Best Romantic Comedy Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a heartwarming and delightful teen rom-com that readers of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett will surely enjoy. The book follows Liz Buxbaum, a hopelessly romantic teen girl who schemes with her cute yet obnoxious neighbor, Wes, to get noticed by her forever crush, Michael. As they work together to make Liz's prom dream come true, Liz discovers that she may have feelings for Wes. The story is sweet, funny, and charming, with relatable characters and a well-crafted plot. Overall, Better Than the Movies is a perfect summer read that will leave readers feeling happy and satisfied.

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter is a captivating time loop story that follows a teenage girl, Emilie Hornby, as she relives her worst Valentine's Day over and over again. Emilie's struggles with her parents' divorce and her boyfriend's infidelity are depicted with honesty and heart, while the budding romance between Emilie and Nick adds a touch of humor and sweetness to the story. Painter's writing is engaging and playful, making The Do-Over an unequivocally hilarious and delightful read. This book is a must-read for fans of young adult romance and time travel fiction.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli is a timely and insightful novel that explores sexuality, identity, and friendship. Imogen Scott, a straight teenager, is the world's greatest ally who supports her queer friends in every way possible. However, when her best friend Lili tells her college friends that they used to date, Imogen realizes that she might not be as straight as she thought. Through Imogen's first-person narration, Albertalli offers a compassionate and humorous portrayal of a teenager's experience navigating sexual fluidity and the fear of reinventing oneself. This book is a masterpiece that anyone who has felt like they do not belong will cherish.

The Upside of Falling by Alex Light is a delightful teen romance that revolves around a fake relationship that turns into something real. Becca, who stopped believing in love, pretends to have a boyfriend when her best friend teases her for being single. Brett, the popular football team captain, steps in and plays the role of her fake boyfriend. As they act like a couple, they start to realize they have more in common than they thought. The book is perfect for Jenny Han fans and is a fun, flirty read that will make you laugh and swoon.

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood is a smart and swoonworthy debut YA contemporary romance novel. Mallory Greenleaf, a former chess player, agrees to play in a charity tournament and beats the current world champion, Nolan Sawyer. Nolan's loss to an unknown player confuses everyone, including himself. As Mallory rises up the ranks, she struggles to keep her family and her heart safe from the game that wrecked her family years ago. Check & Mate is a perfect blend of snappy banter, clever characters, crackling tension, and chess. This book is a delightful and unique read that will leave you swooning and smiling.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen is a classic romantic comedy of errors that tells the story of two seventh-graders, Juli and Bryce, who have been neighbors since second grade. The book is written in alternating chapters from their perspectives, and the updated anniversary edition includes revelations from the author on the story behind the story. The book has won several awards and accolades, including being named among the SLJ Top 100 Children’s Novels of all time and winning the California Young Reader Medal. With its fresh, funny voices, charismatic leading lady, and wise, wonderful ending, this novel is a great read for teens and young adults who enjoy humorous fiction.

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a delightful romantic comedy about two high school rivals, Rowan and Neil, who team up for a senior class game that takes them all over Seattle. As they spend more time together, they realize they might have feelings for each other. The book is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and coming-of-age themes. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the setting of Seattle adds to the charm of the story. Overall, Today Tonight Tomorrow is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and heartwarming YA romance.

She Gets the Girl is a delightful YA romantic comedy that follows the story of two college students, Alex and Molly, who couldn't be more different. Alex is confident, flirty, and knows how to get the girl, while Molly is awkward and has a hidden crush on Cora Myers. When Alex discovers Molly's crush, they team up to help each other get the girl they want. As they embark on their five-step plan, they begin to wonder if they're the ones falling for each other. This book is a refreshing take on the hate-to-love trope, and the chemistry between Alex and Molly is undeniable.

A New York Times bestseller, "If I See You Again Tomorrow" by Jaye Robin Brown is a compelling young adult romance that tells the story of Clark, a teen stuck in a time loop, who meets the boy of his dreams on day 310. As Clark navigates the challenges of falling for someone he can never have a future with, the story is structured around a series of deviations and mysteries, making the novel compulsively readable. Brown provides a compelling, endearing narrator in Clark, and the book's exploration of loneliness and the power of human connection make it a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute is a hilarious contemporary romance novel by Talia Hibbert. The story revolves around Bradley Graeme, a perfect football player, and Celine Bangura, a social media influencer obsessed with conspiracy theories. The two are thrown together on a survival course in the woods, where they must work as a team to win a grand prize. As they navigate the challenges of the wilderness, they also confront their past and begin to rediscover their connection. The book is a heartwarming and entertaining read, perfect for young adults who enjoy a mix of humor, romance, and adventure.