Best YA Romance Books

The Davenports

Author: Krystal Marquis

Year: 2023

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Age: 15+

More info: The Davenports #1

Plot

The Davenports is a Gilded Age story about a successful Chicago Black family who made a name for themselves after slavery was abolished. Now the talk of the season, the three Davenport children are all looking for their spouses and trying to buck societal norms in the process!

Be warned! This story ends on a cliffhanger!

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Classism, Slavery

Why Kirsten loves it

What a fun read! I was eager to start a new Historical Fiction romance series and the cover of this one drew me right to it. I was rooting for all the characters and have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.

Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books to Teens / Beach Reads 2023 / YA Historical Fiction / Books like Bridgerton / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Author: Talia Hibbert

Year: 2023

Genre: YA Rom-Com

More info: Best-selling author of Brown Sisters

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Bradley Graeme is a football player, top of his class, and managing his OCD. Celine is a content creator/ conspiracy theorist who has a ton of followers but isn’t cool enough to sit at the popular kids’ table. The two used to be best friends and haven’t spoken in years. When they find themselves forced to work as a team in a survival course in the woods, they might find a whole new type of relationship.

Trigger Warnings

OCD, Anxiety

Why Jackie loves it

The love and support between Bradley and Celine grows throughout the story. I love to see OCD in a character who is not just his neurodivergence. Rather, he is a full and complex character.

Find this book in: Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Best YA Romance Books /

Love, Hate, and Other Filters

Author: Samira Ahmed

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋

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 /

Eleanor and Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Year: 2013

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋

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

The Upside of Falling

Author: Alex Light

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋

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

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: #1 Bestselling series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.

When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.

This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.

While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.

Why Jackie loves it

The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order

Paper Princess

Author: Erin Watt

Year: 2016

Genre: Romance

More info: The Royals #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

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

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

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

Caraval

Author: Stephanie Garber 

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.

Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.

Why Jackie loves it

This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.

Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood /14 Best Carnival and Circus Books / Best YA Romance Books

Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Year: 2005

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Twilight Saga #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

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

Serpent and Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Serpent & Dove Book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller, B&N YA Book Club Pick, Indiebound Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Louise Le Blanche is a witch and Reid Diggory is a witch hunter, but when they are forced to be married Lou has to keep her identity a secret and try not to fall for her handsome husband. Could you ask for anything more from enemies-to-lovers books?

She is trying to change his mind about being a witch hunter while hiding her true identity. She is also using the inside knowledge to save her witch friends. Set in the pre-industrial age in Paris, France, this book is perfect for lovers of YA!

Why Kirsten loves it

This book has funny, fierce heroines, a steamy love story, and a cast of characters that is diverse. I devoured all thee books in this series in a week.

Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Historical Fantasy Book / Books Set in Paris / YA Historical Fiction Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

Storm and Fury

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: Harbinger book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

It’s actually a spin-off of one of Armentrout’s other YA fantasy book series, which I didn’t know until after I read the story. I didn’t feel like I missed anything having read this first. Gargoyles are Wardens out to fight demons and protect humans, and one special human in particular. This urban fantasy is as much romance as fantasy.

Trinity can see and communicate with ghosts. This is the reason she has had to have protection from the wardens. Demons will want to absorb her powers! Trinity will have to learn to trust herself and Zayne who has a secret of his own

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved the Disney cartoon Gargoyles when I was a little girl, so when I saw a YA Fantasy book that is also a paranormal romance book, I knew I needed it. I read this to help ease me out of my House of Earth and Blood book hangover and it was a perfect read. 

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Series / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Best YA Romance Books

Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer

Year: 2012

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling

More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 10+

Plot

This four-book series is set in the future in a time of disease and war.  This series is part twisted fairy tale, part dystopia, and part sci-fi fantasy.  

Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel are re-imagined as you have never seen them before. All of them are smart and strong women far from the helpless damsels in distress we know them to be. 

The first in this series of classic book retellings introduces us to Cinder.  She is a cyborg (part human, part machine) who lives with her……..you guessed it….. two step-sisters and stepmother.

Why Jackie loves it

I read the first book and immediately read the rest of the books in the series. Even though this is a series that is over a decade old, it is still one of the best YA fantasy book series I have read and still recommend it all the time to teens and adults alike

Find this book in: YA Dystopian Books / YA Romance Fantasy Books / Best Teen Fantasy / Books Like The Selection / Best YA Romance Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time

Find more books like this in: Books Like Cinder

Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Year: 2014

Genre: YA Sci-fi

More info: Best-selling series Book 1 of 4

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

In this trilogy, Chicago society is divided into factions dedicated to a particular virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. On a selected day, all 16-year-olds gather to choose their faction.

Beatrice must choose between staying with her family and becoming who she was meant to be. This first book in the trilogy is unlike anything I had read. It drew me in and kept me turning the pages until the end. Of course, nothing is as it seems in this dystopian YA Fantasy.

Trigger Warnings

Abuse, death

Why Jackie loves it

This series was unlike any other that I had read before. I loved the first two books and the third in the series was a little iffy for me. This series is fast-paced and unexpected.

Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Selection / YA Dystopian Novels / Best YA Romance Books

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Year: 2008

Genre: YA Sci-Fi

More info: Hunger Games #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 10+

Plot

This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.

Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.

Trigger Warnings

Death, Violence

Why Jackie loves it

This sci-fi book has everything but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total pageturner!

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!

Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 11-year-olds

Red, White & Royal Blue

Author: Casey McQuiston

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!

This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?) 

Trigger Warnings

Homophobia

Why Kirsten loves it

The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.

Why Jackie loves it

Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Author: Benjamin Alice Sáenz

Year: 2012

Genre: YA Romance

More info: Stonewall Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, Printz Honor

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Aristotle and Dante seem to have nothing in common when they first meet other than the fact that they are both loners. But, as they start spending more time together, they learn truths about themselves and develop a friendship that will change them both forever.

Trigger Warnings

Homophobia, Hate crime

Why Jackie loves it

This award-winning LGBTQ book is such a fantastic YA coming-of-age story that is so well written. It has so much emotion that it had me in tears which is not a usual thing for me.

Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / LGBTQ+ Books/ Books Set in the 80s / Best YA Romance Books

I Kissed Shara Wheeler

Author: Casey McQuiston

Year: 2022

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

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

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han

Year: 2009

Genre: YA Romance

More info: The Summer I Turned Pretty #1,

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

The series starts when Belly turns 15, at the beach house she visits every summer with her mom, her brother, and her mother’s best friend’s family, this coming-of-age is geared towards 15-year-olds. Throughout the summer, she learns about her dear friend’s illness and finds herself in a love triangle with the Fisher boys.

Trigger Warnings

Cancer

Why Kirsten loves it

Ok, so I adored To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, but this YA romance felt like it was geared toward a younger crowd. This is a perfect friends-to-lovers romance for teens. It is filled with a love triangle teenage antics. I read it for the reading challenge, and while I didn’t love it as I read, I really loved the Amazon adaptation!

Adaptation Information

Amazon Prime Video has adapted this book series for TV. They are preparing to release the third season in the summer of 2026. It stars Lola Tung as Belly, Christopher Briney as Conrad, and Gavin Caslegno as Jeremiah.

Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Friends-to-Lovers Romance Books / Book Adaptations on Amazon Prime / Best YA Romance Books / Books with Summer in the Title

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Author: Jenny Han

Year: 2014

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

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

A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

Author: Laura Taylor Namey

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Romance

More info: November 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Lila is leaving Miami to spend the summer in England with her mom’s best friend as a way to help Lila’s mental health. With the unexpected break-up with her boyfriend, her best friend leaving after graduation and the death of her beloved Abuela, Lila’s life is not where she thought it would be.

Slowly, with new friends and a new city, Lila starts to see a different side of life, and maybe change is ok. This is a sweet pick from our list of bakery romance novels.

Why Jackie loves it

This is an adorable YA romance that had my tea-loving heart at the title but, the story was sweet and had me turning the pages. But fair warning, you will be hungry while reading this book about tea.

Find this book in: Books About Tea / Best Romance Books for Teens

When Dimple Met Richi

Author: Sandhya Menon

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Romance

More info: A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This is a cute YA romance about a traditional Indian boy and a not-so-traditional Indian girl. The characters meet at a computer programming seminar where Richi is supposed to woo his unsuspecting future bride, Dimple.

What is the worst that can happen right?  Dimple and Richi clash and connect throughout the story as they try to determine if they really are destined for each other. Their turbulent relationship is perfect for enemies-to-lovers books.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is sweet, fun, and romantic.  It is easy to love the characters and cheer them on This YA book is perfect for books like The Kiss Quotient. Dimple and Stella are both women in STEM who know what they want.

Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books Like the Kiss Quotient /

Tokyo Every After

Author: Emiko Jean

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Fiction

More info: YA Summer 2021 Reese’s Book Club Pick, Tokyo Ever After #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Plot

Izumi Tanaka does not feel like she fits in as a Japanese American in her mostly white California town. When she finds out that her unknown father is actually the crown prince of Japan, she is determined to meet him. When she travels to Japan to be with her dad, she’s overwhelmed by all the customs and traditions she knows so little about. There is also a sweet romance in the story where Izumi, now a princess, falls for her handsome bodyguard.

Why Kirsten loves it

What a fun quick book by Emiko Jean. This book was one part Princess Diaries and one part Crazy Rich Asians. It was an entertaining and light summer read that will satisfy your desire to escape into a royal getaway.

Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Royal Reads / Best Reese Witherspoon Books

Kisses and Croissants

Author: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:12+

Plot

Mia plans on spending the support in Paris pursuing her dream of being a professional ballerina. It is in her blood- the family rumors say that her family member was painted by Degas. Now, she is in Paris and there is so much more competition than she thought there would be. There is also a distraction in the form of Louis. Paris is supposed to be the city of Love.

Why Jackie loves it

Ahhh. This was just what I needed. A little bit of Paris, a little bit of ballet and a perfect romance to go with it. This book reminds me of one of my favorite movies- Center Stage- but set in beautiful Paris. It made me feel like I was there and I couldn’t put the book down.

Find this book in: YA Romance Books / Books Set in Paris / Beach Reads 2021 / Books About Ballet

Love and Gelato

Author: Jenna Evans Welch

Year: 2016

Genre: YA Romance

More info: Love and Gelato #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Lina is enjoying a summer in Tuscany because she’s fulfilling her mother’s dying wish – to get to know her father. As Lina begins to read her mother’s journal of her time abroad, she uncovers the magic and wonder of Italy.

Why Jackie loves it

When it comes to escapist reads, this one is tops! In addition to offering a perfect description of all things food-related (yum), there was a sweet romance.   It was like a double scoop of happiness. There are two more ya romance books in the series and I think I would like to indulge in both! The Netflix adaption is charming too.

Find this book in: Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Books Set in Italy / Best YA Romance Books

Pride

Author: Ibi Zoboi

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13 – 17

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

The Sun is Also a Star

Author: Nicola Yoon

Year: 2016

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This National Book Award finalist is the story of Natasha and Daniel.  They meet 12 hours before Natasha and her family are deported to Jamaica.  Where will their story take them? You can’t fall in love in 12 hours, can you?

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Deportation, Suicidal thoughts

Why Jackie loves it

This Young Adult novel is smart and well-written.  I loved reading it.  Yoon has done something very difficult with this book.  She switches back and forth between a few different narrators and still manages to maintain the flow of the story.

Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books Set in New York / Thought-provoking Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books

Anna K

Author: Jenny Lee

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Fiction

More info: Anna K #1

Spice Rating:💋

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 Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Year: 2013

Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance

More info: The Selection #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.

When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?

Why Kirsten loves it

I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.

Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 12-year-olds

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Year: 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Red Queen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

Plot

In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, who she begins to grow close to. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.

Why Kirsten loves it

I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books

The Royal We

Author: Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Year: 2015

Genre: Fiction

More info: Royal We #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This novel spans from the time Bex and Prince Nick meet in college until the night before their wedding. It goes through the ups and downs of the relationship and ends on a cliffhanger. But do not worry. The Heir Affair is already out and you can read that one next.

Why Kirsten loves it

Look no further than this royal romance. If you haven’t read this romance loosely based on Wills and Kate’s love story, read no further. This is the end-all, be-all of Royal Reads.

Find this book in: Books Set in College / Royal Reads / Books Like The Selection / Best Beach Reads / British Books / Best YA Romance Books

My Lady Jane

Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Year: 2016

Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

More info: The Lady Janies #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Plot

I listened to this young adult historical fiction book and it was such a unique twist on the historical tale of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 Days Queen. Instead of Catholics and Protestants, this book gave us people who could transform into animals and those who could not. It was ridiculous but funny and the authors cleverly wove in historical details and sayings attributing them to the characters.

Why Kirsten loves it

Ok, this story barely resembles the history it was inspired by, but it’s absolutely hysterical and incredibly fun! Part of the fun is knowing the history and spotting what was made different in the story, but an added element was the incredible voices done by the audiobook narrator. Make sure you read this before watching the adaptation!

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / YA Historical Fiction / Best Historical Fiction / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Best YA Romance Books

Anatomy: A Love Story

Author: Dana Schwartz

Year: 2022

Genre: Gothic Historical Fiction

More info: Winter 2022 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times #1 Bestseller
Book 1 of 2 in the Anatomy Duology

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 17+

Plot

This gothic YA historical fiction is centered around Hazel, a 16-year-old woman who lives in Edinburgh Scotland with her mother and younger brother. She has always had an obsession with anatomy and wants to be a surgeon despite the fact that no women are allowed to study to become doctors.

In order to study and pass her exam, she must have dead bodies to look at. Enter Jack, who earns extra money by taking bodies from their graves at night. Now there is some romance added to this book and you will never guess where it’s going.

Why Jackie loves it

This was such a quick read with amazing details to keep the story moving. Some surprise details really added to the story. The ending, however, felt very rushed to me- especially when compared to the rest of the book. This is such an original thriller horror book.

Find this book in: 12 Thriller Horror Books/ Best YA Romance Books / YA Historical Fiction Books

Lovely War

Author: Julie Berry

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

In this novel, Aphrodite is telling the story of 2 wartime couples who show that love can thrive no matter the obstacles in their path. Pianist Hazel meets new solider James at a party in London before he’s off to the battlefields of war. Meanwhile, Audrey is a gifted musician off to fight in the 15th New York Infantry, an all-Black regiment sent to Europe to help win World War 1. There, he meets Colette, a Belgian singer whose life has already been devastated by the war.

Over the course of the story, both couples navigate the complexities of a wartorn romance while Aphrodite tries to use their tale to get out of a pickle involving her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares during WWII.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, PTSD, War

Why Kirsten loves it

This book’s premise had me a little skeptical, Greek Gods telling a love story set in WWI? I didn’t think it was up my alley. I must have had it recommended to me almost a dozen times now, and now I’m the one recommending this young adult fantasy novel. It was two, sort of three, love stories in one historical romance book, but it touched on racism, PTSD, and the sacrifices of war. It was so well handled that I was sad to see it end.

Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings/ YA Historical Fiction / YA Fantasy Books / Historical Romances / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books