Rivals by Jennifer Lane is a compelling story that pits two determined coaches against one another—and against the undeniable chemistry that grows between them. Lauren Chase, the head volleyball coach at Ohio State, thought landing her dream job would be the perfect fit. Instead, after a rocky season, it has become a fight for survival. Desperate to turn things around, Lauren pins her hopes on recruiting a star player. The catch? The recruit’s twin brother is bound for Ohio State’s archrival, Michigan—and his football coach, Jeremy Trent, is the last person she should be drawn to. With career ambitions on the line and fierce loyalty to their schools, Lauren and Jeremy find themselves caught between competition and undeniable attraction. Rivals explores whether two enemies can not only appreciate each other’s strengths but also bring out the best in one another—if they’re brave enough to try.
about the characters
The main characters, Trent and Chase, are far from instantly likable when the story begins. Their flaws are front and center—their habits are questionable, and their rough edges are hard to ignore—but what they lack in charm, they make up for in sheer grit. Both aim high as they pursue a top recruit, knowing full well that winning over the family means a delicate dance of schmoozing and maintaining some semblance of honesty. Their loyalty to their respective teams burns fiercely, but when push comes to shove, romance sneaks in and outwits them both. Lauren and Jeremy are incredibly relatable. It’s their strengths, weaknesses, determination, and personal losses that give the story its heart. Even maintaining a long-distance relationship, the fire between them feels authentic and will resonate with many readers. Lauren copes with stress by smoking—a habit she struggles to break—but Jeremy’s steady influence and her mother’s health struggles push her toward a healthier life. Ultimately, their journey shows that romance can not only survive rivalry but thrive because of it—and it’s an absolute joy to watch it unfold.
The twin recruits, Emma and Evan, add another compelling layer to the story. Both are headstrong, yet Evan often relies on Emma to make sense of his chaotic decisions. Their importance to both Jeremy and Lauren’s careers is clear, but as the story unfolds, their roles expand beyond being mere pawns in a recruiting war. Emma, with her easy charm, fits in well with the volleyball team, though a subtle shyness emerges in how she approaches her roommate and new situations. Her calm handling of conflict is especially vital when dealing with her brother. Evan, in contrast, deals with pressure in a more self-destructive way, making choices that could jeopardize his football future. Still, his bond with Emma brings a touching balance to their sibling dynamic, making them endearing as key secondary characters.
And, of course, every good story needs a villain—or at least someone who makes your skin crawl. In Rivals, that honor goes to Coach Froth, whose emotional abuse toward both his staff and players is appalling. Lane crafts him with chilling realism, making him the kind of antagonist readers will love to hate. His presence sharpens the stakes and adds extra tension to an already emotionally charged story.
standout moments
One of the standout aspects of Rivals is how some chapters focus entirely on the sports world, immersing the reader in the intensity of the game before easing seamlessly back into the slow-burn romance. This structure pulls the reader into the adrenaline of competition, making the quieter, sweeter moments between Jeremy and Lauren feel even more earned and satisfying. As a psychologist, Jennifer Lane navigates the relationship between athletic drive and emotional vulnerability with impressive fluency, using the tension of the sports scenes to amplify the emotional stakes. Both Jeremy and Lauren are under immense pressure—not only to lead their teams to nationals but also to steal brief, precious moments together between the grueling demands of recruiting and practices. Along the way, both characters embark on journeys of identity, grappling with what it means to balance ambition, personal goals, and romantic relationships. As coaches, their personal lives have often taken a back seat, and reconnecting with their inner selves is both a challenge and a revelation. Lane captures this struggle authentically, showing that lasting relationships aren’t just built on passion but on persistence, self-awareness, and growth. It’s a refreshing, inspiring reminder that love—much like sports—requires real work to endure.
Lane writes Rivals with a blend of tones that match the personalities of her characters remarkably well. Lauren’s chapters are often playful and laced with humor, a reflection of her fast-talking, slightly chaotic charm. In contrast, Jeremy’s perspective carries a more intense, grounded energy, highlighting his steady, determined nature. These two distinct styles interlock seamlessly, creating a dynamic that feels natural and authentic. Lane’s writing also adapts well to the age and experience of her characters, especially the young recruits and players. Their emotional conflicts, insecurities, and resilience are captured with relatable honesty that draws the reader in, making their struggles and triumphs feel genuinely lived-in and real.
personal reflection
Reflecting personally on this story, Rivals left me with a deep emotional impression. I immediately appreciated the humor woven into the early chapters—it set a light, engaging tone that gradually built toward greater emotional intensity as the story progressed. While the fierce rivalry between the coaches was a constant backdrop, the mutual respect between Lauren and Jeremy for one another as human beings shone through beautifully. Their personalities, initially rough around the edges, became increasingly likable and nuanced as the story unfolded. One of the most powerful moments for me was the heartbreaking scene involving the roommate’s “unintended” suicide attempt. It was an unexpected and raw portrayal of the crushing pressure these young athletes face, forcing both the characters—and the reader—to confront the emotional realities behind the competitive façade. It’s a moment that stays with you long after you finish the chapter.
As Lauren’s mother entered the storyline, the tension heightened even further. The strained dynamic between mother and daughter brought a sharp emotional edge to Lauren’s personal arc. However, what didn’t fully work for me was the unresolved feeling between them. While there were moments of tentative healing, the relationship lacked a fully fleshed-out resolution, which would have made their connection feel more complete. In real life, not all rifts are tied up neatly, and Lane’s choice to leave some things unsaid is realistic—but a few more moments of progression could have given even more weight to their reconciliation.
In conclusion, Rivals is a rewarding read for adult and young adult fiction fans who enjoy contemporary romance, especially those who appreciate an enemies-to-lovers storyline with authentic emotional depth. While some readers may feel the chemistry right away, for me, it was a slow burn—warming up to Lauren took time, but ultimately made her growth more satisfying to witness. Jeremy’s solid character and the exploration of both protagonists’ pasts add rich layers to the story, making the emotional payoff feel well-earned. If you’re looking for a romance that combines sports, rivalry, heartache, and hard-won connection, Rivals is a story worth picking up.
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