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One of the most challenging parts of the pandemic for me is not having Bachelor Mondays. I’ve been watching The Bachelor and its spin-off shows The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise for years now.
Although our obsession began as a guilty pleasure and a conversation starter, it has evolved into an essential part of my week, reliably sweeping us away for a few hours each Monday with lighthearted comedy, grand romantic gestures, and ridiculous hijinks. If you’ve been keeping up with the latest updates on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, you’ll know that production was postponed, but now has begun at an enclosed resort and is set to begin airing on October 13, 2020. Not even a global pandemic will stop The Bachelor Franchise…
Although there is lots of great content out there to escape the walls of your home during this pandemic, it’s just not the same as hearing Chris Harrison announce that “this is the Final Rose tonight,” I’ve compiled a list of books that might help assuage your craving for Bachelor drama until the show returns.
1. The Betrothed, By Kiera Cass
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve definitely heard of Kiera Cass’ The Selection series. Recently picked up by Netflix, The Selection has long since been associated with The Bachelor, despite author Cass claiming the show did not inspire her dystopian book series. Similar to The Selection novels, Cass’s latest release The Betrothed also surrounds a royal hoping to find his future queen. And he might just find one in the story’s bold protagonist and narrator, Hollis.
Whereas The Selection is an obvious Cinderella retelling, The Betrothed is undeniably its own story and has a slightly darker tone. There’s betrayals, secret romances, and unexpected alliances… all the things that make for a great season of The Bachelor. In reference to Chris Harrison, you might be able to call The Betrothed the most dramatic Kiera Cass book yet.
2. You Should See Me in a Crown, By Leah Johnson
Released this June, You Should See Me in a Crown has already amassed lots of attention and rave reviews in the YA community. It tells the story of Liz, a queer, Black high school senior who finds herself running for prom queen in the hopes that the prize money will help pay for her dream college.
And if you’re among the hundreds of thousands of Bachelor Nation fans who have signed The Bachelor Diversity campaign, you’ll be excited to know that not only does You Should See Me in a Crown have all of the competition, chaos, and comedy that The Bachelor has, but it also has something that The Bachelor still has not gotten right – representation. So until The Bachelor’s producers can consistently give us love stories that feature queer romance, BIPOC leads, and honest discussions about mental health and classism, I’ll be reading and re-reading You Should See Me in a Crown.
3. Geekerella, By Ashley Poston
Geekerella is the first in Ashley Poston’s Once Upon a Con series, which also includes The Princess and The Fangirl and the newly released Bookish and the Beast. Each book in this series is a modern fairytale retelling that relates to the same fictional sci-fi fandom. I would describe the series as “Bachelor meets fan culture,” as each story incorporates social media and romance in a unique way.
In Geekerella, protagonist Elle Wittimer suddenly finds out that her all-time favorite television series is being revived with a huge Blockbuster film. A high-stakes cosplay contest is announced and Elle is confident that she can win the grand prize, which includes a chance to meet the movie’s leading actor Darien. With fandom at the forefront, Elle has become entangled in a new world of fame, celebrity romance, and press gossip. Nothing says The Bachelor more than that!
4. Red, White, and Royal Blue By Casey McQuiston
Since the release of Red, White, and Royal Blue last year, the book has taken off in the YA genre. It tells the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, fictional First Son of America. When Alex’s rivalry with British Prince Henry is discovered by the tabloids, they are forced into a very public and very fake friendship that Alex quickly realizes could become something more.
Just like The Bachelor, McQuiston’s novel is full of romance, fluff, off-camera secrets, and drama. Yet the added elements of politics, royalty, and queer ships make for an exciting new storyline. If you were disappointed by Pilot Pete’s anticlimactic season of The Bachelor, you might find that McQuiston’s Red, White, and Royal Blue does live up to all of its hype and anticipation!
5. Daisy Jones & The Six, By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fans of the recent Bachelor spin-off The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart will love Daisy Jones & the Six. Written as if it were a real set of compiled interview dialogue, Daisy Jones & the Six vividly tells the story of a fictional 70’s rock band. Although the story features a well-rounded cast of characters and storylines, the central love triangle between lead-singer Billy Dunne, his supportive partner Camilla, and Billy’s songwriting partner and co-star Daisy Jones has all of the romantic tension and drama of a great episode of The Bachelor.
Additionally, the novel’s memorable female characters possess exactly the kind of feminine strength that I hope to see in Tayshia and Clare’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette. With powerful feminist messages, it is no wonder that Daisy Jones and the Six is already set to become an Amazon series, which will be produced by Reese Witherspoon. If you are looking for an empowering and dynamic read before The Bachelorette returns very soon, Daisy Jones and the Six is a great choice.
Will You Accept This… Book Recommendation?
Hopefully, one of these reads will keep you entertained before what will be, as always promised, “the most dramatic season yet.” October seems so far away waiting for another season in The Bachelor franchise, but the end is finally in sight! Until then, grab a glass of rosé, sit back, and enjoy one of these great fun, flirty, and dramatic reads.
