There’s a lot happening in the music scene these days, what with Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, the ten-year anniversary of K-pop group BTS in June, and a highly anticipated, star-studded Barbie movie soundtrack. Speaking of people in the spotlight, here are six YA must-reads with characters who are having their moment . . . even if they’re struggling with it. Scroll down for recommended books for BTS fans and books for Taylor Swift fans.
Not Here to Stay Friends by Kaitlyn Hill
Lights, camera, action. If you’re a fan of reality TV (especially dating shows), this enemies-to-lovers romance is an absolute must-read. Sloane McKinney feels like anything but the main character in own life. All that changes when she finds out that her upcoming summertime reunion with her childhood bestie (and crush) Liam Daniels will involve more than fetching coffee and assisting the film crew for his producer dad’s new reality dating show. In fact, the show wants to cast Sloane as the final contestant, but behind-the-scenes is where the drama truly unfurls. . . .
Royal Blood by Aimée Carter
In this first book in a thrilling new series, seventeen-year-old Evan Bright more than understands the importance of maintaining privacy in the spotlight. She’s the illegitimate daughter of the king of England and prefers to keep that a secret. However, things take a dark turn when Evan is compelled to spend her summer in London alongside the royal family and her renowned father. When her true identity is exposed, a fun night turns into a harrowing murder investigation. Suddenly, she finds herself as the prime suspect, the perils of fame more life-threatening than she could’ve ever imagined.
Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto
In this laugh-out-loud rom-com, two teens fall in love in the strangest of circumstances. Sharlot is sent from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia after being caught with her boyfriend, while George Clooney Tanuwijaya, son of the country’s second richest family, is caught in his own comprising solo situation. Determined to find George a girlfriend, his dad and sister decide catfish as him online. Little do they know, Sharlot’s mom is committing the same scheme to get her daughter a respectable partner, and when the teens reluctantly meet, what should be an awkward first encounter becomes humorous love story full of hijinks and unexpected romance.
Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
Mahalia has always dreamed of having a Sweet Sixteen party, though this year, her family sadly can’t afford it. After venting to her best friend about it—and hiding her true identity from her religious mother—Mahalia is inspired to throw her own big bash: a coming-out party full of music, confetti, and a rainbow dress. Absorbing and as funny as it is poignant, this Sapphic rom-com shows one Black queer teen becoming the triumphant star of her own story.
Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
Fans of Bridgerton and Taylor Swift’s Reputation will devour this romantic Regency romp about Lady Ela Dalvi, a teen who returns to London’s bustling social scene after a devastating betrayal by her best friend three years before. Determined to set things right and restore her tainted reputation, Ela disguises herself as the mysterious heiress Miss Lyra Whitley and vows to take her former bestie down for good. Her Machiavellian plot is unfolding near perfectly . . . until she meets a kindred spirit who would be a casualty of her machinations and might just be the perfect new partner.
Fireworks by Alice Lin
If you’re a K-pop or BTS fan, this is the book for you! Seventeen-year-old Lulu’s childhood friend Kite became a famous K-pop star as part of an all-boy group called Karnival, but now that he’s taking a break from Karnival for mysterious reasons, this is Lulu’s chance to rekindle their friendship . . . and maybe something more. But how could a K-pop star possibly fall for a nobody from home? And even if he did, is there any way for their relationship to end but badly?
