The Epic Valentine's Day List (Books)

Books just in time for Valentine’s Day

Sometimes The Most Romantic thing is simplicity (or books), so here’s a massive list for Valentine’s Day

Books:

These Violent Delights

(Available at the school library)

A Romeo and Juliet retelling, set in Shanghai during the roaring 20s, this novel contains gang wars, magic mystery, and of course, the forbidden love trope. With a diverse cast of characters, this story is sure to wrap you in, from it’s beautiful lyricism and it’s even more heartbreaking romance, it is one of the best Romeo and Juliet retellings seen thus far.

Heartstopper

(Available for free on Webtoon or Tapas)

After they are seated next to each other, the two boys quickly develop a friendship, and later it evolves into something more. As they both struggle with identity and mental health, they’re always there for each other as a support system. Along with gay and bisexual representation in the two main characters, Heartstopper also has transgender and lesbian side characters.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

(Available to buy at Barnes and Noble)

Detailing the life of famous Hollywood Star, Evelyn Hugo regails a reporter with her life story. From her humble beginnings in New York City, to her height of stardom, and of course her seven husbands, especially her own wife. Told in a dual timeline, the story shows what it was like to be LGBT in a time when that was unacceptable. This book is full of well fleshed out LGBT characters, and a diverse cast. Be advised, you will need tissues.

Girls of Paper and Fire

(Available to buy at Barnes and Noble)

Every year, 8 girls are chosen as Paper Girls to leave their families, come to the palace, and serve the king. After being selected, Lei secretly falls in love, and forbidden romance blossoms between two Paper Girls. This book has east and south Asian characters, and the world is heavily inspired by the country of Malaysia.

The Henna Wars

(Available to buy on Amazon)

After coming out to her Muslim parents as a lesbian, Nishat is unaccepted in her family, and this gets even more complicated when her childhood friend, Flávia shows up and Nishat almost immediately falls for her. Widely considered one of the best queer YA romances, The Henna Wars deals with topics like cultural appropriation and has very real teenage characters.

Shadow and Bone

(Available to buy on Amazon)

After Alina Starkov discovers her abilities as the all-powerful Sun Summoner to save her best friend, Mal, she is sent to live with the Darkling to help save her nation of Ravka. Though romance is not the main plot of this novel, there is an ongoing love triangle between the Darkling, Mal, and Alina throughout the entire series.

Love & Other Disasters

(Available to buy at Barnes and Noble)

The first ever non-binary contestant on one of the most famous cooking shows in America falls in love with their less famous and terribly clumsy competitor.