Written by: Kelly on November 18, 2013.

This post is going to be incomplete and it is going to be overwhelming. At least, I’m overwhelmed, and I’m also overwhelmed at knowing it’s incomplete. But because I know I like to have books on my radar and because I know that goes for many readers, I wanted to do a roundup of the 2014 contemporary YA titles that I am aware of already.

I’ve pulled from my own knowledge, as well as dug through publisher catalogs, and I’ve compiled a massive list. Again, I know it’s incomplete. And I know my ability to know for certain whether a book is contemporary or not is not perfect when I’m given just a short catalog description. I’ve tried my best to stick to the ones I know are, so yes, there are going to be titles missing and it’s possible there will be a title or two included that may not be “contemporary” in the way I define it.

Not all of the books have covers, but I’ve pulled out covers where I can. Because this post would never, ever end if I included descriptions, I’ve instead linked to the Goodreads pages for each, so you can read the descriptions and add them to your to-read if you want to. I have included publication months.

Feel free to leave comments if you know of other traditionally published 2014 contemporary titles, as I’d love to have a huge resource list here for myself, as well as other avid contemporary fans. It not only helps in planning my reading, but it helps in planning what I’d like to think about in terms of content, themes, and who to talk to for future posts and features. It’s fascinating to see themes emerge that were never on your mind before, even if it’s sheerly through book descriptions. And there some neat cover and title trends to pick up on, too. Without doubt, romance is something we’ll be seeing a lot of in the new year.

If you’re ready, I’m ready. Like I said, this is long — contemporary realistic fiction is far from dead.



Pointe by Brandy Colbert, April. by Brandy Colbert, April.

#Scandal by Sarah Ockler, June

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes, May

On the Fence by Kasie West, July

Before My Eyes by Caroline Bock, February

Far From You by Tess Sharpe, April

The Chance You Won’t Return by Annie Cardi, April

Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan, September

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson, May

Solving for Ex by LeighAnn Kopans, February

The Last Forever by Deb Caletti, April

Rumble by Ellen Hopkins





Just Like The Movies by Kelly Fiore, June