And They Were Roommates by Page Powars

Touching, thoughtful, and incredibly fun, And They Were Roommates is a delightful YA light academia romance.

Brewed with Love by Shelly Page 

Sweet, cozy, and mysterious, Brewed with Love is a thrilling YA fantasy with witches, an immersive small-town setting, and a tender romance.

By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter

Blending the history of 1500s London with swoon-worthy romantic tension, By Any Other Name is an unforgettable YA historical fiction novel.

Call Forth a Fox by Markelle Grabo

With faerie curses and a cozy fairytale atmosphere, Call Forth a Fox beautifully retells the Brothers’ Grimm’s “Snow White and Rose Red.”

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Spellbinding and powerful, Cemetery Boys is a simultaneously heart-wrenching and heartwarming YA contemporary fantasy with mythology, ghosts, and brujx set during Día de Los Muertos. 

Coming Out Perfect by Richard Mercado

Uplifting, hopeful, and funny, Coming Out Perfect is a beautiful YA graphic novel of familial expectations, fitting in, queer community, and coming out.

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

Set in a queer-normative world with a sentient forest, a magic school, shapeshifting, witches, and romance, Daughter of the Bone Forest is a sweeping YA fantasy.

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Witty, comforting, and swoony, Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend is a Victorian romance with hijinks, matchmaking, and love.

Exquisite Things by Abdi Nazemian 

Empowering, thought-provoking, and romantic, Exquisite Things is a propulsive YA historical fantasy of art, storytelling, immortality, resistance, community, grief, belonging, and, ultimately, hope.

Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos 

Wildly entertaining and achingly beautiful, Furious is a swoon-worthy YA contemporary romance that’s perfect for fans of Fast & Furious.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher 

Swoony, hilarious, and riveting, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a heartwarming medieval romcom filled with found family, love, and witty banter galore.

Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews 

With a bloodthirsty garden, gritty botanical horror, and lingering love story, Hazelthorn is an enrapturing YA gothic.

Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Romantic, fierce, and heartwarming, Just Between Us is an unputdownable YA graphic novel with figure skating, romance, and stunning imagery.

Moss’d in Space by Rebecca Thorne

Quirky, vibrant, and wonderfully mossy, Moss’d in Space is a creative and hilarious cozy sci-fi novel.

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord

Set in a dystopian society with a dark academia atmosphere, body-swapping, assassins, and magic, Queen of Faces is a sharp and lyrical YA fantasy.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

Laugh-out-loud funny with found family and forbidden romance, Red, White & Royal Blue is a cinematic and irresistible contemporary romance.

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell 

Monstrous and splendidly strange, Someone You Can Build a Nest In is a quirky, vicious, and surprisingly cozy fantasy.

Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Brimming with wit, whimsy, romance, and magical creatures, Sorcery and Small Magics is an enchanting cozy fantasy.

Soul of a Gentleman Witch by David Ferraro

Sweeping and threaded with magic, Soul of a Gentleman Witch is an addictive YA cozy fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Tenderly, I am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone

With a breathtaking romance, lyrical prose, and an eerie atmosphere, Tenderly, I am Devoured is a magical YA fantasy.

The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton 

Brimming with friends-to-lovers yearning, Fae, and a riveting heist, The Absinthe Underground is a captivating YA fantasy perfect for fans of Moulin Rouge! and The Cruel Prince.

The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch

Funny, vibrant, and magical, The Entanglement of Rival Wizards is an addictive fantasy romcom with academic rivals-to-lovers tension.

The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray by Christine Calella 

With a maritime adventure, a beautiful sibling bond, and a compelling cast, The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray is a gritty, emotional, and exhilarating YA fantasy.

The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill 

Heartfelt and hopeful, The House of Now and Then is a sweeping summer romance with an undertone of magic set in Cape Cod.

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland 

With witches, a dark academia atmosphere, demons, and a murder mystery, The Invocations is a gripping and haunting YA thriller.

The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens

Magical, adventurous, and hilarious, The Last Best Quest Ever is a delightful YA fantasy romp with found family and fantastical creatures.

The Leaving Room by Amber McBride 

Spellbinding and achingly beautiful, The Leaving Room is a tender YA novel-in-verse brimming with emotion, memories, family recipes, love, and hope.

The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World by J.R. Dawson

Set in modern-day Chicago and threaded with Greek mythology, The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World is a poignant and touching urban fantasy perfect for fans of Hadestown.

The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson

Infused with horror, art, and romance, The Macabre is an adventurous and inventive contemporary fantasy.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska

 With adventure, magic, and rivals-to-lovers tension, The Midnight Girls is a cinematic and whimsical YA fantasy.

With Fire in Their Blood by Kat Delacorte

Set in Italy with witches, a love square, and warring mafia clans, With Fire in Their Blood is a romantic and thrilling YA paranormal romance.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White 

Vicious, sharp, and brilliantly unsettling, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a YA historical fantasy set in London, 1883.

This Must Be the Place by Kelly Quindlen 

Welcoming, emotional, and tender, This Must Be the Place is a captivating YA contemporary novel with found family set in small-town Alabama.

This Raging Sea by De Elizabeth

Sea-soaked, haunting, and lush, This Raging Sea is a YA dark fantasy with romance, eldritch secrets, horror, witches, and time travel.

Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry 

Vivid and romantic, Time After Time is a breathtaking YA romance following two love stories set one hundred years apart.

Vile Lady Villains by Danai Christopoulou 

Sharp, lyrical, and twisty, Vile Lady Villains is a fierce and creative fantasy threaded with Greek mythology and Shakespeare.

We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune 

Heavy yet full of life, We Burned So Bright is a heart-wrenching but unexpectedly comforting fantasy of humans at the end of the world facing love, loss, and life itself.

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

Twisty, immersive, and magical, What Wakes the Bells is a gripping YA fantasy with a gothic atmosphere inspired by a Prague legend. 

From heartwarming found families to swoon-worthy romances to laugh-out-loud banter, these stories bring extra queer joy, community, and love to the Pride Month celebration. Happy reading, and Happy Pride Month!

The post 38 LGBTQIA+ Books to Add to Your Pride Month TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover just a few of our favourites and tell us in the comments if you will be picking up any of these!

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As sweet as a macaron from Laduree, with writing as crisp as a freshly baked baguette, this romantic novel set in Paris about an American ballerina and a charming French boy is parfait for fans of American Royals and Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From bestselling author Lynette Noni comes a dark, thrilling YA fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, and Sabaa Tahir.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dark, twisty modern fairytale where three sisters discover they are not exactly all that they seem and evil things really do go bump in the night.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper, the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a thrilling and high-stakes whodunit.

The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sky’s small town turns absolutely claustrophobic when his secret promposal plans get leaked to the entire school in this witty, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful debut novel for fans of What if it’s Us? and I Wish You All the Best.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

High school nemeses fall in love in this queer YA rom com perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuiston.

What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An exhilarating, emotionally powerful and superbly written thriller that’s Winter’s Bone meets The Road.

Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the “heart-wrenching yet hopeful” (Samira Ahmed) novel The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, comes a timely, intimate look at what it means to be an immigrant in America today, and the endurance of hope and faith in the face of hate.

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times–bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that’s Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning story of first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong.

My Epic Spring Break-Up by Kristin Rockaway
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A fun and upbeat paperback original romance about a girl who finds a cheat sheet for love.

What’s Not to Love by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An academic enemies-to-lovers YA with all the nerdy drama, high school antics, and heartpounding romance of the Netflix original series Never Have I Ever.

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

The post April 2021 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake dating
• 80s movies references
• The feel of a 2000 teen comedy but with inclusive characters and plotlines

Review:

If I had to summarise my reading experience of She Drives Me Crazy with one word, it would be entertaining. Sure, there are a thousand words I could utter, but above all, this book was just incredibly fun to read. There are fun reads, and there are funny reads and then there’s She Drives Me Crazy which I couldn’t put down because it felt like a Mean Girls-esque movie playing in my head, which is basically the biggest compliment I can give. Quindlen mentions in her acknowledgment how much fun it was to write this enemies-to-lovers fake-dating extravaganza and the thing is, you can tell while reading. The excitement and joy literally run through the sentences, which of course automatically makes it my favourite Quindlen book (yet).

There was so much to love here – from the 2000s teen comedies references to the nemesis-to-lovers aspect that had me invested from the moment I met Irene. The friendships and the achingly sweet Christmas scene when Irene and Scottie drive around to look at the Christmas lights and decorations. Basically, this book was an amalgamation of riveting and entrancing moments, tied up with a cute ribbon.

Also, we need to talk about Scottie and her sisters because as an only child I experienced intense envy of the relationship Scottie has with her siblings – they are fierce and protective of her but also not afraid to tell her when she’s acting unlike herself. Not to mention that the three of them regularly watch iconic 2000s teen movies (and we all know that teen movies were never better than the early 2000s – I mean, Mean Girls, John Tucker Must Die, What a Girl Wants, The Princess Diaries? Unsurpassable) together and talk about everything and are immeasurably supportive of one another.

Also, speaking of movies, Quindlen makes it her mission in this book to rectify some truly harmful situations in 80s teen movies. It’s been a few decades since those movies released so obviously, times have changed and we recognise that the behaviour we thought to be so romantic – you know, guys not talking to girls but then showing up at their house with a boom box which suddenly makes up for everything they did or didn’t do instead of communicating – is not so romantic once you think about it. I loved how Quindlen incorporated this love for those iconic movies but also acknowledged the self-awareness that grand gestures might be awesome and all but an open and honest conversation would go a super long way, too – even if it’s not that cinematic.

Lastly, the romance. The romance. I’m sure if you strain your ears, you can still hear me frolicking and squealing all the way in Germany because the romance between Scottie and Irene was so captivating. The book starts out with Scottie and Irene being nemeses – which basically boils down to them being on opposite sides of the food chain at school and some past misunderstandings that make for fun banter and some pretty pointed barbs. With the fake-dating aspect comes a lot of discussion of how appearances may deceive you and how cheerleading is still primarily seen as entertainment without acknowledging how much effort and time goes into being an athlete. Both Irene and Scottie are under a lot of pressure to ‘perform’ the way the world wants them to while also trying to be themselves as much as possible and I loved this juxtaposition between two types of sports where one is criminally underappreciated (cheerleading) in general and then on a more local level (baseball in their school district). It made for some excellent character development.

All in all, I can’t recommend this book enough. I already know that this will be one of my top reads for 2021 because even weeks after reading the ARC, my mind keeps returning to Irene and Scottie. It’s one of those stories that will become a comfort read like Simon vs. the Homo-Sapiens Agenda.

Charming and extraordinarily funny, She Drives Me Crazy takes an entertaining spin on the “don’t judge a book by its cover” trope and delivers the romcom enemies-to-lovers romance reminiscent of the iconic 80s teen movies, but with a necessary and greatly updated focus on communication and self-love. This book earns its place in the ranks of queer iconic YA novels and is surely the feel-good romcom of 2021.

She Drives Me Crazy is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of April 20th 2021.

Will you be picking up She Drives Me Crazy? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

High school nemeses fall in love in this queer YA rom com perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuisten.

After losing spectacularly to her ex-girlfriend in their first game since their break up, Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with the worst possible person: her nemesis, the incredibly beautiful and incredibly mean Irene Abraham. Things only get worse when their nosey, do-gooder moms get involved and the girls are forced to carpool together until Irene’s car gets out of the shop.

Their bumpy start only gets bumpier the more time they spend together. But when an opportunity presents itself for Scottie to get back at her toxic ex (and climb her school’s social ladder at the same time), she bribes Irene into playing along. Hijinks, heartbreak, and gay fake-dating scheme for the ages. From author Kelly Quindlen comes a new laugh-out-loud romp through the ups and downs of teen romance.

The post #ReadWithPride: She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you thought 2020 was a year of breathtaking and riveting queer releases, you ain’t seen nothing yet. With highly anticipated new stories from authors such as Casey McQuiston, Ciara Smyth, and Kelly Quindlen as well as promising debut authors like Morgan Rogers and Robbie Couch, 2021 is shaping up to be the most inclusive and LGBTQIAP+ friendly year yet (and we couldn’t be happier to see it)!

Now, our focus was mainly YA and middle-grade releases, but we’ve also thrown in a couple of queer fantasy, mystery, and romance releases too!  Want even more 2021 releases? Check out our list of Most Anticipated releases, Fantasy and Sci-Fi releases, Young Adult releases, Romance releases, and Queer SFF releases.

Read on to get a glimpse at some of the January to June 2021 #LGBTQIAP+ novels we cannot wait to get our hands on! And as always, tell us what other queer releases you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

JANUARY

Lava Red Feather Blue by Molly Ringle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

On a magically hidden North Pacific island, when a man awakens a sleeping beauty of a prince, it’s only the beginning of the fairy tale, as breaking the spell unleashes a dangerous force among the fae too.

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic, queer love story about creativity, creation, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Wench by Maxine Kaplan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A funny, fiercely feminist YA epic fantasy—following the adventures of a tavern wench.

When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“Sunshine Girl needs math lessons” in this sapphic grumpy meets sunshine new adult romance.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Acclaimed author of Ash, Malinda Lo returns with her most personal and ambitious novel yet, a gripping story of love and duty set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s.

Not Quite Out by Louise Willingham
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

William Anson is done with relationships, thanks. He’s starting the second year of his medicine degree single, focused, and ready to mingle with purely platonic intentions. Until he meets Daniel, a barely recovered drug addict that turns his world upside down.

The Heiress by Molly Greeley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this gorgeously written and spellbinding historical novel based on Pride and Prejudice, the author of The Clergyman’s Wife combines the knowing eye of Jane Austen with the eroticism and Gothic intrigue of Sarah Waters to reimagine the life of the mysterious Anne de Bourgh.

FEBRUARY

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A refreshingly timely and relatable debut novel about a young woman whose life plans fall apart when she meets her wife.

100 Boyfriends by Brontez Purnell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An irreverent, sensitive, and inimitable look at gay dysfunction through the eyes of a cult hero

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones in this thrilling urban fantasy set in the magical underworld of Toronto that follows a queer cast of characters racing to stop a serial killer whose crimes could expose the hidden world of faeries to humans.

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this wry and hilarious queer romantic comedy, fifteen-year-old Phoebe realizes that falling in love is maybe not just for losers.

As Far as You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The author of The Gravity of Us crafts another heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding the people who become your home – perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli.

Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rich with sharply drawn characters and contemporary detail, provocative, and emotionally profound, Let’s Get Back to the Party is sure to appeal to readers of Garth Greenwell, Alan Hollinghurst, Claire Messud, and Rebecca Makkai.

The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A funny and heart-warming queer Indigenous YA novel, set in a rural Australian community, about seventeen-year-old Jackson finding the courage to explore who he is, even if it scares him.

MARCH

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Sophie Gonzales’ Perfect on Paper, Leah on the Offbeat meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: a bisexual girl who gives anonymous love advice to her classmates is hired by the hot guy to help him get his ex back.

Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.

Bruised by Tanya Boteju
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Whip It meets We Are Okay in this vibrant coming-of-age story, about a teen girl navigates first love, identity, and grief when she immerses herself in the colorful, brutal, beautiful world of roller derby. From the acclaimed author of Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens.

The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When two teens discover that they were both sexually assaulted at the same party, they develop a cautious friendship through her family’s possibly magical pastelería, his secret forest of otherworldly trees, and the swallows returning to their hometown.

She’s Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray comes an electric romance set against a rebel art scene that sparks lethal danger for two girls in this expertly plotted YA thriller. For fans of E. Lockhart, Lauren Oliver and Kara Thomas.

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A YA contemporary rom com about two girls who start as rivals but after a twist of events, end up falling for one another–at least they think so.

Follow Your Arrow by Jessica Verdi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, this is a riveting and irresistible take on love, life, and identity – both online and off.

APRIL

The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sky’s small town turns absolutely claustrophobic when his secret promposal plans get leaked to the entire school in this witty, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful debut novel for fans of What if it’s Us? and I Wish You All the Best.

Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A moving #ownvoices YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice—and himself.

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Three Dark Crowns meets Wicked Saints in this queer #ownvoices retelling of The Firebird, a Russian folktale, by debut author Alexandra Overy.

Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the “heart-wrenching yet hopeful” (Samira Ahmed) novel The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, comes a timely, intimate look at what it means to be an immigrant in America today, and the endurance of hope and faith in the face of hate.

Malice by Heather Walter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this darkly magical retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

High school nemeses fall in love in this queer YA rom com perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuisten

The Key to You and Me by Jaye Robin Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sweet and funny #ownvoices LGBTQ+ romance perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy, from the critically acclaimed author of Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit!

MAY

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Felix Ever After meets Becky Albertalli in this swoon-worthy, heartfelt rom-com about how a transgender teen’s first love challenges his ideas about perfect relationships.

It Goes Like This by Miel Moreland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Miel Moreland’s heartfelt young adult debut, four queer teens realize that sometimes you have to risk hitting repeat on heartbreak.

How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

11-year-old Pluto struggles with her depression and anxiety diagnosis, which feels like a big black hole sitting on her chest making it too hard to do anything. She makes efforts to find balance with an assist from the friendly voice on the Hayden Planetarium’s Astronomy Question and Answer Hotline.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of The Falling in Love Montage, this queer coming-of-age story about a slacker who inadvertently becomes her school’s underground problem-solver is wry, multilayered, and unflinchingly honest—perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are. 

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To All the Boys I Loved Before meets LGBT romance in this funny, heart-warming rom-com about first love and identity.

May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A trans boy enters a throw-down battle for the title of Homecoming King with the boy he dumped last summer in ZR Ellor’s contemporary YA debut.

JUNE

The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Red, White and Royal Blue meets The West Wing in Sanchez’s electric and insightful #ownvoices YA debut, chronicling a transmasculine student’s foray into a no-holds-barred student body president election against the wishes of his politician father.

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From debut novelist Jason June comes a moving and hilarious sex-positive teen rom-com about the complexities of first loves, first hookups, and first heartbreaks—and how to stay true to yourself while embracing what you never saw coming.

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

They Both Die at the End meets The Loneliest Girl in the Universe in this mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.

Yes, Daddy by Jonathan Parks-Ramage
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A propulsive, scorching modern gothic, Yes, Daddy follows an ambitious young man who is lured by an older, successful playwright into a dizzying world of wealth and an idyllic Hamptons home where things take a nightmarish turn.

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A queer YA reimagining of Thelma & Louise with the aesthetic of Riverdale.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue comes a new romantic comedy that puts a queer spin on Kate & Leopold.

What queer 2021 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Anticipated Queer Book Releases You Can’t Miss In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Want to fall in love with a story because it’s narrated by literal angels with voices so heavenly they make you want to sing? Look no further, people! Dive right into these messy, over-the-top, can’t-stop-won’t-stop, break-your-heart, funny and emotional reads and keep on dreaming about next year’s Pride events where we all will have double the fun, double the enthusiasm, and double the appreciation!

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen; read by Piper Goodeve

Seventeen is nothing like Codi Teller imagined.

She’s never crashed a party, never stayed out too late. She’s never even been kissed. And it’s not just because she’s gay. It’s because she and her two best friends, Maritza and JaKory, spend more time in her basement watching Netflix than engaging with the outside world.

So when Maritza and JaKory suggest crashing a party, Codi is highly skeptical. Those parties aren’t for kids like them. They’re for cool kids. Straight kids.

But then Codi stumbles upon one of those cool kids, Ricky, kissing another boy in the dark, and an unexpected friendship is formed. In return for never talking about that kiss, Ricky takes Codi under his wing and draws her into a wild summer filled with late nights, new experiences, and one really cute girl named Lydia. The only problem? Codi never tells Maritza or JaKory about any of it. 

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston; read by Ramon De Ocampo

What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius—his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse.

Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through? Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue proves: true love isn’t always diplomatic. 

Find Me by André Aciman; read by Michael Stuhlbarg 

No novel in recent memory has spoken more movingly to contemporary readers about the nature of love than André Aciman’s haunting Call Me by Your Name. First published in 2007, it was hailed as “a love letter, an invocation . . . an exceptionally beautiful book” (Stacey D’Erasmo, The New York Times Book Review). Nearly three quarters of a million copies have been sold, and the book became a much-loved, Academy Award–winning film starring Timothée Chalamet as the young Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver, the graduate student with whom he falls in love.

In Find Me, Aciman shows us Elio’s father, Samuel, on a trip from Florence to Rome to visit Elio, who has become a gifted classical pianist. A chance encounter on the train with a beautiful young woman upends Sami’s plans and changes his life forever.

Elio soon moves to Paris, where he, too, has a consequential affair, while Oliver, now a New England college professor with a family, suddenly finds himself contemplating a return trip across the Atlantic.

Aciman is a master of sensibility, of the intimate details and the emotional nuances that are the substance of passion. Find Me brings us back inside the magic circle of one of our greatest contemporary romances to ask if, in fact, true love ever dies.

The House in The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune; read by Daniel Henning

Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.

Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen; read by Briggon Snow and James Fouhey

Lauren Shippen’s The Infinite Noise is a stunning, original debut based on her wildly popular and award-winning podcast The Bright Sessions.

Caleb Michaels is a sixteen-year-old champion running back. Other than that his life is pretty normal. But when Caleb starts experiencing mood swings that are out of the ordinary for even a teenager, his life moves beyond “typical.”

Caleb is an Atypical, an individual with enhanced abilities. Which sounds pretty cool except Caleb’s ability is extreme empathy—he feels the emotions of everyone around him. Being an empath in high school would be hard enough, but Caleb’s life becomes even more complicated when he keeps getting pulled into the emotional orbit of one of his classmates, Adam. Adam’s feelings are big and all-consuming, but they fit together with Caleb’s feelings in a way that he can’t quite understand.

Caleb’s therapist, Dr. Bright, encourages Caleb to explore this connection by befriending Adam. As he and Adam grow closer, Caleb learns more about his ability, himself, his therapist—who seems to know a lot more than she lets on—and just how dangerous being an Atypical can be.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales; read by Mark Sanderlin 

Will Tavares is the dream summer fling—he’s fun, affectionate, kind—but just when Ollie thinks he’s found his Happily Ever After, summer vacation ends and Will stops texting Ollie back. Now Ollie is one prince short of his fairytale ending, and to complicate the fairytale further, a family emergency sees Ollie uprooted and enrolled at a new school across the country. Which he minds a little less when he realizes it’s the same school Will goes to…except Ollie finds that the sweet, comfortably queer guy he knew from summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High. This Will is a class clown, closeted—and, to be honest, a bit of a jerk.

Ollie has no intention of pining after a guy who clearly isn’t ready for a relationship, especially since this new, bro-y jock version of Will seems to go from hot to cold every other week. But then Will starts “coincidentally” popping up in every area of Ollie’s life, from music class to the lunch table, and Ollie finds his resolve weakening.

The last time he gave Will his heart, Will handed it back to him trampled and battered. Ollie would have to be an idiot to trust him with it again.

Right? Right.

Hold My Hand by Michael Barakiva; read by the author

Alek Khederian thinks about his life B.E. and A.E.: Before Ethan and After Ethan. Before Ethan, Alek was just an average Armenian-American kid with a mess of curly dark hair, grades not nearly good enough for his parents, and no idea of who he was or what he wanted. After he got together with Ethan, Alek was a new man. Stylish. Confident. (And even if he wasn’t quite marching in LGBTQ parades), Gay and Out and Proud.

With their six-month anniversary coming up, Alek and Ethan want to do something special to celebrate. Like, really special. Like, the most special thing two people in love can do with one another. But Alek’s not sure he’s ready for that. And then he learns something about Ethan that may not just change their relationship, but end it.

Alek can’t bear the thought of finding out who he’d be P.E.: Post-Ethan. But he also can’t forgive or forget what Ethan did. Luckily, his best friend Becky and madcap Armenain family are there to help him figure out whether it’s time to just let Ethan go, or reach out and hold his hand.

And that’s it! We hope you enjoy any – or all – of these audiobooks and keep your eyes peeled for more Pride coverage heading your way soon!

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post #ReadWithPride: Audiobook Recommendations for Pride Month appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi Kelly! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hey, thanks for having me! I’m a novelist from Atlanta who writes about queer teenagers and their paths to understanding themselves. I grew up in western New York, Japan, and Singapore – my family was always moving around for my dad’s job. I loved writing from the time I was six years old; books and stories were a major constant in my life no matter where we were living. I went to college in Tennessee, taught middle school math in Louisiana, then settled back in Atlanta to start my writing career. I love traveling, planning weekend visits with my siblings and cousins, and working with the LGBT Catholic community.

If you had to describe the vibe of Late to the Party with one song, what would it be?

“For Real” by Mallrat. They even use the lyrics “late to the party” in that song.

Now tell us a bit more about Late to the Party!

It’s a story for the late bloomer in all of us. There are five queer teenagers at the center of it, but the main character is Codi, a shy wallflower who’s trying to make the most of the summer leading into her senior year.

In this book, you tackle the realities of being a teen and having to cope with the expectations that teens put on themselves to measure up. What do you hope readers take away from Codi’s story?

That the only “right” way to be a teenager is to let yourself grow into whomever you were meant to be. Don’t box yourself in. Don’t tell yourself a limited story about who you are or who you could be. Give yourself the time and grace to discover who you are and what/whom you love.

Codi, Maritza, and JaKory watch a lot of movies together, the gayer the better. Were the descriptions for the movies based on real ones? If so, could you share some titles you love?

Haha, no, they weren’t based on real movies, although the quip about queer women’s stories always ending tragically was definitely borne of my own frustration. Some of my favorite queer movies are I Can’t Think Straight, Imagine Me & You, Saving Face, D.E.B.S., and, most recently, Portrait of a Lady on Fire. I sobbed watching that one.

Music plays a big role in the friendship between Ricky and Codi. Is there a song that you automatically connect with them?

There’s this beautiful, stripped down cover of “Use Somebody” by Tyrone Wells that always reminds me of them. It’s pure and gentle and soft, like their friendship.

Bonus: what’s Ricky’s least favorite song of all time?

Ha, probably that Rick Astley one. Ricky is NOT happy to share a name with that guy.

Speaking of being a teen, want to share some awkward stories with our readers?

Oh man. How about my response to being asked to senior prom? I was so caught off guard—and deeply in the closet, even to myself—that all I managed to tell the guy was, “Yeah, rock on.” Definitely a cringe moment.

Without spoiling too much, what was your favorite scene to write for Late to the Party?

The tender moment in the tree house when Codi paints Lydia’s portrait. That scene felt so emotionally real to me. I also loved writing the scene when Ricky comes to Codi’s house after their fight and the two of them lie on the basement floor and talk about how they perceive each other.

You self-published your first novel and now Late to the Party marks your traditional debut. Would you mind telling us a bit about the differences between traditional and self-publishing and what the change was like for you?

Yeah, it’s been a big change, but in a very good way. The biggest difference is the timeline. My self-published novel, Her Name in the Sky, took a total of two years to write and publish. Once I was ready to put it out there, it was just, boom – it was done. With Late to the Party, I spent four years writing it before we sold it in April 2018. Then it was another two years to go through the editorial and publication process before we got to where we are now, with the actual release. So it takes a lot of patience, but to me, it’s worth it. I’m thrilled with the final version of the book.

I do want to point out that one of my key reasons for switching to traditional publishing was a matter of reader access. Her Name in the Sky is readily available on so many platforms, but even so, I still get a number of messages from people who have trouble accessing the book. Sometimes that’s because they’re in another country, but many times it’s because they’re young and closeted. They can’t order a book online without outing themselves to their parents. So how do you remedy that? My thought is that you have to make it as seamless as possible for queer books, especially young adult queer books, to land in readers’ hands. I want it to be easy for a 16-year-old kid in Missouri to drive to the nearest Barnes & Noble and find this book and pay for it with cash, which you can’t do online. Or to walk into the local library and read it for free without anyone needing to know. Traditional publishers have the wherewithal to make that happen.

Late to the Party releases on April 21 st, but what’s next for you? Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on now?

Yes, it does! And I can’t wait!

Next up is a teen romantic comedy between a down-on-her-luck basketball player and the cheerleading captain she despises. When they get into a fender bender in the school parking lot, they’re forced to carpool and… well, let’s just say they don’t hate each other by the end of the book ;).

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

So many I could name, but I’ll shout out some of my fellow 2020 queer YA debuts who are going to be affected by this global pandemic. I’d encourage readers to hit up their local indie bookstore and request Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales (available now), The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar (releasing in May), and You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson (releasing in June). They’re all gay, and they’re all fantastic!

Will you be picking up Late To The Party? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Kelly Quindlen, Author of ‘Late To The Party’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Jack Kerouac Is Dead to Me by Gae Polisner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gae Polisner’s Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me is a story about the fragility of female friendship, of falling in love and wondering if you are ready for more, and of the glimmers of hope we find by taking stock in ourselves.

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, This Is How It Ends, and All the Bright Places, comes a new novel about life after. How do you put yourself back together when it seems like you’ve lost it all?

The Loop by Ben Oliver
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Life inside The Loop-the futuristic death row for teens under eighteen-is one long repetitive purgatory. But when news of the encroaching chaos in the outside world reaches the inmates and disorder begins to strike, the prison becomes the least of their worries. Perfect for fans of The Fifth Wave and The Darkest Minds.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.

So This is Love by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What if Cinderella never tried on the glass slipper? Unable to prove that she’s the missing princess, and unable to bear life under Lady Tremaine any longer, Cinderella attempts a fresh start, looking for work at the palace as a seamstress. But when the Grand Duke appoints her to serve under the king’s visiting sister, Cinderella becomes witness to a grand conspiracy to take the king-and the prince-out of power, as well as a longstanding prejudice against fairies, including Cinderella’s own Fairy Godmother.

Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Hot Dog Girl comes a fresh and funny YA contemporary romance about two teens who fall in love in an indie comic book shop.

Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A reflective, romantic coming-of-age novel that explores life after high school–perfect for fans of Fangirl and Emergency Contact.

This Boy by Lauren Myracle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Lauren Myracle brings her signature frank, funny, and insightful writing to this novel of a teenage boy’s coming-of-age.

Crave by Tracy Wolff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. Then there’s Jaxon Vega, a vampire with deadly secrets  and there’s something about him that calls to me. Which could spell death for us all. Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally—as the bait.

They Went Left by Monica Hesse
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A tour de force historical mystery from Monica Hesse, the bestselling and award-winning author of Girl in the Blue Coat.

Don’t Call the Wolf by Aleksandra Ross
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A forest, besieged. A queen, unyielding. Fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black will devour this deliciously dark Eastern European–inspired YA fantasy debut.

The Burning by Laura Bates
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Laura Bates, internationally renowned feminist and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, comes a debut novel for the #metoo era. It’s a powerful call to action, reminding all readers of the implications of sexism and the role we can each play in ending it.

Will you be picking up any of these YA books? Tell us in the comments below!

The post April 2020 Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

“You grow up with these ideas about Teenagers, about their wild, vibrant, dramatic lives of breaking rules and making out and Being Alive, and you know that it’s your destiny to become one of them someday, but suddenly you’re seventeen and you’re watching people cannonball into a swimming pool in the pouring rain, and you realize you still haven’t become a real Teenager, and maybe you never will.”

Why this book needs to be on your shelf:

• The title of the book is a pun??
• There is a tight-knit group of friends that you will want to be part of
• Speaking of, friend dynamics and support vs. pressure are discussed!
• The love interest is the softest girl to ever exist
• It’s an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers and everyone who’s ever felt like they are on the sidelines watching life instead of living it

“I think being friends with someone should be like the concept of infinity— like you truly believe that person has no limits, and you just want to keep counting upward with them to see where they go.”

Review:

Late to the Party is one of these books that feels like an eye opener. It’s the kind of quiet book that deserves to make a big splash because it reveals one of the deepest fears of teens everywhere: not measuring up.

Codi and her friends have spent every weekend and every summer break the same way: pining over the fact that neither of them has had a significant other yet to share their life with. In an age where everyone seems to be growing up so fast and sex is almost more a commodity than an actual experience, it’s hard to be on the side of inexperience, especially when everyone keeps bragging how far they’ve gone already. It also begs the question ‘how do you fit in while also standing out?’

I remember reading this tweet about how queer adults often have a do-over of their teenage years when they’re more comfortable in their identity and it just rang very true in this book as well. Perhaps because they don’t fit in with the straight crowd, Codi and her friends are a bit “late to the party” of having first crushes, first kisses, and first heartbreaks. It’s a plotline that deserves all the attention because it’s just so relatable, especially when you’re struggling with your sexuality. Codi never outright admits it, but others see her hiding her true self because she’s scared to break out of the shell that everyone has put her in—not just in terms of liking girls, but being an outgoing, carefree girl when everyone knows her as reliable and timid.

Codi was just so relatable. There’s this perception that’s fed into by movies and TV shows that your teens are just wild and reckless and Codi’s experience shows both sides of the coin. Yes, having a big group of friends can be awesome but it’s also really amazing to have a few best friends who will always be in your corner and drive you to Alabama in the middle of the night to meet up with a boy as well. Friends are people who support you no matter what and the portrayals of friendships in this book are spectacular.

The secondary characters made this book as unique as it is. From Ricky, the guy who does not want to deal with labels, to Lydia who is the personification of a marshmallow (you’ll see once you read the book why this is the only way to describe her), everyone had their own baggage to deal with but still tried to be the best friends they could be. Maritza and JaKory may have the best of intentions but sometimes, they go about getting Codi out of her shell the wrong way and cage her in instead of giving her the space to be okay with herself. But friends stick together, even when they’re annoyed, and that’s what makes them great.

Ultimately, this is a book about friendship and self-acceptance. It chronicles what it means to grow up and explore other sides of yourself while figuring out what that means for the relationships through which you have defined yourself your whole life. There’s also the question of how a significant other fits in with your life and friends group and even though Codi may fail to reconcile these facets of her life, there’s always the chance to try again and get it right next time. Hopeful and a bit rebellious, this book will resonate with everyone who has ever felt like a wallflower and wants to know they’re not alone in taking everything slow. Growing up isn’t a race, it’s a marathon, and this story showcases this beautifully.

A love letter to late bloomers, Late to the Party combines teenage angst with first loves and second chances and emphasises that true friends will always be there for you even as you discover new parts of yourself. Do not be late to the party and get on reading this book!

Late to the Party is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of April 21st 2020.

Will you be picking up Late to the Party? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Seventeen is nothing like Codi Teller imagined.

She’s never crashed a party, never stayed out too late. She’s never even been kissed. And it’s not just because she’s gay. It’s because she and her two best friends, Maritza and JaKory, spend more time in her basement watching Netflix than engaging with the outside world.

So when Maritza and JaKory suggest crashing a party, Codi is highly skeptical. Those parties aren’t for kids like them. They’re for cool kids. Straight kids.

But then Codi stumbles upon one of those cool kids, Ricky, kissing another boy in the dark, and an unexpected friendship is formed. In return for never talking about that kiss, Ricky takes Codi under his wing and draws her into a wild summer filled with late nights, new experiences, and one really cute girl named Lydia.

The only problem? Codi never tells Maritza or JaKory about any of it.

From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.

The post #ReadWithPride: Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Today’s list shines a spotlight on 20 YA books coming out in 2020 which focus on a romantic relationship between two female characters. We have everything from evil queens and prom queens, revolutionaries and rebels to modern-day witches and falling in love via fandom aliases. There are rom-coms, coming-of-age stories, lush romantic fantasy and dark magic plus so much more!

The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski (March 3^rd 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, beloved author Marie Rutkoski returns with an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves.

The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett (March 3^rd 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

An enchanted tale of intrigue where a duke’s daughter is the only survivor of a magical curse. Part Sleeping Beauty, part Anastasia, with a thrilling political mystery, The Winter Duke is a spellbinding story about choosing what’s right in the face of danger.

Witches of Ash and Ruin by E. Latimer (March 3^rd 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Modern witchcraft blends with ancient Celtic mythology in an epic clash of witches and gods. With razor-sharp prose and achingly real characters, E. Latimer crafts a sweeping, mesmerizing story of dark magic and brutal mythology set against a backdrop of contemporary Ireland that’s impossible to put down. 

The Truth About Keeping Secrets by Savannah Brown (March 7^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Sydney’s dad is the only psychiatrist for miles around their small Ohio town. He is also unexpectedly dead. Is Sydney crazy, or is it kind of weird that her dad-a guy whose entire job revolved around other peoples’ secrets-crashed alone, with no explanation? THE TRUTH ABOUT KEEPING SECRETS is a page-turning, voice led, high school thriller.

We Were Promised Spotlights by Lindsay Sproul (March 24^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

People think Taylor is living the dream, and assume she’ll stay in town and have kids with the homecoming king…but Taylor is actually desperate to leave home. Also? She’s completely in love with her best friend, Susan. Lindsay Sproul’s debut is full of compelling introspection and painfully honest commentary on what it’s like to be harnessed to a destiny you never wanted.

Look by Zan Romanoff (March 31st 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

It’s a story about what you present vs. who you really are, about real intimacy and manufactured intimacy and the blurring of that line. It’s a deceptively glamorous, feminist, emotionally complex, utterly compelling, queer coming-of-age novel about falling in love and taking ownership of your own self–your whole self–in the age of social media.

Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran  (April 6^th 2020)
Book Depository | Goodreads

When teenage queen Lia inherits her corrupt uncle’s bankrupt kingdom, she brings a new spymaster into the fold … Xania, who takes the job to avenge her murdered father. In a world where the throne means both power and duty, they must decide what to sacrifice for their country – and for each other … 

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen (April 21^st 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.

Dangerous Remedy by Kat Dunn (May 7^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Camille, a revolutionary’s daughter, leads a band of outcasts – a runaway girl, a deserter, an aristocrat in hiding. But their latest rescue is not what she seems. As Camille learns the truth, she’s forced to choose between loyalty to those she loves and the future.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar (May 12^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

When Dimple Met Rishi meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this rom com about two teen girls with rival henna businesses. Amidst sabotage and school stress, their lives get more tangled—but Nishat can’t quite get rid of her crush on Flávia, and realizes there might be more to her than she realized.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (May 12^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

A captivating and utterly original fairy tale about a girl cursed to be poisonous to the touch, and who discovers what power might lie in such a curse…

The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke (May 12^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

An outcast teenage lesbian witch finds her coven hidden amongst the popular girls in her school, and performs some seriously badass magic in the process.

I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch (May 26^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

I Kissed Alice is a romantic comedy about enemies, lovers, and everything in between. Since only one of them can get the coveted Capstone scholarship, the competition between Rhodes and Iliana is fierce. And despite being worst enemies in real life, their anonymous online identities are starting to like each other…a lot. When the truth comes out, will they destroy each other’s future?

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska  (June 1^st 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Every year, Caldella’s Witch Queen lures a young boy back to her palace. Sixteen-year-old Lina Kirk is determined to rescue Tomas Lin, her secret crush. Caught breaking into the palace, the Queen offers Lina a deal: she will let Tomas go, if Lina agrees to take his place. Against their will, they find themselves falling for each other.

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre (June 2^nd 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

A YA contemporary rom com about arch-nemeses Emma, a die-hard romantic, and more-practical minded Sophia who find themselves competing against one another for a coveted first-prize trip to a film festival in Los Angeles . . . what happens if their rivalry turns into a romance?  

You Don’t Live Here by Robyn Schneider (June 2^nd 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Robyn Schneider delivers a witty and heartbreaking tale of first love, second beginnings, and last chances in this timely and authentic bisexual coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera.

You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson (June 2^nd 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Liz’s plans to attend the uber-elite Pennington College come crashing down until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, and the only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?

The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth (June 9^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Saoirse doesn’t believe in love at first sight or happy endings. But after a chance encounter at an end-of-term house party, Saoirse is about to break her own rules. For a girl with one blue freckle, an irresistible sense of mischief, and a passion for rom-coms.

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggeman (July 14^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

In this wry and hilarious queer romantic comedy, fifteen-year-old Phoebe realizes that falling in love is maybe not just for losers. This is a laugh-out-loud exploration of sexuality, family, female friendship, grief, and community. Think of this as Bridget Jones’ Diary, if it were written by Bridget’s daughter.

Ruinsong by Julia Ember (November 24^th 2020)
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

In this dark and lush LGBTQ+ romantic fantasy, two young women from rival factions must work together to reunite their country as they wrestle with their feelings for each other. 

Are there any titles you are looking forward to? Or are there any others that you would recommend? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 20 Sapphic YA Releases To Look Forward To In 2020  appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Who’s ready to get their hands on some new YA releases!? We definitely are and we bet you can’t wait too! We love a new year because that means there’s going to be so many new books coming out over the next 12 months from authors we already love as well as authors releasing their very first novel into the wild!

Naturally there’s many books being released, so we’ve narrowed it down to 48 titles that we are really looking forward to being released between the months of January and June!

So, what can we expect from 2020? Well there’s new books from familiar names such as Cassandra Clare, Melissa de la Cruz, Suzanne Collins,  Alwyn Hamilton, and many more! In terms of content, there’s gender-swapped retellings, vampires, assassins, magic, thrillers, dragons, sweet contemporaries, stories of friendship, tales of love and revenge, and much, much more!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourites and tell us in the comments if you are looking forward to any of these releases!

JANUARY

Oasis by Katya de Becerra
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this young adult thriller for fans of Lost and The Twilight Zone, a group of teens are saved when they come across a mysterious oasis. But who will save them from the oasis?

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen, and praised as “an intense rush of rebellion and romance” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Garber, this romantic and layered Own Voices debut from Abigail Hing Wen is a dazzling, fun-filled romp.

Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With Anna-Marie McLemore’s signature lush prose, Dark and Deepest Red pairs the forbidding magic of a fairy tale with a modern story of passion and betrayal.

Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess fleeing an arranged marriage teams up with a snarky commoner to foil a rebel plot in B. R. Myers’ Rogue Princess, a gender-swapped sci-fi YA retelling of Cinderella.

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.

Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Heavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, Black Girl Unlimited fearlessly explores the intersections of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism―all through the arc of a transcendent coming-of-age story for fans of Renee Watson’s Piecing Me Together and Ibi Zoboi’s American Street.

Blood Countess by Lana Popović
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula.

Don’t Read the Comments by Eric Smith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Slay meets Eliza and Her Monsters in Eric Smith’s Don’t Read the Comments, an #ownvoices story in which two teen gamers find their virtual worlds – and blossoming romance – invaded by the real-world issues of trolling and doxing in the gaming community.

FEBRUARY

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
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Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King, is back with an epic YA tale of ambition and love in The Shadows Between Us…

The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
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Teen boys find love when their parents’ NASA mission uproots their lives in this sweet debut perfect for Adam Silvera fans.

The Queen’s Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz
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Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Red Queen, this is the first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy-romance duet about a deadly assassin, his mysterious apprentice, and the country they are sworn to protect from #1 NYT bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
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New York Times bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed have crafted a resonant, funny, and memorable story about the power of love and resistance.

Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller
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From the author of the Mask of Shadows duology comes a standalone fantasy where two young women must trade lives, work together to stay alive, and end a war caused by magic and greed.

The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly by Meredith Tate
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If I Stay meets One of Us is Lying in this gripping contemporary thriller.

Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal
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A lush, dark YA fantasy debut that weaves together tattoo magic, faith, and eccentric theater in a world where lies are currency and ink is a weapon, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake.

Foul Is Fair by Hannah Capin
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Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

MARCH

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
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Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Bone ​Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie comes a high-stakes fantasy duology flush with doomed romance and macabre magic, perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber and Roshani Chokshi.

Anna K.: A Love Story by Jenny Lee
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Dazzlingly opulent and emotionally riveting, Anna K.: A Love Story is a brilliant reimagining of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless love story, Anna Karenina―but above all, it is a novel about the dizzying, glorious, heart-stopping experience of first love and first heartbreak.

Greythorne by Crystal Smith
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Brimming with deliciously mysterious magic, political intrigue, and a passionate heroine who will do anything to save the ones she loves—this highly anticipated sequel to Bloodleaf won’t disappoint.

Harley in the Sky by Akemi Dawn Bowman
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The Greatest Showman meets This Is Us by way of Sarah Dessen in this heart-wrenching, hopeful contemporary novel about a multiracial teen who risks it all to follow her dreams by joining the circus, from the critically acclaimed author of Starfish.

Havenfall by Sara Holland
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A safe haven between four realms. The girl sworn to protect it–at any cost. New York Times bestselling author Sara Holland crafts a breathtaking new contemporary fantasy perfect for fans of Melissa Albert and Holly Black.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets Clueless in this boy-meets-boy spin on Grease.

When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey
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A sly, witchy dark comedy about four teens whose magic goes wildly awry from Magic for Liars author Sarah Gailey, who Chuck Wendig calls an “author to watch.”

APRIL

Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova
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Jack Kerouac Is Dead to Me by Gae Polisner
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Gae Polisner’s Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me is a story about the fragility of female friendship, of falling in love and wondering if you are ready for more, and of the glimmers of hope we find by taking stock in ourselves.

Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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A reflective, romantic coming-of-age novel that explores life after high school–perfect for fans of Fangirl and Emergency Contact.

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson
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For fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, This Is How It Ends, and All the Bright Places, comes a new novel about life after. How do you put yourself back together when it seems like you’ve lost it all?

Clique Bait by Ann Valett
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Pretty Little Liars meets Burn for Burn in this thrilling debut from Wattpad star Ann Valett.

Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan
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From the author of Hot Dog Girl comes a fresh and funny YA contemporary romance about two teens who fall in love in an indie comic book shop.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen
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From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.

Loveless by Alice Oseman
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Loveless is a journey of identity, self-acceptance, and finding out how many different types of love there really are. And that no one is really loveless after all.

MAY

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
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The post 48 YA Book Releases To Look Out For In 2020 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.