By Kaitlin Shea

We’re all familiar with book genres like Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Young Adult (YA), which are talked about and promoted on social media all the time. But one genre that seems to be slipping between these big hitters is New Adult (also known as NA).


Centered on readers aged 18-30, this genre focuses on navigating adulthood, building new relationships, and learning to be independent in a new world. That’s why this genre is highly popular across romance and fantasy books. These books always have some sort of adventure, something new to learn, and a love interest that will have you giggling and kicking your feet.


If you’re not ready to fully transition into the Adult genre, New Adult is the perfect bridge, with all of the pining and tension of Young Adult books while including intense storylines and intimate moments found in many Adult books. No matter your age, if you’d like to read some New Adult books, I have 10 amazing recommendations for you.

Popular New Adult Books Readers Can’t Get Enough Of

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (Mild)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Attempted Sexual Harassment and SA, Blood, Death, Murder, Torture, Violence (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Evie Sage finds herself working as an assistant for the Villain after a run in with him. After months of working together to protect his lair and his kingdom, Evie starts to have a crush on the Villain, who, in turn, also starts falling hard for Evie.


Following an attempt on the Villain’s life, which may have come from someone on the inside, they are determined to snuff out the threat, no matter what it takes.

Maehrer does an amazing job setting up a complex world with a unique magic system that will keep you hooked and flipping through the pages. From the kingdom's magical crisis to threading in family connections to the growing romantic tension between the main characters, there’s no question why this book is a knock-out for the New Adult genre. 

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (Mild)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Addiction, Anxiety, Cancer, Death of a Parent, Kidnapping (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

What happens when the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and the Prince of the British Royal Family, Prince Henry, are forced into a fake friendship after a wedding scandal that puts both families at risk? A next-level, meet-cute love story!


Alex and Henry must keep their relationship a secret as it challenges political and social boundaries, but if it’s ever going to work, they’re going to have to take a huge leap of faith and make some big decisions.

Red, White, and Royal Blue book cover
Exclusive OwlCrate Edition - Redesigned Cover Art By: @lichen_and_limestone on Instagram

This rivals-to-lovers novel is the perfect example of two characters growing into their love through forced proximity. With main themes of identity, having the courage to love, and accepting oneself, this is the perfect New Adult contemporary romance to snuggle up and get cozy with. 

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owens


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Medium)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Death, Violence (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

A curse granted from Zeus is one thing no mortal could ever want, but Lyra doesn’t really have a choice. She just keeps her head down and tries to be as unnoticeable as possible. But when Hades chooses Lyra as his champion for the Crucible, she will do whatever it takes to win the grand prize, which will grant her any wish she could want.


With Hades' promise of lifting her curse and making her a goddess, there’s nothing that can distract Lyra from the dangerous challenges inspired by Hercules’ labors... Except maybe the sizzling, slow-burn romance building between her and the god of the Underworld.

Aimed at the younger end of the New Adult genre, this compelling story explores themes of love, personal growth, and relationships, with romance playing a crucial part in the overall plot. If you love Greek mythology retellings, this would be the perfect read for you.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Medium)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Abandonment, Death of a parent, Misogyny, Toxic relationship (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Elle has the chance to write the movie script of her dreams, but there’s just one problem: she’s struggling with the biggest case of writer’s block. The solution? To return to the city where the movie is set, in hopes that it will spark some inspiration.


While trying to replace the bad memories with some better ones, she discovers that the new lavish apartment she just moved into shares a wall with the one man she hoped she’d never run into again.


Parker Warren is the most wanted CEO billionaire in the city, but when he discovers that his neighbor for the summer is the girl that got away, he can’t seem to take his eyes off her. So, when he finds himself in need of a fake girlfriend to help him get a business deal, Elle is his number one (and only) choice.

I love that this enemies-to-lovers rom-com is written in first-person. Through Elle’s eyes, you’ll be able to watch her develop a love for a city she once hated and a man she didn’t think she could stand.

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Medium)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Bullying, Death, Depression, Thoughts of suicide, Torture, Violence (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Alexis Hert has been dealt the worst hand in life, orphaned from a young age with the responsibility of her younger brother. She’d do anything to make sure they both survive, but things get complicated when a test shows that she may actually be a Spartan mutt (a child of a Spartan and a human).


While battling for her life, Alexis must adapt to new challenges, as she is pushed to her absolute limit. With protective mentors and intimidating professors, this may be harder than running up a mountain or swimming through a lake a few times. Alexis must take her future into her own hands if she wants to show the world who they’re really dealing with.

This story is loved by many, blending the best parts of fantasy with charming modern dialogue, an amazing slow burn romance, and darker themes. Alexis must overcome her fear while learning the true ways of the Spartans through torture, starvation, and trials. Her vulnerability is not a weakness, and she’s determined to prove it. With multiple points of view and a cliffhanger that’ll leave you wanting more, you’ll want to add this book to your TBR.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Medium)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Alcohol, Cancer, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual harassment (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Lucie Stone is a single mother who works as an auto mechanic and is very content with her life, or so it seems. Lucie’s daughter, Maya, calls into a radio show seeking relationship advice for her mom, and the conversation goes viral, turning into a series of shows that listeners become obsessed with, rooting for Lucie to find love. 


Aiden Valentine is the host of Heartstrings, Baltimore’s romance hotline, but after being single for so long, he’s not sure he can trust love. When the show becomes popular because of Lucie’s story, they start spending more time together and begin developing feelings behind the scenes. Will they keep their relationship strictly professional, or will they give the spark between them a shot?

First-Time Caller book cover
Exclusive OwlCrate Edition - Redesigned Cover Art By: @fishermanarts on Instagram

With classic rom-com tropes like a cozy romance, forced proximity, and found familyFirst-Time Caller hits home with anyone who’s dreamt of finding the perfect partner someday. Borison writes a beautiful romance that will have you swooning and jumping straight into And Now, Back to You, book 2 in the Heartstrings series.

Curse of the Sun and Stars: A Dark Fantasy Romance by Zara Storm


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Medium)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Blood, Death, Kidnapping, Violence (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Hidden away by her parents for being born powerless, Ana only knows how to be a prisoner. So when her parents are brutally murdered, and the kingdom of Trova is in need of a leader, Ana steps up as the heir to the throne.


Her first declaration? Revenge against the fae prince, Leon, begins to shine as she discovers herself and learns more about the morally gray fae that she may just risk everything for.

Full of secrets, drama, witty banter, and magic, this ‘Beauty and the Beast meets Anastasia’ novel is jam-packed with romantic tension, danger around every corner, and plot twists that you’ll never see coming.

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Hot)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Attempted assault, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Mentions of murder (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Gigi Graham is hoping to make it big in the hockey world by winning an Olympic gold medal, in hopes that she’ll be able to step out of her father’s famous shadow. The only way she can get what she wants is if she gets the help of Briar’s new, sexy co-captain.


Luke Ryder can’t seem to catch a break. Between making a bad impression on hockey legend Garrett Graham and the merger of a rival program, he’s been left in a foul mood. There’s no way he can claim his dream job unless he agrees to train Garrett’s daughter in hopes that she puts a good word in for him.

The first book in the Campus Diaries follows our two main characters as they work together on this mutually beneficial arrangement while trying to ignore the burning tension between them. Focused more on the romance aspect for the New Adult genre while still having a strong story plot, The Graham Effect is the perfect contemporary novel that will have you buying tickets to your local hockey arena. 

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Hot)

CW (may contain spoilers):

Death, Depression, Descriptions of OCD through the main character, Torture, Violence (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)

Ophelia Grimm is dealing with the fallout of her mother's death. With new Necromancer powers, a family debt to take care of, and a ‘shadow voice’ continuously nagging at her, she’s at her limit.


When her sister, Genevieve Grimm, joins a haunted house inspired by the Nine Circles of Hell in hopes of winning a wish that could ease their problems, Ophelia wastes no time chasing after Genevieve. In a haunted house filled with ghouls, devils, cat ghosts, and sexy phantoms, Ophelia must learn to trust herself if she’s going to save her sister from a game that could end in her death.

Who knew New Adult books could be so dark? The first book in Kaylie Smith’s Wicked Games series is a gothic fantasy romance with forbidden romance and forced proximity. If you love books with deadly competitions, you’ll want to follow along as Ophelia learns a series of life lessons while trying to make it out alive from Phantasma.

Twisted Series by Ana Huang


Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Hot)

Visit Ana Huang’s website for content warnings on each specific book

And last, but never my least, why end this article with one book when you can have a whole series of New Adult recommendations?

The Twisted Series by Ana Huang includes four books: Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies. Although each book can be read as standalones, the best order to read them is publication order, as their relationships form chronologically. My personal favorite is Twisted Hate, so if you choose to read just one book from the series, I recommend you go with that one!


The overall story focuses on a college friend group and their individual relationships. Highlighted in their own books, Ava Chen, Bridget Von Ascheberg, Jules Ambrose, and Stella Alonso learn to navigate the world after graduating college while balancing their social lives as new love interests enter the mix.

This series shines a light on complex family relationships, the discovery of personal identities, and taking chances to explore a new world as an adult. Not to mention, the main love interests might just knock someone off your Top 10 Book Boyfriends list!

New Adult books play an important role in helping readers feel less alone as they enter adulthood and navigate their 20s. The diverse themes and tropes found in many NA novels sometimes make it hard to separate them from bigger, overused genres, but they have their own place in the world. Just like with the Young Adult genre, they offer an escape and are just as fun to read. So make a drink of your choice, pick a book from the list above, and happy reading!

Kaitlin Shea never managed to hold onto relationships as long as she’d like. Whether they were friends or lovers, she somehow found herself alone most of the time. When the silence became too loud, and the voices in her head begged for an escape, she started journaling. Getting her emotions on paper, even though she prayed no one else would find it, felt as though she could let go of any of the pain she held onto with iron fists.


She attended college and pursued an English degree, which she claimed in 4 years. Somewhere along the way, when the light of writing started to dim, she believed she just needed inspiration. So, she picked up a book for the first time in 15 years. And then another, and another, until she had to buy a bookshelf. Two. Now, she’s clenching her wallet closely, for she doesn’t have the money to keep buying the magical worlds produced with words and bound into covers.


Her loneliness became her power as she immersed herself in a universe of dragons and fairies. Kings, Queens, and Princesses. She started writing her own stories, with her own characters that reflected how she viewed our mortal world through her eyes. They shared the lowest of lows together while also celebrating their highest of highs.


Whether she secretly writes about her life in the story of her original characters or makes something up on the spot, at the end of the day, she just hopes she can reach out to her readers in the future. All so that when they read her stories, they don’t have to ever feel the loneliness that she had once upon a time. 

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