The Love Interest

A swoony, speculative and entirely electric YA debut with a humorous and satirical take on the conventions of the superhero-verse. Fans of Michelle Quach's Not Here To Be Liked and the Marvel Universe, including Spider-Man and Ms Marvel, will love this!

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray lives in the quiet coastal town of Nine Trees. Despite its picturesque nature, it is also the epicentre of the next prophecy. It is said that in the year 2024 a new Hero will emerge in Nine Trees – an event that is usually accompanied by a catastrophic disaster. When Blaze, the new Hero, does arrive, Jenna has the misfortune of being the first person he saves. And, in the eyes of the public, that means one thing: Jenna Ray has already been cast as the Love Interest.

Nothing could be more repellent to Jenna than being a love interest, even if Blaze is cute. But her plans to defy the HPA (the Heroics and Power Authority) and turn down this new role are thwarted when she uncovers the truth about her mum, who she hasn't seen in ten years, and is faced with a life-changing proposition: become Blaze's love interest to get close to him and learn about the HPA's secret plans, and she can see her mum again.

As Jenna takes the mantle of the next Love Interest, even if she is faking it, feelings for Blaze become real – she can't resist his charm, good looks and the genuine connection they've made. And to make things 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.

About the Author

Helen left the busy world of backstage theatre to write fast, funny and action packed tales for children and young adults. When she’s not writing, you can generally find her leaping into cold water or hiking around the Welsh countryside with her dog, Cocoa.

Reviews

"A funny, swoony, romantic, feminist take on the superhero genre. Who needs a hero when you've got yourself?" ―Christine Pillainayagam, author of Ellie Pillai is Brown

"A fierce, girl-powered table flip on the superhero genre... The Love Interest is funny, punchy, uproariously disruptive, and tender-hearted" ―Amara Sage, author of Influential

"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" ―C.J. Skurse, author of the Sweetpea series

"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

"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

Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.01 x 19.81 cm