I decided to put together a post containing the 10 best YA romance books, in my opinion.
I’m not someone who believes that celebrating love should be on a certain day of the year. Hence, this is not a post meant for Valentine’s Day, rather it is inspired by the holiday.
If you’re in a loving relationship, your love for each other needs to be nurtured every single day of the year.
But I’m not a complete Grinch, I do enjoy reading the occasional romance novel. The ‘grown-up’ version of romance novels is a bit juicier, but I like the Young Adult, or YA versions just as much.
For today’s post, I included the 10 best YA romance books to read, in my opinion.
10. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A cute teen rom-com that gives you major summer vacation vibes. If you’re like me and haven’t been in school for a number of years, this book will make you reminisce about fun summer school breaks that were meant for fun and innocent love. Easy to read, it makes the perfect beach or vacation read. Lose yourself in a breezy, uncomplicated story that will allow you to escape your daily hustles.
9. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
A few years ago, this book was all the rage in the YA category. A fun-loving romance novel about a girl, Lara Jean, who writes letters to her secret crushes and keeps them hidden under her bed. We’ve all been there during our youth when our feelings are so strong yet we were afraid to express them openly. Most young girls can totally relate to this easy-going rom-com.
8.PS I Still Love You by Jenny Han
This is the second book by Jenny Han, following To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. In this sequel, Lara Jean learns what it feels like to be in a real relationship. But when a boy from her past returns, so do her feelings. She will have to decide how to deal with those feelings and the consequences of her choices.
7. Always and Forever by Jenny Han
This is the last book in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. Lara Jean is heading off to college the following year and her senior year of high school seems very promising. But life happens and after she gets some unexpected news, she has to alter her plans. Will she listen to her head, or follow her heart?
6.Anna K by Jenny Lee
Anna K is a mash-up of a classic story and a modern tale. Think of Anna Karenina and Gossip Girl blended into a contemporary romance that takes place amongst the privileged New York elite. Korean-American Anna K’s parents are wealthy, and she grew up surrounded by shopping sprees and lavish parties. She has a perfect life and the perfect boyfriend, until Count Vronsky waltzes into her life. Then her seemingly perfect world is turned upside down.
5. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
When you’re looking for teen romance books, Sarah Dessen certainly delivers. She wrote a few great books to choose from, but this one is one of her best. Macy starts working in the library for the summer, and her boyfriend breaks up with her via email. Heartbroken, she meets Wes. She’s not in a great place after her father’s passing and being dumped by a boy she thought she loved, but Wes manages to make her move on and see the bright side of things.
4. Eleanor & Park
A most unusual love story between two awkward teenagers, Eleanor & Park is a very well-written, sweet romance novel for young adults. The two misfits meet in school, and their dialogue drew me into this cute story. The way the author developed the relationship between these two characters was a slow progression that was both healthy and mature for their age. One of my favorite YA books in a long time, I recommend you read this if you want a strong character development book with a side of romance.
3. The Fault in Our Stars
If you haven’t taken the time to read this book yet, please do so. It is not your typical teenage romance book, but it is so good! It is a sad love story, but one that gives you hope and makes you realize that we should all live life to its fullest. I must warn you, there are some mixed reviews on Goodreads, and some people feel very strongly about the book – both positive and negative. I liked the book but did not absolutely love it, although I do recommend you read it and form your own opinion.
2. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
This can be considered a YA romance novel, even though it is aimed at a slightly more mature audience. The book is a feel-good love story between Louis Clarke and Will Traynor, the ex-master of the Universe. After a terrible accident Will is bound to a wheelchair, and he’s become moody and pretty unpleasant to be around. But Louisa’s sunny disposition and down-to-earth personality make Will fall in love with her. The movie starring Emilia Clarke is a cute, well-done adaptation to watch.
1. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
This book is so cute, it gives you butterflies in your stomach while reading it. Set in Italy, the book transports you to a different land. It is not only about sweet love and young romance but also about appreciation of the popular Italian Gelato. If you’ve never been to Italy you might not understand, but their ice cream really does taste better than anywhere else in the world.
The story follows Lina, a young girl who’s heading to Italy to meet her father as her mother’s dying wish. There, she falls in love with the gelato, but she discovers so much more about life and love. This is a cute summer read that makes you feel good while imagining yourself walking the streets of Italy.
Concluding Words
There are a lot more Young Adult romance books out there, but these eight should get you started if you’re looking to read this genre. They all have something to offer if nothing more than a few hours of entertainment.
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