BOOKS

Pairing lit and love = our favorite kind of matchmaking. 

Whether you're dreaming of a stroll through nature and birdwatching with your bestie or sipping frappes with your bf, we've got the *perfect* book for your most enchanting date ideas.

@chrisii_l

The walk-in-the-woods date
Even If It Breaks Your Heart by Erin Hahn (Wednesday Books, $21)
Case, reeling after his best friend Walker’s death, finds a bucket list Walker left behind—one that includes befriending ranch hand Winnie. The problem? Winnie wants nothing to do with the arrogant ranch owner’s son. Despite their differences, this pair just might have a lot to learn from each other.

@rusticpages

The art museum date
These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang (G.P. Putnam's Sons BFYR, $19)
Instead of following her parents’ dreams, Tabatha chooses to apprentice under a sorcerer—but then he’s murdered. Tabatha and Callum, the boss’s son, become prime suspects. They may not trust each other, but they unite to find the real killer anyway. So if neither of them committed murder…who did?

@twofriendsbooks

The indie bookstore date
Unstuck by Barbara Dee (Aladdin, $18)
Lyla’s class starts their creative writing unit, and she can’t wait to pen a fantasy tale about a girl rescuing her older sister. But the pressure of entering a story contest—plus trying to impress her drifting BFF—has given her writer’s block. Lyla has to face her anxieties to help herself and connect with her IRL sister, who’s struggling with her own secrets.

@mel.amartinez

The coffee shop date
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang (Scholastic, $20)
Sadie is a superstar: She’s valedictorian and school captain at Woodvale Academy…but she struggles to open up about how she truly feels (especially her rage toward her cocky co-captain Julius). She unleashes her emotions into emails that Sadie keeps to herself. So what happens when those secret messages (oops) get sent out?

@marilia_nailssecrets

The homemade pizza date
Free Period by Ali Terese (Scholastic, $18)
When Helen and Gracie get in trouble, their punishment is to join a club. They pick Community Action because it requires zero effort—but that changes when the besties decide to campaign for free period supplies at their school. Soon their newfound cause (and their friendship) is on the line. Can they go with the flow…or will the school board cramp their style?

The stargazing date
The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz (G.P. Putnam's Sons BFYR, $20)
MJ, a half-human, half-encanto living in the regular world, gets whisked away to claim her otherworldly throne. But with an untrustworthy council and a curse on the king, her realm is rapidly dissolving into chaos. Add an enemy knight she’s crushing on? (Swoon!) MJ is going to have to rule with her head *and* her heart.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/March 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Top and slider image: @theintrovertededition

by GL | 2/9/2024