The Open Era

Name: The Open Era
Price: 22.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9780241784679

Edward Schmit

$22.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Penguin Books Ltd
09 June 2026

Tennis; Romance & relationships stories (Children's&YA); Sporting stories (Children's&YA); Personal & social issues: body & health (Children's&YA); Personal & social issues: sexuality & relationships (Children's&YA)

Heated Rivalry but this time it's tennis . . . Challengers meets Carrie Soto is Back and Red, White and Royal Blue in this sizzling New Adult sports romance.

A sizzling new adult sports romance, for fans of Heated Rivalry, Challengers, Carrie Soto is Back and Red, White and Royal Blue.

Game. Set. Perfect Match?

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.

If the newly found fame wasn't enough to send Austin spiralling, then tripping and falling in front of the very talented, very attractive, (probably) straight World #2, Diego Cruz, is the last straw.

Only, the awkward gaffe marks the start of a blossoming friendship off the court. But when Diego admits his attraction to Austin, the flirty banter and mixed signals start to throw Austin off his game. And neither player wants to acknowledge their looming showdown at the fourth round of the US Open.

Only one can win in the game of tennis, but who will win in the game of love?

By: Edward Schmit
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 256g
ISBN: 9780241784679
ISBN 10: 0241784670
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 09 June 2026
Recommended Age: From 16 years
Audience: Young adult , Children/juvenile , General/trade , Preschool (0-5) , English as a second language
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

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 over 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. Find him on Instagram @edwardschmit and at edwardschmit.com.