Let’s admit it, 2018 is the year of Netflix rom-coms. We already fell in love with The Kissing Booth and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. (Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about Peter Kavinsky and I’m pretty sure you can’t either.) But here’s a fun fact about these Netflix rom-coms: they were books first. So it’s only a matter of time until the next popular contemporary YA novel gets its movie adaptation. These are the best books to read if you love Netflix rom-coms.

Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Summer may have ended but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t read a book about a road trip. Honestly, I always wanted to take a car and just drive around the country – and a good romance would be a great addition. Amy’s father has just died and her mom is moving her from California to Connecticut. When her mom enlists family friend Roger to accompany Amy on the trip, sparks fly and secrets are shared. If you’re dreaming about summer days and romantic road trips, this is a must-read.


The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Now that time has past since her boyfriend died in a car crash, Paige is ready for a second chance at life. She creates a list of things to accomplish, and the first order of business is to get Ryan, her old crush, back. But when Ryan’s cousin Max comes to town (picture a nerdier Peter Kavinsky) and wants her to be on the Quiz Bowl team, Paige has to rethink her plans in order to find happiness.


The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

Beatrix has a weird hobby – she likes to draw actual cadavers and hopes to make it her career someday. One night after she misses her train, she meets Jack, a notorious graffiti artist, who is charming and attractive. As she starts spending time with Jack, on midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix will try to figure out his secrets, but could her own family secrets tear them apart? This story is full of night adventures, mental health conversation, and of course, romance.


The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

I still can’t understand how Kasie West’s contemporaries haven’t been adapted to the screen. They’re just perfect romance novels. In The Distance Between Us, Caymen’s mom has always warned her to stay away from rich guys – they are too much drama and not to be trusted. When rich boy Xander walks into Caymen’s mom’s doll store to pick up an order for his grandmother, the two hit it off. Despite her mother’s warnings, Xander’s loyalties to Caymen keep her interested, until money comes between them. This is the perfect read for a November evening when you’re craving a sweet romance.


180 Seconds by Jessica Park

What do you think about falling in love in 180 seconds? Is it possible or is it total nonsense? Personally I am always conflicted on this topic but this book may have changed my mind. Allison was adopted at 16 so she doesn’t believe in permanence at all but in her third year of college, something extraordinary happens. During a social experiment where she needs to interact with a complete stranger for 180 seconds, her life is infinitely changed. This important story is about accepting and loving yourself and opening up to other people. Just read it, you won’t regret it.

(Feature image courtesy of Getty Images; Designed by She Reads)