10+ Best Romance Books for 19-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 19-year-old looking for that perfect blend of swoon-worthy moments and heartfelt connections? You’re in luck! Our latest roundup of romance books for 19-year-olds is just what you need to dive into worlds filled with love, emotion, and all the romantic twists you can enjoy. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to capture your heart and stir your imagination. Whether you're into sweet, sizzling, or soul-searching stories, we've got something just for you!

Fun Romance Books for 19-Year-Olds

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story follows Lara Jean Song 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 fun and light-hearted read that captures the complexities of young love and family dynamics. It's engaging and relatable, making it easier for young adults to dive into reading.
  • Perfect for: Teens and young adults who enjoy heartfelt, family-centric stories with a sweet romance.

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1980s, this novel follows two misfit teens, Eleanor and Park, who slowly fall in love over shared comic books and mixtapes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the thrill and uncertainty of first love with a nostalgic touch. The characters are deeply developed, making their romance feel real and touching.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate character-driven stories and those looking for a nostalgic yet realistic love story.

• The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Belly measures her life in summers spent at a beach house with her mother's best friend and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. This summer, everything changes as she finds herself caught in a love triangle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a perfect summer read that captures the essence of adolescence, change, and romantic confusion. Its engaging narrative makes it a great pick to keep young adults interested in reading.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories about summer romances and coming of age.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Cath is a Simon Snow fan and a gifted fanfiction writer. As she starts college, she struggles with leaving her past behind while figuring out her own identity and experiencing her first real romance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with issues of growing up and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, mixed with the excitement of new relationships and the passion for fandom.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who are also navigating their own transitions into college life or those who have a deep appreciation for fandom and fanfiction.

• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Anna is looking 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 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 a delightful read that combines the enchantment of Paris with the universal experience of young love and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Romantics at heart who dream of adventures abroad and those who enjoy sweet, star-crossed romances.

Educational Romance Books for 19-Year-Olds

• Normal People by Sally Rooney
  • Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel traces the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell as they navigate adulthood from their final days in school to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. It explores how they influence each other's lives in profound ways, despite their differing social backgrounds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of social dynamics, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, psychological insight into relationships and social class, wrapped in a compelling love story. Rooney’s writing is sharp and intimate, making the characters' emotional journeys resonate with readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychological depth and realism in romantic relationships, and those who enjoy introspective narratives.

• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
  • Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: The book follows Don Tillman, a genetics professor with social challenges, who creates a questionnaire to find the perfect wife. His plan is thrown off by Rosie Jarman, who is unsuitable according to his criteria but intrigues Don in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of social cues, empathy, problem-solving in unconventional ways, and appreciation for diversity in human behavior.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous, yet touching exploration of romantic and personal growth. The novel is both entertaining and enlightening, showcasing how love can defy initial expectations.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy a good laugh with their romance and anyone interested in characters with distinctive, well-defined personalities.

• Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
  • Genre(s): Romance, LGBT, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during a sunny summer in Italy, the narrative follows the burgeoning relationship between the young and introspective Elio and the visiting scholar, Oliver. The novel delves deeply into the emotional intensity of a first love and its lifelong repercussions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional awareness, cultural appreciation, introspective thinking, and exploration of desire and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant, eloquent exploration of the complexities of love and desire, beautifully written to evoke the sense of place and the intensity of teenage passion.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a deeply emotional, sensual, and intellectual romance that challenges conventional perceptions of love.

• 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, a British royal, are forced to fake a friendship for the sake of international relations, which evolves into a secret romance that could upend their lives and careers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Political awareness, cultural sensitivity, strategic thinking, and understanding of media impact on personal lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun, engaging read that combines witty dialogue with a heartfelt romance, all while exploring themes of identity and duty.
  • Perfect for: Fans of contemporary romances with a political twist and those who enjoy narratives that combine humor with heartfelt emotions.

Challenging Romance Books for 19-Year-Olds

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: This intense novel tells the story of the doomed love and revenge between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw in the moorlands of England.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple narrators and a story within a story, which requires careful reading to understand fully.
  • Why we recommend this book: It dives deep into dark themes of passion, obsession, and social class, offering a profound exploration of human emotions and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a darker, more brooding romance and are ready to tackle more sophisticated themes and complex narratives.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Romance, Gothic
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the experiences of its eponymous heroine, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr. Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate thematic content on social criticism and morality, along with a sophisticated use of language that demands a thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a strong, resilient female protagonist and a gripping narrative that includes elements of mystery and horror, all while exploring deep emotional and ethical dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Those who love strong female leads and complex emotional narratives intertwined with a touch of the supernatural.

• The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel is about the marriage of Henry, who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare, his wife, who has to cope with his frequent absences and dangerous experiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The non-linear narrative requires readers to piece together the timeline and understand complex concepts of time travel and its impact on personal relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of science fiction and romance, providing a poignant look at the effects of time on love and life.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi fans who enjoy a strong romantic storyline and are looking for a novel that challenges their perception of time and love.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: The novel revolves around a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who unknowingly fall in love with each other in a mysterious, wandering magical circus that appears only at night.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a highly intricate plot with an elaborate setting that intertwines different timelines and subplots, requiring attentive reading to fully grasp the magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book is beautifully written with rich descriptive language and a captivating, atmospheric setting that makes it a magical reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy and romance and are drawn to lush, imaginative worlds with complex character dynamics.

• Possession by A.S. Byatt
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows two modern scholars as they research the paper trail around the previously unknown love life between famous fictional poets Randolph Ash and Christabel LaMotte.
  • Why this book is challenging: It is a dense and intellectually demanding text that blends poetry, letters, and prose, requiring a high level of literary analysis to appreciate fully.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a richly layered narrative that offers a deep dive into Victorian and modern literary styles and themes, providing a dual narrative that explores historical and contemporary issues.
  • Perfect for: Literary enthusiasts who enjoy analyzing texts and are fascinated by the intertwining of narratives across time.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance novels at 19, you're in for a treat. But, how do you make the most of your reading experience? Here are some exercises to help you develop good reading habits while enjoying every page-turning moment.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll dedicate to reading each day or how many books you'll read per month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a consistent habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses romance novels.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and provides social interaction.
  • Tips: Look for clubs at your local library or online platforms that cater to young adults.

• Read Diverse Authors
  • What it is: Make a conscious effort to choose books written by authors from different backgrounds.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and introduces you to varied storytelling styles.
  • Tips: Research authors before picking up their books to ensure a diverse reading list.

• Reflect on Readings
  • What it is: Take time to think about the themes, characters, and settings in the books you read.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding and appreciation of the literature.
  • Tips: Write down your reflections or discuss them with friends to solidify your thoughts.

• Create a Comfortable Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Improves focus and enhances your overall reading experience.
  • Tips: Ensure good lighting and minimize distractions in your reading spot.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of romance novels but also develop habits that can benefit your overall literacy and critical thinking skills. Happy reading!