The First Move

Juliet believes that girls with arthritis don't get their own love stories, but she discovers that she and Ronan have more in common than they think online.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Juliet believes that girls like her, girls with arthritis, do not get their own love stories. She exists on the fringes of her friends' social lives, skipping parties to play online chess under a pseudonym with strangers around the world. There, she is not just the girl with crutches. Ronan is the new kid: good-looking, smart, a bad boy plagued by guilt over what happened to his brother Ciaran. Chesslife is his escape. Juliet thinks Ronan thinks someone like Ronan could never be interested in someone like her - and she would not want him to be anyway - he always acts like he is cooler than everyone else. Little do they know, they have already discovered each other online, and they have more in common than they think.

Juliet's Perspective:
Juliet believes that girls like her, girls with arthritis, do not get their own love stories. She feels like she exists on the fringes of her friends' social lives, often skipping parties to play online chess under a pseudonym with strangers around the world. In this virtual world, she is not just the girl with crutches; she is someone who can excel and compete on an equal footing with others. Juliet's online chess identity allows her to escape the limitations imposed by her physical condition and showcase her skills and intelligence. While she may feel like an outsider in her real-life social circles, she finds a sense of belonging and validation in the world of online chess.

Ronan's Perspective:
Ronan is the new kid at school. He is good-looking, smart, and a bit of a bad boy, plagued by guilt over what happened to his brother Ciaran. Chesslife is his escape. Ronan finds solace in the world of chess, where he can focus his attention and energy on strategic thinking and problem-solving. He is a master of the game and has a reputation for being a bit of a perfectionist. Ronan's online chess identity allows him to hide his true emotions and mask his vulnerability. He can be whoever he wants to be online, and he finds comfort in the anonymity of the internet.

The Online Connection:
Little do Juliet and Ronan know, they have already discovered each other online. They have been playing chess against each other under different pseudonyms for months, and they have developed a mutual respect for each other's skills. Juliet is impressed by Ronan's strategic thinking and his ability to think outside the box. Ronan is intrigued by Juliet's determination and her ability to overcome the challenges posed by her arthritis.

The Surprise Meeting:
One day, Juliet decides to attend a local chess tournament. She is nervous and unsure of what to expect, but she is determined to prove herself and show that girls with arthritis can achieve great things. Ronan, who has also been attending the tournament, sees Juliet and recognizes her from their online chess matches. He is surprised to see her in person and is even more impressed by her determination and skill.

The Love Story Unfolds:
Juliet and Ronan's love story unfolds slowly and gradually. They start to spend more time together online, chatting and playing chess together. They discover that they have a lot in common, including a love for music, literature, and travel. They also share a deep sense of empathy and understanding, which helps them to connect on a deeper level.

The Challenges:
Despite their love for each other, Juliet and Ronan face challenges as they try to navigate their relationship. Juliet is concerned about the impact of her arthritis on her relationship and how it may limit her ability to participate in certain activities. Ronan is determined to support Juliet and to help her overcome any obstacles that may come their way.

The Support System:
Juliet's family and friends are initially skeptical about her relationship with Ronan. They are concerned about his bad boy reputation and his past experiences with violence. However, as they get to know Ronan better, they see that he is a kind and caring person who truly loves Juliet. Ronan's family also supports their relationship, recognizing the importance of love and understanding.

The Happy Ending:
In the end, Juliet and Ronan's love story has a happy ending. They overcome their challenges and continue to support each other in all aspects of their lives. They travel the world together, exploring new cultures and experiencing new adventures. They are grateful for the love that they have found each other and for the support of their families and friends.

Conclusion:
Juliet and Ronan's love story is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It shows that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find happiness and fulfillment in life. It also highlights the importance of understanding and empathy, and the value of supporting each other in times of need. Juliet and Ronan's love story is a reminder that love can be found in unexpected places, and that it is possible to overcome any obstacle with the help of a loved one.

Weight: 309g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241591826