REVIEW: Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak

Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak: Claire Crawford’s plans for her junior year are already off course after a figure skating injury derails her dreams and a breakup leaves her reeling. Enter Austin Keller — the new soccer star who moves to town ready to chase his own goals on Frost Lake High’s state champion team. One reckless dare at a bonfire leads to a single electrifying kiss with Austin… and suddenly rivalry, secrets, and unexpected chemistry start rewriting both their stories. As Claire tries to push him away and Austin works to win her over, what begins as a spark becomes something much harder to ignore.

I enjoyed STEALING FOR KEEPS for how grounded it felt while still delivering that swoony, high school sports romance energy. Rebecca Jenshak balances lighthearted moments with real feelings, letting both characters stumble, grow, and figure things out without rushing their journey. Frost Lake High feels like more than a setting — it’s part of what shapes the relationships, rivalries, and stakes.

Themes

• Chasing dreams after loss
• Moving on from heartbreak
• Finding connection in unexpected places
• Friendship & team loyalty
• Self-discovery in transition

Tropes

• Friends-to-lovers vibes
• Sports romance (soccer)
• High school spark & rivalry
• That one reckless kiss
• Slow-build sweet romance
• Small-town setting

STEALING FOR KEEPS is perfect for readers who love cute YA rom-coms. It’s a light-hearted, cozy, feel-good read with just enough emotional depth to keep you invested — perfect when you’re in the mood for a sweet sports romance.

QOTD: Did you ever have a dare-gone-wrong that turned into something unforgettable?

Book Info:

Publication date: December 31, 2024 | Bloom Books | Series: Frost Lake High #1 | Reading age: 16 – 18 years

Frost Lake High’s new soccer star, the team captain’s ex-girlfriend, and a dare that changes it all.

Two broken hearts. One reckless kiss. And a love that could cost them everything.

When Austin Keller’s family moves across the country for his chance to play with the prestigious Frost Lake soccer team, he’s ready to seize the opportunity. But on his first night out with the team, a dare to kiss the team captain’s ex-girlfriend sets in motion a rivalry that threatens his future.

Claire Crawford was once an aspiring figure skater, but a recent injury has changed everything. To make matters worse, her boyfriend dumped her. Starting her junior year, she’s unsure of her next steps. One thing she knows for sure: she’s not falling for the new guy. That electrifying kiss at the bonfire? Already forgotten…almost.

He’s chasing his dreams. She’s lost hers. The more Claire tries to push him away, the harder he works to win her over. He’s stealing her heart, and he’s doing it for keeps.