It's a romance between the quarterback and the waterboy - neither of whom are really what they seem at the beginning of the book. Both have serious amounts of trauma to deal with, which makes getting together harder. The book was intense (definitely not a happy/easy read, although things do end up in a good place for both of them).

I thought the trauma was handled well (everything can't be solved in just a few months, but they were on their way). I've read some of the other reviews, which seem to dislike that the characters were acting childish one minute, and overly mature the next. I don't see this as a flaw - these guys are 17/18-year-old high school seniors - in a way they ARE still children , just setting foot into the adult world. There will be times when they act childish, and times when they act like adults.

I found the book extremely interesting and hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the early ARC of this book! In exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking in the best way. I’m such a sucker for a good healing journey, and this one truly delivered. Watching Cam and Mason grow into who they are learning not to be so afraid of being authentically themselves was incredibly moving and absolutely adorable.

It was sweet and tender, the kind of story that really stays with you. I loved seeing them not only figure out how to stand on their own feet, but do it together. They were both scared, both had been through so much, and yet they were exactly what the other needed to become braver, to begin healing, and to start standing tall. Their love and healing went hand in hand, and I absolutely adored watching them grow and not just into stronger individuals, but into two people who could love and support each other so fully. Their story was just so cute and meaningful. I loved every moment of it.

many thanks to Penguin Teen and A.M. Woody for sending an arc of MVP in exchange of my honest opinion.

i remember seeing this book on social media and immediately adding it to my tbr, so when i got the email saying i got the arc, i was excited to say the least. however, that's where, unfortunately, my excitement ended too.

to say i struggled to read this book is an understatement. for one, i couldn't really connect with the way it was written because i feel like the author didn't know which way she wanted to go. she'd switch from juvenile to extremely mature out of nowhere, which made the reading experience a bit inconsistent.

in terms of the characters, both cam and mason had dealt with extreme levels of pain at such a young age, but i didn't necessarily like the way it was portrayed either.

let's start by saying i didn't like the way trauma was portrayed in this book, because it was both underdeveloped and poorly written, which is a problem in itself and a dangerous thing for someone reading this book who might be going through the same situation.

i wish i could say more about cam's trauma, but i can't because the book was so centered around mason, that his arc felt disregarded in the second half of the book, and it miraculously got mentioned again in TWO lines during the last three chapters of the book.

mason's character was groomed by an older man, and not only were his feelings disregarded by everyone in his life, but he was also told, multiple times, he could get back together with the person who'd abused him. i don't know if this book had sensitive readers, but if it did, they didn't do a good job, because those statements are dangerous.

i feel like if you're centering your book on two characters with immeasurable trauma, you should do them justice and tell their story equally.

Hilarious and heartfelt. Totally lives up to the romcomtraum promise. Something special about A.M. Woody’s writing is the way they show such compassion and care for their characters. They don’t write trauma for the sake of trauma; these are real stories that deserve a spotlight. It’s YA, but the teenage characters face heavy, real life problems and I can’t help but think of the young audiences who probably get to see themselves for the first time in a book like MVP. Trying really hard not to give spoilers but Mason’s story is so important for anyone, but especially for young readers to hear. That’s not to discount Cameron’s story either! They’re both such compelling characters on their own but their relationship is so gentle and sweet and again I hope this inspires young readers especially to seek the love they deserve! Despite the heavy topics, I was absolutely cracking up, especially at the beginning. Woody’s humor shines while still respecting the gravity of the each situation when necessary.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First half: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second half: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: a real winner

Amanda Woody’s done it again. The voice of the two characters are strong and real. I was engrossed by the fourth chapter. The details of the side characters was a nice touch that grounded the story. I did feel the ending didn’t quite hit the mark that the plot had aimed for; I personally would have liked to see specific two events switched in the timeline of the final act. However, the first half built such a strong foundation on the depth and realness of each character, I was just happy to get a bit more of their story, even if it wasn’t what I thought I was going to get. Overall, I really liked this YA coming of age romance.

This book was an emotional roller coaster. I went from giggling because Mason and Cam were cute to being so sad for how traumatic their childhoods into their teen years were. I thought when I first got into this book that it was just going to be a cute high school romance but I soon learned that it was much more than that. There was so much depth to the characters that I really enjoyed exploring. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the relationship between Cam and Mason and I loved seeing both of them grow throughout the book. Seeing Cam go from really unlikable to really sweet was amazing and seeing Mason become more free with Cam was incredible. Both of these boys brought out the best in each other.

I honestly loved this book. I really felt for both Mason and Cameron and really wanted them to be able to find a happily ever after together. I loved the gentle way Cameron treated Mason even before he knew the extent of his past and how Cameron slowly opened himself up to Mason. My heart broke for Mason and I was so proud of him. Cameron's growth was also well done, though we didn't get to see him deal with his trauma as much as Mason's. His healing seemed a bit more rushed, but he also had a more supportive home and had been healing with their help for a little longer than poor Mason.

That said, never having been in a situation like Mason's, I can't speak as to whether or not it was handled perfectly but I think it was heartbreakingly well done. I did appreciate that you got a clear idea of everything that happened between Liam and Mason and saw examples of the abuse and manipulation without it being unnecessarily graphic. I think Mason would more than likely need some therapy to deal with everything, but that could very well happen after the story ends since he's found people who support and love him. Also, his parents are complete shit and I wish they had some comeuppance. At least one of them could have been constantly on his side. I wasn't a huge fan of how all the adults in his life were okay with the relationship. Liam deserved way worse and got off too easy. But that was also sadly how things happen way to often in real life.

But overall I did love the book and can't wait to see what this author writes next!

a million lovely thank yous to the publishers and netgalley for this eARC!!!

after they hate each other became my favourite audiobook ever, i absolutely knew i had to get my grubby little hands on the authors next work by any means necessary, and i am sosososo glad they let my unworthy eyes grace the wonders of this story early.

long story short, i absolutely loved it!!!!

in woodys first work, (cannot vouch for their second, as i have not read it) they deal with a lot of heavy topics alongside the romance, which i really appriciated, since it gave the4 story a lot more depth and gave the characters more chances to grow as people, both independently and alongside one another. in most valuable player, they have not shied away from diving into different (but still very heavy! please be mindful of the trigger warnings) topics.

the characters definitely start out flawed, with cameron hiding behind a mask of typical highschool meatbrained jock to try and escape his past, and mason getting over a traumatic past relationship that still hangs over his shoulder. the improving of their situations doesn't happen with the caveat that the romance takes a backseat, or vice verse, which is something that can be very difficult to do! oftentimes when a story wants to dive into characters individual personalities, it can come with an underdeveloped romance that feels shoved in. this is not mvp in the slightest. i absolutely ADOREDDDDDDDD cam and mason. so much and wholeheartedly. i was up at 2am giggling and kicking my feet rereading my favourite passages after i was done reading the whole thing once over and still couldn't get enough. at this point i think i would read anything woody decides to put out because i am just so enamoured with their writing style and the characters they craft.

cameron and mason you belong in my heart forever now no takebacks xoxo

e-ARC: 4.5⭐️ rounded up — this is one of those books that I just so desperately wish I could have read as a teen. The depiction of unhealthy vs healthy relationships is so real, and so important. There’s a delicate balance to depicting abuse in YA stories, but I think this story did it well, and I hope there are teens out there who read this book and see themselves in the characters, and are able to relate to their growth and self-love and acceptance they find.

Ty to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC! I absolutely recommend any YA reader check this out when it releases, and will definitely be adding other books by this author to my own tbr as well

I started this book expecting a regular YA jock/quiet boy romance. And oh how it got me in the feels.

I want to start by giving a HUGE trigger warning for grooming and toxic relationships, it's a big part of the book and very present throughout the narrative.

The way the first chapter opens had me a bit scared, we start with Cameron that is playing this big dumb jock persona, but we learn pretty quickly that it's a mask he puts to avoid being hurt.
I really resonated with him.
Then Mason. My baby. Omg that poor kid went through so fucking much, my heart was bleeding for him. For both of them really, but Mason's situation felt truly unsafe, and I just wanted him to be ok.

And their romance was the sweetest thing. The way they both cared for each other, even with their own trauma, and how they really tried for the other person. Slowly getting to know each other and chipping away at the walls they both had was the best thing to read.
I teared up multiple time, they were so saft, patient and gentle with each other.

Anyway, I 100% recommend this book, but I would warn to check the trigger warnings if you get triggered, because even though I didn't go through what Mason went through, it still really affected me (I wanted **** to die so bad omg)

These poor boys. This book was really good and honestly so sad. The way both of them were hiding theirselves and tried to be someone else because of all the trauma they went through. Even through all of the bad though, they still can be happy and find the good things.

The relationship between Cameron and Mason honestly was so nice and cute. It started off as kind of friends kind of not? But then they developed a friendship and then relationship along the way that was pretty authentic I think. They helped each other heal through their struggles and even thought they didn’t “fix” each other they are there and can heal together.

THE WAY CAMERON WAS ON THE ASEXUAL SPECTRUM?! I felt that throughout the book and at point in talking about his last relationships but when they talked about him not really experiencing sexual attraction?? I love that :) I love the representation!

All I can say is that this book was honestly so cute and I just FEEL for the characters so bad and i’m glad there was healing, confronting trauma, and just finding the light from the darkness.

Thanks to Netgally and Penguin Teen for a eArc in exchange of a honest review

"His ability to see through everything I told him should terrify me, but his touch is like a soothing serum. It’s comforting."
Someone call the doctor because this damn book broke my heart and yurned me into a sniveling mess of a person at 2am. Cameron and Mason deserve everything good that comes with unconditional love.

“I just think you should know that it’s not your fault. The way people hurt you. That’s all.”
Trigger Warnings at the beginning of this book are seriously no joke, please know that grooming and emotional abuse and bullying are huge factors in this book, and if that makes you uncomfortable, please stay clear. This romance between these two soft hearted boys is very loaded with trauma. Major Trauma.

Suddenly, he smiles. Eyes crinkling, face warming, cheeks flushing. And I think I’d hang this image up on my wall too, or maybe my ceiling, so when I opened my eyes in the morning, I’d be greeted with sunlight even on the cloudiest days. “Thanks, Cameron,” he says.

“Whoever said that about your smile is wrong,” he says. “You’ve got a really nice, warm smile. It lights up your whole miserable face. So stop hiding it.”Did he dab cologne on himself before he came? Just for dinner and working out? I press a slow , careful kiss under the jut of his jaw. My left arm remains hooked around his waist— it fits perfectly against me. My right thumb works the divot behind his ear, and he might be sensitive there, because I can feel his heart pulsing faster, deeper. “Just my face?”
Whoever needs more yearning in their romance books will really appreciate how well written the yearning is in this one with how dark a lot of the subject matter is. The emotional connection these boys discovered with each other was beautiful and it made me feel seen in an unexpected way. There's amazing representation of being demisexual and being bisexual that I kind of felt exposed, almost like Amanda studied a part of my brain. Add in all the toxic family stuff and this book touched a very sensitive part of my being that just made me love and cherish these poor characters more.

I choke on my words. Mason has set the painting aside and stumbled into my chest, hugging me. His palms tremble as they flatten against my spine and rise slowly toward my shoulder blades, like he’s trying to find where best to hang onto me. “Water boy?” I squawk. “Quarterback,” he mumbles into my jacket. My heart swoops into my stomach before skyrocketing into my throat, clearly uncertain of how to handle this. His head is an inch below my chin and smells like crisp apples. Does he have fall-themed shower products? Probably. Definitely.
These boys deserve to be happy together and I'm really happy with how the ending came up to be. I feel so amazed at how good this book was. Definitely considering this one a part of my all time favorite books of all time. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this one early.

Messy, tender, and unexpectedly heavy in all the right ways, Most Valuable Player balances queer high school romance with a much deeper exploration of trauma and trust. Cam and Mason’s relationship feels both sweet and raw, and while some moments leaned a little too tropey, the emotional payoff made it worth it.

Amanda Woody for the third time has delivered to me an emotionally packed YA novel. Amanda's books often have very serious themes but written in a way for teens to understand, learn, heal and grow from. This one also had a cute queer sports romance! I loved watching their relationship unfold and how they connected.

Wow!!

I loved this story way more than I expected to before I started. I was not expecting Cameron’s character at all, and I’m so happy about that. I feel like the classic jocks in sports romance stories are usually less complex, less experienced in trauma, and less understanding of other characters. Cameron was a true breath of fresh air for me. His attitude, his relationship with his parents (and his parents in general!!), how his inner voice reflected the turmoil he was experiencing while trying to keep up with his image and reputation. I am a true sucker for golden retriever characters, and he pulled me in from the jump. I knew as soon as I read his first joke that this story was going to get me, and it did.

Mason got me too. I don’t remember the last time I read a character who has experienced extensive abuse that so accurately depicts the back and forth struggle that comes with slowly waking up from the cycle. I struggled alongside him through the whole story as he did the mental and emotional gymnastics that can exhaust you when you’re trying to fully comprehend just how much damage has been done by your abuser. I was so relieved when Cam called the abuse what it was, pointed out the grooming, and provided research to back it up.

This book is a lovely read and covers some difficult subject matter. I definitely recommend it to those who love a good testament to recovery, reflection and self-forgiveness. It’s a sweet love story on top of it all, and the relationship that builds as the pages turn is now one of my favorites. Gentle love is so important and overlooked these days. (But seriously. I love Cam’s parents. Fantastic writing, hilarious dialogue. I love them so much. A sequel just for those two would definitely be on my shelf, haha.)

Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Woody & team for early access to this story!!

This was definitely a fast-paced read, and I really appreciated the thoughtful and inclusive representation throughout the story; it felt genuine and handled with care. I think it's especially important to see depictions of grooming in the YA space, as it's a very real and dangerous issue. I found the romance to be adorable, and was definitely rooting for the characters by the end. That said, this wasn’t quite a perfect read for me. My main issue was with the writing style, at times it felt extremely juvenile and immature, which I normally wouldn’t mind in a YA novel. However, it would then abruptly shift into a much more lyrical and mature tone, creating a disjointed reading experience that left me feeling a bit disconnected from the story. I also found the plot to be somewhat unbalanced. As the story progressed, the focus leaned much more heavily on Mason, particularly in the second half, while Cameron’s arc felt pretty underdeveloped and incomplete in comparison. Both boys are dealing with a lot, yet it seemed like the narrative was primarily centered on Mason by the end. And while I loved their relationship, it occasionally felt a bit too codependent. By the end, I wasn’t entirely convinced that they’d be able to work through their individual traumas on their own if they had to. Overall, this was a good and important read with great representation, but it just didn’t fully hit the mark for me.

Let me just say that this book had me entirely hooked from the very beginning, as evidenced by how I finished it within 24 hours...

The opening scenes of Most Valuable Player had me thinking that this book was just going to be another funny story. A casual read. Lighthearted, even. With Cameron's big personality and Mason's quick-witted remarks, I found myself laughing at their banter in the first few chapters.

However, this book was a lot more complicated than I had originally anticipated. It is so much more than just some jock x nerd romance, instead being filled with traumatic backstories and imperfect characters. I couldn't read fast enough to uncover the secrets lying behind both Cameron and Mason.

I really enjoyed both of the characters in this book. Their backgrounds, their personalities, and the way that they each grew and learned from each other really spoke to me. They were both such dynamic characters, and I honestly don't think I could pick a favorite from either of them.

The plot line itself was really intriguing as well. I couldn't wait to discover more of Mason's trauma and Cameron's true personality. The inclusion of Mason's journal entries was a great way of showing his past emotions and uncovering more of his backstory.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, dramatic, and definitely had me hooked.

My excitment level when I got approved for this ARC was through the roof. They Hate Each Other is one of my very favorite contemporary romances. One of the biggest reasons being that Amanda Woody built a story not just around a teen romance, but real life problems that some teens are forced to face. It brought characters together and held a lot of meaning.

Most Valuable Player was similar in this way, although the content could be a bit difficult to read. I truly recommend reading the content warning page, and go in knowing the triggering content is a bit more in depth than how it is written (I believe to remain as vague as possible to to avoid too many spoilers). With how they were written, I had anticipated things to be just in the past and working on overcoming that issue. But one of the two boys' awful situation is very much present and it could be super triggering for some.

Cameron....was hard to like at the beginning. Bro was a TOOL. But that was the point. That was on purpose. And we quickly learn the reasoning and get glimpses to who he really is. Which is an extremely kind and sensitive and caring person. I ended up adoring him. And watching Mason start to blossom throughout and let himself both show himself more and enjoy things more was lovely to watch. My heart absolutely broke for him.

Just as in They Hate Each Other, there was some really rough parental characters. Awful, honestly. I wanted to bring their necks. But there was also a very truly wholesome, supportive, healthy, and loving parents to child relationship that was wonderful to read about. I honestly wish we had gotten more scenes of Cameron's parents with both Cameron and Mason

I have been dying to get an ARC copy of this book. I was so excited to be approved! That said this book seems to be a young adult level book. It's about high school students who love to bicker with each other. This is a great story about learning to heal and love.

This was absolutely adorable — I specifically liked the relationship dynamic between Mason and Cameron, how they realize they've made all these assumptions about the other when it could be further from the truth. My heart hurts seeing them both have to face all these emotional baggage I wouldn't have dreamed of facing in high school.

My only gripe with this book; however, is the way in which it handled Liam's character. After all the illegal shit this man committed, it's a shame he didn't actually go to prison for his crimes but rather gets the equivalent of a slap on the hand.