Books like 'Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet'
Readers who enjoyed Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult multicultural dystopian found-family
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Our Dining Table by Mita Ori
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsBoys’ Love Cooked To PerfectionEating around other people is a struggle for salaryman Yutaka, despite his talent for cooking... -
![Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram]()
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsDarius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran.Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's about to take his first-ever trip to Iran, and it's pretty overwhelming—especially when he's also dealing with clinical depression, a disapproving dad, and a chronically anemic social life... -
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![Himawari House by Harmony Becker]()
Himawari House by Harmony Becker
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsLiving in a new country is no walk in the park.When Nao returns to Tokyo to reconnect with her Japanese heritage, she books a yearlong stay at the Himawari sharehouse. There she meets Hyejung and Tina, two other girls who came to Japan to freely forge their own paths...Categorized as:
multicultural found-family young adult contemporary new adult high-school east-asian-mc east-asia -
![The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe]()
The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe
High school is over, but Nora O'Malley's life isn't, which is weird now that her murderous stepdad Raymond is free. Determined to enjoy summer before her (possibly) imminent demise, Nora plans a ten day backpacking trip with Iris and Wes. Her plans hit a snag when Wes's girlfriend tags along. Amanda is nice, so it's not a huge issue—until she gets taken. Or rather, mistaken...for Nora... -
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![A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat]()
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.Dan's always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble... -
![Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes]()
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn this fresh, sensitive, diary-style graphic novel, 12-year-old Tuva's questions about becoming a teenager are confusing—so when her first crush turns out to be on another girl, it feels absolutely wonderful--so why does it become so complicated?Perfect for fans of The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag, HeartStopper by Alice Oseman, and Jen Wang's The Dressmaker and the Prince... -
![Indivisible by Daniel Aleman]()
Indivisible by Daniel Aleman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis timely, moving debut novel follows a teen's efforts to keep his family together as his parents face deportation.Mateo Garcia and his younger sister, Sophie, have been taught to fear one word for as long as they can remember: deportation. Over the past few years, however, the fear that their undocumented immigrant parents could be sent back to Mexico started to fade... -
![Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Vol. 5 by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香]()
Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Vol. 5 by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAkatsuki Kibikino may be a celebrated novelist, but putting his feelings into words has always been a struggle. Kaneishi’s blatant advances toward Fumi put Akatsuki in the foulest mood—that much is obvious... -
![My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected, Vol. 6 by Wataru Watari]()
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected, Vol. 6 by Wataru Watari
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAh, culture festivals. The best way to survive such a troublesome chore is...don't answer when someone talks to you, and act obviously annoyed. Employing his loner skills to the fullest, Hachiman is ready and willing to run at the first sign of responsibility. Unfortunately, while he's busy skipping homeroom, he ends up being chosen for the culture festival committee.. -
![Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson]()
Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJason is a basketball star and one of the most popular guys in school. Brainy Kyra isn't, but she doesn't much care what other people think. Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds until graduation. But fate intervenes, and the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project... -
![椿町ロンリープラネット 4 [Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet 4] by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香]()
椿町ロンリープラネット 4 [Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet 4] by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 19 ratings暁に抱きしめられたふみ。暁への恋を諦めようとしていたのに──。心は乱れたまま夏休みに突入!... -
![Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Vol. 6 by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香]()
Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Vol. 6 by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAfter receiving what seems to be a silent rejection to her confession, Fumi had resolved to erase her feelings and power through her heartbreak… when Akatsuki finally answers—by asking her out! Despite the change in their relationship, however, their daily lives seem to remain largely the same except for one key aspect— if living with her crush was bad for Fumi’s heart, it’s nothing compared to... -
![椿町ロンリープラネット 3 by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香]()
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![More to the Story by Hena Khan]()
More to the Story by Hena Khan
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes a new story inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, Little Women, featuring four sisters from a modern American Muslim family living in Georgia.When Jameela Mirza is picked to be feature editor of her middle school newspaper, she’s one step closer to being an award-winning journalist like her late grandfather... -
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![Falling For Korea by Piper Jean]()
Falling For Korea by Piper Jean
America meets K-drama in this rollercoaster plot with a fresh take on romance and what it means to be family.When Sydney is sent to Seoul to live with a family she’s never met, she encounters unexpected chemistry with their son, but must fight to unravel the mystery of why she was sent away... -
![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... -
![Before Dawn by Jada West]()
Before Dawn by Jada West
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsABIGAIL-ANN ASHERNew York City was supposed to be my fresh start, a chance to leave behind the ghosts of San Francisco and the insecurities that refuse to let me go. I came here to rebuild myself, to prove that I am more than my past.Then I meet him.Mikkel Suarez is powerful, magnetic, and heartbreakingly handsome...Categorized as:
found-family multicultural age difference super rich hero abuse bwwm young adult friends to lovers -
![Love Times Infinity by Lane Clarke]()
Love Times Infinity by Lane Clarke
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe swoon of Nicola Yoon meets the emotional punch of Elizabeth Acevedo in this breakout debut novel that answers big questions about identity, family, and love. High school junior Michie is struggling to define who she is for her scholarship essays, her big shot at making it into Brown as a first-generation college student...Categorized as:
multicultural dystopian young adult contemporary sports african-american black-mc length-medium -
![On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino]()
On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA hopeful novel about love, disability, and the inevitability of change by the author of Give Me a Sign.Ellie’s Deaf boarding school just shut down, forcing her to leave the place she considered home and return to her hearing family. Back in a mainstream school, Ellie quickly becomes the subject of hateful rumors... -
![Promise Me Once by Paige Weaver]()
Promise Me Once by Paige Weaver
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom the highly acclaimed New York Times and USA Today bestselling Promise Me series comes a new story. A standalone novel. A race for survival and love. Once with him was never enough. I am the girl you dislike. The girl you snub at parties. I am the one who flirts with men and knows no boundaries. I am the one you whisper about. The one who has no rules... -
![Extras All For The Game by Nora Sakavic]()
Extras All For The Game by Nora Sakavic
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEXTRAS ALL FOR THE GAME NOTE FROM TRANSLATORS: Nora uploaded extra content about the trilogy to her Tumblr page Korakos. You will be able to find information about the life of the Foxes after The King's Man, Andrew and Neil's content, Renee's past and things that you probably wondered when reading the trilogy... -
![K-Pop Revolution by Stephan Lee]()
K-Pop Revolution by Stephan Lee
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsShe thought that debuting in a K-Pop band was the finish line, but it was only the beginning. Because now it’s not only Candace's company judging her—it’s the entire world. How will she find the courage to stand by her beliefs, even when powerful forces are trying to shame and silence her...In the sequel to K-Pop Confidential, Candace is a Rookie idol... -
![Concealed by Selena Laurence]()
Concealed by Selena Laurence
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo years ago, Gabe Thompson stood in the desert of Afghanistan and watched the love of his life drive away. When his tour of duty ended six months later, she wasn’t waiting. Now Gabe’s ready to go after the one thing his life is missing – the woman he’s never been able to forget. Twenty-year-old Alexis Garcia rues the day she decided to volunteer for a UN mission to Afghanistan... -
![Standing Against the Wind by Traci L. Jones]()
Standing Against the Wind by Traci L. Jones
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn her debut novel, Traci L. Jones presents a girl with grit she never knew she had, and a boy so inspired by her that he begins to take pride in his own abilities.Patrice dreams of a first-class education, but right now she's just got to survive the walk to school.Patrice Williams was happy living in Georgia with her grandmother...then her mother lured her to Chicago and ended up in jail... -
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![The Alexanders: Volume 1 by M. Malone]()
The Alexanders: Volume 1 by M. Malone
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 12 ratings~ a USA TODAY Bestseller ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Teasing Trent: Ever since Mara walked into her brother's dorm room freshman year and came face to face with a shirtless Trent, she's known he was The One . She finally has a plan to get him exactly where she wants him. In her bed. One More Day: On the run from a murderer, Ridley Wells has nowhere else to turn... -
![I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena]()
I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsKidd is running from his past and his future. No mom, no dad, and there’s nothing for him at the group home but therapy. He doesn’t belong at the beach where he works either, unless he finds a reason to stay. Olivia is blond hair, blue eyes, rich dad. The prettiest girl in Cardiff... -
![As You Walk On By by Julian Winters]()
As You Walk On By by Julian Winters
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe Breakfast Club meets Can't Hardly Wait with an unforgettable ensemble cast in another swoony YA contemporary from award-winning author Julian Winters! Seventeen-year-old Theo Wright has it all figured out...Categorized as:
multicultural found-family young adult contemporary m-m high-school queer length-medium -
![Red Glass by Laura Resau]()
Red Glass by Laura Resau
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsONE NIGHT SOPHIE and her parents are called to a hospital where Pedro, 6-year-old Mexican boy, is recovering from dehydration. Crossing the border into Arizona with a group of Mexicans and a coyote, or guide, Pedro and his parents faced such harsh conditions that the boy is the only survivor. Pedro comes to live with Sophie, her parents, and Sophie's Aunt Dika, a refugee of the war in Bosnia... -
![Wish for You by Marquita Valentine]()
Wish for You by Marquita Valentine
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThere's only one place in the world Lacey Evans feels normal--the roller derby track. When she laces up her skates and fastens her helmet, she'd powerful and in charge. She knows exactly what to do and say. The rules are clear and penalties are given for those who don't follow them. But in the real world, she's far from powerful and in charge... -
![Matt & Brooklyn: A Standalone in the "Again for the First Time" Family Saga by Raven St. Pierre]()
Matt & Brooklyn: A Standalone in the "Again for the First Time" Family Saga by Raven St. Pierre
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratings***Take advantage of the special, new release discount before the price is raised.*** Matteo Valente is an up-and-coming filmmaker whose award-winning documentary put him on the map two short years ago. It was that very documentary that also led him to the beautiful, intriguingly elusive Brooklyn James... -
![Grounded by Neta Jackson, Dave Jackson]()
Grounded by Neta Jackson, Dave Jackson
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGrace's fiance bothered by her outspoken stance on purity and her near-constant travel, has broken off their relationship. Exhausted and unwilling to continue her current tour, she books a flight home. Traumatic events result in a paralyzing fear of flying. Stuck at home due to a major snowstorm, Grace begins, for the first time, to connect with the residents of Beecham Street... -
![The Dividing Line by Victoria H. Smith]()
The Dividing Line by Victoria H. Smith
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new love and a new life. Drake left Chicago with little more than the clothes on his back to be with his girlfriend Lacey. Though he has no regrets, he sometimes wonders if his time spent in Paris has put his life on hold. He's overworked and underpaid at his dead-end job, and his employer sees him as expendable... -
![Runaway Girls: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Runaway) by Lexie Ray]()
Runaway Girls: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Runaway) by Lexie Ray
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPain. Betrayal. Denial. Sacrifice. Hope. One girl is escaping a world of abuse while another flees from her rapist. One girl slips away from slavery as another one runs away from a life of crime. One girl battles poverty while another one fights to win her life back... -
![Creating a Love by Crystal Perkins]()
Creating a Love by Crystal Perkins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTaking a chance on love… Photographer Candi Marcus never wanted more than a casual hookup or one night stand. Until she met artist Owen Griffin. For the past two years, she’s only been with him. But it’s still just sex, or at least that’s what she’s told her friends. When he says he wants more, she can finally admit that she loves him... -
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![Hard Rock Improv by Ava Lore]()
Hard Rock Improv by Ava Lore
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRose Alton had her future all planned out: excel at her career, find love, make a family and get rich. Then she got fired. Now after years of 90-hour work weeks she’s living out of her car and struggling to hold it together... -
![Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan]()
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEveryone loves—and hates—a big fancy wedding! From the author of Lost and Found in Paris and The Marriage Sabbatical comes a champagne-sparkling summer read about two very different women planning their children’s wedding in glamorous Montecito, California.You’re invited...to a delightful modern comedy of manners about two moms, the best-laid plans, and one very memorable wedding... -
![Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar]()
Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes life explodes in technicolor. In the spirit of Judy Blume, award-winning author Aida Salazar tells it like it is about puberty, hormones, and first love in this hilarious, heartwarming, and highly relatable coming-of-age story. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, and Adib Khorram. For Elio Solis, eighth grade fizzes with change--his body teeming with hormones... -
![In Case You Read This by Edward Underhill]()
In Case You Read This by Edward Underhill
From acclaimed author Edward Underhill comes a trans rom-com about serendipity, chance encounter, and the ultimate missed connection. This joyful celebration of queer love and found family is perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Emery Lee, and Julian Winters.Arden isn’t excited about moving. Los Angeles was an easy place to fit in and find a supportive queer community...Categorized as:
found-family dystopian young adult queer contemporary friends to lovers high-school length-medium -
![Twice as Perfect by Louisa Onomé]()
Twice as Perfect by Louisa Onomé
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Young Adult novel by Louisa Onomé, Twice As Perfect follows a Nigerian Canadian girl dealing with an estranged older brother, helping her cousin plan a huge Nigerian wedding, and pressure from her parents about her future.The only things worth doing are those that will lead to success... -
![Wedding Shenanigans: Or, how Rayna grapples with heartbreak, scandal and a hot hotelier by Adite Banerjie]()
Wedding Shenanigans: Or, how Rayna grapples with heartbreak, scandal and a hot hotelier by Adite Banerjie
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFreshly dumped Rayna Dutt does not feel like flying to her best friend’s big fat Indian wedding. But letting down her friend is not an option. So, she decides to grin and bear it. A mix up with room allocations forces her to share a luxury villa with Neel Arora, the gorgeous owner of the resort and best man at the wedding. Sparks fly and attraction sizzles... -
![Bad Boy - A Stepbrother Romance by Caitlin Daire, Alyssa Alpha]()
Bad Boy - A Stepbrother Romance by Caitlin Daire, Alyssa Alpha
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFinn Grayson is on the naughty list this Christmas. He's bad news. A prick. A player. A total BAD BOY. He's also my new stepbrother, and he showed up to meet my family in a T-shirt with friggin’ blood on it. I’m pretty sure my Grandma still hasn't recovered. Finn also crashed my blind date, sabotaged my tiny chance at romance and wreaked havoc on my previously-quiet life... -
![Heartbreak Symphony by Laekan Zea Kemp]()
Heartbreak Symphony by Laekan Zea Kemp
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsClap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.Aarón Medrano has been haunted by the onstage persona of his favorite musician ever since his mother passed away... -
![Strollers and Stilettos by Nana Malone]()
Strollers and Stilettos by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when real life gets in the way of Happily Ever After? Chronic list-making, event planner, Jaya Trudeaux Westhorpe, envisioned a fairytale ending once she married hotel magnate, Alec Westhorpe—complete with a steamy, extended honeymoon and an eventual family. What she didn't expect was a baby on their doorstep and a family-phobic husband... -
![The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma]()
The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNithya, a vivacious, intelligent and driven college senior has always known what she has wanted: a successful career in medicine and the love of her family. She's even come to terms with the idea of an arranged marriage, a tradition her conservative Indian family has held up for thousands of years... -
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![Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence]()
Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA heartfelt middle-grade novel about ex-best friends, betrayals, and revenge that is best served sour.Revenge is sweet!For as long as she can remember, Mai has spent every summer in Mystic, Connecticut visiting family friends. And hanging out with her best-friend-since-birth, Zach Koyama, was always the best part.Then two summers ago everything changed... -
![Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe]()
Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSparks fly when Orion and Ray meet for the first time at a roller rink in Memphis. But these star-crossed souls have a past filled with secrets that threaten to tear them apart before their love story even begins. Found poetry, grief, and fate collide in this powerful debut. Ray: Just once I'd like my birthday to be about me, and not the day my father died. I want to be Ray Jr... -
![Cinderfella by Xavier Neal, Kim Collins]()
Cinderfella by Xavier Neal, Kim Collins
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPerfect body. Perfect car. Perfect life. So, what could a girl like that ever want from a guy like me? The guy with holes in his sneakers. The guy who can barely afford to eat. The guy with an unexpected secret. What could a princess like that want from me? After all fairy tales don't exist in real life.. -
![Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez]()
Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsJason Carrillo, the best-looking athlete in school, has had his eyes on the prize from day one: a scholarship for college. But then his eyes turn to love -- and Kyle. Kyle Meeks, swim team star and all-around good guy, is finally in the relationship he wanted. Being in love feels so good, in fact, that he can't imagine giving it up to go to Princeton... -
![Private Label by Kelly Yang]()
Private Label by Kelly Yang
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang delivers a heartfelt and powerful YA romance about a Chinese American girl who gets help from the new boy in town to search for her dad after her successful fashion designer mother is diagnosed with cancer.Serene dreams of making couture dresses even more stunning than her mom’s, but for now she’s an intern at her mom’s fashion label...Categorized as:
multicultural dystopian young adult contemporary high-school racism historical east-asian-mc -
![Survival: A Military Stepbrother Romance by Lauren Landish]()
Survival: A Military Stepbrother Romance by Lauren Landish
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“The only relief I had was that, if I was going to die, I was going to die in your arms.” After a hectic month, I was at my wit’s end and in need of a change of scenery. With his irresistible smile and charm, my Army Ranger Stepbrother, Wes, convinces me to go backwoods camping with him to take my mind off things...
![椿町ロンリープラネット 4 [Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet 4] by Mika Yamamori, やまもり三香](https://s3.amazonaws.com/romance.io/books/small/65467189c112bf11fe983a5d.jpg)
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