This book has so much heart. The magical realism element adds depth and creates a complex, yet fresh, metaphor with the word "alien". The story is a classic high school makeover-and-revenge plot. What sets it apart from other #ownvoices YA is the pansexual lead character, the trans love interest, the otherworldly best friend, and many unique small town dramatics. Think Miss Congeniality: the New Mexico high school Latinx edition.
This is a story of the impossible. "A" wakes up in a new body every day: male or female teen, the same geographical area, and never a body twice. That's 24 hours to have the least impact, to get through the day and have a neutral effect. That is, until "A" wakes up in the body of Rhiannon's boyfriend. Now "A" is going against better judgment to see her and kindle a relationship -- but at what cost? A beautiful, tender examination of gender amidst a variety of topical issues: mental health, first love, and biological family.
A spectacular debut! Told in traditional prose, blog posts, group chats, news articles, and more, this novel features Bea, a fat fashion blogger turned reality dating show star. Stayman-London doesn't shy away from the multifaceted and sometimes ferociously unkind challenges that face Bea but aptly balances the trolling with characters who are deliciously genuine in both theory and practice. These very human characters also engage in plenty of flirty banter, and Bea herself is a treat: funny, fun, chic, and vulnerable. Read this page-turner for a quick and quippy dose of joy.
Rowan and Neil have been academic rivals throughout high school and the annual last-day-of-school scavenger hunt is the final opportunity for Rowan to truly best Neil. But when a conspiracy among their classmates causes the two to join forces, will they be able to reprogram their autopilot response to sabotage one another?
Rachel Lynn Solomon makes an enemies-to-lovers playground out of Seattle in this endearing all-in-one-day love story. I dare you not to fall in love with these characters and this city when you're done.
The fake boyfriend trope is a classic in romantic fiction, and when it’s done as wonderfully as it is in “Boyfriend Material,” you can see why. There is nothing more satisfying than learning to love two very different characters despite their quirks and flaws, knowing all the while that they are meant to be together. And if the journey to happily ever after involves the dung beetle, ridiculous puns and the craziest, most wonderful cast of supporting characters ever assembled, all the better. Luc and Oliver will steal your heart.
If you're looking for a romance you can root for, pick this one up. This book called my name because it had a Hallmark movie premise that sounded fun during a very unfun time in the world. Right off the bat, I was hooked by the two main characters being sworn enemies who had lots of snarky banter together (I'm a sucker for a classic hate to love situation). It's also set in Hawaii, a definite plus, where these two foes go on a fake honeymoon together to redeem a free trip where there are lots of couples-only activities where they maybe, possibly start to not hate each other as much. I recommend it if you want a funny, sexy, good time.
Two college rivals turned successful novelists who happen to have neighboring Michigan beach houses for the summer as they attempt to get over their debilitating writer's block--absolutely, YES.
This perfect enemies-to-lovers story will make you happily forget the fact that you might not be packing any real beach reads for a while because the book itself is its own coastal-town getaway.
Hands down, my new favorite historical romance of all time. What woman hasn't been disappointed, wronged, or hurt by men? Us cynics of love deserve a happily ever after, too!
Seraphina's memoirs are intended to enthrall her fellow ladies of society: her story is a call for equality of the sexes in late eighteenth-century England. She returns to her coastal home to focus on writing and instead discovers handsome Scottish architect Adam. THE RAKESS subverts all tropes to deliver a complex story of first heartbreaks, small-town gossip, and fiercely loyal friends.
Set in the town bookstore (!!!), this friends-to-lovers romance is an emotional, dramatic ride. If you are inclined to agree that the phrase "baby fox coffee" is a loving term of endearment, this is the contemporary series you should read next. Read in or out of series order - spoilers don't detract from the wit and heart of this series.
The best night of Gavin's life? When he hit a grand slam for the Nashville League. His worst night? That evening, when he learns his wife had been faking orgasms. In the aftermath, Gavin's best friend Del promises to help - as long as he courts Thea and saves his marriage using a romance novel for inspiration. All the ballplayers in their secret book club swear by the historicals so, lo and behold, he woos Thea and she doesn't completely hate his guts.
A second-chance trope romance that is witty, woke, and fun. Make it a book club of your own: read it and pass it on to your S.O.! Are you really gonna say no to a bunch of fit, sexy MLB players reading steamy romance novels to better understand women?
