The 12 Most Heartwrenching New Adult Romance Stories
Book RaiderLove, they say, is not for the faint-hearted - and that is doubly true for these New Adult Romance tales that will have your tear ducts working overtime. These chronicles, garnished with heartache and bittersweet moments, hit right in the 'feels' department, often when you least expect it. We're talking real Kleen capacity here, folks. Life's rosy lens is jubilantly recked and set back together again, one poignant narrative at a time.
Navigating the turbulent waters of love, loss, and everything in between, these are not just about your average boy meets girl saga. This genre gives the undiluted, raw look into the intricate web of romance you need. What's more, they're laced with life-altering decisions, passionate flames, and vulnerability so tangible it could be your own. So, ditch the mascara, grab a comforting hot drink, and let's dive into these emotionally charged worlds that could surely leave Nicholas Sparks humbled.
It Ends With Us
by Colleen Hoover
Why It Ends With Us is on this list: If you're up for a stirringcoaster of emotion, 'It Ends With Us' will not disappoint. It touches the raw and tender spots of new adulthood in ways that do justice to the 'heart-wrenching' tag.
This story is about Lily, a strong-willed woman who struggles with the complexities of love and adulthood. Swept up in an addictive romance, she soon finds that love not always enough. Lily is forced to reconcile her own traumatic past and the disturbing patterns in her new relationship. It's a touching journey of emotional survival, independence and redemption.
What readers like: Readers have gone bananas over the depth of the characters, the gut-punching plot twists, and the brutally honest portrayal of love's darker side. Plus, Hoover's effortless storytelling technique really pulls you into Lily's world. Grab your tissues, this one's a bit of a tear-jerker.
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The Hating Game
by Sally Thorne
Why The Hating Game is on this list: Ever heard of love hurts? Well, The Hating Game takes it to a whole new level. It's a blend of humour, flirtation, and well, a lot of hating until it's not. It's an emotional rollercoaster perfect for our list of heart-wrenching romances.
Think, workplace enemies forced to work together, tons of banter, and a mutual disdain that slowly but surely morphs into something else...yup, that's The Hating Game. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman share an office, and that's about all they can stand about each other. With a promotion at stake, the prank wars and tension heats up... until the day it all breaks and a different type of passion takes over.
What readers like: Readers love the palpable chemistry between Lucy and Joshua, the witty dialogue that's sure to make you laugh and then cry, and the slow-burning emotional reveal. Plus, Sally Thorne's smart writing style makes even their hating each other seem romantic. The Hating Game is a real page-turner, full of unexpected twists and turns that'll leave you desperate to reach the end, yet sad when it's all over.
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The Allure of Julian Lefray
by R.S. Grey
Why The Allure of Julian Lefray is on this list: This romance novel has all the elements for a classic heartbreaker. Fit with passionate secrets, undeniable attraction, and a heap of emotional turmoil, it's a perfect fit for our heartwrench category.
Our heroine, the feisty and determined Josephine Kavanaugh, finds herself working for the irresistible and enigmatic Julian Lefray. Their professional relationship takes a hot turn when sparks fly between them. But, Julian a mysterious past that threatens to disrupt their budding romance, which intensifies into a heartwrenching journey of love, struggle, and redemption.
What readers like: Readers adore the dynamic between Josephine and Julian. Their banter is light and entertaining despite the heavy emotional stakes. The plot twists enthralling the readers with every turn of the page, making it impossible to put this book down.
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The Deal
by Elle Kennedy
Why The Deal is on this list: Think you can handle intense emotions and raw passion all wrapped up in a love? Well, The Deal definitely serves up a whirlwind of feelings that will make your heart ache in all the good ways, making it an obvious choice for our list of most heartwrenching new adult romance stories.
This isn't your regular fluffy love story. It's about Hannah Wells, a girl crushing on the quarterback of her college's football team. Unfortunately, the dude doesn't know she exists. Enter Garrett Graham, the notorious bad boy on campus who has his own issues. They strike a deal: Hannah will help Garrett up his grades while he will assist her to win Mr. Quarterback's heart. But, you know what they say about best-laid plans... They tend to go awry, especially when feelings get involved.
What readers like: Readers just can't seem to get enough of this book. They rave about the depth of the characters, the witty dialogue, and the unexpected emotional pull. Plus, Elle Kennedy's writing style has a knack for making readers feel every heartache, every laugh, and, most of all, the incredible connection between Hannah and Garrett.
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Red, White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
Why Red, White & Royal Blue is on this list: With its heartfelt depiction of new adult relationships and the raw emotional upheaval that comes with them, this novel fits perfectly into our list of heartwrench romance stories.
In 'Red, White & Royal Blue', a sudden and intense romance blooms between the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and the Prince of Wales, Henry. It's a secret affair encompassed by political drama, media scrutiny, and an intimidating email chain with members of the White House staff. The story captures their struggles as they navigate their challenging feelings amidst their respective public roles.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the book's unique premise, genuine portrayal of emotion, and its balance of steamy romance with high stakes political drama. The charismatic characters and the humour infused in their dialogue also claim a special place in the hearts of the audience. Folks enter for the promise of a cute, clandestine romance but stay for the deeper exploration of identity, duty, and the courage it takes to follow your heart.
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Big Lies in a Small Town
by Diane Chamberlain
Why Big Lies in a Small Town is on this list: Well, if you're hungry for a story that will swaddle your heart in a metaphoric bear hug and then proceed to delicately tear it into tiny pieces, Big Lies in a Small Town fits the bill. It's the ideal candidate in the lineup of heartwrenching new adult romance tales.
This mesmerizing story takes us on a hypnotic journey, playing out in a tiny town and involving secrets, big lies, and a twisted mystery that will have you guessing till the last page. Now, if you think that's all, add some forbidden romance into the mix and voila! You've got a delicious recipe for heartache and intrigue.
What readers like: Not only do readers adore Chamberlain's stunning storytelling skills and her knack for blending the past and present, they can't seem to shake off the haunting love story that is as beautiful as it is tragic. And trust us, the Fan club is chock-full of folks loving the elegantly woven tapestry of emotion, suspense and mystery. After all, who can resist a good ol' tear-jerker?
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One Day in December
by Josie Silver
Why One Day in December is on this list: Just imagine finding your soulmate, for him to become your best friend's boyfriend. That's just the beginning of the weave of heartache and romance in One Day in December.
On a chilly December day, Laurie spots a man through her bus window and falls instantly in love. She roams around London for a year, hoping to find him again but doesn’t until a dreadful of fate brings him into her life again as her best friend's new boyfriend. The story follows Laurie's heartache, love, loss and friendship over a span of ten years.
What readers like: Readers enjoy Silver's poetic and humorous style of writing the ups and downs of modern relationships. Especially captivating is the depiction of the fine line between fate and choice. The book serves both as a warm blanket on a cold day and a brutal reminder of the complex dynamics of love and friendship.
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Fisher's Light
by Tara Sivec
Why Fisher's Light is on this list: This book lands smack-dab in the nerve center of emotional. With a tale of love and lost memories it's a perfect pick for anyone seeking a new adult romance with solid sledgehammer-to-the-heart vibes.
The story sets sail with Fisher, a military veteran, struggling with PTSD and survivor guilt. As his memories purged, so did his love-filled times with high school sweetheart Lucy—his mislaid past now a nebulous fragment. A tale of miscommunication and second chances, it's a journey from Fisher’s battle within his tortured mind to redemption in the arms of his long-lost love. Grab a helping of tissues, as this one reckons to be a tear-generating machine.
What readers like: Readers rave about the raw emotional depth and the gorgeous writing. Tara Sivec really knows how to pilot the emotional roller coaster, leaving readers giddy at the highs and weepy in the lows, always craning their necks to anticipate what's coming around the next bend. The complex characters, particularly Fisher, pull you in, refusing to let go until the very last page. Only for those who don’t mind a little (or a lot) of eye leakage.
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A Very Large Expanse of Sea
by Tahereh Mafi
Why A Very Large Expanse of Sea is on this list: Ever felt a mess of emotions so deep that you could never imagine a resolution? Welcome to this not-so easy-breezy tale, which is the very definition of heartwrench new adult romance.
This isn't your typical lovey-dovey romance. It is the story of Shirin, a Muslim teenager who has to handle racism xenophobia alongside the usual teenage drama in a post 9/11 world. And then she has to deal with the sweet menace of falling in love with Ocean, a guy who genuinely wants to get to know her, breaking through all the walls she built; it's like, really, who gave him the right??
What readers like: Readers rave about the emotional roller coaster Tahereh Mafi takes them on, the vividly realistic characters, and the much-needed diversity this book embraces. Most of all, they look fondly on the heartbreaking feelings, the type where you want a happy ending but can't see how it could possibly happen. Kind of like when you finish all the cookies and the grocery store is already closed. Yeah, that kind of heartbreak.
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Whiskey & Honey
by Andrea Johnston
Why Whiskey & Honey is on this list: If your ideal romance book has heart, pain, and a dash of spirit, Whiskey & Honey is your next read. It delivers just the right amount of heartbreak mixed with sweet, sweet love to keep you on edge and rooting for the characters until the last.
Whiskey & Honey beings with our boy, Bentley, who’s been friend-zoned by Piper for a decade. He's always loved her from the shadows, but now she's engaged someone else. But when Piper’s world comes crashing down, Bentley becomes both her rock and her new dilemma. You'll be taken on a roller coaster journey through the bittersweet transformation of their relationship, where timing is everything, hearts are delicate and the best love is worth waiting for.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the clever ripple of humor through the heavy undertones of the story, which offers a refreshing balance of emotions. The beloved Bentley is the quintessential sensitive hunk - a heartthrob who warms readers’ hearts and stirs their empathy. His deep connection and unwavering love for Piper is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
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My Dark Vanessa
by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Why My Dark Vanessa is on this list: This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with a haunting story that gets you right in the feels. It's everything you would expect from a heartrenching new adult romance story and more.
My Dark Vanessa is not your typical romance story; it takes you on a deep, emotional journey that will leave you emotionally shattered but totally captivated. Narrated by Vanessa Wye, it explores her tumultuous relationship with her charismatic yet manipulative high-school teacher. As the story, Vanessa navigates her way through her past, finds her voice, and re-evaluates what she once thought of as love. Prepare yourself for an intense, thought-provoking, and beautifully heartrending read.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the book's nuanced characters and the courage it takes to expose a difficult, raw subject. They've also praised the author's writing style, engaging plot line, and the book's ability to emotionally engage them. Warning: have a box of tissues at the ready.
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The Kiss Quotient
by Helen Hoang
Why The Kiss Quotient is on this list: The Kiss Quotient tugs hard at your heartstrings while taking you on a rollercoaster ride of love, desire, and everything in between. It contributes to our list not only because of the intense romance, but also due to the complexity of the characters that amplifies the emotional impact.
The story introduces us to Stella Lane, a brilliant econometrician who's more comfortable with numbers than people and has a less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. She decides to hire an escort to teach her everything about relationships and meets Michael Phan, a charming, sexy as hell Vietnamese/Swedish escort. As things get heated and messy, the lines between being professional and personal start getting blurry.
What readers like: Readers have loved Stella's uniqueness and her refreshing take on life. Her journey of self-discovery and coming out of her shell to experience love is what makes this book a must-read. Michael's character, with his own set of problems, adds a layer of depth to their love story. This book combines burning passion with emotional vulnerability, delivering a beautifully heartrending story that readers have fallen head over heels for.
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