Books Like...
'The Best Laid Plans' by Cameron Lund is a young adult novel that follows the story of Keely, a teenage girl determined to lose her virginity before heading off to college. The book explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, with a focus on the complexities of teenage relationships and the pressure to fit in. The writing style is engaging and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage life with authenticity and humor. The plot revolves around Keely's journey towards understanding herself and her feelings, navigating the ups and downs of high school life alongside her friends and the boy she has feelings for.
If you liked The Best Laid Plans, here are the top 48 books to read next:
- #1
Adorkable by Cookie O'Gorman is a heartwarming YA novel that follows the story of high school best friends, Becks and Sally. Unbeknownst to each other, they have harbored feelings for one another for years. Sally, a self-proclaimed nerd who embraces her geekiness, finds herself in a series of failed blind dates orchestrated by her best friend, Hooker. To put an end to the disastrous setups, Sally devises a plan for a fake relationship with Becks, her childhood friend and soccer teammate. As their fake relationship unfolds, the story delves into themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, all while incorporating elements of fandom culture and the friends-to-lovers trope.
The book is praised for its relatable and lovable characters, particularly Becks and Sally, who share a genuine and endearing connection. The writing style is described as easy to read, filled with laughter-inducing moments, and featuring a fresh take on the fake boyfriend trope. Adorkable offers a mix of humor, romance, and heartwarming moments that captivate readers and leave them with a smile on their faces.
After she’d set me up with her boss’s nephew—who, by the way, chewed with his mouth open, tucked his napkin into his shirt bib-style, and stole the last dinner roll—I hadn’t thought it could get much ... - #2
On Thin Ice by Julie Cross is a YA contemporary romance set in Juniper Falls, focusing on the intertwined lives of Jake, a dedicated hockey player dealing with the repercussions of a hazing incident, and Brooke, a newcomer to town with a troubled past. The story unfolds through alternating points of view, highlighting the challenges they face individually and together, including issues like hazing, unequal treatment of athletes, mental health struggles, and the power dynamics within the town's hockey culture. The writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, their evolving romance, and the complexities of small-town dynamics, with a focus on character development and tackling difficult subjects.
- #3
Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel, two Indian American teenagers, meet at a summer app development convention where their parents have arranged for them to potentially be married. Dimple, a passionate coder heading to Stanford, is initially unaware of the arrangement, while Rishi is excited about the prospect of a traditional arranged marriage. As they navigate their budding friendship and sparks of romance, they also deal with cultural expectations, gender roles, and pursuing their own dreams amidst the clash of Indian and American cultures.
Dimple clicked on the e-mail again and read it. Stanford . She was going to Stanford. Even though the acceptance letter had come in the mail weeks ago, she hadn’t allowed herself to really, fully beli... - #4
In "Rules of Attraction" by Simone Elkeles, the story follows Carlos Fuentes, a troublemaker from Mexico who is sent to Colorado to live with his brother Alex. Despite his initial reluctance, Carlos finds himself drawn to Kiara Westford, a straight-A student and tomboy who challenges him in unexpected ways. As their relationship develops amidst family dynamics and personal struggles, the plot unfolds with humor, action, and a touch of romance. The dual narration and character development keep readers engaged, making it a captivating and heartwarming tale of opposites attracting and overcoming their differences.
I want to live life on my own terms. But I’m Mexican, so mi familia is always there to guide me in everything I do, whether I want them to or not. Well, “guide” is too weak a word. “Dictate” is more l...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Perfect Chemistry ) - #5
"What I Thought Was True" by Huntley Fitzpatrick is a coming-of-age story that revolves around a girl named Gwen working as a maid on an island. Gwen's interactions with Cass, a wealthy local, lead to a transformation in her views about life and relationships. The novel delves into the complexities of teenage romance, family dynamics, and self-discovery, capturing the essence of growing up amidst summer settings in New England. Fitzpatrick's writing style intricately weaves together multiple love stories, portraying the emotional journey of characters as they navigate through love, self-acceptance, and the realities of life.
There’s a muffled expletive from inside Castle’s Ice Cream, so I know Dad’s spotted them too. A gang of high school boys tops his list of Least Favorite Customers—they eat a ton, they want it now, and... - #6
In "Defying Gravity," readers are taken on a journey of friendship, love, and self-discovery between Zoey, Parker, and Luke. The story revolves around the dynamics of their relationships, starting from their childhood and leading up to a winter break where feelings begin to unravel. Zoey finds herself torn between the affections of Parker, her best friend, and Luke, Parker's charming older brother. As the plot unfolds, readers witness a tale of sibling rivalry, teenage emotions, and the complexities of young love set against the snowy backdrop of Aspen. The author, Kendra C. Highley, skillfully weaves a narrative that captures the essence of teenage puppy love and the challenges of growing up.
The book "Defying Gravity" is a delightful blend of heartwarming moments, teenage angst, and lighthearted fun. With a well-crafted plot and relatable characters, readers are drawn into a story that explores themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery. Through engaging writing and a charming setting, the book takes readers on a journey of emotions, from crushes and betrayals to revelations and ultimate choices, making it a captivating read for fans of YA contemporary romance.
Parker paced back and forth, his boots leaving tracks in the snow. He probably looked like a caged cougar, but he couldn’t help it. “Doesn’t Miller know there are trails to be shredded? In this lifeti... - #7
Steph Landry, tired of being the butt of jokes since sixth grade, decides to follow a book titled 'How to Be Popular' to transform herself into a popular girl. As she climbs the social ladder, she learns that popularity isn't everything she dreamed of. The book explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the true meaning of popularity. Meg Cabot presents a light-hearted teenage romance with a predictable yet engaging plot that resonates with teenage experiences.
But you could tell, even as the words were coming out of her mouth, she knew she was wrong again. I dont have Indiana county fair queen hairi.e., my hair is short, not long; brown, not blonde; and cur... - #8
'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' by Maurene Goo follows the story of Desi Lee, a high school student with a penchant for planning and a lack of experience in the romance department. Desi, armed with her knowledge of K Dramas, creates a list to make the enigmatic Luca her boyfriend before high school ends. However, her well-intentioned plans lead to a series of mishaps, including dangerous situations and questionable decisions that challenge the boundaries between love and obsession. The narrative balances light-hearted comedic moments with introspective themes, exploring Desi's growth as she navigates the complexities of teenage relationships and self-discovery.
The book is characterized by its diverse cast, modern Orange County setting, and incorporation of Korean drama elements. Through Desi's endearing yet flawed character, readers are taken on a journey filled with humor, awkwardness, and genuine moments of vulnerability. Goo's writing style blends breezy storytelling with deeper reflections on love, identity, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality, offering a unique perspective on the teenage experience.
If you thought of life as a series of nostalgic images arranged in a slo-mo montage, you’d miss a lot of the tedious bits. In between the fuzzy images of blowing out birthday candles and first kisses ... - #9
'The Boys Next Door' by Jennifer Echols follows the story of Lori, a teenage girl who navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Set in a romantic comedy genre, the plot revolves around Lori's attempts to capture the attention of the boy next door while realizing her feelings for his younger brother. With a mix of humor, romance, and relatable teenage experiences, the book portrays Lori's journey of understanding her emotions and relationships in a light-hearted and entertaining manner. The writing style is engaging, with realistic plots and twists that captivate the reader's attention and evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to introspection.
In 'The Boys Next Door', Jennifer Echols delivers a heartwarming and relatable tale that resonates with readers, particularly those who enjoy young adult romantic comedies. Through well-developed characters like Lori, Adam, and the supporting cast, Echols creates a story filled with humor, love triangles, family dynamics, and moments of self-realization. The book's plot, although somewhat predictable in parts, offers a comforting and enjoyable read that immerses readers in Lori's world of teenage dilemmas and budding romance, ultimately leaving a lasting impression with its emotional depth and engaging storytelling.
Sean smiled down at me, his light brown hair glinting golden in the sunlight. He shouted over the noise of the boat motor and the wind, “Lori, when we’re old enough, I want you to be my girlfriend.” H... - #10
'Starry Eyes' by Jenn Bennett is a contemporary young adult novel that follows the story of Zorie and Lennon, two old friends turned enemies who find themselves on a camping trip together in Northern California. As they navigate through challenges in the wild, they must confront their past misunderstandings and hurt feelings, ultimately rediscovering their friendship and possibly more. The book combines elements of romance, adventure, and family drama, with a focus on themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Bennett's writing style vividly captures the beauty and challenges of hiking through mountains in California, while also delving into complex relationships and personal growth.
Spontaneity is overrated. Movies and television shows would like us to believe that life is better for partygoers who dare to jump into pools with their clothes on. But behind the scenes, it’s all car...