Romance fans, rejoice! The Build-A-Boyfriend-Project is here to soothe your souls and give your 2000 rom-com loving hearts the queer do-over it desires!

Fans of the fake dating trope are sure to love the set-up and overall progression of messy Eli helping awkward Peter become the perfect boyfriend. From the disastrous first date that had me cringing (in a good way) to the whole scheme playing out, this is a revival of How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days for sure.

There are cute do-over dates, Eli’s struggle to make Peter someone who is not glued to his phone and work in general in favour of actually holding hands with the guy he is on a date with to cute practice kisses and more.

Peter was by far my favourite character—who wouldn’t fall in love with a hot nerd who is as adorable as he is awkward? Come for the fake dating, stay for Peter Park and his wholesome cinnamon roll vibes.

Eli meanwhile was very relatable—he’s a bit of a mess, stuck in his job, working with his ex who never appreciated him and a boss who doesn’t see just how valuable Eli is to the company. The dread of never achieving your goals is ever-present and definitely set the scene for why Eli ends up causing the mess he does.

Beyond that, there is also a lot of discussion of what it means to be stereotyped in the world or the struggles of navigating the dating space when you’re trans. Deaver here truly shines as Eli and Peter both get their moments of sharing their struggles and feeling more accepted for having told someone who understands and can relate to it.

One point I did really enjoy was the way Deaver calls into question the validity of current news publications, especially those online. In an age of Buzzfeed clickbaits and fake news, it was lovely to see Eli stand up for what he believes in and follow his heart in how much he believes that real, true, emotional stories such as Peter’s queer coming-of-age can still make an impact and  will offer community to the right readers and even encourage them to share their own stories—if only you give them the space for it.

Overall, it’s a fun take on a classic, but admittedly, the book sometimes didn’t quite seem to know how serious it was supposed to take itself. On the one hand, there were fun moments but they always got paired with lectures about the current state of the world, which, yes, I absolutely want more of in books because we are all living in the same dystopia at the moment, but the timing always felt like you were scolded for laughing at the very things the book just told you was funny.

Also, what I will say is that the predictability of the plot as well as the fake dating fell a bit flat due to the whole setup of Eli’s character and his morals. On the one hand, Eli constantly berates bad online journalism and how nothing has integrity anymore (and more so how his boss is after the clicks instead of the honest truth) and how important honesty is but then goes and basically lies to everyone in his life.

It just didn’t track that Eli is super honest and woke about everything from work to relationships to telling Peter what it means to date someone and cherish them, even to a point where he tells others whenever something is not correct behaviour but then doesn’t just simply tell Peter up front that he’s basically two-timing him and his boss to get the most out of this article thing. Peter, good soul that he is, would have understood his motivations and probably even helped him advance in his career. Yes, Eli is messy and his motivation here is clear, but because of how he is presented, that just didn’t feel like something he would do.

Therefore, the inevitable third-act break-up and the abrupt, rushed happy ending could have done with a bit more work. However, if you suspend your disbelief, that surely won’t be a hindrance to your enjoyment of a genuinely great read. This is sure to make you want to rewatch some old favourites and bask in the glory of the fake-dating-to-real-lovers trope.

Overall, The Build-A-Boyfriend-Project is a fun mix of classic 2000 romcoms and 2020 Netflix remakes of them. If that’s your jam, then you’re in for one hell of a treat!

The Build-A-Boyfriend-Project is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 5th 2025.

Will you be picking up The Build-A-Boyfriend-Project? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis

Bestselling and award-winning author Mason Deaver’s adult romance debut follows a journalist in a dead-end job who agrees to teach his disastrous blind date how to be a better boyfriend. Readers will delight in this sweet and steamy queer romance with trans representation!

Eli Francis is stuck. Stuck in an assistant position at the online magazine Vent when he should be a writer. Stuck with a boss who dangles a promotion but would rather he just fetch the coffee. Stuck working alongside the ex who has had no trouble moving up at work…or moving on.

When Eli’s roommates push him to date so he can get over his ex once and for all, they set him up with Peter Park. Tall, handsome, and unbelievably awkward. The date is a complete disaster, and further proof to Eli that love isn’t for him. But when his boss overhears Eli recounting the catastrophic night, he suggests teaching Peter to be a better boyfriend through a series of simulated dates so he can write an article about it.

But Eli has other ideas…Eli plays along, pretending to write the article, while secretly interviewing Peter about growing up queer in the South and coming-of-age dating wise in adulthood. Eli hopes writing this sort of piece will finally get him the promotion he deserves. And in exchange, he will teach Peter how to be a better boyfriend.

But the more time Eli spends with Peter, the closer they become, and the lines between what’s real and what’s fake begin to blur. Before long Eli is forced to face his greatest fears to become the writer he wants to be and secure the love he’s always needed.

The post ReadWithPride: The Build-A-Boyfriend-Project by Mason Deaver appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About In Case You Read This: From acclaimed author Edward Underhill comes a trans rom-com about serendipity, chance encounter, and the ultimate missed connection. This joyful celebration of queer love and found family is perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Emery Lee, and Julian Winters.

The past ten or so years have seen an explosion of queer fiction, in the best way, especially in the young adult space. Books by trans authors still make up only a sliver of what’s being published, but that’s slowly starting to change. Now more than ever, it’s important to read books by trans authors and books featuring trans characters—not just during Pride month, not just to diversify your TBR, but because they’re just great books!

So without further ado, here are a few of my personal favorites, in case you enjoy reading about trans people being awesome as much as I do.

FELIX EVER AFTER by Kacen Callender

This book is practically a classic at this point, and it remains one of my favorite books by Kacen Callender. It’s full of nuance, complexity, messiness, and romance, and one of the few YA books I’ve read where the main character’s understanding of their own identity continues to shift over the course of the novel.

OKAY, CUPID by Mason Deaver

All right, we’re in the middle of Pride month and not Valentine’s Day, but you should read this book anyway and pretend it’s Valentine’s Day. A sweet and cute romp with a magical twist about a cupid named Jude who thinks they know everything about love…until they end up with a tricky assignment to infiltrate a high school and help mend a broken relationship between two human teenagers.

THE WICKED BARGAIN by Gabe Cole Novoa

If pirates and the high seas are your jam (or you watched Our Flag Means Death and your favorite character was Jim), this is the book for you. It’s a Latinx pirate historical fantasy YA about a transmasc nonbinary teen with magical abilities on a mission to save their father and escape a deal with El Diablo made long ago. This is a thrilling adventure with dashes of swashbuckling romance.

WE CAN NEVER LEAVE by H.E. Edgmon

Okay, so admittedly I haven’t actually read this book yet (it JUST came out!), but I am a big fan of H.E. Edgmon’s previous books, and I expect this one will be just as good. This queer young adult fantasy is for fans of The Raven Boys, and if you like found family, dystopia, and strange creatures, this book should be on TBR ASAP.

LINUS AND ETTA COULD USE A WIN by Caroline Huntoon

I’ve been so happy to see trans representation start making its way to middle grade books, so if there’s a young person in your life who loves to read, Linus and Etta Could Use a Win is a funny, heartfelt book about a cynical girl with green hair who befriends the new kid at school—a trans boy named Linus—when she makes a bet that she can get him elected student body president. This story is full of everything that makes middle grade fiction great: changing friendship dynamics, earnest first crushes, and delightful pops of humor.

WORLD RUNNING DOWN by Al Hess

On the adult side and solidly in the dystopian/science fiction realm, this is a romantic, inventive book that deserves far more attention. It’s basically Mad Max except cozier, a road trip across a wasteland with characters you can’t help but fall in love with and root for. Trans guy Valentine is a salvager who dreams of being able to afford citizenship in Salt Lake City, which would also mean access to the transition he’s been hoping for. A job finding stolen androids might finally make that dream come true…except the androids are becoming self-aware and have no desire to return to their old lives.

The post Best Books By Trans Authors To Read This Pride Month appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ready for some new YA books? There are so many new books to look forward to in January 2024 with new releases from the likes of Brigid Kemmerer, Ayana Gray, Emma Lord, Kaylie Smith, Goldy Moldavsky, and many more, along with those making their exciting debut!

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

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Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports

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A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports with stories from Carrie S. Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamile Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

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In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

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My Fair Lady meets the classic teen film She’s All That in this charming and swoony new rom-com from Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country. Perfect for fans of What If It’s Us and She Gets the Girl.

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, part of the Remixed Classics series.

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao

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The epic sequel to the book Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is a fast-paced, riveting YA fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver

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From the bestselling author of I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, the story of a cupid who thinks they know everything about love… until they fall in love themselves.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

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In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human.

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

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Inescapably romantic and brimming with New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

Stay with My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan

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From the author of Counting Down with You and A Show for Two comes a new YA contemporary about a girl who accidentally sabotages an up-and-coming local band and falls for the guitarist while secretly trying to make up for her mistake.

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

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Following her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, Kristin Dwyer is back with The Atlas of Us, a novel about deep grief, found family, and a raw love story that will have readers crying and laughing in equal measure.

Dungeons and Drama By Kristy Boyce

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What do you get when you pair a charming gamer with a stubborn theatre nerd? Dungeons and Dragons is a new rivals-to-lovers gaming romance from Kristy Boyce, author of Hot British Boyfriend and Hot Dutch Daydream!

If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

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Hold Still meets You’ve Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman’s journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love.

Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson

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Plummet into a kill-or-be-killed competition where a scrappy underdog hell-bent on revenge must claw his way to the top in this thrilling YA fantasy debut

Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

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An unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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From a gripping new voice comes a YA thriller with amnesia, stalking, abduction and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.​

Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia

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In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.

Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah

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From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. 

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

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Save the Date meets Never Have I Ever in this sparkling debut rom-com about a high school senior whose life suddenly gets a Bollywood spin when her sister gets engaged.

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang

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Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.

Red by Annie Cardi

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A Christian girl is stigmatized by her peers after seeking an abortion in this modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter for the #MeToo era.

Just Say Yes by Goldy Moldavsky

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Inspired by Goldy’s childhood as an undocumented immigrant, Just Say Yes is full of heart and laugh-out-loud humour, while also tackling important themes related to immigrant issues with honesty and nuance.

A Reckless Oath by Kaylie Smith

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In this sequel to the spellbinding A Ruinous Fate, more action, romance, and magic abound as Calla and friends must deal with their losses and come to grips with their own part to play in the Fates’ War ahead.

A Place For Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

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A teen girl and her family return to her mother’s childhood home, only to discover that the house’s strange beauty may disguise a sinister past, in this contemporary gothic horror from the author of What We Harvest.

Not Dead Enough by Tyffany D. Neiheiser

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Girl in Pieces meets Cracked Up to Be in this raw and candid look at trauma about a girl who is being haunted and stalked by her definitely dead ex-boyfriend.

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

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Magical heists. Deadly secrets. Come along for the ride . . . if you dare. This heart-stopping, seductive fantasy is perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Wander In The Dark by Jumata Emill

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In this new pulse-pounding thriller from the author of The Black Queen, two brothers must come together to solve the murder of the most popular girl in school after one of them is caught fleeing the scene of her death.

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

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This captivating sequel to The Buried and the Bound draws readers into the twisted and irresistible world of the Fair Folk―perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Hazel Wood.

What January YA books are you looking forward to picking up? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 28 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves In January 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This has such a phenomenal premise—a Dark Academia fantasy murder mystery anthology set in a school of magic? Sign me up immediately! I just fell in love with the idea of an interlocking fantasy and murder mystery anthology, making such a unique collection of stories. The way this collection is set out is also really interesting, placing characters against the clock to discover the truth of what happened.

The Galileo Academy is a magical campus that has recently changed its focus to be more inclusive and reflective of its contemporary reality. Septimus Dropwork, a professor and embodiment of many forms of hatred, did not welcome this and when he turns up dead, there are plenty of suspects to follow. That interplay of inclusion, diversity and the respective discussions around it (often nonsensical and bigoted) mixed with the murder mystery thread is endlessly fascinating.

It is also really important to highlight the sheer amount of diversity in this collection. As always, seeing more of this and more normalised representation is incredible. Diversity should be the standard, rather than the exception. Just seeing so much BIPOC, disability, queer, and mental health representation brings light to my heart. The running thread throughout these stories is facing and sometimes overcoming adversity with the hatred and bigotry faced being truly sickening. You get a sense of a rotten heart at the centre of this institution, which is only exposed more as the collection continues.

We get all of these differing voices, all of whom have at least a glimmer of what happened or a seed of a potential motivation. It is also really interesting how the expansive setting of a school celebrating many forms of magic allowed for each writer to put their own stamp on a magic system and sprawling setting. In addition to this, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend time with all of these incredible characters, particularly as they started to interweave. They all really burst off the page and were three-dimensional. The way the authors managed to condense these complex, interesting and sometimes challenging character arcs and twists into such a short form is nothing but commendable.

While all the stories were brilliant, some did shine a little more for me. In particular, 2: A.M.: Wren Willemson by Marieke Nijkamp; 5:00 A.M.: Taya Winter by Darcie Little Badger; 9:00 A.M: Irene Seaver by Kayla Whaley; 5:00 P.M.: Jamie Ellison by Victoria Lee; and 8:00 P.M.: Lupita Augratricis by Natasha Díaz all snuck into my heart and really remained in my head after finishing the book. However, every section had such distinctive character voices and covered a lot of material in a very short space. These are stories that cover a lot of ground, giving you time with their respective protagonist, while also moving the machinations of the over-arching plot along. In that sense, every story is an awe-inspiring piece of art and an intriguing piece of the puzzle. There was no story that did not totally captivate me. I sped through this collection, wanting to race the clock like the characters. The pacing and tension was very high and I just needed to know who and whydunnit.

Spell-binding in every way, The Grimoire of Grave Fates is an anthology like no other!

The Grimoire of Grave Fates is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 6th.

Will you be picking up The Grimoire of Grave Fates? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Crack open your spell book and enter the world of the illustrious Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary. There’s been a murder on campus, and it’s up to the students of Galileo to solve it. Follow 18 authors and 18 students as they puzzle out the clues and find the guilty party.

Professor of Magical History Septimius Dropwort has just been murdered, and now everyone at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary is a suspect.

A prestigious school for young magicians, the Galileo Academy has recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul, reinventing itself as a roaming academy in which students of all cultures and identities are celebrated. In this new Galileo, every pupil is welcome—but there are some who aren’t so happy with the recent changes. That includes everyone’s least favorite professor, Septimius Dropwort, a stodgy old man known for his harsh rules and harsher punishments. But when the professor’s body is discovered on school grounds with a mysterious note clenched in his lifeless hand, the Academy’s students must solve the murder themselves, because everyone’s a suspect.

Told from more than a dozen alternating and diverse perspectives, The Grimoire of Grave Fates follows Galileo’s best and brightest young magicians as they race to discover the truth behind Dropwort’s mysterious death. Each one of them is confident that only they have the skills needed to unravel the web of secrets hidden within Galileo’s halls. But they’re about to discover that even for straight-A students, magic doesn’t always play by the rules. . . .

Contributors include: Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, Jessica Lewis, Julian Winters, Karuna Riazi, Kat Cho, Kayla Whaley, Kwame Mbalia, L. L. McKinney, Marieke Nijkamp, Mason Deaver, Natasha Díaz, Preeti Chhibber, Randy Ribay, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Victoria Lee, and Yamile Saied Méndez.

The post Review: The Grimoire of Grave Fates by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Heat Wave by T.J. Klune
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Nick, Seth, Gibby, and Jazz are back in action bringing justice, protection, and disaster energy to the people of Nova City. An unexpected hero returns to Nova City and crash lands into Nick’s home, upturning his life, his family, and his understanding of what it means to be a hero in the explosive finale of the thrilling and hilarious Extraordinaries trilogy.

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens
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For fans of Vampire Diaries and dark academia, two queer teen bloodsuckers at an elite vampire-only boarding school must go up against all of Vampirdom when they uncover a frightening conspiracy on campus.

The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride by Hayli Thomson
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The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride is a queer coming of age story with biting humor about a young lesbian striving to win a spot on SNL. Taylor Parker isn’t out yet, but she’s keeping an even bigger secret: she entered a sketch contest where the grand prize is an internship at SNL.

The Witchery by S. Isabelle
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Haelsford, Florida, is a hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a new witch struggling to control her powers, thinks when she arrives at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three: Iris, a deathwitch, who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Thalia, the talented greenwitch, on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her; and Jailah, one of the most extraordinary witches at the academy whose thirst for power may lead her down a dark path.

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
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Offering a steamy, queer spin on the feel-good tropes of a Hallmark movie, this sweet, funny #OwnVoices rom-com is perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur!

Husband Material by Alexis Hall
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In Boyfriend Material, Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do.

The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver
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From the bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best, comes a new kind of love story, about the bad decisions we sometimes make… and the people who help get us back on the right path.

This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
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This fun, irreverent summer romp is Netflix’s Never Have I Ever meets What If It’s Us about a high school senior determined to get over his unrequited feelings for his best friend by getting under someone else.

Aces Wild by Amanda DeWitt
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Six of Crows goes to Las Vegas in debut author Amanda DeWitt’s suspenseful casino heist, starring an entire crew of asexual teens.

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna Marie McLemore
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Three teens chase their own version of the American Dream during the Roaring 20s in this YA remix of The Great Gatsby. 

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
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Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric new Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys.

Fraternity by Andy Mientus
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A queer, dark academia YA story about a mysterious boarding school, a brotherhood that must stay in the shadows, and an ancient evil that could tear it all apart. 

Destination Unknown by Bill Konigsberg
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From Stonewall Award winner Bill Konigsberg, a remarkable, funny, sexy, heartbreaking story of two teen boys finding each other in New York City at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One by Maggie Horne
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A funny, feminist, and queer contemporary middle grade debut that follows twelve-year-old loner Hazel Hill, who, after one of her classmates is harassed online, devises a plan to catch the school’s golden boy in the act.

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
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A delicious story from a new voice in suspense, Lev AC Rosen’s Lavender House is Knives Out with a queer historical twist.

The First To Die at The End by Adam Silvera
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In this prequel to They Both Die at the End, #1 New York Times bestselling author Adam Silvera tells the story of new star-crossed lovers facing down Death-Cast’s first day. It’s the night before Death-Cast goes live, and there’s one question on everyone’s mind: Can Death-Cast actually predict when someone will die, or is it just an elaborate hoax?

You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
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An “effervescent” (Rachel Lynn Solomon) Christmas LGBTQIA+ New Adult RomCom, perfect for fans of Schitt’s Creek and Red White & Royal Blue.

This Is Our Place by Vitor Martins
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Three teens — in three different decades — navigate life, love, and family in Vitor Martins’ heartfelt new novel that spans generations. Perfect for fans of Tales from the City and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix
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Love and duty collide in this richly imagined, atmospheric young adult debut about a witch whose dark powers put her at the center of a brewing war between the only family she’s ever known and the enemy who makes her question everything.

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds
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Family secrets, a swoon-worthy romance, and a slow-burn mystery collide in We Deserve Monuments, a YA debut from Jas Hammonds that explores how racial violence can ripple down through generations.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
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An interior designer who is never without the perfect plan learns to renovate her love life without one in this new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
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A girl enters a reality dating competition to get revenge on her cheating, royal-adjacent ex-boyfriend, and ends up falling for another girl on the show—in fact, the girl he cheated on her with.

Wicked Little Things by Justin Arnold
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Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria
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Eight years ago, everything changed for Devlin: Her country was attacked. Her father was killed. And her mother became the Whisperer of Aris, the head of the spies, retreating into her position away from everyone… even her daughter.

A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar
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Adiba Jaigirdar, author of one of Time‘s Best YA books of all time, gives Titanic an Ocean’s 8 makeover in this nail-biting heist set onboard the infamous ship.

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

The post You Need These Upcoming 2022 Queer Book Releases To End The Year appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Fools in Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales is a sparkling anthology that invites you to fall in love with romantic tropes, old and new, beloved and unfamiliar to you. With fifteen short stories by a star-studded group of fantastic authors, this one’s a must buy for any romance lover—and the perfect gift this holiday season!

The authors truly went all out in this anthology—there are beloved tropes that I bet no one can say no to: Laura Silverman, for example, offers a wonderful take on the fake dating trope in her story “The Passover Date” that’s set during a Jewish family’s celebration of Seder. Not your cup of tea? Then perhaps Amy Spalding’s take on the Mistaken Identity trope or Mason Deaver’s tale of “there’s only one bed” might just be the perfect fit for you. And if those aren’t the ones that make you fall head over heels, I can guarantee that you’ll find something to love in the stories dedicated to secret royalty, mutual pining, or even a love that transcend space and time! From hilarious to sweet and emotionally impactful, these fifteen stories highlight some of the best romance tropes that we all love for good reason. Truly, there’s such a variety (and diversity!) that absolutely enamoured me.

There’s also an astounding amount of depth to these short stories I wasn’t prepared for. It’s hard to make you ache, fear and cheer for your characters in such a short amount of time, but safe to say, these authors delivered! Additionally, beyond the romance themselves there’s also so much more to be discovered. Julian Winters, for example, offers an insightful discussion on what (or who) decides what makes a villain in his story “What Makes Us Heroes.”

While my favourite was Blake’s rendition of The Grumpy and the Sunshine One (another sapphic story!), I truly feel like there’s something for everyone in here. What surprised me perhaps the most—but really shouldn’t have—was how some stories were so good, they actually converted me to picking up certain tropes in the future that I wasn’t on board with prior to reading this anthology. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romance (it usually goes against my “resent and remember” approach to life) but Podos—who also co-edited this lovely anthology—delivered such a sweet, sapphic, summery depiction of it in “Disaster” that I’m now itching to get my hands on more tales that give lovers a second chance at a happily ever after.

Bottom line, whether you’re going to pick this up with a certain trope (or author) in mind, be ready to fall foolishly in love with a trope you normally wouldn’t seek out on your own!

Celebrating romance in all its forms and proving that no one can sweep you off your feet quite like fictional characters, Fools in Love is an enchanting, genre-bending anthology that will have you falling in love with romantic tropes all over again!

Fools in Love is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, as of December 7th 2021.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Join fifteen bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors as they reimagine some of the most popular tropes in the romance genre.

Fake relationships. Enemies to lovers. Love triangles and best friends, mistaken identities and missed connections. This collection of genre-bending and original stories celebrates how love always finds a way, featuring powerful flora, a superhero and his nemesis, a fantastical sled race through snow-capped mountains, a golf tournament, the wrong ride-share, and even the end of the world. With stories written by Rebecca Barrow, Ashley Herring Blake, Gloria Chao, Mason Deaver, Sara Farizan, Claire Kann, Malinda Lo, Hannah Moskowitz, Natasha Ngan, Rebecca Podos, Lilliam Rivera, Laura Silverman, Amy Spalding, Rebecca Kim Wells, and Julian Winters this collection is sure to sweep you off your feet.

The post Review: ‘Fools in Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales’, edited by Rebecca Podos and Ashley Herring Blake appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt
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I’ll Give You the Sun meets Normal People in Cassandra Hartt’s The Sea Is Salt and So Am I, a stunning YA contemporary debut that asks if the secrets we keep and the people we love can change who we are.

Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
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Shaun of the Dead meets Dumplin’ in this bitingly funny YA thriller about a kickass group of teens battling a ravenous group of zombies.

The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Five Feet Apart comes a gripping new romance, perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. 

Sisters of the Snake by Sasha Nanua and Sarena Nanua
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Deadly magic, hidden temples, and dark prophecies: Sisters of the Snake is an action-packed, immersive fantasy that will thrill fans of The Crown’s Game and The Tiger at Midnight. 

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
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Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they’re fighting for a common purpose–and falling for each other–in Zoe Hana Mikuta’s high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu’s Legend series.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
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Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. 

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
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Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, this book will rip your heart out before showing you how to heal from tragedy and celebrate life in the process.

Simone Breaks All the Rules by Debbie Rigaud
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Late bloomers unite! This fresh and funny #ownvoices novel from rising star Debbie Rigaud is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Booksmart.

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
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From debut novelist Jason June comes a moving and hilarious sex-positive story about the complexities of first loves, first hookups, and first heartbreaks—and how to stay true to yourself while embracing what you never saw coming.

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
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A queer YA #MeToo reimagining of Thelma & Louise with the aesthetic of Riverdale, for fans of Mindy McGinnis, Courtney Summers, and Rory Power.

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
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Darkness blooms in bestselling author Kalynn Bayron’s new contemporary fantasy about a girl with a unique and deadly power.

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

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

The Ghosts We Keep is a deep dive into grief. After losing their brother Ethan in a hit-and-run, Liam is consumed by the loss and this story follows their journey as they realise that while grief may be universal, not everyone will go through the same stages that they do. Compared to their friends Vanessa and Joel, their parents and Ethan’s best friend Marcus, Liam slowly realises that their grief manifests in different ways.

This is a very character-driven story. There is an element of mystery to a certain element of Ethan’s past but I’m pretty sure readers will figure it out within a few chapters. Instead, we really get a look at how grief manifests in different ways and what grieving can do to our relationships. Liam already struggles with their friendships with Vanessa and Joel (who are together) and how they keep edging Liam out. Grieving for their brother, Liam further isolates themselves from their friends but is also cast out by them in turn—the eventual confrontation between the three of them was so harrowing to read but also so warranted. Liam lashes out but so do Vanessa and Joel and I really loved how Deaver took the time to explore this strained relationship and how sometimes friendships can turn toxic over time, especially when they’re tested in the most cruel ways.

We also get a front-row seat to how grief can wreck but also strengthen familial relationships. Liam and their parents deal with the loss of Ethan in very contrasting ways and Deaver really shines here with how they create a narrative of love and loss and guilt—and how we not only keep secrets, but also the ghosts of the people we love long after they are gone. This book really articulates how there is no “one” way to move on after someone you love dies—it’s a trial and error sort of thing and sometimes the things that may make you move on from the loss will cause others more pain (for example when Liam’s parents start boxing up Ethan’s room). It’s as sad as it is authentic that to move on isn’t easy and will take time.

For me, the highlight in this book was Marcus. In a way, I felt at times that Liam was more of a Nick Carraway character who observed how everyone else dealing with grief and I guess that in itself showcases how Liam is influenced by their brother’s death and feeling like they’re disappearing. When they start spending more time with Marcus and realize just how strong the bond between Marcus and Ethan was, so much more becomes clear of what not only Liam, but Marcus and every person who ever loved Ethan lost in the span of a few seconds. I loved how we got more insight into Ethan’s character through Marcus’ eyes and how that contrasted with the events Liam remembered because it showcased so beautifully that people can never be completely known, we only show a certain side to certain people.

There is also a lot of casual queer representation that I loved—Liam is nonbinary and their friends identify as bisexual, with Joel being trans. It was really nice to see these inclusions in a story that clearly focused on grief overall.

I think readers of all ages, and especially those who have ever loved someone they lost, will appreciate this story and feel a sense of catharsis once done reading.

With that being said, there was one aspect of the book that kept taking me out of the story. In the latter half of The Ghosts We Keep, Liam often includes these flash-forwards of what happens in the future, that is how therapy works out or his relationship with Marcus after the book ends, turning them into an omniscient narrator. Obviously, this is intended to make the reader feel more hopeful about what’s happening in Liam’s life and showcase that tragedy can be overcome, but that stylistic choice just kept me from being fully immersed in the story and connecting to Liam overall. It often read very didactic and didn’t really fit with the Liam we get to know in the first half of the book, but that’s just a personal note and most likely won’t be an issue to other readers.

A nuanced exploration of grief and how it influences our relationships and sense of self, Deaver’s sophomore novel The Ghosts We Keep is perfect for fans of Adam Silvera’s History Is All You Left Me and anyone in need of a metaphorical shoulder to cry on.

The Ghosts We Keep is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 1st 2021.

Will you be picking up The Ghosts We Keep? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

When Liam Cooper’s older brother Ethan is killed in a hit-and-run, Liam has to not only learn to face the world without one of the people he loved the most, but also face the fading relationship with his two best friends.

Feeling more alone and isolated than ever, Liam finds themself sharing time with Marcus, Ethan’s best friend, and through Marcus, Liam finds the one person that seems to know exactly what they’re going through, for the better, and the worse.

This book is about grief. But it’s also about why we live. Why we have to keep moving on, and why we should.

The post #ReadWithPride: The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Prepare yourselves because this list of 2021 young adult book releases will see you adding several to your TBR! With new releases from favourites, such as Kristin Cashore, Neal Shusterman, Cassandra Clare, and Julie Murphy, as well as debuts from the likes of Ellie Eaton, Angeline Boulley, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, and many more! Plus, the YA genre is absolutely delivering with gorgeous covers!

Want more 2021 book releases? Check out our list of Most Anticipated releases, Fantasy and Sci-Fi releases, Queer releases, and Queer SFF releases.

Read on to discover our January to June 2021 releases and tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

JANUARY

Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink
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A historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the Black Wall Street.

The Divines by Ellie Eaton
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With the emotional power of Normal People and the reflective haze of The Girls, a compulsively readable literary debut set in a secluded boarding school, exploring the intoxicating, destructive relationships between teenage girls. 

Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis
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If Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment…who would play the leads? This vividly funny, honest, and charming romantic novel by Dana L. Davis is the story of a girl who thinks she has what it takes…and the world thinks so, too.

You Have a Match by Emma Lord
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From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord’s You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…

Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
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The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh.

Winterkeep (Graceling Realm #4) by Kristin Cashore
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The highly anticipated next book in the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Graceling Realm series, which has sold 1.3 million copies.

Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder
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For fans of epic fantasies and sweeping adventures, this ensemble cast will immerse you in a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable characters.

Glimpsed by G. F. Miller
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Perfect for fans of Geekerella and Jenn Bennett, this charming, sparkly rom-com follows a wish-granting teen forced to question if she’s really doing good—and if she has the power to make her own dreams come true.

FEBRUARY

What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo
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Rose Szabo’s thrilling debut is a dark and thrilling novel about a teen girl who returns home to her strange, wild family after years of estrangement, perfect for fans of Wilder Girls. 

The Girl from Shadow Springs by Ellie Cypher
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The Revenant meets True Grit with a magical twist in this thrilling and atmospheric debut fantasy about two teens who must brave a frozen wasteland and the foes within it to save their loved ones and uncover a deadly secret.

Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke
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Ren Kolins is a silver wielder—a dangerous thing to be in the kingdom of Erdis, where magic has been outlawed for a century. But when a wealthy rebel leader discovers her secret, he offers her a fortune to join his revolution. The caveat: she won’t see a single coin until they overthrow the King.

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
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When Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud about their competing, neighbouring restaurants.

As Far as You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
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The author of The Gravity of Us crafts another heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding the people who become your home–perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli.

Game Changer by Neal Shusterman
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This high-concept novel from the National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe series tackles the most urgent themes of our time, making this a must-buy for readers who are starting to ask big questions about their own role in the universe.

Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson
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From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Rene Watson comes a new YA–a love story about not only a romantic relationship but how a girl finds herself and falls in love with who she really is. 

Love Is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann
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This is a laugh-out-loud exploration of sexuality, family, female friendship, grief, and community. With the heart and hilarity of Netflix’s critically-acclaimed Sex Education, Wibke Brueggemann’s sex positive debut is required reading for Generation Z teens. Think of this as Bridget Jones’ Diary, if it were written by Bridget’s daughter.

MARCH

Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas
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When children go missing, people want answers. When children go missing in the small coastal town of Astoria, people look to Wendy for answers. 

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
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Debut author Angeline Boulley crafts a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community, for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange. 

The Stolen Kingdom by Jillian Boehme
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Nothing is quite as it seems in this thrilling YA fantasy adventure by Jillian Boehme, The Stolen Kingdom!

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson
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Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo
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The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Bright and the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski
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Debut author Jessica Rubinkowski delivers the thrilling first book in an epic Russian folklore–inspired fantasy duology filled with page-turning romance, tragedy, magic, and monsters. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch!

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
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The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. 

American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar
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Fans of Sandhya Menon, Erika Sanchez and Jandy Nelson will identify with this powerful story of a young artist grappling with first love, family boundaries, and the complications of a cross-cultural relationship.

APRIL

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

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

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
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A young prince must rely on a mysterious stranger to save him when he is kidnapped during his coming-of-age tour in this swoony adventure that is The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean.

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

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
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I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning story of first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong.

What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson
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An exhilarating, emotionally powerful and superbly written thriller that’s Winter’s Bone meets The Road.

My Epic Spring Break-Up by Kristin Rockaway
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A fun and upbeat paperback original romance about a girl who finds a cheat sheet for love.

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O’Neal
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Teen Wolf meets Emergency Contact in this sharply observed, hilarious, and heartwarming debut young adult novel about friendship and the hairy side of chronic illness. 

MAY

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He
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One of the most twisty, surprising, engaging page-turner YAs you’ll read this year—We Were Liars with sci-fi scope, Lost with a satisfying resolution.

Baby & Solo by Lisabeth Posthuma
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Joel’s new job at the video store is just what the therapist ordered. But what happens if the first true friend he’s made in years finds out about What Was Wrong With Him?

Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
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In this irreverent regency romp by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan, newly minted sixteen-year-old Primrose Ainsworth finds herself on a wayward birthday adventure through London with a mysterious hero—perfect for fans of My Lady Jane.

Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
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Return to the beloved world of Julie Murphy’s #1 New York Times bestselling Dumplin’—now a popular Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Aniston—in this fabulously joyful, final companion novel about drag, prom, and embracing your inner Queen.

Off the Record by Camryn Garrett
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The behind-the-scenes access of Almost Famous meets the searing revelations of #metoo in this story of a teen journalist who uncovers the scandal of the decade.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
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Crazy Rich Asians meets The Princess Diaries in this irresistible story about Izumi, a Japanese-American girl who discovers her senior year of high school that she’s really a princess of Japan.

Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan
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In this sparkling and romantic YA debut, a reserved Bangladeshi teenager has twenty-eight days to make the biggest decision of her life after agreeing to fake date her school’s resident bad boy.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
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Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour, this queer coming-of-age story from the author of The Falling in Love Montage is wry, multilayered, and unflinchingly honest.

JUNE

Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
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Shaun of the Dead meets Dumplin’ in this bitingly funny YA thriller about a kickass group of teens battling a ravenous group of zombies.

Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews
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A reinterpretation of the classic Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo, Daughter of Sparta by debut author Claire Andrews turns the traditionally male-dominated mythology we know into a heart-pounding and empowering female-led adventure.

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, this book will rip your heart out before showing you how to heal from tragedy and celebrate life in the process.

Sisters of the Snake by Sasha Nanua and Sarena Nanua
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Deadly magic, hidden temples, and dark prophecies: Sisters of the Snake is an action-packed, immersive fantasy that will thrill fans of The Crown’s Game and The Tiger at Midnight. 

Simone Breaks All the Rules by Debbie Rigaud
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Late bloomers unite! This fresh and funny #ownvoices novel from rising star Debbie Rigaud is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Booksmart.

A Season of Sinister Dreams by Tracy Banghart
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Furyborn meets A Curse So Dark and Lonely in this courtly feminist fantasy from Grace and Fury author Tracy Banghart.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. 

We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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A wedding harpist disillusioned with love and a hopeless romantic cater-waiter flirt and fight their way through a summer of weddings in this effervescent romantic comedy from the acclaimed author of Today Tonight Tomorrow.

What YA books are you looking forward to releasing between January and June 2021? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 2021 YA Book Releases You Need To Have On Your TBR 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!

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