Game On

Stephens (Good Graces) pairs up student athletes in this charming campus-set contemporary. British cheerleader Ella Davies is thrilled to spend her year abroad at Whitland University in Nashville, Tenn., home of a top tier cheer program. She’s quickly warned away from big man on campus Hudson Fox: “He’s our star quarterback. Not to slut shame but he very much uses that fact to his advantage,” a new friend texts her. After a sizzling encounter, however, Ella and Hudson agree to be friends with benefits, believing that, as long as they don’t get their feelings involved, they’re obeying the spirit if not the letter of the university’s nonfraternization policy between athletes. Of course emotions develop on both sides despite their best efforts, especially when Ella’s partner for a prestigious national cheerleading competition breaks her wrist and Hudson—who unexpectedly has a cheerleading background—steps in to help Ella achieve her dream. Though Ella’s inevitable return to England looms over their budding relationship, a solution to their long distance problem may lie in Hudson’s dream of studying the classics at Oxford—if he can afford it. Hudson’s hidden depths and Ella’s smarts and sass go together beautifully. Readers will have no trouble rooting for these two. (Sept.)