This particular day, though, as we visited the bookstore post–high school, my friends seemed to have come to an unspoken understanding. The YA section no longer held the same priority for them that it once did. Setting off in search of my friends, I wandered amongst the shelves until I found them in adult fiction. How did they know it was time to move on to adult books? I still clung to my YA reads like life rafts. Back then, I wish I’d known there is an excellent in-between genre that spans these years of change between high school and full-fledged adulthood. That’s where new adult books come in. Goodreads defines new adult books as those that feature protagonists between 18 and 25 years old, or more broadly between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Despite growing up (do we ever really though?), I’ve always stayed constant in my love for young adult books; they’re exceptional reads at any age. However, sometimes I’m in the mood to read a book with a protagonist closer to my age. I like getting drawn into a character’s world who may be experiencing a relatable phase in life for me, whether it’s moving out from home, going back to grad school, starting your first job fresh out of college, or trying to figure out what you want to do with your life. I crave books with these themes, and new adult books deliver. When it comes to new adult books, new adult romance books are my favorite. I love the cozy, feel-good, comfort of the new adult romance genre with its happily ever afters for characters my age. It adds an extra layer of fun to read about situations I can envision myself in. As with YA though, new adult books can be enjoyed at any age. So, if you’re looking for some sweet new adult romance books for a delightful summer read, browse below! If you’d like to learn more about new adult books, or discover more new adult romance books, take a look at what some of our other Rioters have to say about it!
15 Must-Read College Romance Books Laure Kemp Brings Out a New Niche of Indie New Adult Lit New Adult, Young Adult? What’s the Difference? New Adult Fiction: When You Want Adult Characters, But Not Too Adult
