Thank you to Sourcebook Bloom Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced E-ARC of this title.

I really enjoy Rebecca Jenshak's writing. She writes YA in a way that captures all the emotions of falling in love for the first time. She navigates the awkwardness, the indecision, and the inner turmoil of relationships during the pivotal years of growing up. She is known for throwing sports into the story and the team dynamics and outside pressures add depth to her stories.
The story follows Claire and Austin as they find themselves thrust together by a dusting of glitter, sports, and a kissing bet. Their relationship is really sweet and the author perfectly depicts the butterflies that occur when two people go from like to love and friends to lovers

#Review: *Stealing for keeps* - Rebecca Jenshak - ARC
4.9/5✨
0/5🌶️

I was hooked by this book after reading the blurb. Thanks to Rebecca and Valentine Pr, I got the chance to read it in advance🤗.

Claire is a young figure skating, who had an injury on her foot while competing, which practically ended her career. She was now wearing a boot, which will 'help' her bump into newly transferred soccer player, Austin. That was a super funny scene, full of glitter🤭, from which Austin will gain the cute nickname, Disco.

Besides the injury, she was struggling with breaking up from her long time boyfriend, Vaughn, who was also a soccer player. Her whole life changed and now she doesn't know what makes her happy. On this matter, Austin will be the one helping her figure out what she likes and that will make them grow closer.

But, Austin is afraid to be more than friends with Claire, because it can affect his football career. That's because Vaughn is the captain of the team and the couch's son, and he is still hopping to get back together with Claire. Austin knew very well the high stakes of his career, after his whole family uprooted their lives to come with him to persue his soccer dreams.
Will Claire and Austin stand a chance against her old boyfriend and Austin's dreams?

I absolutely adored everything about this book! The characters were so much fun, who had amazing and unique personalities. Austin's teammates played a big part in this story, especially Rowan, who became his best friend. His siblings were important too, his little brother Wyatt and his sister Torrance, who were pretty much total opposites. Wyatt was the most sociable and joyful kid, on the other side, Torrance was always moody and hated Austin for forcing her to leave her old life behind.

This book was exactly on my taste, loving everything about it. And it's for all ages, no spicy scenes at all🤭. I cannot wait to be back in this world, this one being the first book of the 'Frost Lake High' series.

✨Tropes
#StrangersToFriendsToLovers
#SecretRomance
#SportsRomance
#Soccer
#HeFallsFirst
#HighSchool

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 is the first book in the Frost Lake High series by Rebecca Jenshak, featuring a YA sports romance for Austin and Claire. He’s a soccer star who’s entire family has sacrificed for him to train with the best coach, and she is a former competitive figure skater learning to navigate life after a career-ending injury. A sparkly chance encounter, and a pivotal dare may just change everything, especially when Austin realizes the girl he just kissed is his team captain’s ex-girlfriend. Soccer is his priority, but is his connection with her worth the risk?

I’ve become such a fan of this author’s sports romances, I thought it might be fun to delve into the YA genre with her, and it definitely was. The world building of this new series was fantastic with compelling characters, the emotions, angst, and uncertainty common in teenagers struggling with figuring out their future path. I especially enjoyed Claire’s growth arc as she explored new activities while searching for a new purpose, as well as family and ex drama. Austin was surprisingly sweet, and I loved his relationship with Claire, and the way they connected through art. His friendship with Rowan stood out for me, as well as Claire and Lacey’s tight bond. With them and the rest of the teammates, the banter flowed, and the series was set up well. From the soccer action, to the inevitable drama, it was an entertaining read! I look forward to seeing what comes next for this series!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

#StealingForKeeps #RebeccaJenshak #yaromance #sportsromance #forbiddenromance

I am such a Rebecca Jenshak Stan!! When she announced this book I was so excited for a new series from her!

The rivalry between Austin and Vaughn reminds me of One Tree Hill- a show I was absolutely obsessed with. I loved that it was a soccer player MMC- I feel like it’s not a sport that is seen a lot in romance.

The world building in this book is great- there are plenty of characters I’m hoping to see have their own stories!!!

Thank you so much Rebecca, NetGalley and Bloom books for the ARC copy!!!

Stealing for Keeps is a sweet young adult story. It’s a sports romance about a career ending figure skater and a soccer star. It is set during high school and will make you think back to your high school days.
Austin has just moved from Arizona to Michigan to join a great soccer program at Frost Lake. Claire is going through a rough time after an injury forced her to give up compete I’ve figure skating and what to do with her life without. Oh and her boyfriend Vaughn broke up with her.
Austin likes Claire from the start. Claire not so much, but after they become partners on an art project, her feelings start to change. They become friends, boyfriend and girlfriend and first loves.
This is a story about growing up and dealing with family dynamics. It’s about friendship and love. It’s about figuring out who you are. It’s about finding yourself amongst the challenges of growing up and the pressures of high school.
This is Rebecca Jenshak’s first foray into the young adult genre and I look forward to reading more.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well-developed, and their evolution throughout the story felt authentic and relatable. It was a fun and engaging read, while I initially found the pacing a bit off, once I got into the story, it all came together beautifully. I'm really excited for the next books in the series!

3.75/5

Thank you Netgalley and Rebecca for the ARC.

This book was an absolute delight to read. It beautifully captures the nostalgia of school days, where life felt simpler yet full of vibrant emotions. Each page transported me to those carefree moments of fun and excitement, having a crush and spending time with friends. It's beautifully written. Every stolen glance, lingering touch had me blushing. Austin-Claire's chemistry was soft and tender from trying to be friends to dying to be together, helping and being there for each other. I really enjoyed it throughout.

Dual POV, first person
Tropes: young adult, high school, soccer player X figure skater, sports romance, rivals ex girlfriend, secret relationship

There’s something so special about a high school young adult coming of age story. It’s not always a go to for me these days, but when I heard Rebecca Jenshak was writing one, I knew it was a necessary read.
It brought me right back to when I first fell deeply in love with reading as a teenager and was reading about first love on the page.

I loved it so much!
I was giggling and kicking my feet while reading about Claire & Austin falling for each other. But also clutching my heart all teary eyed as they faced challenges with their families and friends and simply finding where they fit in.

Claire suffered a career ending injury that has her questioning what’s she’s meant to be doing while also straining the relationship she has with her mother.
Austin’s family moved to a whole new state to give him the best opportunity with soccer, which has his family dynamic changed and stretched thin.
They both are trying to navigate being teenagers with a lot of weight on their shoulders and they fit so perfectly together to understand what the other needed.

You also get to meet their wonderful friends and teammates. If you know Becca’s writing, you know she writes an amazing found family trope. And I cannot wait to see where she takes the characters and their stories in the future of this series.

Pick this one up if you want a feel good, super cute, heartfelt read. I just know you’ll devour it while swooning over this sweet story.



✨ARC review✨

Rebecca has quickly become one of my favorite authors in 2024, and this book just confirms that for me!

Stealing For Keeps, a YA contemporary sports romance, is book 1 in the Frost Lake High series and it absolutely had me captivated from the very beginning. YA can sometimes be a hard genre for me to get into, because the characters can come across immature and I have a hard time connecting with that - that said, Rebecca nailed this!

This book had everything I have come to love from Rebecca, a wonderful story line, great character development, and sports!

Austin moves to Frost Lake to play soccer for his idol. Claire was a lifelong competitive figure skater until an injury changed everything. These two embark on a journey that will continue to shape them and their dreams.

Thank you to Rebecca Jenshak, Valentine PR, NetGalley, and Bloom books for the opportunity to ARC read Stealing For Keeps! I had a blast, and I can’t wait to see who comes next in the series!

Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak 💙
Frost Lake High, Book 1
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
Upper YA • Sports Romance
ARC Review
400 pages
🗓️ December 1st

⚽️soccer romance
💙former figure skater FMC
⚽️teammate’s ex-girlfriend
💙from dare to friends to love
⚽️school setting
💙secret relationship

📍“I like you. I really, really f like you. I like you so much it’s hard to breathe sometimes.”

📍“Hey, I dare you to kiss me.”

This is why I’m going to be 80 and still reading YA. This book right here. The book that stole my heart, that touched my soul, that infiltrated every nook and cranny inside me.

Rebecca Jenshak didn’t just deliver with this book. She pulled a hat trick to shame all others and took the win home.

I grew up watching soccer. And this feels a bit like full cycle… to have a favorite book be a soccer romance.

And don’t get me started on Austin and Claire. They were magnificent. They were so tender and resilient. They were young and full of questions, and yet mature and so strong. I adore them with all my heart.

Lacey, Rowan, Vaughn, Andie and Brandon were the remaining cast I would 🩸 for.

Rebecca, just between you and me… is Lacey’s going to be a friends to lovers or an enemies to lovers? I’m game with either one😜

I enjoyed Stealing for Keeps. I liked the plot, characters and issues that were faced. I thought both main characters were interesting and had hard things they were trying to deal with and work through. I enjoyed Claire’s character and reading about how she worked through losing her dream and finding out what was next for her. I liked Austin’s character and how he was dealing with the pressure of moving and having everyone move with him and feeling both bad about it but also so excited about his future. There were other things they both faced individually and together that i found well written and the emotions were portrayed well. I really liked Claire and Austin as a couple and seeing their chemistry from the beginning. I loved how Austin was so supportive of Claire and helping to find her happiness. Claire was so supportive of Austin too and his dreams of soccer. I really liked the secondary characters too. This was a great read!

ARC review
Publication date 31 December 2024

“Stealing for Keeps” is the first book in the “Frost Lake High” series. This is an YA sports romance.

The story is about Austin, a new soccer star that moved to Michigan with his family to attend Frost Lake High. He meets Claire and feels instantly intrigued and attracted.
The issue is that her ex boyfriend is one of his new teammates and he is not over her.
I like that Austin and Claire developed a friendship first and they had art in common and not just sports. Claire was a figure sketer, but after an injury she cannot compete anymore.

There is some drama with the ex boyfriend and also with her family, but the relationship was sweet.
As it is YA, the romance is fade to black, but I think that there is a bit to much underage drinking. There are in highschool but party like it’s college.

Thank you Valentine PR for the ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“I can chase my dreams and be with you. You’re not a risk. And if you are, then fine, I choose that risk. I choose you.”

I don’t typically read a lot of young adult fiction, but I love this author so I was excited to read Stealing For Keeps and I’m so glad that I did. This story was completely engaging and I found myself so invested in the characters from Frost Lake High. Claire and Austin were a delight and their sweet, flirty relationship was so much fun to watch develop.

“I love how he sees me and pushes me to keep dreaming.”

Claire was a bit lost after she’s lost her dream of being a competitive ice skater and she’s struggling to find a new dream for her life. Austin pushes her and challenges her to try new things while also being a supportive friend.

“Maybe they’re small, but Austin seems to notice things that other people don’t. I like that about him.”

Austin is the new kid in school and trying to find his place on the soccer team. His family uprooted their entire life so he could chase his dream of playing soccer with his dream coach. It just so happens that Claire’s ex-boyfriend also plays for the team so he struggles to juggle his love for soccer with this growing feelings for Claire.

“You’re my favorite everything.”

Austin and Claire were so adorable. They were snarky, flirty, and so genuine with each other. I loved watching Austin find his place at Frost Lake High while Claire discovered what made her happy since she could no longer compete. Fun, emotional and full of wonderful characters, Stealing For Keeps was a heartwarming story and I cannot wait for the continuation of this series.

💔 Second Chances

⚽ Sports Romance

🔥 Rivals to Lovers

💋 First Kiss Connection

🎓 High School Setting

🛑 Forbidden Love

❤️ Slow Burn

🌟 Opposites Attract

🏆 Ambition vs. Love

🩹 Emotional Healing

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rebecca Jenshak’s Stealing for Keeps is a heartfelt and captivating YA romance that explores ambition, heartbreak, and the unexpected twists of young love. Set in the high-stakes world of high school sports and adolescent rivalry, the story follows Austin Keller, a talented soccer player, and Claire Crawford, a former figure skater trying to find her footing after a life-altering injury.

Austin is driven and determined, moving across the country to join Frost Lake High's elite soccer team. He’s ready to focus on his future until a dare during his first night with the team sets off a chain of events he couldn’t anticipate. Claire, still reeling from her injury and a recent breakup with the team captain, is wary of letting anyone get close. The two are brought together by a seemingly innocent kiss, which sparks a connection that neither can ignore, despite the obstacles in their path.

Claire’s journey is particularly compelling. Her struggles with losing her identity as a skater and navigating the uncertainty of her future make her a relatable and multidimensional character. Rebecca Jenshak masterfully portrays her emotional vulnerability, balanced with her resilience as she gradually opens her heart to Austin. Similarly, Austin’s determination to win over Claire, while also grappling with the pressures of his new team and the animosity from his teammates, creates a well-rounded and dynamic narrative.

The chemistry between Austin and Claire is electric yet tender, with moments of humour, warmth, and raw emotion. Their relationship develops naturally, with just the right balance of push and pull, making their journey feel authentic and deeply satisfying. Rebecca Jenshak also weaves in themes of personal growth, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, making this more than just a romance—it’s a story about finding oneself amid life’s uncertainties.

The backdrop of high school sports and social dynamics adds an engaging layer of tension and stakes to the story. The rivalries, friendships, and family dynamics are well-crafted, providing depth to the characters and enriching the overall narrative.

Stealing for Keeps is a beautifully written tale of love, perseverance, and self-discovery. Rebecca Jenshak’s ability to blend heartfelt emotion with relatable teenage struggles creates a story that resonates long after the final page. Perfect for fans of YA contemporary romance, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a story about second chances and stealing hearts for keeps.

Stealing for Keeps is the first book in the new Frost Lake High high school sports romance novel. All Claire has ever known is figure skating, but following an injury she has to give it up. Austin and his family have moved from Arizona to Frost Lake to pursue his soccer career. In a new town with a new team, Austin must find his footing but when he falls for one of his teammates ex girlfriend fitting in isn’t as easy as it could be. The attractions between Claire and Austin is strong and immediate. Will they be able to traverse a high school romance while finding themselves?

I have always been a fan of Rebecca Jenshak’s college sports romance so I knew I needed to check this new series out. High school romance isn’t usually my thing, I prefer college, but this book was well written and nicely done. I loved the characters and the storyline also much that I read the first half of the book in one sitting. I would have probably finished this in one day of life didn’t get in the way. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t wait to see how everything played out. The romance was sweet and high school appropriate and Austin and Claire were great together. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what comes next in this series. If you are in the mood for a nicely done high school sports romance this book is for you!

I got an eacr and a alc for this book! The narrators were so good for the characters they really brought the story to life for me!
I swear Rebecca is the queen of sports romance! I haven’t read one of her books I didn’t love! So (Bow down) thank you QUEEN!

This book kept me giggling and kicking my feet. It gave me all the butterfly feelings of sweet young high school love.
Austin is so sweet and precious. Rebecca Jenshak knocked this YA sports romance out of the park!! I don’t usually read much YA but this was so good and captured me from the start!

It all started with a dare and a kiss!

Austin is new to town and on the soccer team. After his first day there he goes to a party and is dared to kiss Clair. Clair just so happens to be his soccer team’s captains ex girlfriend!
Naturally after this kiss they can’t stop thinking about each other. But it’s complicated cuz he doesn’t want to mess things up with his captain so They become great friends but can’t quite get past the fact they want each other so bad! And their chemistry is off the charts!!
I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series goes and I’m so excited to find out who book 2 will be about!

Tropes:
Cocky soccer player and an injured figure skater,
Secret relationship,
ex-boyfriend’s rival

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.