Not Here to Make Friends

By Casey Swain

Two swimmers under pressure. One trying not to get close to anyone, the other trying to save their beloved camp. And a growing connection between them that makes everything messier.

Ruby Hopkins has had the worst year of her life. Dropped from her high school's swim team, nearly kicked out of school, and now newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she is waiting for an opportunity to show the world that she can still have a future in the water. When a comeback comes in the form of an intensive summer training camp, she takes it with no hesitation. She just has one rule: no friends, no attachments, no chances to get hurt again.

Eliana Marsh, team captain and rising social media star, is used to the pressure to perform. But behind their bubbly personality, Eliana is wrestling with their gender identity and what it could mean for their career in swimming. When Eliana learns the camp could close if the team does not place at the upcoming championship, they know it's now or never to help coach the team to a win.

For Eliana's plan to succeed, they know training one-on-one with Ruby will help both of their times improve. And despite Ruby's irritability, she agrees, slowly opening herself up to vulnerability that she never expected.

With the championship fast approaching and recruitment season starting, Ruby and Eliana must decide what they are willing to risk, both in and out of the pool.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H9WZ51ZC
• ISBN13: 9798996293711
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Funky Jules Books
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 13 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary