The rival

For Sadie's entire life, she and "nemesis" Sebastian have been competing in every way. When she's accepted into Maple Ride University--and Seb is waitlisted--Sadie is convinced that she's won. Not only that, but she might finally be able to get her first kiss and make a name for herself among the comedy scene without her family drama dogging her at every turn. Then, arriving late to an interest meeting for Newsbag, "arguably the most famous college zine in the country," she encounters Seb, fresh off the waiting list and newly moved into his dorm. Worse, Sadie's dream of snagging a staff position at Newsbag is made more complicated by Seb's assertion that he's gunning for the spot as well. The protagonists' childhood friendship and the new and unexpected variables presented in their first year of college are particularly well drawn. Via Sadie and Seb's rapid-fire jokes, quips, and jabs, Lord (The Getaway List) nimbly plots a cheeky and gentle romance full of murky, unexplainable feelings; depictions of messy burgeoning adulthood; and the excitement of first love. Main characters read as white. Ages 12--up. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (Jan.)

Two intertwined "mortal enemies" vie for a coveted college zine position. Sadie is determined to become a staff writer for the zine of her dream school, Virginia's Maple Ride University. After working tirelessly for years, Sadie was accepted to the university, and now she's on her way to theNewsbag interest meeting in pursuit of a staff position. But she collides with Sebastian Adams, her longtime school competitor, and the smoothie he's holding spills all over her. This encounter also reveals unfortunate news: Seb, the Instagram star whose channel, "Adams' Apples," is hugely popular, has been taken off Maple Ride's waitlist. Seb and Sadie have a long, involved history, having practically been raised together since birth by parents who are best friends.Newsbag is highly selective with a national reputation, and the co-editors inform meeting attendees that only one staff writer position is available, setting off a fierce rivalry while simultaneously showing Sadie that her feelings for Seb might be something other than competitive disdain. The college--with its quirky and hilarious student organizations, such as the Sad Bitch Book Club and the Random Acts of Chaos Club--is the perfect setting for the witty snark and blooming rivals-to-lovers romance. Readers will be drawn into the competition while rooting for a happy ending between these nemeses. Sadie and Seb (who's bisexual) are cued white. A clever and entertaining college campus romance.(Romance. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.