Full Circle Relationships: 6 Childhood Romance Books for Millennials
From childhood to adult these romance novels are sure to entertain and possible relate!
Sometimes it’s the right time, sometimes it’s not.
Maybe it’s not them, it’s you.
Or perhaps you’ve developed into someone new.
There’s something irresistible about childhood romances: the sweet nostalgia, the “will-they-won’t-they” tension, and the joy of seeing two hearts reconnect or blossom anew. Our in-house editors have handpicked six captivating books that explore these beloved themes we know little infinite will love—featuring everything from friends-to-lovers and enemies-to-lovers to heartwarming tales of lovers reconnecting after years apart.
Perfect for fans of contemporary romance and rom-coms, these stories blend millennial charm with time-hopping twists, ensuring each page is a delightful escape. Whether you’re in the mood for light, breezy reads or heartfelt journeys through love’s trials and triumphs, you’ll find your next literary crush here. Dive in and let these childhood romances rekindle the magic!
7 Childhood Romance Books for Your Next Read:
Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney
Hazel Elliot never looks back. If a door closes, she burns the whole house down. But when she’s invited to her father’s Christmas Eve wedding, she’s forced to return to Lockett Prairie, Texas, for the first time since she fled for college.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K L Walther
A romance novel inspired by the songs of Taylor Swift! How perfect for a childhood romance book?!
*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
This BookTok sensation is perfect for fans of Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty and Sarah Dessen’s Along for the Ride.
Meredith’s family’s annual game of assassin at Martha’s Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister’s legacy, and finally join the world again. But when she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she’s at risk of losing both the game … and her heart.
When Meredith Fox lost her sister, Claire, eighteen months ago, she shut everyone out. But this summer she’s determined to join the world again.
The annual family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard seems like the perfect place to reconnect. Her entire extended family is gathering for a big summer wedding, and although Meredith is dateless after being unexpectedly dumped, she’s excited to participate in the traditional Fox family game of assassin that will take place during the week of wedding festivities. Claire always loved the game, and Meredith is determined to honor her legacy.
Betting on You by Lynn Painter
A New York Times Bestseller
From the New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies, this “entertaining” (Publishers Weekly) rom-com in the vein of She’s All That and 10 Things I Hate About You follows a teen girl who unwittingly finds herself at the center of a bet while working at a waterpark.
When seventeen-year-old Bailey starts a new job at a hotel waterpark, she is less than thrilled to see an old acquaintance is one of her coworkers. Bailey met Charlie a year ago on the long flight to Omaha, where she moved after her parents’ divorce. Charlie’s cynicism didn’t mix well with Bailey’s carefully well-behaved temperament, and his endless commentary was the irritating cherry on top of an already emotionally fraught trip.
What’s in a Kiss? by Lauren Kate
From # 1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate comes an enemies-to-lovers “what if” romance about a prom kiss that never was, and one woman’s magical chance to live what might have been.
This is not how Liv wanted to see Jake Glasswell for the first time in ten years. Once her high school rival and the prom date who humiliated her, now a successful TV personality, he’s more attractive than he has any right to be. And he’s her Lyft passenger.
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance. Author of the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet.
“This modern take on the Hepburn classic Roman Holiday is a quick, fun, slow-burn rom-com.”–Abby Jimenez, bestselling author of The Friend Zone
ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.
When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car. He makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room–but only until her car is fixed–then she’s on her own.
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
A slow burn, hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy that Tessa Bailey calls “a romance for the ages!” from the New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly.
Kristen Peterson doesn’t do drama. She will fight to the death for her friends and has no room in her life for guys. Especially guys who just don’t get her. She’s also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.
News on Friend Zone as a Childhood Romance Books:
“Your next rom-com to obsess and cry over.” —–Cosmopolitan
- Goodreads Choice Awards nominee – Best Romance, Best Debut
- O, The Oprah Magazine Best Romance Novels of the year
- Audie Award Finalist
- USA Today bestseller
- Bookish Best Books of the year
- SheReads Best Romances of the year
- Women’s Health Best Romance Novels of the year
- Good Housekeeping Best New Books for Summer
- PopSugar Best Books of Summer
- Publishers Weekly Starred Review
- Booklist Starred Review
- Booklist Top 10 Romance Debuts
With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
Jude is determined to fly under the radar. He just wants to draw comics, host D&D night with his friends, work at his parents’ vinyl record store, and escape high school as unscathed as possible. That is, until the night he finds himself inexplicably gifted with a bout of supernatural good luck.
Suddenly, everything Jude has ever wanted is within reach. His art is becoming known. He helps his friend’s song become a finalist in a songwriting competition. And he wins a pair of coveted concert tickets. To which he can use to ask out the popular girl he’s been crushing on since elementary school.
