Fan favorite

Gunn debuts with a hilarious romance exploring the ways in which pop culture influences every aspect of life, from the products people buy to their perceptions of love. Reality TV junkie Edie Pepper, 35, is decidedly unhappy with her life following a bad breakup and a series of even worse hookups. So when she discovers that her high school boyfriend is starring in his own reality dating show it feels like a sign. Nerdy Charlie Bennett, now going by Bennett Charles, had a major glow-up between their teenage fumbling (complete with promise rings and cringe-worthy make-out disasters) and now--and as soon as Edie sees him, she's certain it's meant to be. One love-drunk tweet at the show's producers later, Edie joins the cast, competing against models and dancers who have a hunger for fame and/or world peace. Also on set is Peter, the showrunner, whose ulcer-inducing job is to engineer TV-ready disasters--but who finds himself trying to protect Edie from the cameras. Gunn's ample wit elevates this wildly entertaining rom-com, which comes complete with secondary characters worth cheering for and a plethora of fun pop culture Easter eggs. It's a delight. (June)