Bryant, E: One True Loves

Praise for HAPPILY EVER AFTERS: "This well-written, page-turning romance is packed with smart dialogue, powerful insights, and a lovable cast of characters. Highly recommended for all high school libraries." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Caught between pursuing a tale-worthy love and slowly losing herself, Tessa must learn to tell a story that's uniquely hers. Debut author Bryant creates a wholly genuine protagonist in Tessa; readers will surely root for her as she finds her voice." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Nimbly blends bubbly, will-they-won't-they teen romance with a frank look at issues ranging from impostor syndrome and identity to race and mental health. Bryant treats the tough stuff with nuance and compassion through conversations among a richly drawn cast of diverse and appealing characters.... [and] delightful examples of strong, healthy friendships." - BookPage (starred review)

"A captivating, complicated, angst-y, and beautiful love story of a teenage girl trying to grow into and embrace herself. For romantics of all ages, especially those who seldom see themselves in lead roles." - Kirkus Reviews

"Bryant's debut will charm readers from the start.... Bryant seamlessly captures a broader view of the high-school experience through Tessa's eyes, including such complications as pressure from her parents to be a better sibling and an uneasy long-distance friendship that seems to be floundering. While skillfully and realistically portraying Tessa's many challenges, Bryant never loses sight of the love story at the book's heart. Hand to fans of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before or Maurene Goo's I Believe in a Thing Called Love." - ALA Booklist

"Happily Ever Afters is sweet, smart, and utterly charming. Following Tessa as she navigates friendship, romance, and family dynamics was an absolute joy." - Brandy Colbert, author of The Voting Booth

"This summer romance seamlessly packs vacation fun alongside serious discussions of race and mental health....Supportive relationships, even in unexpected places, and flawed characters coming into their own make this novel especially compelling. With its twists on beloved tropes, this a clear pick for fans of Sandhya Menon and Stephanie Perkins." - ALA Booklist

"One True Loves is a fantastic tale full of shenanigans, escapades, and lighthearted banter, while also delving into deeper issues of race and the perception of the successful futures of young people of color." - NPR

"Happily Ever Afters is the warm, nerdy, big-hearted rom-com of my dreams and I dare you to read it without grinning your face off." - Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"Happy Ever Afters is an absolute delight to read, and put a smile on my face from beginning to end. Elise Bryant's charmer of a debut is an unapologetic love letter to every black and brown girl who's ever dared to imagine herself at the center of her favorite romance. My heart is full knowing young romance lovers will get to read about a heroine like Tessa." - Adriana Herrera, author of American Dreamer

"One True Loves is not only wonderfully romantic, funny and charming-it has genuine depth. I loved watching Lenore learn to open herself up to love and to the wider world around her." - Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"I love this book! One True Loves is laugh-out-loud funny, and every character is so tenderly drawn. Elise Bryant manages something quietly revolutionary in giving us Black love and Black joy on a European cruise, while also deftly and thoughtfully examining the burdens of representation and the beauty of the Black family." - Christina Hammonds Reed, New York Times bestselling author of The Black Kids

"In this companion novel to Happily Ever Afters, Bryant maintains her contemporary yet timeless authorial style that is a breath of fresh air for the genre. The dynamic characters and relationships and authentic tone make for an engaging read. Charm and humor balance the portions of the novel that delve into more serious topics like race, the pressures of familial and societal expectations, and mental health. A sweet love story for the realistic romantics of the world." - Kirkus Reviews

"The narrative does so much more than tick the enemies-to-lovers box. Lenore shines as a compelling female lead searching as much for a sense of self as for a soul mate, and her broader family story gives a depth and sensitivity to her struggles. Alex, meanwhile, as handsome and charming as a leading man should be, is likewise flawed, honest, and supportive. Thoughtful commentary on race throughout stands as an essential part of the story, as Lenore reflects on how being Black affects her decisions, her friendships, her love life, and the future she thinks she should have. A companion novel to Bryant's previous Happily Ever Afters, this novel will delight earlier fans and garner new ones. " - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books