When I was a school librarian, storytimes were an endless source of surprise and (often unintentional) hilarity: No matter how carefully I prepared, I never knew what would fly out of the kids’ mouths. Once, a small child asked, “Ms. Simeon, why do so many stories end with ‘and they lived happily ever after?’” Without missing a beat, another little one piped up, entirely deadpan: “That’s how you know it’s not real life.” As we get older, the dream of everlasting love often endures in the face of relationship trials and tribulations. YA authors are using genre norms as the scaffolding for creative journeys of self-discovery and growth. Their stories nurture the hope that drives many people to seek romantic connection and dare to dream of their own happily-ever-afters.

These two novels blend fantasy with romance, doubling the magic:

16 Forever by Lance Rubin (Harper/HarperCollins, Jan. 6): In this creative time-loop story, Carter has no memory of the past six years he’s spent being 16. As his 17^th birthday approaches again, bringing the promise of another reset, his girlfriend, Maggie, is torn between her feelings for him, the pain of being forgotten, and moving on with her life.

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow (Feiwel & Friends, Feb. 3): This charming tale centers on fairy Darling, a Mortal Outcome Academy graduate. She’s vying against cute but irritating celestial classmate Calamity for a prestigious mentorship. Each is trying to influence their client, Lucy, in the direction they choose—but will their fake-dating ruse lead to something real?

As these two stories show, sports and love both involve a rush of adrenaline, a natural pairing:

This Ain’t Our First Rodeo by Liara Tamani (Greenwillow Books, Feb. 3): The rich history of Black cowboys forms the backdrop for this swoonworthy Texas rodeo romance. Bull rider Shawn is a rising star, and horse lover Josie would rather be riding than working in her family’s restaurants. Despite the pair’s strong chemistry, their parents’ business dealings pose real obstacles.

Just Between Us written and illustrated by Adeline Kon (Dial Books, Feb. 24): Lydia Chen and Elaine Yee are figure skaters with Olympic dreams, clashing personalities, and different skills on the ice. Their intense competition—and mutual attraction—ramp up when they enter the same training camp in this rivals-to-lovers graphic novel with beautiful artwork that accentuates the artistry and athleticism of skating.

Genuine love means true acceptance; in these two books, the characters’ mental health influences their relationships.

Love in Ruins by Auriane Desombre (Delacorte Romance, Feb. 24): In this adorable, sun-drenched romance, American Natalie is thrilled to be spending a month in Greece on a classics program. She’s uninterested in dating until she meets Athens local Melanie. Natalie’s recently diagnosed OCD and Melanie’s anxiety are sensitively portrayed, adding depth to their growing relationship.

According to Plan by Christen Randall (Atheneum, Feb. 3): In this celebratory opposites-attract love story, neurodivergent nonbinary Mal, who has dyslexia and ADHD, meets bisexual Emerson, who lives with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Mal, who struggles with uncertainty, is drawn to Emerson’s confident sense of self. Working on a zine together brings them love and a caring community.

Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.