Are you on the hunt for YA romance novels that will liven up your classroom library or make perfect summer reading assignments? If you want to surprise your students with stories that are both engaging and relatable, you’re in the right place! YA romance novels have a unique way of capturing the highs and lows of first love, friendship, and self-discovery—all while keeping the content appropriate for young adult readers.
To help you curate a list that students will genuinely enjoy, I’ve rounded up 10 contemporary YA romance novels that have earned rave reviews from readers everywhere. From heartwarming tales of personal growth to laugh-out-loud romcoms and stories of swoon-worthy meet-cutes, these irresistible reads offer something fresh and exciting for every kind of reader. Whether your goal is to foster empathy, spark discussions, or simply make reading fun, these captivating YA romance novels are guaranteed to add some sparkle to your shelves and keep students turning pages all year long!
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1. Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Willowdean “Dumplin’” Dickson, a confident, self-proclaimed fat girl, surprises everyone—including herself—by entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence after her budding romance with a former jock shakes her self-assurance. With her bold move, she challenges small-town beauty standards and discovers her own strength.
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.
- Grade Level: 8+
- Lexile: 710
- Pages: 400
2. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Pepper, a perfectionist managing her family’s fast-food chain’s Twitter account, and Jack, the class clown defending his family’s deli, find themselves in a viral Twitter war over a stolen grilled cheese recipe. Unbeknownst to them, their anonymous chats on a school app are sparking an unexpected romance that’s as cheesy as it is heartwarming.
This clever and charming YA novel, featuring a hilarious Twitter war over grilled cheese between rivals Pepper and Jack, is packed with witty banter, romantic tension, and heartwarming moments—perfect for readers who love smart, swoon-worthy stories. Despite minor uneven POV shifts, it’s a must-read worthy of a 5-star rating and a spot in every classroom library. (Honestly, most of Emma Lord’s YA work is perfectly acceptable for grades 7+. She’s one of my go-to YA romance authors.)
- Grade Level: 7+
- Lexile: 950
- Pages: 384
3. Dungeons & Drama by Kristy Boyce
In this fun YA romcom, Broadway-bound Riley enlists nerdy Nathan to cover her shifts at her dad’s game shop in exchange for helping him win over his crush—but as fake flirting turns into real feelings (and a surprising love for Dungeons & Dragons), Riley starts to wonder if her role-playing is more reality than pretend.
This YA romcom is an absolute gem—full of nostalgia, swoon-worthy moments, and lovable characters. With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and a tribute to artsy, quirky teens, it’s a must-read for fans of YA romance.
- Grade Level: 7+
- Lexile: 690
- Pages: 304
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 the shelves. The series is sweet, but also layered enough to dig into. Highly recommended for young adults.
- Grade Level: 7+
- Lexile: 630
- Pages: 384
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 heartfelt YA contemporary romance checks all the boxes—enemies-to-lovers, a quirky protagonist, pop culture references, and plenty of humor and heart. Perfect for fans of feel-good love stories, it’s a must-have for classroom libraries and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for teen readers.
- Grade Level: 7+
- Lexile: 750
- Pages: 384
6. Frankly in Love in David Yoon
Frank Li, a Korean-American teen caught between his parents’ traditional expectations and his desire to live his own life, secretly dates his dream girl, Brit—who isn’t Korean. To keep his relationship hidden, he strikes a deal with family friend Joy, but as life complicates their plan, Frank is forced to question his understanding of love, identity, and where he truly belongs.
This insightful YA novel offers a fresh perspective with a male protagonist, Frank Li, navigating love, identity, and family dynamics while providing an enlightening glimpse into Korean culture. With memorable characters and heartfelt moments, it’s a standout recommendation for readers looking for something unique in YA romance.
- Grade Level: 9+
- Lexile: 660
- Pages: 448
7. I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers
At their senior sunrise beach trip, former best friends Natalia and Ethan are forced to confront their feelings after ghosting each other all summer when Natalia accidentally loses seven private class confessions, including their own. As they race to recover the letters before their secrets are exposed, they must decide whether to risk their friendship for a second chance at love.
This novel is a sweet and nostalgic friends-to-lovers YA romance that captures the highs and lows of senior year with witty writing, loveable but clueless protagonists, and heartfelt nods to mental health and growing pains. Despite plenty of teenage miscommunication, the story remains believable and utterly swoon-worthy, making it a must-read debut for fans of high school rites, romance, and Taylor Swift references.
- Grade Level: 10+
- Pages: 288
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.
- Grade Level: 7+
- Pages: 416
- Lexile: 710
9. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
Chloe Green’s quest to become valedictorian takes an unexpected turn when her rival, prom queen Shara Wheeler, kisses her and disappears a month before graduation. Teaming up with Shara’s boyfriend and rebellious neighbor, Chloe follows a trail of cryptic clues that lead to surprising revelations about their small town—and Shara herself.
This smart and heartfelt novel delivers an engaging plot, witty writing, and an important message about self-acceptance and life beyond high school. With memorable characters, sharp commentary on small-town life, and an exceptional audiobook narration, it’s easy to see why this book has earned so much praise and award recognition.
- Grade Level: 10+
- Pages: 384
10. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
Bradley, a star student and athlete, and Celine, a conspiracy-loving academic rival, are forced to team up during a wilderness survival course despite their messy history as ex-best friends. As they navigate challenges and old wounds, they begin to rediscover their connection—only to wonder if it’s too late for a second chance or the perfect time for something more.
This charming YA novel is filled with A+ banter, a well-paced plot, and authentic characters navigating relatable real-life struggles. Hibbert’s genuine portrayal of teen voices—without being patronizing—makes this a highly recommended read for classroom libraries, suitable for grades 7 and up.
- Grade Level: 7+
- Lexile: 720
- Pages: 336
Need more YA recommendations? Grab my list of 100 YA Novels to add to your curriculum, classroom library, or bedside table.
I love adding fresh, engaging titles to my collection for students (and myself), especially when it comes to YA romance novels that make readers laugh, swoon, and reflect. Whether it’s the charm of Tweet Cute, the heartfelt friendships in Frankly in Love, or the clever banter in Better Than the Movies, there’s something magical about stories that capture the ups and downs of teen love and self-discovery.
What are your favorite romance novels for teens? I’m always looking for new recommendations to keep my shelves stocked with diverse, relatable stories. Share your top picks in the comments or connect with me on Facebook and Instagram—I’d love to hear your suggestions and chat about all things YA romance novels!
Happy teaching!
