9 Fresh And Inviting New Adult And College Romances

New Adult Romance Books: Our 9 Picks

Life Skills All Adults Should Learn

• Cooking
• Handling finances
• Choosing the right job
• Cleaning and organizing a home
• Maintaining mental & physical health
• Communicating with friends, family, and co-workers
• Doing taxes
• Basic first aid
• Traveling alone

8 Great Films About New Adults

1. Post Grad (2009)
2. Tiny Furniture (2010)
3. Reality Bites (1994)
4. Good Will Hunting (1997)
5. Before Sunrise (1995)
6. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
7. Garden State (2004)
8. Booksmart (2019)

Fun Date Ideas For Your Real-Life Romance

• Cook dinner together
• Go for a hike or a bike ride
• Get together for a karaoke night
• Go bowling
• Have a picnic on a sunny day
• Play a boardgame or video game together
• Go to a roller rink
• Have a candlelit dinner
• Join a book club together

The Science of Love

In Depth

The New Adult genre has produced some captivating voices that demonstrate the power of exploring love during the chaotic years when young people are just embarking on their lives. The titles included here testify to this, featuring characters between the ages of eighteen and thirty who find serious love in college and beyond. In no particular order, here are nine enticing new adult romances that will make the heart soar.

For #1 we get "Love and Lattes" by Heather Thurmeier. A college student of meager means, Julia isn't exactly the right fit for the posh social life of Meadow Ridge. Chase, a highly sought-after bachelor from an esteemed family, fits in much better. Sparks fly when the two meet at a bar, resulting in an unforgettable one-night-stand. A few days later, Julia starts a new job at a bookstore, only to find out that her boss is none other than Chase. She'll have to decide what's more important: denying her desire so she can stay employed, or risking it all to pursue love.

Showing up at #2 is "Empty Me Out" by S.A. Healey. Kelsey, a demure college senior, abhors partying and the reckless lifestyle that often accompanies it. But when she reluctantly goes out one evening, she ends up falling for Mark, a heavy partier who nevertheless charms her with his good looks and personality. Their relationship is profoundly tested when Mark's alcohol consumption spirals into an uncontrollable addiction. As things get more volatile, Kelsey questions to what extent she should tolerate her boyfriend's behavior, and if there's any hope of saving him from self-destruction.

Their relationship is profoundly tested when Mark's alcohol consumption spirals into an uncontrollable addiction.

For #3 we have "Let's Get Textual" by Teagan Hunter. In the first entry of Hunter's "Texting" series, a wrong-number mishap blossoms into a sizzling relationship. When Delia receives a message from an unfamiliar number, she doesn't simply delete or ignore it. Instead, she responds to Zach, the hunky tech geek on the other end. As the two engage in snappy banter through both texts and calls, their interactions grow flirtatious, igniting an undeniable chemistry. Once Delia and Zach finally meet, their over-the-phone relationship develops into something even more fulfilling.

At #4 is Kathleen Maree's "In this Breeze." Throughout her scarred childhood, Breanna's best friends Jase and Ethan were always there to provide comfort and security. But after one particularly traumatic night involving her abusive father, the three friends were split apart. Now, timid, bookish Breanna is going to college with sensitive jock Ethan, who's harboring feelings for her he's not sure how to reveal. Just as prospects are looking up for the two, Jase, who is running from a life of crime, reenters the picture. With both boys vying for Breanna's affection, difficult and potentially life-altering choices will have to be made by all.

For #5 we find "Lace Up" by Shae Ross. Two teams from rival universities have made it to the finals of a competition to win a job with a major corporation. Ryan, from Michigan State University, leads the all-female team, while the University of Michigan's Jett is the captain of the men's side. Both are so focused on one-upmanship and winning, they fail to realize the sexual attraction growing between members of their opposing teams. Ryan and Jett attempt to keep on course and claim victory for themselves, but their burgeoning romance could very well upend the competition.

Ryan, from Michigan State University, leads the all-female team, while the University of Michigan's Jett is the captain of the men's side.

Coming in at #6 is "Stubborn Love" by Wendy Owens. Three years after leaving an abusive marriage that ended in her husband's suicide, Emmie relocates to New York City to finish getting the art degree she put on hold. Moving in with the spunky Paige, she finds her world returning to normal as she commits herself fully to schoolwork. When she is introduced to Paige's brawny, sexy landlord Colin, she is flustered. Unable to deny her attraction but afraid to open her heart again after the tragedy of her last relationship, Emmie must figure out how to deal with the unwavering advances of the smitten Colin.

For #7 we get "37 + Grace Marks" by Vishal Anand. Like any ordinary college kid, engineering student Viraj just wants to do a good job and receive passing marks. His mundane university life is upended when he meets his gorgeous classmate Nimisha. Instantly besotted, he tries desperately to woo her, but is consistently turned down. With exams looming and romantic drama weighing on his mind, Viraj tries to steer himself back on track, and gradually learns that there are more important things in life than getting good grades.

Arriving at #8 is "When We're Entwined" by Jody A. Kessler. Following years of family abuse, circus performer Tara leaves behind her mother and stepfather to join her boyfriend Keel on the road with his band. Unfortunately for her, Keel is no savior, and when he robs and abandons her, she is left penniless with no direction home. Saved by a generous homeless man, and later whisked away on a road trip by a friendly punk rocker, Tara eventually ends up working in a traveling fair for misfits. Throughout her journey, the wounded but resilient young woman finds belonging, and healing, in the communities that help her along the way.

Following years of family abuse, circus performer Tara leaves behind her mother and stepfather to join her boyfriend Keel on the road with his band.

Finally, for #9 we come to Mia Kerick's L.G.B.T. romance "Intervention." Proudly out high school senior Kai Manter, who spends his time playing music at a local university cafe, has no difficulty picking up guys. When he decides to go after Jamie, a sullen and beguiling college freshman waiting tables at the cafe, he fully expects to end up with him, though it turns out not to be so simple. In contrast to the easygoing and confident Kai, Jamie has suffered a life of abuse and is cautious about getting involved with anyone. Determined to make things better for his crush, Kai orchestrates a music-themed intervention that brings the best out of them both.