels, being appropriate for young readers? Or would it be labeled as YA, but cross the lines into spice that YA shouldn’t have? (Insert foot into mouth here). She not only wrote a YA romance that I devoured, but it was everything a YA should be. It had all the emotion of young love and the perfect dash of drama and angst. I mean, it is a high school romance and what is high school without drama?

Claire has lost her dreams with figure skating due to an injury and to add insult to it, she’s just broke up with her boyfriend as well. In an instant, everything she knew is gone and she is working on figuring things out for herself. She isn’t looking for anything new or anyone, but life is funny like that. Claire was easy to relate to, even though it’s been years since I was in high school. She is smart, determined, and a bit lost.

Austin is the new, shiny (literally and figuratively) boy on campus, having just transferred. What he doesn’t expect is to meet someone his first day that gives him butterflies…and a whole lot of glitter everywhere. When he ends up kissing her, the drama begins, since she is his soccer captain’s ex-girlfriend. The one his captain is sure that he’ll win back. Austin has a good head on his shoulders, knowing what he wants, but being smart about going for it. Soccer means everything to him and he doesn’t want to chance anything. But how can he ignore the girl who makes him smile and he can’t stop thinking about?

This book had me reminiscing about my high school days. Does he like me, does he not like me? The fun of talking with your friends and wanting to act cool and collected, but on the inside you are freaking out because your crush is coming your way. I would not repeat high school for the world, but it was fun to remember those days through this book. Rebecca writes a wonderful story, that while different from her other spicy and heated books, stays true to her writing at the heart. I loved this book, highly recommend it, and can't’ wait for more of Frost Lake High.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
💚YA Romance
⚽Soccer Romance
💚Friends to Lovers
⚽He Falls First
💚Secret Romance

DNF. it was a me problem, i didnt realize it was a high school romance and once i realized i tried to get into it. i loved the writing style and the characters i just couldnt get into the story

It’s been a minute since I’ve read a YA book, and let me tell you how pleased I was with this one. It’s no surprise that this author penned a cute sports romance. This story had me reminiscing about my time in high school. Oh, young love… I love it. And what is high school without some angst, mischief, and letting loose. I loved seeing the growth of the characters. They were well-written as well as the introduction of the secondary characters. l was intrigued and I am looking forward to more in this new series.

I have read and loved so many of Rebecca Jenshak's books, and was excited to try this YA sports romance. Stealing for Keeps did not disappoint! The characters felt realistic to their age and I loved seeing them find a true first love with one another. The dual POV was nice so you really get to know and understand Claire and Austin and the frustrations and issues they face.

Their relationship development and the overall story/plot flowed really well and I was hooked from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down and I already can't wait for more from this series!

4 ⭐️ 1🌶️

I absolutely love her sports romances and this was no different! Even though it was YA I still found it enjoyable for all of those sweet little moments like the pinky holding. 💕 The tension in hiding the romance between Claire and Austin from her ex, and his soccer teams captain, Vaughn was everything. The only thing that bothered me was not getting more from her besides sadness over not being able to skate anymore. I get it’s tragic, but it ruled over her for far too long.

Tropes:
Sports - soccer/figure skating/hockey
High School
Secret relationship
Jealous ex

I am not a YA reader but I am a Rebecca Jenshak reader, so Stealing for keeps became a must-read. Gah, this book took me back to my own teenage years when feelings were so BIG😀😀

Austin, new guy at Frost Lake High becomes the new shiny thing everyone wants to play with. “Glittery” entrance and all. Until he’s dared to kiss the one girl he shouldn’t. His new captains ex-girlfriend. Claire has troubles of her own. Her figure skating days are over, her relationship is over and life is pretty sucky. Why not let the hot new guy kiss her😜😜

Claire and Austin were really sweet together. He gave her time to heal-her injury and her heart-and showed up for her in all the best ways. There were a lot of things going on in the background too. Austin felt guilty that his family moved for him and his soccer opportunity and Claire’s mum was a bit of a momager and seemed to care more about her achievements as opposed to any emotions Claire had.

RJ is fantastic at making her readers care about her characters. I was invested in these two and wanted only good things for them. I was worried I’d be a little bored with a YA book but I can honestly say this was a typical Jenshak book, without her usual spice. Emotional and heart-felt, readers will adore Austin and Claire.

I received an arc from Valentine PR via netgalley and this is my honest review.

I started reading Rebecca Jenshak this year and I loved everything I read that I had to give her new YA a try.

Stealing For Keeps is a perfect YA read and promises:
🥰 A meet cute with the cute new boy involving glitter
⚽️ Sports romance
🤫 Secret romance (he’s her exes new teammate!)
🥰 fun, flirty banter
😃 a fun group of friends with potential for sequels!

This is a book I wish I had when I was in high school. I read a lot as a teen and would read anything I could get my hands on. A lot of times it felt like I was mainly reading about 12 year olds or married women having children. I couldn’t find a whole lot that was relevant to what I was going through or would be going through soon as a high schooler. But if I didn’t have this book then I’m glad I read it now!

Thank you @valentine_pr_ for the egalley!

3.5 stars

This is the cutest book I’ve read in so long! 🤩

I’ve been craving a book like this to read for a while, and it absolutely delivered on all the YA romance vibes! It’s exactly the kind of book I would’ve loved when I was younger 🫶

Claire & Austin just had the cutest romance ever. The new guy at school being determined to win the girl he keeps being drawn to even though she’s his rival’s ex-girlfriend? Yeah, I ate it up 😌 Their story had a high school backdrop with just the right amount of drama and angst that wasn’t too over the top. I really liked exploring both characters and seeing them fall for each other — they are my babies, and I love them! 🥹

All in all, this book was exactly what I needed and reminded me why I will always love YA romance! I fell in love with not only Claire & Austin, but all of the side characters as well. I’m not 100% certain on where this series is headed next (though I do have a few theories…), but all I know is that I truly adore the Frost Lake world and already cannot wait for more! Rebecca’s books will always loved by me, and her first take on a YA romance easily became a new favorite 💗

Thank you so much to Rebecca Jenshak & Bloom Books for an ARC of this book! 💌