BookClub logo

Romances That Are YA, But Good for Any Age: Enemies to Lovers

It's a tale as old as time, so jump into one of these fairytale romances

By Kristen BarenthalerPublished 8 months ago 3 min read

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

https://www.amazon.com/These-Violent-Delights-Chloe-Gong/dp/1534457690

Shanghai, 1926. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. Juliette Cai, a former flapper, has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang, a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette's first love-- and first betrayal. When gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, there are whispers of a contagion, a madness, of a monster in the shadows. Juliette and Roma must work together, for if they can't stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

As If on Cue by Marisa Kanter

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43249420-as-if-on-cue

It seems that aspiring playwright Natalie and musician Reid have been in competition all their young lives, but when they are forced to compete for scarce school budget dollars they embark on an all-out prank war which backfires; now they are forced to cooperate, pool their talents and ambitions to produce a school musical--and not only is cooperation an unfamiliar role, but they are suddenly starting to have feelings for each other.

Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon

https://www.amazon.com/Curses-Kisses-Sandhya-Menon/dp/1534417540

Told in two voices, Jaya Rao, an East Indian princess, and Grey Emerson, an English lord, suffer the effects of a centuries-old feud when they meet at an elite Colorado boarding school.

Glimpsed by G. F. Miller

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Glimpsed/G-F-Miller/9781534471368

As eighteen-year-old high school Fairy Godmother Charity faces an existential crisis and blackmail from Noah, on whom she has a crush, she learns a great deal about her magic and herself.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

https://www.amazon.com/Sorcery-Thorns-Margaret-Rogerson/dp/1481497618

When apprentice librarian Elisabeth is implicated in sabotage that released the library's most dangerous grimoire, she becomes entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy that could mean the end of everything.

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Like-Magic-Liselle-Sambury/dp/1534465286

After years of waiting for her Calling, the one thing Voya Thomas didn't expect was to fail. When Voya's ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees-- and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic. The problem is Voya has never been in love, so to succeed she'll first have to find the perfect guy. Using a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market, she plans to fall in love and complete her task before the deadline. Voya is paired with Luc-- who seemingly wants nothing to do with her! With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she'll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything.

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

https://www.amazon.com/Today-Tonight-Tomorrow-Rachel-Solomon/dp/1534440259

It's the last day of senior year. Rowan Roth and Neil McNair, both overachievers, have been bitter rivals for all of high school. When Neil is named valedictorian, Rowan has only one chance at victory: Howl, a senior class game that takes them all over Seattle, a farewell tour of the city she loves. Learning that a group of seniors is out to get them, the two reluctantly decide to team up. They'll play until they are the last players left-- and then destroy each other.

This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada

https://www.amazon.com/This-Mortal-Coil-Emily-Suvada/dp/1481496336

In a world where people are implanted with technology to recode their DNA, gene-hacking genius Cat must decrypt her late father's message concealing a vaccine to a horrifying plague.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Fuentez-Fell-Love-Universe/dp/1534448667

When seventeen-year-old Star Fuentez reaches social media stardom, her polar-opposite twin, Moon, becomes "merch girl" on a tour bus full of beautiful influencers and the grumpy but attractive Santiago Philips.

Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Sweet-Siobhan-Vivian/dp/1481452320

Seventeen-year-old Amelia has looked forward to her last summer before college working at the Meade Creamery, but when the owner of the local landmark passes away her nephew has big changes in mind.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

https://www.amazon.com/Uglies-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/0786297050

Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.

Reading List

About the Creator

Kristen Barenthaler

Curious adventurer. Crazed reader. Librarian. Archery instructor. True crime addict.

Instagram: @kristenbarenthaler

Facebook: @kbarenthaler

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.