2022, I have a feeling, will be the year of the unexpected. As the world is continuing to build a path out of the Covid19-well it had fallen into, I get the slightest inkling we all are going to be gifted some new masterpieces to the bookshelves. My poor wallet is already croaking.
I have so many 2022 debuts I’m extremely eager for, but here are just a few from the list that I’m especially desperate for.
Deep in Providence
by Riss M. Neilson
Published by Henry Holt
Releasing on May 31st, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary
For best friends Miliani, Inez, Natalie and Jasmine, Providence, Rhode Island has a magic of its own. From the bodegas and late-night food trucks on Broad Street to The Hill that watches over the city, every corner of Providence glows with memories of them practicing spells, mixing up potions and doing séances with the help of the magic Miliani’s Filipino grandfather taught her.
But when Jasmine is killed by a drunk driver, the world they have always known is left haunted by grief…and Jasmine’s lingering spirit. Determined to bring her back, the surviving friends band together, testing the limits of their magic and everything they know about life, death, and each other.
And as their plan to resurrect Jasmine grows darker and more demanding than they imagined, their separate lives begin to splinter the bonds they depend on, revealing buried secrets that threaten the people they care about most. Miliani, Inez and Natalie will have to rely on more than just their mystical abilities to find the light.
I may have already read this book, but I am desperate to add it to my shelf. This book quickly became a favorite upon reading it, and I even CRIED (that’s rare, that’s why it’s capitalized). Check out my 5-star review, available here.
Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster
by Andrea Mosqueda
Published by Feiwel & Friends
Releasing on May 24th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary, Romance
In this voice-driven young adult debut by Andrea Mosqueda, Maggie Gonzalez needs a date to her sister’s quinceañera – and fast.
Growing up in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, Maggie Gonzalez has always been a little messy, but she’s okay with that. After all, she has a great family, a goofy group of friends, a rocky romantic history, and dreams of being a music photographer. Tasked with picking an escort for her little sister’s quinceañera, Maggie has to face the truth: that her feelings about her friends—and her future—aren’t as simple as she’d once believed.
As Maggie’s search for the perfect escort continues, she’s forced to confront new (and old) feelings for three of her friends: Amanda, her best friend and first-ever crush; Matthew, her ex-boyfriend twice-over who refuses to stop flirting with her, and Dani, the new girl who has romantic baggage of her own. On top of this romantic disaster, she can’t stop thinking about the uncertainty of her own plans for the future and what that means for the people she loves.
As the weeks wind down and the boundaries between friendship and love become hazy, Maggie finds herself more and more confused with each photo. When her tried-and-true medium causes more chaos than calm, Maggie needs to figure out how to avoid certain disaster—or be brave enough to dive right into it.
This is another book I have already read, loved, and moved onto my “favorites” list, but it’s one that hits so close to home. As this book has bisexual representation, I couldn’t help but really connect with Maggie on that level. I understood her frustrations, her confusion, her wants. It all stuck close to me, and it’s one I will be consistently recommending as it’s publication date draws near. Check out my 5-star review, available here!
Icebreaker
by A.L. Graziadei
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Releasing on January 18th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary, Romance
A. L. Graziadei’s Icebreaker is an irresistible YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best—and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way.
Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. With a father and a grandfather who have gone down in NHL history, Mickey is almost guaranteed the league’s top draft spot.
The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, a contender for the #1 spot and Mickey’s infuriating (and infuriatingly attractive) teammate. When rivalry turns to something more, Mickey will have to decide what he really wants, and what he’s willing to risk for it.
This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path.
I have yet to read this one, despite having a digital galley to divulge in. For some reason, even though this one is continuously calling to me, I’m almost scared to read it. I have no doubts that this is one I’ll absolutely adore when I do eventually get around to reading it, and if the cover is anything to go off, I’m definitely going to be in need of some tissues.
Love Somebody
by Rachel Roasek
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Releasing on January 11th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary, Romance
A sparkling YA debut rom-com about a popular high-school girl, her ex-boyfriend-turned-best-friend, and the girl they both fall for—perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli or Casey McQuiston.
Sam Dickson is a charismatic actress, ambitious and popular with big plans for her future. Ros Shew is one of the smartest people in school—but she’s a loner, and prefers to keep it that way. Then there’s Christian Powell, the darling of the high school soccer team. He’s not the best with communication, which is why he and Sam broke up after dating for six months; but he makes up for it by being genuine, effusive, and kind, which is why they’re still best friends.
When Christian falls for Ros on first sight, their first interaction is a disaster, so he enlists Sam’s help to get through to her. Sam, with motives of her own, agrees to coach Christian from the sidelines on how to soften Ros’s notorious walls. But as Ros starts to suspect Christian is acting differently, and Sam starts to realize the complexity of her own feelings, their fragile relationships threaten to fall apart.
This fresh romantic comedy from debut author Rachel Roasek is a heartfelt story about falling in love—with a partner, with your friends, or just with yourself—and about how maybe, the bravest thing to do in the face of change is just love somebody.
I’ll admit, this one was a total love-at-first-cover-sighting. But can you really blame me? I’m in complete awe by the design, the color scheme, everything about it just pulls me in. And it helps that the synopsis is very intriguing. Excitingly enough, I get to help host a tour for this one as a part of being a co-owner at Turn the Page Tours. Want to sign up for the tour? Click here to do so!
You Truly Assumed
by Laila Sabreen
Published by Inkyard Press
Releasing on February 8th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary
In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths.
Sabriya has her whole summer planned out in color-coded glory, but those plans go out the window after a terrorist attack near her home. When the terrorist is assumed to be Muslim and Islamophobia grows, Sabriya turns to her online journal for comfort. You Truly Assumed was never meant to be anything more than an outlet, but the blog goes viral as fellow Muslim teens around the country flock to it and find solace and a sense of community.
Soon two more teens, Zakat and Farah, join Bri to run You Truly Assumed and the three quickly form a strong friendship. But as the blog’s popularity grows, so do the pushback and hateful comments. When one of them is threatened, the search to find out who is behind it all begins, and their friendship is put to the test when all three must decide whether to shut down the blog and lose what they’ve worked for…or take a stand and risk everything to make their voices heard.
Excitingly, I got to meet Laila at YallFest by complete accident. I hadn’t even known that she’d be in attendance, so imagine my surprise when I ran into her. (See to picture.) I already had an interest in Laila’s book, but after meeting her, I’m even more excited to read it and have made the plans to bump it up higher on my TBR.
The Loophole
by Naz Kutub
Published by Bloomsbury YA
Releasing on June 21st, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Fantasy
Your wish is granted! This YA debut is equal parts broken-hearted love story, epic myth retelling, and a world-journey romp to find home.
Syyed is pining for his ex, who left home to—save the world? He doesn’t know much more, except to wish he’d gone along when Farouk asked. But Sy is shy and timid, from a controlling Indian Muslim family, and wants most to make a life and home with people he loves. Then he meets Reggie, an heiress—is she magical or just rich?—who, in exchange for his kindness, offers to grant Sy three wishes, the first of which is a million dollars, naturally!
But soon reality bites hard: His father realizes Sy is gay and kicks him out. Homeless and alone, he’s off with Reggie and his last two wishes, chasing Farouk to lands he never dreamed to visit to find his missing love for one last, desperate chance at rebuilding his life. And he’ll find out, maybe, that there is a loophole to everything, including wishes.
Gahh, I’m so freaking desperate for this book. Meeting Naz at YallFest (see to picture) really sealed the deal for me that this is a book I NEED to read when it becomes available to do so. Not only does this book sound adorable and perfectly up my alley, but it also seems like something I’ve been really craving to read that I haven’t been able to find. This book has re-opened a cavern of impatience that I thought I’d sealed, but honestly, I’m not even upset about it. I’m happily impatient, waiting for Naz’s book.
All That’s Left in the World
by Erik J. Brown
Published by Balzer & Bray
Releasing on March 8th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Sci-Fi > Dystopian, Romance
What If It’s Us meets Life as We Knew It in this postapocalyptic, queer YA adventure romance from debut author Erik J. Brown. Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Alex London.
When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . . . so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other?
After danger breaches their shelter, they flee south in search of civilization. But something isn’t adding up about Andrew’s story, and it could cost them everything. And Jamie has a secret, too. He’s starting to feel something more than friendship for Andrew, adding another layer of fear and confusion to an already tumultuous journey.
The road ahead of them is long, and to survive, they’ll have to shed their secrets, face the consequences of their actions, and find the courage to fight for the future they desire, together. Only one thing feels certain: all that’s left in their world is the undeniable pull they have toward each other.
Erik was another author I’d met at YallFest, and I was so excited to get to talk a bit about his book with him. Even though I’ve not yet read it (it’s next on my TBR!!) His book, set in a postapocalyptic atmosphere, is something I don’t often read much of anymore. Knowing this, I’m really excited to see what his take on it will be and how it will be executed. As I do have that digital galley, I have high hopes that I just know will not be dashed.
Some Mistakes Were Made
by Kristin Dwyer
Published by HarperTeen
Releasing on April 26th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary, Romance
You can’t always go home again.
Ellis and Easton have been inseparable since childhood. But when a rash decision throws ellis’s life—and her relationship with Easton— into chaos. She’s forced to move halfway across the country, far from everything she’s ever known.
Now Ellis hasn’t spoken to Easton in a year, and maybe it’s better that way; maybe eventually the Easton shaped hole in her heart will heal, but when Easton’s mother invites her home for a celebration, Ellis finds herself tangled up in the web of heartache, betrayal, and anger she left behind… and with the boy she never stopped loving.
You all KNOW that I am obsessed with the childhood friends to estranged to lovers. It is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and I’m over-the-moon to see that we are getting more books featuring it. Along with that, I’m overly excited for this book because Kristin was another author I had the honor of meeting at YallFest (see to picture), and she was the absolute sweetest.
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
by Sonora Reyes
Published by Balzer + Bray
Releasing on May 17th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary, Romance
Seventeen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers drawing attention for her killer eyeliner, not for being the new kid at a mostly white, very rich, Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she’s gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way. After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend, she could use the fresh start.
At Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: make her mom proud, keep her brother out of trouble, and most importantly, don’t fall in love. Granted, she’s never been great at any of those things, but that’s a problem for Future Yami.
The thing is, it’s hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And talented. And confident. And cute. So cute. Yami isn’t sure if she likes Bo or if she’s just jealous of her unapologetic nature. Either way, she isn’t ready to make the same mistake again. If word got to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection.
The thing is, it’s hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. Either way, Yami isn’t going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she’ll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?
Told in a captivating voice that is by turns hilarious, vulnerable, and searingly honest, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School explores the joys and heartaches of living your full truth out loud.
I’m currently reading this book, and I’m absolutely adoring it. Sonora Reyes has a wonderful writing style that is easily immersive and fun to read. I’m very interested in Yami’s character, and even though I’m only a chapter into the book thus far, I know that I’ll get attached very soon.
This Place is Still Beautiful
by XiXi Tian
Published by Balzer + Bray
Releasing on June 7th, 2022
Young Adult Fiction–Contemporary
Two sisters. A shocking racist incident. The summer that will change both of their lives forever.
Despite having had near-identical upbringings, sisters Annalie and Margaret agree on only one thing: that they have nothing in common. Nineteen-year-old Margaret is driven, ambitious, and keenly aware of social justice issues. She couldn’t wait to leave their oppressive small-town home and take flight in New York. Meanwhile sweet, popular, seventeen-year-old Annalie couldn’t think of anything worse – she loves their town, and feels safe coasting along in its confines.
That is, until she arrives home one day to find a gut-punching racial slur painted on their garage door.
Outraged, Margaret flies home, expecting to find her family up in arms. Instead, she’s amazed to hear they want to forget about it. Their mom is worried about what it might stir up, and Annalie just wants to have a ‘normal’ summer – which Margaret is determined to ruin, apparently.
Back under each other’s skins, things between Margaret and Annalie get steadily worse – and not even the distraction of first love (for Annalie), or lost love (for Margaret) can bring them together.
Until finally, a crushing secret threatens to tear them apart forever.
A beautiful and powerful story about race, family, and the secrets we keep.
This is another book I’m at the total whim of the cover. You cannot tell me that eye candy has no influence on y’all, because that would simply be a lie. I’ve heard a few high praises and seen many excited posts on Twitter regarding this book, and I will admit, every time I see this cover pop up on my timeline, I’m just more and more eager to read it.
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Belle's Archive 
The amount of M/M books coming out next year is blowing my mind I can’t wait to read them all. It’s the only queer lit I read and I just can’t get enough.
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This is an amazing list!! I didn’t know about most of these books so I’m so happy that I read your post -now I have some of them in my TBR! I’m especially excited about Love Somebody and All That’s Left in the World 😊
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Yess, All That’s Left in the World was definitely a great book! I finished it up earlier this month, and I’ll definitely be grabbing a physical copy of it when it releases. I haven’t yet read Love Somebody yet, but I’m really excited for it!! That cover is such eye candy.
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