HEART CHECK BY EMILY CHARLOTTE
Sports romance books are taking over the shelves. In Heart Check, readers meet Luke Dawson and Harper Braedon who, despite working in the same small diner, seem determined to misunderstand each other. Luke, a star hockey player under immense pressure to earn a scholarship, is convinced Harper hates hockey and everything it represents. Harper believes hockey players are selfish, soaking up school funding while other clubs and causes are ignored. When Luke’s hockey coach is fired for embezzlement and the school rumor mill falsely blames Harper, her jewelry-making business takes the hit. Both teens are forced to confront their assumptions in a rivals-to-romance storyline.
One detail from the author biography that stood out is that Emily Charlotte is an English teacher who actually asked her students to help research what feels authentic when writing about teenagers. That real-life teen feedback shows in the dual‑POV narration, which lets readers experience the story through both Luke’s and Harper’s perspectives. Both characters slowly realize their assumptions about each other were wrong. Beneath the slow-burn romance, this book also offers perspective on challenging stereotypes and checking our own assumptions.
While the book touches on teenage drinking, some cursing, and a more intense romantic scene, these elements are handled in a way that will feel appropriate for many older YA readers. Teacher judgment will vary by classroom, but for students who enjoy sports romance, Heart Check is a perfect recommendation.