The Rival

For Sadie’s entire life, she and “nemesis” Sebastian have been competing in every way. When she’s accepted into Maple Ride University—and Seb is waitlisted—Sadie is convinced that she’s won. Not only that, but she might finally be able to get her first kiss and make a name for herself among the comedy scene without her family drama dogging her at every turn. Then, arriving late to an interest meeting for Newsbag, “arguably the most famous college zine in the country,” she encounters Seb, fresh off the waiting list and newly moved into his dorm. Worse, Sadie’s dream of snagging a staff position at Newsbag is made more complicated by Seb’s assertion that he’s gunning for the spot as well. The protagonists’ childhood friendship and the new and unexpected variables presented in their first year of college are particularly well drawn. Via Sadie and Seb’s rapid-fire jokes, quips, and jabs, Lord (The Getaway List) nimbly plots a cheeky and gentle romance full of murky, unexplainable feelings; depictions of messy burgeoning adulthood; and the excitement of first love. Main characters read as white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (Jan.)