Vibe Summary: GO TEAM!!!!!

Final Count: 3 (guys help the slump is DEEP)

Comeback (3.5 stars)

format: audiobook

I had never heard of this series before, but I saw the description for this one and was so intrigued that despite it being third in the series I read it as a standalone. Archer is deaf and ASL is a key form of communication throughout the story. I have long held a deep interest and appreciation for deaf culture and ASL, possibly because I was pronounced deaf at birth (was not true) or because nonverbal communication helps me as well in daily life due to my autism. I felt like, while definitely not perfect, the discussions and portrayal around deafness and chronic illness were pretty accurate and added to the story rather than feeling like a prop or diversity point. The romance itself was swoony and soft and had me rooting for them HARD. While football was in the book... it was minimal so like take that how you will.

Rooting Interest (5 stars)

format: paperback

Me love this book. Me want more. Me want Hollywood Stars merch from 831. Me think this is the best women's basketball I've read yet, especially in terms of representation of the actual sport, the W, and the OTHER WOMEN/ROLES THAT SURROUND THE PLAYERS. The main character is a sports journalist, and it shone through in the voice that the novel was written in, feeling like the authentic voice of a journalist chronicling her life. Fucking adored it. I also think that her initially being an NFL writer and being a total novice with basketball gives an excellent entry point for new fans or readers without that background. While the book is super realistic in its sport rep, it manages to explain things without feeling on the nose. If you didn't read this for our book club, READ IT NOW and come message me about it ;)

Love Overboard (4 stars)

format: audiobook

TEAAAAAAAAA this book feels exactly the Bravo show it reminds you of- except I enjoyed this so much more. Not only was this a WILD drama ride from start to finish, but it gave great commentary on how much we can trust reality shows to represent the people on it, the events, and how they shape the heroes and villains of a season. I love a book where no one is fully a villain, just varying levels of fucked up humans all living from their own perspective and this delivered that. Kandi is super talented, but this might be the best one yet. While the others are clearly sports related, this felt super team oriented in the greater forced proximity of uhhhh boat. We all stuck in this boat, together, and if the billionaire guest hates us then we all go down together, even if you did steal my ex boyfriend :( I love an ensemble :)

hey so I finished the book and haven't thought of anything else since??? About to buy the official Hollywood Lights merch from 831. I did also buy the matching "Sports Romance" hat from them at BookCon heheheheheh