Friday Reads: 5 Young Adult Romances for Summer

For my fellow book lovers out there, have I got a treat for you! I am so excited to kick off the Friday Reads feature on MunaLuchi Bride! Every Friday, I will recommend at least five books that are romance novels or genre novels with strong romantic elements as well as nonfiction titles to read before you say, “I do.” Stay tuned for lots of must read recommendations, just in time to kick off your summer right!

1. This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

From Disney-Hyperion comes the dynamite companion title to These Broken Stars. Whether or not you’re a fan of sci-fi or space operas, you will love this. Flynn Cormac is leading a rebellion while Jubilee Chase is the captain of the opposing forces. After Flynn captures Jubilee as prisoner and brings her to his base, his feelings for her change and together, they flee, caught in the middle of a war.

2. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

If you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid, this modern day fairytale retelling is for you. Elyse d’Abreau, a talented singer heading for stardom loses her voice after a boating accident. When a friend invites her to a seaside party, which she finds is quite different from back home in the Caribbean, Elyse meets Christian Kane who challenges her in ways she hasn’t been before. A young adult romance, this new release from Simon Pulse is the perfect beach read.

3. Nobody’s Goddess by Amy McNulty

A love story in the making, Nobody’s Goddess from Month9Books is a young adult romance for fantasy lovers. The story is set in a world where magic compels masked men to fall in love with only one woman in the village and follow his goddess without question. If the goddess doesn’t return her love, she remains alone and he stays masked forever. As seventeen year old Noll sets out to break this spell, she instead discovers why she has yet to be chosen. Nobody’s Goddess is unlike anything you’ve read before, knocking you on your feet multiple times throughout the book with its many surprises and revelations.

4. Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

Set in 1959 Virginia, Lies We Tell Ourselves from Harlequin Teen follows Sarah Dunbar, one of the first five black students to attend an all white high school and Linda Hairston, daughter of one of the most vocal fathers in town against integration and the girl who challenges Sarah the most.

This novel should be required reading not just for high school and college students but everyone. Readers who were once moved by The Help will be equally moved by Lies We Tell Ourselves. If you’re looking for a historical romance that is diverse for more reasons than one, read Lies We Tell Ourselves. It will be one of the most powerful books you read all year.

5. Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed

Written in the Stars is a beautiful debut novel from Nancy Paulsen Books by We Need Diverse Books VP of Strategy, Aisha Saeed which follows a love struck Naila as she is thrust into an arranged marriage. This is not an easy or lighthearted story to read. It goes there emotionally so prepare yourself before opening this up as you’ll be captivated from the very first page.

What are you reading this weekend?