Ever since Lizzie McGuire (finally!) fell for Gordo, I have loved best friends-to-lovers romance stories. Whether it was watching Sally and Harry on the big screen or reading about Ron and Hermione’s romance, love between best friends is one of my favorite tropes. And for a good reason, right? Isn’t the age-old wisdom to marry your best friend? Someone who makes you laugh on the good days and holds your hand quietly on your worst? The thing with best friend romance books, though, is that they’re incredibly hard to pull off! Once someone decides they like their friend as more than a friend, the reasons to hold back seem pretty limited!
These are some of my absolute favorite friends-to-lovers romance novels and authors in the YA space. Be sure to check them out today!
The Kissing Tutor by Sally Henson
First, I want to talk about Sally Henson, who is a master at this trope! She has a standalone romance called The Kissing Tutor, where one friend offers the other some “friendly” kissing advice. Her other series, the More Than Best Friends series, follows the same couples through all the twisty, turvy turns of turning a friendship into something more. Don't miss More Than His Best Friend: A Sweet Small Town, Best Friends Romance (More Than Best Friends Book 1).Like I Never Said by C.W. Farnsworth
C.W. Farnsworth makes my lists for good reason, probably because she’s an incredible writer in the YA space! Like I Never said is not only
best friends romance but also has that sports trope I love.
Fabio vs the Friend Zone by Kelsie Stelting
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted read with plenty of laughter, pop culture references, and sweet texts and letters, you will love Sincerely Unrequited. This book features Fabio, who his grandma named for the Fabio, and Grace, who’s teaching English for a summer in China. As they learn who they are on their own, they learn even more about who they are together.
Don’t Forget Me by Judy Cory 
Judy Corry’s Ridgewater High series is hugely popular among YA readers, and for good reason. Her characters are sweet, there’s a good dose of drama, and it even includes Don’t Forget Me, an adorable friends-to-lovers romance novel!
What Are Friends For? by Sarah Sutton 
Not only does this book have a stunning cover, but it also has an adorable premise. When our heroine unwittingly kisses her best friend at a party, she starts to wonder if there could be more to their relationship than friendship.
That Summer by Jillian Dodd 
Jillian is an icon in the young adult books space. She has several series with strong yet imperfect heroines. If you like your ya reads on the spicier side, you'll find that in a Jillian Dodd book. These two best friends with a lifetime of history won't disappoint!
Curvy Girls Can’t Date Best Friends by Kelsie Stelting 
Callie and Carson have been best friends since they were ten years old, and timing has never been on their side. When Carson finally decides to make his move, Callie asks him to do the impossible: fake date her so someone else will fall in love with her. I love this story for its curvy representation and the real, raw relationship the main characters share!
Want to discover more sweet romance for the young at heart? Check out other favorite tropes and enjoy!
