Dive deep into the vibrant world of queer literature with The EveryQueer Queue, our multipart series dedicated to exploring books that celebrate LGBTQ+ experiences. We’re not just skimming the surface; we’re meticulously dissecting plots, characters, and themes to bring you insightful reviews and thought-provoking discussions. Expect nuanced analysis that goes beyond simple summaries, revealing the heart and soul of each story. The EveryQueer Queue is your guide to navigating the ever-expanding landscape of queer narratives, ensuring you discover your next beloved read. Join us as we unpack the power of representation and the beauty of diverse storytelling.
Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute kicks off with a hook for sports fans and lovers of lesbian romance alike. As a lifelong soccer fan, the sports setting grabbed my attention right away, especially with the knowledge that Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird are working on a scripted adaptation. But what makes this book stand out isn’t just its ties to the beautiful game; it’s the quirky, sometimes complicated connection between the main characters.
The novel delivers a light, quick read that centers more on the relationship than the game itself. The soccer backdrop sets the stage, but the heart of the story lies in how these two women navigate their lives, careers, and identities together. It’s ideal for someone looking for a queer romance that doesn’t demand emotional excavation but still offers a meaningful connection between characters.
The pace is snappy, which kept me turning the pages—even if I didn’t get deeply invested in the characters, the rhythm of the writing kept things moving. There’s a softness to the romance here that feels refreshing, especially when paired with the honest communication in their sexual dynamic. Rather than falling into formulaic beats, the intimate moments included a slight praise kink and a lot of dialogue, which helped elevate the scenes from the typical “you come, I come, hooray” format.
“It’s the kind of lesbian love story that makes you feel seen—fun, sexy, and full of joy.”
Despite being pitched as a rivals-to-lovers trope, that tension never truly materializes. The characters aren’t really rivals—they’re teammates from the start and never actually compete for the same spot. Instead, we get a story about two very different women supporting each other as they chase their dreams. That difference in perspective—one early in her career, the other more established—brings dimension to their dynamic.
One element that stood out to me was the inclusion of neurodivergent traits, specifically ADHD and autism. The acknowledgment felt positive and nuanced, but I do wish the ADHD thread had been more developed. The decision to have a character make a doctor’s appointment on behalf of another, especially within a casual situation, struck me as slightly odd and underexplored. And honestly, the autism mention was even more brief and underdeveloped. If you have some knowledge of ADHD and Autism, you’ll recognize some of the characteristics, and if not, it might feel extremely disconnected from the story.
That said, I appreciated the diversity among secondary characters, even if many only got brief mentions. It’s always a joy to read a story centered on two lesbians that still manages to give a sense of a broader community and representation. Particularly mention a nonbinary teammate who had top surgery.
If you’re a lesbian romance reader, a women’s soccer fan, or just in the mood for a lightly spicy queer story with genuine moments, Cleat Cute might be your next beach read. It won’t change your life, but it might just warm your heart.
As for Meryl Wilsner, this book didn’t blow me away, but it also didn’t disappoint. I’m neutral, leaning positive. I’d give another Wilsner book a shot under the right circumstances.
