10+ Best Romance Books for 17-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect swoon-worthy read? Look no further! Our list of romance books for 17-year-olds is packed with tales that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you hooked until the last page. Whether you're in the mood for sweet first loves or thrilling romantic adventures, we've got something just for you. Keep reading to dive into our top picks of romance books for 17-year-olds that you won't want to put down!

Fun Romance Books for 17-Year-Olds

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: The story follows Lara Jean Covey, a high school junior who writes secret love letters to all of her past crushes for her eyes only. But her love life goes from imaginary to out of control when the letters are mysteriously sent out.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and light-hearted read that perfectly captures the complexities of young love and family dynamics. It encourages teens to express their feelings and be true to themselves.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers who enjoy heartfelt, relatable stories about love and growing up.

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of 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: This novel is praised for its beautiful portrayal of young love and the power of connection between two outsiders. It's a touching reminder of the intensity and all-consuming nature of first love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of first love and the challenges of teenage life.

• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he's gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, heartfelt book that deals with complex issues like identity and acceptance in a light yet poignant way. It encourages empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a feel-good romance that promotes inclusivity and self-discovery.

• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: Anna looks forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. But she's sent to a boarding school in Paris, where she meets Étienne St. Clair, a perfect guy—except for his serious girlfriend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enchanting and charming read that captures the excitement and uncertainties of being a teenager in love. The Parisian setting adds a magical touch to the romantic tale.
  • Perfect for: Teens who dream of adventure and romance in one of the world's most romantic cities.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life. Now that she's starting college, she's completely outside of her comfort zone, struggling with her twin sister growing apart, her mother coming back into her life, and trying to impress her writing professor.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book resonates with anyone who has ever been obsessed with a book series. It's about growing up, dealing with change, and forming your own identity.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who love fanfiction, stories about fandom, and anyone feeling the challenges of transitioning to college life.

Educational Romance Books for 17-Year-Olds

• The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Natasha, a girl 12 hours away from being deported to Jamaica, and Daniel, a Korean-American boy who believes in destiny. They meet and spend a single day together in New York City, exploring whether love can truly alter someone's fate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, the impact of immigration, poetic and philosophical reflections on fate and love
  • Why we recommend this book: It intertwines a beautiful love story with complex questions about identity, destiny, and the universe, making it both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a romance that challenges their views on destiny and the universe.

• Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: This lyrical novel explores the friendship and eventual romance between two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they grow and discover important truths about their identity and sexuality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, cultural identity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tender, beautifully written story about coming of age and coming out that also delves deeply into themes of family and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a profound narrative that combines elements of cultural, sexual, and personal identity.

• Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Maddy, a girl with a rare disease that keeps her confined indoors, and Olly, the boy next door who wants to help her experience the world. Their romance pushes the boundaries of health and safety as Maddy risks everything to be with him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of chronic illnesses, risk assessment, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heart-wrenching yet hopeful novel that explores what it means to truly live and love when every moment is fraught with danger.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity and star-crossed lovers.

• I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Art
  • Synopsis: This novel is about twins Noah and Jude, who are inseparable until tragedy and secrets tear them apart. The story is told from their two perspectives, years apart, as they struggle to reconcile their relationship and understand the events that changed them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic expression, understanding of grief and forgiveness, narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story that beautifully captures the complexity of sibling relationships and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a narrative that creatively intertwines art, emotion, and family dynamics.

Challenging Romance Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: This intense novel tells the story of the tumultuous and tragic love affair between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by Catherine's father. Set against the moody backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, the narrative explores themes of passion, revenge, and the destructiveness of a love that never changes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple narrators and two generations. The themes are dark and the language, while beautiful, can be archaic and challenging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of dark passions and the nature of love, offering readers a deep dive into complex emotional and psychological landscapes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dark, complex stories and are interested in exploring sophisticated themes and historical settings.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl, Jane Eyre, grows up in the care of a harsh guardian and later attends a boarding school with brutal conditions. As an adult, she becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious and brooding owner, Mr. Rochester. Secrets about the hall and Rochester eventually come to light.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with themes of social criticism, morality, and sexuality in a Victorian context, which requires a sophisticated understanding of historical and thematic contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic coming-of-age story that combines elements of romance, mystery, and moral integrity. Jane's character development and resilience are particularly inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate strong, complex female protagonists and themes of personal growth and moral integrity.

• The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
  • Genre(s): Historical, Romance
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1870s, in upper-class society New York, the novel follows Newland Archer, who is engaged to the suitable but predictable May Welland. When May's exotic and worldly cousin, Ellen Olenska, returns to New York, Archer is drawn to her and begins to question the values of his society and his own choices.
  • Why this book is challenging: Wharton's use of irony and nuanced critique of societal norms requires readers to understand and interpret subtleties in the text and the social context of the Gilded Age.
  • Why we recommend this book: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel offers a critical look at societal expectations and personal happiness, encouraging readers to consider the consequences of conforming to societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a deep dive into social customs and the conflicts between personal desire and societal expectations.

• Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
  • Genre(s): Tragedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Tess Durbeyfield is a young woman from a poor family who seeks to improve her fortunes by connecting with the wealthy d'Urbervilles. However, her life spirals into tragedy when Alec d'Urberville takes advantage of her, setting off a chain of events that leads to her ultimate downfall.
  • Why this book is challenging: Hardy's use of symbolism, the fatalistic viewpoint, and the exploration of social issues such as class and the role of women require careful reading and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant critique of Victorian society and the injustices faced by women, wrapped in a tragic love story that still resonates today.
  • Perfect for: Those who are interested in literature that challenges societal norms and provides critical commentary on the human condition.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance novels at 17, you're in for a treat. But, how can you make the most out of your reading experience? Here are some exercises designed to help you develop good reading habits while enjoying your journey through love stories. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes regular reading a habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Read with a Friend
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend to read the same book at the same time.
  • How it helps: Discussing the book can deepen understanding and make reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meet-ups to discuss chapters or key plot points.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can enhance focus and relaxation.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital application to track your reading habits.
  • How it helps: Helps monitor your progress and can provide book recommendations.
  • Tips: Explore apps that allow you to set reminders or share your progress with friends.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take time to think about the themes, characters, and plot after finishing a book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Write down your reflections or discuss them with others.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a club that reads and discusses romance novels.
  • How it helps: Exposes you to diverse perspectives and enhances analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Look for clubs at your school, library, or online platforms.

• Read Out Loud
  • What it is: Practice reading sections of the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your dive into romance novels more enriching but also help you develop lifelong reading habits. So, grab your favorite book, find a cozy corner, and let the world of romance sweep you off your feet! Happy reading!