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Hazel’s senior year with band is going to be epic. She’s captain of the color guard, driven to win the senior MVM award (like her mom), and determined to finally win a Superior ranking for her group. But then Max, her childhood crush, waltzes back into town after three years and into her band. He’s in percussion, unfortunately. At Glen Vale High everyone knows percussion and guard are rivals. Which makes her and Max … what, exactly? Not friends anymore. He made that obvious from their first greeting.
But when a shared love for Dungeons & Dragons pulls Hazel and Max together along with their small group of friends, Hazel’s feelings for Max become impossible to ignore. Amid band drama, petty pranks, and bitter rivalry, Hazel must find a way to lead her team to victory, be “just friends” with Max, and prove she has what it takes to continue her family’s legacy.
Rolls and Rivalry is equal parts heartwarming and a little bit cheesy. And yes, I stayed up way too late reading this for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT.
Dungeons and Drama is still my favorite in the series, but this one is a close second! It’s another story full of camaraderie, a great supporting cast (Li is the best!), and an adorable main couple (who are also so darn relatable). Hazel puts way too much pressure on herself and fears that she’s disappointing those around her. Even her relationships with loved ones are strained because of it. And while I spent approximately five and a half chapters disliking Max, he redeemed himself quickly. He’s facing his own struggles, and once you get his full story, he has a way of endearing himself to you.
Something else I loved was how easy it was to believe in the romance. Maybe Hazel and Max’s rekindled friendship played a part in making it feel more authentic? Maybe it was the slow burn of shared glances, the smack-talking rivalry, or how they root for each other to win and always do their best no matter the bets placed? Either way, it left me happy and nostalgic.
Overall, Rolls and Rivalry may have a slower pace (and would benefit from more page time with Zoinks! the dog), but it’s definitely a strong ending to a lighthearted series and well worth the read!
Rated: Mild, for around 3 uses of mild language and 6 uses of “omg.” Characters kiss.
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*I received an ARC in exchanged for my honest review.
