This Must Be the Place

A queer YA romance sizzling with chemistry by Kelly Quindlen, bestselling author of She Drives Me Crazy . Perfect for fans of Lex Croucher and Laura Kay.

When Louisa unexpectedly inherits a struggling gay bar from her late great-uncle, she’s determined to keep it open for the vibrant queer community that calls it home.

Louisa’s mission puts her on a collision course with Aubrey: the pretty, popular, and sharp-tongued daughter of their college town's newly crowned football coach. The girls start off on the wrong foot, but a tentative truce leads to a growing spark . . .

Things threaten to sputter out when the bar faces an existential threat from Aubrey’s dad, who plans to turn it into a sports facility.

How much is Louisa willing to lose in the fight for her new found family?

Netgalley readers raved about This Must Be the Place . . .

' joyful, tearful, tender, conquering delight '

'a gorgeous celebration of queer life . . . a stunning coming of age story'

'had me hooked from the get go . . . I cannot wait for my next read by this author'

'[Louisa's] growth throughout the book is beautiful to witness'

'an absolutely warm hug of a read'

'warm, heartfelt'

'a really empowering and affirming book'

Author: Kelly Quindlen

Romance, Romance & relationships stories (Children's / Teenage), Personal & social issues: sexuality & relationships (Children's / Teenage)

Published on 11 Jun 2026 by Pan Macmillan.