Sixteen‑year‑old Rosie Dupuy lives for boys, accepting every invitation—but only once—and counting crushes like sheep when insomnia strikes. The one date she really wants, with her best friend Jeanie’s brother “Handsome” Harry Higgins, remains out of reach. Life orbits Plainview Mall, where the Higgins family’s La Maison de Trash kiosk sells love potions, rock‑star dolls, and endless rumors.
While Rosie plots a fresh strategy, practical Jeanie shocks everyone by falling for Potato Man, a genial fast‑food worker who never sheds his foam‑spud suit. At home, Rosie’s divorced mother, suddenly courted by a visiting professor, turns to her daughter for advice, pushing Rosie to rethink her one‑and‑done rule. Light on angst and heavy on breezy banter, Looks Aren’t Everything is a warm, witty mall‑comedy about looking past appearances—and daring to want more.
- “The description of teen boys’ kisses is hilariously, achingly perceptive.” — Publishers Weekly
- “A romantic mall-comedy featuring a cast of good-looking men and women, plenty of falling-in-love, and a store with a personality of its own... a sure-fire hit for readers obsessed with the opposite sex.” — Kirkus Reviews