Books matching: contemporary new adult romance
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- #1
Save:A witty, heartfelt YA romance that nails the feel of being young, anxious, and trying to find your people - especially if your safe space is your phone. Lots of awkward charm, but not for everyone.
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi follows the story of Penny, an 18-year-old incoming college freshman, and Sam, a 21-year-old barista going through a difficult breakup. The two meet through a mutual acquaintance and develop a unique friendship that mainly unfolds through text messages. As they navigate their own personal struggles, including college worries and financial restrictions, Penny and Sam find solace in each other's company. Through witty conversations and relatable interactions, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, family issues, identity, and loneliness in the context of modern relationships and social media. The writing style of the book is described as sweet, realistic, and engaging, with a focus on character development and emotional connections.
Penny scanned her opponent’s green-flecked blue eyes. Why was this happening? And at the Apple Store no less? This was a safe space. A haven. Penny was almost out of this stifling town for good. She w...March 2018•416 pages - #2
Save:A cheerful, food-filled rom-com bursting with charm and heart - a must-read for fans of witty YA, but it may feel a bit busy for those wanting a more grounded or streamlined story.
'Tweet Cute' by Emma Lord is a YA rom-com novel that follows the story of high school seniors Jack and Pepper, who unknowingly engage in a Twitter war between their family's restaurants while also anonymously messaging each other on a school app. The book is a modern retelling of the classic 'You've Got Mail' with a twist of social media and teenage drama. The plot revolves around the budding romance between Jack and Pepper, intertwined with family dynamics, friendship, and the challenges of school life.
I lower the screen of my laptop down, where my older sister Paige’s now scowling face is taking up half the screen on a Skype call from UPenn. The other half of the screen is currently occupied by the...January 2020•371 pages - #3
Save:A heartwarming, low-angst YA romance that's fluffy, relatable, and honest about anxiety - even if a little far-fetched at times. Great for a cozy escape, but not for readers seeking gritty realism.
'By Your Side' by Kasie West is a contemporary young adult novel that follows the story of Autumn Collins, a girl who gets accidentally locked in a library over a long weekend with Dax Miller, a boy with a bad boy reputation. Despite their initial differences, Autumn and Dax form a connection while trapped in the library. The book explores themes of anxiety disorder, friendship, young love, and self-discovery. Readers appreciated the realistic portrayal of anxiety, the character development, and the engaging writing style that kept them hooked throughout the story.
I was locked in the library trying not to panic. Literally locked. As in, no escape. Every door, every window, every air vent. Okay, I hadn’t tried the air vents, but I was seriously considering it. I...January 2017•353 pages - #4
Save:A sweet, heartfelt summer romance with emotional layers - great for a breezy, uplifting read if you love character growth, even if you wish for a deeper dive into the camp world.
Last Chance Summer by Shannon Klare tells the story of Alex, a teenager grappling with the loss of her best friend. After making some poor choices, she is sent to a summer camp in rural Texas to work as a counselor for troubled younger teens. There, she meets Grant, another counselor, and their relationship evolves from hostility to romance as they both confront their struggles and grow from their experiences. The narrative delicately balances lighthearted summer camp antics with deeper themes of grief and self-discovery.
The writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy to get into the story from the start. Klare's talent shines through in her character development, although some readers felt there could have been more depth to the secondary characters and camp dynamics. The book has a strong emotional core and features heartfelt banter between Alex and Grant, drawing readers in and keeping them invested in the outcome. Overall, it's a mix of romance, life lessons, and personal growth that resonates well with fans of contemporary young adult literature.
Dr. Heichman looked at me over a pair of wire-rimmed glasses. The literal embodiment of every old-school psychologist, the guy’s expression had barely shifted from neutral to annoyed. At least my pare...July 2020•256 pages - #5
Save:Messy, heartfelt, and important - this isn’t just a cute romance, but a complex, realistic look at identity, love, and mistakes. Not perfect, but definitely worth reading for its honest approach to subjects not often tackled in YA.
"It's Not Like It's a Secret" by Misa Sugiura follows the story of Sana, a Japanese-American teenager who moves from the Midwest to California. The plot explores themes of coming out, racism, cultural differences, and family dynamics. Sana navigates the challenges of fitting in, making new friends, dealing with family drama, and coming to terms with her sexuality. The writing style is described as fresh, authentic, and thought-provoking, with a focus on realistic teenage voices and experiences.
It’s Sunday afternoon and we’re almost ready to leave the beach at Lake Michigan, where I’ve begged Mom to take me for my birthday. It’s just the two of us because Dad is away on business—he’s always...May 2017•400 pages - #6
Save:A cute, page-turning YA romcom that hits all the classic beats - perfect if you love tropey, feel-good stories with heart, even if it's not the most original plot.
I Hate You, Fuller James by Kelly Anne Blount is a contemporary young adult romance that follows the engaging yet tumultuous relationship between Wren Carter and Fuller James. The story kicks off with their unexpected tutoring arrangement, forced by a blackmailing principal. Throughout the book, Wren, who despises popular jock Fuller, discovers that he might not be as bad as she initially thought. As they navigate high school pressures like basketball and bullying, they transform from enemies to reluctant allies and maybe even something more.
The writing style is accessible and direct, making it a fast and easy read. Blount skillfully develops her characters, giving them depth and relatable struggles. The dual point of view allows readers to see both Wren and Fuller’s perspectives, adding richness to their evolving relationship. Though some plot points may seem cliched or nonsensical, the heartfelt moments and character growth shine through, and the book captures the angst and drama typical of teenage life.
You’ve got to be kidding me, I thought as I scrambled to close my Calculus book. Hands fumbling, I tucked my calculator safely into my backpack, but by the time I’d turned around to grab my notebook,...March 2020•266 pages - #7
Save:A tender, character-driven YA about picking up the pieces and finding your tribe. Expect realism, romance, and all the messy feels of starting over. Definitely worth diving into if you love heartfelt coming-of-age stories!
'How to Breathe Underwater' by Vicky Skinner is a character-driven contemporary young adult romance that follows Kate, a high school junior, as she navigates through family drama, friend drama, and starting over at a new school. The book explores themes of finding oneself and learning to cope with sudden changes, while delving into the romance between Kate and Michael. The plot involves various subplots including Kate's relationships with her friends, family, and the pool, all tied together by the main theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
The story is written in a heartwarming and charming manner, with vivid and memorable vignettes scattered throughout the narrative. The book focuses on character development, particularly that of Kate and Michael, while also introducing a variety of well-developed secondary characters who each bring something special to the story. The romance is portrayed with wonderful build-up, keeping readers engaged and rooting for the characters until the end.
I could see the swimmer beside me every time I came up for air. His face was distorted slightly by the plastic separator that divided his lane from mine, but I could see him pushing, his arms pumping...August 2018•341 pages - #8
Save:A charming, funny, and heartwarming LGBTQ+ rom-com that’s both a political fairy tale and a swoonworthy romance - delightful for escapists and dreamers, but less for cynics or those craving subtlety.
In an alternative version of 2020, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston follows the romantic journey between Alex, the son of the first female president of the United States, and Henry, a prince of England. The book presents a witty, fun, and heartwarming narrative that explores the complex relationship between the two characters as they navigate their love amidst political tensions and personal discoveries. The writing style of the book is engaging, offering a mix of romance, humor, and political drama that creates a compelling and optimistic storyline.
On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there’s a bit of loose paneling right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a messa...May 2019•454 pages - #9
Save:A compelling, angsty YA romance with real emotional depth - sometimes melodramatic, but perfect for fans of tear-jerker contemporary fiction.
'Pushing the Limits' by Katie McGarry is a gripping story that follows the lives of two teenagers, Echo and Noah, who are dealing with their own personal tragedies and struggles. Echo, once a popular girl, is now scarred by a traumatic event she can't fully remember, while Noah is a troubled boy trying to overcome the loss of his parents and reunite with his brothers. As they navigate through their difficult pasts and present challenges, they find solace and support in each other, leading to a deep and emotional connection. The book is filled with realistic portrayals of teenage issues such as trauma, mental illness, family conflicts, and the complexities of relationships, making it a compelling and heartfelt read.
What started as a simple dare had twisted into a night-long game. First, Chris dared me to ask the girl in line at the movies for her number. I then dared him to ask the girl at the batting cages for...2012•411 pages - #10
Save:A deeply moving, smartly-written novel that delivers all the feels. If you want an unforgettable story about brokenness, healing, and the slow burn of real connection, this belongs on your TBR. Bring tissues - this book stays with you!
'The Sea of Tranquility' by Katja Millay is a poignant and emotional story that follows Nastya, a teenage girl who stops speaking after a traumatic event. Moving to a new town, she meets Josh, a brooding loner with his own struggles. As their complex relationship develops, secrets are revealed, and both characters embark on a journey of healing and redemption. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and the slow-building romance between Nastya and Josh.
August in Florida means three things: heat, oppressive humidity, and school. School. I haven’t been to school in over two years. Not unless you count sitting at the kitchen table being homeschooled by...November 2012•449 pages
