Hi! My name is Allison, and I love reading young adult fiction, especially romances.
I like that YA fiction is fast paced, I like that it is character driven, and I like that the love scenes don't make me blush… because I read on the treadmill at the gym and I need to use big font to see the words well while running. I would be super embarrassed if the old guy on the treadmill next to me had a heart attack after reading over my shoulder.
But this post isn't about me; it's about YA romance novels that you can feel good about giving to your young teen. I am under no illusion that there aren't young teens and even younger children reading explicit romance novels, but I just don't see the need to rush. Young teens are so impressionable, and even though I was one of those 12-year-olds sneaking peeks at my aunt's Danielle Steele paperbacks, I wouldn't feel comfortable actually giving my 12-year-old books like that. Danielle Steele isn't going anywhere. She will have plenty of time to read those books when she's older.
The titles below are romantic, they are sweet, and they are tame. There is lots of kissing and flirting, and the characters aren't angels -- but there are no steamy sex scenes. Basically, I think they are a realistic reflection of teen relationships but aren't promoting risky behavior. No review or recommendation will ever take the place of checking out a book for yourself, but this is a great list to start your search for YA romance novels that you can feel good about your young teen reading.
The Selection (series) by Kiera Cass
Effortless With You by Lizzy Charles
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Anna and the French Kiss (series) by Stephanie Perkins
The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
On the Fence by Kasie West
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
