Young Adult literature was once the highlight of my existence. But, one can only take so many love triangles, high school drama, and mean girls. New Adult brings the youthful nature of YA without filters or age restraints. But, that isn’t to say that there aren’t some cliched novels floating around. I have been lucky enough to discover some New Adult books with hilarious banter and great characters.
Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Richie (Goodreads rating: 4.26)
“I’m average. I’ve been average most of my life, but there are moments where I feel extraordinary. Invincible. Able to conquer any fear and step outside any box. There is no illusion, no fantasy. I can climb a forty-foot pole. I can fly eighty-feet in the air. I can be taller than tall. It’s a dream that I’m living. Every day. With him.”
Krista and Becca Ritchie are hands down one of my favorite authors. Amour Amour features a main character (Thora) who has aspirations to be in the circus. Age difference, family themes, and moderate emotional angst.
More than water by Renee Ericson (Goodreads rating: 4.08)
“I’m surprised you don’t have any tattoos. I thought that was part of the artist uniform.”
“Who says I should be that much of a cliché? I’m naturally a masterpiece.”
I highly recommend this one. The romance and the witty banter is great. Features FWB but the two characters have a real, genuine friendship before everything goes down. The main character, EJ, is feisty, sarcastic, and I want her to be my best friend.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy (Goodreads rating: 4.31)
“Just out of curiosity,” she says, “after you wake up in the morning, do you admire yourself in the mirror for one hour or two?”
“Two,” I reply cheerfully.“Do you high five yourself?”
“Of course not.” I smirk. “I kiss each of my biceps and then point to the ceiling and thank the big man upstairs for creating such a perfect male specimen.”
Kristen Callihan is the queen of humorous dialogue. The Deal is a NA novel I recommend to everyone. The banter, romance, and character complexity make for a great story.
Fuel the Fire by Krista and Becca Ritchie (Goodreads rating: 4.49)
“There are rare people who will fuel the fire inside of you, who will awaken a dormant passion, who will push you and better you. She alone is my rarity.”
The whole Addicted series is a must read. Fuel the Fire has Connor on the cover which I like *winky face* Features: friends to lovers trope, exploration of family relationships, friendship, three swoony guys, mental health, everything. A must read for those who love new adult. Some of my friends said it took them until book 2/3 to get hooked, but once you do you never go back.
Before We Were Strangers Renee Carlino (Goodreads rating:4.3)
“It was like the universe was teasing us; we saw each other just a second too late.”
Extremely sad and nostalgic and will give you all the feels. Features second chance romance with plenty of flashbacks that provide angst.
The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan (Goodreads rating: 4.22)
“The funny thing is, Ivy, falling in love with you was as easy as breathing. The best time of my life.”
One of the best banter OTP’s I have ever read about. The Friend Zone is a must read sports romance.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Goodreads rating: 4.26)
“It’s a corporate truth universally acknowledged that workers would rather eat rat skeletons than participate in group activities.”
Hate to love relationship in the office. The Hating Game is an extremely entertaining and humorous read.
Wait for You by Jennifer Armentrout (Goodreads rating: 4.19)
“You’ve been checking me out, haven’t you? In between your flaming insults? I feel like man candy.”
Wait for You was the first New Adult book I ever read. It’s a great introducer to the genre and features an emotionally packed plot that explores recovery from past occurrences.
Idol by Kristen Callihan (Goodreads rating: 4.11)
“You’re bringing me back to life.”
Classic big time musician meets small town girl done right.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads rating: 4.49)
“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”
This one is emotionally heavy. Read at your own risk (kidding).
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