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 romance high-school fake-relationship asian-mc poc-mc realistic friendship female-mc
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Inevitable Seductions by Christina C Jones
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe chemistry between Stephen Foster and Nubia Perry is an undeniable fact. The handsome, dynamic former rugby star is used to getting who he wants with minimal effort, but Nubia’s steadfast refusal to acquiesce – while also making it clear that she’s equally interested in him – is compelling enough to keep his attention firmly planted on her... -
![Drama High: Pushin' by L. Divine]()
Drama High: Pushin' by L. Divine
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIf only there was a potion to make all Jayd Jackson's troubles disappear. . . Even though Jayd's finished with the AP exams and finally has some space of her own at her mother's house, she's got to deal with the drama all around her... -
![Press Rewind: An Equilibrium Short by Christina C. Jones]()
Press Rewind: An Equilibrium Short by Christina C. Jones
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes an argument turns into more than it should - people take it further than it has to go. But that doesn't always mean the end.(Press Rewind is a short story - very short, very sweet. Enjoy... -
![I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang]()
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSnarky and romantic, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.Sadie Wen is perfect on paper: school captain, valedictorian, and a "pleasure to have in class... -
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![Embraced in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
Embraced in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Montgomery Ink saga continues with an unforgettable romance where two best friends make a bet that could change their lives forever.Bristol Montgomery and Marcus Stearn have been best friends for so long, they sometimes forget when they weren't as close as they are now... -
![Must Date the Playboy by notjustarandomgirl]()
Must Date the Playboy by notjustarandomgirl
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“I know I’m not the type of girl that you usually go out with. I’m not sexy, I’m not attractive and I’m no fun. I’m plain and boring with no charm at all. The only thing good about me is probably my brain, which everyone finds boring. But I must ask you this…Mr...Categorized as:
fake-relationship high-school realistic book contemporary enemies-to-lovers fiction womens-fiction -
![Hollywood High by Ni-Ni Simone, Amir Abrams]()
Hollywood High by Ni-Ni Simone, Amir Abrams
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey’re the daughters of celebrities—the kind all the teen mags gossip about! But the It Girls of Hollywood High are about to discover that fame has a price. And no friendship—or romance—is safe…. London Phillips will diet as her mother demands. She’ll even date the billionaire her mother has chosen for her. But she won’t give up her secret hottie, Justice Banks... -
![Paid Companion by Nia Forrester]()
Paid Companion by Nia Forrester
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLia Hill isn't a model. But she's pretending to be. Just for a few days, and just because she stands a earn a ridiculous amount of money. The thing is, her mind-numbingly boring job as a receptionist at a modeling agency while she tries to sell her art isn't exactly paying the bills in her crappy apartment, and she's desperate for cash... -
![The Bridal Squad by Samantha Chase]()
The Bridal Squad by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Friday Night Brides are back! And this time, it's their first season running the business! It was one thing to just model in a weekly fashion show, it's quite another to be the ones calling the shots and making future brides' dreams come true. Their first client has them wondering if they're really prepared for their new roles! The Bride: Julianne is big on fitness, small on patience... -
![The Boy Who Steals Hearts by Emily Lowry]()
The Boy Who Steals Hearts by Emily Lowry
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvery girl at Hallisburg Prep has a crush on Arie Jensen.But no one has a bigger crush than me.I’ve been hopelessly head-over-heels for the star basketball player since freshman year.Too bad he barely even notices I exist.Until a midnight run-in reveals his biggest secret… and I’m the only one who knows.Suddenly, the school’s biggest flirt is showing up at my window after curfew...Categorized as:
fake-relationship realistic friendship high-school young-adult contemporary religion fiction -
![Borrowed & Blue by Emily Giffin]()
Borrowed & Blue by Emily Giffin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA beautifully repackaged bind-up of two of Emily Giffin's beloved bestselling novelsSomething Borrowed: A novel for every woman who has ever had a complicated love-hate friendship... -
![The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk]()
The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor fans of Sarah Dessen and Mary H.K. Choi, this lyrical and emotionally driven novel follows Alina, a young aspiring dancer who suffers a devastating injury and must face a world without ballet—as well as the darker side of her former dream. Alina Keeler was destined to dance, but then a terrifying fall shatters her leg—and her dreams of a professional ballet career along with it... -
![Vintage Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball]()
Vintage Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWelcome back to Ladybug Farm, the place for everyone who ever had a friend... or a dream... -
![Divided Loyalties by Patricia Scanlan]()
Divided Loyalties by Patricia Scanlan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom internationally bestselling author Patricia Scanlan comes a delightful story about the struggles and victories of marriage, and the true meaning of family.One explosive family reunion! Shauna and Greg’s marriage is under pressure. She wants another baby but he doesn’t. She also has to endure her obnoxious in-laws, The Freeloaders: Della, Eddie, and their spoiled kids... -
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![Who Am I Without Him? by Sharon G. Flake]()
Who Am I Without Him? by Sharon G. Flake
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere is "The Ugly One," whose only solace comes when she is locked inside her own head. In "Wanted: A Thug," a teenager seeks advice on how to steal her best friend's bad-guy boyfriend. And then there's Erika, who only likes white boys. Sharon Flake takes readers through the minds of girls trying to define themselves while struggling to remain relevant to the boys in their lives... -
![Playboy in a Kilt by Kait Nolan]()
Playboy in a Kilt by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA notorious former playboyAs heir to Ardinmuir, Connor MacKean had one job: fulfill the marriage pact that's held his family captive for three-hundred years. Except his sister's the one who took the plunge, and now there's nothing standing in the way of him finding a real and lasting love...Categorized as:
fake-relationship friendship realistic female-mc poc-mc romance contemporary audiobook -
![Act Like You Mean It by Shae Sanders]()
Act Like You Mean It by Shae Sanders
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAugust Chambers is right on the cusp of superstardom, a true leading man in Hollywood. There's just one problem: his love life. He needs a girlfriend who can appeal to his fan base.Enter Xandra Nicole, a socialite who's famous for being famous. She's done this before, and she's good at it. She knows what to post, what to wear, when to smile. She's a professional at this fake girlfriend thing... -
![Sweetheart by Cookie O'Gorman]()
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 fake-relationship friendship realistic romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
![It Could Only Be Tyler by Emily Lowry]()
It Could Only Be Tyler by Emily Lowry
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAsk your best friend’s brother nicely, and he might agree to be your fake boyfriend. He might even become something more…Nina Martinez is the band geek of Beachbreak High. The only thing louder than her trumpet is her mom’s insistence that she find Nina a boyfriend. Nina wants no part of it, but the only way out is to get a boyfriend on her own...Categorized as:
fake-relationship friendship high-school realistic book contemporary fiction friends-to-lovers -
![The Kicker and the New Girl by Anne-Marie Meyer, Maggie Dallen]()
The Kicker and the New Girl by Anne-Marie Meyer, Maggie Dallen
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's just trying to survive. He never thought she would be the one who would understand. CoraWe're starting over. Mom and Dad think the best way for me to move on from the death of Ben is to move to Oakwood. There, we can spend time with Mom's late best friend's family and open a new bakery. And I'm okay with that...Categorized as:
high-school fake-relationship realistic romance sports young-adult audiobook fiction -
![Fauxmance by Cookie O'Gorman]()
Fauxmance by Cookie O'Gorman
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFauxmance (foh-mans): Term for a romantic relationship that is fake. Real feelings, like love, are strictly prohibited. See also: Why would anyone enter a fake relationship?Eighteen-year-old Magnolia believes in true love.Or she did.When her boyfriend dumps her the day before her sister's wedding, Maggie is devastated—but her broken heart is only part of the problem... -
![Break the Rules by Joanna Philbin]()
Break the Rules by Joanna Philbin
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe only daughter of supermodel Katia Summers, witty and thoughtful Lizzie Summers likes to stick to the sidelines. The sole heir to Metronome Media and daughter of billionaire Karl Jurgensen, outspoken Carina Jurgensen would rather climb mountains than social ladders. Daughter of chart-topping pop icon Holla Jones, stylish and sensitive Hudson Jones is on the brink of her own music breakthrough...Categorized as:
female-mc friendship high-school realistic action-adventure book coming-of-age contemporary -
![Sealed with a Kiss by Sarra Manning]()
Sealed with a Kiss by Sarra Manning
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWill a lengthy road trip test Edie and Dylan's hard-won couplehood to the breaking point?Edie and Dylan have been dreaming about their road trip across America forever, but nine weeks in a car together is going to be a huge test for them...Categorized as:
friendship high-school realistic book contemporary fiction womens-fiction young-adult -
![All the Days of Her Life by Lurlene McDaniel]()
All the Days of Her Life by Lurlene McDaniel
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOut of control - that's how Lacey Duval feels in almost every aspect of her life. There's nothing she can do about her parents divorce, there's nothing she can do about the death of her young friend, there's nothing she can do about having diabetes - that's what Lacey believes. After a special summer at Jenny House, Lacey is determined to put her problems behind her... -
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![Devon Delaney Should Totally Know Better by Lauren Barnholdt]()
Devon Delaney Should Totally Know Better by Lauren Barnholdt
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDevon Delaney cannot believe she's lying again. But the thing is, she couldn't help it. Her new boyfriend, Luke, is talking to his (gorgeous) ex-girlfriend, Bailey Barelli, every single day in mock trial. Devon couldn't just stand by and let him find out that she'd never dated anyone else before. Could she? Oopsie. Too late now... -
![What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae]()
What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEnjoy What You Always Wanted and the other standalone titles in Bloomsbury's contemporary If Only romance line centered around an impossible you always want what you can't have !Maddie Brooks has always had high standards for guys. But she has yet to find one who can live up to the romantic, classic Hollywood heartthrobs, especially the dreamy song-and-dance man Gene Kelly... -
![This May End Badly by Samantha Markum]()
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPranking mastermind Doe and her motley band of Weston girls are determined to win the century-long war against Winfield Academy before the clock ticks down on their senior year. But when their headmistress announces that The Weston School will merge with its rival the following year, their longtime feud spirals into chaos...Categorized as:
asian-mc fake-relationship friendship high-school poc-mc realistic audiobook boarding-school -
![More than Fashion by Elizabeth Briggs]()
More than Fashion by Elizabeth Briggs
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWe’re enemies who will do anything to win...including each other.I did it. I landed a spot on a fashion design reality TV show. And dammit, I’m going to win.My good fortune continues when I meet a hot, tattooed English guy in a bar. But too many drinks leads to a night of embarrassment, and wow am I glad I’ll never see him again.Until the show starts and he’s on it too...Categorized as:
asian-mc fake-relationship female-mc poc-mc book celebrity contemporary female-author -
![Two of Us by Elizabeth Eulberg]()
Two of Us by Elizabeth Eulberg
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPenny Lane Bloom founded The Lonely Hearts Club, which means that she basically doesn’t date. She’s got her awesome girls to hang out with, she’s got her hilarious (and sometimes annoying) family, she’s working towards high grades to get into a great college–she’d never give up any of that to be with a boy... -
![Fact of Life #31 by Denise Vega]()
Fact of Life #31 by Denise Vega
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWinner of the Colorado Book Award for Young Adult fiction, Cybil nominee. Fact of Life #129: Some people put you where they want you to be, not where you actually are.16-year-old Kat Flynn believes in going with the flow. She practices yoga, works with her mom at Abra’s Midwifery, and watches the Perfect Couple in the hall at school...Categorized as:
realistic high-school female-mc romance young-adult contemporary fiction womens-fiction -
![The Comeback by Marlene Perez]()
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:
friendship high-school realistic book coming-of-age contemporary fiction womens-fiction -
![Bring Me Back by Amy Oliveira]()
Bring Me Back by Amy Oliveira
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHot, sweet and swoony! “He was taller than me, stronger than me, older than me. And at times, it felt like we were one.” Hallie Delos Santos left the small town of Bluehaven at the first opportunity she had.Five years later, she’s back... -
![True's Love by Pepper Pace]()
True's Love by Pepper Pace
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Trulane stepped off the bus landing smack dab in the middle of a small mountain town with no prospects or no money, she does what anyone would—finds a job and a place to sleep that won’t cost her any money. The only thing is that there is no such thing as being secretive in Estill County Kentucky—not when you’re about the only black person in the entire town... -
![Know You by Heart by Tif Marcelo]()
Know You by Heart by Tif Marcelo
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the USA Today bestselling author of In a Book Club Far Away comes a delightful installment in the Heart Resort series about finding love that’s been right in front of you all along.As the oldest child in his family, Chris Puso has always taken his responsibilities seriously. He’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Heart Resort’s success... -
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![Aftershocks of Kiss Cam by mikaelanay]()
Aftershocks of Kiss Cam by mikaelanay
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJacob Callahan and Jacquelyn Waldorf have been rivals from the day they were born. Yes, you heard it.Their families are rivals.Their friends are rivals.Their soccer teams are rivals.Everything is going smoothly hateful until...One game night...Categorized as:
realistic female-mc friendship romance contemporary young-adult enemies-to-lovers fiction -
![The Stand-In Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin]()
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... -
![Man vs. Durian by Jackie Lau]()
Man vs. Durian by Jackie Lau
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDurian is my nemesis. We have a long, painful history. In my opinion, the spiky fruit smells like natural gas and rotten onions with eau de vomit. Bleh.So when Valerie Chow spills her durian ice cream all over me, I shouldn’t fall in love.But despite her fondness for durian, Valerie is beautiful and delightfully prickly and stares at me when I take off my soiled shirt... -
![Kiss and Make Up by Sarra Manning]()
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 . . -
![Stupid Cupid by closet_anarchist]()
Stupid Cupid by closet_anarchist
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsReed Hadley would gladly spend her day holed up in her room with her dog, watching horror movies or surfing the internet on her trusty laptop. Too bad she is the daughter of one of the biggest matchmakers in the business. As soon as Reed started to develop into what scientist dubbed an adolescent, her mom has been sitting her up on dates, which seem to go wrong every time...Categorized as:
fake-relationship high-school realistic book contemporary fiction humor womens-fiction -
![Nona & Me by Clare Atkins]()
Nona & Me by Clare Atkins
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRosie and Nona are sisters. Yapas.They are also best friends. It doesn’t matter that Rosie is white and Nona is Aboriginal: their family connections tie them together for life.Born just five days apart in a remote corner of the Northern Territory, the girls are inseperable, until Nona moves away at the age of nine. By the time she returns, they’re in Year 10 and things have changed... -
![Analee, in Real Life by Janelle Milanes]()
Analee, in Real Life by Janelle Milanes
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA Cuban-American teen navigates social anxiety, her father’s remarriage, and being torn between two very cute boys in this heartfelt and funny contemporary novel—perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Kasie West.Ever since her mom died three years ago, Analee Echevarria has had trouble saying out loud the weird thoughts that sit in her head...Categorized as:
realistic high-school fake-relationship poc-mc friendship romance contemporary young-adult -
![Triple Shot Bettys in Love by Jody Gehrman]()
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... -
![Footfree & Fancyloose by Elizabeth Craft, Sarah Fain]()
Footfree & Fancyloose by Elizabeth Craft, Sarah Fain
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBest friends Harper Waddle, Sophie Bushell, and Kate Foster committed the ultimate suburban sin: bailing on college to pursue their dreams. Middlebury-bound Becca Winsberg was convinced her friends had gone insane until they reminded her she just might have a dream of her own. Now the year is half-way through and their dreams seem within reach. Well, almost... -
![Zoey Fools Around by Katherine Applegate]()
Zoey Fools Around by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThey've all grown up together on a tiny island. They think they know everything about one another. . .but they're only just beginning to find out the truth,and it turns their world upside down. New couples are formed, friends become enemies, and secrets and unearthed. . . Katherine Applegate is the author of the hugely popular series as well as many other books for young readers...Categorized as:
friendship high-school realistic book contemporary female-author fiction young-adult -
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![Private Label by Kelly Yang]()
Private Label by Kelly Yang
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
![Over the Falls by Jordan Ford]()
Over the Falls by Jordan Ford
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s drowning in rejection. She’s riding the waves. Can a rich boy and a surfer girl find love at the beach?Aidan isn't used to losing. But when his popular girlfriend dumps him right after he tanks at the end-of-year swim meet, he’s not sure if his golden touch will ever return... -
![A Matter of Heart by Amy Fellner Dominy]()
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... -
![Head Games by Keri Mikulski]()
Head Games by Keri Mikulski
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTaylor Thomas is a total all-star on the court. Off-court, not so much. She may be model-tall, gorgeous and quite a catch, but try telling her that. With a showcase game and playoffs fast approaching, Taylor’s basketball career is totally on the line... -
![Audible Love by Maggie Dallen]()
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...Categorized as:
high-school realistic female-mc romance young-adult contemporary coming-of-age fiction -
![Revenge of the Geek by Piper Banks]()
Revenge of the Geek by Piper Banks
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSome people have to learn the hard way-don't mess with a geek. Miranda Bloom, girl genius, is totally psyched to start her junior year at Geek High. Too bad her boyfriend, lacrosse player Dex McConnell, is off to boarding school in Maine. Miranda thought she could count on her best friends, Finn and Charlie, to cheer her up, but they're caught up in their own issues..Categorized as:
female-mc high-school realistic book coming-of-age contemporary fiction womens-fiction
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