Set against the backdrop of a sweltering heatwave, the story unfolds during a fraught baby shower filled with underlying tensions. As the event progresses, simmering emotions and conflicts among the guests come to a head, leading to unexpected and dramatic outcomes. The narrative explores themes of relationships, expectations, and the pressures of impending parenthood, ultimately culminating in a poignant and tearful conclusion.
"If you loved the Barbie movie, you'll adore this." THE SUN"The Handmaid's Tale for the Insta generation." THE TIMES"Razor-sharp and compelling, it is essential reading for every teenage girl." THE OBSERVER"Holly Bourne is truly a one-in-a-million author." DAILY MIRROR"A searing exploration of beauty and its meaning for women and girls. Don't miss it." STYLIST"Ideal for fans of Louise O'Neill and Laura Bates." THE GUARDIANLIMITED EDITION FIRST PRINTING FEATURING EXCLUSIVE CUT-OUT DOUBLE COVER available while stocks lastBEAUTY COMES AT A PRICE. AND GIRLS MUST PAY.In Belle and Joni's world there are two options for girls:One, follow the rules of the Doctrine like Belle: apply your Mask, work hard to be crowned at the Ceremony, be a Pretty.Or two, fight the rules like Joni: leave your face bare, work hard to escape to the Education, be an Objectionable.But maybe there is a third option...Change the rules. Reclaim your power. If you can...What would you choose?Uglies meets The Handmaid's Tale for the new YA generation in this mind-blowing novel from bestselling queen of YA Holly Bourne.Content warning - this novel deals with issues that some readers may find upsetting, including references to pornography and sexual assault.
From the day they first meet as teenagers, Fern and Jessica are best friends. Despite their differences, they are there for each other throughout everything, navigating the difficulties of growing up and fitting in. That is, until Jessica crosses a line that Fern can't forgive
"Men see women in two separate categories. There are the women they sleep with, and the women they fall in love with. And they will treat you differently based on that." From the day they first meet as teenagers, Fern and Jessica are best friends. Despite their differences, they are there for each other through everything. That is until Jessica crosses a line that Fern can't forgive. Now they haven't seen each other for more than ten years when Jessica unexpectedly arrives back in Fern's life. A lot has changed for them both - but can things really be that different between them now they are older? Or will their shared history ultimately be doomed to repeat itself again? Set between the present day and past, GIRL FRIENDS is a smart funny novel: both a joyful celebration of female friendship and a razor-sharp look at the damage we can all cause to those we claim to love the most.
The dramas, the traumas, the rumours - it's time to expose it all...Mean Girls meets To All The Boys I've Loved Before in this painfully relatable high-school takedown from the queen of UKYA. Working on the school newspaper, Paige is used to dealing with fake stories. How popular girl Grace is a such an amazing person (lie). How Laura steals people's boyfriends (lie). How her own family are so perfect (lie). Now Grace and friends have picked their "best" high-school moments for Paige to put in the all-important Yearbook. And they're not just fake. They're poison. But Paige has had enough of all the lies in her life. And with the help of Elijah - the only boy who could ever understand her - she's going to reveal the truth, whatever the cost... Paige Vickers: Most likely to...bring down the mean girls.
The new honest and hilarious novel from Holly Bourne, bestselling author of How Do You Like Me Now?
Three friends, Sophia, Mia, and Alexis, explore the possibility of their magical abilities while trying to uplift heartbroken Sophia. As they delve into spells, they uncover long-held secrets and face difficult truths, transforming their enchanting night into an unexpected and revealing experience.
Spinster Club girls Evie, Amber and Lottie are having a New Year party to remember! For the first time since leaving college, all three girls are back together. It¿s time for fun and flirting, snogs and shots. (And not tears and tantrums and horrible secrets.) Because everything¿s going right for these girls - Spinster Club for ever! Right? Get ready for some serious partying - and some major New Year's revelations - from everyone's favourite cheesy-snack-loving feminists.
"A powerful, vital gut-punch" - Laura Bates"Funny and sad, this book urges girls to know their own worth" - The Guardian"Tackles abusive relationships with a compassionate and authentic voice" - The I It looked like love.It felt like love.But this isn't a love story.Amelie fell hard for Reese. And she thought he loved her too. But she's starting to realise that real love isn't supposed to hurt like this.So now she's retracing their story, revisiting all the places he made her cry. Because if she works out what went wrong, perhaps she can finally learn how to get over him.
There's no doubt that Tori is winning the game of life. A straight-talking, bestselling author, she's inspired millions of women around the world with her self-help memoir. And she has the perfect relationship to boot. But Tori Bailey has been living a lie. Her long-term boyfriend won't even talk about marriage, but everyone around her is getting engaged and having babies. And when her best friend Dee - her plus one, the only person who understands the madness - falls in love, suddenly Tori's in terrifying danger of being left behind. When the world tells you to be one thing and turning thirty brings with it a loud ticking clock, it takes courage to walk your own path. It's time for Tori to practice what she's preached, but the question is: is she brave enough?
