YA Valentine’s Day Books: The Definitive List

YA Valentine Books

YA/Teen Valentine’s day best book lists are pretty easy to come by. Finding YA books set on Valentine’s Day seems to be a bit more challenging. I love themed reading lists and this is one that took me a bit longer to put together, so I thought I would share it with you. If you are looking for feel-good YA books set on Valentine’s Day, I hope that you find one here that interests you!

Last Update: January 2023

YA Valentine’s Day Books

1. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

This is one of my all-time favourite books. Sam relives the last day of her life, “Cupid Day,” over and over again. Experiencing the same day repeatedly has an effect on Sam and she winds up trying to set things straight. Definitely one to check out!

 

2. Marly’s Ghost by David Levithan

David Levithan seems to have a knack for writing love stories. While the title may seem like it might actually be a Christmas novel, Marly’s Ghost is actually set on Valentine’s Day. This short read sounds perfect for a little Valentine themed read.

 

3. Valentine by Jodi McAllister

This first book in the Valentine series is about four teenagers all born on Valentine’s Day. It seems to have a bit of everything, including a mystery. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, this might be one to try.

 

4. How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You by Tara Eglington

This YA contemporary is all about first kissing. The main character, Aurora is set to save her first kiss for the right boy. If a light-hearted story about kissing interests you, this could be a perfect Valentine read.

 

5. Valentine Princess by Meg Cabot

Fans of The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot are sure to love this novella all about Valentine’s Day. Mia tries to convince Michael how important the holiday is to her in this instalment. From what I have heard, it is best read if you are familiar with the characters and the previous stories.

 

6. 19 Love Songs by David Levithan

 

 Apparently, David Levithan has a tradition of writing stories for his friends on Valentine’s Day! A true romantic at heart. This book is a collection of short stories about love, including a Valentine story featuring “A” from Every Day.

 

7. 11 Paper Hearts by Kelsey Hartwell

 

This book seems to have a bit of everything: romance, mystery, and thriller. It is all set on Valentine’s Day and is compared to The Kissing Booth and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Sounds like the perfect read to curl up with this holiday!

 

8. The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

This book is a take on the classic Groundhog Day concept and is set during a disastrous Valentine’s Day. It has a lot of chaos and is perfect for fans of short and sweet rom-coms.

9. Classic (It Girl !10) by Cecily von Ziegesar

Fans of the It Girl series will enjoy this instalment that is set on Valentine’s Day. It has some great components of a YA contemporary, including revenge and lots of drama. Seems like a great conclusion to the series.

 

10. Love? Maybe by Heather Hepler

Heather Hepler, known for the Cupcake Queen novels, has written a fun contemporary about a teen who has a birthday on Valentine’s Day. If you are in the mood for a cute, seasonal read, then this is one to try.

11. Be Mine: Today? by Sabrina James

 

Fans of the author’s YA Christmas novel, Secret Santa, will enjoy this contemporary for Valentine’s Day. This continuation of the Holiday Romantic Comedies series will surely put you in the mood for the season of love.

12. Sea of Love by Jamie Ponti

 

This cute contemporary is part of the Simon Romantic Comedies series and is a book that I am excited to read. It sounds like a light read that has some drama and some holiday fun all rolled into one.

13. Thwonk by Joan Bauer

 

Joan Bauer always seems to write a holiday-themed novel that fits the bill for a quick and fun escape read. If that cover doesn’t grab your attention, then the super-cute story about a teen wanting a date for Valentine’s Day might.

14. So, This is Love by Tracy Andreen

 

If you enjoyed the author’s Christmas novel, then this second book in the So, This Is Christmas series is one for your list. This Valentine’s Day YA rom-com is a continuation of the first story and is a fun book for the season.

15. Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant

 

This book is one that actually spans an entire year of holidays. Two characters bump into one another on various holidays over the course of one year. It has an interesting concept and is a contemporary to try if you don’t want to commit to an entire book set on Valentine’s Day.

 

I have created a Goodreads shelf for all of these books if you are interested in learning more about any of them. If there are any YA books set on Valentine’s Day that I have missed, let me know in the comments. Happy Valentine’s Day!


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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.

26 thoughts on “YA Valentine’s Day Books: The Definitive List”

  3. Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says:
    Reply

    Oh that’s such a good idea for a list – and I appreciate how much time it must have took you to put this together, books set on a particular day are so complicated to find. I didn’t even recall that Before I Fall was set on Valentine’s Day… I need to re-read this book someday 😀

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