Spikes, Dice and Other Variables

by Harper Kinsley

Life is over for Riley McMahon.

Well, it isn’t really, but when you’re the star setter of the volleyball team and on the brink of academic ineligibility, the actual end of Everything™ feels closer than you think. Terrified of failing math and losing her spot on the team, she’s desperate to do anything to save her grades.

Which is why when Simon, the shy, fat boy in her math class offers to help Riley out, she’s quick to say yes. But Simon’s a nerd. And Riley’s a jock. And she’s certain that he’ll stop tutoring her as soon as he realizes how much of a lost cause she really is.

So, naturally, she’ll join the school TTRPG club to impress him, show him she’s cool, and make him like her enough to stick around.

But as they spend time together, Riley realizes she might feel something… different towards Simon. Something other than friendship. Riley’s been avoiding relationships her whole life, and as her friends start to notice her not-so-platonic feelings for Simon, she’s forced to admit why: she’s uncomfortable with the idea of sex, which seems to be all anyone can think about in relationships. Balancing her own fears against society’s expectations, Riley must figure out what matters most to her, and how to let everyone else’s expectations go.

Trigger Warnings: Childhood bullying and harassment of a person with disabilities (mention), ableism, fat-shaming, aphobia and homophobia.

Paperback

Expected publication January 1, 2026

About the author

Harper Kinsley is an author, educator, and lifelong Midwesterner with a deep love of storytelling. When not writing novels, she enjoys creating stories through TTRPGs as the resident Forever DM and dabbling in whichever hyperfixation craft has most recently sparked her interest. She lives with her partner and the trash goblin in her house that she also calls her cat.
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Harper can be found on Instagram at @harperkinsleyauthor

Reviews

[Jason Brescia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this for the author while they were editing. There is so much heart in this
is story and you fall in love with every character for so many reasons. Riley and Simon are amazing leads, and you go through this small snippet of their life rooting for them the whole time. So excited for more from Harper!

[Slane Blackdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read snippits of this book and loved what I have read I am in love. Can't wait for the book to come out. Read short stories from Harper Kinsley and she is very much a up and coming author would recommend you give this book a read when it comes out :)

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the extreme honor of reading an early version and let me be the first to say you need to add this to your TBR! Harper Kinsley is laugh out loud funny, with three dimensional characters you will love and hate (and love to hate). The undiagnosed ADHD rep and the ace rep is so sincere and healing. In the best way possible, I think I experienced every emotion known to man while reading because Harper is so skilled at immersive storytelling. I cannot wait to have a copy in my hands!