Books like 'Sapphire Beautiful'
Readers who enjoyed Sapphire Beautiful by Ren Monterrey also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult shy-hero teacher-heroine
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Heartstopper: Volume Four by Alice Oseman
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fourth volume of HEARTSTOPPER, for fans of The Art of Being Normal, Holly Bourne and Love, Simon.Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult contemporary m-m friends to lovers mental illness high-school neurodivergent -
Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman
Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Nick has even found the courage to come out to his mom.But coming out isn't something that happens just once, and Nick and Charlie try to figure out when to tell their friends that they're dating. Not being out to their classmates gets even harder during a school trip to Paris...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult contemporary m-m friends to lovers high-school bisexual secret-relationship -
Heartstopper: Volume Two by Alice Oseman
Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself... -
Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore... -
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Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series, featuring gorgeous two-color artwork. Nick and Charlie are in love... -
To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders
He was my beginning. And my never-ending... Ellis: There’s a lot I’ve never told my best friend. The fact that I love him. That I miss him every day he’s gone. That, sometimes, I ache for him with a ferocity that leaves me breathless.Lucky Buchanan tore into my life as a boy, wild and daring, my opposite in every way. He drew me in, stole my heart without trying...Categorized as:
shy-hero neurodivergent dual-pov friends to lovers contemporary m-m queer height-difference -
A Silent Voice, Vol. 1 by Yoshitoki Oima
LEARNING TO LISTENShoya is a bully. When Shoko, a girl who can’t hear, enters his elementary school class, she becomes their favorite target, and Shoya and his friends goad each other into devising new tortures for her. But the children’s cruelty goes too far. Shoko is forced to leave the school, and Shoya ends up shouldering all the blame. Six years later, the two meet again... -
Win Some, Lose Some by Shay Savage
For Matthew Rohan, every day is a struggle. Each task others complete without thinking is a challenge for him. Recently orphaned, he has to finish the last few months of high school and take care of his disabled sister on his own. When Mayra comes into his life, his comfortable routines implode... -
First Days by C.L. Stone
Sang Sorenson used to be the invisible girl in class. As a new student to Ashley Waters High School, Sang hopes that her new friends will be the change she’s been craving and will make fitting in a breeze. But Academy students aren’t there to take it easy. The high school is overcrowded and rife with violence... -
Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan
Normal is just a setting on the dryer. High school graduate Jeremey Samson is looking forward to burying his head under the covers and sleeping until it’s time to leave for college. Then a tornado named Emmet Washington enters his life. The double major in math and computer science is handsome, forward, wicked smart, interested in dating Jeremey—and he’s autistic... -
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk... -
Romeo Falling by Jesse H. Reign
What happens when he’s your Romeo…but you’re no Juliet? Romeo and I were friends long before we were lovers. Best friends. Ride or die. What started as an innocent kiss slowly unraveled and shattered, giving way to years of tears and total obsession.Now I’m back in the small town I call home, staring straight into the face of the only man I’ve ever loved…or hated...Categorized as:
shy-hero friends to lovers hurt-comfort cheating forced proximity angst m-m contemporary -
Loving the Legend by Kit Grey
Since Pro basketball player Ty “Pretty Boy” Washington picked up a basketball, he’s only ever wanted one to make it to the pro league and win championships. As the number one pick in the draft, he defies the odds in his rookie year by beating the record of one of the greatest players in the league, Sid “The Wonder Kid” King...Categorized as:
shy-hero sports m-m contemporary queer secret-relationship hurt-comfort friends to lovers -
Let's Do This by Loren Leigh
ShawEver since we met two years ago, Eden Burkehammer has made everything better.The big defenseman sets me at ease. He’s a beast on the ice—brutal and physical—but when it’s the two of us, he turns to me with these unexpectedly soft brown eyes. This gravelly laugh that makes my whole body smile... -
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All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
What If It's Us meets They Both Die at the End in this postapocalyptic, queer YA adventure romance from debut author Erik J. Brown. Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera, Alex London, and Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie's house, he's injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult dystopian contemporary m-m friends to lovers futuristic male-pov -
Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings
Tilly in Technicolor is Mazey Eddings's sparkling YA debut about two neurodivergent teens who form a connection over the course of a summer.Tilly Twomley is desperate for change. White-knuckling her way through high school with flawed executive functioning has left her burnt out and ready to start fresh...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult contemporary dual-pov from hate to love humor office friends to lovers -
Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson
When it comes to love there’s no such thing as conventional. Everyone thinks Colton Neely is special. Lilly Evans just thinks he’s fascinating. Once friends when they were younger, their bond is cut short due to her accident prone nature and they go their separate ways... -
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, are selected to be part of the elite school’s senior class prefects, it looks like their year is off to an amazing start...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult mystery contemporary suspense racism high-school african-american -
Choke Up by Rebecca Rathe
Ellis Hope has one goal for his first year at be his own person. He’s determined to break free from his brother Elliot’s shadow, and get over the soul crushing attraction he has for his brother’s best friend. The campus meetup app provides an effective distraction from Gabe and Elliot making waves as the new star players for Huntston University’s baseball team... -
Gives Light by Rose Christo
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 32 ratings"Skylar is my name, tragically." Sixteen-year-old Skylar is witty, empathetic, sensitive--and mute. Skylar hasn't uttered a single word since his mother died eleven years ago, a senseless tragedy he's grateful he doesn't have to talk about...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary multicultural friends to lovers m-m disabilities and marks angst young adult -
Shelter the Sea by Heidi Cullinan
Some heroes wear capes. Some prefer sensory sacks. Emmet Washington has never let the world define him, even though he, his boyfriend, Jeremey, and his friends aren’t considered “real” adults because of their disabilities... -
Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon
When Josie Jensen, an awkward 13-year-old musical prodigy crashes headlong into new-comer Samuel Yazzie, an 18-year-old Navajo boy full of anger and confusion, an unlikely friendship blooms. Josie teaches Samuel about words, music and friendship, and along the way finds a kindred spirit... -
Hateful by Cora Brent
I thought I was lucky to have a fresh start.Those don’t come around often for a girl from the streets of this city.But a fortunate chain of events has delivered me to the center of wealth and power.And in the midst of three very different, very formidable cousins with the world at their feet.Gage, Micah and Conner were determined to be my enemies.So I braced for a war.But they underestimated me...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary suspense new adult super rich hero betrayal length-long tortured heroine -
Silent Desires by Shona Knight
For the past 11 years, Mina has remained silent for fear of her mother’s constant abuse. But when she’s suddenly let out of the locked basement to attend high school, a whole new set of fears threatens to suffocate her.Stepping into the outside world is terrifying. The fear of speaking, of having a panic attack, of standing out in any way, looms over her... -
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The Bride Was a Boy by Chii
The heartwarming transgender love story, based on true events!Drawn in the style of diary comics with an upbeat, adorable flair, this is a charming tale about Chii, a woman assigned male at birth. Her story starts with her childhood and follows the ups and downs of exploring her sexuality, gender, and transition--as well as falling in love with a man who’s head over heels for her... -
Come to Me Recklessly by A.L. Jackson
His heart was turned off…Until she turned him on… Christopher Moore gave up on the idea of love years ago. Now, his life is an endless string of parties and an even longer string of girls. Enjoying the physical perks with none of the emotional mess, hes convinced everyone that hes satisfied—everyone but himself. Samantha Schultz has moved on with her life...Categorized as:
teacher-heroine young adult contemporary cruel hero alpha male cheating angst forbidden love -
Unloved by Peyton Corinne
The highly anticipated follow-up to Peyton Corinne’s “unputdownable and unforgettable” (Bal Khabra, author of Collide) TikTok sensation Unsteady follows hopeless romantic Ro and player—on and off the ice—Freddy as their feelings for each other grow from strictly friendly to so much more. Matt “Freddy” Fedderic is all smiles—at least on the surface... -
Teach Me to Please by Sweet Cosette
Sienna Callum was popular - scratch that - she was the queen of high school. She had tons of gorgeous friends wishing to be her, smoking hot flings, and an unbelievably trendy fashion sense. But, she needed one more thing. Decent grades to graduate. Roman Lawrence was a nerd - scratch that - THE nerd of high school. Yet, his exceptional intelligence made him stand out among those seeking to learn...Categorized as:
teacher-heroine shy-hero young adult from hate to love contemporary new adult m-f high-school -
Irreplaceable by Angela Graham
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt wasn’t his fault she lay broken and battered. He wasn’t responsible for the injuries covering her bruised body. Her heart, however, told a different story. She endured the pain of its jagged edges as it shattered against her chest, ripping through the hope she once held. Her spirit was broken, and only one man was to blame for that... -
Take Me On by Katie McGarry
Bonus novella included: Crossing the Line . Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means. Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor...Categorized as:
teacher-heroine contemporary young adult bad boys fighters abuse athletes strong heroine -
Teacher's Pet by Wendy Smith
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJames Campbell’s love life is complicated. He chose the university he went to because he was following a girl—only to get dumped by her. Now he’s in love again, and this time it’s the real deal. Except for two problems. Mia loves James. But the spectre of her broken marriage hangs over her when her ex gets a job in the same place she works. And where she works is the other problem...Categorized as:
teacher-heroine age difference contemporary young adult secret-relationship length-medium -
What a Match by Mimi Grace
Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose.Meticulous and driven Gwen Gilmore knows what she wants… especially in a man. She is newly single and doesn’t have time for lackluster chemistry or mixed signals. But the dating scene proves to be slow and unserious, and she realizes she may need some help.Professional help.A matchmaker, to be more specific... -
Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon
A swoony, heart-melting YA romance from beloved author Rebekah Weatherspoon about two awkward teens who decide to practice dating in order to be good at the real thing. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han.Sixteen-year-old Bethany Greene, though confident and self-assured, is what they call a late-bloomer. She's never had a boyfriend, date, or first kiss...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult contemporary sports friends to lovers high-school dual-pov first-person-pov -
Things I Read About: A Grumpy Bodyguard Romantic Comedy by Kelsey Humphreys
I was never supposed to see him again. And my family just hired him as my personal bodyguard...Sally Canton wanted one week. Just one week where she was not, well, herself. Not the quirky kid sister. Not the smart sidekick. Not the baby of the Canton family (as in the massive greeting card empire, Canton International.) One last Spring Break as the main character in her own story... -
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How to Kiss Your Best Friend by Jenny Proctor
Brody Hawthorne is not in love with his childhood best friend. If he says it out loud often enough, maybe he’ll start to believe it. There’s no chance things will ever work out with Kate, anyway. Most of the time, they aren’t even in the same country.Is it possible to love someone through their Instagram feed alone? Definitely. Is it fun? Absolutely not...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary humor christian young adult clean friends to lovers length-medium -
Wedlocked: A Westbrook Elite Novel by Cambria Hebert
It’s no secret that, over the past couple years, Elite has been through it. For real, when I look around, I think, Two billion years of evolution for this?But even with the heaping pile of crazy tossed at us on the regular, we still have each other’s backs and are stronger than ever. With Westbrook’s winter break coming up, it’s time Elite got their relax on...Categorized as:
shy-hero grumpy sunshine sports new adult forced proximity m-m forbidden love age difference -
Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsAn edgy, realistic, and utterly captivating novel from an exciting new voice in teen fiction. Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary young adult rape mystery abuse tortured heroine forced proximity -
The Tight End: Red's Tavern, Book 6 by Raleigh Ruebins
He’s an introverted nerd, and I’m the football player everybody wants.But I only want to drag his shy, adorkable, irresistible self into my bed. All I’ve ever been good at is running fast with a football clutched tight to my side. As a star football player for the KMU Wolves, I’ve had any guy I wanted for years, and I'm more muscle than smarts... -
Infamous Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
Who are we? Like you even need to ask. We’re the seven richer-than-sin legacies causing debauchery at the prestigious Astor University in Manhattan. Some call us spoiled. Some call us trouble. But everyone calls us the Park Avenue Princes. Weston LaRue “The Playboy” I’m never one to turn down a bet...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary m-m young adult bisexual class difference first-person-pov college -
Flower by Jaclyn Combe
AvaI am the pretty blonde cheerleader adored by all.The popular girl, living that so-called perfect life.But when my childhood sweetheart betrays me in the worst possible way, my entire world comes crashing down around me.They say you should always expect the unexpected in life. But the one thing I never expected… was him.MasonI am the high school nerd...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary new adult sports young adult suspense friends to lovers strong heroine -
Unsteady by Peyton Corinne
Rhys is desperate to feel anything.Sadie wants to stop feeling so much.Rhys Koteskiy is back—at least, he’s supposed to be. During last year’s Frozen Four, the Waterfell University hockey captain and NHL legacy took a brutal hit that left him with a concussion and a new discomfort on the ice...Categorized as:
shy-hero grumpy sunshine college new adult angst friends-benefits insta-love young adult -
The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice in this delightful and heartfelt rom-com about a Bangladeshi American teen whose meddling mother arranges a match to secure their family’s financial security—just as she’s falling in love with someone else.Zahra Khan is basically Bangladeshi royalty, but being a princess doesn’t pay the bills in Paterson, New Jersey... -
The Glow Up by A.M. Johnson
Chris DelaneyI've promised myself that this was going to be the year to finally buckle down. I'm a junior, and I’ve settled on a major. I've got focus and determination. The one thing I haven't figured out yet? How to deal with the massive crush I've been harboring on the guy in study carrel six...Categorized as:
shy-hero m-m contemporary new adult college grumpy sunshine friends to lovers young adult -
Our Moon by Jennifer L. Allen
Ally Monroe can’t remember her name, let alone the eighteen years of her life before a car accident put her in a year-long coma. She wakes up to the reality that her parents are dead and she has amnesia. Released from her long-term care facility to live with her twin brother, Alex, and older brother, Trevor, Ally tries to piece together what she can while attempting to live her life again...Categorized as:
shy-hero contemporary new adult young adult m-f age difference siblings-bff secret-relationship -
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Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody
Alexandra Moody's BookTok sensation continues with Darling Devils #2: Grumpy Darling — perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, clean romance, and slow-burn fire on the ice!She's never been kissed. He's never felt this way about anyone.Paige has ticked off everything on her senior year bucket list except one tiny thing — she’s never kissed anyone. And her best friend, Grayson Darling, is to blame...Categorized as:
shy-hero sports contemporary friends to lovers grumpy sunshine young adult hockey humor -
I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers
In this drama-filled love story, private confessions are scattered on the beach during a senior class overnight and explosive secrets threaten to tear everyone apart, including best friends (or maybe more?), Natalia and Ethan. It’s Senior Sunrise, the epic overnight at the beach that kicks off senior year...Categorized as:
shy-hero young adult contemporary queer friends to lovers dual-pov length-medium multicultural -
Show Me by Neve Wilder
Two Roommates. One Camera. A whole lot of action. I get crushes the way some people get seasonal allergies. And sharing a house with four hot roommates is like being stuck in permanent spring. Too bad I keep getting friend-zoned. But it’s senior year now, and I’m done pining for the impossible. Time to live it up and go out with a bang. Or a lot of bangs...Categorized as:
shy-hero m-m contemporary friends to lovers college friends-benefits secret-relationship new adult -
First and Goal by Kata Čuić
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEva Papageorgiou has one goal: to make it through her senior year of high school unseen and unscathed. But when her strategy to stay out of the limelight is derailed by rampant rumors, she’s forced to change tactics. Her new game plan is to keep everyone at arm’s length. Especially boys. So when she’s partnered up in class with the hot as hell varsity quarterback, she pushes and pushes... -
My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy
My Fair Lady meets the classic teen film She's All That in this charming and swoony new rom-com from Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country. Perfect for fans of What If It's Us and She Gets the Girl.Wade Westmore is used to being in the spotlight... -
He Made Me Do It by Zee Shine Storm
An MM stepbrother taboo romanceZaynWhat is it like to be both Muslim and gay? Honestly? It feels like I've been cursed for all eternity. And then I had to go and fall for Asher Hannes and make it even more complicated.Not only was he a guy, he happened to be my cocky and rebellious stepbrother who became the reason I began to get in trouble for things that weren't even my fault...
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