Definition
Contemporary romance YA novels are realistic fiction that take place during (more-or-less) the time frame in which the book is being published that include a love story as a main focus of the plot. There are not any hard and fast rules regarding how close to publication year a story must be set in order to be contemporary, but it is a small window. As a result, it may be difficult for some of us to swallow, but a book published this year that takes place in 1999 would not fall into this category, but rather into the realm of historical fiction.
Characteristics
Contemporary romances usually include the full cycle of a romance, beginning with the meeting of the future couple. Occasionally characters will already know each other and rather than having an adorable or awkward meeting there will a trigger event that begins the change in feelings from platonic to romantic. Then, the relationship will be tested or stressed by some series of events. These events can range from simple misunderstandings that are blown out of proportion to serious matters or life and death. Eventually, the conflict is resolved and the characters are able to fully acknowledge their love, though this does not always result in a happily ever after.
When you hear the words “contemporary romance,” you may immediately picture pink covers with doodled hearts. Sure, some of these stories are adorably fluffy and I can often spot a YA contemporary romance from across the room based on its cover. Some, though, appear to focus more on the contemporary life aspect and may be more sarcastic, dry-witted, and/or out-right weird. The romance is definitely there, but it may not be the first thing that a reader thinks about. Still, others may have a heavy dose of trauma or life-threatening situations as part of the plot.
These stories may also include some other common themes in YA including sports, music, and LGBTQ characters.
Appeal
The appeal of contemporary romance for teen readers is that it is an avenue to explore romantic relationships that are happening in a realistic setting, potentially mirroring the attractions that they may have in their own life. Because they are rooted in the here-and-now, opposed to historical fiction, these stories allow readers to see their own world and imagine the scenarios playing out on the pages. There is an inherent excitement to the idea of falling in love for the first time. It doesn’t matter whether the reader is female or male, single or committed, LGBTQ or straight: love stories provide readers with the opportunity to swoon, plain and simple.
Authors to Know
- Robin Benway
- Nick Burd
- Jennifer Echols
- Simone Elkeles
- Huntley Fitzpatrick
- Gayle Forman
- John Green
- Jenny Han
- Miranda Kenneally
- Nina LaCour
- Lindsey Leavitt
- David Levithan
- Emery Lord
- Morgan Matson
- Katie McGarry
- Lauren Morrill
- Jessica Park
- Stephanie Perkins
- Robyn Schneider
- Jennifer E. Smith
- Sarah Tregay
- Kasie West
Web Resources
RWA: RITA Awards
From 1983-2013 the Romance Writers of America included a category for Best Young Adult Romance in their annual awards list
The Hub: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Some Recent YA Contemporary Romances
– Jessica Lind, currently reading The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin