To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1)

Jenny Han

Lara Jean is the middle sister, not as competent and perfect as Margot, nor as sassy and sure of herself as Kitty. But with Margot off to university in Scotland, Lara Jean has to take charge. When her box of private letters gets mysteriously mailed out to the (un)intended recipients, Lara Jean’s previously nonexistent love-life takes on a life of its own. She and Peter Kavinsky have their own reasons for pretending to be in a relationship, but there is no plan for what happens when their feelings become real.

The Sky is Everywhere

Jandy Nelson

Lennie is devastated when her sister Bailey dies unexpectedly. Bailey was the larger-than-life older sister, the one sure thing in Lennie’s messy family life. Despite her attempts to withdraw from everyone who loves her, and give up on her music, the arrival of Joe Fontaine blows Lennie’s bruised heart wide-open. Despite her grief, despite her guilt, Lennie cannot help falling in love.

sexuality; drugs/alcohol

The Secret Countess

Eva Ibbotson

Anna, a young Russian countess, seeks refuge in England during her country’s Revolution. When her trusted nurse disappears with the family jewels, Anna is forced to seek employment with the aristocratic Westerholme family. The Welsterholmes have suffered many losses during World War I, and now the family heir is being forced into an unwanted marriage. Rupert and Anna fall in love, but how can he marry a penniless countess from under the stairs?

The Next Together (The Next Together, #1)

Lauren James

When Matt Galloway walks into her biology lab, University of Nottingham student Kate Finchley has the odd and unsettling feeling that she has met him before. Intrigued, she runs an Internet search on him – only to discover that twenty years ago, a couple bearing their exact names and physical appearances were accused of terrorism and killed in highly suspicious circumstances. Part science-fiction, part historical romance, this inventive debut novel is a story of first love that plays out time and time again.

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens' Agenda

Becky Albertalli

Simon’s flirty email exchange with an anonymous boy at his school has him experiencing all the feelings, but neither of them is quite ready to ‘come out’ to their friends and family. When one of the theatre crowd accidentally sees a revealing email, he attempts to blackmail Simon. If Simon wants to keep his own love life secret, he will have to help Martin get the girl that he wants. Funny and sweetly romantic, this story of first love and friendship should appeal to almost everyone.

strong language; sexuality; drugs/alcohol

My Life Next Door

Huntley Fitzpatrick

Samantha Reed is smart, beautiful, hardworking – and the daughter of a politician who likes everything to be perfect. After years of watching the Garrett family next door, Samantha gets drawn into their happy, mess family life, so very different from her own. She falls in love with Jase Garrett, but just when things seem to be going so well, conflicted family loyalties threaten to drive them apart. Far from fluffy, this is a romance with surprising depth.

sexuality; strong language; drugs/alcohol

Me Before You (Me Before You, #1)

Jojo Moyes

When he is paralysed in an accident, Will Traynor – former athlete and all-around hotshot – wants to die. Lou Clark is the former waitress and screwball heroine who manages to engage Will in life again. Hostility turns to friendship, and then to something even deeper that profoundly affects both Will and Lou. Read this tearjerker of a romantic novel before the film comes out!

strong language; sexuality; drugs/alcohol

Carry On

Rainbow Rowell

In this clever tribute to the Harry Potter magical world, and its fan fiction spin-offs, Simon Snow is the Chosen One who has to save the magical world from the Insidious Humdrum. Baz is the vampire roommate who has been Simon’s adversary and tormentor for years; but when Baz doesn’t show up for the beginning of their final year at Watford, Simon realises that their connection is more than he imagined. Humour, friendship, magic and first love.

sexuality; strong language

Isla and the Happily Ever After

Stephanie Perkins

Isla has had a crush on Josh for ages, but until they run into each other in a New York City café, she’s always been too shy to reveal her interest. Their whirlwind romance is cut short when Josh is expelled from school. Misunderstandings and distance have Isla and Josh on an emotional roller-coaster, but a happy ending is assured – as promised by the title. Every book in the Anna and the French Kiss trilogy is incredible – with romantic settings (Paris, New York City and San Francisco) and the best book boyfriends. Like real-life, only better.

This novel contains some strong language, sexuality and drugs/alcohol.

I Capture the Castle

Dodie Smith

Cassandra Mortmain lives with her eccentric family in a crumbling Suffolk Castle. Her father has suffered from writer’s block for years, and the family’s finances are dire. When a pair of American brothers visits the area, Cassandra falls in love for the first time – amidst all sorts of family complications. Full of charm and whimsy, this classic coming-of-age story has an enduring appeal.