Love in 280 Characters or Less

by Ravynn K. Stringfield

Overview

Black college student Sydney Ciara navigates academics, love, and the online space, in this coming-of-age story told through her posts, messages, and more!

Sydney Ciara Warren is excited as she starts her first year of college, but also nervous. Despite her interests in writing and fashion, she has no idea what path will ultimately be right for her. As she tries to figure out her place on campus and in the world, she finds solace in blogging about her life, putting together outfits with meaning, and spending time online.

It’s within the digital space that she connects with someone who goes by YoungPrinceX. She may not know “X” in real life, but that doesn’t stop her from developing a crush on him. Except she's also navigating her first romantic relationship, with a sweet boy on campus named Xavier (who maybe could be X???).

Can Sydney Ciara not only make it through her first semester, but thrive in real life, as much as she seems to be thriving online?

Perfect read for those looking for:

*New Adult

*Black love stories

*Novels told in nontraditional formats

*Main characters who love fashion

*Chronically online characters like in Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250899385
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	04/15/2025
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Ravynn K. Stringfield is a writer and professor originally from Suffolk, Virginia. Her creative nonfiction has appeared in publications such as Shondaland, ZORA, and Catapult. Love Requires Chocolate is her debut novel. She can often be found haunting coffee shops in search of the perfect hazelnut latte, knee deep in art supplies, or curled up with her dog, Genghis, telling him about her Lois Lane obsession.

Editorial Reviews

"A charming and romantic coming-of-age story that speaks to both contemporary and evergreen issues." —Kirkus Reviews

"Syd is a relatable protagonist whose magnetic personality smoothly propels readers along in this charming slice-of-life novel." —Publishers Weekly

". . .it does an excellent job of contemplating art as politics and will find a receptive audience in older, college-bound teens." —Booklist

"Syd's story is tender, powerful, and passionate. Prepare to be inspired! ❤️" —Lauren Myracle, bestselling author of novels, including the Internet Girls series (ttyl; ttfn; l8r,g8; and yolo), This Boy, and Plays Well with Others

“This is a must buy for anyone who has ever been to college, plans on going, or worries that they missed out.” —Camryn Garrett, author of Full Disclosure

"Love in 280 Characters or Less is a thoroughly modern and charmingly told Coming of Age tale perfect for readers seeking comfort in new experiences. Sydney Ciara is a heroine you won't soon forget." - Dahlia Adler, award-winning author of Going Bicoastal and Cool for the Summer

From the Publisher

2025-02-15
A teen embarks on a journey of self-discovery and new love in college.

Eighteen-year-old Sydney Ciara Warren is a Black girl who’s just started her first year at Coastal Virginia University. She loves fashion and writing and has her own blog where she shares her opinions and style tips. Syd left everything familiar from back home behind in Chesapeake, Virginia, including her best friend, Malcolm, who’s attending Piedmont University. Now she has to make new friends and choose her major; her lawyer mom wants her to choose a prelaw track, but Syd is considering other paths, like English, sociology, and fashion writing. She takes to Twitter, where she finds potential friends who attend CVU—and even a new crush. But while browsing graphic novels and manga, she meets Xavier, a Black guy from Washington, D.C., who becomes her first boyfriend. Syd navigates both the real and the digital worlds as she tries to figure out her own path in life. Stringfield pulls readers in through Syd’s engaging first-person voice and her interactions with the diverse supporting characters. The story is told through varied formats—including blog posts, texts, news stories, and tweets—helping to sustain readers’ interest. Syd comes across as a fully formed character with concerns, anxieties, doubts, and desires that many readers will find relatable.

A charming and romantic coming-of-age story that speaks to both contemporary and evergreen issues.(Romance. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews