Praise for Thirty Love:
LIBRARY JOURNAL’S ROMANCE DEBUT OF THE MONTH!
APPLE BOOKS MARCH 2026 DEBUT PICK!
“The cast is charming, the sex is buoyant and the tennis — whew, the tennis writing is kinetic and explosive.”
—The New York Times
“Vellner scores big with his outstanding debut . . . The emotions are heartfelt, and the characters leap off the page. This is an overhead smash.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Emotionally satisfying . . . A particularly well-crafted sports romance from a talented new voice. Readers will be clamoring for more from Vellner.”
—Library Journal, starred review
“A solid and satisfying ace from a promising rookie.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“One of the best romantic novels of the year.”
—Red Carpet Crash
“Thirty Love is a fun and fresh rivals-to-lovers sports romance, perfect for fans of Heated Rivalry and queer love stories. Vellner’s debut is a sparkling treat.”
—Alison Cochrun, USA Today bestselling author of The Charm Offensive
“Electric on the court, tender off it. Thirty Love is about choosing yourself—and then choosing each other. Vellner’s insight crackles and the writing truly delivers. Leo and Gabe’s journey is a queer romance grand slam.”
—Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of the Hockey Guys series
“An utterly charming and beautifully written enemies-to-lovers sports romance with a great sense of humor and an ending that induced tears of joy! A Grand slam winner!”
—Blair Fell, USA Today bestselling author of Disco Witches of Fire Island
“A stunning, romantic debut that seamlessly balances dedication to family, the deepest love for athletics, and—most importantly—being true to oneself. Readers won’t be able to stop themselves from rooting for Leo and Gabe, both on and off the court!”
—CE Ricci, USA Today bestselling author of Iced Out
“Tom Vellner’s debut is not only pure rivals-to-lovers bliss but also a masterclass in what it means to be your own champion. Leo’s journey on and off the tennis court will grip your heart and refuse to let go until you’re smiling with tears in your eyes and cheering as though you’re there in the stands—a grand slam of a novel!”
—Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge
“Filled with queer banter and slow burn shenanigans, Thirty Love explores how sometimes, we need to change our playstyle to reach the top of our game. Delightful from first serve to final matchpoint.”
—Tara Tai, author of Single Player
“Tom Vellner’s debut is an ace! Thirty Love brings the rivals-to-lovers tension and heat we all adore but shines through its tender portrayal of queer joy.”
—Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You