I picked up Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter. I thought it would be a fun sapphic sports romance. But it surprised me with strong feelings and exciting work drama. The story uses things like happiness and engagement to make it fun. I cared about Jade and Franny’s story right from the start.
Key Takeaways
Ready to Score is a fun and sweet sapphic sports romance.
The book has strong characters and real feelings.
The story about Jade and Franny goes from rivals to lovers.
Their story has exciting tension and funny talk. Both characters grow in important ways.
People who like sports will enjoy this book.
If you like workplace drama, you will like it too. The story is about breaking barriers. This book is inspiring and fun to read.
Worth Reading?
First Impressions
I’ll be honest, I started Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter late at night, thinking I’d just read a chapter or two. Suddenly, it was 2 a.m. and I still couldn’t put it down. The opening pages hooked me with Jade’s sharp voice and the electric tension between her and Franny. I felt like I was right there on the field, heart pounding, rooting for Jade to win both the game and her own happiness.
The story’s energy jumps out right away.
Jade’s ambition and Franny’s confidence clash in the best way.
The workplace drama feels real, not forced.
I laughed out loud at some of the banter, then found myself tearing up a few pages later.
Reader reactions back this up. Usability tests and attitudinal surveys show that people notice the chemistry and emotional pull almost instantly. Eyetracking research even proves that readers’ eyes go straight to Jade and Franny’s interactions.
People remember the witty dialogue and the way the story balances fun with real stakes. I have to give props to Jodie Slaughter for making those first moments so memorable.
Who Will Love It
I always try to figure out who will get the most out of a book. With Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter, I see a few groups who will fall hard for this story:
Fans of sapphic romance who want more than just a love story—this book brings real emotional depth.
Readers who crave sports settings, especially football, but don’t want to get lost in technical jargon.
Anyone who loves a good rivals-to-lovers trope, with plenty of banter and slow-burn tension.
People who enjoy workplace drama and stories about breaking barriers.
Listeners who want a strong audiobook experience (the narration adds a lot).
Demographic data and reader feedback show that this book appeals to a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Surveys and analytics point to readers who want stories about ambition, identity, and finding love in unexpected places. Social media buzz and reviews highlight how much people connect with Jade’s journey and the honest, sometimes messy, way the romance unfolds.
I noticed that readers who enjoy character-driven stories and witty dialogue keep recommending this book to their friends. If you’re looking for something that feels both fun and meaningful, you’ll probably love it too.
Note: If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog or wanted to see more queer joy in sports stories, this one’s for you.
Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter: Plot
Story Overview
I got pulled into Jade Dunn’s story right away. She starts out in Chicago, trying to move forward after some tough times. She faces heartbreak and loss, and that shapes how she sees love and trust. Jade heads back to her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. She wants to focus on her career as a football coach, not on romance.
Jade’s journey feels real. She deals with pain from her past and tries to keep her guard up.
Her family doesn’t know everything she’s been through, so she keeps a lot inside.
I noticed Jade’s fear of falling in love again comes from losing her fiancé. That hit me hard.
Jade’s story isn’t just about football. It’s about finding the courage to open up again. She meets Franny, and everything changes. Their first meeting? Sparks fly. I could feel the tension and excitement.
Sapphic and Sports Romance
Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter blends sports, workplace drama, and a sapphic rivals-to-lovers romance. I loved how the football setting added energy to every scene. The locker room talks, the pressure of coaching, and the thrill of the game all felt real.
Jade and Franny start as rivals, but their chemistry is off the charts.
The workplace setting makes every interaction more intense.
The sapphic romance feels honest and fresh. It’s not just about attraction—it’s about trust and healing.
If you want a story that mixes sports action with real emotion, this book delivers.
Characters & Chemistry
Jade and Franny
I have to give props to Jodie Slaughter for creating two characters who feel so real. Jade grabbed my attention right away. She’s tough, but I could see her softer side peeking through. Franny, on the other hand, has this confidence that lights up every scene. When they’re together, I felt the tension and the hope. Their conversations made me laugh, and sometimes I wanted to reach into the book and give Jade a pep talk.
Jade’s stubbornness made her relatable. She wants to win, but she’s scared to open up.
Franny’s boldness pushes Jade out of her comfort zone.
I loved how both women have their own goals. They don’t just exist for the romance.
Note: If you like characters who challenge each other and grow, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Rivals-to-Lovers Dynamic
The rivals-to-lovers trope in Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter works so well. I could feel the sparks every time Jade and Franny tried to outdo each other. Their banter had me grinning, and the slow build kept me turning pages. I’ll be honest, I’m picky about chemistry, but this book got it right.
The rivalry feels natural, not forced.
Their competition on the field adds a pulse-pounding edge.
When the walls finally come down, the payoff feels earned.
This story doesn’t just rely on attraction. It shows how trust and respect can grow from competition. That’s what made the romance stand out for me.
Themes & Representation
Breaking Barriers
I love when a book makes me cheer for more than just the romance. In this story, I saw Jade and Franny push against limits—on the field and in their lives. Jade steps into a world where women coaches still get side-eyed. She faces doubts, but she keeps showing up. That felt real to me. I saw her struggle, but I also saw her win small victories.
Representation matters. When I read about Jade, I felt seen. Studies like “The Power of Representation” show that stories with real, diverse characters help readers feel understood and break down old stereotypes.
The book doesn’t just count how many queer or women characters show up. It digs into what those characters feel and how they change the people around them. That’s what makes the story stick with me.
I noticed the impact goes beyond the page. Research from “Understanding Media and Society” says that when stories show people breaking barriers, readers start to believe they can do it too.
I have to give props to the author for making me root for Jade’s wins, both big and small.
Strengths & Weaknesses
I have to give props to Esme Ramos for her audiobook narration. I started listening late at night, thinking I’d just get a taste. Suddenly, I was pacing my living room, earbuds in, heart pounding. Esme’s voice brought Jade and Franny to life. She nailed the banter and the tension. I could hear every bit of hope and heartbreak in her tone.
Strengths:
Esme Ramos’s narration made the characters feel real. I felt like I was right there on the field.
The pacing kept me hooked. I didn’t want to pause, not even for snacks.
The emotional scenes hit harder with her delivery. Some moments left me gasping.
The humor landed well. I laughed out loud more than once.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes, I wanted to see the words on the page. A few football terms went by too fast for me to catch.
The print version let me linger on the dialogue. I could reread my favorite lines.
If you like to highlight quotes, the audiobook might frustrate you.
To be fair, both versions have their perks. The audiobook felt more immersive, but the print let me savor the story at my own pace. I’d rate the listening experience a solid 7/10. If you love audiobooks, this one adds real value. If you’re a print reader, you won’t miss out on the story’s heart.
Recommendations
Similar Reads
I always want more after a good book, so I started searching for stories that give me the same rush. I used some evidence-based guidelines, like systematic reviews and meta-reviews, to help me find books with similar vibes. These methods gather lots of opinions and research, so I trust the results.
Here are a few books that hit the same sweet spots:
“Icebreaker” by A.L. Graziadei
If you want more sports and queer romance, this one brings hockey, rivalry, and heart.“Some Girls Do” by Jennifer Dugan
This book mixes sports, sapphic romance, and the thrill of chasing your dreams.“Throw Like a Girl” by Sarah Henning
I loved the football setting and the strong female lead. The romance is sweet, and the competition feels real.“The Charm Offensive” by Alison Cochrun
Not a sports book, but the workplace romance and queer joy made me think of Jade and Franny.
If you want more recommendations, I suggest looking at lists that use evidence-based reviews. They pull together lots of reader feedback and expert opinions, so you get a full picture of what’s out there.
About Jodie Slaughter
Jodie Slaughter writes stories that feel honest and full of heart. I noticed she brings her characters to life with real struggles and big feelings. She doesn’t shy away from tough topics, but she always leaves room for hope and humor.
I learned more about her from a podcast episode where she talked about Anais Nin’s life and work. She used Nin’s diaries, interviews, and critical biographies to back up her points. That kind of research shows me Jodie Slaughter cares about getting things right. She draws from real sources and deep dives into her subjects, which makes her books feel grounded and trustworthy.
Jodie Slaughter’s books often feature:
Queer joy and romance
Characters breaking barriers
Sharp, witty dialogue
Emotional journeys that stick with you
If you want stories that mix laughter, love, and a little bit of healing, I think you’ll enjoy her work.
I have to give props to Jodie Slaughter for writing characters who feel like friends and for stories that make me want to cheer, laugh, and sometimes cry.
I loved the sharp banter, real emotion, and rivals-to-lovers spark in Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter.
The story shines for fans of sapphic romance, sports, and strong character growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter a standalone book?
Yes, it stands alone. You don’t need to read anything else first. I jumped in with zero background and followed Jade and Franny’s story with no confusion.
Does the book focus more on romance or football?
I’d say the romance takes center stage. Football adds excitement, but Jade and Franny’s connection kept me turning pages. The sports scenes never felt overwhelming or confusing.
