Title: The Lovers, the Liars, and Me
Author: DeAndra Davis
Publisher: Atheneum Books
Publication date: June 23, 2026
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Summary
Jaliya may be the valdedictorion of her graudating class, but she often feels like she fades into the background. She doesn’t go out on adventures, she’s never been kissed, and she’s afraid of leaving home for college. So, she’s determined that this summer will be different. Going to visit her family in Jamaice is the first step of this plan. Instead of a vacation, however, she’s determined to find her mother. What she doesn’t expect along the way is the possibility of falling in love with someone new.
Review: The Lovers, the Liars, and Me
Thanks to Atheneum Books for a copy of The Lovers, the Liars, and Me by DeAndra Davis to review! I really enjoyed Davis’s debut novel, All the Noise at Once, last year, so I was interested in picking this one up. Though this is a very different story than her debut novel, it’s still one about finding yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.
There are a lot of complex characters and relationships in this book, all dealt with with grace. Jaliya has a wonderful relationship with her dad, and I appreciated how it evolved to be even stronger as Jaliya learned more about herself. While a lot of the story is focused on Jaliya finding her mom, it’s also focused on her finding herself. As a reader, you’re cheering for her by the end, as she findds the courage to stand up for herself.
The other characters throughout the book also help in Jaliya’s character journey. Especially her relationship with Shevaughn, who is having a similar identity crisis to Jaliya. There are some heavier topics in this, like identity, religion, and accpetance. If you like complex families and coming of age stories, this is definitely a book for you!
4.5/5 stars