A well-written collection that shines in its creative magic systems and worldbuilding.
Romance meets magic in this engaging collection of stories written by a variety of new and veteran YA authors.
In an introductory letter to readers, editor Pennant describes her goal with this anthology: “to further highlight the voices and backgrounds that are so often overlooked in the genre of ‘romantasy.’” The 17 stories collected here, the spiciest of which offer closed door romance, span the gamut from a splash of fabulism to full-blown high fantasy. In Sophie Li’s beautifully written, Studio Ghibli-esque “Chloe’s Cat,” a girl confronts her low self-esteem and feelings for her best friend after her cat eats him. Jill Tew builds an enchanting world that will leave readers wanting more in the epistolary “Atrium,” which follows two young people who fall in love while attempting to solve a challenge for their Incantations class. Many of the stories shine for their fantasy elements, for example, Jennifer Helen’s “A Feathered Omen” and Alexene Farol Follmuth’s “Prophecy.” Some feature swoonworthy romances, like Brent Lambert’s “Silent Death,” Nia Davenport’s “A Fate Written in Stars,” and Kwame Mbalia’s “The Heartfire Mask.” Other entries present romances set against slightly fantastical backdrops, as in Cheryl Isaacs’ “Sinkholes.” The anthology includes an appealing range of representation among the leads and love interests, including characters with different cultural origins and sexualities, whose identities are authentically rendered, contributing to a fun and colorful reading experience.
A well-written collection that shines in its creative magic systems and worldbuilding. (contributor bios) (Fantasy romance anthology. 14-18)Pub Date: June 30, 2026
ISBN: 9781638933304
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Sweet July/Zando
Review Posted Online: March 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart.
A surprise inheritance thrusts a small-town Nebraska teen into Manhattan’s elite society—and the orbit of a boy who’s determined to prove she doesn’t belong.
Julia Lowell’s life changes overnight when the 80-something man they know as Lou leaves his fortune to her family instead of his New York City relatives. Lou, who lived in a fishing cabin, was a regular customer of the Lowells’ small grocery store and became a family friend. To inherit, they must live in his Upper West Side home for at least six months, and Julia and her twin brother must attend Gardenwood Academy, a Gossip Girl–esque private school. Julia struggles to navigate her rude, privileged classmates—like Damion Rutledge. Unbeknownst to her, Lou—whose real name was Remington—was Damion’s beloved great-uncle. When a teacher assigns Damion to be Julia’s math tutor, he seizes the opportunity to search Uncle Remi’s house, which he believes is his by right, for evidence of the Lowells’ deceit. But as suspicion gives way to genuine feelings, Julia and Damion, who are cued white, question their assumptions about one another. Painter delivers her signature blend of banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally grounded characters. Told in the leads’ alternating points of view, the familiar enemies-to-lovers setup is complicated by Damion’s secret and Julia’s past heartbreak. While the story follows a predictable path and resolution, the central relationship feels earned and heartfelt.
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart. (soundtrack) (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
ISBN: 9798347100217
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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