Best Contemporary Romance Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a contemporary teen romance novel that explores the complexities of love, regret, and the impact of relationships. Autumn and Finn were once inseparable, but now they try their best to ignore each other. However, the nagging thought that maybe they should be together doesn't stop Autumn from feeling something every time they cross paths. As they approach the end of high school, Autumn is forced to confront the possibility that life could have been different if they had never parted ways. This emotional and captivating book is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy is a New York Times bestselling series that follows Belly's summer love with the Fisher boys, Conrad, and Jeremiah. Belly has always spent her summers with the brothers at Cousins Beach, but as the love triangle between her and the two brothers unfolds, she must choose between them. The boxed set includes The Summer I Turned Pretty, It's Not Summer Without You, and We'll Always Have Summer. Jenny Han's writing style and storytelling make this series an enjoyable and heartwarming read. Overall, this series is a must-read for those who love young adult romance novels.

The Shatter Me Series 6-Book Box Set is a must-read for fans of dystopian young adult literature. This paperback box set includes all six novels of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shatter Me series. The story follows Juliette, a girl with the power to kill with just one touch, as she navigates her way through a world where the government sees her as a deadly weapon. Tahereh Mafi's bold, inventive prose crackles with raw emotion, making this a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love. Overall, this series is a gripping read that is impossible to put down.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a heartwarming and emotional conclusion to Jenny Han's New York Times bestselling trilogy. Belly, who has been in love with two boys with the last name Fisher, has to choose between Jeremiah and Conrad. While Jeremiah is almost certain that Belly is his soulmate, Conrad realizes that he needs to act fast before he loses Belly forever. This book is perfect for teens and young adults who love romance and coming-of-age stories. The inclusion of bonus content, such as Conrad's letters to Belly, adds an extra layer of depth to the characters. Overall, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a must-read for fans of Jenny Han's work and anyone who loves a good love triangle.

The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling sequel to the beloved bestselling The Inheritance Games. In this book, heiress Avery Grambs has to find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions—including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists, and this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Overall, The Hawthorne Legacy is a must-read for fans of mysteries and detective stories.

The Final Gambit is the latest installment in The Inheritance Games series, which has sold over one million copies. The book follows Avery Kylie Grambs as she tries to survive and inherit billions by living in Hawthorne House. However, a visitor's arrival changes everything, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers find themselves in a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. The book is filled with secrets, puzzles, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, The Final Gambit is an entertaining and thrilling read that is perfect for fans of romantic mysteries and thrillers.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a billionaire she never met. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, a mansion filled with puzzles, riddles, and secrets. The catch? The Hawthorne family believes Avery is a con artist and will stop at nothing to take her down. The novel is filled with thrilling twists, high-stakes treasure hunts, and family secrets. Overall, The Inheritance Games is a gripping and entertaining read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han is a heartwarming follow-up to The Summer I Turned Pretty. The story follows Belly, who used to count down the days until summer so she could spend it with Conrad and Jeremiah at Cousins Beach. However, this summer everything has changed, leaving Belly wishing it would never come. When Jeremiah calls her saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. The book is a captivating read about love, friendship, and growing up. Han's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well developed. Overall, It's Not Summer Without You is a must-read for teens and young adults who love a good summer romance novel.

The New York Times bestseller "Every Last Word" by Tamara Ireland Stone is a powerful and poignant portrayal of mental illness in teens. The main character, Samantha, struggles to hide her Purely-Obsessional OCD from her popular friends, until she meets a new friend who introduces her to a group of misfits. As Samantha discovers a new side of herself, she begins to question her sanity and the values of the popular crowd. The author's writing is both honest and empathetic, making this book an important read for anyone dealing with mental health issues or looking to understand those who are.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a captivating start to the Summer I Turned Pretty series. Belly measures her life in summers, and one summer, everything changes. She realizes the boys she has known since her first summer, Jeremiah and Conrad, are more than just her brother figures. The book explores themes of summer love, enduring friendship, and dawning awareness of sexuality. The author's writing style is immersive, and the characters are relatable. The book is a perfect summer read and a must-read for teens and young adults who love a good coming-of-age story.