What do you think?
Rate this book
The Perfect Match
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 26
All is fair in love and rivalry...
Dina is done. She's burn out after years in corporate London and now is working in her family's struggling Bangladeshi restaurant. The last thing she expects is to be roped into coaching a football team of disadvantaged amateur players - or to say yes.
Maya is back. She could have had a brilliant career, but it all went...well wrong. Now she's back home, back in her childhood bedroom. Her only escape is agreeing to coach her old secondary school's team.
It doesn't take long for them to bump into each other again and for as long as anyone can remember, Dina and Maya were rivals. But will the very game that tore them apart bring them back together?
An enemies-to-lovers and angsty queer Bend it like Beckham meets Cross the Line jampacked with quirky side characters who cannot help but intervene to push their uptight managers together.
Dina is done. She's burn out after years in corporate London and now is working in her family's struggling Bangladeshi restaurant. The last thing she expects is to be roped into coaching a football team of disadvantaged amateur players - or to say yes.
Maya is back. She could have had a brilliant career, but it all went...well wrong. Now she's back home, back in her childhood bedroom. Her only escape is agreeing to coach her old secondary school's team.
It doesn't take long for them to bump into each other again and for as long as anyone can remember, Dina and Maya were rivals. But will the very game that tore them apart bring them back together?
An enemies-to-lovers and angsty queer Bend it like Beckham meets Cross the Line jampacked with quirky side characters who cannot help but intervene to push their uptight managers together.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 19, 2026
7 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Adiba Jaigirdar
16 books3,435 followersAdiba Jaigirdar was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and has been living in Dublin, Ireland from the age of ten. She has a BA in English and History, and an MA in Postcolonial Studies. She is a contributor for Bookriot. All of her writing is aided by tea, and a healthy dose of Janelle Monáe and Hayley Kiyoko. When not writing, she can be found ranting about the ills of colonialism, playing video games, and expanding her overflowing lipstick collection.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Want to read
September 11, 2025ADULT SPORTS ROMANCE FROM ADIBA JAIGIRDAR LETS GOOOOO
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this book was for the girlies who grew up loving “bend it like beckham” and lowkey wished jules and jess ended up together 🩷
i have been a huge fan of the author's YA work for years so i got excited about her adult debut — and it DELIVERED! the characters were super fun but also complex and realistic; maya was my fav for sure 🫶🏻
i always love how adiba weaves issues of racism, sexism as well as mental health considerations into her narratives while maintaining the romcom vibes at the same time 💞
2026 seems to be the year of queer sports romances and i am SO here for it!
[ received this copy from the publisher through netgalley ]
i have been a huge fan of the author's YA work for years so i got excited about her adult debut — and it DELIVERED! the characters were super fun but also complex and realistic; maya was my fav for sure 🫶🏻
i always love how adiba weaves issues of racism, sexism as well as mental health considerations into her narratives while maintaining the romcom vibes at the same time 💞
2026 seems to be the year of queer sports romances and i am SO here for it!
[ received this copy from the publisher through netgalley ]
December 1, 2025
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this one. Great, complex characters, a messy and captivating plot, what's not to like? I started reading and simply could not stop. It all grabbed me and I never wanted to let go. I was way into the football plot and the rivalry but also loved the plot about the restaurant. truly, every side plot was as captivating as the main one to me. It was just such a good read and it made me feel so much and I loved the family dynamics and the flashbacks and just all of it. Also, it made me soooooooooo hungry. It was just all so good. I feel like this one will stay with me for a while. I can't wait for more books by Adiba!
I really loved this one. Great, complex characters, a messy and captivating plot, what's not to like? I started reading and simply could not stop. It all grabbed me and I never wanted to let go. I was way into the football plot and the rivalry but also loved the plot about the restaurant. truly, every side plot was as captivating as the main one to me. It was just such a good read and it made me feel so much and I loved the family dynamics and the flashbacks and just all of it. Also, it made me soooooooooo hungry. It was just all so good. I feel like this one will stay with me for a while. I can't wait for more books by Adiba!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Adiba so much but this was a struggle for me because it had potential but it fell really short.
My biggest issue is the timeline of everything. I thought so many times “this needed to be story boarded.” The main characters don’t interact in present day until 30% of the way through the book which is way too far in. It made that first part of the book drag and feel like we were rehashing the same drama over and over with only allusion to the reason for the drama. Once they finally do interact, we aren’t really given a reason to root for them to get to the second chance part of the romance because we don’t see any of their first chance at all. They kiss one time and then the next time we hear from them is two years later when they break up. That happens at 60% of the way through the book. The entire time before that they hate each other for petty reasons that feel flimsy. There’s not a single moment when we see them in a healthy relationship the entire book.
It also felt so absurd that there was less than 3 weeks between the bullying confrontation and the match especially for a team of players who have never even looked at a soccer ball ever. It would’ve made way more sense for that time to be stretched over 6 or 8 weeks and it would’ve made the entire flow of the story feel more natural too. When the match finally happened the life lesson felt so heavy handed which is something I would expect from a middle grade book rather than an adult romance from a seasoned author.
Another thing that bothered me throughout the book was that Maya insists Dina is the only one that would understand what she went through as a pro soccer player but that does not play out in the story. Dina didn’t discuss facing any challenges with racism as a high school player. Her only challenge was her injury and then immediate refusal to continue when things don’t go her way. Like I really thought the drama was going to be that Dina wasn’t recruited because there couldn’t be two South Asian women in American pro soccer because that would’ve made both of those storylines make sense but she didn’t get recruited because she quit. I’m not saying racism in soccer isn’t a thing because it definitely is but there are absolutely women of color in American and British soccer who understand exactly how Maya felt.
My last gripe is that Dina did not grow or reflect AT ALL over the 9 years since the breakup. It’s baffling. She did absolutely no self reflection about how quitting is what led to her not going pro. Why would a professional sports team just stop scouting when a player they’re interested in gets injured? OF COURSE they’re going to look elsewhere. No one prevented Dina from going pro except Dina. Continuing to blame it on Maya a decade later is wild and then all of a sudden, one short talk with Deen and Dina completely changes her mind. The growth was so incredibly rushed as was the makeup at the end. This book almost didn’t even feel like a romance because the main characters are together for half a second. I’d say it’s much more focused on sports than romance which is completely fine but that’s not how the book is touted at all.
I know it seems like I am absolutely crapping on this book but I didn’t hate it. I was just so deeply frustrated because I know Adiba writes great books and this was not great.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Content warnings: racism, death of a parent, bodily injury (but very minor)
My biggest issue is the timeline of everything. I thought so many times “this needed to be story boarded.” The main characters don’t interact in present day until 30% of the way through the book which is way too far in. It made that first part of the book drag and feel like we were rehashing the same drama over and over with only allusion to the reason for the drama. Once they finally do interact, we aren’t really given a reason to root for them to get to the second chance part of the romance because we don’t see any of their first chance at all. They kiss one time and then the next time we hear from them is two years later when they break up. That happens at 60% of the way through the book. The entire time before that they hate each other for petty reasons that feel flimsy. There’s not a single moment when we see them in a healthy relationship the entire book.
It also felt so absurd that there was less than 3 weeks between the bullying confrontation and the match especially for a team of players who have never even looked at a soccer ball ever. It would’ve made way more sense for that time to be stretched over 6 or 8 weeks and it would’ve made the entire flow of the story feel more natural too. When the match finally happened the life lesson felt so heavy handed which is something I would expect from a middle grade book rather than an adult romance from a seasoned author.
Another thing that bothered me throughout the book was that Maya insists Dina is the only one that would understand what she went through as a pro soccer player but that does not play out in the story. Dina didn’t discuss facing any challenges with racism as a high school player. Her only challenge was her injury and then immediate refusal to continue when things don’t go her way. Like I really thought the drama was going to be that Dina wasn’t recruited because there couldn’t be two South Asian women in American pro soccer because that would’ve made both of those storylines make sense but she didn’t get recruited because she quit. I’m not saying racism in soccer isn’t a thing because it definitely is but there are absolutely women of color in American and British soccer who understand exactly how Maya felt.
My last gripe is that Dina did not grow or reflect AT ALL over the 9 years since the breakup. It’s baffling. She did absolutely no self reflection about how quitting is what led to her not going pro. Why would a professional sports team just stop scouting when a player they’re interested in gets injured? OF COURSE they’re going to look elsewhere. No one prevented Dina from going pro except Dina. Continuing to blame it on Maya a decade later is wild and then all of a sudden, one short talk with Deen and Dina completely changes her mind. The growth was so incredibly rushed as was the makeup at the end. This book almost didn’t even feel like a romance because the main characters are together for half a second. I’d say it’s much more focused on sports than romance which is completely fine but that’s not how the book is touted at all.
I know it seems like I am absolutely crapping on this book but I didn’t hate it. I was just so deeply frustrated because I know Adiba writes great books and this was not great.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Content warnings: racism, death of a parent, bodily injury (but very minor)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5⭐
It could have been 3 star if both characters were not end up together. They are better off as friends rather than lovers. Cause their are no love between them.
There were no chemistry between both the FMCs . Not even a spark I can feel.
You know this book has more potential.Like all the representation of people of colour especially South Asian in sports where men has dominated.
And author tried her best to give these thing . Thats the reason I give it 2 star for it.
Next , the competition between two teams was also interesting part . And only rivalry between them.
This book is also marketed as enemies to lovers but there is no enmity between them . The don't even talk properly for almost first half , just avoiding each other. So yeah straight up their no enemies,
Don't get me start on the reason of their breakup. Like for the first half I was wondering What Maya have done. When I got the reason, It was childishand immature. All this because you lack communication. The reason she broke was that you are not selected and your girlfriend get the chance to play.
I understand you were teenager that time so you have no control over your emotions but after 9 years You still blame on others, it show you need to grow. They were 27 but the were not acting like it. Their teenagers self were better then their adult self.
Dina character development was rushed . for like 80% she was same, impulse , try to avoid talking, misunderstood everything.
Thats the whole reason why she break up with Maya , cause she can't listen other people perspective.Cause all She think about herself. Like I know You came for struggling family but its not an excuse to blame other people.
Now Maya , the line she said during their break-up was immature. But she know was wrong .But her growth was better than Dina.
And I really connected with Maya and Dina on leaving their career and choosing another thing and messy and lack of purpose can be your life. And Author did good job to show case this .
The only thing I like is Family and cultural representation. Dina and Deen's relationship was kind beautiful.
And also Deen is my favourite in whole book. And mature then both manin characters.
Other side characters were good.
Overall this book doesn't not turn out what I was expecting. I hope it can be amazing read for you.
It is my honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Orion for giving me advance copy of this book
It could have been 3 star if both characters were not end up together. They are better off as friends rather than lovers. Cause their are no love between them.
There were no chemistry between both the FMCs . Not even a spark I can feel.
You know this book has more potential.Like all the representation of people of colour especially South Asian in sports where men has dominated.
And author tried her best to give these thing . Thats the reason I give it 2 star for it.
Next , the competition between two teams was also interesting part . And only rivalry between them.
This book is also marketed as enemies to lovers but there is no enmity between them . The don't even talk properly for almost first half , just avoiding each other. So yeah straight up their no enemies,
Don't get me start on the reason of their breakup. Like for the first half I was wondering What Maya have done. When I got the reason, It was childishand immature. All this because you lack communication. The reason she broke was that you are not selected and your girlfriend get the chance to play.
I understand you were teenager that time so you have no control over your emotions but after 9 years You still blame on others, it show you need to grow. They were 27 but the were not acting like it. Their teenagers self were better then their adult self.
Dina character development was rushed . for like 80% she was same, impulse , try to avoid talking, misunderstood everything.
Thats the whole reason why she break up with Maya , cause she can't listen other people perspective.Cause all She think about herself. Like I know You came for struggling family but its not an excuse to blame other people.
Now Maya , the line she said during their break-up was immature. But she know was wrong .But her growth was better than Dina.
And I really connected with Maya and Dina on leaving their career and choosing another thing and messy and lack of purpose can be your life. And Author did good job to show case this .
The only thing I like is Family and cultural representation. Dina and Deen's relationship was kind beautiful.
And also Deen is my favourite in whole book. And mature then both manin characters.
Other side characters were good.
Overall this book doesn't not turn out what I was expecting. I hope it can be amazing read for you.
It is my honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Orion for giving me advance copy of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Perfect Match by Adiba Jaigirdar was a really engaging read. I loved the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Dina and Maya and seeing how their relationship slowly shifted from rivalry back to something more.
One thing that really kept me hooked was the slow build of curiosity around what had happened in the past. That sense of wanting to know more was always there, pushing the story forward and making it hard to put down. I also loved the contrast between the two teams—one rooted in council-level play and the other within the school—which added an interesting and realistic layer to the competition.
Beyond the rivalry and romance, I appreciated how strongly this book centered women of colour in sports. That emphasis felt intentional and powerful, adding real depth to the story. This wasn’t just a rivals-to-lovers romance; it also explored themes of social justice, representation, and finding your place in competitive spaces that aren’t always welcoming.
I’ve rated this book 3 stars as I felt at times I was struggling to get through it. Could this be situational? 100% I think once the book is polished and released to the world it will move a lot smoother!
Overall, this was a smart, engaging read that balanced romance, rivalry, and meaningful conversations beautifully.
Thank you to Adiba Jaigirdar and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
One thing that really kept me hooked was the slow build of curiosity around what had happened in the past. That sense of wanting to know more was always there, pushing the story forward and making it hard to put down. I also loved the contrast between the two teams—one rooted in council-level play and the other within the school—which added an interesting and realistic layer to the competition.
Beyond the rivalry and romance, I appreciated how strongly this book centered women of colour in sports. That emphasis felt intentional and powerful, adding real depth to the story. This wasn’t just a rivals-to-lovers romance; it also explored themes of social justice, representation, and finding your place in competitive spaces that aren’t always welcoming.
I’ve rated this book 3 stars as I felt at times I was struggling to get through it. Could this be situational? 100% I think once the book is polished and released to the world it will move a lot smoother!
Overall, this was a smart, engaging read that balanced romance, rivalry, and meaningful conversations beautifully.
Thank you to Adiba Jaigirdar and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 7, 2026
If you love soccer and have sentimental thoughts about the movie "Bend It Like Beckham", as I do, then this is the read for you. Two high school girlfriends who are seriously competitive athletes have a major falling out when one is signed to a professional women's soccer team in America and the other misses her chance at recruitment after an athletic injury. The story takes place nearly a decade later when Maya returns to London after retiring from professional play. Both Maya and Dina find themselves coaching rival girls' secondary school soccer teams and have to deal with their unresolved anger and hurt from their break-up years ago. The book is probably classified as a romance, and I suppose it lightly is, but more importantly it deals with big issues like the racism towards being a Bangladeshi female athlete, the sexism towards women's soccer in general, and also bullying, cyberbullying and mental health. This is a fun read, especially if you're a women's soccer fan. I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy to read and review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy to read and review.
February 3, 2026
I am so grateful to NetGalley for the chance to read this arc. Adiba Jaigirdar is one of my all time favourite YA authors, her sapphic enemies to lovers are always brilliant and this book was no different!
Watching both Dina and Maya struggle with how their lives have turned out in their late 20’s was really relatable.
The Bend it Like Beckham references were perfect!
Seeing the flashbacks of their relationship in their teens added an element of suspense, I was desperate to find out what really drove them apart.
They both held onto so much hurt for so long, I loved seeing them come to terms with their feelings and open up to each other.
I really felt for Maya, for what she had to go through alone.
The ending was so perfect! Seeing everyone accept where they are in life and follow their dreams was so beautiful.
Watching both Dina and Maya struggle with how their lives have turned out in their late 20’s was really relatable.
The Bend it Like Beckham references were perfect!
Seeing the flashbacks of their relationship in their teens added an element of suspense, I was desperate to find out what really drove them apart.
They both held onto so much hurt for so long, I loved seeing them come to terms with their feelings and open up to each other.
I really felt for Maya, for what she had to go through alone.
The ending was so perfect! Seeing everyone accept where they are in life and follow their dreams was so beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dina's burnt out from corporate London and is now working in her family's Bangladeshi restaurant, when she gets roped into coaching a football team. Maya is back after what could have been a brilliant football career but it all went wrong. Now she's back at home and is coaching her old secondary school's team. Will the game that tore these rivals apart, bring them back together?
Adiba never misses with her books so when I seen that she was coming out with her debut adult romance, I was so excited and like always, she didn't disappoint. I absolutely love her books and writing so I knew this one would be no different!
I love how complex the characters were, especially Dina and Maya. I felt like I related to both in different ways and I love when a character makes me feel like that as I felt connected but also invested in them both! I was rooting for them both the whole time. I loved how the past timelines were incorporated to give you the backstory of what had happened between Dina and Maya, as it helped to build up a picture of what their relationship was like but also get to know them, through different parts of their lives. Even the side characters felt fleshed out and added to the story, which I loved! One of my favourite characters for their development was actually Dina's mam and there were times that I teared up at the end, because I felt so proud of the progress that she had made. I constantly found myself wanting to know more about all of the characters. I truly didn't want this book to end!
I definitely recommend if you're looking for an incredible sapphic, rivals to lovers sports romance!
⚠️ CWs: cursing, panic attack, parent death, grief, racism, discrimination, injury detail; mentions drug use, bullying, alcohol use, derogatory language ⚠️
Adiba never misses with her books so when I seen that she was coming out with her debut adult romance, I was so excited and like always, she didn't disappoint. I absolutely love her books and writing so I knew this one would be no different!
I love how complex the characters were, especially Dina and Maya. I felt like I related to both in different ways and I love when a character makes me feel like that as I felt connected but also invested in them both! I was rooting for them both the whole time. I loved how the past timelines were incorporated to give you the backstory of what had happened between Dina and Maya, as it helped to build up a picture of what their relationship was like but also get to know them, through different parts of their lives. Even the side characters felt fleshed out and added to the story, which I loved! One of my favourite characters for their development was actually Dina's mam and there were times that I teared up at the end, because I felt so proud of the progress that she had made. I constantly found myself wanting to know more about all of the characters. I truly didn't want this book to end!
I definitely recommend if you're looking for an incredible sapphic, rivals to lovers sports romance!
⚠️ CWs: cursing, panic attack, parent death, grief, racism, discrimination, injury detail; mentions drug use, bullying, alcohol use, derogatory language ⚠️
January 20, 2026
Thank you Adiba Jaigirdar, NetGalley, and Orion Publishing Group for providing me with this ARC!
Explicitly gay “Bend It Like Beckham” and they’re both Desi!! Maya Alam, a retired footballer (soccer player for my fellow Americans) in her late 20s, feels lost without pursuing her passion. Her ex-girlfriend, Dina Choudhury, also returns home after being burnt out from corporate life. They take coaching jobs for rival teams and a beautiful enemies-to-lovers plot line unfolds.
I love that this book discussed racism and sexism in sports, specifically as it’s experienced by South Asian women. “The Perfect Match” also highlights mental health struggles and the pressure of being in the public eye. It was overall a great read and another fantastic book from Adiba Jaigirdar!
Explicitly gay “Bend It Like Beckham” and they’re both Desi!! Maya Alam, a retired footballer (soccer player for my fellow Americans) in her late 20s, feels lost without pursuing her passion. Her ex-girlfriend, Dina Choudhury, also returns home after being burnt out from corporate life. They take coaching jobs for rival teams and a beautiful enemies-to-lovers plot line unfolds.
I love that this book discussed racism and sexism in sports, specifically as it’s experienced by South Asian women. “The Perfect Match” also highlights mental health struggles and the pressure of being in the public eye. It was overall a great read and another fantastic book from Adiba Jaigirdar!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me this arc!!
I have never read a book from this author before, but now I know I will because this book was written with so much care and touched on so many important topics (check tw) that will make you feel for the characters at the same time as being seen and relate to them.
Regarding the romance it was really heartwarming, although the characters took a little to grow on me since at parts they frustrated me, in the end when they open up you cannot help but like Dina and Maya.
I loved aswell how we followed their own separate lives, with their jobs and families and how they fit perfectly.
I have never read a book from this author before, but now I know I will because this book was written with so much care and touched on so many important topics (check tw) that will make you feel for the characters at the same time as being seen and relate to them.
Regarding the romance it was really heartwarming, although the characters took a little to grow on me since at parts they frustrated me, in the end when they open up you cannot help but like Dina and Maya.
I loved aswell how we followed their own separate lives, with their jobs and families and how they fit perfectly.
February 14, 2026
3.5 🌟
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!
This was my first book by Adiba Jaigirdar, I’ve always seen her YA books online so when I saw an adult novel I jumped at the chance!
The Perfect Match was super sweet and I just loved the plot as a whole, female rival football players?! Yes please!!! It was a cute and fun read whilst also discussing sexism and racism within the football space.
Maya and Dina already had a lot of history but I would have loved to have seen a bit more tension and building up of their feelings. Even with the flashbacks to the past, you were more told how they felt about each other rather than seeing it play out.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!
This was my first book by Adiba Jaigirdar, I’ve always seen her YA books online so when I saw an adult novel I jumped at the chance!
The Perfect Match was super sweet and I just loved the plot as a whole, female rival football players?! Yes please!!! It was a cute and fun read whilst also discussing sexism and racism within the football space.
Maya and Dina already had a lot of history but I would have loved to have seen a bit more tension and building up of their feelings. Even with the flashbacks to the past, you were more told how they felt about each other rather than seeing it play out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always really enjoy the authors YA books, and whilst this was a cute, quick read, the writing felt a little juvenile and at times like I was reading another YA book, the enemies aspect of the romance felt weak, and at times the story felt repetitive. The characters were likeable enough to continue reading and I really liked that there were open discussions about sexism and racism within the sport, but it wasn't my favourite book by the author.
January 11, 2026
3 ⭐️ (ARC) it was a sweet read. the characters were well developed and i loved the rivalry aspect. the flash back chapters really helped with creating that depth to the characters.
i was not a fan of how the arc copy was put together for ebook readers. it was like reading a really long paragraph that never ended because the chapters, paragraphs, and dialogue was not formatted properly.
i was not a fan of how the arc copy was put together for ebook readers. it was like reading a really long paragraph that never ended because the chapters, paragraphs, and dialogue was not formatted properly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[Received an ARC through NetGalley]
I was determined that anything she could do, I would do even better. I ran on sheer spite back then - maybe I still do, sometimes
this book combines two things i love - sapphic girls in love and women's football - so it is no wonder i have truly liked reading it. i have read adiba jaigirdar's previous YA works and her adult debut did not dissappoint! it is very soft and enjoyable i like the development of the characters and especially dina's family dynamics. also while my interest in this book had mainly to do with the main pairing and the football plot, i did like the restaurant plot a lot deen is the absolute best. i recommend reading this novel to anyone who is into football, second chances, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and a sweet and slow sapphic romance.
I was determined that anything she could do, I would do even better. I ran on sheer spite back then - maybe I still do, sometimes
this book combines two things i love - sapphic girls in love and women's football - so it is no wonder i have truly liked reading it. i have read adiba jaigirdar's previous YA works and her adult debut did not dissappoint! it is very soft and enjoyable i like the development of the characters and especially dina's family dynamics. also while my interest in this book had mainly to do with the main pairing and the football plot, i did like the restaurant plot a lot deen is the absolute best. i recommend reading this novel to anyone who is into football, second chances, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and a sweet and slow sapphic romance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
RTC
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews