Romance books for teens
Teen romance books capture the thrill and awkwardness of first love: crushes, friendship, identity, family rows, school pressure and all the growing-up stuff that arrives at once. At their best, they are not just about who ends up with whom. They give teenage readers stories that feel close to home, while gently opening up questions about respect, trust, boundaries and confidence. For many readers, that mix of comfort, escape and recognition really matters. This list features books by This list features books by Jenny Han, Jason Reynolds, Marissa Meyer, Casey McQuiston, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Axie Oh, Lex Croucher, L. C. Rosen, Abdi Nazemian, and Christine Pillainayagam.
Romance books for teens – our recommendations
Eternally Yours by Anika Hussain
Poppy wants a place for her mum at an exclusive matchmaking agency, and not a summer of romance complications. But when her ex-boyfriend Salman turns up at the same workplace, he starts planning dates for other people and forces them to revisit what went wrong. A warm-hearted second-chance YA romance for 12+ readers, the relatable yet fun story is driven by family hopes, awkward humour and unresolved feelings.
Bridget and Gabe Are Not Okay by Lex Croucher
Camelot has survived a battle but not the aftermath, with King Gabriel hiding panic attacks in cupboards and Bridget unable to find her confidence in the lists. A funny, addictive choice for 12+ year-olds, this fabulous sequel follows the fractured court onto a disastrous PR tour involving rumours of the Holy Grail, the Questing Beast and the Green Knight, while Gabriel and Bridget try to understand exactly what love and duty now ask of them. Highly recommended.
Evie in Venice by Bruna De Luca
When seventeen-year-old self-taught artist Evie travels to Venice for an art exchange, her parents mistakenly think she is safely on a science trip. For 12+ year-olds, this addictive summer romance story blends art, family deception, an online crush and an awkward creative partnership with Leonardo, the host family’s son, against a summer setting of museums, canals and carnival colour. It’s perfect holiday reading for teens.
A Flood of Memories by Nadia Mikail
Flood season pulls Leila back from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak, where she must help her Mak and face the memories she has avoided since her father’s death. For 12+ year-old YA readers, this brilliant novel brings together an enchanting and life-affirming story of family trauma, control, grief and first love, as Leila is forced to weigh Arthur’s support against what it might cost her. Highly recommended – it’s a great contemporary pick for KS3 and KS4 libraries.
I’m Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers
Legacy Weekend brings Clara Suarez and Reid Rousseau back into each other’s orbit, with a hidden injury, a film-school project and an anonymous social media account stirring up old scandals. A sharply written second-chance romance for 13+ year-olds, it blends small-town secrets, friendship fallouts and revenge with the unfinished feelings left by a painful breakup. It’s a compelling read for KS4 teens.
Fake Out Make Out by Kate Williams
Charlie Ross was a champion runner before chronic illness forced her away from competition and into a job at FIRE, a sports logistics company doubling as a hush-hush espionage operation. This 18+ new adult romance mixes international sport, covert missions, stolen arms, forced proximity and a guarded spy-handler who does not want Charlie anywhere near the danger. It’s a compelling brew of secrets and romance.
The Beckett Effect by Nashae Jones
Wren Richardson wants Beckett Lane exposed! After he humiliates her younger sister at a house party and the video spreads across school, she teams up with his ex-girlfriends to make a documentary about him. Revenge looks straightforward until Wren gets closer to Beckett and starts doubting the negative story she is telling. Set in a Virginia high school, this unceasingly exciting, bingeworthy page-turner YA novel for 12+ year-olds blends dark revenge romance, fake dating and an enemies-to-lovers storyline. Highly recommended for KS4 school libraries.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Graphic Novel Edition) by Jenny Han, adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez, illustrated by Akimaro and Li Lu
Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Covey keeps five secret love letters in a hatbox from her mother, one for each boy she has loved. The letters hold everything she cannot say aloud and are meant for her eyes only. But when they are mysteriously mailed, private feelings become public, and Lara Jean has to face the dire consequences of a love life that was supposed to stay imaginary. A gloriously bingeworthy graphic novel version of Jenny Han’s modern romantic classic, with gorgeous, swoon-worthy artwork by Akimaro and Li Lu. Highly recommended for secondary school libraries.
Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon
When Seyoon enters the reality TV reboot of ‘Forest Feud’ for a massive cash prize, she cannot anticipate how quickly the show will become more than a survival contest. After she forms an alliance with Dean Parker, producers push them into a couple storyline for ratings, even though only one contestant can win. Alternating viewpoints and confessional-style transcripts drive this reality TV drama built on issues of trust, pressure, spin and rivalry. It’s perfect for 14+ year-olds to read in one sitting.
A Beautiful Evil by Bea Fitzgerald
Created by the gods on Olympus and given in marriage to Epimatheos, Pandora enters a life arranged entirely by others. When he rejects her, she is left trying to understand why she was made and decide what her gifts are meant to do. As she and Matheos search for answers, Prometheus’s warning casts their relationship in darker terms, tying it to humanity’s doom. Told from Pandora’s viewpoint, this distinctive and clever myth reimagining for 13+ year-olds retells Pandora’s story through the lens of feminism, marriage and prophecy. Highly recommended.
Ask Me Anything by Bethany Rutter
Back for her second year in London, Mary-Elizabeth is juggling lectures with writing an advice column for the campus magazine. She is drawn to Felix, the sharp-eyed editor, but keeps butting heads with Laurie from the rival paper. Between late-night parties, shifting friendships and simmering rivalries, she has to figure out who is really on her side. In this binge-worthy contemporary romance for 14+ readers, Bethany Rutter sets her edgy drama in the world of student media, where problem pages mix with messy feelings and blurred loyalties. It is a highly recommended guilty pleasure for KS4 book clubs.
Sad Girl Hours by Anna Zoe Quirke
Saffron, a university student living with seasonal affective disorder, hides her struggles while trying to keep up with her coursework. She meets Nell, an autistic poet with POTS who thrives in autumn and winter, and the two begin ticking off a seasonal bucket list together. As their connection deepens, both navigate challenges around mental health and identity. Told from both viewpoints, this distinctive YA romance for 13+ year-olds weaves in representation of depression, autism, chronic illness and diverse sexualities, celebrating love, friendship and self-acceptance. Highly recommended.
Love on Sight by Asli Jensen
Set over a single summer on a London estate, this stunning YA debut follows Sabrina, a top student with big plans, and Jalaal, caught between loyalty and survival. Told through both their eyes, it explores the weight of family, culture, class, and faith as they try to find their own paths. Written by the Lime New Storyteller 2023 winner Asli Jensen, it’s grounded in genuine experience of inner-city life. It’s a sharp, heartfelt story of first love, tough choices, and hope, which 16+ year-olds will relate to. If your GCSE group is struggling with Romeo and Juliet, Love on Sight is ideal companion reading. Highly recommended.
Run Away with Me by J. L. Simmonds
After finding her stepfather dead, Jessie bolts from Seattle and ends up on the run with Brooke – a classmate, a Mustang, and no clear plan. With the police on their tail, they tear across back roads and nowhere towns, dodging danger and finding unexpected kindness. As their connection deepens, so do the risks. It’s a memorable, fast and gritty debut that digs into identity, trust, and figuring out who you are when everything falls apart. For 12+ year-olds. Highly recommended.
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
Set against the backdrop of 1989 New York, this powerful coming-of-age novel follows Reza, a closeted Iranian teen trying to make sense of who he is during the height of the AIDS crisis. While dating Judy, he finds himself drawn to her best friend Art – out, fearless, and the only openly gay student at school. As the three become involved in activism, the story explores friendship, identity, grief and hope at a time of fear and urgent change. Moving, unforgettable and highly recommended for 13+ year-olds.
Not That Kind of Hero by Alexia Casale
When Orla earns a spot on a prestigious drama course, she soon finds herself struggling to juggle her new passion with family responsibilities. Surrounded by more experienced peers, her journey gets even trickier when she starts to develop feelings for fellow student Cass. This heartfelt story explores self-discovery, the universal challenges of teen life, and balancing relationships, personal growth and ambition. Highly recommended for KS3 and KS4 students.
Solo by Grainne O’Brien
Daisy’s life revolves around music – until heartbreak and family struggles throw her off key. Drifting from her twin brothers and reeling from a breakup, she loses her creative spark. Then comes Flora, a new friend who helps her find harmony again. But with her father’s illness weighing heavy, Daisy has to face what’s ahead. Told in absorbing verse with a rhythm that mirrors her journey, Solo is a sparkling story of friendship, loss, and finding your way back to yourself. Highly recommended for KS4.
Something More by Jackie Khalilieh
Fifteen-year-old Jessie hopes for a fresh start at her new school. Recently diagnosed as autistic, she decides to keep it to herself – determined to nail the whole high school experience, from friendships to romance. But fitting in isn’t as simple as she’d hoped. As she wrestles with identity, expectations, and self-acceptance, Jessie’s heritage and personal challenges shape her journey in this distinctive coming-of-age story about belonging and being yourself.
While We’re Young by K. L. Walther
In While We’re Young, Grace, Isa, and Everett ditch school for a senior skip day in Philadelphia, hoping to repair their strained friendships. Grace secretly has feelings for Everett, who used to date Isa, while Isa’s been seeing Grace’s brother, James. Amid wedding crashes and cheesesteak taste tests, their emotions and secrets spill out. A YA romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, it’s a fun and heartfelt dive into love, grief, and self-discovery.
Loverboy by Ben Tomlinson
In Loverboy, Alfie tackles the messy world of teenage romance. When his crush, Maya, starts dating someone else, Alfie turns to her quiet best friend, Gwen, but soon finds himself falling for her too. As his feelings get all tangled up, he makes a big mistake. This funny and relatable teen romance captures the chaos of love, friendship, and figuring out who’s right for you, all with plenty of heart and humour.
Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon
River Langston-Lee’s life unravels after walking out of his exams, losing his girlfriend and quitting his job, leading him to work at the struggling Bingsu for Two, a Korean café. There, he meets Sarang Cho, a goth co-worker with a no-nonsense attitude. When their viral antics spark a fake romance to save the café, River is thrown into a whirlwind of fame, family drama, and tough decisions about love and self-identity. With humour, heart, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, this book offers a delightful, chaotic journey. Highly recommended.
Red Flags by Sophie Jo
Poppy and Cam are two teens who aren’t exactly sold on commitment. They reluctantly agree to a dating challenge: Poppy won’t obsess over flaws, while Cam promises to stick with his next relationship (no “ick” allowed). As they navigate dating, they try to figure out what’s a real red flag and what’s just a minor annoyance. A funny, sharp YA read, Red Flags is perfect for fans of Holly Bourne and Jenny Han. We think it will be a big hit with 12+ year-old readers.
Soulmates and Other Ways to Die by Melissa Welliver
Imagine that everyone has a perfect love match somewhere on the planet. But there’s a catch – if they die, you die too. This rollercoaster dystopian thriller for 14+ year-olds explores a world where gene mutation links individuals to soulmates, with deadly consequences. Control freak Zoe doesn’t want to die, so she sets out to find a cure for the genetic mutations when she finds out her match is the risk-taking Milo Spencer. Covering themes of science, romance and mortality, this is not just a cracking summer term read, but also a powerful prompt for philosophical discussions in KS4. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer
Jude just wants to focus on escaping from high school life – through Dungeons & Dragons role-playing, comic drawing and working in a record store. But suddenly the stars align after he rolls a magical die and his future is left looking perfect. That is until he loses the die and his good luck drains away. Will his love life survive? We think Meyer’s deft storytelling, relatable characters and situations will make ‘With a Little Luck’ a cracking book to read in one sitting for 14+ year-olds.
Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet by Molly Morris
In Lennon, California, every decade, one person is brought back to life for a fleeting thirty days. Wilson Moss is determined to revive her former friend Annie, and unexpectedly she succeeds. Amidst the eerie backdrop of a conservative small town, Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet spins a captivating tale that explores a friendship triangle, tension and the supernatural. Morris skilfully blends mystery, drama, and heart into a captivating story.
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds follows Neon Benton as he looks back on what led up to the pivotal moment in his relationship with Aria Wright. Through a reverse timeline, Neon deals with his nerves and seeks advice from his family and friends. Suitable for 14-year-olds, this cathartic and immediate narrative addresses themes of intimacy, love, and personal growth. A startling splash of authentic 2020s teen romance, Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is a must-have for every KS4 school library.
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Former friends Tiwa and Said reunite to save their Islamic Centre from demolition and face personal challenges along the way. Tiwa appreciates the centre’s importance to the community, but Said has a secret reason. Their story, rich with cultural depth and family conflict, will appeal to 12+ year-olds. Highlighting themes of friendship, identity, and community resilience with a deftly light touch, this refreshingly original romance is bound to be a popular summer term read for KS3 and KS4 students. Highly recommended.
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner
Set in Regency-era England, I Shall Never Fall in Love follows George, who hides their gender identity while managing the family estate, and Eleanor, their best friend who’s facing pressure to find a husband. The close-knit friendships come under strain as George and Eleanor struggle with unspoken feelings in the face of an unaccepting society. This compelling graphic novel with detailed illustrations and nuanced characters includes themes of love, identity, empathy and history. Inspired by Jane Austen, this fresh, queer, slow-burn graphic novel romance is Bridgerton meets swoon-worthy Gentleman Jack for 2020s teens.
The Virtue Season by L.M. Nathan
Friends to lovers, forced proximity and forbidden romance swirl together in this sharply written dystopian world where choice, freedom and women’s rights are curtailed. 18-year-old Manon Pawlak is set for a genetic matching process called The Virtue Season. But her best friend Agatha, marked by a scar due to seizures, faces ‘decommissioning’. The startling novel uniquely blends dystopian narratives with romance and social commentary. Your KS4 book clubs won’t run out of discussion points after reading The Virtue Season.
Emmett by L. C. Rosen
This TikTok generation LGBTQ+ respin of Emma blends Jane Austen’s cutting class commentary with the aspirational and glamorous romance of Bridgerton. Handsome and clever, Emmett finds himself entangled in matchmaking when his friend-with-benefits, Harrison, seeks a boyfriend. Despite vowing not to date before the age of 25, Emmett explores the complexities of love and loss through a modern queer lens.
Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
Chronic overachiever Prudence Barnett finds herself with the power of instant karma – which she doesn’t hesitate to use on those who deserve it. But her plans backfire when she targets her lazy lab partner Quint Erickson. Meyer’s contemporary YA novel, suitable for ages 14 and up, explores themes of ambition, ethics and vanity through a page-turning plot.
ASAP by Axie Oh
In this companion novel to XOXO, Sori, a K-pop hopeful, is caught between her mother’s expectations and her father’s political dreams. And she faces pressure to maintain a squeaky-clean public image. So when she offers her scandal-hit ex-boyfriend refuge, Sori must decide if a second chance at love is worth sacrificing her future for. Exploring parental expectations and dreams of fame, through the lens of a swoon-worthy second-chance love story, this YA romance is perfect for teen fans of K-pop culture.
Ancient Love Stories by Emily Hauser, illustrated by Sander Berg
Award-winning classicist Emily Hauser presents 11 inclusive tales of fearless queens and besotted emperors with themes of passion, jealousy, and longing in this eye-catching hardback illustrated by Sander Berg. Including retold versions of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, The Lovers of Pompeii, Zhuo Wenjun and Sima Xiangru, and Sappho, ‘Ancient Love Stories’ shows teens the power of love through classic storytelling. Ideal for secondary school libraries.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
When Shara Wheeler vanishes into thin air, it turns out she kissed a number of people before disappearing. And any one of them might hold the answer to the perplexing series of cryptic clues to her whereabouts. This deep dive into American high school culture features a plot more animated than a TikTok filter and dialogue sharper than your average boxcutter. Teens in KS3 and KS4 will be captivated by this clever YA novel – it’s an addictive and guilty pleasure to read in one sitting.
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
A hilarious and modern LGBTQ+ historical romance with a twist. Gwen and Art – two reluctant allies – face contemporary issues in a medieval world filled with knights, princesses, and political intrigue. With a witty writing style and engaging characters, this YA debut is a must-read for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Alice Oseman. Read Melanie Dillon’s review.
My Love Life and the Apocalypse by Melissa Welliver
With all the humans asleep after an apocalypse, the cities are being looked after by robots. But some robots are almost human and when Echo finds Pandora they are both searching for answers and meaning to their lives. This exhilarating read combines humour and romance with a dark, dystopian setting, pop culture references and a sense of positivity – setting the scene for a unique and unforgettable love story. A rewarding and pacey read, it’s highly recommended for KS4 book clubs.
Ellie Pillai is (Almost) in Love by Christine Pillainayagam
This light-hearted yet heartbreaking teen rom-com blends idealised young love with the confusing truths of reality and teases the reader into wondering if love, and all it entails, is really worth it. The use of QR codes to create an instant smartphone soundtrack is an interesting and innovative touch.
Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this romance books list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
Buy from UK.Bookshop.Org Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Disclosure: If you buy books using the buttons above: we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops; as an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.
Schools & teachers: please respect copyright and don’t copy our romance books for teens list. If you find our book recommendations useful, please consider sharing on social media or linking to this page instead. Thanks.
Teen romance genre resources for teachers
- Hachette Schools provides free Heartstopper teaching notes based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, with activities for English, PSHE, LGBTQ+ representation, relationships, mental health and empathy.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company offers Romeo and Juliet teacher packs, a school synopsis, videos and classroom activities covering love, family loyalty, conflict, fate and dramatic structure.
- Oak National Academy has a KS4 Love and Relationships poetry unit with 33 lessons exploring how poets present romantic, family and personal relationships.
- The British Council’s TeachingEnglish site includes free downloadable materials for teaching love and marriage in Pride and Prejudice, useful for linking classic romance conventions with social context.
- The National Literacy Trust offers reading for pleasure resources, CPD and secondary-school guidance that can help teachers use teen romance, graphic novels and interest-led reading to build engagement.
- Scottish Book Trust provides a free guide for secondary teachers and librarians on supporting teenagers’ reading enjoyment and engagement, with practical ideas for book choice, reader identity and pupil-led reading cultures.
- Penguin’s Lit in Colour secondary resources support teaching diverse contemporary texts and can help departments broaden romance and relationship reading beyond traditional classroom texts.
- The PSHE Association has a KS3-4 healthy relationships and sexual health lesson pack covering relationship values, conflict, boundaries, consent, intimacy, breakups and support services.
- NSPCC Talk Relationships supports secondary schools across the UK with lesson plans, teacher training, parent resources and guidance on safe, respectful and inclusive relationships education.
- Brook provides healthy relationships resources for teachers, including materials on boundaries, consent, unhealthy relationship behaviours, breakups and where young people can seek help.
- CEOP Education offers a searchable resource library for teachers covering online relationships, safer connections, digital communication and recognising when young people need help.
- Penguin’s romance writing guide explains common romance conventions, chemistry and tropes, making it useful background for creative writing tasks on teen romance, rom-coms and relationship arcs.
BISAC YAF052000, YAF052020, YAF052010, YAF052060, YAF058040, YAF058120, YAF058160, YAF058220, YAF058300, YAF011000, YAF054000, YAF018000, JUV026000. | Thema YFMR, YFM, YXHL, YXHB, YXD, YFN.
