New year, new books: 15 YA releases to watch out for this January

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant

Elise Bryant’s debut novel, Happily Ever Afters, hits shelves this January, and it sounds like the perfect combination of rom-com and coming-of-age story. Recommended for fans of Nicola Yoon and Mary H.K. Choi, Bryant’s story showcases the struggles of growing up. (And it sounds like we could get some sweet romantic moments in there, too.)

Happy Ever Afters follows Tessa Johnson, a sixteen year old who doesn’t quite see herself in the heroines she reads about. The only place Tessa does fall into the protagonist role is in the stories she writes. That’s why getting accepted into a prestigious writing program is basically a dream come true for her.

Unfortunately, Tessa freezes up during her first workshop, leading her best friend Caroline to suggest she get real-world inspiration for her stories. The two make a romance-inspired bucket list. which Tessa intends to live out with a boy named Nico — at least until she’s forced to reconsider the whole affair.

"“But as Tessa checks off each item off Caroline’s list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares about — including the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. She’s well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?”"

Bryant’s story sounds like the perfect love letter to writers and readers, with the added bonus of being all about love. It arrives on January 5, so make sure to look out for it.