Stories That’ll Steal Your Heart: Our Top 25 YA Romance Books

Few things capture the magic of being a teenager quite like a YA romance. These stories aren’t just about first crushes and stolen glances—they’re about identity, belonging, heartbreak, and hope. And while YA romance is written with young readers in mind, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that readers of books in the Young Adult genre can just as easily be 47 years old as they can be 17. (After all, who doesn’t love a story that makes you swoon and ache in equal measure?)

That’s why we’ve asked writing coach and YA romantasy author Ella McLeod to share her ultimate guide to the very best YA romance books. From timeless favorites to fresh, genre-bending love stories, Ella has handpicked 25 novels that will spark joy, stir memories, and maybe even break your heart a little—before piecing it back together.

Whether you’re a writer eager to understand the heartbeat of YA romance, a teen looking for a story that feels true to life, or simply a reader who can’t resist a great love story, this list is for you. (If your interest is still in YA but you’re not feeling the romance angle quite so much, check out Ella’s list of the best YA books of all time.)

So grab your library card, dust off your tote bag, and make room on your TBR pile—because these are the YA romances you won’t want to miss.

I love romance novels. Not only are they often escapist and reassuring, with familiar tropes and endings ranging from happy to satisfying to cathartic, but they are also the grounds of sensitive, insightful, and evocative character studies. These are the great romances, the ones I’m drawn to, the ones I love to read—romances that push the boundaries of the genre, romances that invade comedy, fantasy, and historical fiction to make something fresh and new or execute the familiar to perfection.

When writing my debut novel, Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair, I wanted to root my story, which uses verse and fantastical elements, in the painful, warm, emotive reality of coming-of-age.

That meant messy friendships.

That meant the small ‘t’ trauma of emotional and physical change.

That meant romance.

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There is something about the high stakes of first love, and reading about that experience, that speaks to the overall raw vulnerability of adolescence. Writing the slow-burn romances of my debut and my second novel, The Map That Led To You, allowed me to find those granular details that really get readers kicking their feet and squealing.

‍The yearning. The tension. The perfect first kiss.‍

Simply put: I fell in love with love all over again.

Below you’ll find my list of delicious, delightful YA romances. I strived to include a diverse range of protagonists, subgenres, and tropes in these books, from enemies-to-lovers to fake dating. Believe me when I say I agonized over this list of titles—I consulted my fellow coaches, my friends, my fellow writers at large!

As I sit here, writing this introduction, I have Crazy Rich Asians on in the background (a romance favorite and frequent comfort watch). I’m watching the scene where Nick and Rachel get on the plane and Rachel realizes that Nick might be more than just ‘comfortable.’ While this is a more adult romance, adapted from the adult romance novel series by Kevin Kwan, it makes me think about those key moments that make for great romance writing—moments that show chemistry, surprise, and the potential for future conflict.

Add adolescent angst and the first-time effect, the inexperience of youth resulting in... well... decision-making that isn’t always the best, and you have the recipe for a scintillating YA romance story. So, without further ado, here is my list:

25 essential Young Adult romance books

Not For the Faint of Heart, Lex Croucher (2024)

Mariel, moody and out to prove herself as a leader within the Merry Men, is driven to honor the legacy of her legendary grandfather, Robin Hood. Clem, a healer with a flair for unconventional remedies and an irreverent sense of humor, prefers to look on the bright side of life.

When Mariel’s group kidnaps Clem, the two are forced together and set on a path that sees them attempting a daring rescue mission. As the Merry Men’s mission is called into question, Mariel starts to question her purpose, Clem begins to wonder if eternal optimism is the wisest way forward, and the two women grow closer in the face of danger.

Ella’s verdict: Lex Croucher’s most recent YA release is funny and rompy with top-tier yearning. This is one to inhale.

The Dos and Donuts of Love, Adiba Jaigirdar (2023)

Shireen Malik is still nursing the wounds of her recent breakup when she gets the exciting news that she’s been selected as a contestant on a popular new baking competition. Not only could the prize money change her life, but winning would also bring much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.

But the path to greatness, unlike a good batter, never did run smooth. Shireen discovers that her ex-girlfriend Chris is also competing, and added into the mix is Niamh, a sparky fellow contestant who quickly becomes a close friend—and maybe something more. It’s a recipe for drama as the stakes rise and tensions build in the kitchen.

Ella’s verdict: A love triangle AND baked goods? Perfection.

The Cruel Prince, Holly Black (2018)

Set in a dark, immersive world of Faeries, this romance fantasy novel (the first in the Folk of the Air series) follows Jude, a mortal girl who, along with her sisters, is taken to the Faerie realm after her parents are murdered by Madoc, a powerful faerie general. Jude dreams of gaining power in the dangerous, deceptive court of Faerie. Flying in the face of her ambition is Cardan, the cruel and arrogant faerie prince. As Jude navigates political intrigue, betrayal, and her growing feelings for Cardan, she must decide how far she’s willing to go for power.

Ella’s verdict: When we say enemies-to-lovers, we really mean it here. And yet, in this world of scheming and politics, what else could Jude and Cardan be? Holly Black takes tension to a whole new level and, dammit, it works.

Bitterthorn, Kat Dunn (2023)

Blumwald is a town plagued by an ancient curse, ruled by a monstrous Witch who dwells in a castle deep within the wild woods. Every generation, she claims a companion to take back with her. They are never seen again.

As the time draws near again, Mina, the lonely daughter of the duke, feels hopeless and trapped in her life. When the Witch demands her next companion, Mina volunteers, unaware of the nightmare that she is walking into. Trapped with her enigmatic captor, Mina uncovers dark secrets about the previous companions, learning that the truth may hold the key to her survival—or her demise.

Ella’s verdict: A dark, gothic, and sapphic love gem of a story. I was listening to the audiobook while shopping for food and had to stop in the middle of the supermarket to cry. A beautiful meditation on intimacy, loneliness, and the enduring power of love.

Heartstopper, Alice Oseman (2018)

A heartwarming graphic novel that follows the blossoming romance between Charlie, a shy, openly gay student, and Nick, a popular rugby player. After being paired together for a school project, Charlie and Nick form an unexpected friendship that gradually deepens into something more. As they navigate the complexities of their feelings, identity, and the challenges of high school life, both must confront their fears and insecurities.

Ella’s verdict: Heartstopper explores themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance with sensitivity and humor, making it a touching portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and personal growth for YA readers. Nick and Charlie’s blossoming romance will warm even the coldest of hearts. Talk about kicking your legs and squealing.

Only On the Weekends, Dean Atta (2022)

Fifteen-year-old Mack is a dreamer, shaped by the romantic films he’s always watched. He’s been in love with Karim for as long as he can remember, and when Karim finally becomes his boyfriend, it feels like a fairy tale come true.

But everything changes when Mack’s dad takes a job in Scotland, forcing them to move. The distance from Karim is unbearable, and Karim doesn’t visit nearly as much as he hoped. Then he meets Finlay, an actor on a film set, and feels an undeniable spark...

Ella’s verdict: Mack is messy. And that’s why we love him. Nothing speaks to the complicated, raw experience of adolescence like Atta’s verse.

Skin of the Sea, Natasha Bowen (2021)

With a richly built world and inspired by African mythology, this novel follows Simi, a young mermaid who serves as a Mami Wata, a spiritual being who guides the souls of the dead to the afterlife. When Simi encounters a dying boy, Kola, who is thrown overboard after a brutal shipwreck, she defies her duties and saves him. This act of mercy sets off a dangerous chain of events, as Simi must journey through the sea to face powerful gods and uncover dark secrets about her own identity.

Ella’s verdict: Nothing says ‘fantasy romance epic’ like the romantic tension created by two young people divided by duty and cast into the seas at the mercy of forces far greater than them. The sequel, Soul of the Deep, is just as swoon-worthy.

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han (2009)

Belly spends every summer at a beach house with her mother and her mother’s best friend’s family. Belly has always felt like an outsider, but this summer, everything changes. As she grows older, she becomes the object of affection of two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, who both have complicated feelings for her. The story follows Belly over a truly unforgettable summer as she navigates the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Ella’s verdict: An Amazon Prime-adapted silver screen sensation. There are love triangles and then there are love triangles with brothers... Scream!

Everything Everything, Nicola Yoon (2015)

Maddy has severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a rare condition that makes her allergic to the outside world. She’s confined to her home, living in isolation with her protective mother—but Maddy’s life changes when a new neighbor, Olly, moves in next door. The two begin an online friendship that slowly blossoms into a deeper connection. Despite her illness and the risks involved, Maddy longs for a life outside her bubble, and as she falls for Olly, Maddy must confront the truth about her condition, love, and the world she’s been confined to.

Ella’s verdict: Forbidden love at its best.

In the Shallows, Tanya Byrne (2024)

In the Shallows is a beautifully written sapphic second-chance romance filled with longing, mystery, and loss. Mara’s infatuation with Nico runs deep. Nico is wild and unpredictable and beautiful and quickly becomes everything to Mara, even though Mara isn’t sure if she’s ever been enough for Nico. But when Nico mysteriously disappears, Mara’s world is shattered.

On New Year’s Day, a girl is pulled from the sea. She remembers only her name—Nico—but nothing of what led her to the water. As fate reunites them, Mara and Nico face a second chance, but will their love survive the truth of Nico’s past?

Ella’s verdict: Byrne perfectly encapsulates the consumptive nature of teen infatuation, reminding us all why there is something special about YA romance. This one stuck with me, stays with me still.

All That’s Left in the World, Erik J. Brown (2022)

After a deadly pandemic wipes out most of humanity, Jamie is left armed and isolated in a cabin in the woods. His solitude is broken when an injured stranger, Andrew, stumbles into his life. Ready to defend himself, Jamie hesitates when he sees something in Andrew that stops him from pulling the trigger.

As they navigate a post-apocalyptic world, their bond deepens, evolving beyond friendship. Soon, they begin a journey through a devastated land where the boys face dangers at every turn. The world has fallen apart, and they must confront what remains—and what awaits them in the wreckage of what is left.

Ella’s verdict: Forced proximity with a dangerous twist. I read this book in one day, and the book hangover then lasted hundreds.

Forever, Judy Blume (1975)

Forever by Judy Blume follows Katherine, a high school senior, as she navigates her first serious relationship with Michael. As their connection deepens, they experience love, desire, and the complexities of growing up. Katherine is both excited and uncertain about their physical relationship, and she struggles with the emotional and social pressures surrounding sex.

Ella’s verdict: Utterly groundbreaking, this novel approaches Katherine’s discussions about sexuality as a matter of personal readiness, rather than presenting it as a moral conflict, and offers a candid and realistic portrayal of developing sexuality and romantic relationships. This was the first book to give me butterflies.

The Davenports, Krystal Marquis (2023)

Four ambitious young black sisters navigate love, identity, and ambition in a changing America. The Davenports, one of the wealthiest black families, owe their fortune to William Davenport, a former enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company.

Olivia, the eldest daughter, is set to marry until she meets Washington DeWight, a charismatic civil rights leader. Meanwhile, her younger sister Helen is more interested in fixing cars than romance—except when it comes to her sister’s fiancé. Amy-Rose, the sisters’ childhood friend and maid, dreams of starting her own business and marrying John Davenport, while Ruby, Olivia’s best friend, schemes to win his heart.

Ella’s verdict: Inspired by the real-life Patterson family, the novel explores their journeys toward independence, love, and self-discovery. For lovers of the Bridgerton series and Little Women, this tale is utterly delightful.

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green (2012)

Sixteen-year-old cancer patient Hazel Grace Lancaster meets Augustus Waters, a charming and witty cancer survivor. As their relationship develops, they confront the difficult realities of illness, loss, and what it means to truly live.

Ella’s verdict: This book is deeply emotional, thought-provoking, and heart-wrenching, becoming a beloved story for many teens. I vividly remember reading it as a teenager, sobbing on a sun lounger, only to glance over and see another girl my age doing the same. It’s been ten years and I’m still not over it.

Girl, Goddess, Queen, Bea Fitzgerald (2023)

Thousands of years ago, the gods claimed that Persephone, who was to be a prize-bride for the most deserving god, was kidnapped by Hades—but the real story is much more interesting. 

Persephone wasn’t taken to hell: she jumped. There was no way she was going to be married off to some smug god more in love with himself than her. Now all she has to do is convince the Underworld’s annoyingly sexy, arrogant, and frankly rude ruler, Hades, to go along with her plan—but consequences can be deadly, especially when you’re already in hell.

Ella’s verdict: Yes, Bea Fitzgerald is one of our YA writing coaches, but anyone who calls bias will have me to answer to. Girl, Goddess, Queen playfully subverts fake dating and forced proximity while delivering a masterclass in myth retelling. There’s a reason it won Fantasy Romance Novel of the Year 2024 at the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Awards.

Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston (2019)

A romantic comedy that follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. President, and Prince Henry of Wales. After a staged truce in their public rivalry to avoid a media scandal, Alex and Henry begin a secret relationship. As their romance deepens, they must navigate the complexities of family, duty, and politics.

Ella’s verdict: Set against the backdrop of a charged political environment, this story explores themes of identity, love, and self-acceptance. Filled with humor, heart, and chemistry, Red, White & Royal Blue is a celebration of love—and hot as hell.

Along for the Ride, Sarah Dessen (2009)

Auden has always felt like an outsider, retreating into her studies after her parents’ divorce and avoiding the social scene. But when she moves to her father’s house for the summer, she decides to make a change. She steps into a world of beach parties, spontaneous fun, and new experiences. As Auden learns to open up, she meets a mysterious boy with a troubled past, and she begins to discover who she really is—and what it means to truly belong.

Ella’s verdict: A timeless summer classic. That’s all.

Twilight, Stephenie Meyer (2005)

Life changes ‘unconditionally and irrevocably’ (if you know, you know) for Bella Swan when she falls for Edward Cullen, a mysterious vampire. As their relationship deepens, Bella must navigate the dangers of the supernatural world, including the constant threat posed by other vampires. Edward’s desire for Bella intensifies, complicated by his struggle to resist the urge to drink her blood.

Ella’s verdict: This book sparked a trend of brooding, complex male love interests in YA fiction, giving new life to the perennially popular ‘I want him, but I shouldn’t’ dynamic. There’s so much to say about Twilight’s place in the romance space, but I always think about the timeline. All in all, Bella and Edward only spend under two weeks in each other’s company in the book—and yet the dialogue, the intensity of the yearning while they’re apart, and the high stakes are so compelling that you never for a second doubt their chemistry. Flowers must be given.

Love Radio, Ebony LaDelle (2022)

Prince Jones is the charismatic host of the Love Radio show, offering relationship advice while his own love life is far less exciting. That changes when he meets Dani Ford, a driven young woman with big plans to move to New York and pursue her dream of becoming a writer.

Still haunted by a past event, Dani has no interest in romance. But when she and Prince cross paths, chemistry sparks between them. Unwilling to lose focus, Dani challenges Prince to prove he’s worth her heart, giving him just three dates to show he’s serious about winning her over.

Ella’s verdict: Nothing gets me like a ‘he falls first’ romance. Obsessed.

They Both Die at the End, Adam Silvera (2017)

At just past midnight on September 5, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio receive calls from Death-Cast: they’re both going to die that day.

They both log onto the app ‘Last Friend,’ seeking companionship from someone who understands. Through it, Mateo and Rufus connect, embarking on an unforgettable journey together. With just one day left to live, they set out to make the most of their time, sharing experiences, forming a bond, and making enough memories to last the lifetime they won’t get.

Ella’s verdict: All of the heartbreaking inevitability of Romeo & Juliet with the paciness that makes Adam Silvera’s writing so distinct. He finds a thousand ways of detailing loss, each more devastating than the last. The protagonists aren’t perfect—and perhaps that’s why this story almost is.

If You Come Softly, Jacqueline Woodson (1998)

A poignant novel about the deep and forbidden love between two teenagers, Ellie, a Jewish girl, and Jeremiah, a black boy. Despite their differences in race and background, they form an intense, genuine connection. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, they also face the harsh realities of a society rife with racial prejudice.

Ella’s verdict: Their love story unfolds with beauty and tenderness, but the world around them is unforgiving. One for the ages.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, Louise Rennison (1999)

This book follows the hilarious and chaotic life of Georgia Nicholson, a 14-year-old girl living in England. Georgia is navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, including crushes, embarrassing moments, and family drama. She’s desperately trying to figure out how to get the attention of the fit new boy Robbie, who happens to be dating her nemesis Lindsay, while dealing with her eccentric relatives, including her embarrassing parents and annoying little sister.

Ella’s verdict: Georgia is funny and flawed, and her relationship woes are such an accurate presentation of teenage girlhood, whining and all, that despite this book being nearly 30 years old, it still feels as relevant as when it was first published.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Sáenz (2012)

Aristotle ‘Ari’ Mendoza and Dante Quintana form an unlikely and life-changing friendship in 1987 El Paso. Narrated by Ari, the novel delves into themes of identity, sexuality, and coming to terms with oneself. It captures Ari’s journey of self-discovery, his complex family dynamics, and his growing feelings for Dante.

Ella’s verdict: Utterly luminous.

Four Eids and a Funeral, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar (2024)

Said Hossain and Tiwa Olatunji can’t stand each other. Once inseparable as children, they haven’t spoken in years, ever since the thing that happened all those Eids ago. But when Said returns for a funeral, and the local Islamic Center burns down, they’re forced to confront one another again.

Both are determined to help rebuild the center, while Tiwa wants to unite her fractured family and support her community, and Said wants to add the project to strengthen his art school application and follow his dream of becoming an artist. Working together is tough, but could it change everything?

Ella’s verdict: Who doesn’t love an enemies-to-lovers romcom? Modern and hilarious.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute, Talia Hibbert (2023)

Bradley Graeme seems to have it all—he’s a star football player, academically successful, and manages his OCD well. But there’s one person he can’t seem to get along with: his ex-best friend, Celine Bangura. Celine, obsessed with conspiracy theories, has a loyal following online but still struggles to fit in with the popular crowd. She holds a grudge against Brad, who left her behind years ago for the ‘in-crowd.’

When they both sign up for a survival course, they must work together to win a prize, confronting their past along the way. As they reconnect, could their old friendship evolve into something more?

Ella’s verdict: A friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance novel with the wittiest dialogue. No one does romance like Talia Hibbert (and you can read her top tips on how to write romcoms just like this one!).

What can we learn from teen romance books?

So! Now that we’re acquainted with the crème de la crème, it’s time to think about what we can learn from these stories.

Teen romance is so enduringly popular because adolescence is chock-full of first romances, and romance is never more intense than when it happens for the first time. Whether it’s navigating a scheming faerie court or an equally scheming high school, there is a degree of psychological warfare that also feels pretty present within teen literature.

Coming up with your own YA romance idea

Why not use some of these texts as writing prompts?

• Take the competition format of The Dos and Donuts of Love and see what fresh ideas you can come up with with character versus character.
• Start your story with a ‘new girl in town for the summer,’ like Along for the Ride.
• If you’re writing romantasy, explore the ways in which the fantasy can be made an inextricable part of the romance narrative, like the link between Edward’s desire for Bella and his thirst for her blood in Twilight.

Above all, think about how the individual, personal development of your protagonist(s) works alongside the development of the romance. Does the satisfaction of a happily-ever-after speak to them finding themselves, like in Only On the Weekends? And how is the rest of the character’s world resolved alongside this? Like in Bitterthorn, a true romance novel should leave your readers feeling like the resolution of the relationship plays some part in the resolution of the world around it—whether that’s a school, a family, or a whole fantasy universe.

At the end of the day, all you need is love.

Write your novel with coaching from Ella McLeod

If you’re writing romantasy or YA fiction and would appreciate some experienced guidance from an award-nominated published author, Ella is an encouraging and insightful writing coach who can help you on your way. Find out more about how you can work one-on-one with Ella on your own story.

‍Wherever you are on your writer’s journey, we can offer the complete pathway from coming up with an idea through to ‘The End.’ With personal coaching, live classes, and step-by-step self-paced lessons to inspire you daily, we’ll help you complete your book with our unique one-hour-a-day method. Learn from bestselling authors and publishing editors to live—and love—the writer’s life. Sign up and start today. The Novelry is the famous fiction writing school that is open to all!