A Match Made In Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai

Simi grew up with her Indian family or as Devi would call, her Indian mothers. Her Indian mothers come from a line of matchmakers and Simi realized she inherited this gift. Knowing her matchmaking abilities, Simi creates a matchmaking app for her school to set up relationships. But will her matchmaking skills always reign true?

Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Simran “Simi” Sangha comes from a long line of Indian vichole-matchmakers-with a rich history for helping parents find good matches for their grown children. When Simi accidentally sets up her cousin and a soon-to-be lawyer, her family is thrilled that she has the “gift.”

But Simi is an artist, and she doesn’t want to have anything to do with relationships, helicopter parents, and family drama. That is, until she realizes this might be just the thing to improve her and her best friend Noah’s social status. Armed with her family’s ancient guide to finding love, Simi starts a matchmaking service-via an app, of course.

But when she helps connect a wallflower of a girl with the star of the boys’ soccer team, she turns the high school hierarchy topsy-turvy, soon making herself public enemy number one.

What’s Not To Love by Wibberley-Broka

Alison and Ethan will give you Devi and Ben vibes. Alison and Ethan also had a running academic competition since they were little–both trying to one up each other in being the best. But do they fall in love along the way?

Synopsis

Since high school began, Alison Sanger and Ethan Molloy have competed on almost everything. AP classes, the school paper, community service, it never ends. If Alison could avoid Ethan until graduation, she would. Except, naturally, for two over-achieving seniors with their sights on valedictorian and Harvard, they share all the same classes and extracurriculars. So when their school’s principal assigns them the task of co-planning a previous class’s ten-year reunion, with the promise of a recommendation for Harvard if they do, Ethan and Alison are willing to endure one more activity together if it means beating the other out of the lead. But with all this extra time spent in each other’s company, their rivalry begins to feel closer to friendship. And as tension between them builds, Alison fights the growing realization that the only thing she wants more than winning . . . is Ethan.

Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins

Rachel Hawkins created a charming Royals world that is hard not to fall in love with. Daisy is such a fun character with great humor and an even greater heart. I also loved all the rom-com swoon scenes that happen. If you want to know what scenes I’m talking about. . . you’ll have to read 😉.

Synopsis

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair, a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. 

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.  

To Love and To Loath by Martha Waters

I’ve also heard nothing but fabulous things about this book! I bought the book but have yet to read it. But it’s definitely on top of my TBR 🧡!

Synopsis

The widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. So shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party at Elderwild, Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked when Jeremy appears at her home with a very different kind of proposition.

After his latest mistress unfavorably criticized his skills in the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and widowed Diana can use the gossip to signal to other gentlemen that she is interested in taking a lover.

Diana thinks taking him up on his counter-proposal can only help her win her wager. With her in the bedroom and Jeremy’s marriage-minded grandmother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Willingham, helping to find suitable matches among the eligible ladies at Elderwild, Diana is confident her victory is assured. But while they’re focused on winning wagers, they stand to lose their own hearts.

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuisten

When I think of Alex and Henry, I think of two fabulous, hilarious, amazing, full-hearted young men who are such gems. That’s also what I think of when it comes to the Fab Five ✨! If you like royalty with a fun modern twist, Red, White, and Royal Blue is your hit.

Synopsis

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius―his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse. 

Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through? Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue proves: true love isn’t always diplomatic. 

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

I haven’t read this book yet, but I also have heard high praise from this story 💕.

Synopsis

Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he’s navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican—but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough.

As he gets older, Michael’s coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs—and the Black Flamingo is born.

Told with raw honesty, insight, and lyricism, this debut explores the layers of identity that make us who we are—and allow us to shine.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

It was kind of a challenge to think about which books gave Stranger Things vibes. But I believe The Mortal Instrument series can vibe with Stranger Things because of the demons and monsters aspects. I also feel like Stranger Things and TMI both have complex and lovable characters!

Synopsis

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. And she’s more than a little startled when the body disappears into thin air. Soon Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. And Clary is introduced with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque monster. How could a mere human survive such an attack and kill a demon? The Shadowhunters would like to know…

The Raven Boys by Maggie

The Raven Boys gives me the same mood as the characters from the Umbrella Academy. I think there is someone for everyone to connect with. The storyline is also highly interesting and has a magical element.

Synopsis

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them–until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her.His name is Gansey, a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher who notices many things but says very little.For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She doesn’t believe in true love, and never thought this would be a problem. But as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson

This book is perfect for fans of Alexa and Katie–absolutely perfect. Kat will give you Katie vibes—hey, I just noticed how similar their names are 😄; Kat and Katie both love the theater. Stevie kind of gives off Alexa vibes, but Stevie has a softer demeanor. Alex and Katie also has a lot of heart when it comes to family and that’s something Take Me Home Tonight does well 💜.

Synopsis

Two girls. One night. Zero phones.

Kat and Stevie—best friends, theater kids, polar opposites—have snuck away from the suburbs to spend a night in New York City. They have it all planned out. They’ll see a play, eat at the city’s hottest restaurant, and have the best. Night. Ever. What could go wrong?

Well. Kind of a lot?

They’re barely off the train before they’re dealing with destroyed phones, family drama, and unexpected Pomeranians. Over the next few hours, they’ll have to grapple with old flames, terrible theater, and unhelpful cab drivers. But there are also cute boys to kiss, parties to crash, dry cleaning to deliver (don’t ask), and the world’s best museum to explore.

Over the course of a wild night in the city that never sleeps, both Kat and Stevie will get a wake-up call about their friendship, their choices…and finally discover what they really want for their future. 

That is, assuming they can make it to Grand Central before the clock strikes midnight.

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

A shorter book, but it still gives the creepy vibes Joe Goldberg would give you.

Synopsis

It’s been almost a year since Makani Young came to live with her grandmother and she’s still adjusting to her new life in rural Nebraska. Then, one by one, students at her high school begin to die in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair.

As the body count rises and the terror grows closer, can Makani survive the killer’s twisted plan?

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Obviously this had to be on here. I don’t want to say read the synopsis because it’s more fun to go into Verity without knowing what it’s about.

Just let the book work it’s magic on you 💚.

Synopsis

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. 

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night their family was forever altered. 

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her. 

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Meadow

This was one of the first YA series I read back in 2012 and I remember it gave me Gossip Girl vibes to a T. Very elitist and very Dan and Jenny Humphrey vibes because the sisters eventually find out they’re rich, so the story follows them navigating their new elitist lifestyle.

Synopsis

Three long lost heiresses. One hot summer. Lots of ridiculously sexy (and ridiculously rich) guys. What could go wrong?

When Peyton, Courtney, and Savannah Diamond are sent to live with their long lost father, their lives go from glum to glamorous overnight. Because their father is THE Adrian Diamond. Billionaire owner of the most luxurious hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

Savannah thinks Vegas is a fairy tale come true. But is bad boy Damien actually interested in her, or is she just another toy for him to play with?

Courtney wants to lay low and keep her nose where it belongs—in an SAT prep book. But will her unwelcome attraction for her future step-brother bring more attention to her than she can handle?

Peyton wants nothing to do with her father. But she wants everything to do with her sexy new bodyguard, Jackson. Except Jackson’s way older than she is. And he’s forbidden from dating her, since he works for her father.

The sisters are in WAY over their heads. And they’re forgetting one important rule:

Love A la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

This book was just fun to read 😊. Personally, I have interesting thoughts about this book but I don’t want to say because I think you should read it (but I have a book review if you want to know) However, I think you will like this book if you like cooking and romance.

Synopsis

Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. But she never expected that she, a random nobody from East Liberty, Ohio, would be accepted to celebrity chef Denis Laurent’s school in Paris, the most prestigious cooking program for teens in the entire world. Life in Paris, however, isn’t all cream puffs and crepes. Faced with a challenging curriculum and a nightmare professor, Rosie begins to doubt her dishes.

Henry Yi grew up in his dad’s restaurant in Chicago, and his lifelong love affair with food landed him a coveted spot in Chef Laurent’s school. He quickly connects with Rosie, but academic pressure from home and his jealousy over Rosie’s growing friendship with gorgeous bad-boy baker Bodie Tal makes Henry lash out and push his dream girl away.

Desperate to prove themselves, Rosie and Henry cook like never before while sparks fly between them. But as they reach their breaking points, they wonder whether they have what it takes to become real chefs.

Again, But Better by Christine Riccio

Again, but Better is joy and love in a book. Such a light-hearted book that also takes you around Europe, Paris too, and it’s super sweet! Besides romance, the story talks about all the jitters that comes with going to college and being post-grad, having regrets, and complicated family relationships. Trust me , you don’t want to miss this book❣️.

Synopsis

Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents…sounds ideal — but Shane’s made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance…what’s that? 

Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time’s a ticking, and she needs a change — there’s nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She’s going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure! 

Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart. 

Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic – the possibilities are endless.

Geek Girl by Holly Smale

Geek Girl isn’t set in Paris. It’s set in Europe but there are other books in the series where Harriet is in different countries. Harriet gives me Emily vibes by how quirky and cool she is and how much of a fashionista Harriet can be.

Synopsis

Harriet Manners is a geek. She always has been, and she thought she always would be—but when she’s discovered by a modeling agent, she leaps at the chance to reinvent herself. 

There’s only one problem: Harriet is the definition of awkward. Can she transform from geek to chic?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

I read this book for one of my SPED education classes and I thought it was a fun book that provided insight on the emotions and thoughts someone has when living with ASD. I never knew what ASD was until college because no one talked about it until I learned about it as a part of my education major. But taking that SPED class opened my eyes to wanting to read inclusive books and watch inclusive shows of people with different abilities. But when I started looking for ability inclusive media or stories, I realized that there aren’t many and I hope that changes 😕 because there are many stories out there that should be heard.

But this story was the beginning of me wanting to learn more and I hope it can be the start for you too ❣️.

Synopsis

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

This improbable story of Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years.