As an author of contemporary YA books, it’s probably obvious that I’m an avid reader of young adult books, especially my favorite sub-genre: YA Romance.

Today, I’ll be sharing my top five favorite YA Romance reads that have transformed me into the hopeless romantic I am today.

5) Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley

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Ugh, I desperately need to re-read this underrated gem! ❤

According to my Goodreads updates on my first read from 2017, it was heartbreaking and I now don’t remember much of what happened. But I do remember being captivated with it to the point of tears.

In tradition with the publisher’s (Blink YA) other titles, Like Moonlight at Low Tide is a clean young adult novel that also tackles serious issues.

It’s exactly the kind of style I write, and I think that’s why I resonated with this book so much.

4) The Secrets Between You and Me by Shana Norris

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Y’all… combine North Carolina mountains with an adorable love story I can fangirl over, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic YA Romance.

That’s exactly what author Shana Norris achieves in book two of her Stolen Kiss series, The Secrets Between You and Me. I absolutely devoured this book. I still need to read the third book in the series, The Truth About Boys, but I suspect it’s just as good!

3) Paper Towns by John Green

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Ah, yet another lovely book I need to re-read. ❤ It’s been five years.

When I read Paper Towns, I remember highly relating to Quentin as he crushed on Margo, as at the time I was in a similar situation where my own crush had no clue I existed. Though the content was a bit vulgar for my taste, the story absolutely crushed me. My last Goodreads update was: “I don’t even know how to feel emotions anymore”.

Good stuff.

2) This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

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#DexterIsMyMan

Ah, guys. This book. I hate to admit it, but I need to read it again to remember what all happens.

All I remember is that Dexter was adorkable in his own little way and had a Robin Hood accent at a gas station and melted my heart some kind of bad. ❤

This is by far my favorite Sarah Dessen book, though I consider most of her books as high-ranking in the YA Romance genre.

1) A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

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Who would’ve guessed? 😛

To me, A Walk to Remember (aka my all-time favorite book) will always be the epitome of YA Romance.

It’s sweet. It embodies true love in its purest form. It makes me cry like my sister spilling McDonald’s fries.

It’s the kind of book I aspire to write each time I put pen to paper. ❤

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

What is your favorite YA Romance? Drop some (preferably clean) recommendations in the comments! ❤

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀