Good examples of YA books with romantic subplot/elements

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AngelicaRJackson

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I'm looking for some good examples of YA books where there is a romantic element, but more as a subplot.

Like for example, Anna and the French Kiss is all about the romance. Love the book, and it was really helpful to me as an example of how to handle inner dialogue very well. But even if the main focus was changed to her adjusting to the new culture, it wouldn't be the same story without the romance.

Why I'm asking is that in my book, the main conflict was supposed to be the main character fighting, and coming to terms, with some paranormal powers. Part of the process of fighting/denying them was shutting herself off from others so much that she has a hard time opening herself up to love and romance when the right guy comes along. So it isn't until she takes a risk on accepting her powers that she can even begin to see a way to opening herself up to taking a risk on love.

But what's happened in my book is that in an effort to develop their romance in a believable progression, the subplot has turned into a competing main plot. It's interfering with the pacing for the main story arc, and occupying too much of the story as a whole.

So can anyone think of some good examples where there is a romantic element or subplot that doesn't take over the story? Where you still feel it was a natural thing for the characters to get together?

And could it be a book I already own? JK! Any suggestions appreciated.
 
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Archie1989

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Sarah Dessen's pretty good with this, as is Ann Brashares. It depends on the specific book though. Jodi Picoult as well. Again, depends on the specific book. Try "Keeping the Moon"-Dessen "Perfect Match"- Picoult, . . . OH! and "Before I Fall"- Lauren Oliver
 

thebloodfiend

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Like Archie said, Before I Fall is a good rec. Though, IMO, the romance was little weak in the end.

I'm in the middle of the Gemma Doyle series, but I think that would apply.

Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are, by Courtney Summers have romantic sub-plots.

All of Maria V. Snyder and Melina Marchetta's books.

Story of a Girl, by Sara Zarr. Though her sub-plots aren't very strong. She doesn't do secondary characters well, but her main plots are awesome.

And I'd say the Hunger Games, but that was consumed by a romantic plot tumor.
 

Shady Lane

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Obviously a movie, but I have to say that Easy A does the best job with this, ever.
 

thebloodfiend

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I'm in the minority here, as I hated Easy A. If anything, I wanted the movie to be about Brandon. And I felt no chemistry between Emma Stone's character and the John Cusack wannabe. But I hate 95% of all John Hughes movies anyway.
 

justemy

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A recent YA release with a romantic subplot that doesn't take over the entire story is DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth.
 

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Yeah, Melina Marchetta's romances are very much subplots, don't take over the story at all.

I recently read Nevermore by Kelly Creagh and really enjoyed it, and I thought the romance was a subplot too even though it's between the two main characters, because most of the time they're busy battling the forces of supernatural evil and their feelings for each other are very secondary.
 

Shady Lane

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I'm in the minority here, as I hated Easy A. If anything, I wanted the movie to be about Brandon. And I felt no chemistry between Emma Stone's character and the John Cusack wannabe. But I hate 95% of all John Hughes movies anyway.

I love that they don't go through the typical boy-gets-girl boy-loses-girl boy-gets-girl-back. They just get together.
 

AngelicaRJackson

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Now I have lots of places to look for examples! It really helps me to see these kinds of things well-executed, and in different ways--not so I can copy them, but more to get my mind working on what is missing from my book. Those "aha!" moments.

I'm wrassling with another flaw in the book at the moment, so when I feel that I've got that nailed down I can read some of these. Already managed to find Sabriel (a rec from the Facebook post I did), Before I Fall, and one of Melina Marchett's books (already have Divergent and read it on release day).

Thanks again!
 

OpheliaRevived

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I second all of the recs. I didn't mean for my previous post to sound snarky. BTW. I meant it to be silly. Let us know what you decide.
 

AngelicaRJackson

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Don't worry, OpheliaRevived, I took it in the spirit it was intended.

Some of the changes I made today helped skew the emphasis back to the "main" plot, so that actually helps. I think when I go back and make the plotlines leading to the change match it, it will help put the romance in a better perspective.
 
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