BOOKS

From inspiring coming-of-age moments to tragic love stories and teary-eyed romances, we've got it all. Tell us your crush sitch and we'll pick your next must-read...

You love them...but they love someone else.
Read: Unchosen by Katharyn Blair 
Charlotte's longtime crush falls for her older sis Harlow. And her younger sis Vanessa is apparently the "Chosen One," able to end the Crimson, which has turned half of humanity into flesh-eating monstrosities. With her crush crashed—and possibly the world ending—Char disguises herself as the Chosen One to protect and hide her sisters. Katherine Tegen Books, $18

You like them but aren't sure they like you.
Read: One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite 
When their sis Kezi tragically dies, Happi and Genni honor her by taking a trip Kezi had mapped out based on the famous Negro Motorist Green Book. Along the way, Happi and Genni diisvoer romance, mystery and history while learning how their family is uniquely tied to the route. Inkyard Press, $19

They like you, but you don't like them.
Read: A Taste for Love by Jennifer Yen
Liza's mom only wants her to date "nice Asian boys." When Liza discovers that Mrs. Yang handpicked the contestants in their bakery's big baking competition as potential suitors, Liza must battle her mother's outmoded rules—and her own feelings for the annoyingly handsome James Wong. Razorbill, $18

Ugh, you just broke up. 
Read: A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
After a bad breakup and the death of her beloved abuela, Lila's parents send her overseas to stay with family friends in Winchester, England. Lila misses everything about her colorful life in Miami...until she meets Orion in a tea shop. Atheneum BFYR, $19

You're unsure where you stand.
Read: This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria
When Karis accidentally awakes an automaton named Alix, suddenly the Scriptorium is after her. Knowing her older brother Matthias may be able to help, Karis flees with Alix and best friend Dane to try to find Matthias—and uncover the Scriptorium's nefarious scheme to control the long-dormant magic of the automatons. Inkyard Press, $15

You started off friends, but...
Read: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
During the coming-of-age purity ritual, Deka's blood runs gold. Assuming a fate worse than death, Deka is instead invited to join and fight the empire's enemies with the alaki, girls with rare powers. As Deka kicks butt, she discovers true friendship—and perhaps something more. Delacorte Press, $19

It seems like it shouldn't work...but it might.
Read: A Pho Love Story by Loan Le 
Bao and Linh are enemies by default, thanks to their families' rival Vietnamese pho restaurants in the same neighborhood. But when Bao helps Linh out of a jam, a secret romance heats up. Is their love strong enough to withstand the family feud? Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, $19

You're in a love triangle.
Read: Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch
Invited by her long-absent father to join him on his quest to find Atlantis, Liv leaves BF Dex at home and embarks on an epic adventure with her dad...and his assistant Theo. Simon & Schuster BFYR, $19

Happy reading...and happy crushing!

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/March 2021 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

by GL | 2/11/2021