In the world, people are incredibly tolerant. They aren’t racist, misogynistic, or homophobic. They’re accepting of everyone because they ultimately know they should worry about themselves and mind their business. However, this closed-minded school isn’t that world, nowhere is really. But it takes baby steps. Steps such as a female quarterback, even though she has very little support. The team doesn’t want her there, and all the students agree. Well, most of them. Amber wants to root for Jack, but it’s hard. Because this school is toxic as hell, and not only can she not root for Jack because no one is, but if she does, it will out herself. So much drama!
Atherton is very similar to the school I grew up in. While it’s dreamy to think that was the 90s, and we’ve come so far since then, that isn’t the reality. Pretty much everyone in this book, save Jack, is the worst. Even Amber, at times, is pretty garbage. This misogynistic, homophobic atmosphere has been cultivated, and students feed off each other. I think Adler has written a special book here because it’s meant to make you feel uncomfortable. Things shouldn’t be this way, but they are.
I get why some people didn’t love this one, but I wanted to squeeze Jack and Amber and cheer on Jack from the sidelines. I tore through this book because Adler can write a story. This was an absolutely adorable read when you get past the toxicity. Thank you, St. Martin’s, for sending this along!
Book Links (releasing June 7th)
About the Book
Amber McCloud’s dream is to become cheer captain at the end of the year, but it’s an extra-tall order to be joyful and spirited when the quarterback of your team has been killed in a car accident. For both the team and the squad, watching Robbie get replaced by newcomer Jack Walsh is brutal. And when it turns out Jack is actually short for Jaclyn, all hell breaks loose.
The players refuse to be led by a girl, the cheerleaders are mad about the changes to their traditions, and the fact that Robbie’s been not only replaced but outshined by a QB who wears a sports bra has more than a few Atherton Alligators in a rage. Amber tries for some semblance of unity, but it quickly becomes clear that she’s only got a future on the squad and with her friends if she helps them take Jack down.
Just one problem: Amber and Jack are falling for each other, and if Amber can’t stand up for Jack and figure out how to get everyone to fall in line, her dream may come at the cost of her heart.
Dahlia Adler’s Home Field Advantage is a sparkling romance about fighting for what – or who – you truly want.
Rae's Reading Lounge 
Wow, I’ve heard good and some not so good about this book, but I’m sure the toxicity in this school is representative of many schools in this country.
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