Looking for a good YA romance? A young adult novel to cuddle up with to read for Valentine’s Day? From slow-burn romances to swoon worthy love interests, there are some of the most romantic young adult books I have read:
Exile for Dreamers by Kathleen Baldwin
This is book 2 in the School for Unusual Girls series, and while Tess’s romance was simply hinted at previously, here it absolutely flowers, and I was smitten. Love interest Lord Ravencross is a bit gruff but quite protective–yet Tess also pulls her own and never lets anyone treat her as too delicate or helpless. Baldwin excels at getting readers invested in the romances of her characters.

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Written in compellingly beautiful prose, The Star-Touched Queen brings readers to a world where fates are written in the stars and hints of magic drift throughout the human world. Protagonist Maya has never liked what the stars say about her, however, until a mysterious suitor teaches her to reinterpret their prophecy, rather than attempt to rebel against it. Together the two have to trust it is their fate to belong to each other. The Star-Touched Queen is fantasy romance nearly at its finest.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
One of my favorite contemporary romances, this story is brimming with heart. Jace and Samantha’s relationship grows slowly and naturally, leading to a romance in turns sweet and just a little bit sensual. Additionally, readers are introduced to Jace’s large family, and his younger brothers and sisters will win readers’ hearts as easily as Jace does (especially George!). A highly recommended read that offers just the right blend of fun and thought-provoking themes.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
The romance–and the two characters in it–is really the high point of A Curse So Dark and Lonely. It’s been a while since I read a novel where I was so invested in the romance, captivated as I watched the two characters come closer together slowly but surely, hesitant to trust each other but hoping they could–and then that the trust would turn into something more. This is a lovely, slow burn romance that builds over the course of the novel and brings the readers right along with it.

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer
A slow-burn fairy tale retelling that had me riveted and is one of those rare books that reminds of me of exactly how compelling and original retellings can be. This is a uniquely beautiful story featuring characters who fall in love with each other’s best qualities.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
I put the whole series instead of picking just one book because, starting with Cinder, they are ALL pretty romantic, And while the books are often predicable, that’s what sort of lovely about them; one can’t wait to see one’s favorite couples get together (and, uh, defeat evil, etc. and all that other stuff going on in the plot….)

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Lola Nolan is happy. She has a fun job at the local movie theatre, a hot rocker boyfriend, and a blooming talent for creating clothes (or, in her words, costumes). Her peace is shattered, however, when the Bells move back in next door. Lola would love to keep hating Cricket Bell for leaving her two years ago, but with his growth spurt, his sense of style, and his determination to charm her, she might find that difficult.

Kissing in America by Margo Rabb
A provocative, thoughtful story about what it means to love and what it means to be a friend, Kissing in America follows sixteen-year-old Eva as she journeys across the country to pursue a romantic relationship. She quickly learns, however, that real life is both unlike and yet unexpectedly similar to the steamy romance novels she likes to read.

Opposite of Always by Justin Reynolds
Reynolds’s debut asks readers what they would do and what they would sacrifice for the people they love–and also shows the magic of reliving one’s love against from the first butterflies. (Full review coming on the blog Feb. 2021.)

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Can two people really fall in love in the course of a single day? I would generally say no, but Yoon does a great job of convincing me it could happen, as she brings her characters on whirlwind adventures throughout New York City.
Looking for more? Check out 14 Adorable YA Romances to Read for Valentines Day! Or try our flow chart to see Which Romantic Classic You Should Read Next.
I’m always looking for something good to read and these all sound great. Thanks for your suggestions!
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I hope you enjoy some of them!
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I’ve only read My Life Next Door from this list 😅 But I will be trying to read some of these this year!
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I hope you get to some of them! There are just so many books to read!
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True! Thank you so much for this list! 💖💕
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all the romances in the lunar chronicles are just ❤ ❤ ❤
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Sometimes I wish I could reread the series for the first time just to experience them that way again!
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Cool list! I just read echo north- so good!!! And I also really want to read star touched queen.
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I loved Echo North! I really need to read more of her books.
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I enjoyed The Sun is Also a Star, for the most part, I didn’t love the insta-love but enjoyed the rest of the story.
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Yeah, I did like that the character at least didn’t actually get together at the end. They just had a fun day together!
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I think the fact that they had fun is such an important aspect of the book that got overlooked.
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I’m excited to read A Curse so Dark and Lonely and the Lunar Chronicles!
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And you’re in luck because the whole A Curse So Dark and Lonely trilogy is out now!
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It would be so easy to say that I totally waited for the whole series to be out before reading but really I am just drowning in my TBR and there’s no way out! LOL
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I enjoyed Star Touched Queen and Lunar Chronicles. Great list!
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I’m glad you liked them, too!
Thank you!
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I adored LOLA! I’d also suggest ANNA AND FRENCH KISS by the same author. Also really enjoyed THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR—especially the multi PoVs.
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Yes, I loved Anna, too! Isla let me down a bit, though, I admit.
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What a great list! A Curse So Dark and Lonely is definitely one of my favorite YA romances! I enjoyed The Star-Touched Queen, but have you read the sequel, Crown of Wishes? I liked that so much better … although, that might be because I prefer the enemies-to-lovers trope. xD Chokshi’s writing is amazing either way, though.
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I actually liked A Crown of Wishes much better, too, and I was even looking at the list the other day wondering why I hadn’t put it instead! 🤣
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I don’t read much romance these days but I love it when it’s kinda trinkling in next to the plot? I think that’s why I loved the Lunar Chronicles so much. The characters have so much going on and it’s not all just about romance but you still root for them to get their act together. You know, maybe I should just do a reread of the whole series again this year. 😀
I have to admit that I don’t know most of the others on your list but I take your word for them in the romance department. 😉
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Love this list! I’ve had my eye on The star touched queen and A curse so dark and lonely was such a good book! Love these recs 💞
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