Where to Start Reading Amanda Abram's Novels
Because American author Amanda Abram writes completely standalone contemporary Young Adult romantic comedies, there is no single mandatory timeline or overarching reading order you must follow. You can pick up any of her novels based on which classic romance trope appeals to you most. However, if you are looking for the absolute best entry points to experience her signature witty banter, nostalgic high school settings, and slow-burn romances, here are the two most recommended starting points:
The Fan Favorite: Challenge Accepted (2018)
If you love the classic enemies-to-lovers trope mixed with plenty of humor, start with Challenge Accepted. It is widely considered Amanda Abram's breakout book and her most popular novel on social media and book community platforms. The story follows Emma Dawson, a quiet bookworm, and Logan Reynolds, her arrogant next-door neighbor. Due to a mishap with a high school compatibility test—which Logan manipulated to escape his own relationship complications—they are forced into an unlikely alliance. Logan agrees to help Emma win over her long-time crush, Logan's best friend, but their mutual schemes quickly turn into real, confusing feelings. The snappy dialogue and chemistry make this the ideal introduction to her writing style.
The Debut: The Importance of Getting Revenge (2017)
For readers who prefer to experience an author's growth from the very beginning, starting with her debut, The Importance of Getting Revenge, is a fantastic choice. This novel introduces the fake-dating trope that Abram excels at. It follows Lexi Turner, who is determined to get back at her ex-boyfriend. To make him jealous, she recruits her charming childhood friend Jase Holloway to play her new boyfriend. Naturally, the boundary between fake and real begins to blur, delivering a comforting, heartfelt romance that set the tone for Abram's subsequent works.
Amanda Abram Books in Publication Order
While there are no character crossovers or plot connections linking the books, reading in order of publication lets you see how Amanda Abram refined her approach to YA contemporary romance. Below is the list of her novels by the year they were released:
- The Importance of Getting Revenge (2017)
- Challenge Accepted (2018)
- Something New (2020)
- The Cure for Second Lead Syndrome (2021)
Deep Dive into the Standalone Novels
To help you decide which book to pick up next, here is a breakdown of the plot, characters, and romantic tropes featured in each of Amanda Abram's major works:
The Importance of Getting Revenge (2017)
Abram's debut novel centers on Lexi Turner, a seventeen-year-old high school student who finds herself suddenly dumped by her boyfriend for a girl she considers a "life-force-sucking demon." Heartbroken but stubborn, Lexi wants payback. She enlists Jase Holloway, her childhood best friend, to act as her new partner to make her ex jealous. As the pretend relationship goes on, Lexi has to face the fact that Jase might not be acting anymore—and neither is she. This book is a sweet, lighthearted exploration of the classic friends-to-lovers and fake-dating dynamics.
Challenge Accepted (2018)
Set at Emerson High, this novel focuses on next-door neighbors Emma Dawson and Logan Reynolds. Despite their fathers being lifelong best friends who have pushed them to get along, Emma and Logan have maintained a fierce rivalry for years. After a "Summer Fling Compatibility Test" unexpectedly pairs them together, Logan makes a deal to help Emma attract her actual crush (his best friend, Matt) in exchange for keeping his test manipulation a secret. The book is highly praised by readers for its slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and realistic teenage perspective.
Something New (2020)
This novel features a unique high school project setup that leads to a "fake marriage." Cassie Briggs is paired with Dylan Meyers, the best friend of Cassie's actual boyfriend, Elijah, for a Life Economics class assignment where they must act as a married couple. Complications arise when Elijah is paired with his own ex-girlfriend, Hannah. As Cassie watches her real relationship deteriorate under the pressure, she finds comfort and an unexpected connection with Dylan, her fake husband. Abram has cited Something New as one of her personal favorite novels to write due to its emotional layers and the natural chemistry between Cassie and Dylan.
The Cure for Second Lead Syndrome (2021)
In her latest release, Abram draws heavily on K-drama influences. The story follows Bria Copeland, a self-proclaimed K-drama addict who suffers from "Second Lead Syndrome"—the strong desire to see the sweet, kind secondary male character end up with the female protagonist instead of the aloof main lead. When she realizes her brother's friend, Caleb Nichols, is a real-life second lead desperately in love with his best friend Paige, Bria decides to step in. She designs a K-drama-inspired plan to transform Caleb into a confident "first lead" so he can win Paige's heart. However, her matching schemes go off-script when Bria begins to fall for Caleb herself. This book is a love letter to romance tropes and K-dramas, offering a fun, meta take on romantic fiction.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Amanda Abram's bibliography, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- Content and Age Rating: Amanda Abram's books are clean, contemporary YA romances. There is no explicit content, making them highly appropriate for mid-to-late teens, as well as adult readers looking for clean, sweet, and comforting romantic comedies.
- Standalone Nature: None of the characters from her books cross over into others. You do not have to worry about missing callbacks or spoilers if you read them out of order.
- Tropes and Themes: If you enjoy high school settings, school projects, academic rivalries, childhood friendships, and characters who start off disliking each other but grow close, you will find all of these themes woven throughout her stories.