
Based on your book
by Henning, Sarah
Liv Rodinsky is a softball star whose life is defined by a single, public mistake. When she is forced to transfer schools and join a new team, she has to navigate the wreckage of her reputation while dealing with a star quarterback who is less than thrilled to have her around. The story moves with the quick, punchy energy of a locker room rivalry, but it stays grounded in the messy reality of finding your footing after a fall. It is less about the sport itself and more about the friction between who people think you are and who you actually want to be. If you enjoy messy, high-stakes teenage dynamics, sharp banter, and the specific satisfaction of watching a prickly protagonist learn to lower her guard, this will hit the spot.
Since you enjoyed the push and pull of Liv and Gray, these picks lean into that same friction. Whether it is the high-pressure world of competitive sports in The Deal and Catching Jordan, or the social minefields of The DUFF and The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things, these stories celebrate the messy process of personal growth. We chose these because they perfectly capture the chemistry of forced proximity and the slow-burn satisfaction of enemies turning into allies. They offer that rare mix of humor and heart that makes a sports romance feel truly earned.
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by Nora Sakavic
Like 'Throw Like a Girl', this novel centers on a high-stakes team sport and features a protagonist navigating intense interpersonal dynamics and personal redemption. Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope and the pressure of athletic performance will find this equally gripping.
by Ann Aguirre
This book mirrors the emotional journey of self-discovery and the complexities of high school social hierarchies found in Henning's work. It balances a sweet, evolving romance with the protagonist's need to define her own identity outside of past mistakes.
by Erin Watt
Readers who enjoyed the 'fake dating' or forced proximity aspects of 'Throw Like a Girl' will appreciate this story about a normal girl thrust into the spotlight alongside a celebrity. It captures the same blend of witty banter and genuine vulnerability.
by Elle Kennedy
This is a quintessential sports romance that perfectly captures the chemistry between two athletes with opposing personalities. Much like 'Throw Like a Girl', it focuses on how a relationship can act as a catalyst for personal growth and healing.

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This novel captures the 'fish out of water' feeling of adjusting to a new school and social circle, much like Liv in Henning's book. It features a compelling mystery element alongside a burgeoning romance that feels authentic and grounded.
Both books tackle the harsh realities of high school labels and the struggle to be seen for who you really are. Fans of the sharp, defensive protagonist archetype in 'Throw Like a Girl' will appreciate the protagonist's journey toward self-acceptance.
This book is a perfect match for readers who enjoyed the sports-centric plot of 'Throw Like a Girl', focusing on a girl who is the star of her team. It explores the challenges of balancing athletic ambition with romantic entanglements.
by Jenny Han
While less sports-focused, this book shares the same delicate balance of humor and emotional depth regarding teenage relationships. It captures the 'vibe' of navigating complex social dynamics and the fallout of secrets being exposed.
For readers who appreciated the darker, more introspective moments in Henning’s work, this story offers a deep dive into a character struggling against expectations. It provides a similar emotional arc of a girl trying to change her fate despite external pressures.
by K.L. Walther
This book captures the competitive spirit and the tension of forced proximity that fans of sports-themed YA will recognize. It features a great ensemble cast and a slow-burn romance that keeps the pacing tight and engaging.

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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.