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Table of Contents
About The Book
Juliette Ricci dreams of only one thing: being the best women’s tennis player in the world. She’s worked nonstop with her strict father/coach to prepare for her big chance in the Australian Open. Unfortunately, she’ll be playing Lucky Luca Kacic, an aloof player whose unorthodox style and reigning popularity deeply irritate Juliette.
For months they’ve traded sly insults in their press conferences leading up to their showdown on the court, and their first ever match is the most anticipated of the season. But Juliette refuses to let her nerves—or Luca’s annoyingly perfect abs—get the best of her.
Meanwhile, Luca seemingly has everything Juliette desires but there’s one thing missing from her life: love. When she shakes hands with Juliette after an agonizing match and sees her rival’s name appear on her wrist, it feels like a cruel joke. Juliette is a spoiled, arrogant brat who wants absolutely nothing to do with Luca or a soulmate.
But despite their personal and professional clashes, the two grow closer after late-night massages and one too many shots of limoncello. Their chemistry is tangible, but Luca’s anxiety tells her that Juliette is just messing with her head to throw her off her game, and Juliette can’t understand why Luca is so hot and cold. With the pressure of the world scrutinizing their every move, they will have to decide what’s more important—being together or being number one.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Books (June 10, 2025)
- Length: 368 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668086797
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Raves and Reviews
"Katie Chandler’s Backhanded Compliments is a darling debut that reimagines the sports romance subgenre with a dash of magic. Rife with angst, tenderness, and queer joy, Chandler’s first novel kick-starts a promising literary career. If you’re in the market for a sweet and spicy sapphic love story, give this one a try!"
– Bookstr
“Two top-ranked tennis rivals discover they’re soulmates in this enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance with a magical twist. Katie Chandler sets the stage for late-night tension, limoncello, and a bond neither Juliette nor Luca expected and say they don't want (but they really do). As sparks fly on and off the court, they grapple with fame, pressure, and the shock of being each other’s match in more ways than one.” —Town & Country (25 Best New Romance Novels to Read on Vacation)
“Chandler debuts with a magnetic queer enemies-to-lovers romance with a fantastical twist... What follows is a well-plotted, steamy sparkler of a romance that will reward readers who can suspend their disbelief about the premise. Tennis buffs will especially enjoy the in-depth look at the professional circuit. Chandler is off to a great start.”—Publishers Weekly
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- Book Cover Image (jpg): Backhanded Compliments eBook 9781668086797
- Author Photo (jpg): Katie Chandler Katie Chandler(0.1 MB)
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