Here are 10 handpicked novels for the young adult readers
Hannah Nicole D’souza: 1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
We know Valentine’s Day might be your day away from mundane life but trust us when we say you’ll want to visit this workplace romance book. Meet Olive Smith, a PhD student who in an attempt to convince her best friend that she was over her ex and in fact dating, ends up kissing the first man she sees. And that turns out to be Adam Carlsen, a young professor working in the same building as her. Fake dating might never have been in the equation for her but she finds herself making a deal with Carlsen and soon, their little experiment turns into something more. Bonus? This book has some of our favourite tropes, including fake dating and last but not the least, slow burn.
2. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
“Two ice skaters. They might fall. They might not.” The last thing Jasmine expects is for Ivan Lukov, Olympic figure skating medalist and not to mention, her rival for the last decade, to ask her to be his partner. Soon after accepting, she finds herself falling, not just on the rink but for the boy on it too. The banter that goes on between the two will capture your heart as it did ours. Zapata outdid herself with this sports romance novel and even though the rink’s icy, we’re surely not for this couple.
3. Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
If you’re missing the teenage butterflies that The Princess Diaries gave you, you might want to pick this book up. Funny and heartwarming, this novel is sure to leave you grinning and wishing you were a royal experiencing your forbidden romance. Jean’s writing is phenomenal and will keep you hooked until the very last page. Izumi is one of the most adorable characters we’ve come across and her reactions to situations she finds herself in are on-point and relatable. Rich in Japanese culture, Tokyo Ever After presents the perfect romance to keep you company this week. If we could assign the word wholesome to a book, it would be this one.
4. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Valentine’s week wouldn’t be complete without comfort characters, Ari and Dante being one of them. Sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, this book delves deeper into the lives of Ari and Dante who are now a couple, setting out to face the world after they have truly discovered themselves. This book is sure to bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes, as the couple experience the pleasures and troubles of love and what better week to read about their love than this week?
5.Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale
If you’re looking for a soft, adorable romance to curl up with, you’ve come to the right place. Small Town Hearts navigates the journey of Babe Vogel whose summer plans burn to the ground when her friendships break and her ex-girlfriend pops into the picture. Her plans fail further when she finds herself breaking a rule she set for herself as she starts to fall for Levi Keller, an artist who she often comes across in the coffee shop she works at. As the conversations increase, shipping these two characters will be inevitable. This book will probably leave a mark on your single or not-so-single heart.
6. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
A lot of people probably would think that Romeo and Juliet aren’t the theme of the season, and it may be so but for a few who like to add tragedy over their own tragedy, this might be this week’s calling. Set in 1920s Shanghai, this retelling is sure to blow your mind, not just with its phenomenal setting but the angsty forbidden romance that buds between the two characters who are a part of rival gangs. The first in the duology, These Violent Delights packs together an amazing plot with a classic love story between the star-crossed lovers. Now’s as good a time as any to get your heart broken.
7. Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
If good-old contemporary romance doesn’t do it for you, then we’ve got a fantasy-romance recommendation lined up. Sambury marries elements of tragic love, urban fantasy, science-fiction and magic in this novel. Our protagonist, Voya, finds herself in trouble when she starts to fall for Luc, the guy she has been paired with by a genetic matchmaking program. The problem? She made a deal to kill her first love in order to save her family’s magic. Sambury’s writing will drive you to the edge of your seat as you anticipate what Voya’s decision will be and where that will leave her.
8. Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally
Opposites attract, but in the case of Alex and Lulu, they repel too. This humorous novel is spanned out over a couple of years and follows the story of Alex and Lulu, who are sworn enemies. With each summer and its accompanying trip for the students of Coffee County High School, their enmity grows into something else and the line between hate and love becomes blurred. Through many hardships, fights and residing hostility, you will find yourself battling alongside these two characters as they grapple against the odds and fight for their relationship.
9. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
You might have heard about this book when it blew up over BookTok and Bookstagram. And believe us, the hype is real. This book blends together Spanish culture, fake dating and a bit of enemies-to-lovers trope that will make you gush. Not to mention, Aaron Blackford is the epitome of perfection and whether you’re single or not, he is sure to sweep you off your feet. The two characters who once thought themselves to be rivals turn out to be more similar than they imagined and we’re living for it. The novel is hilariously cute and you will not regret spending your Valentine’s with this couple.
10. The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel
Craving a little romance that hits close to home? A romance book with Indian rep, follow Liya as she flees from the boy she was being set up with. All that to find out that he is the lawyer that will help save the company she works for. Additionally, the novel also highlights the battles that Liya has to fight every day such as trauma, misogyny and purity culture that are unfortunately still prevalent in India. The book is sure to make you feel a range of emotions as the characters navigate the situations they are in. A little light warning? This book will leave you craving Indian food so keep something to bite into by your side.
