FALLING INTO YOU

When a spot opens up on the cheer squad, varsity cheer squad captain Rory doesn’t expect that soccer star Jacob will fill in—or that she’ll start falling for him.

Woodmont High School junior Rory Graham is readying her team for a go at regionals, but her teammate Stuart DaCosta breaks his leg, forcing her to find a replacement. When the irritating class clown Jacob Reilly tries out on a dare from his friends, he makes a surprisingly competent fit—plus Coach Fitz has suspended him from the soccer team, citing his cheer tryout as evidence of a lack of commitment. So Jacob accepts the offer of the spot. Rory has a boyfriend, but Jacob has secretly been pining for her since fifth grade, and she’s eventually forced to confront the fact that maybe she has feelings for him, too. An opportunity for Jacob to return to soccer makes for a conflict-ridden climax: Will the cheer squad win at regionals? Will Jacob be allowed to play in a high-stakes soccer game that could get them to the playoffs? Will Rory and Jacob realize their feelings are mutual? Though the plotting is predictable and the ending obvious, this is a fun, sweet romance set in an “adorable suburb” within commuting distance of Boston and populated with likable characters. Readers will root for the lovable Jacob and feel protective of Rory, who stands up for herself at a critical moment. The main characters read white.

An enjoyable, comfortably predictable read.