Romance Books That Millennials Need Right Now

Torn corsets, private jets, and masked balls sound lovely. But they are so far removed from most millennial’s lifestyles that they may fail to make hearts go pitter-patter. We need books that combine heart with the ever-present existential dread that those under 40 who are struggling constantly feel.

The Affordable Home Next Door

Anna has gone from an adorable child actress playing an orphan, to a woman in her mid-30's who’s never had a home of her own. All week she works at a theater concession stand only to return home to serve her 3 homelier (by popular beauty standards) roommates. Every weekend she views apartments with her best friends. Some places are teases that would never be within her reach. Others are horrible for her. Anna worries that before long she’s going to have to settle for whatever place will take her and her credit score.

Little does she realize that she’s about to meet the apartment of her dreams. She doesn’t know what’s more impossible to believe; love or the fact that utilities are included.

Oh, and the agent is pretty cute and also there. Did I mention the walk-in closet though?

Healthcare Takes Heart

Michael is a medical resident raised to believe that those without insurance deserve inferior treatment. He’s also never been in love since his college girlfriend broke-up with him. The soon-to-be doctor needs someone who can fix his heart and his understanding of affordable healthcare. Luckily the universe, unlike Congress, is about to do something about that.

Alesha, the manic pixie dream girl who also happens to be manic depressive and unable to get adequate medical attention, opens Michael’s eyes up to the failure of the current crisis. In the end, he must decide if he’s strong enough to fight for love and affordable healthcare.

Ben and the Above Zero Bank Balance

Ben is just a 20-something working to pay off his student loans as an Uber driver. One rainy day he goes to an ATM and discovers that his balance is far above zero. His heart and dreams swell. Yet he’s about to learn that money isn’t everything. Though it is actually pretty darn helpful. Still, him getting to know his new love interest is what will drive the story, as well as the realization that he has more mental energy to spend on relationships when he has money to spend on the necessities.

Wendy Does Women’s Rights

When Wendy decides to get an abortion because she’s not in a place where she is ready to have a kid, she is horrified to learn that the nearest clinic is a three-day drive away. Fortunately, her long-time friend (and crush) is able to drive her. Sparks fly as the two flee a group of anti-abortion activists intent on keeping Wendy and her fetus from getting to the clinic.

Will love, and Wendy’s right to decide what happens to her body, survive?