“She feels like spine of a book about to crack and spill out all the love story guts.”
If you adored I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston, you already know how addictive a story can be when it blends sharp wit, romantic tension, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page. At its heart, McQuiston’s novel is about identity, rivalry, first love, and the chaos that follows when someone seemingly perfect disappears and leaves behind a trail of clues. It’s romantic, messy and full of teen drama in the best possible way. But, once you’ve finished Chloe and Shara’s story, you may find yourself craving more books that deliver the same mix of queer romance, clever storytelling, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments. This list gathers the best books like I Kissed Shara Wheeler that capture the same energy – stories brimming with rivals-to-lovers tension, small-town secrets, emotional self-discovery,y and love stories that feel just as bold, funny, and unforgettable as this bestselling Casey McQuiston novel.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler Summary
Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her mother moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy classmates and a puritanical administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. Her only rival is Shara Wheeler, the principal’s progeny. But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and disappears. On a furious hunt for answers, Chloe discovers she’s not the only one to have received a kiss from Shara.
Thrown into an unlikely alliance with two boys who have nothing in common with each other, they discover annoyingly cryptic notes left behind by Shara. Chasing a ghost through parties, break-ins, puzzles, and secrets revealed on monogrammed stationery, Chloe begins to suspect there is more to this small town than she first thought. Fierce, funny and frank, I Kissed Shara Wheeler is a Casey McQuiston novel all about breaking the rules, getting messy, and finding love in unexpected places.
She Drives Me Crazy – Kelly Quindlen
First up on our list of books like I Kissed Shara Weeler is Kelly Quindlen’s queer YA rom-com, She Drives Me Crazy. After losing spectacularly to her ex-girlfriend in their first game since their break-up, Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with the worst possible person: her nemesis, the incredibly beautiful and incredibly mean Irene Abraham. Things only get worse when their nosy, do-nothing moms get involved, and the girls are forced to carpool together.
Their bumpy start only gets bumpier the more time they spend together. But when an opportunity presents itself for Scottie to get back at her toxic ex (and climb her school’s social ladder at the same time), she bribes Irene into playing along. Hijinks, heartbreak, and a gay fake-dating scheme for the ages.
Her Royal Highness – Rachel Hawkins
Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. And because Millie cannot stand the thought of confronting her ex every day, she decides to apply for a scholarship to a boarding school. Millie can’t believe her luck when she’s accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. The only problem: Millie’s roommate, Flora, is a total princess.
She’s also an actual princess. Of Scotland. At first, the girls can hardly stand one another. But, before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Even though Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, Millie knows the chances of happily ever afters are slim. After all, real life isn’t a fairy tale… or is it?
One Last Stop – Casey McQuiston
For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures. But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train: Jane.
With her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes her favourite part of her day, but there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like a punk rocker from the ‘70s. She’s literally displaced in time. Similar to I Kissed Shara Wheeler, One Last Stop is a Casey McQuiston novel where the impossible becomes possible as August does all she can to save the girl lost in time.
Check Out The Best Books Like One Last Stop
How To Get The Girl – Anita Kelly
When smart-mouthed Vanessa Lerner joins the high school basketball team Julie Parker coaches, Julie’s ready for the challenge. What she’s not ready for is Vanessa’s new foster parent, Elle Cochrane, a former University of Tennessee basketball star. While star-struck at first, Julie soon persuades Elle to step into the unfilled position of assistant coach for the year.
Even though Elle has stayed out of the basketball world since an injury ended her short-lived WNBA career, the gig might be a way to become closer to Vanessa – and to spend more time with Julie, who makes Elle laugh. But as the basketball season progresses, and lines grow increasingly blurred, Julie and Elle must choose whether to join the game – or retreat to the sidelines in this queer sports romance story like I Kissed Shara Wheeler.
Some Girls Do – Jennifer Dugan
Morgan, an elite track athlete, is forced to transfer high schools late in her senior year after it turns out being queer is against her private Catholic school’s code of conduct. There, she meets Ruby, who has two hobbies: tinkering with her baby blue 1970 Ford Torino and competing in local beauty pageant competitions, the latter to live out the dreams of her overbearing mother.
The two are drawn to each other and can’t deny their growing feelings. But while Morgan – out and proud, and determined to have a fresh start – doesn’t want to keep their budding relationship a secret, Ruby isn’t ready to come out yet. With each girl on a different path toward living her truth, can they go the distance together in this YA contemporary queer romance tale, perfect if you loved Chloe and Shara’s story in I Kissed Shara Wheeler.
Check Out The Best Casey McQuiston Books In Order
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
