Books › The DUFF › Books like it
If you loved
Books like The DUFF
A snarky, emotionally messy enemies-to-lovers romance that hides surprising vulnerability beneath a cynical, sharp-tongued exterior. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The DUFF.
- angsty
- emotionally messy
- surprisingly tender
- 01
The fill-in boyfriend
Kasie West
A sweet, trope-driven high school romance where a desperate prom-night lie blossoms into a genuine, swoon-worthy connection.
- 02
The language of flowers
Vanessa Diffenbaugh
A tender, emotionally raw exploration of a guarded woman learning to speak the language of love and forgiveness through the secret meanings of flowers.
- 03
Dumplin'
Julie Murphy
A big-hearted, Dolly Parton-fueled anthem about taking up space and finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
- 04
Crank
Ellen Hopkins
A visceral, free-falling descent into addiction told through sharp, breathless verse that refuses to look away.
- 05
Anna and the French Kiss
Stephanie Perkins
A cinematic, banter-filled love letter to Paris and the dizzying, agonizing thrill of an all-consuming crush.
- 06
The Kissing Booth
Beth Reekles
A high-energy, trope-tastic dive into the thrilling angst of a forbidden high school crush.
- 07
Gabi, a girl in pieces
Isabel Quintero
An unflinchingly honest and intimate chronicle of a turbulent senior year, where poetry becomes the anchor amidst family chaos and growing pains.
- 08
The upside of unrequited
Becky Albertalli
A warm, witty, and deeply relatable exploration of the terrifying leap between crushing from afar and risking your heart in the real world.
- 09
Isla and the happily ever after
Stephanie Perkins
A dreamy, passport-stamping romance that explores what happens after the initial spark fades and the real work of loving someone begins.
- 10
Eliza and her monsters
Francesca Zappia
A tender exploration of the clash between a safely curated online existence and the messy, terrifying reality of offline connection.
- 11
On the fence
Kasie West
A sunlit, banter-filled exploration of girlhood, grief, and falling for the boy next door.
- 12
Queens of Geek
Jen Wilde
A warm, fandom-fueled hug of a book that celebrates queer joy, neurodiversity, and the magic of finding your people.
