{"product_id":"the-open-era-isbn-9780593956779","title":"The Open Era","description":"\u003cb\u003eLove evens the score between two tennis players in this stunning debut romance.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school and it’s never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal, with headlines to prove it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnprepared for this new spotlight, Austin’s anxiety disorder hits a breaking point, and he trips and falls at practice. Right next to the very attractive, very talented, and probably straight Diego Cruz, ranked second in the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe two professional rivals start a friendship off the court. But between their flirty banter, mixed signals, and looming showdown, Austin is thrown further off his game by Diego.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the eyes of the world on Austin, the weight of history on his shoulders, and Diego across the net, he must decide whether love means nothing or if it means everything as he battles for the trophy during an electric two weeks at the US Open.“Edward Schmit serves up decadent romance and delicious chemistry in his stunning debut. This is what sports romance dreams are made of.” \u003cb\u003e–B.K. Borison, #1 \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003c\/i\u003eEdward Schmit serves a stunning ace with this heartfelt and page-turning exploration of what it means for fierce competitors to surrender to something greater than themselves. A winning debut.\u003ci\u003e”\u003c\/i\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSteven Rowley, \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Guncle\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"Whether it was from the dreamy, courtside romance or high stakes of professional tennis, my heart pounded its way through every page of Edward Schmit's spectacular debut. \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e is a thrilling, delicious ride.\"—\u003cb\u003eRobbie Couch, \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"With the intensity of \u003ci\u003eChallengers\u003c\/i\u003e and the sweetness of \u003ci\u003eWimbledon\u003c\/i\u003e, Edward Schmit's debut \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e has quickly become one of my top pieces of tennis media ever. I love Austin Hardy -- I could write an essay about how much I love Austin Hardy. He's up against so much pressure, both on the court but also off, where he's navigating late night hangs in hotel rooms, spinning out about read receipts, and falling in love with the last person he ever thought he would. The anxiety representation in Austin was especially poignant and well-drawn, where I can both feel exactly how he's feeling and also want to protect him at all costs. \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era \u003c\/i\u003eis such a special book.\"—\u003cb\u003eAlicia Thompson, \u003ci\u003eUSA Today \u003c\/i\u003ebestselling author of \u003ci\u003eNever Been Shipped\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Edward Schmit gives readers a front row seat to the hottest match of the season that you won’t want to miss. \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e serves a winning combination of tension, laugh-out-loud humor, wit, and sizzling romance in this rivals-to-lovers masterpiece, all while expertly exploring mental health and the pressures of being a professional athlete. An absolute grand slam of a debut!”—\u003cb\u003eSimone Soltani, \u003ci\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eRide with Me\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“As exciting (and with as many twists!) as a five-set Sinner-Alcaraz final, \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e is an absolute blast. Sweet, sharp, funny, and full of heart. You'll tear through it.”—\u003cb\u003eJosh Duboff, author of \u003ci\u003eEarly Thirties\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e is a dazzling blend of passion, precision and authenticity. Edward Schmit brings to life the world of professional tennis so vividly that you feel the sweat and stakes of every point—and every kiss. Pivoting seamlessly from sporting rivalry to swoon-worthy romance, this a gripping and memorable debut.”—\u003cb\u003eZac Hammett, author of \u003ci\u003eSee You At The Finish Line\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“Talk about a grand slam! Edward Schmit bursts onto the rom-com scene with a debut that serves everything you want in a romance—sharp banter, rivals-to-lovers tension, and a tender, timely exploration of anxiety and resilience, all wrapped in a love story that will leave you breathless. \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e proves he’s a voice you’ll be cheering for from here on out. Game, set, match, readers…this is about to be your next five-star obsession!”—\u003cb\u003eChip Pons, author of\u003ci\u003e Winging It with You\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e is a glorious celebration of tennis, competitive spirit, and love in all its forms. Schmit explores queerness in sport with a deft, authentic touch, and provides a nuanced portrayal of anxiety and its impact on identity. Not to mention the steamy hotel room scenes that will leave you blushing… This book will win your heart in straight sets!”—\u003cb\u003eTobias Madden, award-winning author of \u003ci\u003eAnything But Fine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“Edward Schmit serves a faultless love story with \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e. His debut is a winning combination of swoon-worthy moments and high-stake emotions that have your heart volleying back and forth between these rivals turned lovers—an ace of a romance told in such a tender way that you won’t be able to put it down!” \u003cb\u003e—Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of \u003ci\u003e The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eEdward Schmit\u003c\/b\u003e is an author based in New York City. From theatre kid to graphic designer to creative director, he’s always exploring new ways to tell stories. A passionate mental health advocate, he’s worked in the nonprofit space for more than seven years. \u003ci\u003eThe Open Era\u003c\/i\u003e is his debut novel and combines three things close to his heart: queer love stories, mental health awareness, and the most beautiful sport in the world: tennis.","brand":"Berkley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233724575973,"sku":"NP9780593956779","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780593956779.jpg?v=1767740804","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-open-era-isbn-9780593956779","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}