Love Makes Mochi by Stefany Valentine | Released January 27th from Joy Revolution
Lilyn Jeong has big dreams of becoming a fashion designer. The young teen embarks on a journey to Tokyo, Japan to learn under the guidance of Mrs. Matsumoto, a terrifying but extremely influential tailor. For Lilyn, this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and one that may get her accepted into her dream fashion school. With only a few weeks to design and combine her gothic aesthetic with the traditional Japanese style into a collection, she begins to panic, but luckily, Yua, Mrs. Matsumoto’s tattooed rebel of a daughter, offers help. Can Lilyn focus on her assignment and achieve her aspirations, or will romance get in the way?
What most interests me about this story is that it takes place in Japan. This novel is a part of an international romance series which has actually been on my radar for some time now, especially recently since studying abroad and falling for a special someone from Wales. And of course, the queer romance and lesbian representation caught my attention instantly since it’s my favorite kind of romance to read.
Love In Ruins by Auriane Desombre | Released February 23rd from Delacorte Romance
When Natalie Campbell is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and experiences a horrible breakup with a controlling ex who attempted to destroy her friendship with Luca, she decides to join a school trip to Greece. Together, Natalie and Luca embark on a journey to complete their summer bucket lists and ignore the realities of home. But just as Natalie has sworn off dating, she meets Melanie, her Greek instructor’s daughter, and the two set off on romantic adventures. Will Natalie be able to complete her summer bucket list with Luca, or will her focus on a new romance cost her friendship and destroy her progress?
Again, after my travels I’ve done nothing but crave something international. I completely regret not vacationing in Greece this May when I had the opportunity to, and I’m yearning for an escape to the Mediterranean. I also adore any romance novels containing mental health struggles and representation.
Sunflowers and Lavender by Maisy Valais | Released April 7th from Yellow Jacket
This queer, romantic graphic novel follows Penny, a hopeless romantic in love with Bianca, an aspiring musician. Though their initial encounter was a total awkward disaster, they are thrown together by a series of events including rival bakeries, a broken coffee machine, and cake. With Bianca’s New Years Eve concert approaching, she catches a bad case of stage fright, and seeks Penny’s help. As Penny tries to assist Bianca, while also unraveling why her best friend—Tristan—has been acting strange, she hopes to succeed in her romantic endeavours and save her friendship.
I’ve heard the lightheartedness of this graphic novel is similar to that of Heartstopper. But I am much more interested in the fact that it takes place in Australia. I recently read a graphic novel with a similar lighthearted and wholesome aesthetic, called Lovely Recipe, and have been looking forward to finding more comics with similar vibes.
Heartstopper #6: A Graphic Novel by Alice Oseman | Coming July 7th from Graphix
This queer romance follows Nick and Charlie and their beautiful relationship. The comics follow a wholesome love story but include the negative parts of life that strain relationships, specifically Charlie’s depression and eating disorder. This volume follows Nick’s preparations for college and the realization that the two will be separated. Will they be able to overcome their anxieties and navigate at a distance from each other?
The Heartstopper comic series was one of my favorite graphic novels growing up, and I’ve been following its creation since its early Tumblr days back in 2016. Though I never finished the comic, I was excited for the show’s release, and have been looking forward to its final film. But before I watch, I would like to finish the graphic novel.
I am mostly excited to see this comic come to a close, and I am a huge fan of Alice Oseman, so I have no doubt it will be great. If you are an enthusiast for queer friend groups, I suggest you pick up this comic; it covers gay and lesbian relationships, compulsory heterosexuality (comphet), aro/ace representation, a nonbinary character, and in my opinion, one of the best takes on the transgender experience in book/show history.
I hope one of these novels caught your eye. Happy Pride and Happy Reading!
Anasofia Alejandro, Pine Reads Review Writer
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