Young adult romance books have captured the hearts of readers of all ages with their sweet, tender, and often angsty portrayals of first love. These stories offer a glimpse into the ups and downs of adolescent relationships, while also exploring deeper themes such as identity, friendship, and personal growth. Whether you’re a fan of lighthearted contemporaries or swoon-worthy paranormals, there’s something for everyone in the world of YA romance. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best YA romance books that will make your heart skip a beat and leave you rooting for the couples long after you finish reading.
List of Best YA Romance Books on Amazon charts
Divine Rivals: A Novel (Letters of Enchantment Book 1)
Author: Rebecca Ross
“Divine Rivals” by Rebecca Ross is a thrilling enemies-to-lovers young Adult romance book that follows the story of two young journalists, Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt, as they navigate a magical connection amidst a war among gods. Iris, determined to hold her family together despite her mother’s addiction and her brother’s disappearance, pursues a promotion at the Oath Gazette, where she crosses paths with Roman, her cold and handsome rival.
Through anonymous letters, the two forge a connection that takes them on a journey filled with hope, heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love. As they face the depths of hell and battle for their fate, Iris and Roman must confront their differences and work together to save humanity. With elements of Shadow and Bone and Lore, this epic fantasy novel is sure to captivate young adult readers with its unforgettable characters and unpredictable plot twists.
XOXO
Author: Axie Oh
“XOXO” by Axie Oh is a teen and young adult romance book that follows the story of Jenny, a talented cellist who falls for Jaewoo, a K-pop idol. Despite their mutual attraction, their relationship is complicated by Jaewoo’s strict no-dating policy and Jenny’s dreams of becoming a professional musician. As they navigate their feelings for each other, they must decide whether their love is worth risking everything they’ve worked for. Set in the glamorous world of K-pop, this modern romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo. With its strong female lead, swoon-worthy romance, and high-stakes drama, “XOXO” is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and emotional love story.
Once Upon A Quinceañera
Author: Monica Gomez-Hira
Carmen Aguilar’s summer is shaping up to be a total disaster. Stuck in an unpaid internship and forced to perform as a party princess in a sweltering ball gown, Carmen’s dreams of a happily ever after seem farther away than ever. But as she battles the heat, an annoyingly attractive ex, and a spoiled cousin trying to sabotage her quinceañera, Carmen may just find that her fairytale ending is waiting for her after all. Will she survive the summer with her sanity intact and her heart full of love? Find out in this hilarious and heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination.
Love & Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Join Lina on a sweeping adventure across Tuscany as she uncovers a magical world of romance, mystery, and self-discovery in this New York Times bestseller. After her mother’s passing, Lina reluctantly travels to Italy to fulfill her mother’s dying wish – to get to know her absent father. But as she delves deeper into her mother’s past, Lina discovers a hidden world of secret romances, art, and bakeries that inspire her to follow in her mother’s footsteps and unearth a long-kept secret. Alongside the charming Ren, Lina embarks on a journey that will change everything she thought she knew about her family and herself. Come for the love and gelato, stay for the adventure and discovery.
A Thousand Boy Kisses
Author: Tillie Cole
Rune Kristiansen thought he had found his soulmate in Poppy Litchfield, the girl he spent countless summers with in Blossom Grove, Georgia. But when he returned to Norway, Poppy suddenly cut off all contact, leaving Rune with a broken heart and a million questions. Two years later, Rune is back in Blossom Grove, determined to find out why Poppy disappeared from his life. But as he digs deeper, he discovers a shocking truth that threatens to shatter everything he thought he knew about their bond. Will Rune be able to forgive Poppy and themselves for the secrets they’ve kept? Can their love overcome the lies and misunderstandings that drove them apart?
Better Than the Movies
Author: Lynn Painter
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum has always had a crush on the unattainable Michael, but now that he’s back in town, she’s determined to get his attention and snag him as her prom date. Enter Wes Bennet, the annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor who’s been a thorn in Liz’s side since childhood. Despite their prank-filled history, Wes and Michael hit it off, making Wes Liz’s unlikely ticket to getting close to Michael. As Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed, Liz finds herself unexpectedly enjoying Wes’s company, forcing her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about love and what her ideal Happily Ever After should look like.
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The Summer of Broken Rules
Author: K. L. Walther
Meredith Fox is ready to rejoin the world after shutting everyone out following her sister’s death. The annual family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard seems like the perfect opportunity, especially since it includes the traditional Fox family game of Assassin. Determined to honor her sister’s memory and win the game, Meredith forms an alliance with a cute groomsman. However, as the week progresses, Meredith finds herself falling for him, putting both her heart and her chance at winning the game at risk.
If He Had Been with Me
Author: Laura Nowlin
Autumn and Finn were once inseparable, but a mysterious rift drove them apart. Now, they do their best to ignore each other, living separate lives. Autumn has a boyfriend, Jamie, and a tight-knit group of friends, while Finn has become the popular boy at school. Despite their divergent paths, Autumn can’t shake off the feeling that things could have been different between them. As the summer draws to a close and they prepare for the start of a new school year, Autumn must confront the possibility that their separation may have been a mistake. Will they find their way back to each other, or will they continue to live parallel lives, forever wondering ‘what if?
Field Notes on Love
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
When Hugo’s girlfriend dumps him and takes back the tickets for their planned train trip across America, he’s left with a non-refundable, non-transferable ticket and a broken heart. Enter Mae, an aspiring filmmaker who’s recently been rejected from her dream school and is looking for a fresh start. The two strangers team up for a cross-country adventure, hoping to escape their troubles and find some excitement. As they journey through the country, their initial convenience arrangement blossoms into something more. But when reality comes knocking, can they keep their feelings for each other on track?
See You Yesterday
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
College student Barrett Bloom is desperate for a fresh start after a disastrous high school experience. But when she arrives on campus, everything goes wrong: she’s embarrassed in front of her physics class, bombs her interview for the college paper, and accidentally sets a fraternity house on fire. Trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over, Barrett teams up with Miles, a fellow student who shares her predicament.
As they explore the mysterious underside of the university and go on thrilling adventures together, they start to fall for each other. But with each failed attempt to escape the time loop, they face an uncertain future: what will happen to their relationship if they ever make it to tomorrow?
My Life with the Walter Boys
Author: Ali Novak
After a tragic accident, high school student Jackie moves in with her guardians, the Walters, and their twelve sons. Struggling to adapt to their chaotic household and rural lifestyle, Jackie grapples with her desire for perfection and her need to honor her parents’ memory. As she gets to know the Walter boys better, she starts to question whether perfection is truly the key to happiness and love. This sweet YA romance follows Jackie’s journey toward self-discovery and finding her place among the people she least expects.
The Upside of Falling
Author: Alex Light
Becca Hart hasn’t believed in true love since her parents’ divorce shook her world. But when her ex-best friend taunts her for being single, Becca impulsively claims she’s been secretly dating someone. Football star Brett Wells overhears her lie and offers to play along, hoping to deflect attention from his own lack of a love life. As they act like the perfect couple, they start to see beyond their initial impressions and discover a deep connection. With their fake romance blurring the lines between reality and pretend, they must confront their past hurts and decide if their relationship is genuine or just a facade.
The Beginning of Everything
Author: Robyn Schneider
Ezra Faulkner, varsity tennis captain, and former homecoming king, thought he had it all until his girlfriend cheated on him and a car accident left him with a shattered leg. Enter Cassidy Thorpe, the unpredictable new girl who challenges Ezra’s status quo. In this witty and poignant coming-of-age tale, Schneider delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, identity, and the struggle to find one’s true self. With nods to classic literature and pop culture references galore, The Beginning of Everything is a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about embracing change and finding hope in unexpected places.
Last Chance Books
Author: Kelsey Rodkey
Madeline Moore is determined to protect her family’s independent bookstore from the threat of a new chain store, Prologue, and its charming employee, Jasper. A fierce rivalry ensues, with Madeline stopping at nothing to outsmart and outsell her competitor. But as the battle rages on, Madeline finds herself torn between her loyalty to her family’s business and her growing attraction to Jasper. Can she defeat the enemy and save her bookstore without losing her heart in the process?
Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Anna’s excited for her senior year in Atlanta, with a great job, a loyal BFF, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. But her plans are foiled when her dad sends her to boarding school in Paris. There, she meets Étienne St. Clair, the perfect boy – except he’s already taken. As Anna navigates a year of romantic near-misses, she must choose between pursuing her crush back home or taking a chance on love with Étienne in the City of Light.
Being Mary Bennett
Author: JC Peterson
Marnie Barnes has always felt like a misfit, but when she discovers she’s actually a Mary Bennet, she’s devastated. Determined to change her fate, Marnie enlists the help of her bubbly roommate and sets out to reinvent herself. Along the way, she meets new friends, a cute boy, and a lovable rescue pup named Sir Pat. As Marnie embraces her unique qualities and learns to love herself, she discovers that being a Mary Bennet isn’t so bad after all. In fact, it might just be the key to finding her happily ever after.
Love at First Spite
Author: Anna E. Collins
Interior designer Dani Porter has a plan for revenge against her cheating ex-fiancé: she’ll buy the vacant lot next to his house and build a vacation rental that will ruin his view and disturb his peace of mind. But as Dani dives headfirst into Project Spite House, she finds that her quest for vengeance may actually lead her to a newfound sense of purpose and happiness. Will Dani’s scheme succeed, or will it backfire spectacularly?
The Rebound
Author: Catherine Walsh
Abby Reynolds thought she had it all – a dream job, a beautiful apartment, and a handsome fiancé. But when she loses everything, she finds herself back in her hometown in rural Ireland, facing the music and trying to salvage her pride. Enter Luke Bailey, the boy next door who’s grown into a gorgeous man. Abby convinces herself that a fling with Luke will help her forget her troubles.
Things get complicated when she realizes he’s not just any stranger – he’s the boy she used to share baths with as a kid. And worse, he knows exactly who she is and that she’s single. Can Abby admit the truth to Luke and everyone else in town, or will she risk losing the one person who makes her feel alive again?
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Lara Jean Song has always kept her secret love letters hidden away in a hatbox, writing candidly about her feelings for each of the five boys she’s ever crushed on. But when the letters are accidentally sent out, Lara Jean’s quiet, imaginary love life becomes a chaotic reality. Suddenly, she’s juggling the affections of multiple boys, struggling to navigate her true feelings amidst the confusion and embarrassment. Will Lara Jean find a way to manage her unexpected love life, or will her secrets come back to haunt her?
The Library of Lost Things
Author: Laura Taylor Namey
Darcy Wells, a book-loving introvert, has always found solace in the stories she reads. But when Asher Fleet, a charming and mysterious young man, enters her life, she struggles to reconcile her fictional fantasies with the reality of their budding relationship. As she opens up to Asher, Darcy must confront the insecurities and fears that have held her back, and learn to embrace her own imperfect happily ever after. Will she find the courage to break free from her sheltered existence and take a chance on love, or will her fear of vulnerability keep her trapped in her own private world of fiction?
