Elise Bryant

One True Loves

From the author of Happily Ever Afters comes another irresistible YA romantic comedy full of self-discovery and Black love—and a dreamy European cruise. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon, Jenny Han, and Stephanie Perkins, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances. Lenore Bennett has always been a force. A star artist and style icon at her high school, she’s a master in the subtle art of not giving a . . . well, you know what. But now that graduation is here, she’s a little less sure. She’s heading to NYU in the fall with a scarlet U (for “undeclared”) written across her chest. Her parents always remind her that Black kids don’t have the luxury of figuring it out as they go—they have to be 110 percent prepared. But it’s a lot of pressure to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams when Lenore’s not even sure what her dreams are yet. When her family embarks on a post-graduation Mediterranean cruise, her friend Tessa is sure Lenore’s in for a whirlwind romance. But Lenore knows that doesn’t happen to girls like her. Then she meets Alex Lee. After their parents bond over the Cupid Shuffle, she ends up stuck with him for the remainder of the cruise. He’s a hopeless romantic and a golden boy with a ten-year plan. In short, he’s irritating as hell. But as they get to know each other during the picturesque stops across Europe, Alex may be able to help Lenore find something else she’s been looking for, even if she doesn’t want to admit it to herself: love.

Sarah Sammis

Shareca

One True Loves (Happily Ever Afters #2)
Elise Bryant
★★★★ + 🌶

'One True Loves' is a true cultural reset 💓 The authentic Blackness it portrays is a sensory experience in and of itself. I came for the prose, knowing that it would have me living, but stayed for the absolute cuteness that accompanied the intermingling of the real and the fictional 💫

🌻
Lenore and Alex make quite a match and are both quite charming. This novel is written as a single narrative and it is enjoyable to enter the mind of Lenore. It is the way she exudes exhilarating energy, which I believe appeals to the tone of this book; the voyage romance, as well as the topics of college, being Black and multiracial, sexuality, and mental health, are all engaging topics encountered.

🐚
During the course of this fast-paced novel, there is a great deal to digest and a lot of Lenore's emotions are portrayed on a deeper level. I can relate to her relationship with her siblings and parents. Undeclared, playing the role of another, the desire to be everyone else but yourself in order to avoid connotations of negativity. As a black woman, there is a lot to consider when it comes to the way we behave in order to not upset anyone. Affiliating with this 'person' that is not who we are can be quite an exhausting endeavor, and this was a truly delightful YA novel to experience that in the context of a college decision, creative arts, and love.

🛩
Her corny parents remind me so much of those of my own family. My parents have never been portrayed in a novel before, but much of what Lenore deals with as a result of her siblings and the pressure to be greater than what your parents have been through is grueling and honest.

It is about discovering who you are through love, but it creates a deeper emotional attachment as Lenore represents the anxieties I forgot about when I was a teenager graduating from high school. My Blackness has never felt understood as deeply as it has in 'One True Loves.' 🥰

From the author of Happily Ever Afters comes another irresistible YA romantic comedy full of self-discovery and Black love--and a dreamy European cruise. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon, Jenny Han, and Stephanie Perkins, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances. Lenore Bennett has always been a force. A star artist and style icon at her high school, she's a master in the subtle art of not giving a . . . well, you know what. But now that graduation is here, she's a little less sure. She's heading to NYU in the fall with a scarlet U (for "undeclared") written across her chest. Her parents always remind her that Black kids don't have the luxury of figuring it out as they go--they have to be 110 percent prepared. But it's a lot of pressure to be her ancestors' wildest dreams when Lenore's not even sure what her dreams are yet. When her family embarks on a post-graduation Mediterranean cruise, her friend Tessa is sure Lenore's in for a whirlwind romance. But Lenore knows that doesn't happen to girls like her. Then she meets Alex Lee. After their parents bond over the Cupid Shuffle, she ends up stuck with him for the remainder of the cruise. He's a hopeless romantic and a golden boy with a ten-year plan. In short, he's irritating as hell. But as they get to know each other during the picturesque stops across Europe, Alex may be able to help Lenore find something else she's been looking for, even if she doesn't want to admit it to herself: love.

Jantien 

Such a cute and predictable love story just like her first novel. Loved it! Just what I needed 💘

Debbi

I loved this one. At first I found the characters frustrating but only because they’re so damn real. As the story unfolds we see growth in the main character Lenore and it’s really nice to see. Her tough girl act softens up and it is just so relatable. The love story is adorable and I’ll be thinking about it for ages. 

Alissa 

Grace Elizabeth

When I started this book, I didn’t think I was going to finish it. It just wasn’t it for me. It was a slow start, the main character, Lenore, wasn’t super likable, and I just wasn’t feeling it. But that was until Alex showed up. The romance and the character development is what redeemed this book in the end. Once Alex came onto the scene, I started to really enjoy the book. So at the start I would’ve given it 2 stars max, but after persevering through it, it now is worth 4 stars in my opinion. 

Claire Wilson 

Super cute YA romance. Great themes of coming of age and discussion of race throughout. 

One True Loves

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