Backhanded Compliments

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

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

For months they've 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 nerves--or Luca's annoyingly perfect abs--get the best of her.

Meanwhile, Luca seemingly has everything Juliette desires but there's one thing missing from her life: love. When she shakes hands with Juliette after an agonizing match and sees her rival's 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 Luca's anxiety tells her that Juliette is just messing with her head to throw her off her game, and Juliette can't understand why Luca is so hot and cold. With the pressure of the world scrutinizing their every move, they will have to decide what's more important--being together or being number one.

Author: Katie Chandler
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 06/10/2025
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.30w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781668086780


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/07/2025

About the Author
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 (they're nestled in her hair).