The 2026 Wattys Shortlist - Non-Mature Romance
16 stories
Her Purpose | ✓ by sulkytae
sulkytae
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Grand Favourite Ambys 2024 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔. Elizabeth Reid learned, at seventeen, that she was going to die. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she's faced with a question that no one should have to answer. How do you leave a mark on a world you're about to leave behind? Desperate to do something meaningful with her life, Elizabeth goes on a journey to create something that will outlive her. One final act to save lives, even as her own ends. But will she run out of time to do it?
Warner's Song ✓ by tayauthor
tayauthor
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[2026 Wattys Shortlist] In which Madison, a gifted pianist who hides her music behind locked doors meets Theo, a passionate filmmaker with a restless spirit and a camera always in hand, who sees something in her that she's been too afraid to see in herself. He offers her a deal: let him document her senior year, capturing every practice session, every setback, every terrifying step toward her dream conservatory for his summer film project. In return, he'll help her find the courage to finally play for someone other than herself. Over one unforgettable summer, their days unfold like a melody, capturing moments that will echo long after the song ends. ──── ♪ ──── COMPLETE
Fake Dates and Other Mistakes by alihartwriteratlarge
alihartwriteratlarge
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***Wattys Shortlist 2026***Elysa Degras' junior year of high school has been off to a rocky start. Soccer practices have been kicking her butt, her advanced math class has really been kicking her butt, and her history teacher just blackmailed her into joining the school's (ultra nerdy) Quiz Bowl team. And if that wasn't bad enough, her recent budding attraction to her best friend has also been complicating her life. Especially since she went and lied about it, blurting some preposterous nonsense about having a secret boyfriend to try and explain all her recent weird behavior. In an attempt to salvage the situation and save her friendship, she decides to enlist the help of one of her brother's friends to pose as her new boyfriend, but there's something more than a little suspicious about Luke Haywood, and it's not just his unnerving ability to make their relationship seem a little too real. She's almost positive he's hiding something, and with everything else spiraling dangerously out of control, she can't afford to leave his secret alone.
Warm Hands by violadavis
violadavis
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Esme and Matt can't stand each other, even if they have to play nice for the cameras. As public speculation about their chemistry heats up, they're forced to confront what's real versus what's just for show. ***** Esme Mendoza is everything Matt Crain isn't--polished, optimistic, and proud of her golden girl image. He's brooding, arrogant, and impossible to work with. As co-stars in an indie romance film, they're forced to act like soulmates on screen while barely tolerating each other behind the scenes. When their banter and lingering stares spark fan speculation during the press tour, their PR teams jump on the opportunity, but Esme and Matt aren't too thrilled. Suddenly, they're everywhere--public appearances, exchanging snarky remarks in interviews, and fueling endless rumors. As their forced chemistry starts to feel a little too real, Esme and Matt are left questioning: are they just playing a role, or could this be end game? ***** WARM HANDS #1 Open Novella Contest -- prompts 45 & 127 [[WATTY AWARDS 2026 SHORTLIST]] [[OPEN NOVELLA CONTEST 2025 ROUND 2 AMBASSADORS' PICK]] © 2025 caterina george // all rights reserved
The Sugar In My Coffee by Nerdyphoenix07
Nerdyphoenix07
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__________________ WATTYS 2026 SHORTLISTED!! __________________ 'You make my life sweeter ♡' Poorvika Shrinivastav is living her dream in Chennai, being the journalist she wants. Or maybe, that's what she wants to believe. Because, whenever she tries to be the journalist she wants, it pisses off her boss, and now, she's given her last chance to safeguard her job. "You'll be doing an interview with the new CEO of the X-rex company, Mister Varun Kumar, Poorvika." And oh my, it just had to be her childhood frenemy who loves messing with her. The one who lost touch. The one who's now living as this oh-so-perfect CEO who can't seem to have a break from unrealistic expectations, until she came with her angry little mouth, and made him feel alive like never before. 'Not letting you go this time, Poorvi ♡' ___________________ ✨ Highest ranks acquired over a period of time ✨ -#1 in comedy-romance out of 11k stories -#1 in ceo out of 24.7k stories -#2 in adorable out of 10k stories -#9 in desi out of 9.9k stories -#3 in girlboss out of 2k stories -#1 in journalism out of 1k stories -#1 in hopelessromantic out of 5k stories -#36 in cute out of 162k stories -#12 in sweet out of 39k stories -#36 in romcom out of 26.4k stories __________________ Previously titled as 'The opposite of drifting apart' __________________ COMPLETED. 70,000 words, wow, I know. I dunno how I did it too, people. BUT I MADE IT. FIRST DRAFT! (Its messy and unpolished, and very VERY unhinged. Idk wtf is going on either tbh. It will be editted after my boards r over ✨) STANDALONE. Do not imitate or copy in any way, or else...be ready to sleep with your eyes open, every.single.night, darling~ :3 And the illustration of the cover, and all the banners belong to me cause I handrew it digitally at 1am. The same thing applies, don't copy or use my hardwork plz. Thanks! ____________________
Second Chances by the Sea by sammy_saturday
sammy_saturday
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~ But as he stepped toward the stairs, another flash of lightning lit up the room, followed immediately by a crack of thunder so loud it seemed to shake the foundation. Jake stumbled in the dark, and his foot caught on the edge of the kitchen table. I heard him curse softly as he lost his balance, and before my right brain could stop me, I lunged forward to catch him. My hands found his shoulders just as he reached out to steady himself, and his palms found my waist. The motion sent us both off balance, and we tumbled backward together. Jake's chest rose and fell against mine, each breath sending heat spiraling through my body. One of his hands was still on my waist, his fingers digging into the fabric of my shirt while the other braced against the counter beside me. "...Claire." His breath fanned my lips, hot as iron. ~ Claire Whitmore fled her toxic marriage for a quiet cottage by the sea, vowing never to let anyone control her life again. She's content with her freelance work, her massive orange tabby, and a house completely devoid of any male influence. Until the day she rescues a toddler steps away from drowning in the ocean. Left completely alone and helpless. Upon confrontation, enraged Claire meets Jake Morrison, a sleep-deprived single dad doing his best... and failing. Instead of calling protective services, she ends up feeling sorry for the struggling father and accepts a job caring for little Emma as the next-door nanny. What begins as a reluctant favor turns into growing moments of joy. Jake's daughter loves coloring on the floor, park picnics, and sandcastles, moments that slowly chip away at Claire's walls. And Jake? He's nothing like her toxic ex-husband. But as feelings grow, so do the complications in Claire's life. A looming eviction, a manipulative ex who wants her back, threats to her beloved cottage... and the constant fear that opening her heart means losing herself once more.
Guide to finding Mr Right - LGNa Original by LGNa43
LGNa43
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Valerie is sick of boys! Lina has spent her life with two brothers. What happens when two best friends write a guide to finding the perfect guy for Valerie and accidentally meets one that fits all those physical requirements but none of the behaivioural ones ? YES THIS BOOK ACTUALLY COMES WITH A GUIDE ON HOW TO SPOT RED AND GREEN FLAGS BEFORE THEY EVEN SHOW! DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE GIRLIES. Read to find more! More content on @LGNa___.Creations
Trending With You by OneMaxen
OneMaxen
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With twenty thousand followers on Instagram, a growing travel vlog channel on YouTube, and trips across Asia documenting food, culture, and hidden destinations, Raenerys Cortez is slowly building a name in the travel content world. She's not a superstar and she's not extremely famous, but she's happy that she's achieving her dream step by step, traveling to different places and sharing them with others. Even though she has only visited a few countries so far, some people already recognize her from time to time. She's already happy with that. But she would be even happier if more people watched her videos, which is why she truly puts effort into her vlogs. Until the day came. She was invited to a luxury brand event in Manila. She isn't really fond of fancy social gatherings and big crowds, but for the sake of her vlogging channel, she needed to attend. Besides, it would be a waste to miss the opportunity. She might even get sponsorships or partnerships there. She has always dreamed of that. Until she accidentally and literally trips into Elian Ruiz Liu. Yep, that Elian Ruiz Liu. The internationally famous runway model with millions of fans, luxury campaigns, and a reputation that follows him everywhere. All it takes is one perfectly framed photo, and boom! They're both trending. And not just trending, but trending because of a dating scandal. That definitely wasn't what Rae expected to gain from that event. To control the rumors and protect their reputations, both of their teams come up with a solution: fake the relationship. Just for three months. "It's only acting," they said. But the longer they pretend for the cameras, the harder it becomes to remember where the act ends. Because falling in love was never part of the plan. But the internet already believes their love story. And sometimes... the most convincing lies are the ones that start feeling real.
Racing Hearts | ✓ by caraea
caraea
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[Wattys shortlist 2026] "Are you stealing our biscuits?" 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙖 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖 knows the world of Motorsports can be dangerous and she comes to find out growing up in a motorsport loving family has taught her many things but not how to deal with an extremely charming racing driver who can't keep his eyes off of her. 𝙁𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖 is Scuderia Montgomery's golden boy. He desperately tries to fit into the role, that everyone sees destined for him while the ghosts of his nightmares tell him that he can't. That is until a girl with blonde curls scares away the ghosts and turns the nightmares intro sweet dreams.
Our Weak Hearts by Rainhaines
Rainhaines
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Four years after ex best friends Lena and Nate break contact, they meet again back in their small town. Nate the now famous hockey star is determined to win a cautious Lena back. Will she give him another chance? Nate, a cold and serious hockey player, focused on his career ends up back in chestnut springs, the small town he grew up in. After not seeing Lena Calloway, his sarcastic and fiery ex best friend, for nearly four years, he is determined to win her back. When anxiety meets feeling stuck, will they resolve issues from the past and secure a future? #1 in sad #1 in fastupdates