Teen Romance for the Hardest of Hearts

I'll be honest, I'm not a giant fan of romance books. I'm not anti-romance, I'd just rather see characters doing something other than daydreaming or moping, or scheming to get a partner.

So it's all the sweeter when a book whose primary focus is the development of a romantic relationship catches my attention. And Valentine's Day is right around the corner, after all, so here are some recommendations of romantic teen books that melted my heart.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins is the last in a series of books that show the world how teen romance should be written. Bonus: if you remember Anna and St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss, there is a moment at the end of this one that you won't want to miss out on.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell has an open ending that will make you cry no matter how you interpret it. I loved the quiet, slow, development of these two's feelings for each other and the obstacles they overcame together.

In Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour, Emi and Ava are drawn together by a mystery and kept together by a sweet romance. It's a beautiful love story without any coming out angst.

Two boys both named after philosophers slowly fall in love in Benjamin Alire Sáenz's gorgeous book,  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. This delightful couple face challenges, but you'll be cheering them on to the end!