Something undeniably captivating about high school romance books keeps readers returning for more. Firstly, these books allow readers to reminisce about their high school experiences, evoking a sense of nostalgia and fondness. They transport us back to when everything felt new and exciting when a simple glance or touch could send our hearts racing.
High school romance novels capture the essence of that youthful energy and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with first love. The stories transport us back to a time of first love, innocence, and the excitement of teenage years.
They hold a special place in the hearts of readers of all ages. With their relatable characters and compelling narratives, high school romance has become a beloved genre in literature. In this article, we will explore some of the all-time favorites that have captured the hearts of readers around the globe.
10 High School Romance Books (Teen Romance)
High school romance explores universal themes, such as self-discovery, identity, and the complexities of relationships. They tackle important issues that young adults face, providing valuable insights and guidance through the experiences of relatable characters. These books not only entertain, educate, and empower readers, helping them face the complexities of love and relationships.
The memories of high school love never fade. So we love and miss it and want to recall by reading books. I will talk about ten such romance books for you. They frequently address important social issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and mental health. By incorporating these themes into their narratives, authors shed light on teenagers’ challenges and create opportunities for empathy and understanding. Let’s start!
| Name | Storyline | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| My Darling Arrow by Saffron A. Kent | An emotionally charged romance about a young woman’s unrequited love for her brother’s best friend, navigating the complexities of desire and heartache. | Contemporary romance, unrequited love, brother’s best friend dynamic, emotional turmoil, coming-of-age, strong female protagonist, forbidden attraction, personal growth, deep character introspection, love letters, college setting. |
| Sweet Dandelion by Micalea Smeltzer | A controversial romance exploring the complex relationship between a high school senior and her young, enigmatic teacher, navigating forbidden love and moral boundaries. | Forbidden romance, student-teacher dynamic, age gap, emotional challenges, moral dilemmas, high school setting, secret love, internal conflict, character growth, societal norms, and personal struggles. |
| Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas | An intense and emotional romance between two pen pals who meet in real life under false identities, navigating their true selves and hidden feelings. | Friends-to-lovers, mistaken identity, high school drama, secret correspondence, bad boy/good girl dynamic, emotional turmoil, self-discovery, social themes, dark romance, angsty relationships, rebellious protagonists. |
| Slammed by Colleen Hoover | A heartfelt story of a young woman falling in love with her new neighbor, only to discover he is her new teacher, navigating love, loss, and slam poetry. | New adult romance, forbidden love, student-teacher relationship, family dynamics, coping with grief, slam poetry, first love, emotional challenges, moral dilemmas, personal growth, contemporary setting. |
| Hopeless by Colleen Hoover | A deep and emotional romance where a girl uncovering the secrets of her past finds love with a boy who helps her face her darkest memories. | New adult romance, dark past secrets, emotional healing, strong female protagonist, mysterious male lead, intense romance, personal growth, tragic backstory, contemporary setting, uncovering truth, transformative love story. |
| The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen | A touching and emotional story of two troubled souls, Callie and Kayden, finding solace and love in each other amidst their painful pasts. | New adult romance, troubled pasts, emotional healing, chance encounters, college setting, damaged characters, secrets and trauma, journey of self-discovery, supportive relationships, overcoming adversity, dual perspectives. |
| Find You in the Dark by A. Meredith Walters | An emotional and intense story of a young couple navigating the complexities of mental illness, love, and healing in their tumultuous relationship. | New adult romance, mental health issues, troubled pasts, intense emotional connection, high school to college transition, family dynamics, personal struggles, therapeutic journey, complex characters, raw and realistic portrayal, resilience and support. |
| Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan | A gripping and emotional tale of a high school girl hiding her abusive home life while finding solace and love in a relationship with a kind-hearted boy. | Young adult romance, secret abuse, emotional turmoil, high school setting, forbidden love, resilience and strength, protective love interest, dark family secrets, coping with trauma, personal growth, heart-wrenching narrative. |
| Deviant King by Rina Kent | A dark and intense high school romance marked by power plays and obsession, where a girl becomes the target of a mysterious and dominant boy’s fixation. | Dark romance, bully romance, high school setting, dominant male lead, power dynamics, secrets and intrigue, emotional intensity, forbidden attraction, mystery and suspense, complex character dynamics, psychological manipulation. |
| Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles | A gripping tale of love and cultural divides, where a Latino gang member and a high-achieving girl from different worlds fall for each other against all odds. | Young adult romance, star-crossed lovers, cultural and social differences, high school setting, opposites attract, gang dynamics, forbidden love, personal growth, family expectations, overcoming stereotypes, dual perspectives. |
1. My Darling Arrow (St. Mary’s Rebels)
This book follows a girl (Salem) who falls for her sister’s boyfriend, but there’s a little more to it. Salem and her sister end up moving in with a woman when their mother dies, and she has a son, Arrow. Salem ends up falling for Arrow, whom she now lives with, but the thing is, her older sister and he is the same age. They immediately hit it off, and they start dating right away.
So Salem’s left to lust after him and dream up this whole thing where she has a crush on him and writes letters to him. She writes letters and puts them in a shoebox and never shows him. Then, she gets older and becomes a senior in high school. Something makes her want to run away, and her guardian sends her to a reform school. So, the book starts with her at Reform School and Arrow returning to town.
Author: Saffron A. Kent
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Coming of Age Fiction
Number Of Pages: 539
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
2. Sweet Dandelion
This is about a girl (Dandelion Meadows) who experiences the tragedy of a school shooting happening at her school, leaving her injured. Her mother ends up passing away, and her mother is a teacher at the school. So she’s left with nobody but her brother. She has to move in with him and start at a new school for her senior year.
Upon arriving, Meadows assigned a counselor (Lachlan Taylor) to help her talk once a day. They know her past with the school shooting, so they want her to have somebody. Meadows falls for him. Lachlan’s the counselor, and she’s the student. So it’s a little bit scandalous and taboo.
Author: Micalea Smeltzer
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Contemporary Romance
Number Of Pages: 608
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
3. Punk 57
The story is about two people (Misha & Ryen) who become pen pals when they are younger and in high school. One of them falls off and stops replying. It turns out they go to the same school for their senior year. So, the basic jumping-off point for this book is that they go to the same school. Misha knows that it’s her.
Ryen had never looked up a picture of him before, and she had no idea that it was him because he went by a different name at the school. So she doesn’t know it’s this boy that she’s been talking to her whole life. It is a high school bully romance, so it’s unexpected. Also, It’s one of my favorites from Penelope Douglas, and I love her writing. She has a magical flow that gives you the complete package of romance.
Author: Penelope Douglas
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: New Adult & College Romance
Number Of Pages: 341
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
4. Slammed
This book deals with a girl (Lake) who moves to a new town for her senior year. She moves to a new town for her senior year. She meets Will’s next-door neighbor when she arrives at her new neighborhood. Immediately, they have a super quick energy connection together. Will shows her around town and helps her unpack. They go to the grocery store together and bond over the weekend before she starts high school.
Then something happens with a plot twist, and Colleen Hoover is the queen of plot twists. It is at the beginning of the book, so that’s how it picks up and where the plot develops. But if you love poetry and high school chemistry, you will like this book.
Author: Colleen Hoover
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Women’s Domestic Life Fiction
Number Of Pages: 352
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
5. Hopeless
This follows Sky, who has been homeschooled her whole life and is a senior. Sky is adopted, and she makes out with many boys, but she never feels anything towards them. But she wants to feel something for someone sometimes. One day, she meets a boy (Holder), and stuff happens. There’s no doubt that you’ll become obsessed with this book, and it’ll bring you on a roller coaster of emotions.
Holder and his twin were best friends with Sky. Then, there are all these emotional flashbacks and horrifying revelations about what happened to Sky. It all starts to get creepy, and we begin to put the pieces together and realize that she doesn’t have access to technology because she was kidnapped. She doesn’t know that she was kidnapped because her father molested her and tried to help her. In this whole situation, we go back to see her dad. So, if you want to feel the romance with suspense, this book is right for you.
Author: Colleen Hoover
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Romantic Erotica
Number Of Pages: 416
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Audio CD
6. The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden
This book deals with a lot of issues and triggers. It is about two people who meet in high school. They get wrapped up in this whirlwind romance, but they’re both dealing with super dark things in their family life. A lot is going on, but they want to battle it through with each other. They realize how much the other person is struggling.
It’s very much a high school sweetheart and a young love situation, but it’s such a great book. This book does end on a cliffhanger, so keep that in mind. Make sure you’re prepared with book two, and it’s on the darker side.
Author: Jessica Sorensen
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Contemporary Literary Fiction
Number Of Pages: 312
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
7. Find You in the Dark
This is another one that deals with some serious issues and subjects that include abuse. The book is about a boy (Reed) who moves to a new school for his senior year. But anyway, he is moving to a new school, and he’s dark. Nobody pays attention to him. He keeps to himself. But this one girl (Maggie) he meets forms this instant connection.
Maggie doesn’t realize that he’s going through super dark times, having so many issues dealing with his past, and it gets all wrapped up in them. It’s similar to the coincidence of Callie and Kayden in that regard, but this book is different. If you want a dark romance with some crazy themes and a little suspense, you will like this high school romance.
Author: A. Meredith Walters
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: College Romance
Number Of Pages: 368
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
8. Reason to Breathe (Breathing)
This is the first book in the Breathing series, a trilogy, and it is about a girl (Emma) in high school. Her aunt abuses Emma because her father died in a car accident, her mother is an alcoholic, and she can’t take care of her. So she’s been living with her aunt, Carol, and their two kids, Layla and Jack. She’s very attached to them, and she doesn’t go to the police when she’s abused. She tries to fade into the school background and be completely unnoticed so she doesn’t have to answer any questions.
One day, Evan Mathews moves to Wesleyan, and he takes an interest in Emma. Also, she tries to push him away. She doesn’t want the attention she needs to be invisible. But Evan challenges her to recognize her worth. After a few days, she recognizes emotions and begins to feel. Slowly, Emma becomes more and more alive throughout the book because of Evan. She finds love with Evan, and they develop a friendship. It’s a journey of self-recognition.
Author: Rebecca Donovan
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Contemporary Romance
Number Of Pages: 466
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
9. Deviant King (Royal Elite)
Our heroine, Elsa Quinn, lives with her aunt because her parents passed away, and she decides she gets transferred to a prestigious school. So, she has been adopted by her aunt and uncle. They’re working hard to get her a good education. Also, they sent her to a prestigious high school for the last three years of her education.
She sees a boy group that everybody loves. They become best friends because they bond over being bullies. Then, one of the boys in the group sees her and makes her whole school painful. Aiden, who has always kept his distance, didn’t care about her. He lets his minions do all the dirty work, then decides not to keep his distance and get involved in bringing Elsa down.
Elsa finds out why Aidan is even interested in her. Then, there’s a side plot between Aidan’s best friend Xander, and her best friend. I recommend it if you’re into angsty romance and want an intense, darker read.
Author: Rina Kent
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Sports Romance
Number Of Pages: 362
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
10. Perfect Chemistry
This book is all centered around two perspectives between Brittany and Alex. Brittany lives on the wealthier side of town and is very privileged. On the other hand, Alex lives on the poorer side of town, and there are lots of gangs and violence going on. They both are in the same school and in the same class. So it’s star-crossed lover’s basis for contemporary, but it’s much more than that.
One day, they get partnered up in chemistry class to be lab partners, and the story takes off from there. It seemed it would be a predictable read, but there was a lot of depth to the characters and plot twists. I love the ending and the epilogue, mainly because they are very cute.
Author: Simone Elkeles
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Young Adult Fiction about Dating
Number Of Pages: 384
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
5 Steamy High School Romance Books
Steamy high school romance novels are popular for readers who enjoy a blend of youthful intensity and romantic excitement. Here are five books that deliver on this theme with engaging stories and steamy elements:
“After” by Anna Todd: Initially a hit on Wattpad, this book follows Tessa Young as she struggles with her first year of college, where she meets the brooding and mysterious Hardin Scott. Their relationship is intense, filled with drama and steamy encounters, making it a captivating read.
“Perfect Chemistry” by Simone Elkeles: This novel tells the story of Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes, two high school seniors from different worlds. Their undeniable attraction leads to a passionate and forbidden romance filled with chemistry and emotional depth.
“Fallen Too Far” by Abbi Glines: The story centers around Blaire Wynn, who moves to a new coastal town and falls for Rush Finlay, her new stepbrother. Their relationship is forbidden and irresistibly steamy, set against family secrets and high-stakes drama.
“Bully” by Penelope Douglas: This book explores the tumultuous relationship between Tate and Jared, who were once childhood friends until Jared turned into her tormentor. Their intense hate-to-love dynamic eventually turns into a passionate and steamy romance.
“Vicious” by L.J. Shen: Part of the “Sinners of Saint” series, this novel focuses on Emilia and Vicious, who share a complicated past. Their relationship is characterized by intense emotions and a steamy dynamic, evolving amidst the challenges of high school and beyond.
5 High School Romance Books For Young Adults
High school romance novels for young adults offer a delightful mix of first love, personal growth, and the unique challenges of teenage life. Here are five engaging high school romance books that are popular among young adult readers:
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han: This charming story follows Lara Jean Covey, who writes secret love letters to her crushes, never intending to send them. However, her life takes a turn when the letters get out. It’s a sweet and relatable tale of young love and the complexities of high school relationships.
“Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell: Set in the 1980s, this novel tells the story of two misfit teenagers, Eleanor and Park, who bond over comic books and mixtapes. It’s a touching and heartfelt story about first love, acceptance, and the power of connection.
“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli: This book focuses on Simon Spier, a not-so-openly gay high school student, who navigates coming out, friendship, and an email romance with an anonymous classmate. It’s a funny, warm, and insightful story about identity and the journey to self-acceptance.
“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green: Though not a conventional high school romance, this novel about two cancer-stricken teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, explores love, life, and mortality. It’s a deeply moving and unforgettable story that resonates with many young adults.
“Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell: This novel is about Cath, a freshman in college, but it captures the essence of a high school romance as it deals with the transition to young adulthood. It’s a story about fanfiction, love, and coming into one’s own, perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives.
5 Enemies To Lovers High School Romance Books
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han: The protagonists start with a faux relationship with its share of conflicts and misunderstandings. The high school setting adds to the charm and awkwardness of their evolving relationship.
“Perfect Chemistry” by Simone Elkeles: This novel features a classic bad boy/good girl dynamic set in a high school. The protagonists come from different worlds, and their initial antagonism gradually becomes a deeper understanding and affection.
“Simon vs. the Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli: This book features a subplot of enemies-to-lovers within a high school context. It’s a heartwarming story with a mix of humor and depth.
“Hate List” by Jennifer Brown: While this book is more intense and deals with heavier themes, the relationship at its core transforms from misunderstanding and conflict to healing and understanding.
“The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend” by Kody Keplinger: This novel showcases the evolving relationship between a high school girl and a boy she initially despises. It’s a story that challenges perceptions and explores themes of self-esteem and romance.
5 High School Bad Boy Romance Books
“Beautiful Disaster” by Jamie McGuire: This novel revolves around Abby Abernathy, who tries to distance herself from her dark past but gets drawn to Travis Maddox, the quintessential bad boy with a reputation. Their intense and passionate relationship is set against the backdrop of college life.
“Perfect Chemistry” by Simone Elkeles: In this book, Brittany Ellis, the perfect high school senior, and Alex Fuentes, a gang member, and the proverbial bad boy, are forced to be chemistry partners. Their initial animosity gradually transforms into a complex and passionate romance.
“Pushing the Limits” by Katie McGarry: Echo, a girl with a troubled past, and Noah, a classic bad boy with a heart of gold, come together in this emotionally charged story. Their relationship develops as they both confront their demons.
“Rule” by Jay Crownover: This novel tells the story of Shaw Landon, who has been in love with Rule Archer, the ultimate bad boy with tattoos and a rebellious streak since she was a teenager. Their relationship is intense and full of ups and downs, reflecting the complexities of young love.
“Fallen Too Far” by Abbi Glines: Blaire Wynn finds herself living with Rush Finlay, the wealthy, charming, and notorious bad boy. Their intense chemistry leads to a tumultuous and passionate relationship set in a high school/young adult environment.
5 Dark High School Romance Books
“After” by Anna Todd: This novel centers around Tessa Young, an innocent college freshman, and Hardin Scott, a brooding rebel. Their relationship is intense and complicated, filled with conflicts and dark secrets.
“Cruel Intentions” (originally titled “Untouchable”) by L.J. Shen: Part of the “Elite Kings Club” series, this book shows a world of privilege, power, and dark secrets. The romance is intense and filled with twists, centering around a girl entangled with a group of dangerous and influential boys at her new elite high school.
“Bully” by Penelope Douglas: This novel explores the complex relationship between Tate and Jared, childhood friends turned enemies. The story dives into revenge, redemption, and the thin line between love and hate.
“Paper Princess” by Erin Watt: This book, the first in “The Royals” series, tells the story of Ella Harper, a strong-willed girl thrust into the world of the wealthy and elite Royal family. The romance is intense and complicated, set against high school drama and dark family secrets.
“Fear Me” by B.B. Reid: This story follows Lake Monroe and Keiran Masters, who share a dark history. The plot revolves around themes of obsession, revenge, and a complicated, intense romance that unfolds in a high school setting.
5 New Girl In School Romance Books
“The New Girl” by Paige Harbison: This novel is a modern take on the classic “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier. The story revolves around the new girl at Manderley Academy who struggles to fit in and finds herself tangled in a mysterious love triangle.
“Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins: Set in an American boarding school in Paris, this novel follows Anna Oliphant, who falls for Étienne St. Clair, a charming boy at her new school. Their story is a delightful blend of friendship, romance, and the thrills of being in a new city.
“Fallen Crest High” by Tijan: This book follows Samantha, who moves to a new town and school when her mother marries a wealthy man. She gets involved with the Kade brothers, Mason and Logan, leading to complex relationships and high school drama.
“Paper Princess” by Erin Watt: This novel tells the story of Ella Harper, who, after her mother’s death, is thrust into the world of the rich and privileged Royal family. As she faces the dynamics of her new elite high school, she gets involved with the Royal boys, especially Reed Royal.
“Perfect Chemistry” by Simone Elkeles: This is a tale of Brittany Ellis, a girl who appears to have a perfect life, and Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town. Their paths cross when Alex takes chemistry to fulfill his graduation requirement, leading to an unexpected romance.
Last Words
These books have a timeless appeal that continues to captivate readers. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the complexities of first love or an adult looking to relive those unforgettable moments, they offer a window into high school romance.
Through relatable characters and compelling narratives, they explore love, friendship, and personal growth, leaving a lasting impact on us. So, immerse yourself in the unforgettable tales of high school romance and rediscover the magic of first love.
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