Playing for Keeps
Playing for Keeps by Jennifer Dugan, published by Penguin on April 30, 2024, is a 320-page young adult fiction novel that explores themes of romance and sports. The story centers around June, a talented pitcher facing an overuse injury, and Ivy, a student umpire with aspirations of officiating at the professional level. Their initial conflict on the field evolves into a complex relationship as they navigate the challenges of their respective dreams and the rules that prohibit their romance.
Readers will find a heartfelt sapphic romance that delves into the intricacies of grief, family expectations, and the pursuit of personal goals. As June and Ivy’s connection deepens, they must confront the risks associated with their budding relationship, especially when a rival threatens to expose their secret. This contemporary narrative intertwines elements of baseball and the struggles of young athletes, making it a relevant addition to the genres of LGBTQ and sports fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
From the author of Some Girls Do comes another heartfelt YA sapphic romance—starring a baseball pitcher and a student umpire who are definitely not supposed to fall for one another.
“Sapphic sports romance perfection. Swoony and romantic, but unafraid to tackle grief, family expectations, and fighting for your dreams, this is a home run of a book.” —Rachael Lippincott, coauthor of the #1 New York Times Bestsellers Five Feet Apart and She Gets the Girl
June is the star pitcher of her elite club baseball team—with an ego to match—and she’s a shoo-in to be recruited at the college level, like her parents have always envisioned. That is, if she can play through an overuse injury that has recently gone from bad to worse.
Ivy isn’t just reffing to pay off her athletic fees or make some extra cash on the side. She wants to someday officiate at the professional level, even if her parents would rather she go to college instead.
The first time they cross paths, Ivy throws June out of a game for grandstanding. Still, they quickly grow from enemies to begrudging friends . . . and then something more. But the rules state that players and umpires are prohibited from dating.
As June’s shoulder worsens, and a rival discovers the girls’ secret and threatens to expose them, everything the two have worked so hard for is at risk. Now both must choose: follow their dreams . . . or follow their hearts?
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