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Blaine for the Win

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About The Book

After being dumped so his boyfriend can pursue more “serious” guys, a teen boy decides to prove he can be serious, too, by running for senior class president in this “clever, fun, original” (BCCB) romp from the author of The Sky Blues.

High school junior Blaine Bowers has it all—the perfect boyfriend, a pretty sweet gig as a muralist for local Windy City businesses, a loving family, and awesome, talented friends. And he is absolutely, 100% positive that aforementioned perfect boyfriend—senior student council president and Mr. Popular of Wicker West High School, Joey—is going to invite Blaine to spend spring break with his family in beautiful, sunny Cabo San Lucas.

Except Joey breaks up with him instead. In public. On their one-year anniversary.

Because, according to Joey, Blaine is too goofy, too flighty, too…unserious. And if Joey wants to go far in life, he needs to start dating more serious guys. Guys like Zach Chesterton.

Determined to prove that Blaine can be what Joey wants, Blaine decides to enter the running to become his successor (and beat out Joey’s new boyfriend, Zach) as senior student council president.

But is he willing to sacrifice everything he loves about himself to do it?

About The Author

Anita Lashey
Robbie Couch

Robbie Couch writes young adult fiction. If I See You Again Tomorrow, his New York Times bestselling third novel, has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. Robbie’s debut, The Sky Blues, was a Junior Library Guild selection. Robbie is originally from small-town Michigan and lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 12, 2022)
  • Length: 336 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534497481
  • Ages: 12 - 99
  • Lexile ® HL740L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

"Packed with empowering and relatable moments, with the perfect balance of humor and heart, Blaine for the Win has my vote."

– Rachael Lippincott, New York Times bestselling author of Five Feet Apart

"Blaine for the Win celebrates flighty, unserious gay boys everywhere! As one myself, I've never felt more seen. Robbie Couch has gifted us with an irresistible, lion-hearted rom-com about love, inspiration, and toxic queer optics. Don't miss this confection!"

– Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons

"A wonderful novel about the importance of being yourself and having friends who will follow you no matter where you go. Blaine and his fun-loving, absolute powerhouse circle of friends had me cheering for them the whole time. I'd vote for Blaine!"

– Loan Le, author of A Pho Love Story

"Couch (The Sky Blues, 2021) has written an engaging novel with likable characters and a clever plot...an altogether winning read."

– Booklist

"With panache and an upbeat tone, Couch (The Sky Blues) delivers a lighthearted rom-com pastiche that updates its source material, tackling issues of mental health and self-care, socioeconomic divides, and staying true to oneself."

– Publisher's Weekly, March 2022

"Inspired by Legally Blonde, this novel ultimately shrugs off the restrictions of being a mere adaptation to offer a clever, fun, original story full of heart, awkwardness, and laughs...this is a clear win for readers who like their heroes loveable and imperfect."

– BCCB

Awards and Honors

  • ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
  • ALA Rainbow List Selection

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More books from this author: Robbie Couch