Backhanded Compliments: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

A steamy sapphic romance with a fantastical twist about two bitter tennis rivals who realize they are reluctant soulmatesperfect for fans of Expiration Dates and Here We Go Again.

Juliette Ricci dreams of only one thing: being the best womens tennis player in the world. Shes worked nonstop with her strict father/coach to prepare for her big chance in the Australian Open. Unfortunately, shell be playing Lucky Luca Kacic, an aloof player whose unorthodox style and reigning popularity deeply irritate Juliette.

For months theyve traded sly insults in their press conferences leading up to their showdown on the court, and their first ever match is the most anticipated of the season. But Juliette refuses to let her nervesor Lucas annoyingly perfect absget the best of her.

Meanwhile, Luca seemingly has everything Juliette desires but theres one thing missing from her life: love. When she shakes hands with Juliette after an agonizing match and sees her rivals name appear on her wrist, it feels like a cruel joke. Juliette is a spoiled, arrogant brat who wants absolutely nothing to do with Luca or a soulmate.

But despite their personal and professional clashes, the two grow closer after late-night massages and one too many shots of limoncello. Their chemistry is tangible, but Lucas anxiety tells her that Juliette is just messing with her head to throw her off her game, and Juliette cant understand why Luca is so hot and cold. With the pressure of the world scrutinizing their every move, they will have to decide whats more importantbeing together or being number one.

Reviews

Chandler debuts with a magnetic queer enemies-to-lovers romance with a fantastical twist... What follows is a well-plotted, steamy sparkler of a romance that will reward readers who can suspend their disbelief about the premise. Tennis buffs will especially enjoy the in-depth look at the professional circuit. Chandler is off to a great start.Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

Katie Chandler is a romance author, who loves adding a speculative twist to her kissing books. She is passionate about writing joyful queer love stories that are full of tenderness, angst, and spice. You can usually find Katie writing with a full caffeine iced beverage, a Taylor Swift album blasting, and her yellow lab, Blue, who makes sure her feet are toasty and that she takes regular breaks to give him treats. When not writing, Katie spends her time watching tennis with her snuggly black lab, Bunny, chasing her thieving chocolate lab, Bear, who thinks her socks are his chew toys, and wondering where her glasses are (theyre nestled in her hair).