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“A sweetly affirming story about family, food, and finding your own path.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Well-written, tackling family problems and expectations while also capturing teenage angst. . . . Light and enjoyable.”

—School Library Journal

“This YA romance is as delicious as it is heartwarming.”

—Booklist

Lemons and Lies

Written by Alexis Castellanos
Published by Bloomsbury YA

Valeria Morales’ senior year is not off to a great start. Her twin brother Adrian isn’t talking to her, she’s realizing all of her friends were actually his friends, and now she’s failing math. Enter Gage Magnussen.

Gage isn’t looking to take on any tutoring gigs now that his standing as valedictorian is at risk after letting a catastrophic breakup distract him–not to mention his demanding parents expect Gage to coordinate their yearly charity auction alongside his cheating ex. So Valeria offers him a deal: If he helps her pass, she’ll take over event planning AND pretend to be his girlfriend. A win-win-win!

But as their study sessions move to deep conversations and their fake dates begin feeling realer and realer, is it possible the lemons they’ve been dealt will turn to lemonade? Or will this arrangement only sting?

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Young Adult, Age 13 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Washington)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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