Tag Archives: Romance

YA – A Curse for True Love

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Garber, Stephanie. A Curse for True Love. Flatiron Books, 2023. 978-1-250-85120-8. $20.99. 448 p. Grades 9-12.

Evangeline Fox has lost her memories. She knows very few things to be true: she traveled to Magnificent North, she married Prince Apollo, and they live seemingly happily together in the castle. However, she knows that something has happened, something involving a mysterious Lord Jacks. Apollo has told her to stay away from him because he is dangerous and the reason her memories are gone. Little does she know that Apollo is the one who stole her memories and wants to keep Evangeline all to himself. In order to keep the secret, he must kill Jacks once and for all. Through the alternating point of views of Apollo, Jacks, and Evangeline, Apollo’s plan starts to fall apart as Evangeline starts to ask questions and is unequivocally drawn to the mysterious stranger, Archer, that comes to her rescue and encourages her to remember who she is. As the prince slowly becomes the villain and the villain the hero, Evanegline will have no choice but to listen to her heart and trust that true love will guide her along her way to her fairy tale ending. “She was the moth, and Jacks was still the flame.”

THOUGHTS: My expectations for the finale of this series were high. Maybe too high? Although I still loved every moment of this book, I was left feeling as if the story was unfinished as there were still many unanswered questions as I finished the last few pages. However, with the way the book ended, I’m hoping for more stories from the Magnificent North and maybe a bit more of Jacks and Evangeline in future, companion novels. As with the previous two books in the series, its pages are filled with magic spells, deceptions, forgotten stories, danger, curses, and above all, the power of true love. “Other stories were brewing in the Magnificent North.”

Fantasy         

YA – Lunar New Year Love Story

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Yang, Gene Luen, and Leuyen Pham. Lunar New Year Love Story. First Second, 2024. 978-1-250-90826-1. 352 p. $17.99. Grades 8-12.

In Valentina’s family, romance has always led to suffering and she fears that she is destined for the same fate. So when her longtime “imaginary” companion Saint Valentine suggests that Val give him her heart so he can keep it safe, she agrees … but bargains to have one year to prove that her fate can be different from her family’s. When Val meets ultra-charming Leslie Liu through a lion dancing performance at a Lunar New Year’s festival, everything is absolutely perfect – at least, it looks that way on Les’s Instagram feed. Val worries that something is missing from her relationship with Les, and maybe it’s because her heart actually belongs to another lion dancer. But is one year enough time to figure out and reveal her true feelings? Lunar New Year Love Story is divided into twelve chapters, each representing a month of the year, and each chapter has a color theme that corresponds with the feng shui wheel. There are so many levels to unpack and adore in this love story about family, friendship, and – of course – romance!

THOUGHTS: No matter the month or the temperature outside, this graphic novel will melt your heart!

Graphic Novel

MG/YA – The Love Report

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BéKa. The Love Report. Illustrated by Maya. Hippo Park, 2023. 978-1-545-81127-6. 192 p. $12.99. Grades 7-10.

Besties Grace and Lola have a lot of questions about dating, love, and romance. Why do all the boys at school like this one particular popular girl? What is going on with love and the goth girl? And the boys… well, there are a lot of questions about romance and the boys at school. The girls decide to write a love report filled with questions and answers following their love study. The girls will discover more about love, their friendship, and themselves as they ask questions and find answers.

THOUGHTS: A love report of self-discovery and worth. Middle School readers will relate to this book as they begin their own discoveries of love and relationships.

Graphic Novel

YA – Fatima Tate Takes the Cake

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Vanbrakle, Khadijah. Fatima Tate Takes the Cake. Holiday House, 2023. 978-0-823-45485-3.  267 p. $19.99. Grades 8-12.

Black Muslim Fatima Tate has a passion for baking, but is also an obedient daughter to her two loving, hard working parents living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her mother has Fatima’s whole life planned as a nurse and regards her talent for baking as a hobby. Fatima spends her free time volunteering at a soup kitchen where she meets the charming and handsome Raheem Harris. When she accepts a ride home from Raheem one day–a definite no-no–that culminates in a kiss, Fatima starts down a slippery slope of secret dating that quickly escalates to a marriage proposal. Though at first, Fatima is thrilled to be matched with her crush, she starts to have serious misgivings especially when her best friend, Zayneb Baker, confesses her disapproval of the match based on hard evidence she discovered. Fatima’s parents are thrilled with Raheem and dazzled by his generous gifts and wealth because they believe it assures their daughter’s secure future. Fatima is reluctant to share her doubts with her parents, just as she keeps secret her participation in a baking competition that could enable her to attend the Culinary Institute. As her fiance and his family pressure Fatima into an early wedding quickly following her high school graduation, Fatima views the unmasked Raheem who is controlling and manipulative, but she feels trapped because of what he holds over her. The situation comes to a head during the engagement party, when Fatima confronts Raheem and his mother. Her honesty allows her to continue in the baking competition and recognize the support of her parents. Vanbrakle has a smooth way of writing authentic dialogue. While Fatima represents the docile, traditional Muslim, Zayneb, her lesbian friend who is also Muslim, wears no hijab and her relationship with her girlfriend is out in the open. Although Fatima appears modest and shy most of the time, she does have a sarcastic side to her and, ultimately, has the courage to address some very difficult issues. This well-rounded description of Muslim characters, beliefs, and customs is refreshing and genuine, but could have been enhanced by a glossary of terms. The book does, however, have some of Fatima’s favorite dessert recipes.

THOUGHTS: Gorgeous cover. Thankfully, in recent years more books have been published including Muslim characters, but Fatima Tate Takes the Cake makes the reader understand what it must be like to be a Muslim teen. This work provides the mirror and window so desired in reading. Some foul language,  description of kissing, and implied sexual intercourse.

Realistic Fiction

YA – Chloe and the Kaishao Boys

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Coyiuto, Mae. Chloe and the Kaishao Boys. Putnam, 2023. 978-0-593-46163-1. 341 p. $18.99. Grades 9-12.

Chloe Liang’s ultimate dream is to study animation. When she gets waitlisted from the California college of her choice, she resigns herself to stay in Manila; study business; eventually, take over Zip and Lock, her father’s lucrative business; and continue enduring her quirky family’s mandatory Sunday brunches. Then as the school year ends, she receives her USC acceptance and her dream is back in gear: go to college abroad where her Filipino-American mother resides. Her extended family, however, has not gotten the message that Chloe is serious about this pursuit. Her father, who constantly congratulates Chloe through hashtags but has difficulty actually talking to her, continues to refer to animation as her “hobby.” Her well-meaning but intrusive Auntie Queenie insists on planning an extravagant debut when Chloe turns eighteen in August. Part of the ceremony (think Quincenera, Filipino style) involves the selection of 18 of Chloe’s closest male friends to surround her. When Chloe comes up with only her uncles, Auntie Queenie takes things into her own hands. She sets up “kaishao,” occasions where Chloe can “meet up” with eligible boys. Though her best friend, Cia, is sympathetic, she volunteers her older brother, Jappy and her own secret boyfriend, Raf. The preparation for the debut takes center stage, with Chloe suffering some guilt for abandoning her single dad. Chloe feels some sparks with some of her kaishao boys and learns to appreciate the traditions as well as the concessions her Chinese-Filipino family. Though this book has the makings of a Netflix movie all over it, debut author Coyiuto presents a nuanced, colorful cast of Chinese-Filipino characters, whose dialogue–interspersed with Hokkien and Tagalog– is witty, snappy, and funny. Includes glossary of Hokkien and Tagalog vocabulary.

THOUGHTS: Truly funny books with an interesting plot don’t come along often. This is one. Coyiuto has a good ear for picking out the humor in a chaotic family situation and makes sure Chloe never takes herself too seriously. The animation theme is thin, but some students may be drawn to Chloe’s passion. Two situations that aren’t addressed in the book: Chloe’s mother emigrated to America as a child and met and married her father when he studied in the U.S., but never adjusted to life in Manila and left her daughter with her father while she returned to America, and Chloe’s perfect cousin Peter who comes to brunch with his perfect girlfriend, Pauline, shares with Chloe that he is gay. These situations highlight some taboos of this Chinese-Filipino family: homosexuality and divorce. Nevertheless, share this book with any student who needs a laugh, but particularly with Asian-Americans. 

Realistic Fiction

YA – Forget Me Not

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Derrick, Alyson. Forget Me Not. Simon and Schuster, 2023. 978-1-665-90237-3. 308 p. $19.99. Grades 9-12.

Set in western Pennsylvania, this LGBTQ+ romance takes an unusual turn. A senior at the local Catholic high school, Stevie is biracial with a Korean-American mother; Nora attends public school and helps out on her family’s cattle farm, although she herself strives to be vegan. Madly in love, the pair plan to escape their conservative town and parents once they graduate. Stevie has been accepted at a California college, and Nora has secured an apartment where they can begin their new lives, free of the judgment of their homophobic families and neighbors. Unlike Nora, Stevie seems to come from a close-knit, albeit conservative, family. She lies to be able to see Nora; and during one of those outings, Stevie falls off an embankment, hits her head, and suffers amnesia. Though her parents are understandably grateful to this girl who saved their daughter’s life, they have no clue of their relationship. And when she eventually awakens, neither does Stevie. This non-recognition pains Nora, so she takes to writing–but not delivering–letters to Stevie describing their romance. Derrick meets well the challenge of Stevie’s reckoning with her life as it is laid out before her when she comes to and her gradual realization that Nora is her true love. The two lovers fulfill their dream and Stevie has the added comfort of her parents’ unconditional love.

THOUGHTS: Long listed for the National Book Award, Forget Me Not reads like a fluent movie script where the reader is privy to thoughts, conversations, and feelings. Stevie’s insistence on hiding her sexuality and her relationship from her parents is understood when the reader discovers she did come out to her mother who was dismissive. Her parents’ rejection of Stevie’s revelation is blamed on their Catholic religious views; though, Pope Francis isn’t homophobic. Stevie and Nora engage in heavy kissing and one scene where they (almost) have sex until Nora’s mother catches them and beats Nora. Stevie and her (boy)friend, Ryan, are Asian, but most other characters seem white. Alyson Derrick lives in Pennsylvania; and, yes, Greenville, Pennsylvania, exists in Mercer County.

Realistic Fiction

YA – Check & Mate

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Hazelwood, Ali. Check & Mate. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2023. 978-0-593-61991-9. 350 p. $14.00. Grades 10+.

Recent New Jersey high school graduate Mallory Greenleaf swore off chess years ago, but at the request of her bestie she agrees to participate in a charity tournament. There, she unexpectedly wins against 20-year old Nolan Sawyer, the current world champion and reputed “ill-tempered ball of toxic masculinity.” Based on her stellar performance at the charity event, Mallory is offered a fellowship at a Brooklyn chess club. Despite her complicated history with chess, which is tied up with memories of her deceased father, Mallory can’t resist the promise of a steady paycheck and potential chess winnings. After all, her mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and her two younger sisters depend on her to provide for the family. While keeping it a secret from her family, Mallory begins to compete – and win – at chess, all while drawing closer to a rematch with Nolan. She gets to know him as their paths cross, and he’s nothing like his reputation. He’s charming, kind, funny … and seems to genuinely like Mallory. Is it all a ruse on the part of the “Kingkiller” to throw his opponent off balance, or is everything Mallory thought she knew about Nolan wrong? Ali Hazelwood has written several wildly popular adult romances, and her first young adult novel is both true to the romance formula and quite original. Humor, pop culture references, a swoony love interest, and plenty of high-stakes chess matches lend wide appeal.

THOUGHTS: With main characters who have already graduated from high school, Check & Mate is a great choice for older teens who enjoy romance.

Romance

YA – If You’ll Have Me

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Eunnie. If You’ll Have Me. Viking, 2023. 978-0-593-40322-8. 331 p. $24.99. Grades 9-12.

While dropping off some class notes at an acquaintance’s dorm room, Momo bumps into cool, mysterious PG. They meet again at a club and share a sweet dance in an alleyway. After accepting skin care tips from Momo at a drugstore, PG gives Momo her phone number on a receipt. A friendship soon develops, as well a tentative crush, but Momo has never dated before and isn’t sure if she and PG are looking for the same kind of relationship. After all, PG has a reputation as a flirt and decidedly non-monogamous type. As their endearingly awkward romance hits a few inevitable bumps along the way, readers will root for these two college students to reveal their true feelings and let love in. Author and illustrator Eunnie depicts an almost entirely female world bathed in pink, peach, and lavender tones. Flashback segments, which fill in the characters’ backstories, are outlined in heavy blank ink to help the reader transition between timelines. 

THOUGHTS: Readers will fall in love with Momo, PG, and the world that Eunnie has created in this ultra-charming graphic novel. It’s perfect for fans of Crumbs by Danie Stirling. 

Graphic Novel

YA – The Wicked Bargain

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Novoa, Gabe Cole. The Wicked Bargain. Random House, 2023. 978-0-593-37801-4.  361pg. $18.99. Grades 9-12.

The Wicked Bargain follows main character Mar who is a pirate on their father’s ship where they are celebrating their 18th birthday. However, el Diablo comes to collect a debt from Mar’s father… that is their father’s soul and the lives of all the crew leaving Mar as the only survivor. Mar has no choice but to avenge their fathers death, and they team up with another pirate named Bas in order to do that. However, finding el Diablo and getting their father’s soul won’t be so easy. Mar has magic that they have been suppressing and hiding almost their entire life, as well as their identity that they were born female but identify as nonbinary. Will Mar be able to manage their magic to save their father? And what do they do about their growing feelings for Bas?

THOUGHTS: This book surprised me in a great way! The plot seemed slightly uninteresting; however, once I got into the story, the writing was excellent and the plot moved along just fast enough to keep me interested. I loved all of the characters, but the dynamic between Mar and Bas was definitely my favorite. Great book for fans of young adult fantasy!

Fantasy

YA – Silver in the Bone

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Bracken, Alexandra. Silver in the Bone. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-0-593-48165-3. $19.99. 496 p. Grades 9-12.

In a world full of magic, Tasmin Lark has none. After being abandoned by their guardian Nash, she and her brother, Cabell, must learn to survive on their own. Years later, as members of the Hollowers, they spend their time breaking curses and entering ancient crypts in search of treasure. When Tamsin takes a job from a sorcerer, the race to find an ancient ring begins. According to the rumors, Nash was the last to have it, and Tamsin hopes to find it to break a curse on Cabell. Others are after the ring as well, including her rival, Emrys. Suddenly, Tamsin finds herself in Camelot, navigating the myths and legends of old while discovering the dark and dangerous secrets of the realm and learning to open her heart to others.

THOUGHTS: I love the fantasy world created by Bracken for her newest series. It’s a mix of urban and ancient fantasy, and she is able to blend the two worlds seamlessly. This one hooked me from the start, and I think the uniqueness of the story will draw in other fantasy readers as well. The slow burn romance between Tamsin and Emrys was also a highlight of this novel, and I’d recommend this one to any reader who loves fantasy or the stories from the Arthurian legends. 

Fantasy