BOOKS

Romance books that have you kicking your feet and giggling are great to pick up any time of the year, but Valentine's Day is the best time to immerse yourself in a cute love story (filled with more than *just* the romantic kind). Looking for some YA recs full of romantic, platonic and self love to curl up with this V-Day? We've got you covered with the most swoon-worthy and heartwarming reads.

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

@sanjariti

Lynn Painter's The Do-Over follows Emilie Hornby as she lives through the *worst* Valentine's Day over and over again. (Finding out your BF is cheating on you + crashing into your cute sort-of-enemy's car every day = not fun.) Emilie has to figure a way out of the time loop, all while managing her growing feelings for Nick Stark and accepting that it's OK to rebel sometimes. Full of plenty of T-Swift references and the most supportive and loving friend group, this cute read will have you ready to follow in Emilie's footsteps by embarking on an adventure of your own.

Begin Again by Emma Lord

@dilemmalord

Begin Again is the ultimate slow-burn love story. It focuses on Andie Rose, who has transferred to her dream school to be close to her BF Connor and experience the place where her parents fell in love. Miscommunication arises quickly when Andie learns that Connor has transferred, too, leaving her in a new place where she doesn't know anyone. Not one to back down from a challenge, Andie makes the most of college by becoming besties with her roommate, forming a not-so-platonic alliance with her RA, reconnecting with her dad and joining a mysterious radio show that allows her to shine.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

@abookishbeginning

Kelly Quindlen's She Drives Me Crazy truly has it all—an enemies-to-lovers trope, fake dating and a sports romance. It revolves around Scottie Zajac, a basketball player who crashes her car into Irene Abraham's (AKA a cheerleader and Scottie's archenemy). Their moms force them to carpool, thus allowing their fake dating scheme to begin. Scottie just wants to make her ex jealous by dating Irene, but tbh, we all know that fake dating can only go so far before very real feelings inevitably get involved. This fun read will leave you rooting for Scottie and Irene's relationship and feelings for Scottie as she finally begins to love herself.

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

@morgamat

Familial love is just as important as romantic, and Morgan Matson's Save the Date is packed with it. Featuring family hijinks that will have you laughing out loud, a wedding that is equal parts chaotic and swoon-worthy and a lesson about accepting that change is sometimes necessary, this novel is a must-read. It follows Charlie Grant, the youngest in a family of seven, as she attempts to keep her older sister's impending marriage from falling apart while dealing with family secrets and college decisions. The romance takes a back seat in this one with a sweet slow burn (more on that in the sequel novella, We Grant You a Merry Christmas), but the love among the Grants is present in full force.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

@aliceoseman

No bookshelf is complete without the epic love story that is Nick and Charlie's. Alice Oseman's Heartstopper tells the tale of Charlie Spring, an introverted high school student who falls for Nick Nelson, captain of the rugby team. This graphic novel, told in six volumes (first five out now!), includes plenty of romance as Nick and Charlie discover their feelings for each other and navigate high school. It also features friends who support each other through thick and thin, especially as Charlie learns to love himself.

Check out our Bestie Book Club for more love story recs @glbestiebookclub!

Want more book recs? Check out these posts:
🩷 4 books to add to your TBR for Black History Month (and beyond!)
🩷 We found your next read, based on your favorite Taylor Swift song
🩷 The perfect dark academia reading guide

Top image: @bookstoshelves
Slider image: @instantlybooked

by Maggie Salter | 2/13/2024