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The Heights #1
Balancing Act
Not yet published
Expected 21 Oct 25A Sweet Valley High for a new generation, a dishy, dazzling YA drama set against the backdrop of an elite charter school where stars are made—or fade.
When Chyna gets a scholarship to the newest, most prestigious sports school in the city, it’s the best opportunity to do the gymnastics she loves. But between caring for her ailing mother and dealing with the elitist girls on her gymnastics team, she’s not sure she belongs.
Meanwhile, Jamaal is reeling from the death of his brother—who was also secretly Chyna’s boyfriend. Becoming star of the Power Panthers basketball team is his way to honor his brother’s memory and nothings going to stand in his way. Not even his health.
Filled with gossip, high-stakes sports drama, and tons of heart, BALANCING ACT is the first in a riveting new series about teens fighting for their dreams in a city where picking a side is no game.
When Chyna gets a scholarship to the newest, most prestigious sports school in the city, it’s the best opportunity to do the gymnastics she loves. But between caring for her ailing mother and dealing with the elitist girls on her gymnastics team, she’s not sure she belongs.
Meanwhile, Jamaal is reeling from the death of his brother—who was also secretly Chyna’s boyfriend. Becoming star of the Power Panthers basketball team is his way to honor his brother’s memory and nothings going to stand in his way. Not even his health.
Filled with gossip, high-stakes sports drama, and tons of heart, BALANCING ACT is the first in a riveting new series about teens fighting for their dreams in a city where picking a side is no game.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 21, 2025
8075 people want to read
About the author
Paula Chase
13 books197 followersI'm a creature borne of pop culture. It's created a volatile mix of hope and cynicism within me that I help myself understand by putting my young characters through the world's paces.
I have a big heart for young readers. Young Adult and Middle Grade novels are my home.
And because no one lives in a vacuum, I co-founded The Brown Bookshelf to ensure that the spotlight on children's lit created by persons of color never dims.
I have a big heart for young readers. Young Adult and Middle Grade novels are my home.
And because no one lives in a vacuum, I co-founded The Brown Bookshelf to ensure that the spotlight on children's lit created by persons of color never dims.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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April 14, 2025A Sweet Valley High for a new generation??? I loved those books growing up!!! Sign me up!!!
August 14, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the free advanced copy of Balancing Act by Paula Chase. I really liked my reading experience of this new ya drama. The high school drama featuring a range of black students and adults was so juicy. This gave Fame x Gossip Girl– also, a little bit of Drama High. I was so engaged in the rivalry between Chyna and Alicia. Alicia was so beside herself, but when you’re raised by two locally famous and ambitious parents like hers, it’s no wonder she acts the way she does. I had a bit of beef with Jamaal because he was such a bad friend to Chyna and was way too cocky for his own good. Even the adults had stuff going on that made me side-eye them. I couldn’t stand Aunt Tam from jump– she was a bad sister, aunt, and person.
This HotLipz account would get on my nerves in my own life, but in the context of the story, it definitely added something so needed to the story. They were so accurate to the point where i couldn’t be mad at them. I’m so interested in who’s behind the account.
The setting of Da Icy City (is this a real place?) felt so real and integral to the story/characters. Their attitudes, especially Jamaal and Chyna’s, and how hard they worked at their sports really went hand-in-hand with their city. It shows where they come from and where they’re going.
I definitely think this would be a good read for any age due to the real topics, like an ailing parent and hidden family secrets, but also for a younger audience because of the school rivalries and sports aspect.
This HotLipz account would get on my nerves in my own life, but in the context of the story, it definitely added something so needed to the story. They were so accurate to the point where i couldn’t be mad at them. I’m so interested in who’s behind the account.
The setting of Da Icy City (is this a real place?) felt so real and integral to the story/characters. Their attitudes, especially Jamaal and Chyna’s, and how hard they worked at their sports really went hand-in-hand with their city. It shows where they come from and where they’re going.
I definitely think this would be a good read for any age due to the real topics, like an ailing parent and hidden family secrets, but also for a younger audience because of the school rivalries and sports aspect.
July 19, 2025
I loved this book! It was filled with drama on drama that pushed the story along so quickly and made it hard to put down. It was reminiscent of a written Gossip Girl, and it was so well-done. The different modes of writing added a special touch to the story that aided with glimpsing into every character’s POV and personality that was specific to them. I had an idea toward the beginning of what would happen with the big reveal at the end, but there were other aspects of the story that kept me on my toes. So many plot lines were unresolved at the end of the book, which I am hoping is due to the idea of a continuing series. What’s going to happen to Maal? How are the relationships going to change moving forward? Will @HotLipz be revealed? I cannot wait to read the next book!
May 25, 2025
My first Paula Chase book. Absolutely loved the cover and the synopsis of the book. Not only that, but I was very invested as soon as the chapters started. I feel like this book would work great as an audiobook since there are a lot of characters/radio elements to it. I will say the beginning I was very confused since the book started off in a social media format. But once the chapters started everything slowly came together. My only gripe is that the book felt super long and the storyline was kind of all over the place. First we were dealing with grief and also handling family being sick. So some things weren’t answered for me the way I wanted. Jacque and how he was being “heard” by his brother and girl, Chyna never telling her best friend about her and his brother dating. The random plot twist in the end. Just seemed like a lot of fluff to bulk up the book. Characters were kind of hard to follow as well between the DJ personality name and then his government name. But this is also just very reader specific. Overall, wasn’t terrible but also wasn’t amazing. I’d give this author another try though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Wow, there is power in this book and if folks can get past the format of the book (which I love) I think it’ll be a hit.
I mention the style straight off as while it is becoming a more common things to do particularly in YA and NA fiction, it still takes readers off guard when they are used to traditional prose.
I read this arc in ebook format and I so wish it was an audio book with multiple cast members or at the very least dual narrated, as I think it would be a great way to read the book.
The other facet that unfortunately may give some readers pause from my experience but I love that it gave me a glimpse into a different cultural perspective than my own lived experience. From the relationship dynamics to the language used to even the level of competition and rivalry between schools, it’s fun to experience it by way of a book as while I live in a decently diverse town, it’s a very different experience.
I will say that the book was much different than I thought that it would be from the description. The description was accurate, it was just a different side to various aspects than I thought going into it. It really had a lot of subtext and focus on the relationships between the characters which I appreciated.
This book comes out October 21st 2025 and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from St Martins Press through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
I mention the style straight off as while it is becoming a more common things to do particularly in YA and NA fiction, it still takes readers off guard when they are used to traditional prose.
I read this arc in ebook format and I so wish it was an audio book with multiple cast members or at the very least dual narrated, as I think it would be a great way to read the book.
The other facet that unfortunately may give some readers pause from my experience but I love that it gave me a glimpse into a different cultural perspective than my own lived experience. From the relationship dynamics to the language used to even the level of competition and rivalry between schools, it’s fun to experience it by way of a book as while I live in a decently diverse town, it’s a very different experience.
I will say that the book was much different than I thought that it would be from the description. The description was accurate, it was just a different side to various aspects than I thought going into it. It really had a lot of subtext and focus on the relationships between the characters which I appreciated.
This book comes out October 21st 2025 and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from St Martins Press through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
August 26, 2025
Kicking off a dizzying new series set in an elite high school ruled by local sports rivalries, gymnast Chyna Thomas and basketball star Jamaal Henderson aim for the winners' circle while navigating parental health issues and snarky teammates (Chyna) and a congenital heart condition and a murdered brother (Jamaal) in the sidelines.
It’s gloriously easy to get swept up in the drama of this novel, but I did struggle a bit to parse out the language at times, which layers sports slang (not being anything like an athlete, it took me a while to figure out that “a rock” means “a basketball”) over teen slang over what I think is very specific southside Maryland dialect. This is not a complaint; just an observation. BALANCING ACT isn’t written the way that I—a forty-something white woman—speaks or thinks, nor should it be. I’m not the audience. I think teens—especially urban teens—will connect to it and see themselves here, though I do worry that some of the slang will become dated quickly.
I can definitely see the nods to Sweet Valley and Gossip Girl, but this book is a lot more densely written and less escapist than either of those series. Part of the appeal of Sweet Valley and Gossip Girl was that they tended to be short, easy reads, mostly in the ballpark of about 250 pages a pop. BALANCING ACT is clocking in at over 400, which is definitely on the higher end of the genre, and I found the style to be more reflective than the surface-level serial fiction of Sweet Valley and Gossip Girl. (Personally, for me, that’s a plus—but I’m curious to see how teen readers receive this. I think BALANCING ACT is a bit more complicated than the typical beach read.)
The ending sets up the sequel nicely; I wasn’t surprised by the twist, but I can see how it’s going to fuel future books. This was my first time reading Paula Chase, and I think she did a wonderful job with characterization and voice. Here's to more juicy drama at The Heights!
It’s gloriously easy to get swept up in the drama of this novel, but I did struggle a bit to parse out the language at times, which layers sports slang (not being anything like an athlete, it took me a while to figure out that “a rock” means “a basketball”) over teen slang over what I think is very specific southside Maryland dialect. This is not a complaint; just an observation. BALANCING ACT isn’t written the way that I—a forty-something white woman—speaks or thinks, nor should it be. I’m not the audience. I think teens—especially urban teens—will connect to it and see themselves here, though I do worry that some of the slang will become dated quickly.
I can definitely see the nods to Sweet Valley and Gossip Girl, but this book is a lot more densely written and less escapist than either of those series. Part of the appeal of Sweet Valley and Gossip Girl was that they tended to be short, easy reads, mostly in the ballpark of about 250 pages a pop. BALANCING ACT is clocking in at over 400, which is definitely on the higher end of the genre, and I found the style to be more reflective than the surface-level serial fiction of Sweet Valley and Gossip Girl. (Personally, for me, that’s a plus—but I’m curious to see how teen readers receive this. I think BALANCING ACT is a bit more complicated than the typical beach read.)
The ending sets up the sequel nicely; I wasn’t surprised by the twist, but I can see how it’s going to fuel future books. This was my first time reading Paula Chase, and I think she did a wonderful job with characterization and voice. Here's to more juicy drama at The Heights!
August 4, 2025
"Balancing Act" by Paula Chase, which I received as an eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley, is a compelling blend of classic coming-of-age themes and modern storytelling. The novel stands out for its creative use of social media posts, which highlight the drama and public pressures faced by the characters.
While the story centers on competition and the drive to succeed in high school sports, it goes much deeper. Chase portrays the realities of growing up in diverse neighborhoods, the pain of grief after losing someone young, and the sadness that shapes adolescence. The book also explores the complicated landscape of friendships—especially the challenge of dealing with frenemies. Through nuanced storytelling, Chase reveals that even rivals and so-called adversaries have their own struggles and moments of unexpected kindness. The characters gradually learn that people are rarely just one thing, and that even those who seem unfriendly can surprise you with their depth and decency.
The writing is engaging and the characters feel real, their vulnerabilities and hopes shining through. While the novel tackles tough topics, it remains relatable and grounded, balancing humor and hope with its more serious undertones.
If there’s one drawback, it’s the abrupt ending—a reminder that this is the first book in a series. Despite this, I’m eager for the sequel to see where these vivid characters go next.
"Balancing Act" releases on October 21, 2025. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in contemporary young adult fiction that doesn’t shy away from real-life challenges, including the pain of loss, the complexity of relationships, and the resilience required to move forward.
While the story centers on competition and the drive to succeed in high school sports, it goes much deeper. Chase portrays the realities of growing up in diverse neighborhoods, the pain of grief after losing someone young, and the sadness that shapes adolescence. The book also explores the complicated landscape of friendships—especially the challenge of dealing with frenemies. Through nuanced storytelling, Chase reveals that even rivals and so-called adversaries have their own struggles and moments of unexpected kindness. The characters gradually learn that people are rarely just one thing, and that even those who seem unfriendly can surprise you with their depth and decency.
The writing is engaging and the characters feel real, their vulnerabilities and hopes shining through. While the novel tackles tough topics, it remains relatable and grounded, balancing humor and hope with its more serious undertones.
If there’s one drawback, it’s the abrupt ending—a reminder that this is the first book in a series. Despite this, I’m eager for the sequel to see where these vivid characters go next.
"Balancing Act" releases on October 21, 2025. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in contemporary young adult fiction that doesn’t shy away from real-life challenges, including the pain of loss, the complexity of relationships, and the resilience required to move forward.
June 9, 2025
Chyna has been invited to the exclusive new school as a co-captain of the gymnastics team. Problem? Her co-captain hates her. However, her co-captain is also the child of the two most famous people in town, and she throws her connections around like free money. Jamaal is also having some trouble. His brother (Chyna's boyfriend at the time of his death, not that Jamaal knows that) had just been shot, and Jamaal wants to carry on his legacy while keeping his memory. But he's got these butterflies that have him fainting on the court and getting him suspended from playing in the most important game of the year. There's also an anonymous new gossip in town, and nobody is ready for the chaos it'll sow.
Told from the POVs of Chyna and Jamaal (they're not a couple, or anywhere close to being one), this book had me grabbed by the throat. I was gagged by the HotLipz account every single time. I feel like I audibly gasped with the characters with every post. The drama in this book was only intensified by the writing style. It's purposefully written in a conversational manner, which made it challenging for me (an Asian-American girl who's basically full American) to understand at times, but it was absolutely fascinating. I love learning about Chyna's culture through their speech/texting patterns.
This is a series, by the way. I'm so excited for the next book. There is an intrinsic need in me to return to this world and this plot. I'll be breathing half of every breath until I reach the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Told from the POVs of Chyna and Jamaal (they're not a couple, or anywhere close to being one), this book had me grabbed by the throat. I was gagged by the HotLipz account every single time. I feel like I audibly gasped with the characters with every post. The drama in this book was only intensified by the writing style. It's purposefully written in a conversational manner, which made it challenging for me (an Asian-American girl who's basically full American) to understand at times, but it was absolutely fascinating. I love learning about Chyna's culture through their speech/texting patterns.
This is a series, by the way. I'm so excited for the next book. There is an intrinsic need in me to return to this world and this plot. I'll be breathing half of every breath until I reach the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2025
I have never read Sweet Valley High, but I thought that this sounded interesting. It was really hard for me to get into due to the large amount of characters introduced. I had trouble following who was who, which left me confused and struggling to push on. The narrative style did not help matters. If you can make it past those, then I think this novel has a lot of promise. It had a good amount of drama that you can lean into, and the characters were really diverse and offered a lot of different viewpoints that I appreciated. Overall, I don't think this was for me, but I would be open to reading more works by this author.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 21, 2025
I can definitely see how Balancing Act aims to be a modern-day version of Sweet Valley High and believe that is an accurate comparison. There's unique enough characters, emotional depth, tragedies experienced by both of our MCs (Chyna and Jamaal), and this layer of a coming-of-age story. I think anyone who loves YA will enjoy this book and be able to feel empathy for the unique trials and experiences of Chyna and Jamaal. I don't know how it was for other readers, but for me this theme of persevering despite adversity and discrimination really resonated. Overall, I feel that this was a good story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2025
I couldn’t put Balancing Act down! This drama-filled, emotionally gripping novel is a rollercoaster from start to finish. Packed with romance, surprises, and intense character moments, Paula Chase has crafted a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters are vivid and complex, each facing their own struggles and secrets—any one of them could be the story’s next twist. If you enjoy stories that blend heartfelt emotions with lively drama, this book is a must-read. Hold on for a wild ride through love, life, and the chaos in between!
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June 2, 2025DNF
Style is a huge part of a book. Balancing Act took a brave approach trying to create a social media platform in text style, as if you’re reaching court printed documents as you go along.
that being said, i could not move past the stylistic choice and emerge myself in the plot.
For those who enjoy this niche, it seems like a fun thriller.
This book was given to me for a Goodreads Giveaway. My opinions are my own and not biased because of this gift.
Style is a huge part of a book. Balancing Act took a brave approach trying to create a social media platform in text style, as if you’re reaching court printed documents as you go along.
that being said, i could not move past the stylistic choice and emerge myself in the plot.
For those who enjoy this niche, it seems like a fun thriller.
This book was given to me for a Goodreads Giveaway. My opinions are my own and not biased because of this gift.
August 24, 2025
🌟Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!🌟
I really enjoyed our main characters and felt their struggles with school and athletics (Chyna with gymnastics & our male MC with basketball).
I appreciated how real the story felt but there were times it seemed to get a bit repetitive and the pacing was too slow for me.
I liked the story but wasn't blown away.
I really enjoyed our main characters and felt their struggles with school and athletics (Chyna with gymnastics & our male MC with basketball).
I appreciated how real the story felt but there were times it seemed to get a bit repetitive and the pacing was too slow for me.
I liked the story but wasn't blown away.
May 31, 2025
First time I have a Paula Chase book. Confusing at first, but I think a lot start off that way. But once you get into it, it gets you.
I actually really enjoyed it. I’ll be looking out for more of her books. Well done and thank you.
I actually really enjoyed it. I’ll be looking out for more of her books. Well done and thank you.
June 3, 2025
This is a good book, dealing with sport competition, health concerns, loss, and high school drama. What brought this down to four stars was the switch from dialogue to text/tweet format, I kinda brought me out of the story and made it feel clunky to me, but I know other people like that
Want to read
June 2, 2025A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
August 3, 2025
I loved it! It reminded me of gossip girl but book form I loved the different point of views and the format. It left me wanting more and I cant wait for the second book!!
August 21, 2025
Gossip girl is lukewarm in comparison to this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews