Learning to Fall Audiobook Cover

Skates, Scrapes, and Sapphic Sparks

4 out of 5 stars

I absolutely flew through this one. I’m a sucker for a sapphic sports romance, but throw in roller derby and this became one of the cutest YA stories I’ve read in a long time. The combination of found family, self-discovery, and queer awakening wrapped in the chaotic, accepting world of derby? Perfect. (Honestly, I could almost smell the gym floor and hear the wheels clatter.)

This book nails that awkward, messy time between teenage years and adulthood. Casey’s frustration and confusion feel real, especially when she doesn’t know how to handle her emotions. There were moments I wanted to shake her (nicely, of course), but then I remembered… she’s still young. Growth takes time, and Peach Morris doesn’t shy away from showing that.

You can tell the author loves roller derby. Every scene in the rink feels alive, full of heart and community, and it’s written with such authenticity that it’s clearly drawn from personal experience. I also appreciated how the story weaves in chronic illness and caregiving without losing its warmth; it’s compassionate and representative without being overly heavy or burdening.

Zara Hampton-Brown’s narration fits the story beautifully. She captures Casey’s vulnerability and Imogen’s confidence so effortlessly that you can almost see the sparks between them. Overall, this is a heartfelt ride about healing, identity, and learning to find your place (even if it’s on eight wheels).

Book Description:

A YA debut about found family and queer awakening, set in the lively world of roller derby, perfect for fans of Whip It and Heartstopper.

Eighteen-year-old Casey feels stuck; while her friends are all going to university, she’s taking a gap year at home to care for her disabled mother. Then she walks in on her boyfriend blatantly cheating on her. Surprisingly, though, she’s not as heartbroken as she thinks she should be. And when a chance encounter with the young woman in question, the very pretty and confident Imogen, includes both an apology and a tentative extension of friendship, Casey realizes her life may be about to change.

Imogen convinces Casey to tag along to a roller derby bout, and there Casey finds herself surrounded by fearless women and nonbinary teammates who aren’t afraid to speak their minds —and body slam each other. Her friends and family aren’t so sure about all the injuries, but she doesn’t care; there’s something magic about this game and this team. Plus, she soon finds herself nursing a serious crush on her magnetic new friend. Can Casey become a brand new, stronger, more confident version of herself? And will dating a teammate lead to a winning season, or total heartbreak?

Learning To Fall by Peach Morris
Narrator: Zara Hampton-Brown
Length: 7 hrs 13 mins
Published by Self Published on May 13th 2025
Genres: YA, Sports Romance
Brian
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