Young Adult Romance

John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars is a heartbreaking yet beautiful love story between two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet in a cancer support group. Despite their terminal illnesses, they develop a deep connection that is filled with humor, wit, and raw emotion. Green's writing captures the reality of living with illness while falling in love, making it an emotionally rich story. Hazel and Gus’s relationship is both tender and intense, with moments of joy despite the looming sadness. This book became a worldwide phenomenon, known for making readers laugh and cry in equal measure.

Set in the 1980s, Eleanor & Park tells the story of two misfit teens who find solace in each other’s company. Eleanor is an awkward girl from a troubled home, and Park is a quiet, music-loving boy who doesn’t quite fit in with his peers. Their romance builds slowly through shared comic books and mixtapes, and the love that grows between them is sweet, fragile, and deeply emotional. Rowell’s writing captures the intensity of first love and the pain of navigating difficult family situations. It’s a book that feels nostalgic and fresh all at once, making it a favorite among YA readers.

This charming coming-of-age romance follows Simon Spier, a high school junior who hasn’t come out as gay. When an anonymous classmate, “Blue,” starts exchanging secret emails with Simon, their relationship blossoms into something more. The novel combines humor, friendship, and the tension of hiding one’s true self with a heartwarming romance at its center. Simon’s journey toward self-acceptance, along with his adorable online romance with Blue, makes this story relatable and endearing. The book inspired the popular movie Love, Simon, and continues to be a beloved LGBTQ+ YA romance.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the perfect blend of humor, drama, and swoon-worthy romance. Lara Jean Covey, a shy high school junior, writes secret love letters to her past crushes—letters that are never meant to be sent. But when they mysteriously get mailed out, her love life spirals into chaos. The fake relationship she forms with Peter Kavinsky leads to unexpected feelings, turning her life upside down in the sweetest way possible. Jenny Han’s writing captures the awkwardness and excitement of first love, with a delightful family dynamic that adds depth to the story.

In They Both Die at the End, Mateo and Rufus meet on their death day through an app called "Last Friend," which connects people who have less than 24 hours to live. Although the title gives away the ending, the journey these two boys take is anything but predictable. Their bond deepens throughout the course of a single day, creating a heart-wrenching and emotionally charged romance. Silvera explores themes of mortality, fear, and love, making the story both uplifting and devastating. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys tear-jerking, emotionally powerful stories with a central romance.

This beautiful, thought-provoking love story takes place over the course of a single day. Natasha, a pragmatist who doesn’t believe in fate, and Daniel, a dreamer who believes they are destined to be together, meet by chance in New York City. Their whirlwind romance is intertwined with deeper issues like immigration, family expectations, and the struggle to belong. Yoon’s narrative is unique, blending multiple perspectives with lyrical writing that makes the story feel both personal and universal. The novel tackles big questions about love, life, and destiny while delivering an intense, emotional romance.

If I Stay tells the emotional story of Mia, a talented young cellist, who is caught between life and death after a devastating car accident. As she lies in a coma, Mia reflects on her life, her family, and her love for Adam, her boyfriend. The romance between Mia and Adam is tender and filled with music, but the story’s heart lies in Mia’s choice between staying alive or letting go. Forman masterfully balances love, loss, and the fragility of life, making this a deeply moving and unforgettable read. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, thought-provoking romances.

In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a teenager who has lived her entire life in isolation due to a rare illness that makes her allergic to the outside world. When she meets her new neighbor, Olly, through their windows and starts messaging him, their connection grows into something more. As Maddy’s feelings for Olly deepen, she begins to question the limits of her life and what it means to truly live. Yoon’s writing is both poetic and compelling, making this love story one of adventure, risk, and discovery. This book explores the boundaries of love and safety with a fresh, emotional twist.

Opposite of Always is a time-loop romance that blends humor with heartache. When Jack meets Kate at a party, they hit it off instantly, but their love story takes a tragic turn when Kate dies. Jack is unexpectedly given the chance to go back in time to try and save her. This novel explores the complexities of love, second chances, and the bittersweet nature of life. Reynolds' witty, heartfelt writing brings Jack’s love for Kate to life in a way that’s both charming and deeply emotional. The story is packed with humor, romance, and important life lessons, making it a favorite for fans of YA romance with a twist.

In Letters to the Lost, Juliet writes letters to her late mother and leaves them at her grave. When Declan, a troubled teen doing community service, finds one of the letters, he decides to write back. What starts as a series of anonymous letters turns into a deep, emotional connection between two damaged souls. Their growing bond is heartwarming, but both teens must confront their own grief and guilt to move forward. Kemmerer’s writing is raw and real, making this book a powerful exploration of healing, forgiveness, and the unexpected connections that can change your life.

This collaboration between two YA powerhouses is a sweet, funny love story set in New York City. Arthur, a theater kid visiting for the summer, meets Ben, who’s dealing with a recent breakup, at a post office, and sparks fly. But nothing about their romance is simple, and the book realistically captures the awkward, joyful, and messy parts of falling in love. Albertalli and Silvera balance humor and heart perfectly, making this a romantic, feel-good story. It’s a delightful exploration of love, timing, and the unexpected twists life throws at you.

A Pho Love Story brings a delicious twist to the Romeo and Juliet trope, centered around two Vietnamese-American teens whose families run competing pho restaurants. Linh and Bao have known each other for years but haven’t been allowed to get close due to their parents’ feud. As they begin to secretly meet and fall for each other, they must navigate their family loyalties and the pressures of cultural expectations. This novel is full of heart, humor, and of course, food! Le’s writing captures the sweetness of first love while exploring family dynamics and cultural identity in a heartfelt way.

Elizabeth Acevedo’s Clap When You Land is a poignant novel-in-verse that tells the story of two sisters, Camino and Yahaira, who discover each other’s existence after their father dies in a plane crash. Set between New York City and the Dominican Republic, the novel is a lyrical exploration of grief, family, and the power of sisterhood. While the romantic elements are subtle, the emotional depth and relationships in this book are profound. Acevedo’s poetry is stunning, and the love between the sisters is central to the story, making it a unique addition to the YA romance genre.

You’ve Reached Sam is a heart-wrenching story about grief and love. Seventeen-year-old Julie has her whole future planned out with her boyfriend, Sam, but when he dies in a tragic accident, her life is shattered. Desperate for closure, she calls his phone one last time—and to her surprise, Sam picks up. Through these supernatural phone calls, Julie

is able to hold on to Sam just a little bit longer, but she must also learn to let go. You’ve Reached Sam explores themes of loss, moving on, and the bittersweet beauty of first love. Dustin Thao’s debut novel is emotional and haunting, offering readers a touching story of love that transcends life and death. It’s perfect for anyone who has ever struggled with grief or has felt the weight of saying goodbye to a loved one.

Tweet Cute is a fun, lighthearted romance that centers around Pepper and Jack, two high school students who run their families' social media accounts for competing businesses. What starts as a viral Twitter war between the two quickly evolves into a secret online friendship—and eventually, an IRL romance. Emma Lord’s witty writing and the hilarious banter between Pepper and Jack make this a delightful read. The book balances humor with deeper themes of family, ambition, and finding your own path. If you’re looking for a modern rom-com with plenty of heart, Tweet Cute is a must-read.

Heartstopper is a heartwarming graphic novel series that follows the blossoming relationship between Charlie, a quiet and openly gay teen, and Nick, the rugby player who is just beginning to explore his feelings for Charlie. What makes Heartstopper so special is its gentle, sweet depiction of young love and self-discovery. The story touches on themes of mental health, friendship, and navigating identity in a supportive, affirming way. Oseman’s illustrations are as charming as the story itself, making this a perfect read for anyone looking for a feel-good romance with emotional depth. It’s become a beloved series, now with a popular Netflix adaptation.

When Dimple Met Rishi is a delightful rom-com that brings together two Indian-American teens, Dimple and Rishi, whose parents have secretly arranged for them to meet at a summer tech camp. While Dimple is focused on her future and career, Rishi is a hopeless romantic who believes in destiny. Their clashing personalities lead to hilarious moments, but over time, they begin to understand each other and develop feelings. Menon’s writing is full of humor, warmth, and cultural insights, making this book a fresh, charming take on the arranged marriage trope. The chemistry between Dimple and Rishi is infectious, and their love story is both fun and heartfelt.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Tuscany, Love & Gelato follows Lina, a teenager who is sent to Italy to fulfill her mother’s dying wish. While there, Lina discovers her mother’s old journal, which leads her on a journey to uncover family secrets—and unexpectedly, to a new romance with Ren, a charming local boy. The novel is filled with beautiful Italian scenery, delicious food, and, of course, a sweet, swoon-worthy love story. Welch’s writing perfectly balances light-hearted fun with moments of emotional depth, making Love & Gelato a perfect summer read full of love and self-discovery.

In The Distance Between Us, Caymen is a sarcastic, practical girl who has grown up in a small town, helping her mom run a doll shop. When she meets Xander, a wealthy boy who seems to be the complete opposite of her, she’s hesitant to let him in. But as they spend more time together, Caymen begins to see that they have more in common than she thought. Kasie West’s writing is light and engaging, but the story also tackles deeper themes like class differences and family expectations. The romance between Caymen and Xander is sweet, witty, and full of charm, making it a fun, feel-good read.

Another gem from Kasie West, P.S. I Like You is a cute, modern take on the classic “secret admirer” trope. Lily, a quirky and creative high schooler, starts exchanging anonymous notes with a mystery student after scribbling lyrics on her desk. As their correspondence grows, so does their connection, but Lily is in for a surprise when she finds out who her secret pen pal is. West’s writing is full of humor and heart, and the slow-burn romance between Lily and her mystery admirer is incredibly satisfying. If you love a good, lighthearted YA romance with just the right amount of drama, this one is for you.