Hiya, Becky! Welcome back and thanks for taking the time to chat with us again! How are you and how has 2025 treated you so far?

Thanks for chatting with me—and thank you so much for supporting Amelia. I think 2025 has been rough for everyone I know, but I’m mostly surviving!

It’s been ten years since your debut novel Simon vs. The Homo-Sapiens Agenda was published – and changed the world of publishing. In a decade spanning not only loads of fanart, a hugely successful movie adaptation but also a whole spin-off series, how do you feel about Simon and his journey in the world?

It’s very surreal to know Simon’s been in the world for a full decade—in many ways, I still feel like I’m new to being an author! The last ten years have been a really beautiful, challenging, complicated ride. I know I’ve spoken online about the rough parts of my journey, but ultimately, I’m so grateful that book has resonated with so many people. And for better or for worse, I’ve learned a lot about myself!

The landscape of traditionally published queer books has changed so much over the last decade. What is something you love about the developments – and something you still wish for?

There has been visible, undeniable progress in queer publishing, particularly in YA. Honestly, it thrills me to see how many queer books are thriving, in both indie and traditional spaces. I’m so grateful to organizations like We Need Diverse Books—along with the passionate readers, librarians, booksellers, influencers, and publishing professionals who keep that momentum going. Obviously, there are many opportunities for growth, particularly when it comes to the visibility of queer stories by BIPOC and disabled authors. And I’d love to see more support for all kinds of trans stories–especially stories about trans girls and trans fem characters. In general, though, the number one resource I recommend to queer readers is author Dahlia Adler’s site, LGBTQreads.com. The site includes lists to search for queer books within specific age categories, genres, and types of representation.

Now, onto Amelia, If Only! What can readers expect?

Amelia, If Only is about a group of friends on a road trip across New York State, but it’s really a book about parasocial relationships and fandom. Amelia has a favorite YouTuber—a guy named Walter, who used to be part of a popular online duo with his best friend and collaborator, Hayden. There’s a whole lore behind Walter and Hayden, running the full gamut from relationship speculation to queerbaiting accusations. In Amelia, it was important to me to dig into the specific connection Amelia feels with Walter, but I also wanted to zoom out and explore the broader fandom dynamics that surround him.

What inspired you to write Amelia’s story? Were there any unexpected turns during the writing process?

So much of this book was inspired by my own experiences with parasocial relationships—from both directions. I’ve felt so connected to particular artists and content creators over the years, and I’ve had the very surreal experience of reaching people in that way with my books. I think the boundaries between social and parasocial can get a little fluid sometimes, and I’m fascinated by that complexity. During the writing process, I found myself really drawn to exploring the idea of the distance between private reality and public perception. When it comes to online personas, there’s often a story behind the story. That’s true for Walter, and it’s definitely been true for me.

If you had to summarize Amelia in one tweet, viral trend or fanfic tag – what would it be?

Oh my gosh, can I choose all of stan twitter?

You deliver many poignant insights about fandom in Amelia, If Only. What do you want readers to take away from Amelia, her connection to Walter and fandoms in general?

I don’t think there’s one specific message or insight I want readers to take away. Our fandom experiences are so personal, and they vary so widely. Mostly, I just tried to portray the dynamics I’ve observed as realistically as possible–partially filtered through Amelia, but with glimpses into Walter’s perspective, too.

Speaking of fandoms – you know I have to ask: What fandoms are you a part of at the moment and which have never let you go over the years?

Lately, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with Tui T. Sutherland’s middle grade series, Wings of Fire. My kids have been diehard fans for years, and they talked me into starting the audiobooks. Now I wake up every morning thinking about these dragons, and I’m deeply invested in their romantic lives and general well-being.

A fandom I’ve never moved on from (and never will)? Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-sitters Club. It’s legitimately a part of who I am, and always has been. 

For our aspiring writers: Ae there any writing tips that have helped you and that you would recommend?

I probably always say this, but I really believe that the years I spent writing fanfiction were the best thing I did to improve my writing. So much of writing skill is developed simply by exercising that muscle—getting words on the page, even if you never post them online. And fanfiction in particular was helpful for me, because working with familiar characters gave me a target to shoot for when practicing characterization and voice.

With Amelia, If Only hitting the shelves, what is next for you? Are you already working on a new project and if so, can you share a bit about it with us?

I’m currently in the early stages of drafting my next YA book—unfortunately, I can’t say much about it yet. And I have a very cool publishing secret that will hopefully be announced within the next few weeks.

Last but not least, hit us with your book recommendations!

I have so many! A few recent favorites:

• Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
• When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
• You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh
• This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill
• It’s You Every Time by Charlene Thomas
• The Rebel’s Guide to Pride by Matthew Hubbard
• Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

Will you be picking up Amelia, If Only? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Becky Albertalli, Author of ‘Amelia, If Only’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Sure, her friends think it’s a parasocial crush, but Amelia is convinced they’d hit it off—if only she could meet him. So when Walter announces a nearby meet-and-greet, Amelia ropes her best friends into a road trip for one last adventure before graduation. Even Natalie, her newly single, guitar-strumming bestie with a serious side-eye for romance, agrees to come along.

But somewhere between playlists, pit stops, and emotional detours, Amelia starts to wonder: What if her butterflies aren’t for Walter after all?

“We’re living so many moments at once, Amelia. So many.”

The thing is…I think this is Becky Albertalli’s most profound work yet?

Don’t get me wrong I love all of her books and Simon vs. The Homo-Sapiens Agenda will forever be my favourite for a multitude of reasons, but this one? I feel like I learned so much about myself while reading it.

This feels like an in-depth study in parasocial relationships wrapped up in a fast-paced, unputdownable road trip story.

Amelia is an incredible character to follow. Her mind is wonderfully wild, with leaps of thoughts and witty quips that make the book fly by. And while there is a plethora of things to say about the fun friend group, the slow-burn friends to lovers romance arc that’s sure to make you scream “would you just kiss already”, for me, this story was truly about being a fan and just how much of your life can be influenced by it.

You know when you read a book that portrays fandom and shipping and thinks it’s super accurate when it’s actually so cringe and over the top you lowkey want to jump out of a window to escape it?

Yeah, no, Amelia, If Only is the exact opposite of that.

I love how real Amelia’s obsession with Walter felt. As a reader, you get insights into how she sees Walter as a friend even though she has never met him precisely because his videos have shaped so much of her own queer experience and how it helped her feel not only understood but seen. On top of that, you also get to see the wild fandom following Walter through YouTube transcripts and social media threads and comment sections—and later on, when you meet the man of the hour, even how he feels about the spotlight and the notoriety that comes with it.

Fandom (and shipping and conspiracy theories and literally everything that makes being part of fandoms so great) is portrayed so realistically that, in the right hands, this book could change the way you view being a fan, re-evaluate your own actions and where the line is between getting invested in someone’s art that they share with the world…and thinking you have a right to comment on their personal lives – and why you shouldn’t cross that line.

Because—as Albertalli flawlessly shows here—there is a line, though it might as well be a dot to some people because they’re so far removed from it (if you get that reference, we can be friends).

We all love to be part of fandoms, but this book also reminds us that we only ever see a part of someone’s life, not who that person is entirely and how it affects them when we treat them like commodities—and leave comments that should maybe have stayed thoughts inside your own head.

One thing that has me so excited is that I’m one hundred percent certain that every reader will think of different examples whenever Amelia is spouting her profound truths about fandom and questioning her own actions. Whether that’s a debate that’s spanned for years in media or something super niche in the ice skating fandom that’s only discussed in random Reddit threads, I bet a variety of fandom moments will come to mind—which makes this book feel interactive and resonant in the best of ways.

In the age of forced coming outs, guessing games in comment sections of stars and social media exploits in general, Amelia, If Only provides a succinct, devastatingly accurate yet humorous take on what it means to be a fan – and how the reality of meeting your idols doesn’t always live up to your daydreams.

All that paired with an amazing friends-to-lovers arc, a supportive friend group and the most unhinged and relatable main character makes Amelia, If Only pure art. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Albertalli or just want to dip your toes into a book that’s all about being a fan, this one is not to be missed!

Amelia, If Only is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 10th 2025.

Will you be picking up Amelia, If Only? Have you read it already? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Amelia Applebaum isn’t in love with Walter Holland. He just happens to be her favorite moderately famous, chaotically bisexual YouTuber. Who she just happened to invite to prom. (But it’s fine. No, for real. If you delete the post, it didn’t happen.)

Okay, maybe her friends are right: She’s slightly parasocially infatuated. But Amelia just knows sparks would fly—if only she could connect with Walter for real.

If only he would host a meet and greet.

If only it were just a short road trip away.

And if only Amelia could talk her best friends into making it the perfect last hurrah before graduation—even her newly single, always-cynical, guitar-toting best friend Natalie.

One thing’s for sure: All roads lead to butterflies.

But what if Amelia’s butterflies aren’t for Walter at all?

The post #ReadWithPride: Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We apologise in advance to your TBR and bank account, but there’s so many fantastic upcoming young adult books hitting shelves between January and June 2025! There’s new releases from Brigid Kemmerer, Libba Bray, Neal Shusterman, Allison Saft, Tracy Deonn, Ava Reid, Jennifer Dugan, Dahlia Adler, Elizabeth Lim, Becky Albertalli, and many more, plus incredible debut novels!

Read on to discover new books hitting shelves in the first half of the year and be sure to check out our other 2025 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Fantasy & Sci-Fi and Fiction lists.

JANUARY 2025 YA BOOKS

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

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A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon

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This outrageously charming and infuriatingly adorable enemies-to-lovers coffee shop romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies.

Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough

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This historical novel in prose and verse tells the story of a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and of the women who risk everything to provide care for those with nowhere else to turn, perfect for fans of Blood Water Paint and The Lost Apothecary.

Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga

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In this story filled with “romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets” (Kristy Boyce), four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete in order to inherit a European kingdom.

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

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An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

Brewed With Love by Shelly Page

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A cozy sapphic romantasy about a teen witch trying to keep her family’s apothecary up and running, with a little help from her ex-best friend—and first crush.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

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From the bestselling, and award-winning author of If You Could See The Sun comes a new page-turning speculative YA about a girl who wishes she could be as perfect and successful as her cousin… then wakes up the next morning in her cousin’s body.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

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A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . . Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . . A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . . This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn

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Heartstopper meets Derry Girls in this wonderfully hilarious rom-com about finding your first love when your personality might be too big for the world around you.

The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

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In this riveting historical thriller inspired by true-life events, Belladonna meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.

Build A Girlfriend by Elba Luz

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A teen deep-dives into her dating history to uncover her mistakes, become the perfect girlfriend, and get revenge on the wrong guy so she can ride into the sunset with the right one in this debut rom-com.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

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Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises. The spellbinding series by New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer continues.

FEBRUARY 2025 YA BOOKS

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

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The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor

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From the author of The Revenge Game comes a twisty YA thriller about the underbelly of Manhattan’s high society, where nothing is off-limits—not even murder.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

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From New York Times-bestselling author Libba Bray comes an evocative and groundbreaking young adult historical mystery that examines truth, rebellion, reconciliation, and what must be sacrificed for a better world.

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

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In this debut speculative YA mystery, a Black teen with premonition-like powers must solve her friend’s disappearance before she finds herself in the same danger, perfect for fans of Ace of Spades.

These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban

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A vengeful female spirit with a thirst for justice ignites a teen girl’s rage in this new YA horror, perfect for fans of She Is a Haunting and House of Hollow.

The Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah

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In this sapphic Snow White retelling, if Snow is to save her kingdom from being ravaged by the Blight, she’ll have to kill the Evil Queen’s daughter…if she doesn’t fall in love with her first.

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

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From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

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The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft

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Brimming with magic and romance, a young fairy queen must form an unlikely alliance or risk an unspeakable danger destroying all she holds dear in this fantasy adventure from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft.

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk

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Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson

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A teen girl travels to an exclusive boarding school after a deadly incident at her old school, but the wood-paneled halls of Agathion are built over centuries of secrets—including an ancient society which may have ties to demonic magic—in this dark academia fantasy perfect for fans of Curious Tides.

This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole

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Perfect for fans of Raybearer and Fourth Wing, this astonishing sequel to the bestselling novel So Let Them Burn doesn’t hold back. After all, there are no easy endings in war—especially when sisters are forced to fight on opposite sides.

MARCH 2025 YA BOOKS

All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan

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With a crew so entertaining and unique―All the Hidden Monsters is funny, serious, scary―and you’ll never guess who did it. There’s a world below our own, but who is killing who in both of them?

Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris

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Saved! meets Casey McQuiston in this wry, heartfelt tale of a teen who’s taking her church camp by storm—one deadly sin at a time.

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray

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Filled with elemental magic, forbidden romance, and breathtaking twists, Nightweaver is a propulsive romantasy about an iron-willed heroine avenging her brother and discovering her destiny.

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

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Tracy Deonn’s #1 New York Times bestselling Legendborn Cycle continues in the sensational third book about a dazzling contemporary fantasy world that blends Southern Black Girl Magic with secret societies and the legend of King Arthur!

When The Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain

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From New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies comes a new southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl in a small Ozark town who can hear the bones of the dead.

Fable For The End of the World by Ava Reid

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The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this stand-alone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen

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Jennifer Chen’s Hangry Hearts is a funny, big-hearted romance about friendship, family, and first love―and being brave enough to have it all.

Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin

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From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

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Inspired by an ominous Prague legend, What Wakes the Bells is a lavish gothic fantasy by debut author Elle Tesch that is perfect for fans of Adalyn Grace, Margaret Rogerson, and V.E. Schwab.

In The Company of Killers by Elora Cook

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Gossip Girl meets The Sopranos in this fast-paced drama about a teenage mafia heiress who would do anything to avenge her family, even join forces with her handsome enemy.

How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans

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You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight meets Scream in this YA slasher that turns classic horror tropes on their heads.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

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The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

APRIL 2025 YA BOOKS

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

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Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Brian Selznick, a profoundly romantic YA novel about two boys finding each other and falling in love over one summer in Rome.

The Floating World by Axie Oh

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From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this lighthearted romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

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From the National Book Award finalist and author of Pet comes a novel set in a magical West African world, about a teen girl who must save her missing twin while learning to navigate her own terrifying new powers.

Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

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We Were Liars meets The Raven Boys in this mind-bending YA debut about dark revenge, twisted desire, and the sinister secrets lurking behind the walls of an elite boarding school.

Pride or Die by C.L. Montblanc

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In this delightful dark comedy debut, when the members of an LGBTQ+ club find themselves accidentally framed for attempted murder, it’s up to them to clear their names before it’s too late.

The Coven Tendency by Zoe Hana Mikuta

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Zoe Hana Mikuta delivers a bloody and unrelenting fantasy about young witches dangling on the edge of love and obsession, of magic and madness, of life and death (and death and death and death). . .

If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal

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Booksmart meets Phantom of the Megaplex in Zakiya N. Jamal’s debut enthralling enemies-to-lovers queer romance, set against the backdrop of a historic Black-owned movie theater, the quirky employees who work there, and the suburbs of Long Island. Perfect for fans of Leah Johnson and Today Tonight Tomorrow.

Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis

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Giving the new girl lessons in romance so she can woo your best friend couldn’t possibly go wrong…right? Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuiston, this romantic comedy from Jessica Lewis is packed with heart.

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

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Two years ago, the murder of a neighbor tore three best friends apart–now the killer is going to walk free and the ex-friends are going to have to face the past–and each other–in another twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Agathas.

Chaos King by Kacen Callender

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The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestselling YA debut Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender.

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

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The daughter of a duke defies the rules of London high society with the help of the resident rake—who just so happens to be her brother’s best friend—in this fun teen historical romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

MAY 2025 YA BOOKS

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

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A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that “encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games” (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

Audre and Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams

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Scorching-hot summer. Scorching-hot chemistry. Two teens can’t forget they’re just friends in this sweet, funny, electrifying romance from New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Nicola Yoon.

Salvación by Sandra Proudman

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In this Latinx YA fantasy inspired by El Zorro, Lola de La Peña becomes the masked heroine Salvación in order to save her family and town from a man who would destroy it for the magic it contains…if she doesn’t fall in love with one of his men first.

The Lost Queen by Aimee Phan

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A heroine like no other, ancient magic unleashed, a fated epic battle–the first book in an enchanting YA fantasy duology inspired by Vietnamese lore, weaving magic, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

Summer Girls by Jennifer Dugan

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From the author of Some Girls Do comes a YA sapphic romance about two girls from different sides of the tracks.

This Moth Saw Brightness by A. A. Vacharat

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A weird and revelatory debut that vividly captures the dislocation of growing up BIPOC and neurodivergent in a country awash in both conspiracy theories and genuine conspiracies.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

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Dahlia Adler’s Come As You Are is about refusing to accept less than you deserve, and realizing that the best relationships are with people who know exactly who you are.

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

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An epic new fantasy about a demon hunter and a foot soldier thrown together in a centuries-old war. . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.

All-Nighter by Cecilia Vinesse

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Booksmart meets Today, Tonight, Tomorrow in this page-turning romp about two archnemeses—the valedictorian and the class slacker—who band together for a whirlwind night after discovering that they need each other to achieve their very different sunrise goals.  

Out of Step, into You by Ciera Burch

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Out of Step, into You is a sapphic contemporary romance following childhood friends turned cross-country team rivals who are forced to work together to win the state championship – for fans of She Gets the Girl.

Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston

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Alien meets The Titanic in this tense YA science fiction horror series by #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston.

Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala

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The young adult debut from the award-winning author of Arsenic and Adobo! When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.

JUNE 2025 YA BOOKS

Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim

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Iron Chef meets The Hunger Games in Roselle Lim’s dazzling YA fantasy debut, following a young noodle chef who competes in a cutthroat cooking competition for the gods.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

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RED QUEEN meets SHADOW AND BONE in this explosive start to a YA romantasy trilogy about dangerous magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns are not inherited — they’re won.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw comes a haunting romantic contemporary fantasy about a teen navigating her family’s love curse that blooms with their enchanted tulips every year.

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang

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From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, Never Thought I’d End Up Here is another hilarious and romantic romcom from Ann Liang, this time following a former model determined to get revenge on the boy who ruined her life.

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

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A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales

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Young Royals meets The Prince and Me when a disgraced princess falls for a new student at their all-girls boarding school, but the two must hide their forbidden love at all costs.

Kill Creatures by Rory Power

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From the bestselling author of Wilder Girls and queen of twisty narratives, Rory Power, comes her highly anticipated new Young Adult thriller.

A First Time for Everything by K.L. Walther

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a fun new coming-of-age romance full of dating disasters, powerful firsts, and the importance of family.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli

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The beautiful and heartwarming new romance from Becky Albertalli, best-selling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

A Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Where the Dark Stands Still comes an atmospheric fantasy based on Swan Lake, following Odile as her plan to restore magic to her kingdom gets disrupted by a murder—forcing her to beg for help from the young woman whose identity she stole.

Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman

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Set in the world of New York Times bestseller Seraphina, a boy on the run from a dragon—among other dangers—seeks refuge in a haunted abbey in this wholly original ghost story about what haunts us, and what connects us.

If We Survive This by Racquel Marie

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The Walking Dead meets Yellowjackets in If We Survive This, a tense and emotional young adult horror novel from award-winning author Racquel Marie about a teen girl leading a group of survivors on a perilous journey during the apocalypse.

What YA books are you looking forward to? Any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

2025?! How!? Nevertheless, the upside of a new year is all of the new books that will be hitting shelves! We’ve rounded up some highly anticipated  books from a range of genres releasing between the months of January and June 2025.

You can expect new releases from the likes of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry, Samantha Shannon, Richard Swan, Kate Alice Marshall, Tessa Bailey, Suzanne Collins, Chuck Wendig, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Christopher Golden, Becky Albertalli, Rebecca Yarros, VE Schwab, Maggie Stiefvater, Fredrik Backman, and so many more, plus many making their dazzling debuts!

You’ll find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other January to June 2025 lists, which we’ll be releasing over the next month! This article will also get updated with those links so you can easily find them… We apologise in advance to your TBR pile and wallet!

• 2025 Romance Book Releases
• 2025 YA Book Releases
• 2025 Fiction Book Releases
• 2025 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you’ll be picking up any!

JANUARY 2025 BOOK RELEASES

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

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With his funny, big-hearted adult rom com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

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A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

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She has his dead wife’s heart; the one she wants is his. The author of The Family Plot brings her signature prose to a twisty novel about a heart transplant patient who becomes romantically obsessed with her donor’s husband.

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

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An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

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In an alternate London in 1923, one girl accidentally breaks the tenuous truce between dragons and humans in this sweeping debut and epic retelling of Bletchley Park steeped in language, class, and forbidden romance. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel.

Unromance by Erin Connor

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A recently dumped TV heartthrob enlists a jaded romance novelist to ruin romance for him—one rom-com trope at a time—so he never gets swept off his feet again . . .

The Rival by Emma Lord

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Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

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A group of young women in a home for unwed mothers in 1970s Florida who find a book to witchcraft—a guide which may just be the key to regaining their power or the source of their worst nightmares.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this new rivals-to-lovers romance set in Rome, Kentucky—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

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A twisty domestic thriller about an author who travels to a remote Scottish island to write his next book…only to run into a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife. 

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young

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In this captivating atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow, a woman investigates her twin brother’s mysterious death while confronting the ghosts of her own haunted past.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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Get ready to fly or die in the breathtaking follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

FEBRUARY 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

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Set against the violent wilderness of the moors and the uncontrolled appetite of the industrial revolution, Hungerstone is a compulsive feminist reworking of Carmilla, the book that inspired Dracula: a captivating story of appetite and desire.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

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A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle–inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

The Dark Mirror by Samantha Shannon

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The highly anticipated fifth novel in the New York Times bestselling Bone Season series-an epic and spellbinding fantasy from the author of The Priory of the Orange Tree.

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

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A woman invited to her wealthy fiance’s family retreat realizes they are hiding a terrible secret―and that she’s been there before, by the bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

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The third installment in the heartwarming and enchanting Emily Wilde series, about a curmudgeonly scholar of folklore and the fae prince she loves.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

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An addictive thriller about a new mother’s world upended when her husband commits a terrifying crime. How well does she truly know the man she loves? And what danger does she face if her entire life has been built on a lie?

Grave Empire by Richard Swan

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From critically acclaimed author Richard Swan, Grave Empire begins the epic tale of an empire on the verge of industrial revolution, where sorcery and arcane practices are outlawed – and where an ancient prophecy threatens the coming end of days.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

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A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can’t seem to forget about takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

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The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Wooing The Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis

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In a Gaslamp-lit world where hags and ogres lurk in thick pine forests, three magical queens form an uneasy alliance to protect their lands from invasion…and love turns their world upside down.

The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore

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With dark academia twists and enormous heart, The Dollhouse Academy is a novel about the complexities of friendship, our desire to be seen and understood, and the true cost of making our dreams a reality.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

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From New York Times-bestselling author Libba Bray comes an evocative and groundbreaking young adult historical mystery that examines truth, rebellion, reconciliation, and what must be sacrificed for a better world.

MARCH 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

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The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets This is How You Lose The Time War in this fantastical love story that defies death as two souls reincarnate through the centuries.

A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander

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From the acclaimed author of Chef’s Kiss, a groundbreaking trans Regency romance that’s both delightfully witty and refreshingly iconoclastic.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

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From New York Times bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave―the hugely anticipated next installment in the fan-favorite Finlay Donovan series.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid

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The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this stand-alone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

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From the national bestselling author of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and Midnight is the Darkest Hour comes a chilling, compulsive story of five amateur sleuths, whose hunt for an elusive killer catapults them into danger as the world watches.

The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth

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From the author of White Horse comes a terrifying and resonant novel about a woman who uses her unique gift to learn the truth about her sister’s death.

The Hymn to Dionysus Natasha Pulley

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A timely reimagining of the story of Dionysus-Greek god of ecstasy, revelry, and ruin-and a captivating queer love story for readers of The Song of Achilles and Elektra.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

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Date night goes off the rails in this hilariously insightful take on midlife and marriage when one unhappy couple find themselves at the heart of a crime in progress, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise.

They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran

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The author of the New York Times bestselling horror phenomenon She Is a Haunting is back with a novel about the monsters that swim beneath us . . . and live within us.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman

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Hilarious and twisted, propulsive and furious, All the Other Mothers Hate Me is a mix of Catastrophe and Fleabag with a dash of Nancy Drew.

Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker

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One fake prime minister, one ridiculously hot handler, and one Italian summer collide in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

APRIL 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

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Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.

Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell

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Set in the aftermath of a war between vampires, humans, and the gods that created them, Patrice Caldwell’s devastatingly romantic fantasy debut, Where Shadows Meet, centers the heart-wrenching pain of loss and the struggle of self-discovery to ask: do we choose our fates, or do our fates choose us?

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

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Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

Their Monstrous Hearts by Yiğit Turhan

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A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic and Hereditary.

City of All Seasons by Oliver K. Langmead and Aliya Whiteley

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A vibrant and emotional science fantasy about cousins trapped in mirrored worlds – the resplendent and verdant summer city and the ice-carved wastes of the winter city. For fans of Every Heart a Doorway and This is How You Lose the Time War.

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

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From the National Book Award finalist and author of Pet comes a novel set in a magical West African world, about a teen girl who must save her missing twin while learning to navigate her own terrifying new powers.

The Staircase In The Woods by Chuck Wendig

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A group of friends investigates the mystery of a strange staircase in the woods in this mesmerizing horror novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Accidents.

The Folklore of Forever by Sarah Hogle

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From the acclaimed author of Old Flames and New Fortunes comes a steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a paranormal skeptic who is roped into a ghost hunting romp by the charming boy next door . . . who might just show her what real fantasies are made of.

Don’t Sleep With The Dead by Nghi Vo

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From award-winning author Nghi Vo comes Don’t Sleep with the Dead, a standalone companion novella to The Chosen and the Beautiful, her acclaimed reimagining of The Great Gatsby.

Senseless by Ronald Malfi

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A page-turning, supernaturally-tinged LA puzzle-box thriller – Zodiac with teeth, from the Bram Stoker Award-nominated and bestselling author of Come with Me. Perfect for fans of Riley Sager and Lauren Beukes.

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Mercy Street, a tense, propulsive family drama set in Shanghai, where a fractured American family faces its complicated past

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

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Knives Out meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy stand-alone romantasy set in the same world as USA Today bestselling author Kaylie Smith’s BookTok sensation Phantasma! The print edition includes custom silver foiling on the cover.

MAY 2025 BOOK RELEASES

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

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Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ―along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

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In the first book of a searing new dystopian trilogy, a young woman must conceal her psychic powers—and her attraction to her handsome, infuriating commanding officer—as she works undercover to take down a brutal government from within.

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

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In this spellbinding historical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea and The Wind Knows My Name, a young writer journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father—and herself.

Overgrowth by Mira Grant

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Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Day of the Triffids in this full-on body horror/alien invasion apocalypse.

The Incandescent by Emily Tesh

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Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series meets Plain Bad Heroines in this sapphic dark academia fantasy by instant national and international bestselling author Emily Tesh, winner of the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards.

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

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In this opposites attract romance for fans of Begin Again and Better Than the Movies, a fresh start doesn’t have to mean changing yourself.

The Night Birds by Christopher Golden

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The next gripping, atmospheric horror novel from NYT bestselling author Christopher Golden, set in a deteriorated, half-sunken freighter ship off the coast of Galveston, TX.

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

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A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that “encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games” (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

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From NYT bestselling author Rachel Gillig comes the next big romantasy sensation, a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a young prophetess who is forced on an impossible quest with the one infuriating knight whose future is beyond her sight. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Leigh Bardugo.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

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A brand-new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Joe Abercrombie, featuring a notorious band of anti-heroes on a delightfully bloody and raucous journey

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin by Alison Goodman

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In Regency England, the eccentric Colebrook sisters are amateur detectives who use their wits and invisibility as “old maids” to fight injustice in this delightful and fiercely feminist novel of mystery and adventure from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.

JUNE 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six comes an epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program and the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by Victoria E. Schwab

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From V. E. Schwab, the No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: a new genre-defying, unforgettable novel to sink your teeth into.

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

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#1 New York Times bestselling novelist Maggie Stiefvater dazzles in this mesmerizing portrait of an irresistible heroine, an unlikely romance, and a hotel—and a world—in peril.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli

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The beautiful and heartwarming new romance from Becky Albertalli, best-selling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh

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#1 NYT-bestselling YA author Renee Ahdieh’s adult debut novel, about a young lawyer who gets pulled in to manage a crisis with her firm’s biggest client, a family whose Korean beauty brand is worth a billion dollars, pitched as Crazy Rich Asians meets Succession.

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

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A hitmaking songwriter and a bitter musician share a startling and inexplicable connection that they’ll do anything to shake, in the next sparkling, magical book from Ashley Poston.

Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle

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Two thieves vie for dominance in the illegal dragon egg trade, putting both their lives and their hearts on the line in this scorching romantasy from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

He’s to Die For by Erin Dunn

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Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder mystery: it’s murder cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

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A blistering literary suspense novel about a ghostwriter who is hired to write the last book for her estranged father and finds herself investigating the brutal murder of both his siblings in the summer of 1975.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw comes a haunting romantic contemporary fantasy about a teen navigating her family’s love curse that blooms with their enchanted tulips every year.

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten

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Scream meets The Guest List in this wickedly compelling and compulsively page-turning thriller of friendship and murder from the author of The Lost Village, Camilla Sten.

What books are you looking forward to picking up in the first half of the year? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Anticipated Book Releases Hitting Shelves In 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Sunshine and good books have always gone hand-in-hand for me. As a full-time university student and debut author, summer is the optimal and only time to really catch up on my never ending TBR (and re-organize my bookshelves for the thousandth time). This year, I’m excited to curl up with some amazing sapphic books during Pride Month and beyond!

True Love and Other Impossible Odds by Christina Li

True love, algorithms, and college YA? Sign me up! I’ve been waiting for this one since the first announcement and can’t stop staring at the beautiful cover. Christina Li is a powerhouse writer, and I’m so grateful for her amazing stories.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

Mazey Eddings is an auto-buy author for me. She writes about love and neurodiversity in the most compassionate and beautiful way, and I find such a solace in her words as someone who’s still learning how to love and be kind to the unique way my brain works. Her books always contain real, lasting, and nuanced relationships, and Late Bloomer is no exception. Also the Jenifer Prince cover?! Gorgeous!

A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen

This is without a doubt one of my most anticipated 2024 debuts! Not only does the book have a stunning cover, sprayed edges, and the most lovely author, but the foodie romance and wonderful premise promise such a treat!

Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin

I don’t remember much about the first and only time I went to summer camp, but I am so ready to visit Fogridge. This not-quite-hate-to-love romance and the dynamic voice of Erin Baldwin’s debut have had me captivated since I got a sneak peek months ago.

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae

Is anyone else a Christmas-in-July (or June) enthusiast? I love putting a little winter magic into my summer season, and Courtney Kae’s In the Event of Love encompasses that wonder completely. I’m not sure if I’m on my third or fourth read of this book, but I’ll keep returning to Fern Falls as often as I can.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

I read Adiba Jaigirdar’s The Dos and Donuts of Love last year, and it sky-rocketed onto my favorites list, so I can’t wait to meet Hani and Ishu! I’m a sucker for overachiever characters and love an opposites attract romance, and I’m also always looking for books that thoughtfully talk about bi erasure.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson

Paperback re-releases with beautiful covers may just be my kryptonite, but so are sapphic music books, so I’m pretty sure I’m going to love this! The festival setting and weekend-long time frame add even more intrigue, and I can’t wait to dive in.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Becky Albertalli’s books mean more to me than I can express in a short space, and ever since I was fifteen, I’ve bought every single one to release. Imogen, Obviously pulled me in with its compassionate deconstruction of heteronormativity, and this book is definitely near the top of my Pride Month TBR.

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey

I am absolutely head over heels for this concept, which is an amalgamation of so many of my favorite things: rivals-to-lovers, books about creatives, and ambitious women driving (or drawing!) their own stories. I’ve got Outdrawn bookmarked as a plane read for my summer travels, and I already have an inkling that the long flight may just fly by with this book to keep me company.

The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford

I might be a little biased, but I think The Last Love Song is a sapphic read meant for summer! It has a scavenger hunt, coming-of-age themes, and childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance that all take place in a seaside town where dreams rise and set with the sun. And it comes with a perfect summer playlist!

So, that’s what I’ll be reading! I’m always excited to chat about books and share recommendations, and I’m sending all the best summer reading vibes to everyone.

Xoxo,
Kalie

The post Kalie Holford’s Sapphic Summer Reading List appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi Becky! Thank you so much for chatting with us again! How are you doing? How was 2023 been treating you so far?

It’s been a little bit of a blur, to be honest! I can’t believe we’re already several months in.

Lightning round: Tell us one thing you can’t live without, one book you will never stop recommending, and one song that will always make you want to scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs!

• Lately, I seem to need a lot of fresh air! I keep my windows open as often as humanly possible.
• I’ll never stop recommending Nothing Burns As Bright As You by Ashley Woodfolk.
• Taylor Swift’s “Karma.”

What five words best describe Imogen, Obviously?

Even more oblivious than Simon.

Now tell us more about Imogen, Obviously! What can readers expect?

Imogen, Obviously is about Imogen Scott, a “straight” high school senior and devoted queer ally. When we meet her, she’s just arrived for a spring break visit with her best friend Lili—a college freshman who recently came out as pansexual. Imogen’s worried she won’t fit in with Lili’s cool new queer friends—what if her bumbling hetero energy makes someone uncomfortable?

Except… it just so happens that none of Lili’s friends know that Imogen’s a bumbling hetero in the first place. Lili might have accidently told them she and Imogen used to date. Ever the faithful ally, Imogen’s happy to go along with Lili’s lie. In a way, it’s kind of cool to not be seen as the Token Straight Friend. But when Lili’s college BFF Tessa enters the mix, Imogen realizes her fake queer backstory might not be so fake after all.

You mentioned on social media that Imogen, Obviously is an incredibly personal story for you. What were your feelings while writing about something so close to your heart? Did it feel cathartic or even empowering to write down Imogen’s story?

It was incredibly cathartic to write—though it’s equally terrifying to release it into the world. All my books are personal, but this one’s personal in ways that are unnervingly public. So much of Imogen’s internal monologue mirrors my own questioning process. And even though Imogen isn’t a public figure, she’s internalized the same discourse that kept me tied in knots. For me—and for Imogen—even the idea of questioning felt like a step out of bounds. Even when I started to flag certain feelings as attraction, I wondered whether I’d just appropriated these feelings from Real Queer People. It’s completely illogical in retrospect, but it was such a central piece of the puzzle for me. And of course, there’s still a part of me that worries these nebulous Real Queer People will read Imogen’s story and conclude that I’m an imposter after all.

Imogen, Obviously is also a very interesting title as it can be interpreted in many ways. How did you land on the title and what does it mean to you?

The title came after the book had already been written. There are several places in the text where Imogen plays with the word obviously—it’s an idea that’s always felt really relevant to this story. Imogen initially views herself as “obviously” straight—which seems to track with how she’s perceived by others. But when she’s finally able to line up the many, many hints to the contrary, her queerness starts to seem really obvious too,

Imogen considers herself an amazing ally and is told time and again that she is just that. An ally. What was it like to explore Imogen’s story of self-discovery and all the (good and sometimes difficult) nuances of the queer community?

I love this question, because I would have answered it really differently a few years ago. I remember feeling like one of my most important responsibilities as an ally was to be completely transparent about my own lack of queerness. Queer readers deserved clear answers about my labels, my identity, and my positionality. I’d absorbed this messaging from online queer discourse, and I took it to heart. It was clear to me that Imogen would have followed the exact same thought process, and she would have been just as boxed in by it as I was.

To be clear, I think expectations around allyship are important to discuss—but I’m wary of any framework that draws a hard line between queer and nonqueer. Overly rigid boundaries often harm and exclude fellow queer people. We have to account for the possibility that people we see as outsiders might not actually be outsiders. Ultimately, I find the concept of allyship to be most meaningful when we embrace it more broadly. Being an ally doesn’t have to signal lack of queerness—allyship can be a commitment to solidarity with other queer identities.

Imogen, Obviously reads like a love letter to figuring out your identity later in life. What do you hope readers will take away from Imogen’s journey?

I’d like readers to know it’s okay to ask questions, even if you never fully pin down the answers. Queerness can mean different things to different people, and we have to make space for that.

I loved the friendship dynamics in Imogen, Obviously (with ehem one exception). Do Imogen and Lili remain best friends throughout college?

Oh, definitely—these two are going to be best friends way beyond college. Honestly, I think their future children will be best friends.

What three songs would need to be on the soundtrack playlist of Imogen’s life?

• “Silk Chiffon” by MUNA, featuring Phoebe Bridgers
• “Changing My Major” from the Fun Home musical
• “Sofia” by Clairo

Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

I’d definitely recommend checking out Chasing Pacquaio by Rod Pulido and Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa (both of these books release the same day as Imogen, and they’re both brilliant).  

Will you be picking up Imogen, Obviously? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Becky Albertalli, Author of ‘Imogen, Obviously’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and let us know if you’re excited for any of these releases too!

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s—and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn’t what it seems.

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For fans of Madeline Miller, a stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the bestselling author of THE GREATCOATS and SPELLSLINGER : seven war mages with dark pasts and special powers must come together to fight an unknown enemy – but the stakes are higher than anyone can imagine . . . and someone’s setting them up for a fall.

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Boyfriend Candidate is perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, and is all about learning to embrace life outside your comfort zone, and reclaiming control of the voice inside that tries to tells you, you can’t.

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From award-winning author Leah Johnson comes a laugh-until-you-cry, cry-until-you-laugh story about friendship, change, and the power we have to love ourselves.

Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Utterly original and wildly entertaining, with a protagonist whose life is a total mess, Killing Me is the laugh-out-loud funny thriller that we never knew we needed.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
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From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and co-author of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story, which explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics, about a girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. The ideal next read for fans of Roxane Gay, Jacqueline Woodson, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
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A small-town sweetheart and an emotionally unavailable bad boy try to find some common ground in this chemistry-filled romance from the author of The Cheat Sheet and When in Rome.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
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One book. Nine readers. Ten changed lives. New York Times bestselling author Erica Bauermeister’s No Two Persons is “a gloriously original celebration of fiction, and the ways it deepens our lives.”

Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena
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Of Light and Shadow is a novel about magic, mayhem, love, and betrayal―the story of a bandit and a prince who change each other in unexpected ways.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
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A Big Chill for our times, celebrating decades-long friendships and promises—especially to ourselves—by the bestselling and celebrated author of The Guncle.

What May releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post May 2023 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This book. Honestly. I can’t fathom what it cost Becky to write this book, to give us this emotional rollercoaster of a story that hits so close to home, but I’m so incredibly grateful that she did. Rarely has a book ever felt so validating as Imogen, Obviously does. While I don’t want to take away too much of the story, I do want to point out just how massive of a feat it is to write a story that is both able to make you laugh out loud and sob because it holds up a mirror to society and all the things you wish were different in it. But honestly, who, if not Albertalli, could manage such a feat?

There are so many instances in this book that made me both angry and sad, not only for Imogen but for any human being who has ever been told that they’re not queer just because they didn’t fit the mould or had to struggle with people invalidating their experiences and feelings. The amount of gatekeeping and queerbaiting that we still have to live with is terrifying and at times it’s haunting how accurately Albertalli portrays the realities of forced outings of celebrities, gatekeeping by queer people who should be your biggest champions in finding your identity, and so many other discussions around queer culture. You can tell how much love and fear and fierce protectiveness went into writing this story and it makes it all the more emotional and invigorating.

From poignant explorations of questioning who you are because of little moments that add up over the years to deep dives into whether friends are really friends if they try to decide your identity and life journey for you, not to mention tell you that you are not queer just because they say so, this book is just filled with a plethora of moments that will make you feel understood and question your own relationships with so-called allies.

So many of the thought processes Imogen has in this story are ones I had myself when figuring out my identity and I can already imagine readers pointing to a certain passage and going “oh, wait. That’s what I thought” or “This is so me!” which, in and of itself, is so hauntingly beautiful. To be able to connect to a character so deeply, no matter whether you land on the same queer identity as Imogen does or somewhere else entirely, is an absolute gift. I think Imogen is going to help so many young readers feel seen and understood, especially in this tricky day and age where you’re constantly bombarded with messages and commentary on who you should be or what queerness should look like. Imogen’s story reminds you that it’s okay if you took longer in life to figure out that you’re queer. It reminds you that it’s okay if you only ever thought of yourself as an ally until all the tiny hints started to add up. It reminds you that it’s okay if you’re struggling with accepting that you’re queer because of the individuals that have been gatekeeping the queer community. And last but not least, it’s a reminder that we all struggle with feeling invalidated sometimes—from without and from within the community. But as long as you find your right tribe, you’ll be a-okay. I don’t think there’s a better message to put into a book and it’s exactly why this story will stay with readers for a long time.

Imogen, Obviously serves as a reminder that you matter, that you are valid, and that you are queer enough, no matter what others try to tell you. A love letter to finding your place at your own pace, the joy of queer found family, and the messy, chaotic journey of life, Imogen is sure to become your new best friend.

Imogen, Obviously is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 2nd.

Will you be picking up Imogen, Obviously? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Imogen Scott may be hopelessly heterosexual, but she’s got the World’s Greatest Ally title locked down.

She’s never missed a Pride Alliance meeting. She knows more about queer media discourse than her very queer little sister. She even has two queer best friends. There’s Gretchen, a fellow high school senior, who helps keep Imogen’s biases in check. And then there’s Lili—newly out and newly thriving with a cool new squad of queer college friends.

Imogen’s thrilled for Lili. Any ally would be. And now that she’s finally visiting Lili on campus, she’s bringing her ally A game. Any support Lili needs, Imogen’s all in.

Even if that means bending the truth, just a little.

Like when Lili drops a tiny queer bombshell: she’s told all her college friends that Imogen and Lili used to date. And none of them know that Imogen is a raging hetero—not even Lili’s best friend, Tessa.

Of course, the more time Imogen spends with chaotic, freckle-faced Tessa, the more she starts to wonder if her truth was ever all that straight to begin with. . .

The post #ReadWithPride: Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Long-lost twin princes tackling coming out, frenemies-with-benefits at magical boarding schools and sapphic crushes forever trapped underwater—2023 is bringing us some truly magical, whimsical and heartfelt queer stories! With a focus on learning to love yourself, standing up for your right to love and eschewing antiquated gender norms, we’re ready to let these brand-new stories take over our hearts and minds!

Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Romance lists!

JANUARY

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the author of Spin Me Right Round, a fresh, modern story about learning how to love–starting with yourself–as three teens who know each other online meet up and find themselves questioning everything.

A Tale of Two Prince by Eric Geron
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When Edward, Crown Prince of Canada, and Billy, small-town boy with a big heart, meet by chance in New York City and discover that they are long-lost twins, their lives are forever changed. Will the twin princes—“twinces”— be able to take on high school, coming out, and coronations together? Or will this royal reunion quickly become a royal disaster?

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
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An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.

The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the Coretta Scott King and Printz Honor-winning author of How It Went Down, Light It Up, and Revolution In Our Time comes a moving contemporary YA novel about the bonds between a group of teens whose lives have been upended by tragedy. Kermit finds a mysterious invitation in his locker, signed anonymously with “-1.” He has no idea what he’s in for, but he shows up to find out. Dubbed the “Minus-One Club,” a group of his schoolmates has banded together as a form of moral support. The members have just one thing in common—they have all suffered the tragic loss of someone they loved.

Then Everything Happens at Once by M.E. Girard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Girard offers a stand-alone sex-positive coming-of-age story about a teen named Baylee who’s torn between her heart and her hormones as she navigates her feelings for her best friend, Freddie, and new friend, Alex. Perfect for fans of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega.

The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
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From debut author Hadeer Elsbai comes the first book in an incredibly powerful new duology, set wholly in a new world, but inspired by modern Egyptian history, about two young women–Nehal, a spoiled aristocrat used to getting what she wants and Giorgina, a poor bookshop worker used to having nothing–who find they have far more in common, particularly in their struggle for the rights of women and their ability to fight for it with forbidden elemental magic

FEBRUARY

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Afterglow by Phil Stamper
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After a summer of life-changing, these four friends are finally ready for senior year. As graduation nears and the boys prepare to enter the real world, it’s clear their friendship will never be the same. Can they find a way to stay connected and pursue their dreams? Don’t miss the conclusion to Stamper’s duology!

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
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A trans pianist makes a New Year’s resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things.

If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla
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For fans of Kacen Callender and Mason Deaver comes a heart-tugging coming-of-age YA debut that takes a poignant look at gender identity, sexuality, friendship, and family–both the one we’re born into and the one we find for ourselves.

Planning Perfect by Haley Neil
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
In this charming, heartfelt YA romcom about being on the asexual spectrum, a girl tries to craft the perfect wedding for her mother but discovers that sometimes the best parts of life can’t be planned.

Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
What happens when your enemy becomes your friend … with benefits? Tim Te Maro and Elliott Parker – classmates at Fox Glacier High School for the Magically Adept – have never gotten along. But when they both get dumped the day before the big egg-baby assignment, they reluctantly decide to ditch their exes and work together.

MARCH

Into the Light by Mark Oshiro
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose—but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine romance featuring two men’s sweeping journey across the Western wilderness.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency romance of smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love from celebrated author KJ Charles.

The Immeasurable Depth of You by Maria Ingrande Mora
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
In the devastating but uplifting tradition of Adam Silvera and Nova Ren Suma comes a queer supernatural coming-of-age story from acclaimed author Maria Ingrande Mora.

Ravensong by Cayla Fay
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A demi-god who refuses to cohabitate with humans accidentally falls in love with one in the first book of a pulse-pounding teen duology that’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Celtic mythology.

Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Two destined rivals fall desperately in love—but the fate of medieval Europe hangs in the balance.

APRIL

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Finding home. Falling in love. Fighting to belong. Andi & Santi Were Here is a love story about a Mexican-American teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican boy.

Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar by Jessamyn Violet
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Acclaimed musician Jessamyn Violet’s debut LGBTQA+ novel sizzles with a coming-of-age story set in an industry of ambition, secrets, lies, and utter joy.

In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A queer retelling of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio starring an inventor named Victor, a mysterious android called Hap (Hysterically Angry Puppet), an anxiety-riddled Roomba vacuum named Rambo, and a sociopathic nursing machine, the Registered Automaton To Care, Heal, Educate and Drill (Nurse Ratched, for short), this is the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A vibrant and emotional novel from debut author Dan Clay about a boy who turns toward love, self-acceptance, and drag performance when the unthinkable happens.

Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
An unputdownable queer coming-of-age rom-com about life and love in Hollywood. For aspiring cinematographer Luna Roth, coming out as bisexual at twenty-four is proving more difficult than she anticipated.

No Boy Summer by Amy Spalding
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Lydia and her younger sister Penny make a pact to avoid boy drama for the summer—but Lydia can’t help looking for a loophole when she falls for a cute girl.

MAY

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
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A queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy.

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You The Sun meets Dawson’s Creek with a dash of HBO’s Euphoria in this story that follows twins who have different ways of dealing with their father’s incarceration—and then his untimely death—and the complications that arise when one discovers a secret third sibling and keeps them from his sister, even after they move to their Adirondack lake-side town.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

The Song of Us by Kate Fussner
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This stunning debut and wholly original queer middle grade novel-in-verse retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice adds a new chorus to the songs of great love, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World. 

JUNE

Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See
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Less than a year away from graduation, seventeen-year-old Joy is too busy overachieving to be worried about relationships. She’s determined to be Caldwell Prep’s first disabled valedictorian. And she only has one person to beat, her academic rival Nathaniel. 

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush.

The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
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The First Bright Thing is a spellbinding debut for fans of The Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue.

Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A queer Sliding Doors YA rom-com in which a girl must choose between summer in NYC with her dad (and the girl she’s always wanted) or LA with her estranged mom (and the guy she never saw coming). In Going Bicoastal, there’s more than one path to happily ever after.

Darkhearts by James L. Sutter
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Perfect for fans of Red, White, & Royal Blue and Perks of Being a Wallflower, Darkhearts is a hilarious, heartfelt novel about fame, romance, and what happens when the two collide.

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
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Inspired by a classic of martial arts literature, S. L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws are bandits of devastating ruthlessness, unseemly femininity, dangerous philosophies, and ungovernable gender who are ready to make history—or tear it apart.

What releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Must-Have 2023 Queer Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Last we heard of Ben and Arthur, they amicably said goodbye as Arthur headed back home and Ben stayed in New York, both promising to stay in touch. Now, two years later, Arthur’s about to return to New York for the chance of a lifetime—interning for a Lambda Award-winning playwright and finally living his Broadway dreams. The only downside is having to leave behind his super sweet boyfriend Mikey. While Ben has been busy working on his fantasy manuscript in college (and getting busy with his writing partner Mario), he can’t help old feelings rising up when he finally sees Arthur again. Two years, multiple heartbreaks, missed chances and yet, the universe seems determined to drive them back together time and again. As Ben and Arthur try to focus on their respective future, they can’t help contemplating the past. Things didn’t work out the first time for them and anyway, they’re happy now. Really happy. Yet, the thought still keeps popping up: what if they’re actually meant to be? And what are they going to do about it? Is a future even worth pursuing when they can’t help being stuck in the past? Or is it time to give their epic love story one more chapter?

After all, what’s fate really worth if you don’t have enough faith in it?

After bingeing this book in one sitting, all I can say is: gosh, I really missed Ben and Arthur. These characters are so real to me, reading Here’s to Us felt like catching up with a friend you haven’t seen since university. It’s weird to say that I have a soft spot for both Ben and Arthur, but that’s the way it is. I loved how their individual energy once again worked harmoniously with each other. Arthur is so obsessed with firsts—from first loves and first heartbreaks, to first impressions with new bosses. His anxiety to be worth the time people give him is something so visceral, you can’t help wanting to hug him and tell him that everything is going to be alright. Meanwhile, Ben’s financial struggles already made him way too relatable in the first book but in this one, the feeling of kinship was even stronger. Without spoiling too much, we really get to see Ben maturing, not only from his stance on money, shame of not having enough, and pursuing his novel publication to get his big break, but also in how stuck he feels in New York, this city that seems like a dream to tourists but to him has, over the years, often felt like something that’s actively trying to hold him back. Tied into that is the fact that Ben tried and is stilly trying to navigate being a white-passing Puerto Rican and feeling ashamed for not knowing how to speak Spanish or more about his roots. In Here’s to Us, this is wonderfully explored and adds so much to the overall story.

Ben and Arthur’s support system is also as lively and lovely as you expect them to be. From Dylan being, well, Dylan, to Samantha and Jessie and even Ben’s parents, you can feel the love (and exasperation) that comes with knowing someone for that long. There’s also a plot twist regarding said friends which I did not see coming but, which in hindsight, was so blaringly obvious that I want to reread it already just to feel like more of a dumbass. Ben and Arthur’s respective partners Mario and Mikey are absolute sweethearts. Like, the kind of partners you wish for and the kind of generous souls you don’t think you ever deserve. There are small and grand gestures that, whether you’re a Ben/Arthur shipper or not, will steal your heart.

As you can tell, all the elements that made What If It’s Us such a raging success are alive and kicking in Here’s to Us and yet, this book manages to somehow put a cherry on top of that and make the story even grander.

At its core, Here’s to Us is about transitions and transformations. It’s about growing up and realising that the scariest thing is that, while some things are meant to be, some things are meant to fall apart. If you head into this book expecting a picture-perfect second-chance romance with all the fluff and no conflicts whatsoever, you might not be getting what you wished for. Instead, Albertalli and Silvera offer up something even more compelling: an unflinching portrayal of what it means to grow up and re-evaluate your life choices in terms of what will make you happy, not everyone around you.

Anyone who’s ever tried to stay friends with an ex—in particular those you still have some unresolved feelings for—will undoubtedly relate to Ben and Arthur’s struggles throughout this novel. It’s a difficult balance, trying to be happy for your ex for having found the kind of love you wished for the both of you without feeling like you were somehow inferior to the new partner because, if it works out for them, why didn’t it work out for you in the past, am I right? It’s an entirely other level of emotional anguish to liking your ex-boyfriend’s new partner yet quietly wondering what that means for the worth of your past relationship. Albertalli and Silvera already excelled at this heady potion of anxiety, excitement and contemplation of self-worth in What If It’s Us, but in the sequel, it’s almost like they let go of whatever ties held them back and dove straight into the depths of emotions a young person in love can have, where every choice feels monumental and every heartbreak feels more like an ongoing condition than a clean cut.

What is going to probably be an unpopular opinion is that I really loved that the authors didn’t give their characters a pass when it comes to certain choices they make. The authors put a lot of focus on Ben and Arthur learning that you can’t please everyone and that, even with the best of intentions, you won’t always be able to walk away from a conflict or life choice without hurting someone you care about. It’s scary to realise that, as you grow older, the decisions you have to make get tougher and that, even when you do the right thing, it’s going to hurt like a bullet.

There is also something to be said for timing in this story. Sometimes timing just isn’t on your side—whether it’s about getting the person you want, the job you desire, or the big break you so desperately seek. Albertalli and Silvera don’t cut corners for Ben and Arthur and their ambitions and, yes, while that may be hard to read at times, it’s also what makes the payoff when something great happens for either of them that much more impactful. It’s a hard lesson to learn that you sometimes can put in all the effort and things still won’t pan out. But it’s how you deal with that failure, with the mistakes you’ve made, that counts.

While I won’t spoil the ending, I will say this: there is so much heart in the last few chapters. It’s a satisfying yet inherently realistic ending, which, given the authors, should come as no surprise. And, as a long-time fan of both of them, all I can say is: no matter how they get there in the end, Arthur and Ben’s story (and conclusion) is one that will stay with readers for years to come. And I really, really hope this isn’t the last time Albertalli and Silvera team up because those two are a powerhouse.

An emotional tale of growing up and holding on to the people that matter, facing debilitating choices and trying your best, Here’s to Us delivers an unflinching yet hopeful follow-up to an unforgettable story.

Here’s to Us is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of December 28th 2021.

Will you be picking up Here’s to Us? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Ben has spent his first year of college working on his fantasy manuscript with his writing partner Mario, who is a great Spanish tutor, and an even better kisser. So why can’t he stop thinking about the fact that Arthur’s back in town two years after they called it quits?

Arthur is in New York for a dream internship on Broadway, with a boyfriend back at home that he couldn’t be happier with. But when he comes upon Ben cuddled up with a mystery boy, he starts to wonder if his feelings for Ben ever truly went away.

Even as the boys try to focus on their futures, they can’t seem to help running into each other in the present. Is the universe forcing them to question if they’re actually meant to be?

Possibly not. After all, things didn’t work the first time around.
Possibly yes. After all, the sparks are still flying.
Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and raise a glass.

Here’s to celebrating old friends!
Here’s to embracing new beginnings!
Here’s to believing in second chances!

The post Review: Here’s To Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera appeared first on The Nerd Daily.