Are There Young Adult Romance Books No Spice Series?

As someone who adores young adult romance, I’ve found plenty of series that focus on emotional depth and chemistry without venturing into spice. 'The Selection' by Kiera Cass is a fantastic example—it’s like a dystopian version of 'The Bachelor,' but with a sweet, slow-burn romance between America and Prince Maxon. The tension is palpable, but it never crosses into explicit territory. Another series I highly recommend is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. While it’s more bittersweet, the love story between Hazel and Augustus is incredibly moving and beautifully written. It’s a tearjerker, but the romance is tender and profound.

For something lighter, 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli is a delightful LGBTQ+ romance with a focus on identity and first love. The relationship between Simon and Blue is charming and full of witty banter. If you enjoy fantasy elements, 'The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyer blends sci-fi and romance seamlessly. The couples in this series, like Cinder and Kai, have chemistry that’s built on trust and mutual respect rather than physicality. These books are perfect for readers who want romance with substance and heart.

Young adult romance without spice is my go-to comfort genre, and there are so many amazing books that fit the bill. 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is a standout—it’s a raw, emotional story about two misfits finding love in the most unexpected way. The romance is intense but never explicit, focusing on the emotional connection between the characters. Another favorite is 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell, which explores the awkwardness of college life and first love. The relationship between Cath and Levi is sweet and realistic, with plenty of heartwarming moments.

If you’re into historical settings, 'The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue' by Mackenzi Lee is a rollicking adventure with a slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance. The chemistry between Monty and Percy is electric, but the story keeps things chaste. For a modern twist, 'Today Tonight Tomorrow' by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a rivals-to-lovers story set over one epic night in Seattle. The banter between Rowan and Neil is hilarious, and their romance is built on mutual respect and understanding. These books prove that young adult romance can be captivating without relying on spice.

I love diving into young adult romance books that keep things sweet and innocent, perfect for those who prefer no spice. One of my all-time favorites is 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han. It’s a heartwarming story about love letters getting sent out accidentally, and the chaos that follows is both hilarious and touching. The romance between Lara Jean and Peter is so pure and relatable, making it a great read for anyone who enjoys slow-burn relationships. Another gem is 'Anna and the French Kiss' by Stephanie Perkins, which captures the magic of first love in Paris. The chemistry between Anna and Étienne is adorable, and the setting adds a dreamy vibe to the whole story. If you’re into something more contemporary, 'The Sun Is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon is a beautiful tale of fate and connection, with a romance that feels genuine and heartfelt. These books prove you don’t need spice to create a memorable love story.