Favorite YA Contemporary Romances

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ I think I’ve mentioned before that I hate Valentine’s Day, but you know what I don’t hate? Romance. And Books. Specifically romance IN books. Recently I’ve really gotten into reading more and more YA and adult contemporary romances, and I think it’s because they’re such feel-good stories and provide a sense of hope for the reader. So for this year’s Valentine’s Day post, I decided to share all of my favorite YA contemporary romance novels! Enjoy! 💋

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE

I mean, I couldn’t start this post without beginning with this book, which is basically the gold standard to which I hold all YA romances. First of all, fake dating is one of the best romance tropes out there. Please reference this post if you don’t believe me. Also, Peter Kavinsky is the best book boyfriend ever and I dare you to convince me otherwise.

THIS BEST LAID PLANS

Oh BOY are you guys in for real treat once this book is released. Prepare to be swept off your feet by Andrew Reed who is completely swoon-worthy and gave me a series case of the butterflies. I stayed up all night to read this after literally only getting 3 hours of sleep the day before because I worked a 16 hour double overnight. Basically, this book > sleep and it needs to be on your TBR!

THE DUFF

When I first read this book I was not expecting how vastly different it would be from the movie, and it such a good way! I read the entire thing in one sitting with zero regrets. A secret enemies-with-benefits relationship in which one or more parties develops feelings for the other? Sign me the f**k up. And besides the romance, the book has a really important message about the power of words and the meanings we give them.

IF I’M BEING HONEST

This story revolves around the main character, Cameron, enlisting the help of someone she once ridiculed to help “tame” herself for the boy she’s been crushing on. On top of the amazing character growth she experiences, I absolutely loved watching opposites attract as Cameron and Brendan reluctantly form a friendship, and then watching that friendship blossom into love.

ALEX, APPROXIMATELY

This is apparently a twist on the movie You Got Mail, which I can neither confirm nor deny since I’ve never seen that. However, I can confirm that this book is a magical, heartwarming story about two characters that meet in real life, after unknowingly talking to each other online for months, and slowly falling in love. This book makes an absolute perfect summer read so if you’re looking for something fun for the warmer months, this is for you!

ALWAYS NEVER YOURS

Wherefore art thou, Romeo? Ignoring the fact that Romeo and Juliet is arguably the worst of Shakespeare’s plays, this book was amazing. I loved that Megan was unapologetically flirtatious and “boy-crazy”. Every relationship she’s been in ends with her boyfriend finding the love of his life while they’re dating, and instead of being bitter and feeling sorry for herself, Megan is carefree and just has fun with her dating life. Which makes it even more special to see the bond that develops between her and Owen.

1O BLIND DATES

Reading this made me immensely glad that my big meddlesome Italian family is not as meddlesome as Sophie’s. This book gives readers warm and fuzzy feelings and is reminiscent of those wholesome, heartwarming Hallmark movies. It’s impossible not to cheer for Sophie and hope she finds the perfect New Year’s Eve date. Definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to read a cheerful story about family and friendships with happy endings.

TWEET CUTE

I needed a trip to the dentist after finishing this book because it was so sweet and fluffy. Is there anything more fun to read about than two people engaging in Twitter warfare over the internet but falling in love in real life after learning how much they have in common with each other? The answer is no. And of course the fact that Pepper and Jack started out as unfriendly classmates and had a bit of animosity between them at the start of the story made it that much sweeter.