‘These titles really nail that once-in-a-lifetime feeling’—Ruth Ennis chooses YA books
I never really considered myself a big romance fan, but when I look at my bookshelves, I see a real variety of books in a range of genres that happen to have a love story in them. I think that’s what makes a great romance; a dynamic world with ever-changing circumstances that allow love to flourish.
Today I’m going to share five young adult novels with romances that will stay in your hearts and minds for a long time. First loves are such an exciting concept to explore in books for teenagers, and these titles really nail that once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
First up is A Phở Love Story by Loan Le (Simon and Schuster). Bảo and Linh are Vietnamese-American teenagers whose families run competing phở restaurants in the same neighbourhood. Before, they had no reason to cross paths. But now, they’ve been thrown together on a project in their journalism class; Bảo is to write restaurant reviews, and Linh creates illustrations of the restaurant to accompany the article. Before long they begin to fall for each other and have to hide their relationship from their feuding families.
Bảo and Linh are wonderful protagonists and are very easy to root for
Bảo and Linh are wonderful protagonists and are very easy to root for. The development in their individual identities and goals as a writer and an artist respectively, as well as their love for each other, is captivating. The underlying tension, the mystery behind the feuding families, is gripping right up to the very end, resulting in an ultimately hopeful conclusion. And it would be remiss of me not to mention the mouthwatering foods described throughout the book, it is just divine – you’ll devour this book in no time! Suitable for 13+ years.
Next we have You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith (Inkyard Press). Adam and Whitney used to be best friends, but when Adam’s dad died and Whitney began to hang out with a new friend group, they came to be practically strangers. Adam now devotes his time to his family business; an old-fashioned pinball arcade that his dad founded. Whitney runs the social media for her dad’s successful gaming cafes; the two often antagonise each other over social media through their business accounts (during the height of the Twitter era). But one broken pinball machine and an intense snow-storm later, their relationship changes and will never be the same again.
This is a fascinatingly unique concept for a love story
This is a fascinatingly unique concept for a love story, and is as much about familial and platonic love as it is about romantic love. It reads as an ode to Philadelphia, a fondness for the Old City pouring through on every page. The romance is a slow burn, with Adam and Whitney’s past gradually catching up to them while they set their eyes on the future, which I’m sure will resonate with lots of young readers. An interesting and distinctive read, suitable for 13+ years.
Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman is a beloved series worldwide for good reason, but reading the Irish language edition, translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata) is another, wonderful, experience altogether. Charlie is a shy boy, loves playing drums, Mario Kart, and is in a complicated non-relationship with Ben who doesn’t want anyone to know about them. But then Charlie meets Nick, the charming and friendly boy on the rugby team, and falls heads over heels for him. Over time, Nick and Charlie grow closer and they must face their challenges head on; Nick’s questions about his sexuality, and Charlie’s need to stand up for himself.
Even the most unconfident of Irish language readers, myself included, can follow this text with ease,
It’s no surprise why this graphic novel is such a hit, it captures that “first real crush” feeling perfectly, and the two protagonists are simply adorable. The Irish language translation of this book was such a joy to read, perfectly encapsulating the tone of the story while incorporating contemporary Irish vocabulary. Even the most unconfident of Irish language readers, myself included, can follow this text with ease, written deliberately accessibly and is supported by the illustrations. I’m eager to see this edition of the book in schools, it is a staple in any library or home. Suitable for 13+ years.
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon (Penguin) follows Evie who has a rare gift; when she sees a couple kiss, she gets visions of their entire relationship, right up to the moment they break up. Between this and her parent’s separation, she doesn’t have much reason to believe in love that lasts. But when she is partnered up with charming and full-of-life X for a dance competition, her resolve to stay out of love is challenged.
This is a swoon-worthy story from the moment our two love-interests meet
This is a swoon-worthy story from the moment our two love-interests meet, and the touch of magical realism makes immensely engaging throughout. Yoon is an expert when it comes to grand love stories (see also: The Sun Is Also a Star). Evie is a brilliantly fleshed out protagonist and her character development is a wonder to behold. Prepare yourself for a dramatic plot twist in the last act of the book that is skilfully executed and will make you want to reread it all the minute you finish. A fantastic book that is one of my favourites to recommend, this is suitable for 15+ years.
Lastly is a book I regret leaving on my to-be-read pile for far too long, Afterlove by Tanya Byrne (Hodder). It’s a classic tale: girl meets girl, they fall in love in a whirlwind romance. Ash has never felt like this before and is deliriously happy in this new relationship. But tragedy strikes, when Ash is killed in a car accident on New Year’s Eve. In the afterlife, she joins a group of reapers and is tasked with the role of guiding people through the afterlife. But she struggles to adjust to this new existence, especially as she grieves for the life she imagined for her and Poppy, and would do anything to be with her one more time.
It’s a classic tale: girl meets girl, they fall in love in a whirlwind romance
This book broke my heart into a thousand pieces, all the while consistently clinging on to an incredible sense of hope. The prose is beautiful, with some stunning moments that will stop you in your tracks. It is a really special story that will have you believing in true love and the joy it can bring. Already on track to be one of my favourite reads of 2025, Afterlove will stay with me a long time. Suitable for 15+ years.
