Best New Teen Romance Books to Read this Year
Romance Novels for Teens: Captivating Stories That Inspire and Delight
Romance novels have an undeniable charm, especially for teens venturing into the world of love, relationships, and self-discovery. The best YA romance novels don't just focus on butterflies-in-the-stomach moments but also explore themes of personal growth, friendship, and resilience. These books offer a glimpse into young love's complexities, blending sweet moments with relatable struggles. They provide not only a heartwarming escape for teenage girls and boys, but also an opportunity for teens to see themselves and their emotions reflected on the page in these great love stories.
This curated list features 25 romance novels that strike the perfect balance between swoon-worthy tales and meaningful storytelling, all appropriate for teen readers. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted romance, a love story intertwined with magical realism, or an emotional journey of self-discovery, these books have something for everyone. With compelling characters, diverse perspectives, and universal themes, these novels capture the essence of young love in its many forms. These 25 must-read books are best sellers that young readers and middle graders will love. These page-turning stories are perfect for a young adult book club too! If you are anything like me and love a page-turning series to latch onto, this blog has endless recommendations for a perfect match of classic books to popular series and more!
Perfect for budding romantics and book lovers, these young adult books ensure a mix of fun, drama, and inspiration. These swoon-worthy ya romantasy books are more than just love stories—they’re about navigating life's twists and turns with courage, kindness, and hope. So grab a cozy blanket, find your favorite happy place reading nook, and dive into these enchanting tales that are sure to make you laugh, cry, and believe in love again. Be sure to swap titles and favorites with a best friend to identify the best young adult romance books for a summer reading guide and beyond!
25 Teen Romance Novels
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Lara Jean Covey’s love life gets an unexpected twist when her secret love letters are mysteriously sent out to her past crushes. Her carefully guarded emotions come to the forefront, forcing her to confront the boys she once loved, including her sister’s ex-boyfriend and the charming Peter Kavinsky. What begins as a fake relationship with Peter to save face turns into a journey of self-discovery and real feelings. With heartfelt moments and relatable characters, this story is a sweet exploration of young love, family dynamics, and self-confidence.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager living with cancer, meets Augustus Waters, a witty and charming survivor, at a support group. Their shared love for literature and life sparks a deep connection that takes them on a journey to Amsterdam to meet their favorite author. Amidst their struggles with illness, their love story is a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. This novel masterfully balances humor, heartbreak, and hope, leaving readers profoundly moved.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Anna Oliphant is reluctantly sent to a boarding school in Paris, where she meets the charismatic and handsome Étienne St. Clair. Despite his existing relationship, their friendship blossoms into something deeper as they navigate misunderstandings, cultural adventures, and personal growth. Set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, this story captures the magic of first love and self-discovery. It’s a charming, relatable tale of taking risks and finding where you truly belong.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Maddy Whittier has lived her entire life in a sterile environment due to a rare illness, but her world changes when she meets Olly, the boy next door. As their bond grows, Maddy begins to question the boundaries of her sheltered life and risks everything for a taste of the real world. Their relationship is both tender and transformative, challenging them to rethink their futures. Nicola Yoon’s novel blends romance with themes of courage, independence, and the complexities of love.
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Natasha and Daniel meet serendipitously in New York City, and their connection deepens over the course of a single, fateful day. Natasha, a Jamaican-American girl facing deportation, is pragmatic, while Daniel, a Korean-American dreamer, believes in destiny. Their differing outlooks create a dynamic, heartfelt story about love, cultural identity, and the impact of chance encounters. This beautifully written novel is a poignant exploration of how fleeting moments can change lives forever.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor, an unconventional girl with fiery red hair, meets Park, a music-loving boy, on the school bus. Their shared love for comics and mixtapes evolves into an unforgettable connection that helps them navigate family struggles and social pressures. Set in the 1980s, the story authentically captures the intensity and vulnerability of first love. Rainbow Rowell crafts a tender, bittersweet tale of finding solace and understanding in unexpected places.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon Spier’s life takes a dramatic turn when a classmate discovers his secret email exchanges with "Blue," an anonymous boy he’s fallen for. As Simon navigates high school, friendships, and coming out, his growing feelings for Blue bring both challenges and joy. This lighthearted yet poignant story emphasizes acceptance, identity, and the courage to be yourself. Becky Albertalli creates a heartwarming narrative filled with humor, authenticity, and swoon-worthy moments.
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
Lily scribbles lyrics on her chemistry desk, only to discover someone has written back, sparking an anonymous pen-pal relationship. As she exchanges notes with her mystery writer, she discovers unexpected depth and connection with someone she initially overlooked. This playful, engaging story blends humor, romance, and the thrill of discovering someone’s true self. Kasie West delivers a delightful tale about love, creativity, and embracing the unexpected.
Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Elle Wittimer is a die-hard fan of the sci-fi series Starfield and dreams of escaping her oppressive home life. When a cosplay contest offers a chance to meet the series’ lead actor, her life intersects with Darien Freeman, an actor struggling to prove himself. Through texts and shared fandom, they connect, unaware of each other’s true identities. This modern Cinderella story is a fun, geeky celebration of fandom, love, and finding your own happily ever after.
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Lina reluctantly spends the summer in Italy to honor her late mother’s last wish, discovering her mother’s old journal along the way. As she unravels secrets about her mother’s past, she also finds herself drawn to Ren, a charming local boy. With Tuscany’s picturesque landscapes as a backdrop, this story weaves together romance, family, and self-discovery. Jenna Evans Welch crafts a heartwarming tale of finding love and learning to embrace life’s adventures.
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
Stella and Will, both teens with cystic fibrosis, meet in the hospital and feel an instant connection. However, their condition requires them to remain physically distant, making their relationship bittersweet and challenging. As they defy boundaries to experience love and joy, their story highlights the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. This heart-wrenching yet inspiring young adult fiction novel reminds readers of the power of love even in the most difficult circumstances.
A Match Made in Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai
Simi Sangha reluctantly inherits her family’s matchmaking talent, and when she creates an app for her school, it takes off in unexpected ways. As her matchmaking gains popularity, complications arise, including a budding romance of her own. This lighthearted story is filled with cultural richness, humor, and a relatable exploration of self-identity. Nandini Bajpai creates a fresh, uplifting tale about family traditions, love, and following your heart.
Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith
Hugo, freshly dumped before a cross-country train trip, decides to go anyway, but with a new travel companion, aspiring filmmaker Mae. Together, they navigate quirky train passengers, personal dreams, and the possibility of love. Their journey is an exploration of self-discovery and the unexpected beauty of human connections. Jennifer E. Smith delivers a sweet, feel-good romance that’s both thoughtful and hopeful.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Dimple Shah is determined to focus on her career in tech, while Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic eager to meet the girl his parents have arranged for him. When they meet at a summer coding program, their clashing personalities evolve into an unexpected friendship and romance. This novel beautifully balances humor, cultural expectations, and the complexity of first love. Sandhya Menon crafts a refreshing, heartfelt tale of love and individuality.
We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Quinn’s family runs a wedding planning business, and her complicated relationship with Tarek, a hopeless romantic, comes to the forefront during a summer of working together. Their witty banter and heartfelt moments unravel their insecurities and mutual feelings. This novel explores themes of love, anxiety, and finding one’s passion in life. Rachel Lynn Solomon’s story is both romantic and deeply relatable for teens.
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
Linh and Bao’s families own rival Vietnamese restaurants, and their feud has kept the teens apart for years. However, when a school project forces them together, they discover shared passions and an undeniable connection. This story is a heartfelt exploration of love, family loyalty, and cultural identity. Loan Le skillfully combines food, romance, and humor in a tale about following one’s dreams while embracing love.
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Pepper and Jack are rivals on social media, representing their families’ respective restaurants in a Twitter feud that goes viral. Unbeknownst to them, they’re also bonding anonymously on a school app. This clever, modern rom-com is packed with witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heartwarming moments. Emma Lord’s novel captures the chaos of modern technology while celebrating love and self-discovery.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Lou, a witch in hiding, is forced into an arranged marriage with Reid, a witch-hunting soldier. As they navigate their unlikely partnership, their growing feelings complicate their respective loyalties. This dark and magical romance is filled with danger, intrigue, and undeniable chemistry. Shelby Mahurin delivers a captivating tale of love, power, and redemption in a richly built fantasy world.
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
Becca and Brett fake a relationship to avoid questions about their personal lives but quickly realize their connection might be real. Both teens are grappling with personal challenges, and their romance becomes a safe haven. This sweet and simple story emphasizes themes of vulnerability, trust, and the unpredictability of love. Alex Light creates a lighthearted yet emotional journey of finding love when you least expect it.
Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram
After a life-changing accident, Ella reconnects online with her best friend, Cinder, who also happens to be a famous movie star. As their friendship deepens into romance, Ella faces the challenges of her new life and her feelings for Cinder. This modern twist on Cinderella is both heartfelt and empowering. Kelly Oram crafts a touching tale about self-acceptance, resilience, and finding love in unexpected places.
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Brittany Ellis, a seemingly perfect girl, and Alex Fuentes, a gang member, are paired in chemistry class and discover they’re more alike than they thought. Their forbidden romance challenges stereotypes and brings them closer as they navigate their differences. This emotionally charged story explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the power of love to overcome adversity. Simone Elkeles creates a gripping, passionate tale with unforgettable characters.
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Juliet writes letters to her deceased mother and leaves them at her grave, only to find someone responding to them. The mysterious exchange leads her to Declan, a boy with a troubled past, and they form an unexpected bond. This poignant story delves into grief, healing, and the redemptive power of love. Brigid Kemmerer’s writing is deeply emotional, blending romance with themes of forgiveness and hope.
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Hadley misses her flight to London and meets Oliver, a charming stranger, at the airport. Over 24 hours, their connection deepens, proving how love can strike at the most unexpected times. This delightful story is both romantic and introspective, exploring family relationships and new beginnings. Jennifer E. Smith creates a touching, fast-paced tale of love, fate, and serendipity.
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Bailey moves to California to live with her father and secretly meet Alex, an online friend she’s fallen for. Unbeknownst to her, Alex is actually Porter, her infuriating coworker at a local museum. This slow-burn romance is filled with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and personal growth. Jenn Bennett delivers a charming tale of identity, love, and taking risks.
The Selection by Kiera Cass
America Singer is thrust into a competition to win the heart of Prince Maxon, even though her heart belongs to someone else. As she navigates palace life, friendships, and rivalries, she discovers there’s more to Maxon than meets the eye. This dystopian romance combines royal intrigue, personal struggles, and the exhilaration of first love. Kiera Cass creates a captivating world where love and duty collide in this new favorite book.
From heartwarming contemporaries to swoon-worthy fantasies in the first book on this list to the true love in the rest, these 25 romance novels for teens offer something for every reader. Today's top books explore not only the joys and struggles of young love but also deeper themes like identity, resilience, and personal growth. Each story captures the essence of romance in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring for teens navigating their own journeys. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn romances, love triangles, or modern-day fairy tales, these books are sure to leave you smiling, dreaming, and believing in the power of love with any of these happy ending options. Whether you are shopping on Amazon, heading to a local bookshop, or going to search your local library for these new stories, you cannot go wrong. Find new favorite authors in any of these favorite
Romance novels for teens offer more than just tales of first love—they provide a safe space to explore emotions, relationships, and the challenges of growing up. The books on this list represent a diverse array of voices and experiences, ensuring every reader finds something to connect with. Whether you're swooning over a fictional crush or reflecting on your own journey, these novels remind us of the magic and complexity of young love. Happy reading!
