The Do-Over meets See You Yesterday in this paperback original romance full of second chances, parallel lives, and a first love that keeps finding its way back.

SHOULD HAVE BENS
by Elle Gonzalez Rose
HarperCollins Children’s, July 2027

Photo credit: Kristen Pierce

Carmen’s life is always on the move: new towns, new schools, and relationships with expiration dates. Her only constant has been her best friend Benny—until she broke both their hearts. Then, days after her latest move, she wakes up in a life that isn’t hers. One where she said yes to a different Ben. Then another. And another…

Each reality shows Carmen what could have been, and no matter where she lands, Benny Cortez is always there. If she can end the time jumps, will she find her way back to him—or realize he’s the one “what if” she can’t rewrite?

MULTIVERSE ROMANCE WITH A TWIST: A heartbroken girl cycles through alternate lives with every “should have” Ben, turning second chances into a sweeping, emotional love story across realities.

TIKTOK-FRIENDLY TROPES: Second chances, friends-to-lovers, and alternate realties make this a perfect read for fans of THE DO-OVER and crossover readers who loved THE HUSBANDS.

AN IRRESISTIBE INCLUSIVE ROMANCE: This high-concept love story also delivers the voice and visibility that Latine teen readers continue to search for.

LAYERS BENEATH THE ROMANCE: Beneath the sliding-door concept, SHOULD HAVE BENS gains extra emotional heft by grappling with Carmen’s constant uprooting, fear of attachment, and what it takes to finally choose love.

Elle Gonzalez Rose is an award-winning author of several books for teens including Marisol Acts the Part and I Didn’t Do It. Hopefully by the time you’re reading this she’s able to do a pull-up.