10+ Best Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you in your twenties and looking for that perfect blend of love and adventure in your next read? Then you're in the right spot! Our guide to Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds offers a curated selection tailored just for you. Whether you're in the mood for a sweet, heartwarming story or something that sparks a bit of magic, we've got you covered. Keep reading to dive into our diverse lists of Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds, each promising to whisk you away on a romantic escapade. Let's find your next favorite book!
Table of Contents
Fun Romance Books for 20-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 girl whose secret love letters to her crushes are accidentally sent out, causing her love life to go from imaginary to out of control.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted and charming read that captures the thrills and embarrassments of teenage love. It's perfect for 20-year-olds as it explores themes of growing up and taking responsibility.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt, coming-of-age stories and romantic mishaps.
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants at a publishing company who hate each other. Their dynamic changes as they compete for a promotion, leading to a confusing mix of rivalry and attraction.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging workplace romance that perfectly captures the thin line between love and hate. Ideal for young adults exploring the complexities of adult relationships.
- Perfect for: Anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers tropes and witty banter.
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
- Genre(s): Romance, LGBT, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales start off as rivals but soon embark on a secret romance that could upend their lives and the political landscape.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, heart, and a dose of political intrigue, making it an irresistible read for young adults. It's also a refreshing take on identity and duty.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a modern love story with a twist and fans of royal romance narratives.
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: Cath Avery, an introverted college freshman and fanfiction writer, struggles to adapt to college life while dealing with family drama, a surly roommate, and her own social anxiety.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and relatable story about growing up and finding your own voice. It resonates well with 20-year-olds navigating similar life transitions.
- Perfect for: Young adults who love fanfiction, are experiencing changes, and enjoy stories about self-discovery and first love.
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary, Women's Fiction
- Synopsis: Two writers, January Andrews and Augustus Everett, who couldn't be more different, end up as neighbors for the summer. They challenge each other to step out of their literary comfort zones and end up writing a new story together.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a witty, poignant exploration of facing one's fears and the transformative power of storytelling. Perfect for 20-year-olds looking to find their path.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy stories about writers, summer flings turning serious, and emotional growth.
Educational Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
- 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.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the highs and lows of young love with a touching and realistic portrayal of teenage emotions.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate 80s nostalgia and stories of first love.
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary, Psychological Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel follows Marianne and Connell from their high school days in a small Irish town to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. It explores the complexities of intimacy, power dynamics, and the impact of social background on relationships.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of social dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and psychological insight
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep, introspective look into personal relationships and social pressures, written in a strikingly minimalist style.
- Perfect for: Young adults interested in intense, character-driven stories.
- The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Natasha, a girl who believes in science and facts, meets Daniel, a dreamy poet, on a crowded New York City street. With just hours left before Natasha's family is deported to Jamaica, Daniel decides he will make Natasha fall in love with him.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural understanding, appreciation for poetry and science, critical thinking about fate and choice
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced narrative that beautifully combines the magic of fate with the reality of science and cultural differences.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of romance and existential musings, set against the backdrop of a bustling city.
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary
- Synopsis: It's 1999 and Lincoln O'Neill has a job monitoring employee emails at a newspaper. He finds himself captivated by the emails between two coworkers, Beth and Jennifer, which leads him into an ethical dilemma and a complicated emotional journey.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical decision-making, understanding of privacy issues, relationship dynamics
- Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with heartfelt moments, offering a unique twist on the modern love story.
- Perfect of: Tech enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy with a touch of ethical intrigue.
- Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
- Genre(s): Romance, LGBT, Literary Fiction
- Synopsis: In the summer of 1983, in the Italian countryside, a romantic relationship blossoms between seventeen-year-old Elio and visiting scholar Oliver. The novel chronicles their summer romance and the years that follow.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, cultural literacy, exploration of desire and identity
- Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant exploration of the ecstasy and ache of romance and the lasting impact of first love.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a deeply emotional, sensuous, and intellectually engaging love story.
Challenging Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
- Genre(s): Romance, Gothic
- Synopsis: The novel follows the experiences of its orphaned protagonist Jane Eyre, from her abusive childhood to her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is intricate, with deep psychological insights and complex moral and social themes.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that combines romance with a strong sense of morality and self-respect. It encourages readers to think critically about personal integrity and social justice.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a blend of romance with gothic elements and a strong, principled heroine.
- 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 this unresolved passion eventually destroys them and many around them.
- Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative structures and explores dark themes of revenge, social class, and the supernatural.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the destructive nature of love and obsession, providing a stark contrast to typical romantic ideals.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy exploring darker themes in their reading and appreciate narratives that challenge the norm.
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- Genre(s): Romance, Literary Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel delves into the life of Anna Karenina, a Russian aristocrat, who struggles with her love affair with Count Vronsky, societal judgments, and her quest for personal happiness.
- Why this book is challenging: It presents a detailed examination of 19th-century Russian society, politics, and the complexity of personal relationships through dense narrative and extensive character development.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a rich, thought-provoking book that offers insights into human behavior and social structures, making it a rewarding read.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in profound character studies and the exploration of societal norms and personal ethics.
- The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
- Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in the 1870s, in upper-class New York City, this novel tells the story of Newland Archer, whose engagement to the suitable May Welland is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of the unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska.
- Why this book is challenging: It uses a refined and nuanced narrative to critique the complexities and contradictions of societal expectations and personal happiness.
- Why we recommend this book: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel offers a critical look at wealth and class in the Gilded Age, wrapped in a poignant love story.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy a blend of historical context with their romance, offering a window into societal norms of a different era.
- The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
- Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction, Postmodern
- Synopsis: Set in the Victorian era, the novel explores the fraught relationship between Charles Smithson, a gentleman, and Sarah Woodruff, the mysterious 'French Lieutenant's Woman', challenging the conventions of the society in which they live.
- Why this book is challenging: It incorporates a metafictional element, offering different possible endings and directly addressing the reader, which challenges traditional narrative forms.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a critique of Victorian morals and an exploration of fate and free will, encouraging readers to think about choice and consequence in life.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in a sophisticated narrative that blends romance with philosophical and literary critique.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance novels and you're around the age of 20, developing good reading habits can greatly enhance your experience. Here are some exercises designed to help you get the most out of your reading time. Each exercise is easy to follow and aims to build lasting habits.
- Set a Daily Reading Goal
- What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
- How it helps: It ensures consistent engagement with your book, making reading a habit.
- Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and increase it as you get more comfortable.
- Create a Dedicated Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
- How it helps: Minimizes distractions and creates a relaxing environment that can enhance your reading experience.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.
- Join a Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses romance novels.
- How it helps: Encourages you to read more regularly and provides a platform to share thoughts and gain insights.
- Tips: If you can't find a local book club, look for virtual groups on social media or reading forums.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize an app that can track your reading progress and recommend books.
- How it helps: Keeps you organized and motivated; also helps in discovering new romance novels.
- Tips: Popular apps like Goodreads or Litsy offer community features as well as tracking.
- Read Aloud or Listen to Audiobooks
- What it is: Read books out loud to yourself or listen to their audiobook versions.
- How it helps: Improves focus and retention; audiobooks can be a great alternative when you’re busy.
- Tips: Try alternating between reading and listening to the same book to enhance comprehension and engagement.
By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of romance novels but also strengthen your reading habits. Whether you're unwinding with a sweet love story or getting lost in a dramatic tale, these tips will help you make the most of your reading time. Happy reading!