by Chris Cleave
First published 2012
Kate and Zoe trained together since nineteen, pushing their bodies to the limit on the velodrome track. Now thirty-two, they face their final shot at Olympic gold in 2012. Kate possesses natural talent but carries the weight of motherhood. Her eight-year-old daughter Sophie fights leukemia again, imagining herself as a Rebel warrior battling evil white blood cells like Death Star enemies. Sophie wants her mum to chase Olympic glory, but the cancer spreads while Kate focuses on training. Zoe lives for competition alone. She has always struggled with human connection, and her drive to win threatens both her friendship with Kate and her mental stability. As the Olympics approach, Zoe must choose between exploiting Kate's distraction and preserving their bond. Kate faces an impossible choice between her daughter's health and her lifelong dream. The two women race toward a collision that will test everything they value.
Genres: drama, family-life, contemporary, sports
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Velodrome, London
Period: 2012
324 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster
Content warnings: terminal-illness