Best New Adult Books December 2024

Swear on This Life

Emi Grayson’s life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a bestselling novel that eerily mirrors her own troubled childhood. As she delves deeper, she realizes the author is none other than her long-lost first love, Jase. Torn between confronting her past and protecting her heart, Emi finds herself on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. With each page, she’s drawn back to the boy who once held her heart, wondering if their story might have a second chance at a happy ending.

Beautiful World, Where Are You

Sally Rooney’s “Beautiful World, Where Are You” is a poignant exploration of modern relationships and existential angst. Through the intertwined lives of four young adults, Rooney deftly navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a world teetering on the brink. Her razor-sharp prose and keen observations of human nature left me pondering long after I’d turned the final page. It’s a book that feels both timely and timeless, capturing the essence of what it means to be alive in our beautiful, messy world.

One Last Stop

August Landry’s life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to New York City and meets Jane, a mysterious, punk-rock girl on the subway. There’s an instant connection, but August soon realizes Jane is literally displaced in time from the 1970s. As August falls deeper in love, she becomes determined to unravel the mystery of Jane’s past and find a way to bring her into the present. A charming, queer romance that blends nostalgia, found family, and a touch of magic in the bustling heart of the city.

The Starless Sea

Zachary stumbles upon a mysterious book in his university library, unlocking a world of underground harbors, magic, and lost cities. As he delves deeper, he discovers his own story intertwined with ancient tales of pirates and star-crossed lovers. Morgenstern’s lyrical prose weaves a spellbinding tapestry of interconnected narratives, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. I found myself lost in the labyrinthine plot, savoring each twist and turn like a perfectly crafted cocktail. A love letter to storytelling that left me breathless and yearning for more.

Me Before You

Louisa Clark’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic. As their relationship deepens, Lou discovers Will’s heartbreaking secret. Torn between her growing feelings and Will’s stubborn determination, she embarks on a mission to show him life’s worth living. Moyes crafts a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of human connection that will leave you laughing, crying, and questioning the boundaries of choice and compassion.

Fangirl

Cath’s world revolves around Simon Snow fanfiction. As she starts college, her twin sister Wren is drifting away, and Cath struggles to navigate new friendships and a prickly roommate. Her writing professor challenges her to find her own voice, while a charming classmate tempts her out of her comfort zone. Balancing her online fandom with real-life relationships, Cath discovers that growing up doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the awkward, exhilarating journey of finding yourself.

Red, White & Royal Blue

Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, has a nemesis: Prince Henry of Wales. When their rivalry sparks an international incident, they’re forced to fake a friendship for damage control. But as they spend time together, their pretend bond evolves into something deeper. Suddenly, Alex finds himself falling for the prince he once despised. This witty, heartfelt romance explores love, duty, and the courage to follow your heart, even when the whole world is watching.

Normal People

Connell and Marianne’s relationship defies easy categorization. From their secret high school romance to their complex dance at university, their connection evolves in unexpected ways. Rooney’s raw, intimate prose captures the intensity of young love and the struggle to find oneself. As they navigate class differences, mental health issues, and their own insecurities, the characters feel startlingly real. I found myself completely absorbed in their world, rooting for them even as they made frustrating choices. A poignant exploration of intimacy and power dynamics.

The Light We Lost

Lucy and Gabe meet on September 11, 2001, a day that changes their lives forever. As they navigate the complexities of love and loss over the next thirteen years, their paths intertwine and diverge, leaving them to question the choices they’ve made. Through career struggles, personal triumphs, and heartbreaking moments, Lucy grapples with the enduring impact of first love and the bittersweet reality of what-ifs. A poignant exploration of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of timing in shaping our lives.

Before We Were Strangers

Fate intervenes when two college sweethearts reconnect after fifteen years apart. Matt’s chance encounter with Grace on a New York subway platform reignites long-buried feelings and unanswered questions. As they navigate their shared past and uncertain future, memories of their passionate romance in college resurface, along with the pain of their abrupt separation. Through alternating timelines, we witness their youthful love and present-day struggles, exploring themes of missed opportunities, second chances, and the enduring power of first love. A poignant reminder that sometimes, the one who got away might just be the one you’re meant to find again.