Spikes, Dice and Other Variables by Harper Kinsley

Life is over for Riley McMahon​ ​ When junior setter Riley McMahon’s spot on the volleyball team is threatened due to academic ineligibility, she’ll do anything to save her grades. So when she finds out about the gaming club run by Simon, the smart kid in her math class, she joins without a second thought in order to convince him to tutor her. The problem? She sort of told him she loves the game he plays. And she’s never rolled a single D20 in her life. But as they spend time together, Riley realizes she might feel something different for Simon. Riley’s been avoiding relationships her whole life, and as her friends start to notice her not-so-platonic feelings for Simon, she’s forced to admit why: she’s uncomfortable with the idea of sex, which seems to be all anyone can think about in relationships. Balancing her own fears against society’s expectations, Riley must figure out what matters most to her, and how to let everyone else’s expectations go.

Young Adult • Diversity Representation/Neurodiversity/Own Voices • Diversity Representation/Disability/Own Voices • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+/Own Voices • Romance/Contemporary

Content Warning: Childhood bullying and harassment of a person with disabilities (mention), ableism, fat-shaming, aphobia and homophobia