The Love Interest

In this subversive take on the quintessential YA love triangle, two guys—the clean-cut boy next door and the brooding bad boy—compete for a girl’s affections. But nothing is as it seems: the guys are actually secret agents, trained to follow a script and fulfill specific romantic roles, and whoever doesn’t win his target’s love will be killed by his ruthless employer. Narrator Caden is a “Nice,” Dylan is a “Bad,” and Juliet is a genius with a bright future ahead of her. Caden has everything planned out—until he and Dylan fall for each other. As they explore this unexpected desire, they attempt to complete their mission, knowing one of them will die when Juliet makes her choice. Dietrich’s debut is impressive, provocative, and a clever take on well-worn romantic tropes. The emotional connections among Caden, Dylan, and Juliet balance out the artificial nature of the relationships forming, while the thriller elements add tension and numerous surprises. The only downside: the ending and epilogue leave too many dangling threads and unanswered questions about what happens in between. Ages 13–up. Agent: Leon Husock, L. Perkins Agency. (May)