First There Was Forever

Lima and Hailey have been best friends since they were kids, but high school has changed Hailey. As the girls begin their sophomore year, Hailey has just lost her virginity to a near-stranger, has started hanging out with a group of partying mean girls, and is obsessed with hooking up with her longtime crush Nate. Lima feels abandoned by Hailey and is left to nurse her hurt and dismay about their changing friendship. Then Lima starts spending time with Nate and strong feelings grow between them—much to Lima’s horror and shame. Romano’s debut swims with emotion, and Lima’s introspective narration will draw readers into her exhilarations and anxieties, as well as her lush Malibu environs. The beauty of first love and the guilt of betraying one’s best friend register as palpable aches Lima carries with her in everything she does. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han won’t want to miss this sensitive exploration of romantic and platonic relationships in flux, and young women coming into their own. Ages 14–up. Agent: Logan Garrison, Gernert Company. (Apr.)