Rival Darling

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does the novel’s use of the popular “fake dating” trope compare to other books or films you’ve seen with a similar premise, such as Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before? Did you find the setup between Violet and Reed believable and engaging?

2. Rival Darling balances intense hockey scenes with romantic and social drama. Did you feel one of these elements was stronger than the others, or did they work well together to create a compelling story?

3. What was the most memorable scene for you, and why do you think it made such an impact? Was it a big public moment like the bonfire kiss, or a quieter, more personal interaction?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Violet lives by a strict “no-jock” rule that was passed down from her mother. Have you ever set a similar personal rule for friendships or relationships based on a past experience or advice you were given?

2. How did the tension between a character’s public reputation and their private reality resonate with you? Can you think of a time when you misjudged someone based on rumors, or when you felt misunderstood because of your own public persona?

3. Violet feels like an outsider after her sudden move to Minnesota, a feeling made worse by her car troubles and her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal. In what ways did her emotional journey of finding her footing in a new place connect with your own experiences of navigating unfamiliar environments?

4. After being betrayed by Jeremy, Violet struggles to trust again. What do you believe are the most crucial actions for rebuilding trust after it has been broken, whether in a romantic relationship or a friendship?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The guide connects the intense rivalry between working-class Ransom and affluent Sunshine Hills to real-world examples like the one in H.G. Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights. How does the book use high school hockey to explore broader issues of class identity and socioeconomic prejudice?

2. What commentary does the novel offer on high school social hierarchies and the gendered labels often associated with them, such as the “jock” or the “puck bunny”? Do Reed and Violet successfully challenge these labels by the end of the story?

3. Gossip and rumors spread quickly at both Sunshine Hills Prep and Ransom High, shaping everyone’s perceptions of the main characters. What does the novel seem to say about the power of rumors to define a person’s reputation in a tight-knit community?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does the author’s choice to switch between Violet’s and Reed’s perspectives create dramatic irony and deepen your connection to the characters? How might your reading experience have been different if the story were told only from Violet’s point of view?

2. Consider another sports romance novel you have read, like Elle Kennedy’s The Deal or Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute. Discuss how both Reed and the protagonist in your novel’s identities are tied to athletics. How do the protagonists both resist and internalize labels placed on them?

3. How do figures like Grayson, Parker, and Mia serve to either challenge or reinforce the social pressures and preconceptions that Violet and Reed face? What role do they play in the growth and development of Violet and/or Reed?

4. Does Jeremy Hoffman function effectively as the novel’s antagonist? What makes him a compelling foil for Reed, and how does his character explore the darker side of the popular “jock” archetype?

5. Discuss the symbolism of hockey and figure skating in the novel and what they represent. What is one theme of the text related to masculinity that it is conveyed through this symbolism?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Your task is to create a “welcome to Minnesota” survival kit for Violet right after she moves. Based on her personality and initial struggles, what three essential items would you include to help her feel more at home?

2. Design an alternative grand gesture for Reed to prove his feelings to Violet during the final game. What could he have done, besides the figure skating routine, that would have effectively sacrificed his public persona and proven his loyalty?

3. Write a short, secret text message exchange between two of the secondary characters, like Grayson and Paige or Mia and Nicole, where they gossip about Reed and Violet’s relationship. What would they observe that the main characters might be missing?