12 Best Romance Books for Young Adults 2025 Review
Looking for romance books for young adults? We’ve picked the best swoon-worthy reads that will make your heart skip a beat.
Finding the perfect romance books for young adults can feel like picking your favorite pizza topping—everyone has an opinion, and pineapple is always controversial. In our list, we focus on books that make our hearts race, our cheeks hurt from smiling, and sometimes, our eyes a bit misty (not crying, just allergies, okay?). We paid close attention to witty banter, chemistry that sizzles, diverse stories, and the kind of endings that make you clutch the book to your chest and sigh. Whether you want first crush drama, epic love stories, or something with a twist, these picks have got you covered. Now, let’s get ready to swoon and snicker, all in the name of love.
On this list:
12 To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
We picked this one because it blends sweet, awkward romance with laugh-out-loud family moments. Lara Jean’s letters always make us think twice before writing anything down. The fake dating trope is done so well, it almost convinced us to start writing secret letters of our own.
11 Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This one balances romance with hilarious high school chaos. Simon’s journey to coming out is touching and real, but also sprinkled with some of the funniest emails you’ll ever read. We kind of want Simon as our pen pal.
10 Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
We wanted to run away to Paris after finishing this one. It’s cute, sweet, and slightly angsty. Plus, Anna and St. Clair’s chemistry made us wish we went to fancy boarding schools—preferably ones with croissants.
9 They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Don’t let the title scare you! This is one of those romance books for young adults that makes you hug your friends a bit tighter. It’s about living for today, falling in love, and making the best out of the worst situations. Bring tissues.
8 Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This story is awkward first love at its finest. The mixtapes, the comics, the bus rides—let’s just say we started sitting next to strangers after reading this. It’s sweet, a little sad, but totally worth it.
7 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
You can’t talk about romance books for young adults without Hazel and Gus. This book made us cry, laugh, and avoid support groups for weeks. It’s emotional but funny, full of thoughtful quotes and, of course, star-crossed love.
6 The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
We love romance books for young adults that happen all in one day—talk about stressful for the characters! This one brings up fate, science, and immigration, all while making us root for the cutest couple ever.
5 Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Romance and magic? Yes, please! This is great if you want your romance books for young adults with witches and sword fights. There’s tension, banter, and enough action that we almost learned card tricks after reading.
4 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Technically, it leans toward new adult, but we couldn’t help ourselves. It’s a hilarious and sweet romance between the First Son of the US and the Prince of England. The laughs are as big as the romance itself.
3 Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman
A graphic novel for when you just want swoony looks and relatable teens. Heartstopper gives all the feels without getting too heavy. We smiled so much, our faces hurt. Also, it made us want a British school uniform.
2 If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
A modern take on classic stories, this one is full of witty banter and genuine heart. We love a main character who tries to change and almost messes everything up. It’s like a high school Shakespeare play, but with Instagram.
1 One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
This is the best on our list because it combines mystery with romance books for young adults and gives you a real page-turner. We could not stop guessing who did it while rooting for the couples. The story mixes high school drama, secrets, and a little bit of love perfectly. The characters feel like real people, not just clichés, and you’ll want to follow them till the end. It’s great for new readers because you get the best of two worlds—romance and suspense. There’s enough drama to keep things interesting, and the romantic angles are genuine, not forced. If you like stories that keep you thinking and make your heart race at the same time, this is the one to start with. Plus, trying to figure out the twist with friends? Pure fun (and arguments).
