Lingering, longing glances. Suspenseful, simmering mysteries. Determined, resourceful protagonists. What more could we want from a summer read?
With our plunge into young adult books, we are delighted to be submerged in the world of romantic young adult thrillers. After all, what could spice up a good mystery more than romantic entanglements?
To make your search easier for the best books in the genre, we have put together this list of our ten favorite romantic young adult thrillers. (And if you’re not exactly sure what we mean by “young adult thriller,” don’t worry. We’ve got you covered here with this explanation of the genre.)
Strap in, ’cause here we go.
Note
Updated April 26th, 2025: We’ve updated this article with some of the latest book releases to keep it relevant for 2025 and beyond.
14. What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon, May 6, 2025
A charming, emotionally layered romance with just enough tension and misadventure to keep things interesting. When exes reunite unexpectedly in a foreign city, sparks fly – but so do old wounds. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Amsterdam, the story captures the awkward, hilarious, and deeply vulnerable moments that come with revisiting the past.
As they navigate scenic canals and unexpected feelings, both characters are forced to reckon with who they were—and who they’ve become. It’s a love story about second chances, timing, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.
Why we recommend it: If you love second-chance romances set against lush, romantic backdrops with a healthy dose of chaos and heart, this one delivers big. It captures that bittersweet, messy feeling of revisiting old love with nuance and charm. Perfect for fans of emotional growth, awkward reunions, and love stories that feel both cozy and cathartic.
13. In the Company of Killers by Elora Cook (March 18, 2025)
In this gritty debut, Elora Cook drops readers into the glamorous and dangerous world of New York’s mafia elite. After witnessing her father’s murder, Mara is sent away for her safety, only to return years later determined to uncover the truth and take her rightful place.
Navigating family politics, deadly enemies, and a forbidden romance, Mara must decide who she can trust and how far she’s willing to go for justice. Secrets and betrayal simmer just beneath the surface, threatening to tear apart everything she thought she knew.
Why we recommend it: This book blends high-stakes suspense with slow-burn romance, all wrapped in an atmospheric, mafia-glam setting. Perfect for fans of morally grey heroines and twisty power plays, it’s the kind of story that keeps you up late flipping pages. Think The Godfather reimagined for a fierce YA audience.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter12. The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed (January 21, 2025)
Set in the elite Wilde Academy, this novel follows Chloe Gatti as she competes in a high-stakes competition for a million-dollar prize. When threatening messages begin to surface, Chloe is forced to team up with her ex-boyfriend, Hayes, unraveling secrets that could change everything. The story masterfully combines the intensity of competition with the complexities of rekindled romance.
Why we recommend it: For fans of dark academia and second-chance romances, this book offers a thrilling ride filled with twists, secrets, and emotional stakes. The dynamic between Chloe and Hayes adds depth to the suspense, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
11. No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
In this gripping YA thriller, a teenage girl finds herself on the run after uncovering a dangerous secret that puts her life at risk. As she navigates a treacherous path to safety, unexpected alliances form, and a budding romance offers both solace and complication. The tension escalates with each page, leading to a climax that will leave readers breathless.
Why we recommend it: If you’re drawn to stories where survival and romance intertwine, this novel delivers a perfect blend of suspense and emotional depth. The protagonist’s journey is both thrilling and heartfelt, making it a standout in the YA thriller genre.
10. The Girl In The Picture by Alexandra Monir
This gripping young adult thriller is focused on the mysterious death of beloved high schooler Chace, his social outcast ex-girlfriend Lana, and his current girlfriend Nicole.
As the girls seek to discover the truth about Chace’s demise, their complex feelings about the boy they both love are slowly revealed.
Why we recommend it: I loved how this book explored high school social dynamics, particularly between Lana and Nicole.
9. Two Can Keep A Secret by Karen McManus
Young adult thriller master Karen McManus delivers again with this addictive novel about murder and secrecy.
Ellery and her twin brother move to a small town with a history of crime. She falls for local bad boy Malcolm, whose family history might be more complicated than it seems…
Why we recommend it: We love the suspense in this book. We are fans, and we cannot wait to read Karen McManus’s newest book, Such Charming Liars. It also received an EW.com Best YA Book of the Year, a Buzzfeed Best YA Book of the Year, a Goodreads Best Young Adult Book of the Year Nominee, and more!
8. The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda
Kelsey seeks to locate her missing mother, who has lived in isolation for years. As she puts together clues about her mom’s disappearance and begins to fall for Ryan, Kelsey’s attempts to understand her mother and uncover the truth are complicated in this compelling young adult thriller.
Why we recommend it: I loved the emotional relationships and character development in this book. Kelsey is the heroine we all need.
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7. Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick
Stella is just a normal teenage girl. Or she was until she witnessed a vicious murder and was placed in witness protection.
While Stella attempts to adapt to her new life, she begins to develop feelings for a local boy named Chet, and the two develop a romance. Can their relationship save her from the constant threat of danger that follows her?
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the unusual premise of this young adult thriller, as well as its suspenseful, slow-burn pace.
6. All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
Fifteen-year-old Marie is found at the scene of a gruesome murder in 1950s small-town Minnesota. Everyone assumes she’s guilty.
Except, maybe, for Michael, an aspiring journalist and son of the local sheriff. As Michael and Marie grow closer, the truth becomes less clear than anyone had imagined.
Why we recommend it: The central romance between the two main characters was the soul of this novel, and I couldn’t get enough.
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5. The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
Childhood friends Tessa and Callie witnessed unspeakable horrors when a murder happened in their small town. Several years later, Tessa returns to get to the bottom of what really happened.
As the girls reconnect, Tessa meets Decker, and their new romance might just help her find the strength she needs in her quest for the truth.
Why we recommend it: I loved the romance in this book, but even more I loved the friendship between the two girls.
4. Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This young adult thriller tells the story of Sawyer, a teenage mechanic who is suddenly thrust into high society as a debutante. She hopes that the experience will help her figure out the identity of her father.
Along the way, sparks begin to fly with two different boys, and Sawyer begins to unravel the family secrets that were kept from her.
Why we recommend it: I loved the romantic intrigue and mystery in this book! Jennifer Lynn Barnes has been a long-time favorite, and with The Grandest Game coming out soon, I was delighted to dive back into one of her books.
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3. People Like Us by Dana Mele
Kay is a revered soccer player in her elite prep school, and her life is perfect. Until a dead body is found on campus. Soon Kay is suspected of the crime, and her secrets – including a complicated relationship with her ex-girlfriend and a new romantic entanglement – might soon come out.
Why we recommend it: I was thrilled by the unsensational way this young adult thriller tackled teenage romance and queer sexuality.
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Pip is trying to learn the truth about a local missing girl in this young adult thriller. As she investigates the story, she begins to form a romantic relationship with Ravi, the brother of the boy who was accused of the crime.
Why we recommend it: I loved the tension in the romantic relationship between Pip and Ravi. I think it’s even better in the book than the series (which I definitely loved too!).
1. One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus
Five students are sentenced to detention: Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon. By the end of detention, however, Simon is dead.
As the four remaining students become prime suspects in his murder, alliances form. Bronwyn, a smart overachiever, and Nate the troublemaking bad boy, begin to fall for one another as they work to clear their names.
Why we recommend it: I loved this book. It was like a young adult thriller version of The Breakfast Club. Need I say more?
With so many exciting new releases on the horizon, the 2024/2025 YA romance thriller season promises to be filled with unexpected twists, captivating characters, and heart-stopping suspense. These 14 books are just the beginning – whether you’re in the mood for a deep psychological journey or a thrilling romance, there’s something here for every reader. Happy reading, and may your next page-turner be one of these unforgettable titles!
