THE MEET-CUTE PROJECT

Mia’s friends concoct a plan to find her a date for her sister Samantha’s wedding.

When the groomsman Mia was paired with has to cancel at the last minute, bridezilla Sam insists Mia can’t go to the wedding alone because the photos will look asymmetrical. But instead of finding another friend of the groom for her, Sam decides Mia should find her own date—which is easier said than done because Mia has spent the first three years of high school absorbed in studying, swim team, and math club. Mia’s friends decide to help her out by arranging meet-cutes; they are convinced that if she bumps into someone and has a special moment with them, it will give her the opening she needs to take things further. Mia reluctantly agrees, nervously approaching each surprise meet-cute. After a few disastrous meetings, Mia turns to Gavin, the guy she volunteers with at the community garden, for relationship advice. The dating fails and Mia’s exasperation provide just enough cringeworthy comedy to move the story along. The supportive female friendships are also a strength of the book. Although readers will see the ending coming, Mia’s personal growth and the romance project will keep them engaged. All major characters are Black or people of color.

A satisfying, feel-good rom-com.