The Open Era - by Edward Schmit (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"[A] debut romance novel that will capture your heart."--Cosmopolitan

Love evens the score between two tennis players in this stunning debut romance.

Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school and it's never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal, with headlines to prove it.

Unprepared for this new spotlight, Austin's anxiety disorder hits a breaking point, and he trips and falls at practice. Right next to the very attractive, very talented, and probably straight Diego Cruz, ranked second in the world.

The two professional rivals start a friendship off the court. But between their flirty banter, mixed signals, and looming showdown, Austin is thrown further off his game by Diego.

With the eyes of the world on Austin, the weight of history on his shoulders, and Diego across the net, he must decide whether love means nothing or if it means everything as he battles for the trophy during an electric two weeks at the US Open.

Review Quotes

"Edward Schmit serves up decadent romance and delicious chemistry in his stunning debut. This is what sports romance dreams are made of." -B.K. Borison, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Edward Schmit serves a stunning ace with this heartfelt and page-turning exploration of what it means for fierce competitors to surrender to something greater than themselves. A winning debut."--Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle

"Whether it was from the dreamy, courtside romance or high stakes of professional tennis, my heart pounded its way through every page of Edward Schmit's spectacular debut. The Open Era is a thrilling, delicious ride."--Robbie Couch, New York Times bestselling author

"With the intensity of Challengers and the sweetness of Wimbledon, Edward Schmit's debut The Open Era has quickly become one of my top pieces of tennis media ever. I love Austin Hardy -- I could write an essay about how much I love Austin Hardy. He's up against so much pressure, both on the court but also off, where he's navigating late night hangs in hotel rooms, spinning out about read receipts, and falling in love with the last person he ever thought he would. The anxiety representation in Austin was especially poignant and well-drawn, where I can both feel exactly how he's feeling and also want to protect him at all costs. The Open Era is such a special book."--Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Never Been Shipped

"Edward Schmit gives readers a front row seat to the hottest match of the season that you won't want to miss. The Open Era serves a winning combination of tension, laugh-out-loud humor, wit, and sizzling romance in this rivals-to-lovers masterpiece, all while expertly exploring mental health and the pressures of being a professional athlete. An absolute grand slam of a debut!"--Simone Soltani, USA Today bestselling author of Ride with Me

"As exciting (and with as many twists!) as a five-set Sinner-Alcaraz final, The Open Era is an absolute blast. Sweet, sharp, funny, and full of heart. You'll tear through it."--Josh Duboff, author of Early Thirties

"The Open Era is a dazzling blend of passion, precision and authenticity. Edward Schmit brings to life the world of professional tennis so vividly that you feel the sweat and stakes of every point--and every kiss. Pivoting seamlessly from sporting rivalry to swoon-worthy romance, this a gripping and memorable debut."--Zac Hammett, author of See You At The Finish Line

"Talk about a grand slam! Edward Schmit bursts onto the rom-com scene with a debut that serves everything you want in a romance--sharp banter, rivals-to-lovers tension, and a tender, timely exploration of anxiety and resilience, all wrapped in a love story that will leave you breathless. The Open Era proves he's a voice you'll be cheering for from here on out. Game, set, match, readers...this is about to be your next five-star obsession!"--Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You

"The Open Era is a glorious celebration of tennis, competitive spirit, and love in all its forms. Schmit explores queerness in sport with a deft, authentic touch, and provides a nuanced portrayal of anxiety and its impact on identity. Not to mention the steamy hotel room scenes that will leave you blushing... This book will win your heart in straight sets!"--Tobias Madden, award-winning author of Anything But Fine

"Edward Schmit serves a faultless love story with The Open Era. His debut is a winning combination of swoon-worthy moments and high-stake emotions that have your heart volleying back and forth between these rivals turned lovers--an ace of a romance told in such a tender way that you won't be able to put it down!" --Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge

"This is a beautiful romance, full of longing, heat and athletic men doing athlete things...Schmit skillfully weaves in mental health and the quiet, complicated calculus of coming out in a hyper-public sport. Can I tell you what "love" means in tennis? Absolutely not. Can I tell you Austin and Diego's journey had me tearing up? Also yes. Consider this your open invitation."--Los Angeles Times

"[A] compulsively readable debut...This is a welcome addition to the growing subgenre of tennis romances."--Publishers Weekly

"Schmit enters the romance genre with a smashing forehand...This book is sure to quench readers' thirst for more queer representation in sports books and will be enjoyed by fans of Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry (2019) and Taylor Jenkins Reid's Carrie Soto Is Back (2022)."--Booklist

About the Author

Edward Schmit is an author based in New York City. From theatre kid to graphic designer to creative director, he's always exploring new ways to tell stories. A passionate mental health advocate, he's worked in the nonprofit space for more than seven years. The Open Era is his debut novel and combines three things close to his heart: queer love stories, mental health awareness, and the most beautiful sport in the world: tennis.