Table of Contents
ToggleYoung adult (YA) romance is a branch of romance fiction aimed mainly at teens, but plenty of adults love it too. It dives into the intense emotions, vulnerability, and growth that come with being a teenager, often focusing on first love, figuring out who you are, and tackling life’s challenges.
New adult (NA) romance is all about characters stepping into adulthood, usually between the ages of 18 and 25. It dives into the thrill and challenges of gaining independence, building deeper relationships, and figuring out life’s twists and turns. It’s super relatable for anyone in their late teens, twenties, or even those looking back at that exciting, messy stage of life.
Young Adult VS New Adult Romance
Aspect |
Young Adult Romance |
New Adult Romance |
Age of Characters | The main characters are teenagers, usually 13–18, figuring out high school and early life changes. | The characters are young adults, typically 18–25, dealing with college, first jobs, or living on their own. |
Who It’s For | Written for teens but loved by adults who enjoy coming-of-age stories. | Aimed at readers who are stepping into adulthood or looking for more mature stories. |
Themes |
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Love and Intimacy | Focuses on emotional connections, with romance that’s sweet and PG-rated. | Goes deeper into physical intimacy and mature relationships, sometimes with explicit scenes. |
Settings | Usually set in high schools, small towns, or places familiar to teens. | Think college campuses, workplaces, or big cities where independence plays a big role. |
Tone | Lighthearted, hopeful, and focused on growth and first experiences. | More emotional, dramatic, and reflective of adult challenges. |
Recommended Galatea Reads
The Crown Saga by Tori R. Hayes
This book is about Willow Aldwyn, a young elemental with air powers who has spent her life hiding her gift to avoid being taken from her family.
However, her uncontrollable magic is exposed during a visit from the golden king and Crown Prince Atlas. Impressed yet wary of her untamed abilities, the king forces Willow to compete in the Crown Trials, a high-stakes competition where she must pose as a suitor while secretly receiving training to master her powers.
As Willow navigates the challenges of the Trials, she faces intense political intrigue, dangerous rivals, and a growing, complicated attraction to Prince Atlas. It’s a story of hidden strength, forbidden romance, and the struggle to embrace one’s destiny.
The New Girl by Adreanna Gibson
This book follows Roselynn, the new girl in town, as she navigates the challenges of starting over. On her first day of school, she bumps into the irresistibly handsome Felix and feels an instant spark.
For Felix, it’s even more intense—she’s his destined mate. Roselynn is soon swept into the secret world of werewolves, discovering she’s bonded to the future alpha of a powerful pack. Balancing a new school, an alcoholic father, and the overwhelming realities of being a werewolf’s mate, Roselynn’s life takes a dramatic turn as she grapples with love, destiny, and her place in this supernatural world.
Why Ya Romance is for All Ages
Let’s be honest—YA romance is just fun! The drama, the growth, the “will-they-or-won’t-they” moments keep you hooked no matter how old you are. It’s not just about the love story; it’s about watching characters figure out who they are while navigating relationships.
Plus, there’s something nostalgic about reading YA romance as an adult. It’s like revisiting those intense, messy, and exciting feelings of being a teenager, but with the added perspective of knowing how far you’ve come. On the other hand, younger readers love it because it speaks to their current struggles and dreams.
Popular Tropes in Ya Books
Trope | Explanation and Galatea Examples |
First Love |
Exploring the excitement, awkwardness, and intensity of falling in love for the first time. |
Enemies to Lovers |
Characters start out as rivals or enemies but slowly develop romantic feelings. If you are into this – you should read Private Lessons by Chaotic Soul on Galatea! |
Love Triangles |
A classic trope where the protagonist is torn between two potential love interests. |
Forbidden Love |
A relationship that faces obstacles like family disapproval, societal rules, or other restrictions. For example, Fayre by Nicole Riddley. |
Opposites Attract |
Two characters with contrasting personalities or backgrounds fall in love. |
Fake Dating |
Characters pretend to date for personal reasons but end up developing real feelings. |
Coming of Age + Romance |
A romantic storyline intertwined with the protagonist’s personal growth and self-discovery. Coming of Age by Tiffanyluvss is a great example of this trope. |
Unrequited Love |
One character harbors feelings for another who doesn’t (initially) return them. |
Friends to Lovers |
A slow-burning romance where two best friends realize they’re meant for each other. |
Tragic Love Stories |
A bittersweet romance that ends in heartbreak, often due to external circumstances. |
The Chosen One + Romance |
A protagonist destined for greatness navigates romance alongside their heroic journey. Check out this book on Galatea: The Awakening Series by L.T. Marshall |
Bad Boy/Good Girl Dynamics |
A rebellious, misunderstood character falls for someone who is kind, wholesome, or straight-laced. |
Secret Crush |
The protagonist secretly pines for someone while dealing with fear of rejection. |
Summer Romance |
A short-term, magical relationship set against the backdrop of summer adventures. |
Popular Kid Falls for the Outsider |
The unexpected romance between a popular character and someone who’s an outsider or underdog. |
Most Popular Tropes in New Adult Romance
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Second Chance Romance:
- Former lovers reconnect and rekindle their romance, often with unresolved tension from the past.
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Forced Proximity:
- Characters are stuck together (roommates, coworkers, or trapped in a situation), creating tension and chemistry.
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College/University Romance:
- Love stories set in the exciting, transitional period of college life, filled with self-discovery and independence.
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Workplace Romance:
- Characters navigate romantic tension while balancing careers, ambition, and professional boundaries.
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Secret/Forbidden Romance:
- Relationships that defy rules or expectations, like falling for a boss, mentor, or someone off-limits.
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Roommates Turn Lovers:
- Shared living situations lead to unexpected romantic connections.
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Redemption Arc:
- A flawed or “bad” character becomes a better person through their relationship.
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One Night Stand Turns Serious:
- What starts as a casual fling blossoms into something meaningful and unexpected.
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Age Gap Romance:
- A romantic relationship between characters of significantly different ages, often exploring power dynamics and maturity.
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Sports Romance:
- Romance involving athletes, often dealing with high stakes, competition, and intense chemistry.
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Billionaire/Powerful Love Interest:
- A wealthy or influential character falls for someone grounded, sparking a clash of worlds.
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Grumpy vs. Sunshine:
- A brooding, guarded character softens under the influence of a cheerful, optimistic partner.
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Starting Over:
- Characters rebuilding their lives after a significant change (new city, new job, or major breakup) find love in the process.
Final Thoughts
YA and NA romance each bring something special to the table—YA pulls you into the whirlwind of first love and figuring yourself out, while NA cranks up the intensity with deeper relationships and the chaos of adulthood. Whether you’re in the mood for teenage butterflies or grown-up drama, there’s a perfect story waiting for you. Galatea’s got some incredible picks in both genres, so why not dive in? Grab your coziest blanket, settle in, and let these love stories take you on an unforgettable ride!