40 Lunch Ideas For Work That Don't Require A Microwave

Feb 23, 2023

When it comes to eating at work, one thing is for sure: you want a lunch that is easy to make and easy to fit into a lunchbox. A delicious dish won't do you much good if it's difficult to work with, but at the same time, you probably don't want to eat a PB&J every single day at your 9-to-5. That's why we've rounded up some of the best lunch ideas for work that don't require any fuss or reheating.

From chicken salads and tuna salads, to chilled soups and bento boxes, these healthy lunches taste as good as they look. Plus, they can be eaten cold so you don't have to stand in line for the microwave. Find our packable lunch ideas that are perfect for teachers, creatives, entrepreneurs and corporate folks, or anyone on-the-go at lunchtime. Dig in below!

Salads

Whole30 Chicken and Avocado Salad

Chicken, avocado, onions, and tomatoes come together to create a colorful feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Fattoush Salad

With plenty of veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes (and some homemade pita chips) this salad is sure to be one of your go-to's this year.

Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

The best thing about this salad, other than the fact that it has cheese, strawberries, and nuts, is that it only takes 10 minutes. Talk about a school day hero!

Featured image via Farhad Ibrahimzade/Pexels

3-Ingredient Salad Dressing

If you always have a salad at school, then it's important to have some salad dressing on hand. Make yourself a whole bottle of this dressing for chicken or shrimp too!

Summer Watermelon Radish Salad

These vivid radishes have an earthy (and somewhat spicy) flavor, and they taste great when you pair them up with a balsamic vinaigrette. This might be one of the easiest salads you've ever made.

Green Goddess Salad Recipe

The real star of this salad is the dressing, which mixes ingredients like spinach, cloves, lemons, and cheese to create something delicious.

Lunch Ideas For Work That You Can Make In A Jar

Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Peanut butter and banana in one of our favorite oatmeal combos, especially when we add some chocolate chips on top. It's a little bit salty and a little bit sweet. Yes, please!

Mason Jar Tuna Salad

There are a couple different ways you can make up this tuna salad. Layer your veggies, or start by mixing everything up before adding it to your jar.

Mason Jar Ramen

Give an old mason jar a new life (after you clean it, of course) but adding it to your lunch box. Everything in this recipe is cooked before you add it to the jar, but in our opinion, it tastes just as good cold as it does warm.

Work Lunch Ideas You Can Make In A Bowl

Vegan Bibimbap Bowl

This vegan lunch has plenty of fresh and savory flavors, but feel free to add a drizzle of honey sriracha for a sweet and spicy twist.

Green Soup

If you're a fan of chilled soups that don't require a microwave, then you should definitely try this Bridgerton-inspired recipe. The creamy consistency is thanks to avocados and buttermilk, and garlic and chives provide the perfect amount of flavor.

Poke Bowl Bento Box

Bento boxes are some of our favorite lunchtime picks because of the way they keep your food separated. Your fish, rice, avocado, and seaweed won't touch (even though they taste amazing together anyway!).

Make-Ahead Burrito Bowl

With chicken, spices, corn, avocados, and black beans (and that's just the beginning of the ingredient list), this burrito bowl recipe is about to save you a ton of money on Chipotle.

Eggplant Moussaka

This tasty Lebanese dish features roasted eggplants and a tomato-based sauce with enough onion, garlic, and chickpeas to satisfy your cravings.

Finger Foods

Heart-Shaped Pizza

You really can't go wrong with cold pizza, especially when it's shaped like a heart. Without a doubt, the best thing about homemade pizza is that you can decide exactly what does (or doesn't) go on it.

Veggie Stuffed Picnic Rolls

The secret to making these rolls so tasty is the sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. The mix of textures and flavors can't be beat!

Superfood Egg Sandwich

We can eat an egg sandwich anytime of day, and if you feel the same way, then you have to try this healthy superfood spin.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

It's always a good time to eat BBQ chicken, and these quesadillas prove it. The best part? They've got potato chips cooked inside.

Chicken Salad Keto Lettuce Wraps

Sweet raspberries and earthy walnuts round out the flavor of salty chicken salad perfectly. The lettuce wraps also make this teach lunch idea super easy to eat.

Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks

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Two-Bite Kale Tabouli Pockets

Quinoa, kale, and tomato pita pockets? Say no more. Fix a variety of these mini sandwiches to try different flavor combinations.

Chocolate PB+J Banana Bites

These bites are the perfect early morning snack or after-lunch treat. Thanks to the protein from the peanut butter and the antioxidants from the chocolate, this is one dessert that's actually good for you.

Pizza Roll-Ups

These roll-ups are seriously easy to make. All you need are some tortillas, and then you can add in all your favorite pizza toppings (and leave out the ones you don't like).

Charcuterie Feast For One

Have all your favorite charcuterie foods (meat, cheese, and fruit are ours) with this solo plate. Make a double batch and bring your leftovers tomorrow!

Pasta Salads

Paleo Pasta Salad

Pepperoni and olives will add a saltiness to your zucchini noodles that cannot be beat — especially when it's paired with banana peppers.

Zucchini Noodles

Speaking of zucchini noodles, here's everything you need to know about making them for yourself. They'll taste great with salad dressing, pasta sauce, or pasta salad toppings, meaning you can try new lunch ideas for work everyday.

Pizza Pasta Salad

Turn your love for pizza into something brand new with a pasta salad recipe that still features all of your favorite pizza toppings. Everyone wins here.

Tomato Basil Orzo

Consider this dish like a cousin to pasta salad. Orzo is the perfect base for a combo of tomato, basil, and cheese.

Lunch Sides

Cream Cheese + Pepper Lunch

Mix up your work lunch by adding peppers of different colors, that way you get a variety of nutrients with your lunch.

Make-Ahead Baked Oatmeal Bites

These little one-bite wonders have flavors of cinnamon and apple and can be eaten anytime of day.

Hot Pink Beet Hummus Bowl

Hummus is the perfect dip for veggies, chips, and crackers. The only thing that could make it even better? A hot pink color palette.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms make for a great snack because they're basically like little bowls — you can fit a variety of different toppings inside and pop the whole thing in your mouth! A mix of veggies and cheese makes this snack one that you can eat cold.

Watermelon Mozzarella Ceviche

Melons taste good with a variety of surprising ingredients (like prosciutto and cantaloupe), and this cheese and watermelon combo proves it!

Taco Dip Recipe

This taco dip side can also double as a fantastic snack. We love adding cheese, beans, avocado, tomatoes, and onions to ours.

Unconventional Eats

Granny Smith and Arugula Stack Salad

If you've always wanted to eat a salad with a fork and knife, now is your chance. The balsamic vinegar and spicy mustard add some serious edge to the tart apples.

Sweet Potato Toast With Chickpeas + Avocado Dressing

Swap your bread for sweet potatoes with this easy lunch idea for work. It provides a deep sweetness that goes perfectly with the spicy chickpeas and fresh avocado dressing.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie

Have your meal and drink it too thanks to this protein smoothie. It'll fill you up like a lunch, but taste like a dessert.

Stuffed Avocados

We already love avocados, but stuffed with shrimp, scallions, and peppers, these are almost too good to be true.

Individual Hasselback Caprese Salads

If you love caprese and want a carb-light lunch idea for work, add the cheese and basil right into the tomatoes instead.

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

If you've never tried this combo, trust us: the saltiness from the cheese and the rich sweetness of the chocolate goes very, very well together. Switch it up with a different cheese every time, or experiment with different kinds of chocolate until you find the perfect match.

Mini Bacon and Blue Cheese Wedge Salads

This might not be your average salad, but these toothpick versions pack just as much flavor.

Follow us on Pinterest for more packable lunch ideas for work and fun recipes.

17 Cinco De Mayo Drinks To Pair With Your Tacos

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching, and that means we need to start thinking about our Cinco drinks! We've given you countless ways to enjoy a margarita, but if you're looking for something different, these cocktail recipes highlight the best flavors and traditions of Mexican culture, without even a mention of a classic 'rita (okay, maybe there's a few). And as delicious as these drinks are on their own, they're even better when enjoyed outdoors with a taco in hand!

Blood Orange Citrus Mezcal

This combination of bold mezcal and blood orange soda is nothing short of magical. A traditional Mexican drink, this cocktail is even more appropriate for Cinco de Mayo as it takes on a celebratory pink hue and usually is served in a salt-rimmed glass. Think of it as margarita’s prettier cousin! (via Brit + Co.)

Grapefruit Thyme Fizz

Get a good buzz goin' without feeling like you're sipping straight alcohol with this grapefruit and thyme-infused drink. Citrus keeps this easy cocktail recipe bright! (via Brit + Co.)

Lava Flow Cocktail

This frozen Cinco de Mayo drink may seem like a fruity margarita at first glance, but it takes on bold flavors of coconut and strawberry and mixes them with white rum. The result is a refreshing sipper that'll take your brain on a vacation just before it freezes it! (via Ms. Rachel Hollis)

Lemonade Sangria

Nothing says summer like fresh lemonade. Mix some with rosé to form an ice-cold drink for your Cinco celebrations! (via Amanda Wilens)

My Own Mezcalita

To craft this lovely, colorful Cinco cocktail, shake 1.5 oz mezcal, 5 oz triple sec, 2 oz orange juice, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz ginger syrup over ice. Float 0.5 oz of hibiscus concentrate over the top for flavor and visual effect, then garnish with fruits and flowers! (via Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort)

Grapefruit Paloma

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a paloma. Freshly-squeezed grapefruit takes this cocktail to the next level. (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Michelada

Beer cocktails are serious crowd-pleasers, and this version is as simple to make, as it is smooth to drink. The stellar combination of Mexican beer, tangy lime and silky tomato juice is incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly refreshing! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Boozy Cherry Limeade

Picture Sonic's cherry limeade, but in cocktail form. That's what this tart Cinco drink is! The fresh fruits make this recipe an easy addition to Cinco parties, and the summer season beyond. (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

The spiciness of this sip is sure to start the party. To make it, add 1.5 oz Flecha Azul Reposado and 5 serrano pepper slices to a shaker, then muddle. Then, add 2 oz cucumber juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.75 oz orange juice with ice and shake. Strain well into an ice-filled, Tajin-rimmed glass, and sip away! (via Flecha Azul Tequila)

Date-Sweetened Horchata

This traditional Mexican drink can be served with or without rum – but make ours a rum one, please! (via Minimalist Baker)

Frozen Negroni Slushy

Any frozen drink is the perfect partner for Cindo de Mayo. This recipe is especially helpful for planning your May 5 party, because it makes a big batch to share with your pals! (via The Endless Meal)

Raspberry Mojito

Step this cocktail recipe up by making your own raspberry syrup! No matter what, your guests will adore this fruity, fresh drink! (via Amanda Wilens)

Basil Smash Piña Colada

It's decided: piña coladas are the vibe for this year's Cinco. We love that this recipe elevates your run-of-the-mill colada with fresh basil – and of course, flaky sea salt. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Blackberry Friesling

Frozen wine? Consider us sold. All you need to do to make this Cinco de Mayo drink is freeze some Riesling wine, then add fruity liqueur and lemon juice once it's out of the freezer. (via Salt & Lavender)

Tequila Mule

It's not Cinco if there's zero tequila. That's why you need to prep this mule drink! (via Cozy Cravings)

Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon and cucumber balance harmoniously in this keep-you-cool sip. It's amazing on its own to share with the kiddos, but if you're in a boozy mood, pour some tequila in this bad boy! (via Live Eat Learn)

Matcha Pineapple Drink

A single sip of this matcha-infused pineapple drink will transport you to paradise. At least, that's what you can think about during your Cinco de Mayo bash. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Will these drinks do the trick come May 5? Let us know on Twitter and follow us on Pinterest for more cocktail recipes!

This post has been updated.

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Brooke Shields Totally Falls For Chad Michael Murray In “Mother Of The Bride” (Just Like The Rest Of Us)

If you've been missing Chad Michael Murray as much as we have, then you're going to want to tune into Mother of the Bride. Chad stars opposite Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove in the new rom-com, and the Sullivan's Crossing actor is trading the cozy forest for a tropical beach! The flick has plenty of romance (that is, after all, the "rom" in question), but instead of ending with a big proposal like a lot of other romantic movies, Mother of the Bride begins with a wedding announcement. And, naturally, relationship chaos unfolds from there. There's dancing, there's yoga, there's pickleball. This is one movie you won't want to miss! Here's everything we know.

What is the movie Mother of the Bride about?

Image via Netflix

Lana (Brooke Shields) is thrilled when her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) returns to the states from her time abroad. She's less thrilled, however, to learn that Emma is getting married on the other side of the world...in 30 days. Lana is ready to support Emma however she needs, but things take a turn for the worse when she realizes Emma's future father-in-law is the man who broke her heart in college. Watch the Mother of the Bride trailer here!

When can I watch Mother of the Bride?

Image via Netflix

Mother of the Bride begins streaming on Netflix Thursday May 9, 2024, which makes this the best movie to watch this weekend. You can check out the rest of our Most-Anticipated May Movies For 2024 to update your monthly watchlist!

Who's in the Mother of the Bride cast?

Image via Netflix

Alongside Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove as Lana and Emma, we'll see Chad Michael Murray, Benjamin Bratt, Rachael Harris, and Sean Teale. Michael McDonald, Wilson Cruz, Tasneem Roc, and Dalip Sondhi also star.

Where was Mother of the Bride filmed?

Image via Netflix

Mother of the Bride was filmed on location in Thailand. That sounds like a dream! According to Miranda Cosgrove, the movie filmed for six weeks, and the cast and crew spent almost every minute together.

Why is the mother of the bride so important?

Image via Netflix

The mother of the bride can be an important part of any wedding ceremony (should the couple choose to include her). While she provides some serious emotional support for the bride, the MOB also helps with wedding planning. Plus, in the past, she's also had a role in making sure any religious, cultural, or traditional elements are incorporated into the ceremony. Basically, she's the bride's right hand woman! (In addition to the Maid of Honor, of course).

Are you excited to see Brooke Shields, Chad Michael Murray, and Miranda Cosgrove? Add the rest of our 54 Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024 to your watchlist for your next weekend binge watch session.

Lead image via Netflix

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All The Delicious Fruits, Veggies, And Produce In Season For May 2024

Farmer's market season is swiftly approaching, and though you wanna reach for just about everything out on stands (us, too), there's a special select group of produce in season right now! Shopping produce that's in season ensures you're getting fruits and vegetables at their highest quality in terms of texture, flavor, and shelf life.

This is the produce in season for May! We've also listed some amazing recipe ideas to use up each produce pick.

*Make sure to save this list for your next grocery trip or farmer's market adventure!*

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the yummiest produce in season for May, since they can taste like literal candy when ripe. They're just a classic when it comes to spring fruits!

What to make:

Photo by Kulbir / PEXELS

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a stalk vegetable that blooms beautifully in spring. It's commonly used in pies, but you could also make some boozy cocktails with rhubarb! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

What to make:

Photo by Timur Weber / PEXELS

Mango

Mango is oh-so tropical, lending a blissful vacation vibe to any recipe. From drinks to snacks, you can count on mango to be super juicy this season. Try one of our recipes!

What to make:

Photo by Any Lane / PEXELS

Kiwi

Kiwis pack a nutritious punch, supplying more than twice your recommended daily amount of vitamin C. We adore that they're an immune-boosting fruit and can taste like candy when eaten at peak ripeness!

What to make:

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric / PEXELS

Pineapple

We could honestly eat an entire pineapple by ourselves. It's that yummy! Pineapple is equally yummy in savory dishes as it is in sweet ones, and we have plenty of recipe ideas to explore with this produce in season.

What to make:

Photo by Eva Bronzini / PEXELS

Beets

Beets are famous for being rich in antioxidants, which is helpful especially if you're trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Try one of these recipe ideas for a nutritious boost!

What to make:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons thrive this time of year! Use 'em to make juice, mix 'em into sauces and dips, or make them the star of your recipes and cocktails!

What to make:

Photo by Ready Made / PEXELS

Avocado

Avocado can be used in recipes way beyond your regular avocado toast. Take advantage of this produce in season this May by making spreads, dips, sauces, and more with this green fruit!

What to make:

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Broccoli

Good ol' broc is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and you don't have to eat it plain if you don't want to! Broccoli makes an excellent side dish for pastas and casseroles, plus it gets pretty yum when you roast it in the oven.

What to make:

Photo by This Is Zun / PEXELS

Carrots

Carrots, whether you eat them crunchy or cooked down, are the perfect spring veggie. You may know carrots for being able to benefit your vision, but they also can lower cholesterol levels and even help prevent cancer! Sneaking carrots into soups or salads is an easy way to make use of the seasonal veg.

What to make:

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

Spinach + Arugula

We all loathed spinach as kids, but it's gained some real appeal since we've grown up! Spinach is another easy produce in season that you can sneak into recipes like smoothies and pasta sauces. We can't forget a classic spinach dip, either! Arugula is also in season for May, so get ready to make some delish salads, too.

What to make:

Photo by RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

Artichokes

Fresh artichokes are a blast to cook with if you've never tried it! They'll be super fresh and tasty when you pick them up from your local market. If you're wondering what to do with this piece of produce, we've got a few ideas...

What to make:

Photo by R Khalil / PEXELS

Peas

Peas are such an underrated vegetable, in our opinion. They're great when eaten alone, but they also help bulk up soups, pastas, and more. You could even make a delish risotto with some peas!

What to make:

Photo by Mali Maeder / PEXELS

Radishes

Radishes aren't particularly tasty on their own, but they make excellent garnishes for salads, sandwiches, and even tacos. They pack a healthy punch with vitamin C and calcium!

What to make:

Photo by Mali Maeder / PEXELS

Asparagus

This stalky veggie used to yuck us out as kids, but now, it's super delish when we roast it in the oven or grill it with some fish.

What to make:

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Cauliflower

Broccoli's cousin, cauliflower, is so versatile. Make some cauli wings or cauli rice to sneak in some good veg.

What to make:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Green Onion

Green onion can bring flavor to any dish, plus it makes an excellent garnish.

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Pinterest for more fresh recipe ideas!

Lead photo by Vanessa Loring / PEXELS.

This post has been updated.

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6 Sephora Birthday Gifts You Can Score On Your Big Day In May!

May is here, and we're celebrating it by sharing which Sephora birthday gift you can get this month. That's right — I'm talking about all the freebies you can find! Well, not all of them — just enough to help you find new makeup, skincare, or haircare products to add to your vanity. After looking at the options Sephora has to offer this month, we're sure you'll have a hard time choosing from all the great options.

Let's jump into the 6 glamorous Sephora birthday gifts you can get this month!

How do I redeem my free birthday gift?

In order to redeem your birthday gift, you have to become a beauty insider. Signing up is completely free.

Are birthday gifts only available online?

Some of them are, but some can be picked up in-stores. You'll want to look online to see if the birthday gift you want has the "Available online only" or "Available in Store only" label.

Can I redeem more than one gift?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could have all the things? Unfortunately, you can only choose one birthday gift set.

Am I able to redeem a VIB or Rogue birthday gift if I haven't reached those tiers?

If you recently became a beauty insider, you'll be in the 'insider' tier. Here's the requirements to reach the next tiers:

VIB: Spend $350 in one year
Rogue: Spend $1000 in one year

You'll have to continue spending those amounts to maintain your VIB or Rogue status. At that point, you'll be able to redeem a VIB or Rogue birthday gift.

Other than that, you have free reign to choose from 7 other great options! Here's everything you can choose during your birthday month!

Kosas Lip & Brow Birthday Set

What's included:

Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss in Shade 'Unbuttoned' (Soft Warm Blush)
Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect

Kosas is known for their skincare-friendly makeup which makes this birthday gift so exciting. You'll get one of the best lip oils that'll gives your lips a boost of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid and it'll make them look kissable. Additionally, you can give your eyebrows a little boost with Kosas' air brow gel!

Youth To The People Cleanse & Hydrate Skincare Birthday Set

What's included:

Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser
Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Cream + Mask with Vitamin C

We stan a good skincare set that features different options for us to try. If you choose this birthday option, you'll get to sample Youth To The People's goodies that can easily be incorporate into your morning or nighttime regiment. From a pH-balancing cleanser to a Vitamin C-infused mask, your skin will appreciate this moisturizing birthday gift.

Moroccanoil Ultimate Hydration Birthday Set

What's included:

Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
Hydrating Shampoo
Hydrating Conditioner
Hand Cream

Give your hair some TLC with Moroccanoil's ultimate hydrating set. Each product is infused with argan oil so you can trust that your strands will receive hydration that results in sleek hair.

Sephora Birthday Gift 250 Bonus Points

Then again, you can decide to have an extra 250 bonus points added to your account. I reached the VIB rogue tier by choosing this option one year and my total accumulated points allowed me to save $10 off my next purchase. It's a win even if it's not a gift set.

VIB

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look Birthday Set

What's included:

Matte Revolution Lipstick in shade Pillow Talk
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

If you've reached the VIB or Rogue tiers — congratulations! You'll get to take home this Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look birthday set! If the pretty packaging doesn't catch your eye, then the gorgeous packaging and award-winning products will!

VIB

Summer Fridays On-the-Go Hydration Birthday Set

What's included:

Jet Lag Mask
Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine in Shade 'Vanilla'

While Sephora's other birthday gifts won't change in April, there's a new Rogue VIB option to look forward to! Sephora loves surprising their amazing customers with hydrating birthday gifts and this set is right on time for all your vacation needs. The air on airplanes can be drying so you'll need Summer Friday's jet lag mask for your face and their lip butter balm for your lips!

Which of the Sephora birthday gifts will you be taking home this month?

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post is updated each month to reflect new Sephora birthday gift deals.

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These Are The Best Books To Celebrate AAPI Month

Within the expansive world of books, Asian American and Pacific Islander voices offer distinctive viewpoints and unique, thought-provoking perspectives to readers. These viewpoints help teach people about the rich culture and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Plus, AAPI authors just tell really, really great stories! From heart-stopping thrillers, to swoon-worthy romances, to compelling memoirs— here are 16 books you should check out in celebration of AAPI Month!

Memory Pieceby Lisa Ko

In the 1980s, Giselle, Jackie, and Ellen were all outcasts who banded together to have friends and work towards their dreams. Now in the 2040s, the three of them are forced to confront the facts that the world around them has changed and their dreams must too. Giselle, a performer, must learn how to succeed in the elite social world. Jackie, a successful coder, must figure out how to still love his craft even as the coding industry shifts towards surveillance and monetization. And Ellen, a community activist, must come to terms with the increased policing and building that are going on in her neighborhood. This is a story of the changing world and how three lifelong friends must learn to navigate that change and build happy lives despite how different everything is.

The Fetishistby Katherine Min

Written by the late Katherine Min, The Fetishist is a tale of three individuals that explores race, femininity, and how complicated the feelings of family and grief can be. Twenty-three-year-old Japanese American Kyoko is full of anger and despair at the death of her mother, who was recently dumped by Daniel. She is determined to kill Daniel and make him pay for what he did, but her plans go wrong. Daniel is a violinist who is struggling to confront his past mistakes and move forward. Alma, Daniel’s lover, is a Korean American who is spending her final days wondering if she was truly loved in her life.

The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

Yangsze Choo weaves a tale of old love, second chance, and ancient folklore. It is 1908 in Manchuria, the last years of the Qing Empire, when a woman is found mysteriously dead in a doorway. Suspicions are cast onto the foxes, spirits who are said to transform into beautiful people to lure victims. Detective Bao has been investigating the foxes but has never come close, until now. Meanwhile, Snow is a creature devoted to hunting her child's killer. Both are on a path from China to Japan, but what will happen as more deaths and tragedies follow in their wake?

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant

All Emlyn wants to do is forget about her past. Forget about her best friend Janessa who doesn’t speak to her and forget about the love of her life and her ex, Tyler, who left her for dead on the roadside. Now, three years later, she is living a whole new life in her own trailer with a healthy community around her. But one day Tyler reappears with news that Janessa is missing, shoving Emlyn back into that world that she tried so hard to leave behind. Reluctantly, Emlyn joins Tyler on a mission to try to find her ex-best friend. As they explore deeper into the wilderness Emlyn begins to suspect that not all is as it seems and that she might be in just as much danger as Janessa.

The Catchby Amy Lea

Melanie Karlsen’s brand is about to collapse and she is doing everything possible to stop that from happening. That is why she currently finds herself in an east-coast Canadian fishing village. There she is learning that the stereotypical “all Canadians are nice” statement is not true, especially Evan Whaler. But when an accident lands Evan in the hospital and Melanie is mistaken as his fiancée, the two team up to appease his nagging family and save Melanie’s brand. As their relationship grows from something fake to something more, Melanie must decide whether to embrace this wild love or continue her perfect city life.

Kindlingby Traci Chee

Kindlings were once considered the elite, the fighters who used their magic to wage war at the cost of their own lives. Now that the war is over, the kindlings have been cast aside and forgotten, their magic outlawed. But when violence sparks in the countryside and a village comes under siege, seven kindlings must step up and fight one last time. But can they break through their past and find that peace that they have been searching for through this final battle? This standalone fantasy by Traci Chee explores the deepest parts of humanity and what it means to be lost and led back to find a future worth fighting for.

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Ever since Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister disappeared twenty years ago, she has been searching for any clues as to what happened. As other girls go missing and are not found, Chelsey begins to give up hope. But when teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared two years ago, is found alive in the Washington State woods, Chelsey finally has hope again. There’s only one problem, Ellie will not say anything and it is now up to Chelsey to find out what happened and where Ellie was. For the sake of herself, her missing sister, and the girls who will continue to go missing if she does not solve this mystery.

The Djinn Waits a Hundred Yearsby Shubnum Khan

Akhbar Manzil has always drawn Sana close. With the abandoned estates’ dark halls, empty rooms, and mysterious East Wing, Sana wants to know more. When she ventures into the East Wing she finds a door that has been closed for centuries, a room that was suspended in time, and a young woman's diary. As Sana explores the diary and learns of young Meena, who tragically passed in the estate, something stirs. Watching and hunting Sana from the shadows, a grieving djinn from the time of Meena’s death has awoken. In this heartbreaking and mysterious love story, Shubnum Khan weaves a tale of searching for belonging.

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

With the Gresham Trust depleted and the family in severe debt, Rufus Leung Gresham is told by his mother to attend his sister's wedding at a luxury eco-resort and find a wealthy wife. Seducing a woman with money would save the family fortune and spare them from many scandals. But despite all of the wealthy and attractive women at the wedding, Rufus Gresham only has eyes for the humble girl next door. As a volcano erupts and the wedding goes up in flames, secrets are exposed, and his mother’s plans are revealed, can Rufus recover or will tragedy strike even further?

True Love and Other Impossible Odds by Christina Li

Grace Tang is a freshman in college, determined to move on from her heartbreaking senior year of high school and start her life new. But when her statistics class forces her to write an equation, she chooses to write an algorithm that will pair people with their perfect match. But some people are skeptical, including Grace’s coworker Julia. To prove her point, Grace starts dating her match, but as she grows closer and closer to Julia even she is finding herself starting to question the algorithm. Can Grace choose between the neat and predictable equations or will she risk a love that does not follow the formula?

Asking For A Friend by Kara H.L. Chen

This upcoming Young Adult novel by Kara H.L. Chen is the perfect summer rom-com to look forward to! There are only two things that Juliana Zhao is certain of; that she is a love expert and that she is going to win the Asian Americans in Business Competition. But when Juliana is dropped by her project partner and forced to pair up with frenemy Garrett Tsai, everything starts to fall apart. Arguments ensue and Juliana is forced to realize that maybe winning isn't everything and that her sheltered worldview won’t make her the perfect daughter or successful woman she strives to be.

Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman

When Filipino musician and producer Mon Mendoza finds himself struggling to fit in while in New York City, he finds comfort in making some pancit canton, and unintentionally finds himself on a date with his neighbor. Actress Olivia Angeles has taken on so many characters, but the one she struggles most to embody is her true self. She finds that in a one-night stand with her insanely attractive and excellent cook neighbor. But now, one month later, Olivia and Mon find themselves working on the same movie. Can the two of them remain professional or will their steaming chemistry become too much?

You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen

Annie “Anh Le” Shaw had grown up poor but is now wealthy, with everything that she could ever want in her life. But when her Vietnam War refugee mother suddenly and unexpectedly dies, Annie’s perfect world begins to fall apart. Her OCD comes storming back, but her disturbing thoughts and fixations are actually coming true. As more people start to disappear and die, suspicions turn to Annie. To save her husband and daughter, she distances herself only to be found naked and next to a dead body in a hotel room. But all that matters is protecting her family, even if she loses herself in the process.

Their Divine Fires by Wendy Chen

Covering three generations of Chinese women and their love and affairs, this debut novel by Wendy Chen explores the ideas of ancestors, secrets, and folklore. In 1917, Yunhong falls deeply in love with a wealthy landlord's son, but when her brother ruins their wedding he ensures that her daughter will never know her father. As time passes her daughter, Yuexin, passes on stories to her daughters who try to unravel the family’s secrets. This novel dives deep into family history: what the ancestors get to decide to pass down to their future family, and what gets lost to time forever.

One Last Word by Suzanne Park

Sara Chae is the creator of the One Last Word app, an app that allows you to send a message to anyone after you pass away. With obvious and secure safeguards in place, these messages are only sent out after people are 100% confirmed to be dead. Or at least that’s what they are supposed to do. But when Sara wakes up to find that her messages were released, everything goes wrong. Drunk messages to her emotionally abusive mother, her ex-best friend, and a love confession to her high school crush, Harry Shim, all get spilled, leaving Sara (who is very much alive) to deal with the fallout. But when she is offered a mentorship program from none other than Harry, she realizes that this could be a path forward and could lead to everything she’s dreamed of.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander

When Sloane Cooper is offered an interview for her dream job as a video game designer at a top company she is jumping for joy. But somehow during the interview process, in front of an all-male panel, she finds herself promising to not get involved in any romance to stay focused on her work. Unfortunately for her, her extremely hot neighbor Charlie offers to take her on an all-inclusive trip to a tropical resort to make his ex jealous and return to him. Sloane agrees, thinking that the trip will be good for her to focus on her work. But can she resist falling in love with this man in such a romantic setting? His love life and her career depend on it.

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