One True Loves

Lenore Bennett has always been a force. A star artist and style icon at her high school, she’s a master in the subtle art of not giving a . . . well, you know what. But now that graduation is here, she’s a little less sure.

She’s heading to NYU in the fall with a scarlet U (for “undeclared”) written across her chest. Her parents always remind her that Black kids don’t have the luxury of figuring it out as they go—they have to be 110 percent prepared. But it’s a lot of pressure to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams when Lenore’s not even sure what her dreams are yet.

When her family embarks on a post-graduation Mediterranean cruise, her friend Tessa is sure Lenore’s in for a whirlwind romance. But Lenore knows that doesn’t happen to girls like her.

Then she meets Alex Lee. After their parents bond over the Cupid Shuffle, she ends up stuck with him for the remainder of the cruise. He’s a hopeless romantic and a golden boy with a ten-year plan. In short, he’s irritating as hell.

But as they get to know each other during the picturesque stops across Europe, Alex may be able to help Lenore find something else she’s been looking for, even if she doesn’t want to admit it to herself: love.

He’s everything she’s not. What could possibly go wrong on a twelve-day cruise across the Mediterranean?

• Opposites Attract: A cynical artist who’s not sure of her future and a golden-boy romantic with a ten-year plan. She thinks he’s irritating as hell. He might be exactly what she needs.
• Forced Proximity: When their parents become cruise besties, Lenore and Alex are stuck together for the entire trip. Close quarters on a ship in the middle of the Mediterranean will test their patience—and their resolve.
• Coming of Age: Feeling the pressure to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams, Lenore is on a journey to figure out her own. The picturesque stops across Europe provide the perfect backdrop for finding herself—and what she truly wants out of life.
• Black Love: A heartfelt and humorous celebration of Black joy, family, and romance, perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han.