How to Read Alyson Derrick’s Books
Alyson Derrick has quickly made a name for herself in the contemporary Young Adult (YA) romance scene. Best known for her emotionally resonant storytelling, queer representation, and authentic character development, her books offer a mix of lighthearted rom-com vibes and deep, poignant drama. Since her books are a mix of standalone novels and companion stories, you have a couple of options for how to approach her bibliography.
The Recommended Starting Point
If you want the absolute best introduction to Alyson Derrick’s range and style, we recommend beginning with her debut co-authored novel, She Gets the Girl. It serves as a perfect entry point because it showcases her ability to write engaging, witty romance before you dive into the more intense, emotional themes of her solo work.
Here is our recommended reading order:
- She Gets the Girl (2022) – Co-authored with Rachael Lippincott
- Joy to the Girls (2025) – Co-authored with Rachael Lippincott (A companion novella to She Gets the Girl)
- Forget Me Not (2023) – Solo novel (A deeper, emotional drama about memory loss and identity)
- Make My Wish Come True (2024) – Co-authored with Rachael Lippincott (A cozy holiday romance)
Publication Order of Alyson Derrick’s Novels
If you prefer to watch her style evolve in the exact order it was released to the public, you can follow the publication order. This highlights the alternating pattern of her collaborations with her wife, Rachael Lippincott, and her solo endeavors.
- She Gets the Girl (April 5, 2022)
- Forget Me Not (April 4, 2023)
- Make My Wish Come True (October 8, 2024)
- Joy to the Girls: A She Gets the Girl Novella (September 30, 2025)
Exploring the Books in Detail
The "She Gets the Girl" Universe
Co-written by Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott, this series of companion works is a must-read for fans of sapphic collegiate romance.
- She Gets the Girl (2022): The story follows Alex Blackwood, a confident flirt who knows how to get the girl but can't keep one, and Molly Parker, a quiet, reserved freshman who has been pinning after the same unobtainable girl for years. When their paths cross, they make a pact: Alex will help Molly win her crush to prove she can be selfless, while Molly serves as the perfect project. Naturally, their fake-alliance begins to spark real feelings. This book is a slow-burn romance that captured the hearts of readers and landed on the New York Times bestseller list.
- Joy to the Girls (2025): Released as a holiday companion novella, this story returns to the warm, humorous, and heartfelt world established in She Gets the Girl. It is best read directly after the main novel to fully appreciate the continuation of the characters' arcs and relationships.
The Solo Debut: Forget Me Not (2023)
For readers looking for a deeper, more emotional narrative, Derrick's solo debut is a tour de force. Forget Me Not is a poignant contemporary novel about Stevie, a Korean-American teenager living in a conservative, small Pennsylvania town. After a terrible fall, Stevie wakes up in the hospital to find she has lost the last two years of her memory. She remembers her parents and her old life, but has completely forgotten Nora—the girl she was secretly in love with and planning to move to California with.
Unlike her collaborative rom-coms, this book deals with heavier topics including amnesia, homophobia, racism, and the struggles of growing up queer in a restrictive environment. It was highly acclaimed by critics and longlisted for the prestigious National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2023.
The Festive Read: Make My Wish Come True (2024)
Co-authored with Rachael Lippincott, Make My Wish Come True is a cozy, festive romance. This book leans heavily into classic YA romance tropes like friends-to-lovers and holiday-themed cozy settings. It is a standalone story, making it perfect to pick up during the winter season or whenever you are in the mood for a lighthearted, comforting story about love and holiday cheer.
What to Know Before You Start
Collaborative vs. Solo Writing Styles
It is helpful for readers to know that Alyson Derrick’s collaborative books (written with Rachael Lippincott) have a distinct tone compared to her solo work. The co-authored books are generally fast-paced, dialogue-heavy, and follow classic romantic comedy structures with dual perspectives. On the other hand, her solo book Forget Me Not is more introspective, tackles heavier emotional themes, and focuses deeply on identity and memory loss. Knowing this can help you choose which book fits your current reading mood best.
Settings and Themes
Derrick’s writing is heavily inspired by her own upbringing as a queer, Korean-American woman raised in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Readers will notice that the settings in her books often feature small, conservative towns in Pennsylvania, which serves as a realistic and sometimes challenging backdrop for her protagonists as they navigate self-acceptance and love.