Samantha 0:00
If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today we’re diving deep into this beloved genre that has captured the hearts of readers, young and old. In this episode, we’ll define what makes a YA romance truly shine, explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages, take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time, look at the trends dominating YA romance today, and we’ll break down the sub genres that offer something for everyone, from swoony contemporary tales, to love stories with a touch of fantasy. Whether you’re a teacher looking to explore the genre with your students, a librarian curating a can’t miss collection, or simply a YA romance super fan, this episode has something for you. So pop in an ear bud and settle in. It’s time to celebrate all things love and young adult romance.

Samantha 1:00
Welcome to Creating Joyful Readers, a podcast dedicated to empowering secondary educators with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in their students. I’m your host, Samantha. Tune in each week as we explore the transformative power of independent reading, delve into the latest research on literacy, dissect projects that will help your students showcase what they’ve learned in a unique way, and share curated recommendations of young adult novels that will captivate and engage your learners. Join in as we embark on a journey to create joyful lifelong readers one book at a time.

Samantha 1:37
Before we get down to the nitty gritty, I want to share an excerpt from the author’s note of the book, Hello, Stranger, written by Katherine Center, who is one of my personal favorite romance authors. Even though I’ve read this passage dozens of times at this point, it still gives me goosebumps every time I read it. It perfectly encapsulates the reason why so many of us love the genre and why it’s so important.

Samantha 1:59
“Love stories really are unlike any other kind of story. All stories have an emotional engine that drives them. Mysteries run on curiosity. Thrillers run on heart thumping adrenaline. Horror stories run on fear. And the fuel for those emotional engines is anticipation. We piece the clues together and predict what’s going to happen, and we feel emotions, sometimes very strong ones about what we’re predicting. Stories use different scenarios in different ways to create that anticipation, but most novels use a fair bit of what’s called negatively valenced anticipation – a sense of worry, a concern that things might get worse. You know, you’re reading along, picking up the breadcrumbs of foreshadowing the writer’s drop for you, and you’re like, oh God, that kid’s going to get arrested, or, Oh, that man’s going to have a heart attack, or, bet you $1,000 he’s cheating on his wife. But guess what kind of anticipation romance novels use? Positively valenced. Romance novels, rom coms, non tragic love stories, they all run on a blissful sense that we’re moving towards something better. Percentage wise, the majority of clues writers drop in romance novels don’t give you things to dread. They give you things to look forward to. This right here, more than anything else is why people love them. The banter, the kissing, the tropes, even the spice. That’s all just extra. It’s the structure, that predictable structure, that does it. Anticipating that you’re headed towards a happy ending, lets you relax and look forward to better things ahead. And there’s a name for what you’re feeling when you do that. Hope.”

Samantha 3:30
Romance Novels give us hope, and I can’t think of a better reason to introduce them to young people. Alright, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is the romance genre and why does it resonate so strongly with readers? At its core, the romance genre is all about connection. These stories center on the development of a romantic relationship between the main characters. That’s the heartbeat of the genre. Watching love unfold and seeing how these characters navigate the highs and lows of their connection. What makes romance novels especially engaging is their ability to dive deep into the complexities of love, desire and relationships. They let readers experience those electric moments of attraction, the challenges of conflict and the beauty of vulnerability. And here’s the thing that makes romance such a beloved genre for so many, it’s the promise of that satisfying, hopeful ending. No matter what obstacles the characters face. Romance novels leave us with a sense of optimism. We close the book knowing the characters have found love and happiness. And let’s be real, that’s something we all crave in one way or another. Now think about that in the context of young adult readers. Teens are at a stage where they’re exploring relationships, understanding emotions, and trying to figure out what love means to them. That’s why, YA romance can feel so relatable and powerful. It mirrors their experiences, their questions, and their dreams. As educators, it’s important to recognize how these stories resonate with our students. They aren’t just escapism. They’re tools for understanding emotions, empathy, and even conflict resolution. And when a student finds a YA romance they connect with that’s when the magic happens, because it’s not just about reading for pleasure, it’s about finding themselves in the pages.

Samantha 5:15
Now that we’ve defined the romance genre, let’s talk about the formulas, because yes, most romance novels follow a structure. But here’s the thing, those formulas are part of the magic. They create a sense of anticipation and satisfaction for readers. The traditional formula is one you’ve probably seen 100 times. Person meets person, person loses person, person wins person. It’s a classic for a reason. That emotional roller coaster of connection, conflict, and resolution is just so compelling, and there’s so much an author can do with it. Then we have the contemporary take this one leans into the challenges. Two lead characters face big obstacles, sometimes external, like family or societal expectations, and sometimes internal, like fear or miscommunication, but ultimately, their love triumphs. At the heart of almost every romance, though, is the same idea. Love wins. Whether it’s overcoming impossible odds or finding strength and vulnerability. The moral of the story is that love can conquer just about anything. For our students, these formulas offer predictability, which is especially appealing to readers who find comfort in knowing how things might turn out. But they also challenge readers to think about how love and relationships can take on so many different shapes and forms. That’s where we as educators can step in and start some really meaningful conversations.

Samantha 6:40
All right, let’s dive into what makes YA romance novels so captivating for readers and why they’re so relatable for teens. There are a few standout characteristics that make this genre shine. First up the characters. In YA romance we’re talking about well developed protagonists. Think, memorable teens with distinct personalities and flaws that feel oh so real. Readers can see themselves in these characters, which makes the journey all the more emotional. Then there’s the voice. Authenticity is everything. The dialog and inner thoughts of these novels are spot on reflections of the teen experience. It’s not just about what teens say. It’s about how they feel, and these books nail that. Next you’ve got to have a solid conflict. Whether it’s external obstacles like clashing families or internal struggles like self doubt, the tension keeps readers flipping those pages. Add in chemistry and emotional depth, and you’ve got the recipe for a story that sticks with readers long after they’ve closed the book. But YA romance doesn’t just stop at that. These stories often feature multi dimensional relationships, friends, family, mentors that are just as important as the love story. And let’s talk about diversity. Today’s YA romance is doing a much better job of representing the real world experiences of young adults from all backgrounds. Settings are another key piece. Believable, relatable worlds that make readers feel like they’re right there with the characters. And the themes. They go beyond romance, exploring identity, self discovery, empowerment and those universal challenges of growing up. Finally, pacing and resolution. A good YA romance balances romantic highs with other elements to keep the plot moving, and it delivers a resolution that feels satisfying, whether it’s happily ever after or a hopeful to be continued. When you break it down, YA romance is about so much more than love. It’s about life. And as educators, we can use these stories to help students connect with literature in ways that feel deeply personal and meaningful.

Samantha 8:38
YA romance has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the ancient Greek, Latin, and medieval literature, where tales of love and adventure first emerged. Fast forward to modern times, the genre began taking shape in the 20th century with Maureen Daly’s 17th summer in 1942 which is considered the first YA romance. The 1950s brought light hearted malt shop novels, while the 1970s saw Judy blume’s Forever tackle more complex themes. In the 1980s series like Sweet Valley High and Harlequin teen romances became cultural phenomena. By the 1990s and 2000s subgenres like paranormal romance, like Twilight, and contemporary hits like The Princess Diaries broaden the genre appeal. Today YA romance thrives with diverse stories, dynamic characters, and settings, ranging from dystopian worlds to everyday life, continuing to explore the timeless themes of love and connection.

Samantha 9:29
Now let’s shift gears and talk about what’s hot in YA romance right now. It’s no surprise that the genre continues to evolve, and today’s YA romance books are breaking barriers and blending traditions in exciting ways. One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is diverse representation. Authors are including a broader range of characters, relationships and experiences. From LGBTQ+ romances to protagonists from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, these stories are creating a much needed space for all readers to see themselves in the pages. Another growing theme is the focus on mental health. Many YA romance novels are tackling issues like anxiety, depression, and self esteem, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of how relationships and mental health intersect. These books show that love isn’t just about finding someone, it’s also about growing, healing, and supporting each other. We’re also seeing a lot of re-imagined classics. Think of your favorite myths, fairy tales, or timeless love stories, but with a modern or unique twist. These retellings breathe new life into familiar narratives while still capturing the magic of romance. And finally, there’s genre blending. YA romance is stepping out of its comfort zone and mingling with genres like fantasy, sci fi, and mystery, whether it’s a love story set in a dystopian future, or a romance wrapped up in an epic quest. These hybrids are drawing in readers who might not typically pick up a romance novel.

Samantha 10:48
While YA romance has much to celebrate, it’s face critiques that offer opportunities for growth. Common concerns include idealized depictions of relationships, lack of diversity, and overused tropes like love triangles and Insta love. Critics also point to shallow characters or stories that prioritize romance over deeper themes and personal growth. However, the genre is evolving, with many authors addressing these issues by creating more inclusive, nuanced, and impactful stories, ensuring YA romance continues to resonate with readers.

Samantha 11:18
Let’s talk about the many sub genres within YA romance. One of the things that makes this genre so exciting is how it can adapt and evolve with certain sub genres rising in popularity over time. Let’s start with contemporary romance. These stories are grounded in the real world and often reflect the everyday experiences, struggles, and triumphs of modern teens. They feel relatable and often focus on themes like self discovery, identity, and first love. Then there’s paranormal romance, or romantasy, which is my favorite. Fantasy romance. Think vampires, werewolves, witches, or entirely magical worlds where love stories unfold against extraordinary backdrops. These sub genres combine the thrill of the fantastical with the emotional depth of romance. Next up is dystopian romance. These stories set their love stories in bleak, post apocalyptic or authoritarian worlds. While the stakes are high and the settings dark, the romance often brings a sense of hope and humanity to the narrative. Finally, we have historical romance. These novels transport us to the past, intertwining love stories with rich historical settings. From Regency ballrooms to World War Two era towns, these romances provide a mix of escapism and history lessons. Each sub genre offers something unique, giving readers a chance to explore love through different lenses, worlds, and experiences.

Samantha 12:36
In today’s episode, we dove deep into the world of YA romance, exploring its defining characteristics, formulas, and rich history. From the classic person meets person trope to the modern complexities of diverse representation and mental health themes, we’ve seen how this genre has evolved to capture the hearts of young readers. We also touched on the various sub genres, from contemporary romance to paranormal and dystopian tales, showing just how versatile and exciting YA romance can be. Whether you’re a fan of the timeless love stories or just enjoy something with a magical twist, YA romance has something for everyone.

Samantha 13:09
Thanks for tuning in to creating joyful readers. I hope this episode has given you the inspiration to introduce this genre to your students. If you’re ready to get started and would like some assistance, head to my teachers pay teacher shop, Samantha in Secondary and search the word romance. I’ve got a ready to implement unit that will introduce your students to the genre and help them explore the best books it has to offer. Until next time, happy reading.

Samantha 13:34
Thanks for tuning in to creating joyful readers. I hope you found inspiration and practical strategies to ignite a passion for reading in your students. Remember every book we introduce and every reading experience we foster can transform lives and help students become lifelong readers. Follow me on social media at Samantha in Secondary for more tips, book recommendations, and to connect with a community of educators dedicated to making reading a joyful journey. Until next time happy reading.