Books like 'This Time It's Real'
Readers who enjoyed This Time It's Real by Ann Liang also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult high-school m-f fake relationship east-asian-mc actors first-person-pov
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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
An alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780062498533 can be found here.Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed...Categorized as:
high-school first-person-pov m-f young adult contemporary racism african-american black-mc -
![The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo]()
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will fall hard for this astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood... -
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![All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir]()
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsLahore, Pakistan. Then. Misbah is a dreamer and storyteller, newly married to Toufiq in an arranged match. After their young life is shaken by tragedy, they come to the United States and open the Cloud’s Rest Inn Motel, hoping for a new start. Juniper, California. Now. Salahudin and Noor are more than best friends; they are family... -
![Skip Beat!, Vol. 20 by Yoshiki Nakamura]()
Skip Beat!, Vol. 20 by Yoshiki Nakamura
When Kyoko’s heart is broken, she decides that revenge is a dish best served in the spotlight!Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol... -
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![United We Spy by Ally Carter]()
United We Spy by Ally Carter
Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her...Categorized as:
high-school first-person-pov m-f contemporary mystery young adult suspense strong heroine -
![Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 4 by Io Sakisaka, 咲坂伊緒]()
Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 4 by Io Sakisaka, 咲坂伊緒
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThe popular shojo manga series that was adapted into the Blue Spring Ride anime!Futaba Yoshioka thought all boys were loud and obnoxious until she met Kou Tanaka in junior high. But as soon as she realized she really liked him, he had already moved away because of family issues...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary love triangle other-man-woman length-short tortured hero -
![Skip and Loafer, Vol. 1 by Misaki Takamatsu, Nicole Frasik]()
Skip and Loafer, Vol. 1 by Misaki Takamatsu, Nicole Frasik
The award-winning romantic comedy about a country girl chasing her dreams in Tokyo--and don't miss the anime! A Cheerful Country Mouse! Mitsumi is bound for high school in Tokyo! She’s got book smarts, but this small-town girl is about to find out she’s massively unprepared for the social norms of big city high schoolers...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary length-short humor tortured hero friends to lovers -
![Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce]()
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
When it comes to romance, sometimes it doesn't hurt to play games. A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks!Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway... -
![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 4 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 4 by Mika Yamamori
Yoi and Ichimura-sempai's experimental dating relationship continues in full swing. Although hesitant at first, Yoi is flustered as she notices her feelings for him develop over time. Meanwhile, it seems Yoi holds a special place in Ichimura-sempai's heart as well, as he gets jealous over a new “prince” working at her part-time job... -
![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 5 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 5 by Mika Yamamori
After a tumultuous trial period, Yoi and Ichimura-sempai finally pour their hearts out at the summer festival, and the two officially start going out. It's uncharted waters now for both teenagers, and while Yoi insists on keeping things at a measured pace, Ichimura-sempai is about ready to dive in headfirst... -
![Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter]()
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her...Categorized as:
first-person-pov high-school m-f contemporary strong heroine suspense mystery young adult -
![Say I Love You, Vol. 1 by Kanae Hazuki]()
Say I Love You, Vol. 1 by Kanae Hazuki
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsFRIENDSHIP? FORGET IT! Mei Tachibana has no friends-and she doesn't need them! Ever since her "friends" betrayed her in elementary school, she's sworn off friendship entirely. All it leads to is betrayal and heartbreak, and she's well enough on her own... -
![That Summer by Jillian Dodd]()
That Summer by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDevaney Diamond’s summer break was shaping up to be the best one ever. Her longtime crush was finally interested in her, and by the time school rolled around in the fall, she knew he’d be her boyfriend...Categorized as:
high-school m-f contemporary young adult friends to lovers angst sports length-medium -
![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 3 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 3 by Mika Yamamori
Yoi Takiguchi is a girl who's called a "prince" because of her beautiful appearance and the stylish way she carries herself. She meets Ichimura-sempai, who is also called a prince at her school and somehow they start a trial relationship... -
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![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 7 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 7 by Mika Yamamori
Swept up by the throes of summer vacation, Ohji finally finds the courage to tell Yoi how he feels. Yoi's affection for Kohaku remains firm in spite of this, but just as things seem to heat up between the young couple, an ill-timed miscommunication has them reeling... -
![Strobe Edge, Vol. 6 by Io Sakisaka]()
Strobe Edge, Vol. 6 by Io Sakisaka
Ren's girlfriend Mayuka takes Ren's feelings for Ninako into consideration and moreover accepts the way she has changed and broke up with Ren, who had been fixated on the promise they made when they were young. Ren continues to reject the confession of girls one after another by elling them that he doesn' intend to get out with anyone at the moment...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary love triangle humor other-man-woman length-short -
![Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han]()
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
Lara Jean is having the best senior year. And there’s still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad’s wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she’ll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends...Categorized as:
high-school east-asian-mc m-f friends to lovers contemporary young adult multicultural new adult -
![The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity 1 by Saka Mikami]()
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity 1 by Saka Mikami
Two rival schools stand next door to each one for elite ladies, one for good-for-nothing boys. But one of those boys might just be a naturally chivalrous diamond in the rough, and one of those girls might be a little more open-minded than is proper ..Categorized as:
high-school m-f contemporary young adult length-short sweet-hero sweet heroine cheerful heroine -
![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 6 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 6 by Mika Yamamori
Though the trial period is over, Yoi and Ichimura-sempai realize that navigating their new relationship will be no easy task. Their friend trip to Kobe reveals they still have a lot of work to do when it comes to being able to voice their own desires while being understanding of their partner's... -
![Daytime Shooting Star, Vol. 1 by Mika Yamamori]()
Daytime Shooting Star, Vol. 1 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsAfter arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park when she remembers once seeing a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they’ll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary humor love triangle other-man-woman length-short -
![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 2 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 2 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsYoi Takiguchi is a girl who's called a "prince" because of her beautiful appearance and the stylish way she carries herself. She had mixed feelings about longing to be like a shojo manga hero. That's when she meets Ichimura-sempai, who is also called a "prince... -
![In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 1 by Mika Yamamori]()
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 1 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsYoi Takiguchi has long legs, a deep voice, and a handsome face... in other words, Yoi is such a good-looking guy that most people don't notice or care that she is, in fact, a girl. Indeed, she's had the nickname "Prince" as long as she can remember. That is, until she met Ichimura-senpai... the only person who's really seemed to see her for herself... -
![Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter]()
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart...Categorized as:
first-person-pov high-school m-f contemporary strong heroine suspense mystery young adult -
![Strobe Edge, Vol. 7 by Io Sakisaka]()
Strobe Edge, Vol. 7 by Io Sakisaka
Being juniors in highschool now, Ninako, Ren and Andou are in the same class They're going to a field trip. Ninako, Ren, Ninako's friend Sayuri dan Ren's friend Yuutarou are in the same group. Ninako can't get closer to Ren because their relationship mow is "just friend"Sayuri and Yuutarou, however, seem to have had something between them in their past. When they are alone, Yuutarou tells Sayuri.Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary love triangle humor other-man-woman length-short -
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![A Condition Called Love, Vol. 7 by Megumi Morino]()
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 7 by Megumi Morino
Hotaru and Hananoi-kun have been together for half a year now. With every passing day, they grow that much closer... and the first summer break of their relationship is right around the corner! Hotaru decides it's time to work on her appearance if she wants to be a good girlfriend for Hananoi-kun.. -
![In Pieces by K.G. Reuss]()
In Pieces by K.G. Reuss
Nothing says I love you like murder.Seeing their lifeless bodies nearly killed us. Knowing some monster harmed those we loved created a whole new set of worries. In the wake of all the madness, we need to stay focused. With revenge warranted, we must bide our time. Good things come to those who wait, after all... -
![A Condition Called Love, Vol. 4 by Megumi Morino]()
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 4 by Megumi Morino
Hananoi-kun and Hotaru's trial run is over. They're officially boyfriend and girlfriend now! Their first official date leaves Hananoi-kun determined to tell Hotaru how he really feels.. -
![A Condition Called Love, Vol. 3 by Megumi Morino]()
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 3 by Megumi Morino
Hotaru finally realizes she loves Hananoi-kun. Now she's got to find a way to tell him how she feels! There's just one problem: she's got a new coworker…Yao-kun, her old friend from elementary school! Memories of childhood trauma come rushing back…and Hotaru knows that she's going to have to face them if she ever wants to know what it's like to be in love... -
![Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest]()
Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhere You See Yourself combines an unforgettable coming-of-age tale, a swoon-worthy romance, and much-needed disability representation in this story about a girl who's determined to follow her dreams... -
![I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang]()
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
After getting rejected by every single Ivy League she applied to and falling short of all her Asian immigrant parents’ expectations, seventeen-year-old Jenna Chen makes a wish to become her smarter, infinitely more successful Harvard-bound cousin, Jessica Chen—only for her wish to come true. Literally...Categorized as:
east-asian-mc m-f high-school first-person-pov contemporary young adult mystery length-medium -
![A Condition Called Love, Vol. 5 by Megumi Morino, 森野萌]()
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 5 by Megumi Morino, 森野萌
Hotaru Hinase and her boyfriend, Hananoi-kun, prepare for the beginning of their second year of high school... and their feelings for each other grow stronger by the day. Just as Hananoi-kun begins to show signs that he's ready to come out of his shell, Yao-kun, his rival in love, discovers his secret... and he's determined to make him come clean to Hotaru... -
![A Condition Called Love, Vol. 8 by Megumi Morino]()
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 8 by Megumi Morino
As they begin their first summer break since getting together, Hotaru and Hananoi-kun vow to experience even more "firsts" together! But all their plans are derailed when Hananoi-kun's father suddenly returns from overseas! Then, Yao-kun finally admits to his feelings for Hotaru.. -
![Runaways by Nicole Dykes]()
Runaways by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRunaways . . .You’ve heard about kids running away, but do we ever truly know why they run?Rae and Law had no choice. Forced to run when life let them down, when it was either leave or be subjected to an unimaginable fate.Can they survive?Two young people, completely alone on the streets with nothing but each other.This is their story... -
![A Condition Called Love, Vol. 2 by Megumi Morino]()
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 2 by Megumi Morino
Hotaru is a 16-year-old high school first-year who has always been ambivalent about love... but somehow or another, she's found herself going out with Hananoi-kun, the pretty boy from the class down the hall who, as it turns out, is a little too romantic for his own good... -
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![Whatever Happens by Micalea Smeltzer]()
Whatever Happens by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsViolet Page is having a rough time. This former popular girl is lost. Her parents uproot everything after her younger sister’s suicide, moving states away to escape the lingering pain of loss. She doesn’t fit in anywhere, but finds herself strangely drawn to the boy she watches view the world through a telescope. Finnley Crawford isn’t your typical boy next door...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary virgin hero friends to lovers length-medium -
![Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 7 by Umebachi Yamanaka]()
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 7 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Isshin came back from Shizuoka after completing the work there! Chako is so excited as they start living together again. Isshin now trusts Chako even more since she worked so hard to protect the tea farm while he was away, and supported him in making his bottled tea...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship contemporary young adult humor length-short slow burn glimpses-kisses -
![Perfect Someday by Lauren Runow]()
Perfect Someday by Lauren Runow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI knew, someday, I’d have the life of my dreams.I just wasn’t prepared to lose him in return.Growing up in small-town Mason Creek, it's hard for a girl to dream big. Since my mom was barely making ends meet, I knew moving away for college wasn’t in the cards. What I didn’t know was how singing a Miranda Lambert song while unpacking a box would change my life forever .. -
![Wolf Girl and Black Prince, Vol. 4 by Ayuko Hatta]()
Wolf Girl and Black Prince, Vol. 4 by Ayuko Hatta
When Kyoya learns Erika gifted Kusakabe the same sweet she made for him, he loses it—and the pair’s days as a pretend couple are over! Complicating matters, Kusakabe asks Erika out for White Day...Categorized as:
m-f high-school length-short contemporary young adult from hate to love japan glimpses-kisses -
![The Good Girl & the Bad Boy by M.L. Collins]()
The Good Girl & the Bad Boy by M.L. Collins
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat happens when Jackson High’s Good Girl and Bad Boy are forced to work together? I’ll tell you:I destroy his guitar. (Accidentally!)He uses my guilt to trick me into doing his work.For three weeks!Until I find out he lied. Oh, heck no. This bad boy has crossed the wrong girl.I call him out on it. In front of the whole school.Check mate, bad boy. “It feels good to be bad,” he whispers...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult contemporary from hate to love new adult humor length-short -
![Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve]()
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA moving YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice—and himselfDean Foster knows he’s a trans guy. He’s watched enough YouTube videos and done enough questioning to be sure. But everyone at his high school thinks he’s a lesbian—including his girlfriend, Zoe, and his theater director, who just cast him as a “nontraditional” Romeo...Categorized as:
high-school first-person-pov young adult contemporary trans-hero queer length-medium -
![Beautiful Redemption by Jamie McGuire]()
Beautiful Redemption by Jamie McGuire
If A Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever. But what if he didn't love you, first? No-nonsense Liis Lindy is an agent of the FBI. Deciding she is married only to her job, she breaks off her engagement and transfers from Chicago to the field office in San Diego. She loves her desk. She is committed to her laptop...Categorized as:
fake relationship m-f contemporary possessive hero tycoon office young adult alpha male -
![Making Her Mine by Monica Murphy]()
Making Her Mine by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBeck Callahan.Star defensive Lineman.Most popular boy on campus.One of my best friends.He’s always been off limits because I know a relationship with him could never work. Like, ever. He’s too perfect, too sweet, too good looking. Taking what we have a step further has the potential to ruin everything, and his friendship is too important to me...Categorized as:
high-school m-f new adult sports young adult friends to lovers contemporary virgin heroine -
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![Remember When by T. Torrest]()
Remember When by T. Torrest
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 33 ratings"I’d spent too long in limbo. It was time to put The California Plan back into effect."~Layla Warren. I’ve been in love with Trip Wiley since I was sixteen years old. Yep. That Trip Wiley. Academy award-winning actor, known philanthropist, People’s Sexiest Man Alive two years running… Yeah. It’s not like I’m some delusional stalker-fan...Categorized as:
high-school m-f humor young adult contemporary alpha male friends to lovers poor heroine -
![Girl Got Game, Vol. 4 by Shizuru Seino]()
Girl Got Game, Vol. 4 by Shizuru Seino
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratings...Categorized as:
m-f high-school contemporary young adult length-short basketball heroine athlete athletes -
![Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan]()
Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsA reserved Bangladeshi teenager has twenty-eight days to make the biggest decision of her life after agreeing to fake date her school’s resident bad boy.How do you make one month last a lifetime?Karina Ahmed has a plan. Keep her head down, get through high school without a fuss, and follow her parents’ rules—even if it means sacrificing her dreams...Categorized as:
high-school m-f first-person-pov young adult contemporary south asian grumpy sunshine muslim -
![Dare You to Fall for the Catcher by Lacy Andersen]()
Dare You to Fall for the Catcher by Lacy Andersen
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA little dare never hurt anybody...Running is my life. It’s one of the few things I’m good at and I dominate on the track. But my take-no-prisoners reputation doesn’t scare everyone. There’s still one boy who’s not afraid to get under my skin...Jayden Paul. Catcher of the varsity baseball team. Hottie of the year. And the thorn in my side ever since we kissed in sixth grade (on a silly dare!)...Categorized as:
high-school m-f young adult sports contemporary from hate to love heroine athlete baseball -
![Played by Dana Davidson]()
Played by Dana Davidson
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen one of Ian's boys dares him to get plain-faced Kylie Winship to sleep with him in just three weeks, he thinks it'll be a breeze. Tall and fine, with honey-colored skin and eyes, Ian is used to getting what he wants from girls. And if he succeeds in playing Kylie, he'll be down with the most popular crew in his high school...Categorized as:
m-f high-school contemporary african-american black-mc length-short young adult plain heroine -
![Malicious by Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen]()
Malicious by Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOliver Conley….The most infuriating man I’ve ever met.He’s crass, selfish, malicious. The worst kind of person.From our very first encounter we were at odds. Standing on opposite ends of the battlefield preparing for war. He didn’t care for me.I despised him.Until one day things started to change….I didn’t want to want him. Hell, I hated myself for it...Categorized as:
m-f first-person-pov new adult young adult contemporary from hate to love college dual-pov
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