Melt into June with these 8 romance book releases

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

The midwestern town in Leah Johnson‘s You Should See Me in a Crown has never been the right fit for Liz Lighty. She’s too Black, poor, and awkward to do anything but stand out. It’s something that Liz has come to accept about the prom-obsessed Campbell, Indiana. Besides, she has a get-out plan: Get into Pennington College, play for their famous orchestra, and earn her doctorate in medicine. Simple.

What’s not so simple is her financial situation. She needs aid in order to go, and when that falls through, Liz almost kisses her plans goodbye, until she’s reminded that the prize for Prom King and Queen at her school is a scholarship. Liz isn’t thrilled about it, but if she wants to get out of this small town, she’s going to have to throw her gloves into the ring and fight for what she wants.

Social media is a hellscape, her competitors are out for blood, and the public events required of her are going to be mortifying, but Liz doesn’t have time to second guess herself or give into her fear of the spotlight. It’s Pennington or bust. There’s also the funny and smart, Mack, to consider.

Mack is the new girl that fits in about as much as Liz does — as in, not at all. She’s running for prom queen, too, and Liz should be worried about having more competition, but her heart has other plans. She can’t afford to lose this competition. Her dreams are on the line, but Liz can’t help how she’s feeling either. What’s an outsider to do when she may have finally met her match?

You Should See Me in a Crown is available in print and e-book format starting June 2.