In these books that take place in part during the first semester of college, characters learn more about themselves during this time of transition...and maybe fall in love along the way.

LaDelle, Ebony. This Could Be Forever. 384p. S. & S. May 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665948678.
Gr 9 Up–An endearing and honest story about the reality of interracial relationships presented in a lighthearted way. LaDelle, a talented writer, uses heart and humor to illustrate the similarities and differences between Black and Nepali cultures, offering readers insight, as well as a helpful example of how to navigate difficulties in a new relationship. The book is written in first person, with chapters in both main characters Deja’s and Raja’s points of view. Readers follow Deja’s college experience from her first campus visit through the summer to the end of her first fall semester, while she works through her own changes in family dynamics as well as learns about her boyfriend’s culture. Raja, meanwhile, is pursuing his dreams against the backdrop of familial expectations. LaDelle’s writing is clear and informative, balancing witty humor with an engaging narrative that teaches lessons about acceptance and open-mindedness without feeling didactic. The couple’s budding romance is so sweet and genuine. What sets this book apart is its ability to distill discussions about race and sexism into digestible and compelling entries. VERDICT Whether readers personally resonate with Deja’s or Raja’s experiences or are just interested in YA romance, LaDelle’s book provides a beautifully sweet reading experience.–Jenna LaBollita

★Lee, Susan. The Romance Rivalry. 368p. HarperCollins. May 2025. pap. $15.99. ISBN 9781335012876.
Gr 10 Up–Irene is a notable romance book reviewer online, but she’s never been in love. With a chance to snag a big brand sponsorship, Irene decides to prove her worth and use all the tropes she’s read about to fall in love her freshman year at college. But when Irene discovers her online review rival Aiden attends the same college and is up for the same sponsorship, the two decide to go head-to-head in a falling-in-love competition. As the contest heats up, Irene finds her in-person connection with Aiden is shockingly less of a rivalry and more like fated mates. Lee knows how to hit all the cozy feels while expertly creating a classic love story. The love competition and subsequent fake dating are played out perfectly with Irene and Aiden’s personalities and struggles on full display. The epigraphs between chapters, disclosing some of the characters’ book reviews, offer fun additional insights into their minds. Irene is a people pleaser whose quest for a relationship results in learning to be kinder to herself while dealing with her flaws in a realistic, relatable way. Aiden’s softly strong demeanor displays how unapologetically a young man can love. The trope chapter titles are woven into the story, building a lighthearted atmosphere where one can’t help but root for sunshine Aiden to win over grumpy Irene. Irene and Aiden are Korean American. VERDICT A must-have flirtation-via-tropes tale with all the swooning and joy readers want in a love story.–Emily Walker