Loser of the Year by Carrie Byrd is a brilliant debut enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance.
Mattie Belman has returned to her hometown after a failed acting career, a recent divorce, and just overall feeling like a nobody. At least she can make some money teaching high school theater, and maybe get a fresh start.
Jillian Reed is a hometown hero, coaching the soccer team to enough championship wins that she can be as much of a jerk as she wants without any recourse. Jillian is not okay with Mattie’s musical being a distraction for her champion players, but Mattie doesn’t care what Jillian has to say about it. Jillian declares war and Mattie’s whole vibe says “Bring. It. On.”
No matter how abrasive Jillian gets, Mattie can’t help the attraction that builds. And as Jillian slowly lets her guard down, Mattie learns that there’s more behind the bravado than she would have ever expected.
With St. Rita’s staff contracts including a morality clause, both could lose their jobs if they act on their attraction. But is that really enough to deny the chemistry that awakens both women in ways they’ve needed for years?
Writing
Jenna: Wow! This is an absolutely brilliant story that includes so many different topics, each one handled expertly and with so much care. The difficulties of starting over are woven in with religious beliefs, and homophobia around a high school musical, giving each topic airtime and allowing readers to fall in love with Mattie and Jillian. Elements of humor and sarcasm smooth out the rough edges of these difficult topics, enabling a well-rounded, and relatable story. Profound insights with a touch of wit make this story truly memorable.
Tara: I couldn’t agree more! The writing style caught my attention and I kept highlighting over and over in my Kindle, because the book has so many great, evocative turns of phrase. One of my favourite examples is: “Mattie couldn’t say exactly how Jillian could straighten up when she was already standing like a raised middle finger, but she did.”
I was also impressed with the portrayal of small-town homophobia and religion-based homophobia. I didn’t expect it, based on the blurb, and became concerned it might be triggering, considering my history of religious trauma. It actually wasn’t, though, because the story has a strong point of view about the boundary between religious beliefs and what those should mean for other people, including teenagers. For me, that elevated this book from being merely enjoyable to important and possibly life-saving, as we’re living through a time where a minority of people with certain religious beliefs are trying to impose those on everyone else.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Jenna: Mattie hasn’t had an easy few years. As a recently divorced struggling actress, she decides to go home to lick her wounds, try to find some perspective and calculate her next steps. Teaching high school theater at an all-girls Catholic school sounds as difficult for a Jewish lesbian as it becomes. She’s floundering but tries to make the best of it. Fortunately, she keeps a sense of humor. Her dynamic with Jillian, especially her ability to stand up when needed, adds depth to her character. At first, I’d say that I love the witty banter between them but that would be a wholly inadequate description. I think it’s safe to say that most of the dialogue between them is some of the most whip-smart zingers I’ve ever read! This dynamic makes their relationship development so delicious!
Tara: Mattie and Jillian’s relationship is a true standout of this book. Everything is told from Mattie’s perspective, so we see how she perceives and responds to Jillian, and can compare that to how some of the other teachers treat Jillian. Jillian is abrasive, for sure, but it’s also clear that she has her reasons for being like that. So, the more Mattie got to know her, the more I liked Jillian.
Jenna: Jillian’s character has an oddly magnetic quality that immediately captured my interest. From the first word she uttered, I was compelled, like Mattie, to find out what was beneath the arrogant and self-absorbed exterior. As those layers were revealed, I was amazed by what was underneath. Jillian’s snippy one-liners added a lot of personality and humor to the story.
Tara: Yes, exactly! I found it especially interesting to see their dynamic as Mattie pushed back. Mattie is brand new at the school and has zero social currency. Jillian used to play pro soccer and has led the school’s team to win 13 championships in a row, so even though she’s hated by other teachers and administrators, she gets anything she wants. And yet, Mattie refuses to cater to Jillian and isn’t afraid to flat out say “no.” It was so fun and fresh to see them go at each other, Jillian pushing in the most arrogant ways and Mattie standing firm, because that’s when Jillian comes alive. Jillian’s wanted someone to fight back for years and Mattie’s wanted someone to SEE her, so watching them both blossom under each other’s attention was a true joy.
Jenna: As a teacher, I appreciate the time put into developing the students that Mattie and Jullian teach challenges and growth. The impact that both Mattie and Jillian had on some of their lives highlights the transformative powers of educators who value the importance of building relationships with students.
Heads Up
Tara: Like I mentioned above, this story includes homophobia that’s rooted in small-town life as well as religion. We see how it impacts teachers who are bound by morality clauses and how it hurts when your family doesn’t accept you wholeheartedly, even if they remain in your life.
If you’re someone who’s experienced religious trauma, you may need to be kind to yourself when reading this book, especially if you grew up in a conservative Catholic church. I found the homophobia to be realistic without going over the top or overshadowing the romance and it was well worth reading.
The Conclusion
Jenna: Loser of the Year is a compelling romance with well-developed characters you can’t help but love. Relatable challenges are woven with a profound narrative that struck me to my core. The emotions conveyed run the gamut from shame, regret, and complacency, to delight, joy, and love, allowing for a truly memorable reading experience. The story will make you laugh out loud and wipe empathetic tears from your eyes (sometimes at the same time). It’s a layered tale that will keep you turning pages right up to the very end. So grab your copy, drop into your favorite reading spot, and enjoy this stunningly brilliant read!
Tara: This story went directly to my to-reread folder on my Kindle and it is absolutely going to be one of my top 10 books this year. It’s funny, sweet, sexy, and is directly responsible for a few nights of terrible sleep. If you like fire queens, strong women in tank tops, clashing and then falling in love, and stories with a spectacular twist, I cannot recommend Loser of the Year enough.
Excerpt from Loser of the Year by Carrie Byrd
“Exactly,” Jillian said as if no one had moved. “That’s because before I showed up, St. Rita’s was a school where desperate Catholic parents dumped their moody offspring, hoping against hope their baby girls would inhale some true belief along with the mold spores procreating in these ancient walls. Now, look at it.” Jillian pointed at the three-story structure behind her. “Sure, it’s still falling apart. Sure, the pipes burst last May and flooded the cafeteria. But none of that matters. What matters is thirteen years’ worth of Pennsylvania Girls Athletic Association championship banners plastered on top of that peeling lead paint. And it’s all thanks to yours truly: the best girls’ soccer coach in the history of this mediocre state.”
“They let her talk like this?” Mattie asked as quietly as she could, turning her face just slightly toward Gabe Martinez, the history teacher standing next to her. “Pretty sure you and I would get fired before we had half of that out of our mouths.”
Gabe laughed a little too loudly.
Another faculty member near them turned around and scowled.
“Sorry.” Gabe didn’t sound sorry at all. Then, when the woman turned back to watch Jillian, he leaned toward Mattie. “Jillian’s in a whole different category. If you or I got St. Rita’s name in the local press on a regular basis, admin would probably let us say whatever the hell we wanted.”
It was a fair point. Mattie hadn’t even met her students yet, let alone done anything of note at St. Rita’s. Other than spilling a soda down her white blouse during last week’s orientation, which might’ve been much worse if Gabe—who’d been showing her around—hadn’t been so quick with paper towels and a friendly smile.
Jillian, on the other hand, sure didn’t seem friendly.
Get It Online
When you use the links in this review and buy within 24 hours of clicking then we get a small commission that helps us run the site and it costs you nothing extra
Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-3963249235
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
If you enjoyed Loser of the Year by Carrie Byrd then you should also look at
Note: I received a free review copy of Loser of the Year by Carrie Byrd. No money was exchanged for this review. When you use our links to buy we get a small commission which supports the running of this site
