Hi, K.L! Welcome back! How has the past year been since we last spoke?

It’s been a total, wonderful whirlwind! I celebrated the release of my two 2025 novels, While We’re Young (Delacorte Romance) and A First Time for Everything (Sourcebooks Fire), married my real-life romantic hero, and moved back to the East Coast. All while drafting and revising my next few books. In other words, I’ve been a little busy…

Your latest novel, We’re a Bad Idea, Right?, is out March 31^st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Friends don’t let friends fake-date. (Technically five words, right?)

What can readers expect?

A dreamy coastal setting featuring a badass heroine, banter for pages and pages, and some very questionable decision making that results in plenty of heartstopping shenanigans. Plus, two cameos from While We’re Young.

Where did the inspiration for We’re a Bad Idea, Right? come from?

Like While We’re Young, this novel is a love letter to eighties teen movies. We’re a Bad Idea, Right? is contemporary, genderswapped retelling of Risky Business. I wanted to take another “caper” and flip it on its head with a female ringleader.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I loved getting to know Audrey, my protagonist, and exploring her passion for glassblowing. I’m not artistic in the slightest, but the medium has always fascinated me. A family friend is a professional glassblower, and her talent, grit, and grace inspire me to no end. I loved spending time in her hotshop, learning more about the artform and brainstorming how to best present it on the page. I hope I did you proud, Gemma!

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I suffered from a really bad bout of tendinitis while drafting this book—writers injure themselves, too!—so I was in a lot of physical pain and had to take multiple breaks while drafting. It turns out that writing exclusively from my couch does not do my posture any favors, so I’ve worked hard to develop better writing habits. I invested in a nice desk chair and I do various wrist-strengthening exercises before starting to write each day. My compression gloves might not be cute, but they help cut down on the amount of hand massages I request from my husband.

Were there any particular songs or artists that frequented your writing sessions?

Taylor Swift, as always, but I listened to a lot of Olivia Rodrigo (the book’s title is an ode to “bad idea, right?”) and Maisie Peters. Calvin Harris and Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” also plays an important role in the book.

This is your sixth published novel! What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned since your debut?

The first draft does not need to be flawless; in fact, it can be terrible. I tell myself this almost every time I sit down to write, because not only am I an edit-as-I-go writer, but when it comes to my work, I am my most merciless critic. Which I mostly see as a good thing, but being a perfectionist also gets in my way. Nothing needs to be perfect in an initial draft. Just type until you hit “the end.” Revisions are when it’s time to really make a story shine.

What’s next for you?

My second novel of 2026, The Summer of Second Chances (Sourcebooks Fire), hits bookshelves on May 5^th. It is set on Martha’s Vineyard and explores grumpy-sunshine love, looming loss, and the importance of family. I’m also happy to report that readers will reunite with a handful of fan favorite characters from my other books.

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of Ancient History Between Us, Kaitlyn Hill’s next young adult romance. It is the Italian summer novel of your dreams; I wouldn’t read it without a glass of sparkling lemonade nearby. I’m also looking forward to the long-awaited return of Sarah Dessen, with Change of Plans.

Will you be picking up We’re a Bad Idea, Right? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: K.L. Walther, Author of ‘We’re a Bad Idea, Right?’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, K.L.! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with my family and two high-energy, personality-plus dogs. My favorite childhood favorite pastimes included playing ice hockey, watching Gilmore Girls, listening to Taylor Swift, and weekend trips to Barnes & Noble. I majored in English at the University of Virginia, and now live in San Francisco with my fiancé, where we are spoiled by charming restaurants and vista views.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I’ve always been an avid reader—my parents have a video of me paging through picture books as a toddler—and I took a fiction writing workshop on a whim during my sophomore year of college. I started writing what would someday become What Happens After Midnight, my 2023 novel, and my fingers have been flying across the keyboard ever since.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
• The one that made you want to become an author: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Your latest novel, While We’re Young, is out March 4^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Senior skip day with feelings!

What can readers expect?

A lot of laughs, longing, and a grand tour of the City of Brotherly Love.

Where did the inspiration for While We’re Young come from?

It came to me in a dream! Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of my favorite feel-good movies, so after a rewatch back in 2020, I dreamt that I wrote a “genderswapped, contemporary retelling.” That was it. That was the dream.

Other elements were inspired by my life. I grew up about forty minutes outside Philadelphia, where I went on elementary school field trips—from Old City to the Linc—and I’ve gone to many a concert in the city (I recently saw FINNEAS at the Fillmore). Friendships are also incredibly important to me, so I wanted to pay homage to my family’s closest knit ones. They played such a key role in my childhood.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I like to think there are pieces of me in all my characters, but I can confidently say that James and I are nothing alike (with the exception of our love for ice cream). Which means I had the absolute best time writing him! I was a goody-two-shoes in high school, so he allowed me to live on the the “dark side” a little. He did all of these things that I never would’ve had the courage to do as someone his age. It was consequence-free fun!

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

The most challenging part of writing While We’re Young was the four character perspectives, but I think it’s important to stretch oneself as a writer and I’m so happy with how they turned out. I kept track of the characters’ individual “vocabularies” in my notebook. Each character has his/her word or phrase or expression of choice. If James’s pulse quickens, another character’s heart rate speeds up or spikes. While drafting, I tried to limit myself to writing one character a day, or I took a break for a couple hours to make sure I wasn’t still in “Grace mode” when I started writing Everett. I really wanted each voice to be distinct.

What’s next for you?

I am currently finishing up revisions on We’re A Bad Idea, Right?, my 2026 fake dating romance whose shenanigans are inspired by Risky Business. It was a tough first draft, but I’ve really fallen in love with these new characters over the past several months! My second 2025 novel, A First Time For Everything, also hits shelves on June 3^rd. Readers will recognize some familiar faces!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

I am so behind on my TBR, but on my horizon are Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life (she’s one of my biggest inspirations), Love Unmasked by Becky Dean, and the longtime Hunger Games fan in me can’t wait for Sunrise on the Reaping.

Will you be picking up While We’re Young? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: K.L. Walther, Author of ‘While We’re Young’ 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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestselling YA debut Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender.

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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.

What Happens After Midnight is a YA second chance romance with hints of mystery elements. The plot was reminiscent of books like Since You’ve Been Gone and Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson, 11 Paper Hearts by Kelsey Hartwell, I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston, P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han, Paper Towns by John Green, as well as Margot Mertz Takes It Down by Carrie McCrossen and Ian McWethy. Additionally, the boarding school gave me major Zoey 101 vibes and Lily’s relationship with her mother was similar to Rory and Lorelai’s relationship in Gilmore Girls. What Happens After Midnight is a perfect summer read for YA fans, especially high school seniors! Some themes and topics present include revenge, love and heartbreak, self esteem, identity, growing up, friendship, good versus bad, and diabetes.

Firstly, I loved all the references that Walther makes to some of my favourite topics—Taylor Swift and Schitt’s Creek—as I felt like this helped draw me into the novel and connect with the main characters. The end of school year vibe and the beachside, boarding school setting was enjoyable as it was seasonally appropriate and perfect for summertime reading. I liked how the book was broken up into different sections based on the scavenger hunt clues as this made the book easier to follow and read, plus the beautiful cover really matched the vibe of the book.

I was a bit disappointed that What Happens After Midnight was geared towards a younger YA audience as opposed to Walther’s 2021 novel, The Summer of Broken Rules. Even though the Jester’s prank was originally intriguing, I felt like the scavenger hunt itself was kind of underwhelming and I was disappointed that most of the Jester’s “fools” didn’t really participate (for example, one of the participants is sick and ends up spending the entire prank in the restroom).

Overall, I enjoyed this book; I thought that it was an easy, fun, and summery read that teen and YA readers should definitely add to their summer TBR lists!

What Happens After Midnight is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 27th.

Will you be picking up What Happens After Midnight? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Lily Hopper has two more weeks until she’s officially finished with boarding school. With graduation quickly approaching Lily is worried that she’s somehow missed out on the fun of being in high school. So, when she receives a mysterious note inviting her to join the anonymous senior class Jester in executing the end-of-year prank, Lily sees her chance to put her goody-two-shoes reputation behind her.

When Lily realizes the Jester is none other than Taggart Swell, her ex- boyfriend, she’s already in too deep to back out. Lily might’ve dumped Tag, but she still has major feelings. Plus, his brilliant plan to steal the school’s yearbooks, targets none other than Lilly’s prom date: the Senior Class President, Daniel.

As the group of pranksters hide cryptic clues across campus for Daniel to find, Lily and Tag find themselves in close quarters. As the exes dodge Campus Safety guards, night owl teachers, a troop of freshmen, and even Daniel himself, new sparks fly. But old hurts and painful secrets refuse to be ignored. And with graduation on the horizon, Lily can only hope that breaking the rules will help mend her heart.

The post Review: What Happens After Midnight by K.L. Walther appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Summer of Broken Rules is ideally suited for those who enjoy contemporary romance. This book reminded me a lot of books like P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han, The Beach House by Beth Reekles, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, Breathless by Jennifer Niven, and Fade Into the Bright by Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Schwartz. This book deals with themes such as coming of age, growing up, death and grief, family, love and heartbreak, travel, and identity.

Firstly, the references to Taylor Swift’s songs in this book were so enjoyable because, like Meredith, I am a huge “Swiftie”. This book had a little bit of everything: a beach destination, some family drama and healing, a summer love, a fairytale wedding, lots of adventure, and an epic game of assassin. It’s very well organised and in addition to numbered chapters, the book is also broken down chronologically by the day of the week. I loved how Walther included both an epilogue as well as a chapter taking place one year after the conclusion of the book. This made it so satisfying to read about what was happening with Meredith post happily ever after. Lastly, I thought that the tropical descriptions of Martha’s Vineyard were an excellent form of escapism.

To be honest, there wasn’t a lot about this book that I didn’t like. One critique is that the game of assassin was rather long as well as a little bit juvenile and intricate. Another critique is that Walther doesn’t give us the whole story of Claire’s passing at the beginning of the book; I was left guessing as to what happened to Claire until the whole story was revealed approximately mid-way through the book.

Since this book is relatively short and takes place during summer vacation, I think that it would be a perfect summer or beach read!

The Summer of Broken Rules is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up The Summer of Broken Rules? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Meredith Fox has been going to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer as long as she can remember. But this summer is the first one back since the death of Meredith’s sister. It will all be overwhelming, but even more since since the entire extended family will be together for her cousin’s big wedding.

Unfortunately, Meredith’s longtime boyfriend unexpectedly dumped her two weeks before the wedding, leaving her dateless. Luckily, she has the perfect distraction. Her family has a tradition of playing the ultimate game of Assassin every summer, and this year it will take place during the week of wedding festivities.

But her target just happens to be a very cute groomsman. She’s determined to not let herself get distracted, not let herself be lost in another doomed relationship. But as the week progresses, she can’t help falling for him, which may cost her not only the game, but also her heart.

Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Katie Cotugno, this is a story of loss, romance, and the time it takes to become who you really want to be.

The post Review: The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther appeared first on The Nerd Daily.