SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY

Star basketball player Scottie Zajac begins her senior year of high school heartbroken.

Her ex-girlfriend, Tally Gibson, ended their relationship right before transferring to a fancy high school in a neighboring town, and the breakup has left Scottie feeling like a shadow of herself—so much so that her sister calls her “a walking insecurity.” In an effort to get Tally’s attention—and possibly to win her back—Scottie bribes cheerleading captain and homecoming queen Irene Abraham to pretend that the two of them are dating. Irene agrees even though it means she’ll have to come out at school (Irene is already out to her family). At first, the plan works even better than expected: Tally finds out about the couple and texts Scottie out of jealousy, and the cheerleading squad starts showing up to the girls basketball games, giving the team the confidence they need to play better and better. But then Scottie and Irene start to develop real feelings for each other, feelings that are complicated by the fact that Scottie isn’t over Tally and Irene harbors a secret of her own. This optimistic romance is a page-turner full of quippy dialogue and emotional authenticity. Scottie, Irene, and their group of friends are complex, well-developed characters whose empathy and introspection are refreshing. Most characters are White; Irene is Indian American, and Scottie’s best friend is Black.

A gripping queer interracial romance about secrets, lies, and healing.