Tag: love

YA Valentine’s Day Reads

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Love can happen in unexpected places and ways. So in honor of St. Valentine’s Day, here are some young adult fantasy reads that have unexpected romances or romances that happen in unique ways!

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  • Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

This book is told from 3 points of view—the princess who ran away from her wedding, the prince who goes after her, and the assassin sent to kill her. However, the story is told so masterfully that when the princess is interacting with the prince and assassin, you don’t know which is which! You’ll be on the edge of your seat!

young adult fairytale retelling book
A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan
  • A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan

In this retelling about the cursed daughter of King Midas, don’t trust anyone. You never know who’s hiding secrets and who might think the girl with the ability to turn things to gold might be worth her own weight in gold.

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  • Caraval/Legendary by Stephanie Garber

These two books will also keep you guessing as to who our heroines might end up with. Who can you trust? Whose relationship is real? Who’s telling the truth? Garber will lead you into the world of Caraval and delight your senses as you try to figure out the answers to all those questions.

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  • Doon by Lorie Lagdon and Carey Corp

This YA retelling of Brigadoon has some swoon worthy princes from Scotland, but things get complicated when you’re leaping through time. Pick up this series to see who ends up with their prince!

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  • Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This is an oldy but a goodie. This Cinderella retelling talks about what happens after the ball. Everyone expects Cinderella to stay in love with the prince she just met…but what if love takes an unexpected turn?

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In this Mulan-inspired retelling, Mariko is supposed to be married off for political gain, but things turn awry on the way there. Will love find a way to survive?

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  • The Selection

What if love were a competition similar to The Bachelor? What if you only entered because you wanted the money that came with winning? What if you found love once you arrived?

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  • Matched by Allie Condie

What if the government picked who you loved? What if your match was revealed during a big ceremony? What if you saw someone else’s face for a split-second when your match was revealed?

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  • Sky in the Deep

Sometimes love doesn’t come from those you expect. In this Viking-inspired tale, you might turn to your enemies to survive. And you might find that they aren’t truly your enemies at all.

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  • Sea Witch

You’ll feel as if you’ve been put under a spell reading this twisted reimaging of The Little Mermaid myth. Hold on to your fins as you see who falls in love with whom.

 

Who is your favorite young adult couple? Share in the comments!

 

 

 

10 Ways to Build Romance in Your YA Novel

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If you’re writing a YA novel, odds are there’s going to be some sort of romance. And it’s not enough to simply have your characters look at one another and instantly know they’re in love. So how can you make sure the romance in the story builds and feels believable? Follow these tips on how to make characters fall in love.

  • Give them something in common

Characters who have something in common will have an immediate bond. Are they both adopted? Did they both grow up in the same small town? Did they lose a parent at a young age? Are they wearing the same band’s T-shirt? All these are little hints that they might get along because they have something that ties them together- something to talk about with one another. For example, in the movie A Cinderella Story, the main characters connect over wanting to escape their overbearing parents/stepparents and go to the same college.

  • Start with small bodily gestures

A touch on the arm, focusing on how he flips back his hair all the time, a small glance as one walks away- especially after they’ve just had a talk about something they have in common. These can go a long way to conveying what a character may be starting to feel.

  • Characters start to change

Maybe where a character would’ve snapped before, they treat the other more gently. Or, perhaps, one gives something up that they would’ve kept for themselves earlier on –food, a blanket, the more comfortable bed. Think of Mr. Darcy going out of his way to help save the reputation on Elizabeth Bennet’s sister in Pride and Prejudice.

  • Nicknames/Inside Jokes

Is your hero still making jokes about the time the heroine fell off her horse? It means he’s thinking about her. Teasing someone can be a way to show you care without having to admit it. Plus, laughing at the same jokes counts as having something in common. Additionally, nicknames used in jest at first can be endearing later on. A new book that I loved but won’t name so it doesn’t ruin anything for anyone does this well with a character named Scarlett who gets called Crimson.

  • Jealousy

Does your character jump to conclusions when they see their crush with someone else? Jealousy can be an easy way to show they care without them having to say it. Think of Hermione not wanting to be around Ron and Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter series.

  • Atmosphere

If you’re writing a high-paced thriller, recognize that it’s hard to fall in love when you’re constantly running for your lives. Make sure you take breaks from the action for characters to bond. The right setting can enhance this- talking at sunset, strolling through the woods, hiding out on a rooftop with a great view, etc. might make for a romantic setting.

  • Shared experience

As I mentioned with high-paced thrillers, it can be hard to find time for love, but having that shared emotional experience can also drum up some passion. Surviving something together can cause people to cling to each other, and going back to my first point, it will give them something in common.

  • Think about the 5 Love Languages

Figure out if your character needs gifts or words of emotional support. Make sure their beloved can respond in turn.

  • Don’t forget about banter and passion

Your characters don’t have to get along at first. That fast-paced, biting banter they use can quickly turn into passion under the right circumstances, like surviving something together and then realizing they’re more alike than they think because….say it with me now…they have something in common. If you’re looking for a good example of this, checkout the book Frostblood.

  • Physical attraction (teamed with something they admire)

It sounds shallow, but physical attraction is something that relationships do need. It’s okay to have a fluttering heartbeat when you look at someone the first time…or the hundredth time. But make sure there’s more to the relationship than just looks; that’s why I put this last on the list. More than this, they’ll need something to admire in the other person because when you see something you like in someone, then you’re more likely to find them attractive. They may not discover what they admire until later in the story, but when they do, that’s when the physical attraction becomes more about what’s inside than outside.

 

Now you’re ready to go out there and start building a relationship. But before you do, stop over in the comments and let me know who your favorite literary couple is! I’ll start. Mine’s Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Happy Valentine’s Day!