The Hero Complex

Publishing 5th june 2025.

Sequel to the Carnegie Nominated ‘The Love Interest’

Jenna Ray was the Love Interest, but now she's the HERO. Unfortunately, as it turns out, having actual superpowers doesn't make life any easier.

For starters, being an official superhero means Jenna and Blaze can work together but not be together, no matter how much they are drawn to each other.

Jenna knows she can make it work. She can be 'just friends' with Blaze, keep up with the HPA's intensive training, ignore the country clamouring for the return of King Ron and battle world disasters, all while keeping her own power-triggering panic attacks a secret ... She can be the perfect hero.

As the pressure builds, what more will Jenna have to give up in order to save the world?

order your copy from Bookshop.org, Waterstones, Blackwells, WH Smith, Foyles, Amazon or your local book shop.

Reviews for ‘The Love Interest’

Reviews

A fierce, girl-powered table flip on the superhero genre, whilst simultaneously capturing well-loved comic book staples of heart, courage, and justice with Jenna’s story. The Love Interest is funny, punchy, uproariously disruptive, and tender-hearted.

Amara Sage, author of Influential

A funny, swoony, romantic, feminist take on the superhero genre. Who needs a hero when you’ve got yourself? I loved this coming of age, fake lovers to real romance story, that challenges all the conventions of the superhero world and centres a diverse cast of characters.

Christine Pillainayagam, author of Ellie Pillai is Brown

With a beautiful blend of brave, genuinely funny characters and a focus on the power of standing up for yourself and others, Comerford has perfected an authentically entertaining, feel-good young adult romantic comedy.

INIS Magazine, Children’s Books Ireland

High-octane, girl powered fun … Truly the wildest ride.

Brianna Bourne, author of You & Me at the End of the World

I was gripped to the final twists. Speculative romance with masses of humour and some deft takes on modern politics: I couldn’t put it down.

Tia Fisher, author of Crossing the Line

Marvel meets Disney’s Extraordinary in this superpowered romcom that flips every hero trope with hilarious consequences. Taking on killer pigeons and mutant squirrels while fighting the patriarchy, Jenna Ray is the hero we all need. A fantastically funny, full-throttle debut. I’m obsessed!

Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake

Funny, exciting and highly original, this debut novel marks the arrival of a new and compelling voice in YA fiction.

Steve Voake, author of The Dreamwalker’s Child

I love this book! So original and witty and such assured writing that cackles as much as it shines. The characters are super in more ways than one. Helen Comerford is a writer to watch.

CJ Skuse, author of the Sweetpea series