The Romantic Agenda

By: Claire Kann

Narrated by: Adrienne Walker

One of...
Parade's Best Romance Books of All Time
NPR's Books to Celebrate Pride Month
Buzzfeed's Most Anticipated LGBTQ Reads of 2022
Goodreads' Most Anticipated April Romances
Betches' Books To Add To Your Spring 2022 Reading List

Joy is in love with Malcolm.
But Malcolm really likes Summer.
Summer is in love with love.
And Fox is Summer’s ex-boyfriend.

Thirty, flirty, and asexual Joy is secretly in love with her best friend Malcolm, but she’s never been brave enough to say so. When he unexpectedly announces that he's met the love of his life—and no, it's not Joy—she's heartbroken. Malcolm invites her on a weekend getaway, and Joy decides it’s her last chance to show him exactly what he’s overlooking. But maybe Joy is the one missing something…or someone…and his name is Fox.

Fox sees a kindred spirit in Joy—and decides to help her. He proposes they pretend to fall for each other on the weekend trip to make Malcolm jealous. But spending time with Fox shows Joy what it’s like to not be the third wheel, and there’s no mistaking the way he makes her feel. Could Fox be the romantic partner she’s always deserved?

Critic reviews

"It’s a testament to Kann’s storytelling that readers root for Joy’s relationship with Fox – even if it does begin as a ruse to make Malcolm jealous."—USA Today

"Fake dating, friends-to-maybe-lovers, and an asexual #OwnVoices novel? This rom-com truly has it all."—Betches

"The Romantic Agenda offers something to look forward to."—Bustle

“Explores the nuances of friendship and the ace spectrum in a romance novel unlike any other, with characters that feel so real and lines that sound like poetry."—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author

"Sparkling with emotion and humor, The Romantic Agenda reminds readers that the best parts about life can often be found in the unexpected. A story about letting go and celebrating who you are, Kann's adult debut is a must-read for anyone who's ever loved, lost, and embraced love yet again."—Ashley Herring-Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care

"Joy is a character who personifies her namesake to a T, and I'm here for it! The definition of a comfort read, The Romantic Agenda puts front and center underrepresented voices, and an engaging plot that belongs on every romance reader's shelf. Claire is a powerhouse author to watch."—Kosoko Jackson, author of I'm So (Not) Over You

"The heroine is, well, a joy, and Kann admirably portrays a distinctively asexual experience of attraction, dating, and romance on a deep level. This is a love story of a different and important type."—Publishers Weekly

"Hmmmm"

I loved it even though there wasn't a sex scene I enjoyed the sexy moments between fox and Joy I had to force myself to turn it off and go to sleep.

What a cute story

Though I love the happy ending. I was still kind of hoping that Joy and Malcolm would get it together and be a couple. All in all cute storyline and loved the ending

Fell for it!

Despite her mocking romantic tropes right from the start, I still fell for the story and fell in love with Joy and her complexities. A satisfying ending, a feel good story.

“everything about you is devastatingly wonderful”

I cannot recommend this book enough!!

Overview: Joy has been (secretly) in love with her best friend Malcolm since they met in college. When Malcolm invites Joy to a weekend getaway, she thinks it could be the perfect opportunity to finally tell him how she feels... except she's only being invited to entertain Fox, the best friend of Malcolm's new friend/crush Summer...who hates Malcolm. Let the weekend summer shenanigans commence!

Things to look forward to: fake dating, pining, quirky banter, grumpy Silver Fox & sunshine Joy, discussions of asexuality & consent, discussions of systemic and daily racism, setting of healthy boundaries with friends and romantic partners, and adult conversations with emotional maturity!!!

CW: mentions of online harassment about asexuality & body positivity (Joy is a social media model)

Slow burn

This was a love story among friends that took an unsuspecting turn. A slow burn that took a long time to get to the meaty part.