Matched Up

By Author / Illustrator

Jenny Ireland

Genre

Romance & Relationships

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Penguin Random House Children's UK

ISBN

9780241720950

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

17-04-2025

Synopsis

This YA sport romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Emily Henry!

When Lexie sees Shane for the first time, she's blown away. Not only by the way he plays football (although that is great), but by his looks, and how he's not like the other boys. Best of all, he feels the same way about her. Electricity at first sight. But there's a problem.

New in town, Shane has taken the position in Westing FC's starting 11 that Lexie's brother, Niall, had set his sights on. Now, they must be each other's biggest secret. Shane's family situation is complicated, so there isn't much space for a girlfriend... or is there?

At first, the sneaking around is exciting: after practice, meeting on the beach, hiding from Niall. But things are about to get complicated...

Also by Jenny Ireland: THE FIRST MOVE "I LOVED IT!! Amazing disability representation. Incredible character development. Gripping, fast-paced plot. This is YA romance at its finest!!" - Goodreads reader. THE BOY NEXT DOOR "This book made me cry, laugh and also look at life slightly differently" - Goodreads reader

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Reviews

Clair

Not being much of a football fan, I didn't expect to enjoy this book quite as much as I did. Matched Up is a really well written contemporary YA sports romance. The characters are well developed and the emotions and dilemmas that they face feel authentic.

The main character, Lexie, is really driven and trains hard to be selected for each football match. She feels that she doesn't quite measure up to the others on the team, however hard she works. When she meets Shane, she is blown away; they are the perfect match for each other. However, he is set to take her twin brother, Niall's, spot on the boys' team. Niall has taken a dislike to him and so Lexie feels that they must keep their relationship a secret. But Shane has a complicated family life which makes having a relationship with Lexie a little more difficult. He is keeping secrets from her which Lexie wants to get to the bottom of.

This is a book that I think will really resonate with teenagers; the high expectations that others may put upon them and that they place upon themselves with the fear of disappointing parents, of not fitting in, of not achieving dreams. Navigating a romantic relationship and friendships for the first time.

Matched Up is a heartfelt and thought-provoking read. It's the third book from Brandford Boase Award-nominated author, Jenny Ireland, and will be perfect for fans of Kissing Booth, Jenny Hann and Emily Henry. Content of Note: Young Carer

304 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian