10 YA Contemporary Romance Books You Should Read Right Now

I love YA contemporary romance and tend to reach for them when I am looking for something light and happy to read. They always make me smile and are just so sweet and innocent. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order, that you should absolutely read if you are looking for a cute love story:

Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

So many great things to say about this book. Supportive girl friendships, video game sibling bonding, school plays, f/f relationships and an adorable, goofy love interest. This story is all about loving people for who they are and it is an absolute delight to read.

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

My favorite Jenn Bennett story. Taking place in Seattle, quirky, mystery-lover Birdie gets a job at an old hotel and meets Daniel. Yes, this is a cute romance but is also a great story about supportive family, accepting yourself and trusting others. A must read!

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

So far this is my favorite Emery Lord book. Paige joins the Quiz Bowl team at her school and meets Max – her crush’s nerdy cousin. I will say Paige bothered me for a while because she was so judgmental, but I think a lot of this stemmed from her own insecurity and she made up for it in the end. A cute, fluffy and innocent read.

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

I love how Jenn Bennett always makes her characters quirky. Bailey is a film buff and bonds online with “Alex” over their shared interest. She meets “Alex” in real life as Porter the lifeguard when she moves in with her Dad, and the story is about them discovering the truth. I loved the tension of knowing who they were and watching them figuring it out through the course of the story. Also, Bailey’s Dad was so great. Another feel-good romance by Jenn Bennett.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

This book was such a pleasant surprise. Rival businesses, baking blogs, tweet wars and great banter – you will not want to miss reading about Jack & Pepper’s budding romance in Emma Lord’s debut novel.

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

I’ve read most of Kasie West’s books and they are all light-hearted, happy romances. This is by far my favorite and it is just so dang cute. Lily has been exchanging anonymous notes with someone in her class and the book revolves around her figuring out who it is. I tend to love the mystery pen-pal trope and this book does not disappoint.

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I know, I know most of us have read this, seen Love, Simon (which I love) and the new spin-off Love, Victor (also great) but if you haven’t been introduced to Simon, stop what you are doing and get this book now. Becky Albertalli had me laughing, crying and swooning as I read about Simon and his mystery email pen-pal Blue. I promise you will fall in love with the characters too!

By Your Side by Kasie West

My other Kasie West favorite. Autumn finds herself trapped in the library with bad-boy Dax. I liked the Breakfast Club-style story and I really related to Autumn because of her anxiety. A super cute, fluffy read and 100% worth your time.

Confess by Colleen Hoover

CoHo’s books are technically NA and usually discuss tougher subjects than your typical fluffy YA romance but they are all very enjoyable. I loved the art studio setting and seeing everyone’s confessions throughout the story. Auburn and Owen are 🔥. I love this story!

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

A double romance, but also a beautiful mother-daughter relationship. Morgan got pregnant with Clara and sixteen and wants to prevent her from making the same mistakes. I loved watching their relationship evolve over the course of the story. Regretting you is one of my favorite CoHo books!

Let me know if you’ve read any of these books – I would love to hear your thoughts! I hope you are able to find something from this list if you are looking for a fun, happy, light read 📚. What are your favorite YA Contemporary Romances? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️