Cleat Cute

Cleat Cute is a sapphic rivals-to-lovers romantic comedy, pitched to readers who enjoyed Ted Lasso and A League of Their Own. Two soccer teammates start out as opponents, then fall for each other while their squad prepares for the World Cup.

Grace Henderson has spent a decade as one of the standout players on the US Women's National Team, and she is only 26. An injury knocks her off the field and a bold newcomer, Phoebe Matthews, steps into her place. Phoebe is outgoing and playful, with a joy that Grace seems to have misplaced somewhere along the way. Grace never expects to end up in a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the teammate she sees as her rival.

Phoebe has admired Grace's talent for years, so training beside her idol is a thrill. After one daring kiss, though, Phoebe is completely taken with her, convinced that Grace is the person she has been hoping to meet. As the World Cup draws closer and Grace works her way back to fitness, the two look for a way to share the field rather than fight over one position. Off the pitch, they are not on the same page: Grace worries her feelings are deepening, while Phoebe believes they are dating. As the strain between them builds, can both women see that their relationship matters more than securing a roster spot?