Best High School Romance Books
High school romance books are so much fun to read. These books perfectly capture the angst of high school, the social interactions of teens, and the universal desire for love. Teenage love can be erratic and the ensuing drama is definitely fun to read about!
If you are a teen experiencing romance for the first time, these books can be a playbook for how to navigate high school romances. If you are a parent with teens, these stories can help you remember the fervor of first love. Either way, you might also want to check out our list of books set in High School for non-romance options. This post fulfills a prompt for the 2025 reading challenge!
The Best High School Romance Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Popular High School Romance Book
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – Jump to Section
The Best High School Romance Set in NYC
Anna K by Jenny Lee – Jump to Section
The Best Bully High School Romance Book
Paper Princess by Erin Watt – Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy High School Romance Book
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer – Jump to Section
The Best Sweet High School Romance Book
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Popular High School Romance Books
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
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Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books
I Kissed Shara Wheeler
Author: Casey McQuiston
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Romance
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Age Range: 16+
Plot
This LGBTQ YA Romance is a refreshing and sweet romance about Shara Wheeler, her academic rival Chloe, Smith, her quarterback boyfriend, and Rory her neighbor before disappearing and leaving clues for the three to find her. The scavenger hunt is both a literal and figurative search for Chloe, Smith, and Rory to find Shara and themselves in the process.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Jackie loves it
This smart book had me listening nonstop. This is a sweet romance pick from books set in high school
Find this book in: Books Set in High School / High School Romances / YA Romance Books
Love, Hate, and Other Filters
Author: Samira Ahmed
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This accurate depiction of high school crushes also focuses on Maya, an Indian-American Muslim, who faces Islamophobia in her suburban Chicago school. In the story, Maya’s budding relationship with a non-muslim classmate helps her break out of her shell and determine what kind of life she really wants, even if it goes against her strict parent’s wishes.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
The love story feels genuine and realistic for high school and the end left me with warm and fuzzies.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2018 / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books /
Plot
Chess destroyed Mallory’s family four years ago which led to her quitting the sport. Now, she supports her family with a dead-end job. When she plays one last chess game in a tournament and beats the current world champion, Nolan Sawyer, nobody is more shocked than he is.
The cash from the win encourages Mallory to keep playing as a paid fellowship but soon things become even more complicated than the game when she starts to love chess and have feelings for Nolan.
Why Jackie loves it
I am so honored that I was able to read a copy of this debut YA novel from the master romance writer behind the New York Times Bestseller The Love Hypothesis. It has everything I expected from a Hazelwood novel made appropriate for teens. #gifted
Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Best Summer Reads 2024 / Best Books of 2023 / Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Best High School Romance Books
High School Romances Set in New York
Anna K
Author: Jenny Lee
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: Anna K #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This modern-day YA classic retelling of Anna Karenina was SO GOOD. It’s set in NYC at an elite prep school with total Gossip Girl vibes. Manhattan’s teenage elite are partying, shopping, and hosting incredible parties. Anna K is torn between her long-term boyfriend and her attraction to Count Vronsky.
Why Kirsten loves it
While this is a retelling of a story I already know, there were enough twists to make it interesting! It was such a wonderful escapist read and I can’t wait to tackle the sequel!
Find this book in: Books set in High School / High School Romances / Classic Retellings / Best YA Romance Books
The Princess Diaries
Author: Meg Cabot
Year: 2000
Genre: Middle Grade Romance
More info: Princess Diaries #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 11- 13
Plot
Princess Diaries is such a charming royal tale. Mia is an ordinary girl going to high school in NYC when she suddenly discovers she’s a princess!
Soon she goes from being a social outcast to a popular girl. As her princess lessons pick up, she struggles with figuring out who she is, and which of the men in her life like her for more than her royal status.
Why Kirsten loves it
Yes, I read this after watching the incredible Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews adaptation. The book is quite different, but it’s equally as good! The series differs from the movie series, but that’s ok. It’s still quite entertaining.
Adaptation Information
Disney recently announced the third movie in the series is currently in the works and Anne Hathaway is set to return!
Plot
National Book Award Finalist, Ibi Zoboi, has remixed the classic Austen favorite, Pride and Prejudice. In this version of the story, Zuri is proud of her family and her Brooklyn roots, but she’s not loving the gentrification of her neighborhood. She is not at all impressed with Darius and the rest of the rich Darcy family that’s moved in across the street. As her sister, Janae, begins to fall for Ainsley Darcy, Zuri and Darius’s paths continue to cross.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m always down for a classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorite books of all time. I was particularly interested in this take because it features modern, black teenagers. This was my first Austen retelling from a non-white author, though certainly more diverse retellings have come out since I read this one. I adored this version. Yes, I knew what would happen, but this is about the journey, people!!!
Find this book in: Best High School Romance Books / Pride and Prejudice Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Best YA Romance Books
Bully Romances Set in High School
Paper Princess
Author: Erin Watt
Year: 2016
Genre: Romance
More info: The Royals #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Orphan Ella is sent to live with the Royal family, friends of her deceased dad. The Royal brothers all want Ella gone – out of their home, out of their school, out of their life! But Reid and Ella’s spark makes it hard for him to stay away.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m obsessed with this series. Teen angst, snobby classmates, ridiculous storylines, this is the best fluff there is! And it is the perfect example of a pick for a list of enemies-to-lovers books- Ella and Reid cannot be more extreme in their feelings. This is one of the best books to read in one sitting (and it does get a little steamy).
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books
Fallen Crest High
Author: Tijan
Year: 2012
Genre: Romance
More info: Fallen Crest #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
I fell hard for the Kade boys and their journey to accepting Samantha as their future stepsister, friend, and romantic interest. Samantha is a traumatized daughter of divorce, forced to live in with her mother’s newest boyfriend and his sons.
The Kade boys rule the local high school scene with their good looks, football prowess, and bad-boy reputations. But Samantha is not impressed – which only makes the brothers respect her even more.
Trigger Warnings
Emotional Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
Drama, parties, hot boys, and backstabbing friends – this book is everything a guilty pleasure should be.
Find this book in: Sports Romances / High School Romances / Best YA Romance Books
Bully
Author: Penelope Douglas
Year: 2014
Genre: Romance
More info: Fall Away #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
This bully romance revolves around Tate and her next-door neighbor/former best friend, Jared. Jared has tormented and bullied Tate for the entirety of her high school years, prompting her to study abroad for one.
Now she’s back and she’s not going to let Jared get away with it anymore. But as she learns to fight back, she also uncovers his true feelings.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is the definition of a toxic romance, but I was hooked. It got me through a 4-hr road trip in the rain! Be aware that while it’s set in high school it is not for young adults!
Fantasy High School Romance Books
Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Year: 2005
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Twilight Saga #1
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Age Range: 16+
Plot
When Bella Swan goes to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she needs to start a new school. As she begins to settle in and make friends, she is drawn to Edward Cullen, a mysterious teenager with an old soul.
But Edward and his family are keeping secrets – they are more dangerous than they look. Can Bella stay away or will she fall for Edward and risk her life in the process?
Why Kirsten loves it
The way I binged this book series…. it took over my life! When the movie came out, I decided to finally read this series I had heard so much about. I finished each book in about a day and then promptly dragged my husband to see it with me. I haven’t been this obsessed with a series since HP.
Why Jackie loves it
Twilight started a phenomenon and obsession with vampires in the same way that Harry Potter created an obsession with magic. It was addictive to read! This is my opinion but I am sticking with it. This is a must-read young adult fantasy book and it inspired Fifty Shades of Grey!
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series / Books Set in High School / High School Romances / Twilight Books in Order / Urban Fantasy Books / Vampire Books / List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books
Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Fallen #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Luce has been sent to Sword and Cross boarding school, a place for other troubled kids like her. The minute she gets to the school, Daniel catches her eye but he will not give her the time of day. But there is more to Daniel and Luce will discover his secrets no matter what the cost.
This series is addicting. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. If you are looking for romance books about second chances (or third or fourth), you will love this book. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, then you will love this series of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up the first book in this YA fantasy series and quickly fell in love with the first book and the story of Daniel and Luce’s love.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is addicting. It did not take me long to read them all because I could not get enough of the forbidden romance. I think this is one of the only series I have read about angels.
Find this book in: Best Fantasy Books for Teens / Urban Fantasy / Books Set in High School / High School Romance Books / Books like ACOTAR / Amnesia Books
Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Year: 2006
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Vampire Academy #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Royal vampires and their bodyguards train at the famed Vampire Academy where this book is set. Lissa is a princess and her best friend, Rose, is preparing to be her protector. When a series of crazy events threaten Lissa’s safety, Rose is on a mission to figure out who is behind the threats….. if she doesn’t get distracted while lusting over her teacher first.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a ya fantasy that is not to be missed. If you like the Zodiac Academy books, we think you will love this pick from fantasy romance books for teens!
Find this book in: High School Romance Books / Vampire Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / YA Fantasy Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Netflix Book Adaptations
Sweet High School Romance Books
Eleanor and Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Year: 2013
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 13 – 18
Plot
When Park moves over on the bus to make room for Eleanor, their unlikely friendship starts. He’s a biracial boy, she is dealing with a troubled homelife. As their friendship and love for one another grows, they give each other the support and care they each deserve.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
This isn’t a lovey-dovey, hearts-flashing, music-playing romance. Rather, it is a story about friendship, daring to be different, and finding someone who loves you exactly the way you are. This is one of those books that is perfect for everyone to read.
Find this book in: YA Romance Books / High School Romance Books / Books Set in the 80s
Plot
Frank Li doesn’t want to upset his parents. They sacrificed everything to come to The United States from Korea and they want him to be with a nice Korean girl. But, Frank’s first love is a white girl.
Why Jackie loves it
This YA romance has depth as Frank navigates his first love and makes his parents happy. This book is funny, sweet, and a wonderful debut.
The Upside of Falling
Author: Alex Light
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Becca Hart has not believed in true love since her father left them. When her former BFF teases her for never having a relationship, she pretends that she has a boyfriend and is even more shocked when the captain of the football team pretends that it is him. He has his own reasons for wanting an uncomplicated, fake relationship.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a very sweet YA romance about a fake relationship. I read this for our summer reading challenge.
Find this book in: High School Romances / Books Set in High School / Best YA Romance Books
Helpful Tip
- Pay attention to the ages listed, just because a romance is set in high school, does not mean a young high schooler should read it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good teen romance novels that have few trigger warnings?
For trigger-warning-free teen romances, check out The Upside of Falling, Fallen, and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Can a 14-year-old read romance novels?
YES! Pay attention to age ranges for books, but most YA (young adult) fiction is written for children ages 13-18.
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Epilogue
These are some of my favorite high school romances. But what about you? What is your favorite high school romance book? Let me know below, especially if it’s one I might have missed!
Romance Book Lists
Do you love romance books like we do? Check out all of our romance book lists!
THE UPSIDE OF FALLING is definitely a good read. It is based on fake dating. I would also recommend BETTER THAN THE MOVIES enemies to lover trope, THE CRUEL PRINCE. These are the best books I’ve ever read so far in this year.