Bump, Set, Sparks
A Novel
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected Jun 16, 2026
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- $11.99
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- Pre-Order
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Two rival volleyball players compete for the championship in this summer romp full of community, crushes, and courting from the author of Flirty Dancing.
Jess loves volleyball—she really does. Playing in Southern California Beach Volleyball League with her best friend Tania is a blast, but their recent losing streak has destroyed her confidence. In fact, a lot of what used to bring her joy—stargazing, hanging with friends at Maggie's bar, and cuddling with her adorable wiener dog, Fleming—just doesn't seem like enough anymore. It doesn't help that Vivienne, one of Jess's rivals in the league, always seems to be around just when she's feeling her worst. Vivienne is everything Jess isn't: beautiful, effortlessly charming, and, most infuriatingly, winning.
When Jess is ghosted yet again, it's the final blow to her ego. Who better to challenge her than the most confident girl she knows? And as Jess gets to know Vivienne off-court, she discovers there's much more to her than just a pretty face (and wicked serve). But even though there's an undeniable connection between them, they're competing for the same spot in the pro leagues. Jess has the opportunity to build self-confidence and a better life, but she'll have to learn to believe in herself, and the people around her, if she doesn't want to lose everything she's gaining. And there's nothing Jess hates more than losing.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Jessica McLaughlin is on a losing streak in this witty if low-stakes sports romance by Moffat (Flirty Dancing). A player in the Southern California Beach Volleyball League, Jess dreams of going pro—if she can ever shake off her self-doubt. Meanwhile, her rival, Vivienne Morris, is beautiful, absurdly talented, and undefeated. With Jess's confidence at an all-time low, continuously bumping into Vivienne off the court should be torture, but Jess can't shake the connection they share. As their relationship evolves through a montage of run-ins, club outings, and concerts, Jess finds inspiration in Vivienne's boldness and somewhat cliché words of wisdom ("I don't care if I win or lose, Jess. I care how I play"). The characters are endearing, and the plot makes a valiant effort to show Jess rediscovering her self-worth, but the lack of external stakes or a more fleshed-out backstory for her makes it difficult to fully invest in this introspective tale. There's plenty that's cute here, but readers will long for more depth.
