Do teenage boys read romance books? Judging by the number of romance novels geared toward adolescent boys, the answer is a resounding “yes.” And judging by the number of authors of these books who are male, it appears that not only do boys like to read romance novels, they like to write them, too.
What Kind of Romance Novels do Teenage Boys Like?
Young adult romance enthusiasts generally look for realistic, compelling characters and pulse-racing attraction. But if the romance readers are male, they also prefer a male protagonist and, frequently, a male author who they can trust to give an authentic male voice. (Yes, guys don't just read romance, they write romance, too!)
Romance Books for Teenage Boys – Sentimental Romance
Guys who like sentimental romance should try Tom Loves Anna Loves Tom by Bruce Clements (Farrar Strauss & Giroux, 1990)
In this story of obsessive and intense summer romance, Tom falls in love with Anna while she is in town visiting her ailing aunt. This intimate, sentimental story is unique because it isn't plot-driven, but rather it savors the idiosyncrasies of infatuation as a realistic depiction of first love from a male perspective. The story unfolds in a passionate monologue. Important life issues such as the death of a sibling, acquaintance rape, abortion and its aftermath, and Antisemitism are woven into the story to add depth and realism.
Romance Books for Teenage Boys – Mystery Romance
Teen boys who like mystery mixed in with their romance books will love Another Kind of Monday by William E Coles (HarperTempest, 1999)
When Mark opens a dusty copy of Great Expectations he doesn't find the expected reading assignment. Instead, he discovers $300 and a set of directions which plunge him into a mysterious scavenger hunt and an unexpected romance. Although the cryptic riddles and pressing quest to solve the mystery are what drives the plot, it's the author's exploration of Mark and Zeena's budding romance that make this a satisfying romance and an unforgettable story.
Romance Books for Teenage Boys – Lighthearted Romance
Young men who prefer lighthearted romance will enjoy Cecil in Space by Sid Hite (Henry Holt & Co., 1999)
This offbeat coming-of-age romance novel is a welcome break from hard-core young adult fiction. Seventeen-year old Cecil Scott Rowe (who his Aunt June believes is an astronaut in training, hence the title) likes to hang with his clique, dabble in vandalism (who changed the town's welcome sign to read “Welcome to Hysteric Pricksburg”?) and psycho-philosophize in his witty and unusual manner. In this tale of summer romance, Cecil struggles between the town's snooty fickle bombshell Ariel, and Isabel the girl-next-door.
For a list of even more teen romance novels for teenage boys, check out this list called Romance Books for Boys.
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