Books like The upside of falling

A sweet, trope-tastic high school romance that melts guarded hearts with cozy fake-dating antics. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The upside of falling.

cozy
swoony
tender
lighthearted

01
Holding Up the Universe
Jennifer Niven
A tender, dual-perspective romance about the profound relief of finally being seen for who you truly are.
Shares:
- tender
- earnest
- hopeful
02
Before I Fall
Lauren Oliver · 2010
A poignant, time-bending exploration of teenage cruelty and the desperate search for redemption before time runs out.
Shares:
- earnest
03
Only mostly devastated
Sophie Gonzales
A queer reimagining of a classic summer-nights romance that balances laugh-out-loud banter with the tender ache of real-world grief.
Shares:
- swoony
- tender
- earnest
- hopeful
04
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.
Shares:
- swoony
- tender
- lighthearted
- earnest
05
Along for the ride
Sarah Dessen
A warm, nocturnal summer breeze of a book about learning how to finally let go and just be a teenager.
Shares:
- earnest
- hopeful
- gentle
06
Finding Cinderella
Colleen Hoover
A whirlwind romance that starts as a playful fairy tale and deepens into a poignant exploration of hidden scars.
Shares:
- swoony
- earnest
- hopeful
07
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Becky Albertalli
A warm, witty, and deeply relatable exploration of the terrifying thrill of letting yourself be truly seen.
Shares:
- swoony
- earnest
- hopeful
08
Perfect on Paper
Sophie Gonzales
A sharp, big-hearted rom-com about a know-it-all advice dispenser who has to learn how to take her own medicine.
Shares:
- hopeful
09
The Realm of Possibility
David Levithan
A tender, kaleidoscopic exploration of teenage life told through a chorus of poetic voices.
Shares:
- tender
- earnest
- hopeful
10
Never Thought I'd End Up Here
Ann Liang
A scenic, banter-filled escape about reconnecting with your roots and colliding with your past.
Shares:
- lighthearted
11
Silence
Becca Fitzpatrick
A shadowy, high-stakes paranormal romance where forgotten memories collide with an undeniable, magnetic attraction.
Shares:
- earnest
12
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.
Shares:
- cozy
- swoony
- earnest

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