Books Lists
10+ Best Romance Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect romance books for 14-year-olds that capture the thrill and sweetness of young love? Finding age-appropriate and engaging stories can be a delightful adventure. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted rom-com or a tale of first loves, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of romance books that are just right for 14-year-olds, ensuring a read they'll fall in love with!
Table of Contents
Fun Romance Books for 14-Year-Olds
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: The story follows Lara Jean Covey, a high school junior who writes secret love letters to her crushes. Her life turns upside down when the letters are accidentally sent out.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted and charming read that perfectly captures the complexities of young love and family dynamics. It encourages young readers to express their feelings openly and honestly.
- Perfect for: Teens looking to dive into their first romance novel and anyone who enjoys stories about personal growth and family.
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this novel is about two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story about finding love in unexpected places and the intensity of a youthful, romantic relationship. It also touches on themes of identity and social acceptance.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate nostalgic settings and stories that explore first love with depth and authenticity.
- Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
- Genre(s): Romance, LGBTQ+, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Simon Spier keeps his sexuality a secret from his family and friends. However, when a private email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, heartfelt, and sincere story that tackles issues of identity and coming out with great sensitivity and humor. It encourages acceptance and self-discovery.
- Perfect for: Young readers looking for a sweet, funny romance that also provides a thoughtful look at the experiences of LGBTQ+ teenagers.
- Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Anna looks forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job and a loyal best friend. But she is sent to a boarding school in Paris instead, where she meets Étienne St. Clair, a boy who has it all—including a serious girlfriend.
- Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for those who dream of adventures in new cities and love stories that develop from friendship to romance. It's engaging and promotes the joy of exploring new cultures.
- Perfect for: Teens who love traveling, stories set in picturesque locations, and romances that evolve from deep friendships.
Educational Romance Books for 14-Year-Olds
- Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: This novel details the ups and downs of young love through the alternating perspectives of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, who see the world in vastly different ways.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Perspective-taking, emotional intelligence, narrative skills
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and insightful look into young love and the misunderstandings that can occur when seeing life from only one angle.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of first love and the complexities of growing up.
- The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Over a 24-hour period, Hadley Sullivan and Oliver Jones meet at JFK airport and discover the possibilities of love at first sight as they fly towards London.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of probability and statistics, cultural awareness, emotional resilience
- Why we recommend this book: It combines a sweet romance with themes of fate and chance, making it a captivating read for those who love whimsical love stories.
- Perfect for: Teens interested in love stories intertwined with themes of destiny and chance.
- This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Remy Starr, who is skeptical about love due to her mother's many marriages, meets Dexter, a musician who challenges her beliefs about relationships.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about relationships, emotional self-awareness, literary analysis
- Why we recommend this book: It's a realistic look at the complexities of teenage relationships and self-discovery.
- Perfect for: Teens who are skeptical about love but enjoy seeing characters evolve and learn about themselves.
- Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Travel
- Synopsis: Lina spends a summer in Tuscany where she discovers the history of her mother's past and finds herself tangled in a new romance.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge of Italy, understanding of family dynamics, emotional growth
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of enchanting Italian settings with a sweet story of self-discovery and first love.
- Perfect for: Young romantics who dream of adventure in picturesque settings and stories that connect the past and present.
- My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Samantha Reed, from a politically prominent family, falls for her next-door neighbor, Jase Garrett, leading to a summer of discoveries and challenges.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of socio-economic differences, ethical decision-making, relationship dynamics
- Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling story that explores the impact of family and social expectations on young love.
- Perfect for: Readers who like realistic stories that tackle serious issues with sensitivity and heart.
Challenging Romance Books for 14-Year-Olds
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
- Genre(s): Romance, Gothic, Bildungsroman
- Synopsis: The novel follows the emotions and experiences of its eponymous character, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr. Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is complex, and the themes of social criticism, morality, and sexuality are sophisticated for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of a woman's struggle for self-identity and independence in a restrictive society, combined with a passionate love story.
- Perfect for: Those who appreciate a strong, resilient protagonist and a blend of romance with darker themes.
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- Genre(s): Romance, Gothic
- Synopsis: This novel centers on the all-consuming, passionate, yet thwarted love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, and how their unresolved passion eventually destroys them and many around them.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is intricate, involving multiple narrators and a non-linear timeline, plus the themes are intensely emotional and complex.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the raw emotions and turbulent relationships, providing a stark look at the destructive power of love and obsession.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in intense, dramatic stories that challenge conventional perceptions of love.
- The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Comedy
- Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis' life is turned upside down when she discovers she's the heir to the throne of a European principality. Amidst navigating her new royal duties, she also deals with typical teenage issues, including crushes, friendships, and school.
- Why this book is challenging: While primarily comedic and light-hearted, the series also delves into issues of identity, responsibility, and personal growth in a sophisticated way.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that also provides thoughtful commentary on the pressures and complexities of teenage life.
- Perfect for: Teens who enjoy a good laugh with their romance and are interested in stories about personal growth and self-discovery.
- A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
- Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Set in Victorian England, this novel follows Gemma Doyle, a young girl grappling with her supernatural powers at a boarding school, while also navigating complex relationships and a magical underworld.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel combines historical and fantastical elements with complex themes such as feminism, colonialism, and the constraints of society.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, imaginative narrative that challenges readers to think about historical context and personal empowerment.
- Perfect for: Readers who love a mix of history, fantasy, and strong female leads.
- I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
- Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Through her journal, Cassandra Mortmain chronicles her life in a crumbling castle, her eccentric family, and the transformation brought upon by the arrival of two wealthy American brothers.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel’s reflective and descriptive prose requires readers to engage deeply with the text to appreciate its subtleties and wit.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and introspective read that captures the complexities of growing up and falling in love.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy narratives that offer a blend of romance, introspection, and picturesque settings.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance books and you're around 14 years old, you might be looking for ways to enhance your reading experience. Here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits while enjoying your romantic reads. These simple activities are designed to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the books you read.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and help you make reading a habit.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Create a Dedicated Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
- How it helps: Having a special place can make reading a more enjoyable and focused activity.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family members who are interested.
- How it helps: Discussing the book can enhance your understanding and give you different perspectives.
- Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize a mobile or web app that tracks your reading progress.
- How it helps: Keeps you organized and can motivate you with achievements and reminders.
- Tips: Choose an app that allows you to set personal reminders and save notes.
- Read Out Loud
- What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud.
- How it helps: Improves your pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
- Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.
- Join a Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a book club with peers who also enjoy romance novels.
- How it helps: Provides a structured setting in which to discuss books and share insights.
- Tips: If you can't find a club, consider starting one with friends or classmates.
- Reflect After Reading
- What it is: Take a few minutes to reflect on the book after you finish reading.
- How it helps: Helps consolidate what you have learned and how you feel about the story.
- Tips: Write down your reflections to better remember the book in the future.
These exercises are not just about reading more, but about making your reading experience as rich and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're setting reading goals, discussing your latest book with a friend, or just reflecting on what you've read, each of these activities can help you build lasting reading habits. So, grab your next romance novel and try out these tips to make your reading adventure even more magical!