Super Adjacent

Claire is a high school student who works at a Chicago restaurant frequented by her favorite superhero, Mind Maker. She spends her shifts hoping to catch glimpses of the famous hero while juggling her job responsibilities. Bridgette, daughter of two superheroes, keeps her identity hidden at school while training to follow in her parents' footsteps. Her connection to the superhero world brings her into Claire's orbit as their paths intersect in unexpected ways. The story alternates between Claire and Bridgette's perspectives as they navigate friendship, romance, and the realities of a world where superheroes exist. Their different relationships to the superhero community shape their choices and interactions. The novel explores themes of identity and the gap between public personas and private lives in a society where some people have extraordinary abilities. It raises questions about hero worship and the true meaning of courage, both in and out of costume.

Readers found this YA superhero romance light and entertaining but lacking depth. Many appreciated the dual perspectives between the two female protagonists and called it a "fun summer read." Liked: - Romance elements between main characters - Exploration of what it means to be "ordinary" in a superhero world - LGBTQ+ representation - Fast-paced plot Disliked: - Underdeveloped worldbuilding - Predictable storyline - Characters felt one-dimensional - Romance moved too quickly One reader noted: "The concept was promising but the execution fell flat." Several mentioned wanting more background on the superhero system and powers. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (50+ ratings) BookBrowse: 3/5 Barnes & Noble: 3.8/5 (30+ ratings) Common descriptors in reviews: "cute," "quick read," "fluffy," "forgettable"

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🌟 Author Crystal Cestari began her career in public relations and marketing before becoming a full-time writer. 📚 The book explores the unique perspective of what it's like to be a regular person dating a superhero, rather than focusing on the superhero's point of view. ⚡ "Super Adjacent" tackles themes of identity and self-worth through the lens of both a superhero's girlfriend and an intern at a superhero organization. 🦸‍♀️ The novel features two parallel narratives: Claire, who dates a superhero, and Bridgette, who works with them, offering contrasting views of superhero life. 🎬 The book plays with common superhero tropes familiar to fans of Marvel and DC Comics, while subverting expectations by focusing on the "civilian" experience.