There’s nothing quite like fantasy romances with their imaginative and enticing magical systems, enchanting characters, and captivating love matches that sweep you off your feet. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, or forbidden romance, this list of our favorite fantasy romances has it all. And our promise to you, all of these books will leave you positively swooning.

YA Fantasy Romances That Will Make You Swoon

1. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

How could we start this list with anyone else but Cassandra Clare? Dubbed the YA Queen by Entertainment Weekly, she is unmatched in her ability to craft a compelling, swoony love-connection between characters. With this first of a thrilling trilogy, get introduced to a new cast of characters (especially swash-buckling James Herondale) as they discover the only things more dangers than fighting evil, is falling in love.

2. Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

This rich, dark fantasy poses a dangerous task: to save Voya’s family magic, she must kill her first love. And Voya and her chosen victim—sorry, love interest—Luc get off to a really rocky start. But even though she’s irritated with his surly attitude and awkward social skills, she does all she can to find something to like about him… this is a true enemies-to-loves romance with a fascinating magic system and a strong basis in New Orleans roots.

3. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Filled with mystery and an intriguingly rich magic system, this is a modern-day twist on the classic legend of King Arthur and a lot of Southern Black Girl Magic. The best part? The love triangle in this book sizzles with romantic tension – it’s almost impossible to choose between Team Nick or Team Sel, but we’re all on Team Bree!

4. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

Set in the magical underworld of Toronto, a half-fae teenager, a temperamental ex-Fury, a fae prince, and his brooding bodyguard must track down a serial killer whose disturbing murders are threatening to expose the hidden faerie courts to the human world. This book boasts not one but TWO major slow-burn queer romances: one between half-fae Arlo and ex-Fury Nausicaa, and the other between fae prince Vaughn and his bodyguard, Aurelian.

5. Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley

This is not your typical fairytale romance! In this debut fantasy, a cursed witch who must steal love from others meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a love bargain with life-or-death consequences. Tamsin and Wren’s connection—while reluctant at first—is sweet and intimate and definitely something we don’t see enough in YA fantasy.

6. In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

In Deeper Waters is no slow burn romance; it’s a siren call of instant chemistry that’ll have you enthralled. Like Pirates of the Caribbean, this adventurous tale on the high seas explores the mythology of the deep, pirates and their exploits, and sailing across the wide deep blue sea. There’s also sea witches, dangerous magic, political intrigue – everything you could want from a YA fantasy!

7. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. When her Craft brings her face to face with death —even as she falls in love with a faerie prince— she must make an impossible choice to be with the one she loves. A lush, romantic, and phenomenal read!

8. A Rush of Wings by Laura E. Weymouth

From the first page, you’ll be swept into Rowenna’s immersive seaside home, filled with gusty winds and the promise of incredible magic. This is a fantasy that you fall into and get lost in. And though Rowenna’s handsome love interest Gawen is turned into a swan along with her three brothers, fear not! The boys change back to their human forms at night, and Gawen and Rowenna develop a deep bond that exists at the heart of the novel as they rely on one another to survive.

9. The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

This story is packed with action, intrigue, and suspense from the opening pages as the author expertly blends mystery and atmosphere with a hefty dose of romance. With a history that spans over a hundred years just within the story itself, you can dive deeper into the story that develops on the page leading to a lush and existing reading experience.

10. Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston

Caraval meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this deliciously dark young adult fantasy about a girl who makes a deal with a magical secret society to enter a potentially deadly competition for the chance to avenge her mother’s death.

11. A Consuming Fire by Laura E. Weymouth

Uprooted meets The Grace Year in this dark young adult fantasy of love and vengeance following a girl who vows to kill a god after her sister is unjustly slain by his hand.

Don’t stop here! Check out these Must-Read historical fiction romances!

The tenth anniversary of Teen Wolf recently passed and, if you’re like me, you decided it was a sign to binge the entire show. Of course, we can lie to ourselves and say we’re watching for the action and thrills, the unending parade of supernatural creatures, the first-love romance… but we all know the truth: we watch for Dylan O’Brien as Stiles Stilinski. Sweet, fun-loving, and supportive Stiles.

Dylan O’Brien is a gem of an actor and what a range! He’s been in action films, romantic comedies, sci-fi and fantasy, even dabbling in voice acting. To celebrate the anniversary, take this quiz and pick your favorite Dylan O’Brien role to get a book recommendation.

Pick Your Favorite Dylan O’Brien Role to Get a Book Recommendation!

Looking for more? Check out these books to read if you love Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR album! 

Remember that expression “don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, I think it’s fair to say this roundup of books is the exception to that rule. From breathtaking artwork to evocative palettes, these covers are sure to impress! Objectively stunning, the Riveted by Simon Teen editorial team recommends the following books as perfect additions to any coffee table, bookshelf, or book-centric display.

Stunning Books to Display on Your Coffee Table

1. Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi

Name a more stunning yellow cover, I dare you! gg, the incredibly talented cover artist, knocked it out of the park just like with Mary’s previous novels, Emergency Contact and Permanent Record. Yolk has a striking and inviting image, particularly distinctive within the world of YA publishing. The story follows two estranged sisters, June and Jayne, who are forced to come together (and swap identities) when one becomes seriously ill. The hand-holding along the cover’s edges are but one of the compelling conceptual touches here.

2. Starling by Isabel Strychacz

This book is described as Edward Scissorhands meets When the Moon Was Ours, and my goodness does this cover deliver. Equal parts lush and ethereal, the star-lit sky gives a glimpse into the vastness of the universe – while also giving off dreamy, romantic vibes matched in the gentle embrace of the figures. Breathtaking!

3. When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

The pop of watercolor really draws the eye in this stunning cover! It reflects the inner turmoil of the characters in this achingly romantic drama all about the secrets we keep, from each other and from ourselves. And the best part? The gentle brush of watercolor continues all over the jacket, bringing bright hues into the mix and the design together.

4. Infinite Hope by Ashley Bryan

Ashley Bryan is a talented artist, as proven by this incredible cover for his groundbreaking memoir. Hiding charcoal pencils in his gas mask, using any paper he could find to draw on from napkins to toilet paper, Ashley created hundreds of sketches, drawings, and paintings while deployed during WWII. Many of these were kept hidden away in a trunk for decades, until Infinite Hope. Visually outstanding!

5. A Rush of Wings by Laura Weymouth

This cover is so rich and kinetic, giving a taste of the immersive seaside locale, gusty winds and incredible magic it contains. This is the type of fantasy that you fall into and get lost in. We love our gorgeous jacket art that depicts our leading lady with her eyes closed… but just wait until you take the jacket off and see the special surprise on the case cover.

6. Limitless by Leah Tinari

Who wouldn’t want to pick up an artistic rendition with a phenomenal female icon on the cover? A RISD graduate, Tinari’s paintings have received an enormous amount of critical attention, and her work has also been widely commissioned. Each portrait in Limitless is a dynamic, spellbinding creation, which captures the personality and essence of its subject: amazing women who have made significant, seismic change in the world.

7. In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

Look at that color palette! You can almost feel the heat from the sunset, the cool water from the waves. It’s such an atmospheric design, and one perfect for this playful romp on the high seas pitched as The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Get ready for a swashbuckling good time from start to finish!

8. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

This arresting cover screams romance and ferocity in equal measure! Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, the famous tale of star-crossed lovers. Well, in These Violent Delights, author Chloe Gong takes the drama and romance and ramps it all up, charging it with the unique landscape of 1920s Shanghai. And the highly anticipated sequel, Our Violent Ends, is upcoming this November – just imagine how perfect this duology will look on your shelves.

9. The Jasmine Project by Meredith Ireland

As a girl who is never without her phone, the text bubbles on this cover really caught my eye in this playful design! Each one is from a different family member, who are all rooting for Jasmine to find love in this effervescent romantic comedy perfect for fans of The Bachelorette. Now the question is: who will accept the final rose?

10. Chain of Gold and Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

As the resident YA Queen, your shelf/coffee table MUST have at least one Cassandra Clare book on display. Why not pick Chain of Iron, the latest release in the Shadowhunter universe? Look at this lush and ethereal packaging, especially in conjunction with the first in the series, Chain of Gold.

11. The Coming Storm by Regina M. Hansen

There’s a certain wild magic in the salt air that you can feel emanating from this moody cover! Inspired by Scottish folklore, The Coming Storm is rewardingly solid and will thrill readers with a penchant for the eerie as music, myth, and horror blend together in this atmospheric fantasy set on Prince Edward Island.

12. Gridiron by Fred Bowen, illustrated by James Ransome

Looking for the perfect gift for the football fan in your life? This accessible, informative, and beautifully illustrated book celebrates the 100th anniversary of the NFL and is the perfect keepsake for football fans of all ages. It’s also the perfect conversation starter for your coffee table!

Looking for more? Check out these thought-provoking to discuss with your friends!

From Adventure Zone to Dimension 20 to Critical Role, Dungeons & Dragons has more fans than ever! Plus, it’s an amazing game to virtually play with your friends because all you really need is a little bit of imagination and a set of dice. So we put together a quiz to help you create your D&D character for your next campaign AND you’ll get a book rec that will help to inspire your character’s background.

Build a D&D Character and Get a Book Recommendation!

Looking for more? Check out which books you should read if you loved The Witcher!

If you’re like me, your New Year’s plans look a bit different this year than in years past. When the ball virtually drops and we ring in the new year, I’ll be (happily) spending my evening in comfy pajamas, a hot drink in one hand and a book in the other. Looking to join me? Here is a list of books to start your year off on a high note, as told by your New Year’s preferences.

Alone on New Year’s? Read These Books!

If you enjoy being alone on New Year’s, read Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson!

There’s nothing better than sitting in a quiet spot and reading a book – especially if you’re Elisabeth and have been raised in a magical library filled with grimoires that, if provoked, turns into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. This enthralling adventure will keep you hooked, from beginning to end, with bookish charms and whip-smart dialogue to start your year off on a thrilling foot!

If you are missing those epic New Year’s Eve parties, read My Summer of Love and Misfortune by Lindsay Wong!

The pandemic has made a New Year’s Eve party impossible, but live vicariously through Iris in My Summer of Love and Misfortune as she gets swept up into the decadent world of Beijing’s wealthy elite. This story is fun and frothy, and has the cutest of romances with a backdrop of a stunning, vibrant city. It’s a party in a book!

If you’re planning a virtual toast with your friends, read Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi!

This compulsively readable book encapsulates just how essential technology is in 21^st century relationships – especially on New Year’s! After Penny and Sam bump into each other one day, they become each other’s “emergency contacts” and their delightfully awkward romance blooms…in text message bubbles behind the screens of their separate smart phones.

If you’d rather spend the evening with your book boyfriend, read Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare!

No one writes a book boyfriend quite like Cassandra Clare! With this first of a thrilling trilogy, get introduced to a new cast of characters (especially swoon-worthy James Herondale) as they discover the only things more dangers than fighting evil, is falling in love.

If your New Year’s resolution includes learning a new skill, read SLAY by Brittney Morris!

Kiera is the exceptional game-developing YA heroine we’ve all been waiting for, and the perfect inspiration for your New Year’s Eve resolution. Her narrative voice is funny and smart, incisive and accessible, and will be sure to inspire you to get a head start on your 2021 goals.

If your New Year’s plans consist of baking, baking, and more baking, read What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter!

This book should come with a warning: do not read on an empty stomach! Halle is the cool creator of One True Pastry, a YA book blog that pairs epic custom cupcakes with covers and reviews, and her baking skills are unparalleled. If you’re a fan of baking (or eating) desserts, this is a perfect read for your sweet tooth.

If you’d rather be dancing than sitting on your couch this New Year’s, read Kings and Queens and In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju!

You know the expression, “don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, throw that out the window with this book – the cover is a dance party and inside, it is indeed a party! This bright and joyous book is a laugh-out-loud tale of acceptance, self-expression, and the colorful worlds that await when we’re brave enough to look. It’s the perfect read for your dance-starved soul!

If you’re spending the day reminiscing on travel plans of years past, read A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey!

This year has put a damper on travel plans, but if you’re looking for a literary escape to assuage your wanderlust soul, you should read A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow. When Lila is sent to England for the summer, she has no idea what to expect – until she meets Orion, a teashop clerk with English charm and kind eyes. Suddenly, the boring Medieval town of Winchester isn’t so boring at all… it quickly becomes the perfect backdrop for an international romance!

Looking for more? Check out these books about found families!

The 90s was a pivotal decade for pop culture. It introduced exciting new technology, great entertainment (cough, Clueless, cough), and unique fashion trends that still remain beloved to this day. Ready for a blast from the past? Take this quiz to recreate your favorite iconic 90s fashion style, and get a book recommendation.

Create Your Favorite Iconic 90s Look and Get a Book Recommendation!

If you liked this quiz, check out The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed, set in the 90s!

Looking for more? Check out these books about history that will give you a different perspective!

It’s Sagittarius season which means it’s time to break out those fuzzy sweaters and curl up with a good book. And look no further—I’ve got the best books to add to your TBR!

Independent and adventurous, a Sagittarius is all about taking the road less traveled by. They’re open minded, enthusiastic, and embrace change as a welcome friend. Regardless of what other people think, a Sagittarius personality will stand up for what they believe in. They are honest, idealistic, and expressive. These books are perfect recommendations for the Sagittarius sign.

Best Books to Read If You’re a Sagittarius

1. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

In this romantic dramedy, Zorie’s way-too-ordinary life is driven off the beaten path when she’s abandoned in the wilderness with her best-friend-turned-enemy, Lennon. They have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults, but as they travel under the stars, long-kept secrets and hidden feelings flood to the surface. This is the perfect book for your Sagittarius spirit, as you’ll embrace the unexpected adventure Zorie and Lennon embark on and positively swoon over the outdoors-y perfection of Northern California’s rugged backcountry.

2. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Raised in a Great Library, Elisabeth has always been told all sorcerers are evil—but when an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire and Elisabeth is implicated in the crime, she has no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Her life turns upside down her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger and she starts questioning all she knows about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. Her independence and honest disposition, not to mention her ability to embrace change, will be #goals to the Sagittarius readers.

3. Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

When Addie flies to Ireland for her aunt’s destination wedding, the last thing she expected was to find herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with her brother and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. But hey, when in Ireland… As a Sagittarius, traveling is your bread-and-butter. You’ll love getting lost along with this trio as they journey over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests. One ticket to Ireland, please!

4. Songs from the Deep by Kelly Powell

In Moira’s island town, sirens aren’t just a scary bedtime story to tell your kids—they are real, they are dangerous, they are fascinating. When a young boy is found dead on the beach, the islanders are quick to call him one of the sirens’ victims, but Moira isn’t so sure. With the help of her childhood friend, Jude, she is determined to find the real killer before they strike again. Moira’s determination to uncover the truth will resonate with a Sagittarius. Her keen investigation skills, stubborn resilience, and strong sense of self will be so familiar, it’ll be like looking into a mirror.

5. The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody

When Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year’s Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the anniversary of her best friend’s death, fate literally runs into her. And his name is Xander. In a chaotic string of events, the two embark on an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year’s Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the airport. Your Sag heart will be warmed by this story about the earth-shattering challenges life throws at us—and how unexpected strangers can help us along the way.

6. Your Destination is on the Left by Lauren Spieller

Dessa Rhodes is a modern day nomad. Her family travels in an RV, their lives defined by state lines, exit signs, and the small communal caravan they call home. When an unexpected opportunity presents itself, an internship working with a local artist in Santa Fe, she jumps at the chance to prove to her boss—and herself—that she belongs there. Dessa’s free-spirit, determination to succeed, and journey to self-discovery will be an inspiring story for Sagittarius readers and a heartwarming addition to their shelves.

7. The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Looking for an independent, kick-butt heroine with a pension for sassy retorts and adventures? Look no further than Theodora. Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck, her dreamy once-upon-a-time love, embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring of Vlad the Impaler. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. Theodora is the female protagonist that Sag readers will compare all others to. #FierceFemale

Not a Sagittarius? Check out what books you should read based on your zodiac sign!

If you grew up on Disney Channel content, then you’re bound to be a fan of these cheesy-yet-deep original movies the Disney Channel regularly puts out—deemed DCOM’s (Disney Channel Original Movies) by adoring fans everywhere. We are a few such fans—so we have paired our favorite DCOM’s with some of our favorite reads. If you’re a fan too, look for your favs below for a perfect pair!

Your Fave Disney Channel Original Movie Will Tell You What to Read Next

1. Cadet Kelly – The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

If Hillary Duff’s individuality and headstrong personality were your #goals as a kid, then stop what you’re doing and go read The Lady Rogue. Theodora is a fierce, independent heroine and all she wants is to impress her treasure-hunting father…oh, and did we mention it has a swoon-worthy romance? We’re telling you, this book has it all.

2. Halloweentown – The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

If you’re a fan of Halloweentown, we’d wager that you’re into all the Halloween DCOM’s, which would mean spooky excites you. This witchy read is a perfect pair for all things spooky—and a great way to get you warmed up for the Halloween binge-watching season! October is only 31 days long, ease into it a little early this year with this book that’s as eerily enchanting as the world of Halloweentown.

3. Descendants – Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller

Descendants is a modern DCOM and a GREAT ONE. If you agree, you’re probably all about the twisted tales and the reimagining of classic myths and legends. Cursed is a perfect pair for Descendants—it’s a whole new take on the Legend of King Arthur, and an incredibly modern and imaginative one, at that. Plus, GIRL POWER!

4. Camp Rock – When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Like Camp Rock protagonists Mitchie Torres and Shane Gray, Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel have entirely different views on life. Dimple is career-minded and sick of her mother’s talk of the “Ideal Indian Husband,” while Rishi is a hopeless romantic, and believes in the power of tradition. And like in Camp Rock, the unlikely pair find themselves unexpectedly thrown together—at summer camp.

5. Zenon: Girl of the 21^st Century – Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell

This pair is perfectly matched for one obvious reason: space. Both take place in space! Although Zenon does spend some time on earth, she also spends a lot of her time trying to save it. The characters of Sky Without Stars are on another planet, and they too are trying to save their world.

6. The Thirteenth Year – Songs From the Deep by Kelly Powell

An ominous mystery surrounding a mer-creature is the centerfold of both sides of this pair—making it a perfect match! If you love mermaid lore and thus loved The Thirteenth Year, you’ll certainly love the twists and turns and mermaid magic of this book.

7. Luck of the Irish – Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Aside from the obvious Irish theme, these two dive deep into family dynamics. Both feature estranged families or family members finding their way back to each other and growing close again. All this with the added benefit of an easy St. Patrick’s Day movie/book pick!

8. Motocrossed – Alanna by Tamora Pierce

Strong, resilient, and fierce women are at the heart of both Motocrossed and Alanna. So determined, in fact, that when the world says they are “just girls,” they disguise themselves as their twin brothers to get the opportunities they deserve. Girl power doesn’t begin to describe these leading ladies, and we know you’ll devour this series by Tamora Pierce as fast as we did.

The main character in Motocrossed, Andrea, is played by an actress named Alana…so basically this book pairing was meant to be.

9. Pixel Perfect – Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

Can you love someone you can never touch? If you loved Pixel Perfect, then Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is the perfect book for you. This pair is all about forbidden love, and finding a way to do what’s right, even if it breaks your heart.  Warning: you might need tissues for Five Feet Apart.

10. Stuck in the Suburbs – Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi

Stuck in the Suburbs made us yearn for our very own meet-cute pop star experience and believe us, Permanent Record delivers. Pedro’s life may not be as fabulous as Brittany or Natasha—he’s a college dropout with staggering debt—but when he meets superstar Leanna Smart at a bodega around 5:00am, his ordinary life gets put on hold. It’s our most fan-girl fantasy come true!

11. Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off – Hungry Hearts edited by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond

Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off was, at its core, about delicious food and its ability to bring together family and friends…and how to crack an egg one-handed, duh. Hungry Hearts is sure to satisfy your cravings as it explores the intersection of family, culture, and food in the lives of thirteen teens. Warning: don’t read this book hungry!

12. Smart House – Virtually Yours by Sarvenaz Tash

Despite hitting the scene way back in 1999 (think: almost a decade before the first iPhone came out), Smart House took on the promise and perils of filling a personal void with a virtual reality head-on and spectacularly. Virtually Yours tackles a similar theme with NYU freshman Mariam Vakilian trying out a new virtual reality dating service. When the app chooses her matches, one of them is her IRL new BFF Jeremy, and the other is her ex-high-school-sweetheart Caleb—and neither of them know that the match they’re chatting with is her. Gasp!

13. Hatching Pete – Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju

Hatching Pete taught us that sometimes, you have to dress like a big chicken to discover your true self. While there’s no chicken costume in Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens (sadly), it is about introverted Nima navigating questions of identity and self-acceptance while immersed in the magical world of drag. Be brave, be bold, be you.

14. Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire – Slayer by Kiersten White

Not all vampires sparkle in the sun. Some invite your mom on a date and try to bite her…and some require a whole bloodline of Slayers to keep them in line. If you loved the darker edge to vampire lore, you’ll love Slayer! A world overrun by monsters that go bump in the night, it’s up to Nina, the newly chosen Slayer, to protect the innocent and fight the forces of darkness. Or someone she loves might be the next to show up dead.

15. Johnny Tsunami – Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Twenty years later, we still remember the dread cast upon Johnny Kapahala when he discovered his surfing dreams could be no more as his dad makes him relocate to the most surf-less place on Earth—Vermont. Bailey Rydell moves from chilly-ish D.C. to the warm and light air of SoCal. Here, surfing is basically the new walking. While these may be a bit reversed, they’re still a great pair, filled with surfing, self-discovery, and familial relationships so strong that it will make you want to run and hug your dad.

16. The Color of Friendship – SLAY by Brittney Morris

If you love timely and thought-provoking stories that don’t fail to captivate, like the beloved early DCOM The Color of Friendship, you have to read Brittney Morris’ SLAY. Both SLAY and The Color of Friendship interrogate what it means to be unapologetically Black, and how to forge friendships despite differences. If the thought of the heart and lessons of The Color of Friendship being told through the story of a black girl gamer honors student excites you as much as it does us, don’t miss SLAY. (And did we mention the game in question is a Black Panther-inspired card RPG?)

17. Minutemen – The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Who could forget Minutemen? These time-traveling youths pair perfectly with this read, about a time traveling magician who must travel to the past to save her present. While the minutemen travel back in time to try and gain popularity, they do end up ~accidentally~ opening a black hole in the middle of their high school’s football field, and wind up saving the world, too.

18. The Cheetah Girls – Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

In the vein of the DCOM that taught us all the fortitude of girl power, Siobhan Vivian’s Stay Sweet is about the girls of Meade Creamery—an ice cream stand which has been managed exclusively by girls ever since founder Molly Meade started making ice cream to cheer up her lovesick friends while all the boys were away at war in 1944. After Molly’s sudden passing, new “Head Girl” Amelia is initially relieved when Molly’s grandnephew, Grady, arrives to take over the business. But Grady has some changes in mind, and Amelia and the Meade Creamery girls have to channel Cheetah-sister like unity to stay true to themselves and Molly’s legacy.

19. Jump In – The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

‘Jump to the rhythm and step to the mu-sic, all in together, let’s shoooow how we do it!’ Ah the movie that had one of High School Musical’s all-stars, Corbin Bleu, and Keke Palmer; genius. Izzy had a plan, boxing. Andie thinks she has it all figured out, too. Izzy and Andie both take a turn in their plans, but realize it’s actually for the best. Sometimes the best parts of life are all in its spontaneity.

20. Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior – American Panda by Gloria Chao

Perfect for fans of our favorite Asian-American-ancient-Chinese-spirit-fighting Homecoming Queen, American Panda is another tale of a badass Asian-American girl navigating her hyphenate identity, trying to please her family while trying to find joy. With the same hilarity and heart as Wendy Wu, Mei realizes her own way of being Asian-American, and herself.

21. The Lizzie McGuire Movie – Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

We’ll never forget the movie that made all of us want to grow up to be a relatable teenager who goes to Italy and has her life changed forever. If you can relate to The Lizzie McGuire Movie creating your #studyabroad goals, you have to read Love & Gelato, the first in Jenna Evans Welch’s series of semi-related novels abroad, this one aptly set in Italy. In a not un-Lizzie-like journey to find herself, Lina follows in her late mother’s footsteps and unearths a secret that will change everything. People go to Italy for love and gelato (we know we did), but sometimes they discover much more.

Need more? Pick a Disney movie and get a book rec!

We all feel love in different ways. It’s true—love is a language and we all speak it differently. Maybe you feel love by receiving meaningful, thoughtful gifts? Or feeling your partner’s tender, physical touch? How about hearing them verbalize their love and affection? Spending quality, uninterrupted time with your partner? Maybe witnessing positive, affirming acts of service?

No matter how you feel love, you deserve to see it reflected in your books—that way, you can fall in love alongside our protagonists and connect in a whole new way. And friends, after much shelf-diving and heart-searching, I’ve got the perfect book recommendations for your love language.

Now, don’t fret if you aren’t sure what your love language is. You can take the quiz right here and remember to listen to your heart! *cue Listen to Your Heart by Roxette playing in the background*

Your Love Language Will Tell You What To Read Next

Words of Affirmation

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

You love to hear words of affirmation from your partner. It can be simple phrases like “You take my breath away” or “Your laugh is infectious,” but you’d never walk away from a well-worded soliloquy dedicated to your wit and charm… either way words are your love language and you’ll surely be drawn to the flirty banter between Penny and Sam in Emergency Contact. Their love shines brightest during their texts, each one emboldened to share their true feelings and remind the other why they are special. You will also love the wonderfully forward woo-ing ways of Daniel in Serious Moonlight as he unabashedly tells Birdie what he likes about her.

Acts of Service

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

Your favorite expression is “actions speak louder than words” and for you, love is shown through acts of service. It can be as simple as doing the dishes for you after a long, hard day or buying tickets to a movie you’ve been dying to see—it’s the thought, care, and love behind the actions that matter most, and that’s why Nathanial and Elisabeth from Sorcery of Thorns will be your #relationshipgoals. Their symbiotic acts toward each other, like holding his hand during a nightmare or giving her a warm place to stay, clearly show the depth of care they have for one another. And when Amelia shows her love to Grady by going with on a difficult, emotional adventure in Stay Sweet, you’ll surely get all the feels and positively swoon.

Receiving Gifts

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Hungry Hearts edited by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond

For you, receiving gifts from your partner makes you feel appreciated and loved. There’s nothing better than coming home to a pint of your favorite ice cream, curtesy of your partner, or a fresh bouquet of wildflowers to decorate your living room. These meaningful, thoughtful gifts brighten your day and reaffirm the love you two share, so your heart will surely be warmed by Lara Jean’s letters in To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. I mean, letters are the gifts that keep on giving, allowing you to feel special with every re-read. While they are not monetary, the thought is still there with these little gifts from the heart. Also, what better gift is there than food especially when it’s made at the hands of a loved one? You’ll love every single story in Hungry Hearts as the authors serve up 13 delicious stories that’ll have your heart bursting.

Quality Time

Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Your Destination Is on the Left by Lauren Spieller

You value quality time with your partner above all else—uninterrupted, undivided attention, one-on-one quality time. This is your opportunity to check-in, emotionally, with your partner…to talk about anything and everything. It’s not just about proximity, it’s about togetherness for you. Turning off the TV, silencing the cell phone, and spending time with the one you love, so Love & Luck is the perfect story for you! Addie and Rowan, on whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle and trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle, have nothing but uninterrupted time and their romance is ever the more sweet because of it. You’ll also love the nomadic lifestyle in Your Destination Is on the Left, allowing Dessa and Cyrus to get to know one another more intimately without outside interferences.

Physical Touch

Social Intercourse by Greg Howard

Run Away With Me by Mila Gray

You feel love through the physical touch of your partner. From small brushes of your hair to intimate moments stolen behind closed doors, these emotional touches make you feel safe and connected to your partner. If you are having a bad day or feeling stressed, a warm hug from your partner conveys more than a thousand words—and the butterflies you’ll get from reading Social Intercourse are sure to send you straight into the arms of your loved one. Beck and Jax are absolutely swoonworthy and you’ll love watching their relationship unfold on the page. Run Away With Me is another passionate gem (TBH anything by Mila Gray) that’ll appeal to your love language.

Looking for more? Check out what your Myers-Briggs personality type is telling you to read!