Bad Love

Equal parts romance and coming-of-age story, Blue’s emotionally charged debut explores the highs and lows of love. Driven by a desire to be needed, Ekuah Danquah falls hard and fast for musician Dee Emeka, the boyfriend of her college roommate, Donna. A month after Donna and Dee break up, things kick off between Ekuah and Dee romantically. Their love becomes all-consuming after they sleep together on their first date, a life-changing experience for Ekuah. But Dee vacillates between being present and aloof, driving a wedge between them that becomes a gulf when he disappears from her life one night. Heartbroken, Ekuah navigates adulthood without him, falling into a love of poetry and community work, which is how she meets her second boyfriend, Jay Stanley. But despite being attentive and open with his emotions, Jay can’t escape Dee’s shadow. As Dee and Ekuah cross paths several times over the years, Blue draws out their will-they-won’t-they. The back and forth can feel laborious, but the realism of Ekuah’s journey will keep readers invested. Those looking for heavy emotion in their romance should jump on this one. (Feb.)