Bestselling author Nicola Yoon is set to welcome readers back to the world of young adult fiction with her upcoming novel, *Always One More Time*. This marks her first foray into the genre since her well-received book, *Instructions for Dancing*, which was released in 2021. Yoon describes the experience of returning to young adult literature as “feels like coming home,” signifying her deep connection to the themes and narratives that resonate with young readers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/nicola-yoon-tout-8b8df7268da2434fb575676da529bc8a.jpg)
*Always One More Time* is slated for release by Delacorte Press on 2 February 2027 and introduces the character of Tallie, a girl grappling with a serious heart condition who is on a quest for true love. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, the story unfolds as Tallie encounters Thomas and believes she has found her soulmate. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when the two become separated, leaving their narrative unresolved.
As Tallie faces the prospect of a potentially life-threatening surgery, her desire to reconnect with Thomas intensifies. In her pursuit, she unexpectedly meets another boy named Owen, who agrees to assist her in finding her true love. This plot twist sets the stage for Tallie to navigate her emotions, ultimately leading her to confront the true nature of her feelings amidst the quest for a lost connection.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE, Yoon expressed her excitement at bringing Tallie and Owen’s journey to life. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to young adult with *Always One More Time*,” she said. “Their relationship has been building in my head for a couple of years, and I’m so excited to finally share their epic love story with readers.”
Yoon’s affinity for the young adult genre is evident as she recalls her experiences writing for this audience. “YA readers are passionate and open to the world, so it’s a real joy to explore firsts — first love, first heartbreak — alongside them as they discover who they are,” she noted. This sentiment illustrates her commitment to crafting relatable narratives that embody the challenges and joys of adolescence.
The publisher describes *Always One More Time* as a novel rich in inventive narrative style, exploring themes of “missed connections.” Wendy Loggia, the vice president and publisher of Delacorte Press, praised Yoon for her profound impact on contemporary young adult romance. “Nicola Yoon redefined what contemporary YA romance can be, and *Always One More Time* is a powerful reminder of her brilliance,” Loggia commented. The book promises to feature unforgettable characters and substantial emotional depth, capturing both the fervour of first love and the courage it takes to reach out for connections, especially when faced with uncertainty.
In addition to *Always One More Time*, Yoon made waves in the literary world with her adult debut thriller, *One of Our Kind*, published in 2024. Her body of work also includes bestselling young adult novels such as *Everything, Everything* and *The Sun Is Also a Star*, both of which have garnered critical acclaim and significant popularity among readers.
As anticipation builds for her return to young adult fiction, readers can now pre-order *Always One More Time*, ensuring they will be among the first to embark on Tallie and Owen’s heartfelt journey when the novel is finally published.
Yoon’s ability to connect with her audience through poignant storytelling and relatable characters is a hallmark of her writing. As she prepares to share this new narrative, fans and newcomers alike can look forward to a gripping tale that promises to resonate deeply with the complexities of young love and personal discovery.