Books like 'Playing with Matches'
Readers who enjoyed Playing with Matches by Brian Katcher also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance realistic high-school love-triangle humor friends-to-lovers friendship coming-of-age
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Gay Club! by Simon James Green
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst - and ultimately their best - from one of the UK's leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. Barney's a shoo-in for his school's LGBTQ+ Society President at the club's next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention...Categorized as:
high-school realistic friends-to-lovers humor coming-of-age friendship romance lgbtq -
Curvy Girls Can't Date Bad Boys by Kelsie Stelting
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn arranged marriage and a bad boy who breaks all of the rules…My father’s been planning my wedding day for longer than I have. Since I turned seventeen, he’s sent me on date after date with people from the film industry–producers, directors, actors… I’ve dated–and turned down–them all.But Ryde Alexander is the worst...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers high-school humor realistic audiobook book contemporary -
The Sebastian Guarantee by Krista Sandor
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s got one chance to be the man she deserves—he better not screw it up. Phoebe Gale is a genius behind the keyboard, but her love life is a catastrophe. She’s sick of guys trampling on her heart. Spoiler Alert: that’s about to end. She’s been invited to a conference where she’ll get the chance to flaunt her tech talents and show these creeps exactly what they’re missing... -
Sweetheart by Cookie O'Gorman
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance...Categorized as:
high-school friends-to-lovers friendship realistic humor romance young-adult contemporary -
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Melody's Crush by Alora Dillon, Donna Hunter
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings18 year old Melody Jenkins has spent the last 3 years of high school crushing on one guy, Jake Kensington, who sees her as no more than a sister from another mister and best friend. Not wanting to risk their friendship, Melody has kept her crush a secret and her emotions in check whenever she's around him... which is daily since they live on the same property...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers high-school humor love-triangle book contemporary female-mc -
Carter's Unfocused, One-Track Mind by Brent Crawford
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter an eventful freshman year and disastrous summer, fifteen-year-old Will Carter returns to Merrian High none the wiser. His sophomore year will present a host of new problems: the return of Scary Terry from juvie, the pregnant presence of Amber Lee, friends-with-benefits negotiations with Abby, prom night expectations, and the ever-constant harassment from his boys... -
One of the Girls (Friendzone) by Robin Daniels
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFROM ENDZONE TO FRIENDZONE... Senior Nick Moody is the second string quarterback on Roosevelt High School’s championship football team. He’s crushed on Mia for years, but she doesn’t know he exists. It’s time to come off the bench and into the game. Nick refuses to graduate without getting the girl or the glory. Mia Ashlock is the remarkably kind cheer captain...Categorized as:
humor high-school realistic friends-to-lovers coming-of-age friendship romance contemporary -
Float by Kate Marchant
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA heartfelt summer read for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han about holding on and letting go.Waverly Lyons has been caught in the middle of her parents’ divorce for as long as she can remember. This summer, the battle rages over who she’ll spend her vacation with, and when Waverly’s options are shot down, it’s bye-bye Fairbanks, Alaska and hello Holden, Florida to stay with her aunt...Categorized as:
high-school realistic coming-of-age friends-to-lovers romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
Almost Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIs it possible to be too good a friend -- too understanding, too always there, too much like a doormat? Alice has always been a good friend to Pamela and Liz, a best friend to Pamela and Liz...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship high-school humor realistic book contemporary female-author -
Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere Are No Cheat Codes for ShowmanceSeventeen-year-old gaymer Noah Mitchell only has one friend the wonderful, funny, strictly online-only MagePants69. After years playing RPGs together, they know everything about each other, except anything that would give away their real life identities. And Noah is certain that if they could just meet in person, they would be soulmates...Categorized as:
coming-of-age humor friendship friends-to-lovers realistic high-school romance young-adult -
Lonely Hearts Day by Kasie West
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt isn’t that Scarlett Landry doesn’t believe in love, her parents’ relationship is perfect, after all. It’s just that she doesn’t think she should be forced to celebrate it. Forced to listen to terrible poetry and watch Valentine’s Day roses being distributed to everyone around her at school. If there is a relationship status that deserves its own holiday, it’s single-hood...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers high-school realistic humor romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
Access Denied: And Other Eighth Grade Error Messages by Denise Vega
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsComputer whiz Erin Swift is ready to start eighth grade. The Year of Humiliating Events (aka, seventh grade) is behind her and she's ready to rule the school. But eight grade comes with its own set of problems for Erin to navigate, including her first boyfriend, her first break-up, and the fact that her mom has been treating her more like an eight year old than an eighth grader...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age humor friendship high-school romance young-adult middle-grade -
The Comeback by Marlene Perez
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA novel about ruling high school, being exiled, and fighting your way back to your rightful throne.Sophie Donnelly is one half of the most popular and powerful couple in school, until new girl Angie Vogel shows up and compromises everything. Angie steals Sophie's starring role in the school play, and, worse, her super-popular boyfriend...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship high-school realistic book contemporary fiction womens-fiction -
The Stand-In Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSometimes the person you're meant to be with is standing right in front of you.Parker Reed has been in love with Beth Bennett since he was four years old. She grew up next door to him, holding his hand and now his heart. The problem is, Beth has no idea Parker is in love with her. He’s stuck in the friend zone, forced to stand by while Beth dates a parade of losers...Categorized as:
high-school realistic friends-to-lovers humor coming-of-age friendship romance young-adult -
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Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsGigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their real lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers friendship high-school humor love-triangle realistic book -
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTHE TRANSFORMATION Beth has always been "The Beast", that's what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth's only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she's selected to be her choir's soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers friendship high-school love-triangle realistic book contemporary -
The Boys of Summer by C.J. Duggan
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIt seemed only natural to nickname them the ‘Onslow Boys’. Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week’s work, their laughter was loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition, a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him... Toby Morrison...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers high-school humor love-triangle realistic book contemporary -
Kiss and Make Up by Sarra Manning
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s sizzling summertime, and Edie can’t wait for the partying to start. Trying to forget about the dastardly Dylan, Edie’s taking her new squeeze Carter to the Glastonbury music festival to have some fun. But guess who’s there already, looking totally gorgeous? That’s right . .Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship high-school love-triangle realistic book contemporary female-mc -
Triple Shot Bettys in Love by Jody Gehrman
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGeena is freaking out. She's been going out with Ben for five months, their relationship is comfortable and perfect, and then Bam! he's suddenly putting the pressure on to be way more physical. She's not sure she's ready. Enter Mr... -
How to Hook a Bookworm (How To Series) by Cassie Mae
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGetting kissed for a birthday present should not be a big deal. Especially for Brea Mason, who doesn’t think of her best friend, Adam Silver, in any way other than… well, a friend. But after the liplock she can’t seem to get him off her mind. And she has to, because Adam is a senior while she’s stuck in high school for another two years...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers high-school humor love-triangle book contemporary fiction -
Carter's Big Break by Brent Crawford
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter surviving freshman year (just barely), Carter is craving his summer break. Unfortunately, when he and his girlfriend, Abby, part ways, it looks as though summer just might break him. Things start to look up when he's unexpectedly cast in an independent film opposite the world's biggest tween sensation, Hilary Idaho. With Hollywood knocking on his door, Carter gets a taste of the good life... -
Call the Shots by Don Calame
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAnd . . . action! As the uproarious trio returns, sensitive Sean takes the spotlight — scripting a low-low-budget film while fielding unexpected female fans. Coop is cooking up another sure-misfire scheme (big surprise), and this time the comedy plays out from Sean’s point of view... -
The Playmaker by Jordan Ford
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis is it—Tori Lomax’s senior year. Her last chance to leave Nelson High without a bucketload of regrets. Number one priority—get Colt Burgess to fall in love with her. So what if he’s the Raider’s number one playmaker? So what if he’s so far out of her league, the idea of them together would rupture the school’s social order? She has to try, before it’s too late...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers friendship high-school humor athlete book contemporary -
Perfectly Clueless by Madeleine Labitan
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s in love with her best friend and he doesn’t even know it… Bianca Hayes has been in the friend zone way too long. For years, she watched her best friend Dylan McCafferty go through girl after girl in Bayfield High. Never her. Well, enough is enough. It’s time she stops pining over someone who will never return her feelings. A girl can only take so much...Categorized as:
high-school friends-to-lovers friendship humor romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
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A Matter of Heart by Amy Fellner Dominy
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Will make your heart pound — anxiously, joyfully, triumphantly.” — New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle Readers will happily dive into this emotionally grounded, contemporary young adult novel about the sudden end of one girl’s Olympic swimming dreams and the struggles she endures before realizing there are many things that express who we are...Categorized as:
realistic high-school coming-of-age friendship romance young-adult sports contemporary -
Audible Love by Maggie Dallen
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLove is blind? This starlet doesn't believe it. Then again...she's never been starstruck. As a child star turned teenage diva, Avery has played a lot of roles in her lifetime. Not one of them was as difficult as pretending to be an ordinary girl at a normal high school. Well, relatively normal. Trudale is a boarding school for the arts, catering to the elite... -
Just Friends: A Bayfield High Romance Book 5 by Madeleine Labitan
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDoes a girl like her stand a chance with the unattainable boy? The last thing Elana Mitchell wants is to be noticed by Rohan Mallick, the boy she's been crushing on since junior year. He's Mr. Unattainable—not just to her but to every other girl who dares to snag his elusive attention. Those who try always end up getting snubbed and humiliated...Categorized as:
high-school friends-to-lovers love-triangle romance young-adult fiction contemporary book -
Amazing Grace by Megan Shull
Rated: 3.86 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGrace Ace Kincaid has it all. She's a teen sports sensation. Her face and body are on the cover of every magazine. She's front and center on the red carpet. She has the world at her feet, as long as she toes the line. But then she says three little words. Three words that take her out of the spotlight to Medicine Hat, Alaska. Population 272.Grace has the chance to start all over again... -
The Law of Tall Girls by Joanne Macgregor
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen you really stand out, can you ever fit in?Seventeen-year-old Peyton Lane is a tall girl. So tall, it’s the only thing most people notice about her. On impulse, she accepts a bet to prove she can be as attractive and desirable as other girls. Now she just needs to go on four dates (including the prom) with one of the guys on her very short list of very tall boys... -
It's Kind of a Cheesy Love Story by Lauren Morrill
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA contemporary YA rom-com about love, friendship, and pizza.After her mother gave birth to her in the bathroom of a local pizzeria, Beck Brix hsd been given the dubious privilege of having minor fame, free pizza for life, and a guaranteed job when she turns sixteen—a job she unfortunately can’t afford to turn down...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age friendship friends-to-lovers humor romance young-adult contemporary -
A Shot at Normal by Marisa Reichardt
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDr. Villapando told me to get a good attorney. He wasn't serious. But I am. I'm going to sue my parents.Juniper Jade's parents are hippies. They didn’t attend the first Woodstock, but they were there for the second one. The Jade family lives an all-organic homeschool lifestyle that means no plastics, no cell phones, and no vaccines... -
Knee Deep by Jolene Perry
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers high-school love-triangle realistic abuse book contemporary -
Rock On by Denise Vega
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOri Taylor is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of the Band To Be Named Later, a garage band he started with his friends. After years of being known only as the kid brother of sports star Del, Ori is looking forward to stepping out of his older brother's shadow, learning to perform in public, and rocking the Battle of the Bands contest... -
The Girl Least Likely by Katy Loutzenhiser
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTo All the Boys meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (with a dash of Dumplin’) in this funny, romantic, and heartfelt coming of age story about a teen stand-up comic learning how to be her truest self, from the author of If You’re Out There.Gretchen has always been more of a “least likely” than a “most likely” kind of girl...Categorized as:
humor high-school coming-of-age realistic friendship friends-to-lovers romance young-adult -
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10 Things I Hate About Prom by Elle Gonzalez Rose
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA fun, fresh contemporary rom-com that covers all the ways in which prom is overrated, and the biggest ways to sabotage your lovable best friend’s promposals to the school’s most popular girl.The best things in life come in pairs. Peanut butter has jelly, Taylor has Selena, and Ivelisse Santos has Joaquin Romero. They are not only next-door neighbors; they’re platonic soulmates...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers high-school realistic friendship humor coming-of-age romance young-adult -
Thrill Ride by Rachel Hawthorne, Jan Nowasky
Rated: 3.84 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThrill Ride!One-day admission: $15Summer job:Pros:Living on my own (plus roommates)Rides are free (but avoid the roller coasters—too scary!)Super-hot coworker . . .Cons:Periodic homesicknessDressing like Gretel for job in fairyland gift shopSuper-hot coworker . . . and boyfriend back home... -
The New Girl by Cathy Cole
Rated: 3.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Heartside Bay - for life, love and everything in between...Lila Murray is desperate for a fresh start after her family moved from London to Heartside Bay. It's the perfect chance to leave her past mistakes behind. But nothing is ever that easy. Day one at Heartside High School brings a whole new set of problems, and one very big new crush...Categorized as:
friendship high-school love-triangle realistic book contemporary fiction young-adult -
Geek Magnet by Kieran Scott
Rated: 3.81 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMean Girls meets High School Musical from the author of I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader! Everyone loves KJ Miller, especially the geeks. She's pretty, smart, and super nice to everyone, which has made her the geek pied piper of Washington High. If only Cameron, the star of the basketball team, would follow her around and worship her the way her dorky entourage does... -
Kissing Tennessee: and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance by Kathi Appelt
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMason and Carrie Marie can't get up the courage to ask each other to dance. Russ's girlfriend has died, and now he's just trying to live without her...Categorized as:
coming-of-age high-school humor realistic anthologies contemporary fiction middle-grade -
The Wedding Cake Girl by Anne Pfeffer
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeventeen year old Alexandra spends so much time helping others realize their dreams that she never has time for her own. An expert ocean diver and reluctant maker of wedding cakes, she longs to leave roses and frosting behind to study oceanography. Alex’s mother won’t have it—needy and dependent, Mom can’t run the family wedding cake business on her own...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship high-school love-triangle realistic book contemporary family -
Raincheck on Timbuktu by Kirsten Murphy
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLucy has her life all planned out - * perfect job at 21 * engaged to ideal man at 26 * married at 27 and a half * building ideal home at 28 (fully equipped with a stereo surround-sound wide screen TV and a comfortable, yet stylish couch) * birth of perfect daughter at 30 What does not neatly fit into her organised life is a mother with a bombshell, an ex-best friend... -
Where There's a Whisk by Sarah J. Schmitt
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLife is what you bake it.Peyton Sinclaire wants nothing more than to escape her life as a diner waitress in her small, North Florida town and attend culinary school. Top Teen Chef, Food TV's new show that pairs reality TV drama with a fast-paced culinary competition, is her ticket out of her boring future...Categorized as:
realistic humor love-triangle friends-to-lovers friendship romance young-adult contemporary -
Save Steve by Jenni Hendriks, Ted Caplan
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, authors of Unpregnant— now a movie streaming on HBO Max, starring Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira—comes a twist on the cancer love story that’s dark humor mixed with quirky fun. Think Dirty Rotten Scoundrels meets The Fault in Our Stars . Named a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee! "This book is packed with humor...Categorized as:
humor realistic high-school friendship coming-of-age romance young-adult contemporary -
Breaking Rank by Kristen D. Randle
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Casey Willardson is assigned to tutor Thomas Fairbairn also known as Baby she approaches her task with great trepidation. Baby is a member of the Clan, a mysterious group of young men who do not talk to outsiders or participate in school. Baby and Casey's relationship is awkward at first, but soon they turn to each other... -
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Heartbreakers and Fakers by Cameron Lund
Rated: 3.79 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPenny Harris just ruined her life.As one of the most popular girls in school, she's used to being invited to every party, is dating the Jordan Parker, and can't wait to rule senior year with her best friend, Olivia. But when Penny wakes up on Jordan's lawn the morning after his first-day-of-summer bash, she knows something went terribly wrong the night before.She kissed Kai Tanaka...Categorized as:
coming-of-age high-school love-triangle realistic friendship humor romance young-adult -
How to Breathe Underwater by Vicky Skinner
Rated: 3.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen Kate has to move, she falls for the boy across the hall. Only problem? He has a girlfriend.Kate has spent her whole life working to be the best swimmer in order to earn her father's love, until he betrayed her and her family. Now, she's forced to start over and figure out what swimming really means to her, in this contemporary young adult debut from Vicky Skinner...Categorized as:
realistic friends-to-lovers high-school friendship love-triangle romance young-adult contemporary -
Smart Boys & Fast Girls by Stephie Davis
Rated: 3.75 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsON YOUR MARK Natalie Page is overlooked and unappreciated. Yeah, sure, she can run fast. Yeah, sure, all the boys love her...as a buddy. Yeah, she has plans every weekend night...with her friends and their boyfriends. GET SET It's time for the world to sit up and take notice. When Natalie makes the varsity cross country team, it seems like the fast track to being cool...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship high-school love-triangle realistic book contemporary fiction -
Resisting the Rebel by Lisa Brown Roberts
Rated: 3.75 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSpirit committee leader Mandy Pennington is secretly in love with her best friend, Gus, but when he hooks up with her archenemy at a party, she decides to win him over once and for all. She just doesn’t know how...Categorized as:
high-school humor realistic love-triangle friendship romance young-adult contemporary -
Geek Abroad by Piper Banks
Rated: 3.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLooking for love in all the wrong countries… Miranda Bloom’s life has never been better. She finally has an almost-quasi-boyfriend, Dex McConnell, the star lacrosse player of Orange Cove High. But when holiday break rolls around, she jets off to visit her mother in London, and Dex suddenly seems to lose all interest in her...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friendship high-school humor love-triangle realistic book contemporary -
The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore
Rated: 3.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAshley Lockett has always followed the rules. She's always done the right thing and played it safe until her ideal life is shattered when her dad dies suddenly. Fueled by anger and grief, she vows to do everything opposite of how she lived before. Then she meets Jordan. He has big dreams, he's had a crush on Ashley for years, and he's a great kisser. But he's also safe. Enter Colt...Categorized as:
coming-of-age high-school love-triangle realistic book contemporary fiction new-adult
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