By Helen Comerford (author)
"A genre-defying superhero love story for anyone who has ever felt like a supporting cast member, but secretly dreamt of being the main character."
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July 2024 Debut of the Month
Average teen Jenna Ray lives in an alternative 2024 where superheroes exist and are worshipped beyond any celeb level. You’d think she’d be delighted when newest superhero Blaze saves her life, and she becomes his official Love Interest. Worldwide fame, adoration and a marvellous new designer wardrobe all beckon, but Jenna has other ideas.
She has no interest in hanging off a man’s arm and anyway, she has secrets to uncover and mysteries to solve. But with storm clouds brewing, can she be her own superhero, or must she rely on a man?
This is an outrageously original, witty and well-observed feminist spin on superhero tropes. In a world where only male superpowers are valued, and women are expected to be pretty, quiet and grateful Jenna is a fantastically reluctant main character. Full of secrets and betrayal, this is a hugely impressive debut novel that skilfully balances big issues, such as mental health and gender roles, with exciting twists and lots of laughs.
Marvels fans will love this unique take on a familiar setting, whilst non-superhero fans will enjoy the sparkling one liners and gripping plot. I loved it and can’t wait to see what Comerford comes up with next.
A swoony, speculative and entirely electric YA debut with a humorous and satirical take on the conventions of the superhero-verse, for fans of Michelle Quach’s Not Here To Be Liked and the Marvel Universe.
Read the full description
Seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray has just been saved by the world’s newest superhero, Blaze. And, in the eyes of the public, that means one thing: Jenna Ray has been cast as the Love Interest. No. Not happening. Not if Jenna has anything to say about it (even if Blaze is actually quite sweet and cute).
But her plans to defy the HPA (the Heroics and Power Authority) and turn down this new role are thwarted when the Villains begin to take an interest in her and offer a life-changing proposition; become Blaze’s Love Interest, while avoiding catching feelings for him, to uncover the HPA’s secret plans and find her missing mum.
To make matters even more complicated, just as Jenna starts to embrace her new-found career, she discovers she might be more on the side of the superheroes than she ever imagined …
'With a beautiful blend of brave genuinely funny characters and a focus on the power of standing up for yourself and others, Comerford has perfected an authentically entertaining, feel-good young adult romantic comedy' - INIS Magazine, Children’s Books Ireland
'I love this book! So original and witty and such assured writing that crackles as much as it shines. The characters are super in more ways than one. Helen Comerford is a writer to watch' - CJ Skurse, author of the Sweetpea series
'Funny, exciting and highly original, this debut novel marks the arrival of a new and compelling voice in YA fiction' - Steve Voake
'Marvel meets Disney’s Extraordinary in this superpowered romcom that flips every hero trope with hilarious consequences. Taking on killer pigeons and mutant squirrels while fighting the patriarchy, Jenna Ray is the hero we all need. A fantastically funny, full-throttle debut. I’m obsessed!' - Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake
'I was gripped to the final twists. Speculative romance with masses of humour and some deft takes on modern politics: I couldn't put it down!' - Tia Fisher, author of Crossing The Line
Helen Comerford writes funny and fantastical tales, with diverse casts of characters, for children and young adults. She is fuelled by a love of all things super-powered, feminism, and chocolate raisins. When she’s not writing, you can find Helen hiking around the Welsh countryside with her dog, Cocoa. The Love Interest is her debut novel.
Instagram: @helen_jcomerford | Twitter: @HelenJoC
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A swoony, speculative and entirely electric YA debut with a humorous and satirical take on the conventions of the superhero-verse, for fans of Michelle Quach’s Not Here To Be Liked and the Marvel Universe. Seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray has just been saved by the world’s newest superhero, Blaze.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Love Interest and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
The Love Interest features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for Young Adults, Science Fiction, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Love Interest was written by Helen Comerford and published by Bloomsbury YA an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
The Love Interest has 397 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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