Hi, Lev! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi! Thanks for having me. And sure – I’m Lev, I write books for all ages, my YA rom-coms like Camp and Emmett are under L.C. Rosen and my adult stuff like Lavender House and the Evander Mills series, are under Lev AC Rosen. I’m a born and raised New Yorker and I have a very tiny cat who features prominently on my Instagram.

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

Oh this is one of those hard questions because the answer is always. I made up stories with my he-man and she-ra dolls, I was writing stories soon as I could write. My first word was book. It’s always been there.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Mercer Mayer. I still have my old copy.
• The one that made you want to become an author: I don’t know. I’ve just sort of always wanted to be an author. But I remember the first book that made me think about what kind of writer I wanted to be – The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Oh there are so many. I love Robert Jackson Bennett’s Tainted Cup series – I’ve been wondering when the third one is. And then when I think of recent books that just did something extraordinary, Dahlia Adler’s Going BiCoastal to me was just so audacious and fresh and is something people should be talking about always.

Your latest novel, You’ve Goth My Heart, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Original title: You’ve Goth Mail.

What can readers expect?

It’s my YA rom-com take on that classic story – Parfumerie, The Shop Around the Corner, She Loves Me, You’re Got Mail – two goth boys end up texting and fall for each other anonymously because of a mistaken text, but unknowingly also kind of hate each other and are competing the the town Halloween decorating contest. It’s got dark goth humor, real silly boys, misunderstandings galore, closeted exes and a serial killer!

Where did the inspiration for You’ve Goth My Heart come from?

Of all those stories I mentioned above, She Loves Me is the one I love the most and grew up with, so that was the big inspiration. I think I was joking once about writing something like that with texting and as a former/sometimes-still-current goth, I thought of the Halloween constest idea as something fun to make their competition, and then You’ve Goth Mail came to me. It started as a joke, though. I didn’t think I was going to write it, but then I did. But they did ask me to change the title because they felt ‘You’ve Got Mail’ wasn’t a reference teens today would know.

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

I loved getting to do my darker humor, for sure. Jokes about dying and murder and falling for serial killers aren’t usually what you find in rom-coms. As I wrote it I often thought to myself it was a book for an audience of like, me and my friends only. I also loved writing Lenore, the crafty one and the Marilyn. You know how in The Munsters there’s the normal sexy one, Marilyn? I maintain most goth friend groups have a Marilyn, who looks like an All-American person, until up close you see they have red contacts in and that cute plaid sweater is actually a pattern of bones or something. I was that person, so I loved writing her. And she just has such fun dialogue.

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

The big thing I kept running into with my editor was this idea of it being a guessing game? The story is told totally from Grey’s point of view, but I never wanted it to be a question who he was texting – just like You’ve Got Mail, She Loves Me, etc, that should be pretty obvious and with an early reveal. But because those are movies/plays, it was hard to get that distance, and going double POV didn’t make much sense because Malcolm’s plot was conveyed in all the texting. But everyone seemed to think it was “too obvious” who he was texting, and I didn’t understand that because of course it was, it was supposed to be. So I ended up just putting a little opener being like THIS IS ABOUT GREY AND MALCOLM. Which is my way of saying “do not try to guess! This isn’t a mystery, it’s just ridiculousness.” Which isn’t to say Grey has any idea who he’s texting. Why would he? He’s not reading the book. I’m honestly not sure I fixed it. We’ll see!

What’s next for you?

Well, the fourth book in the Evander Mills series, Mirage City, comes out next month, and then I have a new adult mystery series starting in June – it’s called The Disaster Gay Detective Agency, and I think it sort of bridges the gap between my adult mystery and my YA ridiculous rom-coms, so I hope everyone will like it.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

I really enjoyed Tom Ryan’s We Had a Hunch, which is coming out next month I think – teen detective all grown up and all messed up.

Will you be picking up You’ve Goth My Heart? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A L.C. Rosen, Author of ‘You’ve Goth My Heart’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Emmett is pitched as a modern-day gay Emma retelling. We follow Emmett Woodhouse, who has a lot going for him. He’s handsome, clever, and of good fortune, and is generally a happy guy who loves to spread the wealth, whether that means letting an irritating person infiltrate his lunch table or setting up his ex-hook up with a new guy. Because as nice as Emmett is, he has absolutely no desire to be in a relationship before he is older and his brain has developed completely, otherwise the feelings wouldn’t be real—or so he thinks. After watching his father be devastated when Emmett’s mother died, he knows that he doesn’t want that kind of pain in his life, no matter how sweet the idea of romance may sound. But just because he doesn’t want a relationship, he’s not opposed to helping others get what they want. And when setting up his ex-friend-with-benefits proves to be a tougher nut to crack and constantly throws him together with no other than Miles, his childhood best friend, Emmett quickly learns that drawing lines only works as long as his heart isn’t on one of them. And what started out as a matchmaking quest may turn into a real love for Emmett himself.

At its core, this book really is about grieving and healing. Emmett is still reeling from the loss of his mother, even if he pretends he isn’t, and has to deal with his father who has adopted some unconventional methods to make sure his son is healthy and won’t get sick like his wife did. It’s a different way to express love that will make sense to anyone who’s ever loved a lost one.

Lest you think it’s a sad book, though, Rosen delivers a fun spectacle of young shenanigans, hilarious over-the-top romance moments, an adorkable cluelessness. and some moments that make your heart soar.

I loved Emmett as our protagonist. Emmett’s internal struggle was incredibly relatable. He’s doing everything in his power to be nice and be considered a kind person, even though he—as we all—has these internal thoughts that make it clear that he would love to just growl at people sometimes. Meanwhile, his flawed logic about not engaging in any type of relationship with actual feelings before his brain has finished developing just really hit home for me. Emmett is determined to not be romantically involved with anyone because he just couldn’t stand to handle the pain of losing them if something were to happen. I thought that was such an interesting coping mechanism and it kept me completely entranced in the fast-paced story. We know these moments in romances where people give up before they get hurt but here Emmett takes himself out of the game completely, refusing any emotional connection that might break his heart and leave him as sad as his dad. There’s much to say here about emotional growth and maturity and Rosen did it so perfectly.

Add to that the secondary characters that fleshed out this fun romp in the best of ways. From Emmett’s (ex-)hook up that he tries to set up with someone perfect, his fellow classmates and friends and his strained relationship with Miles just all added a lot of depth to the story. Also, some of the over-the-top romance was just hilarious. The way Emmett constantly stood on the outside looking in as his best friend and her boyfriend were swept up in their love and got swept up in cinematic-worthy moments made me cackle. Not to mention that the setting up fails also had me grinning because it was so obvious to everyone but Emmett that you can’t script love, you can only follow what your heart wants.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a refreshing tale to cleanse their palate.

An upbeat, modern gay Emma-retelling, Emmett will have you smiling like a Cheshire cat while also feeling all the feels. Perfect for fans of Jason June and Robbie Couch!

Emmett is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of November 7th.

Will you be picking up Emmett? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

A modern-day gay  Emma , with the spikey social critique of Austen plus the lush over-the-top romance of  Bridgerton.

Emmett Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence and had lived nearly eighteen years in the world with very little to distress or vex him.

Emmett knows he’s blessed. And because of that, he tries to give from charity work to letting the often irritating Georgia sit at his table at lunch, he knows it’s important to be nice. And recently, he’s found a new way of giving matchmaking. He set up his best friend Taylor with her new boyfriend and it’s gone perfectly. So when his occasional friend-with-benefits Harrison starts saying he wants a boyfriend (something Emmett definitely does NOT want to be), he decides to try and find Harrison the perfect man at Highbury Academy, the candy-colored private school they attend just outside Los Angeles.

Emmett’s childhood friend, Miles, thinks finding a boyfriend for a guy you sleep with is a bad idea. But Miles is straight, and Emmett says this is gay life – your friends, your lovers, your boyfriends – they all come from the same very small pool. That’s why Emmett doesn’t date – to keep things clean. He knows the human brain isn’t done developing until twenty-five, so any relationship he enters into before then would inevitably end in a breakup, in loss. And he’s seen what loss can do. His mother died four years ago and his Dad hasn’t been the same since.

But the lines Emmett tries to draw are more porous than he thinks, and as he tries to find Harrison the perfect match, he learns that gifted as he may be, maybe he has no idea what he’s doing when it comes to love.

Modern and very gay, with a charmingly conceited lead who is convinced he knows it all, and the occasional reference to the classic movie  Clueless, Emmett  brings you lush romance all while exploring the complexities of queer culture—where your lovers and friends are sometimes the same person, but the person you fall in love with might be a total surprise.

The post #ReadWithPride: Emmett by L.C. Rosen appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about trading in your day job for a bullwhip and fedora? Well, you’re in excellent company!

At some point, we’ve all imagined ourselves as the legendary Indiana Jones—plunging into abandoned temples, outwitting cunning booby traps, and liberating priceless treasures from their dusty resting places. But what if we told you that these globetrotting archaeological adventures are just a page-turn away?

Get that iconic fedora ready, because we’ve rounded up the best YA books like Indiana Jones that’ll have you channelling your inner Indy faster than you can say “It belongs in a museum!”

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Out of all the Indiana Jones-inspired books on this list, Silver in the Bone is the one we’re the most excited about.

In a world steeped in Arthurian legend, Tamsin Lark starts a perilous quest to locate a fabled ring and rescue her cursed brother. With rival sorceresses, deadly secrets, and a race against time, Tamsin must forge unlikely alliances to secure her family’s future in this adrenaline-fueled series opener.

The Last Crusade meets The Last of Us in this YA urban fantasy from the bestselling author of The Darkest Minds and Lore.

FOR FANS OF: Mythology inspired books, complex sibling dynamics, YA books like Tomb Raider

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

Pitched as a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty retelling, The Bone Spindle follows a bookish treasure hunter and an ax-wielding warrior who must join forces to break a century-old curse on a sleeping prince. Dark magic, witch hunters, and bad exes combine in this YA book like Indiana Jones perfect for anyone who loved Cinderella is Dead.

FOR FANS OF: LGBT fairytale retellings, Lara Croft, YA treasure hunting books

Read our book review of The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder for the full scoop.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

It’s Rick Riordan—need we say more? But just in case we actually do…

In The Kane Chronicles, two siblings must unlock their hidden magical powers, battle ancient Egyptian gods, and embark on a globe-trotting adventure to save the world. It mixes Percy Jackson with The Raiders of the Lost Arc for a pyramid-sized twist!

With over 300,000 reviews on Goodreads, it’s safe to say that The Red Pyramid is one of the best Indiana Jones read-alikes on this list.

FOR FANS OF: The Mummy, Egyptian mythology, Percy Jackson, YA archaeology books

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke

Indiana Jones gets a refresh with this female-driven cryptology adventure, set in the 1920s, full of ciphers, historic relics, and heart-stopping action.

From the author behind Hood comes a YA archaeology book set in the green hills of Dublin, where a reluctant bookseller and her childhood crush must decipher an ancient journal to prevent the resurrection of an evil queen.

FOR FANS OF: Books like National Treasure, novels set in Ireland, Celtic folklore, YA cryptology books.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Looking for a YA book that’s like Tomb Raider? Meet your next Lara Croft in The Lady Rogue!

When Theodora’s treasure-hunting dream takes a turn for the worst, she must team up with her ex-boyfriend to rescue her missing father and unearth a legendary ring tied to Dracula.

From the author of Always Jane, Chasing Lucky, and Serious Moonlight, comes an action-pulp romance book like Raiders of the Lost Arc set in Gothic Romania.

FOR FANS OF: Dracula, novels set in Romania, second chance romances, Marion Ravenwood

Read our book review of The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennet for the full scoop.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

In the spellbinding world of 19th-century Paris, a diverse group of talented misfits comes together to infiltrate high society’s glittering façade and unlock ancient secrets. What they find might change the course of history—but only if they can stay alive.

Six of Crows meets Dan Brown in Roshani Chokshi’s beloved historical fantasy series that gives Indy a run for his money.

FOR FANS OF: Novels set in Paris, diverse Indiana Jones books, Ocean’s Eleven

Read our book review of The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi for the full scoop.

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

Looking for adventure books like Uncharted but with the romance of The Mummy? Join Clio Havel on a research expedition alongside her estranged father as they uncover a sunken treasure off the coast of Italy.

Filled with ancient historical secrets, a budding summer romance, and gripping archaeological mysteries, Maureen Johnson is no doubt the master of thrilling beach reads.

FOR FANS OF: YA treasure hunting books, Nathan Drake, Atlantis

Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones…IN SPACE.

In this high-octane space opera from the bestselling author duo of The Other Side of the Sky, comes a story of two unlikely explorers who must rely on each other to decipher a distant planet’s secrets. Brace yourself for booby-trapped alien temples, dangerous artifact scavengers, and a sizzling romance.

FOR FANS OF: Doctor Who, YA archaeology books, Aurora Rising, The Mandalorian

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers

Theodosia Throckmorton is far from ordinary—she’s the daughter of a museum curator, entrusted with forgotten Egyptian magic. But when her mother brings back the cursed Heart of Egypt, Theo must harness all her ancient knowledge to prevent a catastrophic war that could crumble the British Empire and threaten her very existence.

FOR FANS OF: Books like The Mummy, Egyptian mythology, Sallah from Raiders of the Lost Arc

Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen

Step aside, Harrison Ford. There’s a new Indiana Jones in town, and his name is Tennessee Russo.

When his life unravels after a painful breakup, seventeen-year-old Tennessee has two choices: wallow in misery or go to Greece with his archaeologist dad. Joining his father’s quest for the Rings of the Sacred Band of Thebes, Tennessee navigates ancient ruins, unravels mysteries, and explores a hidden chapter of queer history.

FOR FANS OF: Queer books like Indiana Jones, Camp, novels set in Greece

Read our book review of Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen for the full scoop.

Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. With mythical creatures, enchanting romance, and exotic locales, this young adult book like Indiana Jones is a treasure trove of pulp-action adventure.

FOR FANS OF: The Temple of Doom, Hindu mythology, paranormal romance

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Dubbed The Mummy meets Death on the Nile, this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt is filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

If you enjoyed Isabel Ibañez’s Together We Burn and Woven in Moonlight, then you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for this upcoming YA book like Indiana Jones.

FOR FANS OF: Rivals-to-lovers romance, Egyptian mythology, Rebecca Ross, Agatha Christie mysteries

BONUS: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Snakes…Why did it have to be snakes?

As we conclude our journey through these Indiana Jones-inspired YA books, one thing becomes clear:

The spirit of exploration and the quest for the unknown are timeless.

So whether you’re running away from a giant boulder or just navigating daily life, these novels remind us that the best treasure can be found within the pages of a good book.

Now over to you:

In the comments, share one young adult book like Indiana Jones from this list that you’ve already read and one that you just added to your TBR!

The post 12 YA Books Like Indiana Jones to Read After Watching The Dial of Destiny appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hello second half of 2023 and hello to all the incredible upcoming book releases we can look forward to!

In this round up, we take a look at some of the most exciting titles to be released between the months of July and December with releases from the likes of Rachel Lynn Solomon, Temi Oh, Chuck Wendig, VE Schwab, Cassandra Clare, Rebecca Yarros, Christina Henry, and many more, along with delightful debuts from new authors you should keep on your radar!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourite July to December 2023 releases and tell us in the comments if you’re looking forward to any of them! Looking for our January to June releases? Check them out here.

JULY

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Immortal Longings is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.

Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From bestselling author Darcy Coates comes Dead of Winter, a remote cabin in the snowy wilderness thriller that will teach you to trust no one. There are eight strangers. One killer. Nowhere left to run.

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Jenny Han meets CODA in this big-hearted YA debut about first love and Deaf pride at a summer camp.

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A searing and earnest horror debut about the demons the queer community faces in America, the price of keeping secrets, and finding the courage to burn it all down.

Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Gideon the Ninth meets the Game of Thrones White Walkers in this dark young adult fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.

Light Bringer by Pierce Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Darrow returns as Pierce Brown’s New York Times bestselling Red Rising series continues in the thrilling sequel to Dark Age.

The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process in this moving new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

An exhilarating and expansive new novel about fathers and sons, faith and friendship from Caleb Azumah Nelson, the no.1 bestselling, award-winning author of Open Water.

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center comes Hello, Stranger, a novel about finding love, confronting a haunting past, and figuring out what, and who, really matters…

The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett comes a heartwarming story of found family, love, and making connections through books set against the bombing of London during WWII.

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A fugitive queen strikes a bargain with her greatest enemy that could resurrect her scorched kingdom or leave it in ashes forever in this unmissable Egyptian-inspired epic fantasy debut. 

AUGUST

Together We Rot by Skyla Arndt
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A teen girl looking for the truth about her missing mother forms a reluctant alliance with her former best friend…in exchange for hiding him from his cult-leading family.

I’m Not Done With You Yet by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Some friends–and friendships–are worth killing for in this dark, twisty suspense novel by national bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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

Accidentally in Love by Danielle Jackson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A delightful rom-com where grumpy-meets-sunshine collides with enemies-to-lovers in this perfect summer novel, written for fans of Kate Stayman-London, Olivia Dade, and Denise Williams.

Guardians of the Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sailor Moon meets Cinder in Guardians of Dawn: Zhara, the start of a new, richly imagined fantasy series from S. Jae-Jones, the New York Times bestselling author of Wintersong.

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The New York Times bestselling YA author of the beloved Gallagher Girls series bursts onto the adult scene with a fast-paced, hilarious road trip rom-com about a woman with amnesia who discovers she’s the identical twin sister of a rogue spy… and must team up with a rugged, grumpy operative to stay alive.

More Perfect by Temi Oh
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A reimagining of the Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus, for fans of Becky Chambers and William Gibson by Alex Award–winning author Temi Oh.

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Push meets The Silent Patient in a gripping thriller that follows a woman convinced a sinister figure is going to great lengths to make sure her pregnancy never happens—while the men in her life refuse to believe a word she says.

Actually Super by Adi Alsaid
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A globetrotting novel that takes a determined teen from Japan to Australia and to Argentina and Mexico on a quest to prove that humanity is more good than bad from the author of Let’s Get Lost and Before Takeoff.

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Marriage of Opposites and the Practical Magic series comes an enchanting novel about love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the enduring magic of books.

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From USA Today bestselling author T. Kingfisher, Thornhedge is the tale of a kind-hearted, toad-shaped heroine, a gentle knight, and a mission gone completely sideways.

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Lisa Jewell returns with a scintillating new psychological thriller about a woman who finds herself the subject of her own popular true crime podcast.

SEPTEMBER

This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Fake dating gets a magical twist in this enchanting queer romantic comedy where a witch worries that the real feelings brewing between her and her crush were sparked by an accidental love potion, and the only way out of the disastrous spell is a healthy dose of the truth–drink up, witches.

The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

V. E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, opens another door to a new fantasy series set in the dazzling world of Shades of Magic.

Dreambound by Dan Frey
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In this thrilling contemporary fantasy novel, a father must uncover the secret magical underbelly of Los Angeles to find his daughter, who has seemingly disappeared into the fictional universe of her favorite fantasy series.

The September House by Carissa Orlando
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A woman is determined to stay in her dream home even after it becomes a haunted nightmare in this compulsively readable, twisty, and layered debut novel.

The Salvation Gambit by Emily Skrutskie
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A hotheaded hacker must outwit the AI at the heart of a rogue warship–turned–penal colony if she and her crew of con women want to escape with their lives in this electrifying sci-fi thriller from the acclaimed author of Bonds of Brass.

Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A small town is transformed by dark magic when a strange tree begins bearing magical apples in this new masterpiece of horror from the bestselling author of Wanderers and The Book of Accidents.

The Forest Grimm by Kathryn Purdie
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A spellbinding YA fantasy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie, where fairy tales come to life with dark, deadly twists.

The Long Game by Elena Armas
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A disgraced soccer exec reluctantly enlists the help of a retired soccer star in coaching a children’s team in this smalltown love story in the vein of Ted Lasso and It Happened One Summer —from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception.

The Pomegranate Gate by Ariel Kaplan
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The first adventure in the Mirror Realm Cycle, a Spanish Inquisition-era fantasy trilogy inspired by Jewish folklore, with echoes of Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden.

Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive For
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

14 Young Adult short stories from bestselling and award-winning authors make a splash in Mermaids Never Drown – the second collection in the Untold Legends series edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker – exploring mermaids like we’ve never seen them before!

Fly With Me by Andie Burke
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A sparkling and steamy opposites-attract romance, Fly with Me by Andie Burke is filled with sharp banter and that sweet, swooping feeling of finding “the one” when and where you least expect it.

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake is back with an epic duology starter that follows a young woman training to join a fabled order as she attempts to lead a hero to his critical first victory. A must-read for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Victoria Aveyard.

OCTOBER

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The National Book Award-winning author of  Felix Ever After  delivers a beautifully tender story of two grumpy/sunshine, fake-dating actors navigating their love story both on and offscreen—perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall.

Making It So: A Memoir by Patrick Stewart
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life—from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England, to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim—proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself

Unholy Terrors by Lyndall Clipstone
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Midnight Is The Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From the critically acclaimed author of In My Dreams I Hold A Knife and The Last Housewife comes a gothic Southern thriller about a killer haunting a small Louisiana town, where two outcasts—the preacher’s daughter and the boy from the wrong side of the tracks—hold the key to uncovering the truth.

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The adult debut of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco, Throne of the Fallen is a seductive new standalone novel set within her fan-favorite Kingdom of the Wicked world, perfect for readers of fantasy, romance, and mystery alike.

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

Wildfire by Hannah Grace
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The latest in the TikTok sensation and deliciously “swoonworthy” (Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author) Maple Hills series follows two summer camp counselors who reconnect after a sizzling one-night stand.

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

New from the author of The Keeper of Night comes a YA fantasy duology set in an alternate Tang Dynasty China, where a poor biracial girl with the ability to raise the dead gets caught up in the dangerous political games of the royal family.

The Dead Take the A Train by Cassandra Khaw and Richard Kadrey
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Bestselling authors Cassandra Khaw and Richard Kadrey have teamed up to deliver a dark new story with magic, monsters, and mayhem, perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Joe Hill.

Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Frankenstein meets Inglourious Basterds in this stunning Jewish historical horror novel from the award-winning author of The City Beautiful.

The Intern by Michele Campbell
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family and murder.

Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From acclaimed, mega-bestselling author Eoin Colfer comes a Christmas classic-in-the-making–a beautifully illustrated novel about an eleven-year-old girl’s wild adventure to find her mother, protect a public park, and save Christmas.

NOVEMBER

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life’s moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart.

Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Amara’s journey has taken her far; from a slave in Pompeii’s wolf den to a high-powered courtesan in Rome… though her story is not over yet. While Amara plays for power in Rome’s imperial palace, those dearest to her remain in Pompeii. But it is AD 79, and mighty Mount Vesuvius is about to make itself known…

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A sharp-edged, supremely twisty thriller about three women who find themselves trapped inside stories they know aren’t their own, from the author of Alice and Near the Bone.

The Future by Naomi Alderman
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From the award-winning, bestselling author of The Power comes a white-knuckle tour de force and dazzling exploration of the world we have made and where we are going.

Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares – Publication has now changed to February 20, 2024
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rumor has it on the streets of sixteenth-century New Spain, there’s a new vigilante in town serving justice. This reimagining of Zorro–featuring a heroic warrior sorceress–weaves Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history two decades after the Spanish conquest into a swashbuckling, historical debut fantasy with magic, intrigue, treachery, and romance.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Murtagh by Christopher Paolini
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini returns to the World of Eragon in this stunning epic fantasy set a year after the events of the Inheritance Cycle. Join Dragon Rider—and fan favorite—Murtagh and his dragon as they confront a perilous new enemy!

Didn’t See That Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A hilariously fresh and romantic send-up to You’ve Got Mail about a gamer girl with a secret identity and the online bestie she’s never met IRL until she unwittingly transfers to his school, from the bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties, The Obsession, and Well, That Was Unexpected.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in What the River Knows, Isabel Ibañez’s lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt and filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Yellowjackets meets She Is a Haunting in this debut speculative thriller that follows a disgraced teen idol who comes face-to-face with the demons of her past in a glittering, cutthroat K-pop competition.

The Fascination by Essie Fox
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The estranged grandson of a wealthy collector of human curiosities becomes fascinated with teenaged twin sisters, leading them into a web of dark obsessions. A dazzlingly dark gothic novel from the bestselling author of  The Somnambulist.

Emmett by L. C. Rosen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A modern-day gay YA Emma, with the spikey social critique of Austen plus the lush over-the-top romance of Bridgerton.

DECEMBER

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rival archaeologists must team up on a secret Aztec expedition, or it could leave their careers—and hearts—in ruins.

The Ruined by Renée Ahdieh
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The stunning conclusion to the instant New York Times bestselling quartet that began with The Beautiful.

A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From bestselling author and TikTok sensation A.K. Mulford comes the first riveting, enchanting book in the all-new Golden Court romantasy trilogy–A River of Golden Bones begins a journey of self-discovery, romance, and adventure for a young heir as she/they comes out of hiding to save her sister from a malicious, powerful sorceress and her dangerous sleeping curse.

Perfect Little Lives: A Novel by Amber and Danielle Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Every Time You Go Away by Abigail Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Perfect for fans of Jennifer Niven, Abigail Johnson draws a searing and lyrical portrait of grief, forgiveness, and the kind of love that blooms in the aftermath.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by T.J. Alexander
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A trans man returns to his Florida hometown for Christmas after his career goes up in flames, only to cross paths with his high school ex in this charming rom-com about family and second chances from the author of the “delectable” (Time) Chef’s Kiss.

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A woman learns to follow her own road in this heartwarming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz by New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.

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

The post Get Your Hands On These Anticipated July To December 2023 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With new releases from Amie Kaufman, Abdi Nazemian, Jason June, and more, to those with delightful debuts, read on to discover our picks and let us know which ones you will be adding to your TBR!

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

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Haunting of Bly Manor meets House of Salt and Sorrows in award-winning author Kyrie McCauley’s contemporary YA gothic romance about a dark family lineage, the ghosts of grief, and the lines we’ll cross for love.

If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
This heartfelt, poignant YA debut is a second-chance summer romance that will steal your heart—perfect for fans of Heartstopper, Some Girls Do, and It’s Not Like it’s a Secret.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter Angeline Boulley takes us back to Sugar Island in this high-stakes thriller about the power of discovering your stolen history.

Lose You to Find Me by Erik J. Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A romantic, heartfelt, and hilarious queer coming-of-age story from All That’s Left in the World author Erik J. Brown, perfect for fans of What If It’s Us and If This Gets Out.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro is a seductive YA paranormal romance following a runaway queer teen’s deepening and dangerous ties to a mysterious family of werewolves.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in the start of a riveting fantasy series that spans gangsters’ dens, forgotten temples, and the high seas from the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle and the Illuminae Files.

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

I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark by Riss Neilson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the author of Deep in Providence comes a paranormal young adult romance that follows a teen convinced that her best friend–turned-enemy is possessed by a ghost, perfect for fans of White Smoke and Twilight.

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore and Elliott McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Two enemy kingdoms are forced to work together to break a curse in this lush YA fantasy, featuring a transgender prince and a bigender dama/assassin in the lead roles.

Lion’s Legacy by L. C. Rosen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Against the backdrop of a sunlit Greek landscape, author L. C. Rosen masterfully weaves together adventure, romance, and magic in a celebration of the power of claiming your queer legacy.

Painted Devils (Little Thieves #2) by Margaret Owen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A scrappy former maid and jewel thief must outwit gods, injustice, and her own past in this sequel to the Indie Next Pick, Little Thieves by Margaret Owen.

The Last One to Fall by Gabriella Lepore
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A horrifying murder occurs in the middle of the night when a mysterious figure is pushed out from the fourth floor of a warehouse. Six teens were there that night, and five of them are now potential suspects.

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A young Indigenous woman enters a colonizer-run dragon academy—and quickly finds herself at odds with the “approved” way of doing things—in the first book of this brilliant new fantasy series.

Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The next LGBTQ+ young adult rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Jason June (author of Jay’s Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue) explores how labels can limit and liberate us, and shows just what can happen when you bet on yourself.

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A joyful novel of first romance, new possibilities, and the chance to define yourself, Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success will find its way into your heart.

We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
An ambitious and juicy whodunit doused in Hollywood lore, perfect for readers of sexy summer thrillers like The Twin by Natasha Preston and The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson.

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets The Sun is Also a Star in this YA contemporary love story from Jonny Garza Villa, Ander & Santi Were Here, about a nonbinary Mexican American teen falling for the shy new waiter at their family’s taqueria.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a moving YA novel about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret, perfect for fans of I’ll Give You the Sun and Euphoria.

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Heartstopper meets Crazy Rich Asians in this heartfelt, joyful paperback original rom-com that follows an aspiring chef who discovers the recipe for love is more complicated than it seems when he starts fake-dating a handsome new customer.

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Where You See Yourself combines an unforgettable coming-of-age tale, a swoon-worthy romance, and much-needed disability representation in this story about a girl who’s determined to follow her dreams.

Transmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic edited by G. Haron Davis
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Perfect for fans of All Out and Cemetery Boys, this anthology claims a seat at the table of fantasy literature for trans and gender nonconforming stories.

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

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

Also worth nothing is that the pacing is incredible. There’s no dull moment and the inner conflicts mesh really well with what’s happening on Tennessee’s adventure. I kind of really want this to be a movie because it feels like it could be Indiana Jones (but make it queer) for young adults.

We also have unforgettable characters. Tennessee is such a fun protagonist to follow, not just because of his thoughts and sassy commentary but also because you genuinely can tell how much it means to him to be able to show the world more of the queer history that is so often erased or destroyed. A thing that I always appreciate about L.C. Rosen’s books is the casual sex positivity. Tennessee meets quite the special guy on his journey and I love how there’s just this casual “I like you, you like me” dynamic there without having to question these impulses.

I also loved the major conflict between Tennessee and his father. While I won’t take too much away, I do love stories that show you at odds with your parents and traverse fragile relationships in an approachable manner. Of course we all want our parents to be picture perfect but I live for these stories where they make mistakes and their kids call them out on it.

There are also discussions surrounding making yourself palatable for straight people which I thought was done so well—Tennessee struggles with different friend groups at the beginning of the novel (and it influences his choices throughout the book) and it was so interesting to see the different dynamics between him and these two groups. I loved how we got to see that being yourself is never the wrong choice, no matter what others say. All in all, this was a homerun for me.

An incredibly fun adventure filled with a dangerous quest, riveting characters and the strong premise to make queer history known, Lion’s Legacy is sure to make you want to chase all the queer history!

Lion’s Legacy is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 2nd.

Will you be picking up Lion’s Legacy? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Tennessee Russo’s life is imploding. His boyfriend has been cheating on him, and all his friends know about it. Worse, they expect him to just accept his ex’s new relationship and make nice. So when his father, a famous archaeologist and reality show celebrity whom he hasn’t seen in two years, shows up unexpectedly and offers to take him on an adventure, Tennessee only has a few choices:
  1. Stay, mope, regret it forever.
2. Go, try to reconcile with Dad, become his sidekick again.
3. Go, but make it his adventure, and Dad will be the sidekick.
The object of his father’s latest quest, the Rings of the Sacred Band of Thebes, is too enticing to say no to. Finding artifacts related to the troop of ancient Greek soldiers, composed of one-hundred-and-fifty gay couples, means navigating ruins, deciphering ancient mysteries, and maybe meeting a cute boy.

But will his dad let Tennessee do the right thing with the rings if they find them? And what is the right thing? Who does queer history belong to?

Against the backdrop of a sunlit Greek landscape, author L. C. Rosen masterfully weaves together adventure, romance, and magic in a celebration of the power of claiming your queer legacy.

The post #ReadWithPride: Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The world of YA literature has been getting progressively more and more diverse (*takes out a celebratory horn and blows on it excitedly*) – starting off with more gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters. But new releases over the last couple of years are also filled with better representation of other sexual identities and orientations, including trans , ace, and demi characters, to enby love stories! We still have a long way to go, but even these slight changes in representation in YA lit gives me hope!

And that’s why I decided to put together a short list of YA characters of different sexual orientations and identities and the books they come from, plus it’s a fantastic time to discover them with Pride Month!

Gay Characters

Jack from Jack of Hearts by L.C. Rosen

Jack is an out and proud gay guy who is through worrying about stereotypes! So what if he fits into one! He likes makeup, fancy clothes, and sex and is proud of that! Jack is a very iconic gay character because he is so unapologetic about being himself and he writes a very educational column about sex for his school. Jack of Hearts is not a coming out story – this is the story of everything that comes after that. If you are looking for a fresh and unique read with chilling twists, this one might be just perfect for you!

Ronan from Call Down the Hawk ­by Maggie Stiefvater

Now Ronan is a character you probably already heard about if you love YA as he is one of the most beloved characters in the subgenre of magical realism and his love story with a certain someone is one for the ages! There are many sides to Ronan, but one of the things I find most inspiring about his story is how he reconciles his faith with his sexuality. Pick this book up if you love lyrical writing, mind-blowing plot twists, and beautiful relationships. And a quick tip – read The Raven Cycle before jumping into Call Down the Hawk!

Griffin from History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Silvera is well known for his heart-wrenching stories and this one is no exception! But while Griffin has to battle grief at losing his first love, we also get a front-row seat at him confronting both his past and present in order to move on with his life. Despite it being a sorrowful story of loss and pain that comes with it, History Is All You Left Me is also filled with hope and all the best things of being young and in love for the first time.

Lesbian Characters

Aline Penhallow from Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is well known for diversity in her books, but one of her latest series, The Eldest Curses, follows a M/M and a F/F couple making it her first with LGBTQ+ main protagonists! And one of the girls in the book, Aline Penhallow, is a true firecracker and an epic heroine! We met her for the first time back in The Mortal Instruments, but this book really makes her shine!

Cameron Post from The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Cameron’s story is basically a classic lesbian coming-of-age story at this point. When Cameron is shipped to a conversion therapy after being found with a girl, her life is turned upside down and she starts to dig deeper and question the expectations of life. This is not only a story of the damaging reality that is conversion therapy, but also an exploration of female sexuality and a hot-take on sex and sexuality in general.

Lei from Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

This series was one of the most hyped ones back in 2018 and rightfully so! Lei is a strong female protagonist that has to fight against injustice and tyranny of her world, but there is also a sweet component of forbidden love woven into this rather hard-hitting story. As you follow Lei on her journey and see as she slowly realises she has feelings for her fellow king’s consort, you won’t be able to not fall in love with their powerful love story!

Bisexual Characters

Levi from Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Ace of Shades is a perfect read for any fans of epic plot twists and swoon-worthy characters! Levi is a leader of a notorious gang and the type of character you can’t help but adore! I sometimes jokingly say that he is basically Kaz Brekker and Jesper Fahey (both characters from Six of Crows) combined – witty, hella charming, but also cunning and ambitious. He is a joy to read about and he is a main, bisexual Black character.

Jesper Fahey and Nina Zenik from Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This duology is super diverse in different ways and basically anyone is able to find themselves in one of the characters! Two of the most beloved ones are naturally the bisexual legends Nina and Jesper, who slay not only with their weapons of choice but also with their charm and flirtatious ways! One of the other characters pointed this out even in the book: “…he sometimes suspected they could forgo all of Kaz’s planning and simply let Jesper and Nina flirt the entirety of Ketterdam into submission.” – Crooked Kingdom, Leigh Bardugo

Noam from The Fever King by Victoria Lee

This epic dystopian duology follows a story of a techopath Noam as he tries to navigate the treacherous ways of his corrupt government and save his people. But of course there is also a beautiful queer love story in the heart of The Fever King – a love between two boys who learn to trust and love each other despite the horrid world they grew up in.

Leah from Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Did someone say an epic and fluffy book about two epic bisexual queens?! If that’s what you are looking for, search no more! This beautiful Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda spin-off concentrates on Leah, Simon’s best friend, that is trying to come out to her friends and go after the girl she loves. Leah on the Offbeat is filled with cuteness interwoven with more serious topics, a mix we’ve come to expect and love from Albertalli! A perfect summer read if there ever was one!

Asexual and Demisexual Characters

Rick from Rick by Alex Gino

While not technically YA (it’s a middle grade story), Rick is the kind of story that will leave you full of hope for the better tomorrow! This middle grade book about a young boy who already knows that he is just not interested in people in that way is a wonderful and poignant story about sexuality and how there is no ‘right’ age to figure out who you are (or are not) attracted to. And how you and your feelings are valid no matter what others say.

Alice from Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice is prepping for a perfect summer when her girlfriend dumps her after finding out Alice is asexual. No more romantic star-gazing or bingeing favourite TV shows together, but then Takumi comes along and Alice realises she might not be as done with dating as she anticipated. There is beautiful intersectionality in this book as Alice is asexual, biromantic, and Black! Prepare to swoon with this cute YA rom-com that explains it is perfectly okay to want love but not sex. 

Felicity Montague from The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Felicity fights for and then owns her sexuality (and her desire to become a doctor) in times when women were expected to marry young and stay quiet about it. As we follow Felicity on an adventure of her lifetime (Pirates! Dragons! Dogs!), we learn about the lives of women in the 1700s in a realistic yet hopeful manner. This is a feminist book your heart longs for with great representation as Felicity is on the asexual/aromantic spectrum!

Aled from Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Hands down one of the sweetest characters in modern YA lit is Aled Last, the secondary main characters of Radio Silence and the creator of the famous podcast Universe City. He explains in the book that he is demisexual and that that also makes sense in terms of his relationship. The author also said before that she believes that sometime in the future Aled will come to identify as non-binary.

Non-Binary, Trans, and Gender Fluid Characters

Ben from I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

Ben is a 17-year-old that gets thrown out of their house on Christmas day after they come out to their parents as non-binary. Ben is forced to move in with their estranged sister and finish their senior year at a new school, but everything is not as bleak as it seems. The main protagonists of I Wish You All the Best defy all the norms society forces on us, discovering a lot about themselves on the way, and coming out victorious! It is a realistic story of finding your voice and accepting it – sometimes sorrowful but with infinite possibilities for happiness and love.

Melissa from George by Alex Gino

Okay so I am cheating yet again by adding another gorgeous middle-grade book by Gino, but these stories of Rick and Melissa are too beautiful to pass up and perfect reads for anyone craving good asexual and trans rep! Melissa is a girl and she knows that despite what everyone else keeps telling her. And she will make other see her for who she really is… Melissa and not George! George is a truly stunning story that teaches about the power of friendship and acceptance that make even the hardest of situations bearable – especially when there are zoo and theatre and skirts involved!

Zee from The Disasters by M.K. England

The Disasters is a perfect read for all the fans of The Illumiane Files, a fast-paced space adventure with an amazing and diverse cast of characters (Bi rep! Trans rep! PoC characters! Muslim characters! Mental health rep!). I could go on and on about what a fun and adventurous book this is, but I’ll dedicate this time to screaming about the amazing trans girl medic called Zee. Her eyeliner is on point and she will kick you if you cross her. Hard.

Riley Cavanaugh from Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

This beautiful story of coming to terms with yourself will introduce you to a snarky and rebellious teen you will inevitably fall for – without worrying about their gender! Riley is a gender fluid teen in a conservative town, finding their solace in an anonymous blog. But when the blog goes viral and Riley’s anonymity is compromised, Riley will have to decide between standing their ground or running away from everything they built with it.

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

The post 18 YA Books With Queer Characters appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We Are Totally Normal by Rahul Kanakia

The book follows Nandan, an Indian-American teen, as he questions his sexuality and does some growing up. It’s not a cutesy fairy-tale romance, but instead a very real look at figuring out one’s identity, and how making mistakes only means we’re human.

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus

This is a gorgeously written love story between two Black lesbian teenagers. It’s tender, it’s beautiful, and it will leave you crying but those are going to be tears of happiness.

Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron

Imagine a world where angels start falling from the sky, but they’re not able to speak English and act like humans… Imagine that your father makes it his life mission to catch one, while you’re still trying to come to terms with the death of your mother.

Camp by L.C. Rosen

Just like Devi, Randy has a group of close friends he can rely on. They don’t always agree with his ridiculous ideas, but they support him anyway and it’s that trust and love that helps Randy grow into the best version of himself.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

While Will doesn’t outright ask Ollie to have sex with him out of the blue, they have a summer fling and later on their paths cross again. There’s some messiness and a ton of mistakes, just like in Devi’s love life, but the outcome is slightly different.

By Any Means Necessary by Candice Montgomery

Torrey is a freshman at college and he’s torn between just wanting some space to grow in peace and wanting to save his late uncle’s bee farm. It’s the friends and family back home, and especially the Black women, that help him realise how much is to be gained from loving one’s roots.

I Knew Him by Abigail de Niverville

Here the production is Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but all the drama and chaos of working on stage remains. Although maybe not Eleanor’s levels of being a diva, but then she is rather hard to match.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

While friends to lovers is not the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Felix Ever After, the trope does exist in the book and it does sneak up on the reader just like with Devi and Ben.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

A fairy tale-like story set in ancient Persia about a girl whose cursed with poisonous touch. Soraya finds many reasons to hate her mother, but their relationship changes a lot as she learns to look at things from multiple perspectives.

Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

Having to choose between your friends and the person you have feelings for is never easy, and there are lots of reasons for that choice to be made. The conflict here arises from a very different place than in Never Have I Ever, but it’s just as difficult one to deal with.

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

The post YA Books To Read After Watching ‘Never Have I Ever’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hello and welcome to round two of our Pride-themed book recommendations! This time around, we’re on two the second letter in the acronym: G for Gay! Find below a wonderful mix of books and there’s something there for everyone! Whether you’d like to read something tasteful and try some classic poetry or you’d rather disappear into some heartwarming and tension-filled graphic novels, no worries, we got you covered!

Adult Fiction

Less by Andrew Sean Greer
A love story, a satire of the American abroad, a rumination on time and the human heart, by an author The New York Times has hailed as “inspired, lyrical,” “elegiac,” “ingenious,” as well as “too sappy by half,” Less shows a writer at the peak of his talents raising the curtain on our shared human comedy.

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
Shifting from the intoxication of first love to the quiet melancholy of growing up and growing apart, Swimming in the Dark is a potent blend of romance, post-war politics, intrigue, and history. Lyrical and sensual, immersive and intense, Tomasz Jedrowski has crafted an indelible and thought-provoking literary debut that explores freedom and love in all its incarnations.

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Cyril Avery is not a real Avery or at least that’s what his adoptive parents tell him. And he never will be. But if he isn’t a real Avery, then who is he?In this, Boyne’s most transcendent work to date, we are shown the story of Ireland from the 1940s to today through the eyes of one ordinary man. The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a novel to make you laugh and cry while reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit. 

Young Adult Fiction

The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg

Over the course of one summer, two boys will have to face their biggest fears and decide what they’re willing to risk — to get the thing they want the most. 

Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green

In the town of Newsands, painfully shy Alex is abandoned by his two best friends for the summer. But he unexpectedly lands a part-time job at Wonderland, a run-down amusement arcade on the seafront, where he gets to know the other teen misfits who work there. Alex starts to come out of his shell, and even starts to develop feelings for co-worker Ben… who, as Alex’s bad luck would have it, has a girlfriend. Then as debtors close in on Wonderland and mysterious, threatening notes start to appear, Alex and his new friends take it on themselves to save their declining employer. But, like everything in Wonderland, nothing is quite what it seems…

Jack of Hearts by Lev AC. Rosen

Meet Jack Rothman. He’s seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys – sometimes all at the same time. His sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine. But who cares? Like Jack always says, ‘it could be worse’. He doesn’t actually expect that to come true.

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

When Griffin’s first love and ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Even though Theo had moved to California for college and started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him when the time was right. But now, the future he’s been imagining for himself has gone far off course.

If Griffin is ever to rebuild his future, he must first confront his history, every last heartbreaking piece in the puzzle of his life.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave. Beautiful, manipulative, and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.

Reverie by Ryan La Sala

All Kane Montgomery knows for certain is that the police found him half-dead in the river. He can’t remember how he got there, what happened after, and why his life seems so different now. And it’s not just Kane who’s different, the world feels off, reality itself seems different.

The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards

Rune Saint John, last child of the fallen Sun Court, is hired to search for Lady Judgment’s missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home. In looking for Addam, can Rune find the truth behind his family’s death and the torments of his past?

Plays, Classic, and Poetry

The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez

You have to wonder why there isn’t a word in the English language for the fireworks that go off in your brain when you finally kiss someone you’ve wanted for years. Or for the intimacy and tenderness you feel as you hold the hand of a suffering friend.

A generation after the height of the AIDS crisis, what is it like to be a young gay man in New York? How many words are there now for the different kinds of pain, the different kinds of love

Everybody’s Talking about Jamie by Tom MacRae

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.
Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.
Jamie is terrified about the future.
Jamie is going to be a sensation.
Supported by his brilliant, loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight.
Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true

Maurice by E.M. Forster

Maurice is heartbroken over unrequited love, which opened his heart and mind to his own sexual identity. In order to be true to himself, he goes against the grain of society’s often unspoken rules of class, wealth, and politics.

The Collected Poems of A.E. Housman

Housman’s melodic and memorable poems have been popular for over a century. He writes typically of lost love, of the brevity of happiness, of young soldiers doomed to die. Admirers have found his work elegant and resonant; detractors have thought much of it mannered and glib. But Housman speaks with two voices: the smooth texts conceal a dark sub-text. This tormented and secretive man wrote poems alive with indirect self-disclosure

Comics & Graphic Novels

Seven Days by by Venio Tachibana and Rihito Takarai

It is rumored that Touji Seryou, one of the more popular boys at school, would go out with anyone who asks him out on a Monday morning. But on this particular Monday morning, the first person he meets at the school gate is no other than Yuzuru Shino, Seryou’s senpai at the archery club. On a whim, and well-aware of Seryou’s reputation, Shino asks Seryou to go out with him. Thinking that it will be treated as a joke, they’re both guys after all, imagine Shino’s surprise when Seryou takes him up on the offer! There is a catch, though. While Seryou does go out with the first girl who asks him out on a Monday morning, the other side of the coin is – by the end of the week, he will break up with that person. In essence, Seryou is a lover with a one-week expiration date. But will Shino prove to be the exception to that rule?

Bloom by Kevin Panetta

Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his ultra-hip band—if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. Though he loved working there as a kid, Ari cannot fathom a life wasting away over rising dough and hot ovens. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom . . . that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?

Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare, Vol. 1 by Yuhki Kamatani

Not only is high schooler Tasuku Kaname the new kid in town, he is also terrified that he has been outed as gay. Just as he’s contemplating doing the unthinkable, Tasuku meets a mysterious woman who leads him to a group of people dealing with problems not so different from his own. In this realistic, heartfelt depiction of LGBT+ characters from different backgrounds finding their place in the world, a search for inner peace proves to be the most universal experience of all

Middle-Grade

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

Twelve-year-old Kingston James is sure his brother Khalid has turned into a dragonfly. When Khalid unexpectedly passed away, he shed what was his first skin for another to live down by the bayou in their small Louisiana town. Khalid still visits in dreams, and King must keep these secrets to himself as he watches grief transform his family.

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

Nate Foster has big dreams. His whole life, he’s wanted to star in a Broadway show. (Heck, he’d settle for *seeing* a Broadway show.) But how is Nate supposed to make his dreams come true when he’s stuck in Jankburg, Pennsylvania, where no one (except his best pal Libby) appreciates a good show tune? With Libby’s help, Nate plans a daring overnight escape to New York. There’s an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, and Nate knows this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom.

Marco Impossible by Hannah Moskowitz

Best friends Stephen and Marco know a thing or two about impossible missions. It’s thanks to them that cell phone thieves at school are apprehended, lost puppies are returned, and gym uniforms are lent out to the forgetful thirteen-year-old masses.

A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner

A heartfelt and relatable novel from Phil Bildner, weaving the real history of Los Angeles Dodger and Oakland Athletic Glenn Burke–the first professional baseball player to come out as gay–into the story of a middle-school kid learning to be himself.

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

The post LGBTQ+ Alphabet Recommendations: G for Gay Fiction appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The amazing L.C. Rosen, known for witty writing and inspiring queer stories, is back with a wonderfully diverse LGBTQ+ story, Camp! We were lucky enough to chat with Rosen about this book filled with positivity and breaking the toxic masculinity agenda! From writing Camp and favourite characters, to the importance of queer YA books and favourite reads, we discussed it all in today’s interview! Keep on reading to learn more about L.C. Rosen and don’t forget to add Camp to your pride month TBR! You won’t want to miss this one!

Hi, L.C.! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure! My name is Lev Rosen, but I sometimes use L.C. on my books.  Camp is my 6^th novel – I have another YA, two adult novels and two middle grade.  I’m a born and raised New Yorker and I still live in Manhattan.

Camp is your new YA contemporary story that breaks down so many toxic stereotypes and prejudice! If you had to describe it in five words, what would they be?

Queer Community Battles Toxic Masculinity.

Now tell us a bit more about it! What can readers expect from this unapologetically queer masterpiece?

Camp is the story of Randy, who has been going to LGBTQIA+ summer camp Camp Outland for four years, and for all four of those years has had a crush on Hudson, who is mas4masc – meaning he’s only into butch “straight-acting” types, something nail-polish wearing, unicorn loving, theatre kid Randy is definitely not. But Randy is an actor, so this year, he’s remade himself as Del (the other part of Randall): Hudson’s masc fantasy, with the plan to woo him, and then once they’re in love, gradually return to his usual self.  Of course, the plan does not go as intended.

What was the inspiration behind Camp? Any specific reasons why you set this story in a queer camp for teens?

The big inspiration was old 60s Rock Hudson/Doris Day type sex comedies, where there was a battle of the sexes and people pretended to be other people to win people’s hearts but discovered maybe they weren’t pretending along the way.  I love the movie Down With Love, which is a postmodern version of those movies, so much, and I really wanted to create a sort of contemporary queer YA version of Down With Love.  The summer camp was a secondary thought – I’d been meaning to write a summer camp book for a while, and this seemed like the ideal plot for it.  Plus, I’d gone to a conservative Jewish summer camp growing up, and it’s where I’d experienced the most homophobia – so taking that camp back, and making it SuperGay, felt right.

What was your favourite part of writing Camp? Can you maybe pick your favourite character from the story?

I loved all of it, I have no favourites, just like parents have no favourite children.  That being said, something I really loved getting to write that I haven’t had much chance to talk about yet is the musical they put on in the camp.  It’s Bye Bye Birdie, a classic, but the counsellor/director Mark puts a queer spin on it.  Not just casting Kim as a guy, or having a non-binary Birdie, but transforming the musical into this full musical about queer acceptance.  I really loved writing those moments.

Would you ever consider returning to Camp Outland – either following Randy yet again, or one of the other characters, like George or Ashleigh?

I might!  They still have a summer left before college… But nothing I can talk about now.

Camp addresses a lot of important issues such as toxic masculinity, the role and influence of stereotypes, and the importance of being true to yourself. Why do you think it is imperative to include themes like that in books for young adults?

I think it’s weird not to.  Teens – especially queer teens – are figuring stuff out.  More so than adults, who usually have too much busywork to have much time for revelations or introspection, and more so than kids who are learning about the world around them more than their own place in it.  But teens are at that point where they’re really seeing how the world sees them and how they see themselves and how those two things often don’t reconcile, and what to do about that.  Plus, they’re trying on identities, seeing what fits.  YA that doesn’t include that kind of introspection, that kind of figuring out, just doesn’t read as very realistic to me.

Your new book has a love story at its center, but it is also a beautiful tale of friendships – queer friendships! What are some of your favourite platonic friendships between queer characters in literature?

I think one of the best examples of a group of friends of all sexualities in contemporary YA is Julian Winters’ Running With Lions.  Winters just gets all the nuances of a big group of friends with a variety of sexualities and it’s really sweet and beautifully done.

Camp is your second YA book – do you have any plans for more books for this demographic? Any future projects you can hint at?

I’d love to write more YA! But as for current project or stuff that might be coming out, I don’t talk about it before it’s announced – bad luck.

Are there any queer YA books that you think simply everyone should read? Any favourites we should add to our TBRs?

The list is long, of course, but stuff by Alex London, Tom Ryan, Caleb Roerhig, and Julian Winters always gets a thumbs up from me.  I just discovered Far From You by Tess Sharpe, which is a great Veronica Mars-type twisty noir, or, if you want, check out the first queer YA novel – it came out before Stonewall, and it’s called I’ll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip by John Donovan. And it’s not the morality play you might be thinking it is, condemning queerness. It’s not a super positive book, but it’s nuanced and if you’re interested in queer YA, I think brushing up on the history of it is really important.  It didn’t start with Simon.

And last but not least, do you have any LGBTQ+ new releases of 2020 recommendations that we should keep our eyes peeled for?

Surrender Your Sons, by Adam Sass (I have read it, it is amazing), Darius The Great Deserves Better, by Adib Khorram, The Summer of Everything by Julian Winters (I am reading it, it is fantastic), I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan, The Fell of Dark, by Caleb Roehrig (also read, also amazing) You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson, and Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas.  Those are just off the top of my head.  Stuff either I’m excited for other people to see because I’ve read it and it’s great, or stuff I’m excited to read myself.

Will you be picking up Camp? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: L.C. Rosen, Author of ‘Camp’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.