Books Like...

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a reimagining of the Arthur and Guinevere story with a LGBTQ twist set in mythical Camelot. The book follows the story of Arthur Delacey and Princess Gwendoline, who are betrothed but despise each other. Forced to spend the summer together before their impending nuptials, the pair navigates through a summer filled with simmering romance, jousting, and running off to secret medieval clubs. The plot includes dual romances, strong character growth, and exploration of important issues like PCOS and women's period pains. The writing style is described as witty, heartwarming, and humorous, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced but not rushed storyline.

'The Girl from the Sea' by Molly Knox Ostertag is a coming-of-age story that follows Canadian Korean teen Morgan as she navigates her island life, family secrets, and her desire to escape. When Morgan is saved by a girl named Keltie, she discovers a deep connection and shared secrets that they've both been hiding. The book beautifully weaves in themes of self-acceptance, building relationships, and embracing one's true identity, all set against the backdrop of selkie mythology and a heartwarming romance.

'You Don't Have a Shot' by Racquel Marie is a young adult contemporary romance that follows Valentina, who's vying for the captain position and winning a soccer championship to be noticed by scouters, and Leticia, captain of the rival team who is just having fun playing soccer. The two have a heated moment on the field resulting in Valentina losing her captain position and her team losing. To get away for the summer, she joins her best friends at a soccer camp and ends up being chosen to co captain a team with Leticia. The pair butts heads due to Valentina wanting to have the best team to win while Leticia has hopes for the girls and just wants everyone to have fun. Valentina's soccer dreams seem to be at a close distance but first she must navigate her team, grief and a strained relationship with her father, her rivalry and growing feelings for Leticia. The author skillfully weaves in themes of friendship, familial relationships, grief, self-hatred, and anxiety, creating a diverse NA YA story that focuses more on these aspects rather than solely on relationships.

Meeting Millie by Clare Ashton is a heartwarming tale of two best friends, Millie and Charlotte, whose friendship evolves into a deep and complex love story. Set against the backdrop of Oxford University, the book follows their journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and reconciliation over the span of a decade. The author, Clare Ashton, expertly weaves together themes of friendship, love, transformation, and accountability, creating a beautifully written narrative that explores the nuances of relationships and personal growth.

The story intricately navigates the dynamics between the characters, Millie and Charlotte, as they transition from friends to lovers, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. Ashton's writing style is praised for its ability to bring the characters to life, evoke strong emotions in readers, and create a captivating slow-burn romance that keeps the readers engaged from start to finish.

"The Lucky List" by Rachael Lippincott is a YA novel that follows Emily, a girl who is struggling with the loss of her mother and feeling unlucky. When Emily discovers her mother's bucket list from high school, she embarks on completing the list with the help of a new friend, Blake. Throughout the summer, Emily learns to confront her fears, honor her mother's memory, and explore her own identity. The book delves into themes of grief, friendship, self-discovery, and taking chances, all while navigating the complexities of teenage life.

'She Gets the Girl' by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick is a heartwarming tale of two girls, Alex and Molly, navigating their way through friendship and love. The story follows Molly, an introvert with a crush on Cora, and Alex, an easygoing flirt, as they form an unlikely friendship that blossoms into something more. The book beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships during the teenage years. The writing style, filled with humor and authenticity, draws readers into the characters' lives and emotions, making it a captivating and relatable read.

'Forget Me Not' by Alyson Derrick is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Stevie, who loses her memory due to an accident and forgets the past two years of her life, including her secret relationship with Nora. As Stevie tries to piece together her missing memories, she is met with hidden agendas from friends and attempts to rekindle her bond with her mother. The book beautifully unfolds the relationship between Stevie and Nora in small increments, allowing readers to learn alongside Stevie and feel the significance of their love.

The novel delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance, as Stevie navigates through her amnesia and tries to remember her past while also figuring out what went wrong. The writing style of Alyson Derrick captivates readers by managing information effectively, creating a sense of impatience to uncover Stevie's memories and witness her relationship with Nora blossom once again.

Ranka, the protagonist of 'The Ones We Burn', is a powerful witch who is torn between her duty and her desires. As she navigates a world filled with magic, betrayal, and dark secrets, she must make choices that will impact not only her own future but the fate of those around her. The story delves into themes of abuse, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all while painting a vivid picture of a world where blood magic and political intrigue collide. The narrative expertly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and character growth, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Far From Home in the series Belladonna Ink by Lorelie Brown is a beautifully written love story that delves into the complexities of a fake marriage turning into a genuine romance between two protagonists, Rachel and Pari. The plot revolves around Pari's need for a green card marriage to pursue her dreams and Rachel's struggle with anorexia and debt, leading to a mutually beneficial arrangement that evolves into a heartfelt tale of healing and love. The writing style captures the deep emotions and struggles of the characters, particularly Rachel's journey to self-acceptance and recovery, with a blend of tender moments and realistic portrayals of personal growth.

A Scatter of Light follows Aria, a teenager who is sent to spend her summer with her grandma in the Bay Area. As Aria navigates her identity and relationships, especially with Steph, a member of the queer community, she questions her own desires and goals for the summer. The book delves into themes of coming of age, self-discovery, family dynamics, and queer romance, set against the backdrop of the social issues and personal challenges Aria faces during this pivotal time in her life.