Are you looking for romance novels for teens to liven up your classroom library or assign as summer reading? Do you want to surprise your students with reading material that’s both engaging and relatable? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled a list of 10 contemporary teen romance books that have earned rave reviews from readers everywhere. From heartwarming tales of personal growth to thrilling stories about first love, these irresistible reads offer young adults something exciting and new – without straying into overly mature content. Get ready to add some sparkle to your shelves: here are our top picks for captivating teen romances! (Note: This post may contain affiliate links. To see my affiliate disclosure, please click here.)
1. Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Willowdean Dickson (aka “Dumplin”) has never felt out of place in her body, despite being the self-proclaimed “fat girl” and having a former beauty queen mother. After a brief brush with self-doubt when she discovers a co-worker likes her back, she takes the opportunity to build her confidence by entering the beauty pageant. This novel is empowering, refreshing, and just plain fun. Netflix did an excellent job at the screen adaptation, so it’s fun to recommend after students are done reading.
2. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Emma Lord’s novel is a light and fun read that will immediately transport readers to the digital world of teenage drama. Taking place between two rival fast-food companies, their social media interns, Pepper and Jack, quickly find themselves tumbling head-first into a romantic adventure with humor and heart. With witty banter and plenty of relatable references, Lord presents a hilarious romance story sure to charm any reader.
3. Meet Cute Short Story Anthology
This collection explores the introduction of romance, and it truly is diverse – each of my students can find something in this book. The short stories contain many representations of love in all forms. I love this book for my classroom and teach it as a full class novel in my Young Adult Literature elective course. You can find my full-length post on this book here.
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Lara Jean has never admitted her crushes to anyone. Instead, each boy has a letter, hidden in a box under the bed. One day, Lara Jean discovers someone took the letters from her box, and mailed them to the boys. This has become a very popular Netflix series, so the books fly off my shelves. The series is sweet, but also layered enough to dig into. Highly recommended for young adults.
5. Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum has had a crush on Michael for a long time, but he never really saw her until recently. Liz recruits her obnoxious neighbor Wes to help her scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, but things don’t always turn out the way you planned. This laugh-out-loud rom-com is sure to please you and your student readers.
6. Frankly in Love in David Yoon
Frank has two names: his American name (Frank Li), and his Korean name (Sung-Min Li). Barely in touch with his Korean roots, California-bred Frank struggles with his parents’ expectations for him to end up with a “nice Korean girl”. Especially since he finally is dating the girl of his dreams – who is white. Frank turns to family friend, Joy Song, to create a fake dating scheme to keep their parents off their backs. With sharp wit and hilarious writing, you and your students will enjoy this one.
7. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Sydney has struggled with feeling seen. Her brother, Peyton, is typically the family focus – handsome and charismatic but also self-destructive. After a drunk-driving accident left a boy injured, Peyton is serving jail time, leaving Sydney questioning what her place is in her own family. That is until she meets the Chatham family – a warm yet chaotic family where Sydney experiences acceptance for the first time. Saint Anything, in my opinion, is the pinnacle of Dessen writing. Dessen has become a mainstay in YA romance and this one is everything you want these novels to be- and more.
8. A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
The Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds for years due to their competition and neighboring pho restaurants. Linh Mai dreams of pursuing an art career, but knows her parents rely on her to work practically full time in the restaurant. Bao Nguyen feels very average and unremarkable – even though his parents own the restaurant, he is still only their fifth favorite employee. Linh and Bao have always avoided each other, but a chance encounter brings them together and sparks fly.
9. A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
A year after 9/11, Shirin is no stranger to people’s ability to be horrible. At sixteen she experienced the rude stares, the deprecating comments, and even physical violence. To cope she builds walls around herself and refuses to let anyone get close to her, instead sinking her time into music. Then she meets Ocean James. This book is a healthy mix of romance, historical, and realistic fiction. It’s heartwrenching, but also empowering. You and your students will love Shirin and her sick dance moves.
10. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
This series starts with Lina, spending the summer in Tuscany. But it isn’t for the food and sunshine – her mother’s dying wish was that Lina get to know her father. While abroad she is given a journal her mother kept when she lived in Italy, and Lina discovers a world that inspires her with secret romance, art, and baked goods. But there’s also a long kept secret that will change what she knows about her mother, father, and herself. Reading this will bring you joy, but also make you immediately want to visit Italy. Buckle up!
Need more YA recommendations? Grab my list of 100 YA Novels to add to your curriculum, classroom library, or bedside table.
I love adding new titles to my collection for students (and myself). What are your favorite romance novels for teens? Share in a comment below or let me know on Facebook and Instagram what your best suggestions are!
Happy teaching!
