YA Romances to Cozy Up with this Winter
YA Romances to Cozy Up with this Winter
One of my favourite winter activities is curling up with a good book. (Okay, fine, that’s one of my favourite activities any time of the year!) Winter is nearly here for those in the northern hemisphere, and for many of us, it’s felt like it’s been here for weeks already. So I thought I’d share some YA romances to cozy up with this winter and during the chilly months ahead!
1. The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert (304 pages)
Marva Sheridan was born ready for Election Day, but Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she gets involved. A whirlwind Election Day follows, with them cutting school, rushing from precinct to precinct, and waiting in long lines.
They start out as strangers, but as Marva and Duke team up to beat a rigged system, their connection grows into much more.
Image via Amazon
Why You Should Read It
The Voting Booth really showcases what it means to vote in today’s world, and hopefully provides inspiration to do so, especially for a younger generation. But don’t worry, it’s not all serious—there’s a fun side story about Marva’s Insta-famous cat, Eartha Kitty (which is such a great name!). This book takes place over the course of a day—and it’s one of those imperfect perfect days. A lot goes wrong, but each fumble leads to something important, and the characters (and this reader) wouldn’t have it any other way!
5/5 Brookie Stars
2. More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood (352 pages)
Danyal Jilani may not be the smartest guy in the room, but he’s funny, gorgeous, and he’s going to make a great chef one day. While his father doesn’t approve of his career choice, Danyal cares more about the opinion of his longtime crush, Kaval. When Danyal gets selected for Renaissance Man—a school-wide academic championship—it’s the perfect opportunity to show everyone he’s smarter than they think. He recruits the brilliant Bisma to help with the competition, but the more Danyal spends time with her and learns from her, the more he realizes that happiness may be staring him right in his pretty face.
Image via Amazon
Why You Should Read It
One of my favourite things about this book is Danyal’s descriptions—they are so beautiful and telling. While he’s poetic, he’s also relaxed and confident. More Than Just a Pretty Face has a sweet romance that takes place (mostly) in a library. I adore any story that centers on a bookstore or library, and this one is no exception. There’s also great family and friend dynamics, as well as some poignant and relevant social and political commentary.
4/5 Brookie Stars
3. The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth (368 pages)
Saoirse doesn’t believe in love, but after a chance encounter at an end-of-term party, she’s considering breaking her own rules about romance and relationships. (Hint: she’s against them both.) Her new friend/kissing partner, Ruby, suggests a loophole: They spend time together over the summer (think rom-com-like dates, complete with clichés) but they’ll end their relationship by autumn. Which is almost the perfect plan…
Image via Amazon
Why You Should Read It
While this does have a strong romance plot, it begins with Saoirse’s family dynamics. Her mom has early-onset dementia, and her father’s about to remarry, which Saoirse understandably isn’t happy about. That, plus a recent break-up, means she’s basically anti-love. Enter Ruby! Their relationship is fresh, fun, and soft, even if clichés abound! Plus, I loved Saoirse’s voice. She’s the classic love-sucks cynic, at least at the start of the story.
4/5 Brookie Stars
4. I’ll Be The One by Lyla Lee (336 pages)
When Skye Shin nails her audition for an internationally-televised competition for the next K-pop star, she’s swept into a whirlwind of countless practices, shocking performances, and tons of drama. But what she doesn’t count on are the fat-phobic beauty standards of the Korean entertainment industry, her sudden fame and scrutiny, or the sparks that fly with her fellow competitor, Henry Cho. Can she win the competition, become the world’s first plus-sized K-pop star, and not lose herself in the process?
Image via Amazon
Why You Should Read It
Skye’s voice is sharp, and her confidence inspiring. This main character is really the center of it all, and unapologetically so, which is always a joy to read. I’ll Be The One tackles fatphobia by showing a plus-sized character who loves herself and is comfortable in her own body, which is simply refreshing. Oh, and that romance with heartthrob Henry Cho is sweet and supportive. If you’re looking for a pure fluff romance, look no further!
4.5/5 Brookie Stars
5. My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins (336 pages)
This anthology is perfect for all your holiday feels! Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year’s, there’s something for everyone in this collection by Stephanie Perkins. So cozy up with a mug of something warm and enjoy stories by Jenny Han, Rainbow Rowell, Gayle Forman, Holly Black, Laini Taylor, and more!
Why You Should Read It
This short story collection is basically the definition of adorable. It features prominent YA authors, so you can pick and choose your favourites, or read all twelve stories! This one is perfect for an afternoon next to a big bay window (if you’re so lucky) and a cup of tea or cocoa (reader’s choice!). Either way, grab a blanket and cuddle up while you enjoy these romantic winter tales!
4/5 Brookie Stars
What YA romances are you eager to cozy up with this winter? Let us know by emailing us here!
Jamie Mitchell is a writer, library assistant, former bookseller, and all-around lover of the written word. She’s currently working on her fifth novel, and if you’re wondering where the other four are, they’re safe on her laptop and in need of rewriting. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband, and enjoys traveling, bookstagramming and experimenting with gluten-free flours.
Favourite book: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Favourite brunch spot: 1823 Bakehouse
