Better Than the Movies
Author: Lynn Painter
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
Recommended Age: 14+ for content (publisher markets it for ages 12+)
Romance Level: Sweet romance with kissing, no explicit sex scenes
Hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum has always dreamed of finding the kind of love she sees in her favorite romantic comedies. When her longtime crush returns to town, she reluctantly teams up with Wes, her irritating but charming next-door neighbor, to get his attention. Filled with witty banter, playful rivalry, and memorable romantic moments, Better Than the Movies is a heartwarming story about friendship, family, and discovering that real-life romance doesn't always follow a movie script.
Tweet Cute
Author: Emma Lord
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
Recommended Age: 12–14+ (publisher lists ages 12–18)
Romance Level: Sweet, closed-door romance with kissing and no explicit sex scenes.
When overachieving Pepper and class clown Jack find themselves on opposite sides of a heated social media battle between their families' restaurants, their online rivalry quickly becomes a viral sensation. Between clever tweets, hilarious banter, and an unexpected connection through an anonymous messaging app, the two discover that love and friendship can appear in the most surprising places. Tweet Cute is a charming, feel-good romantic comedy filled with humor, family drama, and the excitement of first love.
Love & Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Coming-of-Age
Recommended Age: 12+ (Grades 7 and up)
Romance Level: Sweet, non-explicit romance with kissing and no graphic sexual scenes.
After losing her mother, sixteen-year-old Lina reluctantly spends the summer in Tuscany, Italy, fulfilling her mother's final wish. When she discovers an old journal filled with memories of her mother's adventures, Lina begins a journey through charming Italian towns, hidden secrets, and unexpected friendships. Along the way, she discovers that a summer she never wanted might hold the answers, romance, and new beginnings she never imagined. Love & Gelato is a heartwarming coming-of-age story filled with family, friendship, first love, and the beauty of Italy.
P.S. I Like You
Author: Kasie West
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
Recommended Age: 12+ (Grades 7–12)
Romance Level: Sweet, non-explicit romance with kissing and no graphic sexual content.
When Lily Abbott scribbles some song lyrics on her desk during chemistry class, she never expects someone to write back. Soon, an anonymous exchange of notes turns into a friendship filled with music, secrets, humor, and unexpected romantic feelings. As Lily tries to discover the identity of her mysterious pen pal, she navigates the everyday challenges of high school, friendships, and family life. P.S. I Like You is a charming, lighthearted romance about being yourself and discovering love in unexpected places.
The Fill-In Boyfriend
Author: Kasie West
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
Recommended Age: 13+ (Grades 8 and up)
Romance Level: Sweet, non-explicit romance with kissing and no sexual scenes.
When Gia Montgomery is unexpectedly dumped in the parking lot just before her high school prom, she faces an embarrassing dilemma: her friends are waiting to meet the boyfriend she's been talking about for months. Desperate to save face, Gia convinces a handsome stranger to pretend to be her date for the evening. What begins as a simple arrangement soon becomes something much more complicated. Filled with humor, unexpected romance, friendship drama, and lessons about being true to yourself, The Fill-In Boyfriend is a delightful romantic comedy about discovering that appearances aren't always what matter most.
Borrow My Heart
Author: Kasie West
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
Recommended Age: 12+ (Grades 7 and up)
Romance Level: Sweet, non-explicit romance with kissing and no sexual scenes.
Wren is a girl who likes rules, routines, and keeping her life carefully organized. But when she overhears a charming boy named Asher being set up for an embarrassing online dating prank, she impulsively steps in and pretends to be the girl he is supposed to meet. What begins as an unexpected act of kindness quickly turns into a complicated fake-dating situation. Filled with witty banter, sweet romantic moments, friendship, and heartfelt family relationships, Borrow My Heart is a delightful romantic comedy about learning to take chances, opening your heart, and discovering that life doesn't always go according to plan.