Ava Williams likes teaching at her small-town high school but misses the thrill of competitive bowling and knows her students would love a school team. Unfortunately, she’s almost given up on that dream since the principal has repeatedly shot it down without a second thought. However, he announces this year the school will have a bowling team, only, instead of her, the head coach will be the school’s new chemistry teacher and Ava’s childhood rival, Grace Jones. They haven’t spoken since they kissed all those years ago and her stealing the head coach spot from Ava has relit their competitive fire. But when Grace wants to forgive and forget can Ava let go of everything that happened between them to co-coach these girls? Or will old grudges and unsaid words keep Ava from her second chance at love?

Grace Jones had it all, a stunning girlfriend, a steady academic career, and a nationally ranked bowling status but she gave it up to return to her hometown, Peach Blossom. She can’t explain why she signed a two-year contract teaching high school chemistry but she knows something is missing in her life. So when she realizes her ex-best friend Ava also teaches at the school, she tries to make amends by boosting her bowling team idea. But when the principal names Grace head coach, she has to try even harder to get back on Ava’s good side. Can Grace find a way to make it up to Ava before they lose the bowling team for good? Or will Grace leave Peach Blossom again with no answers? Rivalries and small towns have met their match in, The 7-10 Split.

I enjoyed this book. A second chance romance filled with bowling and back-to-school blues. The quaint southern town was the perfect setting for Ava and Grace’s reunion. The cast of characters is small and meaningful, which I appreciate. And the humor is spot on. Karmen Lee is a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised with how charming and cozy this romance felt. If you enjoy laid-back former friends turned rivals and small-town drama, you’re in for a treat.

Ava is such an interesting character. She’s stubborn and dedicated to her students, yet her head isn’t all there. She wants more and I like how Grace is the one to draw that out of her. Not in a weird “I can’t live without you” kind of way but it shows how complimentary their relationship is and how they enhance each other’s lives. I enjoyed Ava’s fashion style as well, it gave a good depth to her character. I could picture her in her brightly colored outfits while planning lessons or pretending not to flirt with Grace. Also, I loved that she still lives with her sisters, it shows how family-oriented she is and where her priorities lie, although it is holding her back a bit.

Grace is my favorite character for sure. She is smart, accomplished, and caring. I think she has a good head on her shoulders and doesn’t easily hold grudges, which I admire. She is humble and when the principal makes her out to be cunning against Ava she is quick to put out the fire. This is refreshing in romances as so many rely heavily on miscommunication. And Grace’s commitment issues didn’t cause as much of a problem as I thought they would, which was nice.

This was a shorter romance but I don’t think that is a con. I wish we had seen more of the bowling team, especially Grace and Ava’s coaching. For such a central part of the book, it didn’t feel like it was on the page a lot. However, I did like the plot overall and thought it was great and low-stakes. Nobody's business is on the line, nobody's livelihood is at stake, and even the principal’s ultimatum didn’t seem too grandiose. It was predictable in the way that romances are, in the best of ways. You know exactly what you’re getting into and it delivers.

All in all, this heartwarming and second-chance romance is a must-read. From the bowling tension to the small-town gossip, you’ll be rooting for Ava and Grace the whole way. Not to mention wishing you could vacation in Peach Blossom. If you like cozy romances with childhood rivalry turned soulmate vibes then you are in the right place. Happy reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for sending this eARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.