Stealing for Keeps

Gr 9 Up–In this first book in a new high school sports romance series, Claire Crawford’s world has been crushed. From her longtime boyfriend breaking up with her to losing the ability to figure skate competitively, her entire future and who she is goes into question. Austin Keller and his family have moved into Frost Lake for his future, to play soccer for the superstar coach and with the coach’s son, Claire’s ex-boyfriend Vaughn. From an accidental run-in with Claire that earns him the nickname Disco, Austin is infatuated with her. Then, he is dared to kiss her by one of the guys on the team, with Austin not knowing she is his captain’s ex. Now, he must survive at a new school, with a sister who hates him for the move, and a team turning against him because of the captain’s jealousy over Claire, whom Austin cannot stop thinking about. Meanwhile, Claire wants to find herself and not center her life around another soccer player. But Austin always encourages her. The triangle is real and palatable, with enough sports action, references, and issues to keep the story moving even for readers who are not big on romance. The students have real reactions and background situations that are not too far-fetched but help each other, and readers, reach needed conclusions. There is some casual, underage drinking.