It’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re in the mood for some romance! But with so many books to choose from, where do you start? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best romance books to read this Valentine’s Day.
The list includes all genres of romance novels, from contemporary to historical. And it features a range of tropes, from sweet rom-coms and heart-wrenching love stories to enemies-to-lovers’ and steamy erotic romances.
There are also recommendations for readers who are looking for something specific, including LGBTQ+ romances or romantic suspense novels.
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Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. But sometimes, all you need is a good laugh or cry to get you through the day. While you might have romantic plans for the evening, we’re planning a sizzling night with some of the finest new romance novels. Since romance novels are one of the most popular book genres, both men and women enjoy them. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day as they can help you get into the Valentine’s Day mood.
Preparing for the most romantic day of the year, here is a list of some of the best romance books to read this Valentine’s Day. All these books have everything a good romance should have.
1. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation returns with a new novel that is both intelligent and enjoyable. Emily Henry’s Book Lovers is a rom-com fan’s fantasy. It’s razor-sharp and contemporary, with a tough heroine who doesn’t apologize for her aspirations and poignant grieving talks. Emily Henry is known for her hilarious banter and swoon-worthy romances, but this one might be her finest yet. Sexy, amusing, and smart, it’s one the best romance books to read this Valentine’s Day.
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2. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
A beautiful love story, Part of Your World is amusing, clever, and sensual, and also focuses on toxic and destructive relationships. Alexis had no intention of falling for the small town mayor who rescues her car out of the ditch after she crashes her automobile off the road in the middle of remote Minnesota. Daniel is a decade younger, tattooed, outrageously attractive and lives in a small town. Whereas, she’s a big-city doctor, medical royalty, and she’s just broken up with her boyfriend. Alexis understands that their relationship will be short-lived; he doesn’t fit into her world, and she can’t abandon her family’s legacy. She is torn between her world and Daniel’s and is pretty unsure of what she should choose.
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3. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Witty, endearing, romantic and genuine, The Love Hypothesis is surely one of the must-read contemporary romance books to read this Valentine’s Day. It’s a heartwarming tale, with a lot of pop culture references, and tackles a number of relevant issues. Olive Smith, a PhD student, is in a pickle: she needs to persuade her closest friend that she has moved on from her ex. In a panic she kisses the first man she sees. That person turns out to be Adam Carlsen, a young, well-known and dreaded professor. In order to benefit each other, however, the two decide to enter into a fake relationship. The fake relationship, on the other hand, gradually develops into something genuine.
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Related: Books like The Love Hypothesis with STEM heroines
4. Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
In Love Your Life, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has created a wonderful narrative about a woman who forgoes her dating app in favor of a writer’s retreat in Italy, only to learn that true love comes with its own set of filters. When Ava, a hopeless romantic, meets a man named “Dutch,” they fall in love right away and appear to be a perfect fit. Following the retreat, though, conflicts and miscommunications arise. The story follows her on her quest to find a solution to some of her relationship’s issues. This is the book for you if you’re seeking for great and humorous romance books to read this Valentine’s Day!
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5. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
A funny YA contemporary enemies-to-lovers rom-com, The Worst Best Man is an engaging read that you’ll absolutely enjoy. When Andrew decides to call off his wedding on the day of, he leaves his brother Max to tell his fiancé, Lina. Three years later, Max Hartley, tired of being overshadowed by his older brother, is keen to make his mark with a desirable hotel client looking to extend its brand. Then he finds out he’ll be working with his brother’s whip-smart, attractive ex-fiancée, Lina, who is completely off-limits. He irritates her, and she despises him. Flirty, steamy, and laugh-out-loud funny, the book is full of family, friendships, and Brazilian food.
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6. Love, Unscripted by Owen Nicholls
Looking for a romantic comedy to sweep you off your feet? Well Love, Unscripted is just that. Nick, a film projectionist, has always wished that love would mirror what he sees on the big screen, and their relationship has been picture perfect for the past four years. Ellie, on the other hand, has moved out, and Nick is attempting to find out what went wrong. Can love ever be like it is in the movies, with Nick’s reality far from the joyful conclusion he imagined? There will definitely be tears but it’s the kind of romance that rips your heart to pieces and puts it back together in the most painfully beautiful way.
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7. Digging Up Love by Chandra Blumberg
Refreshing and different, Digging Up Love is a lighthearted, passionate romance about achieving your dreams and finding love in the process. Despite her ambition to leave Hawksburg and create her own bakery, Alisha is enslaved by family obligations to assist her grandparents and their restaurant. But when a curious bone appears during a backyard dig, Quentin Harris, an associate professor of vertebrate paleontology, arrives at the scene. Then begins a well-drawn love story between two hilarious and endearing dinosaur lovers that will delight readers. In fact, it’s a romance unlike any you’ve read before!
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8. The Glittering Hour by Iona Grey
Stunning and heartwarming, The Glittering Hour is one of the best romance books to read this Valentine’s Day. Set between the wars and featuring the world of debutants and penniless artists this novel tells the story of Selina and Lawrence and their secret tryst. It is beautifully written, bringing to life a time long gone. The author has really immersed herself in the historical detail and as a result we can really imagine the places, emotions, sights and sounds. One to savor and enjoy. In the most beautiful of ways, this novel will crush your heart; it’s perfect in every way. Must read this book if you enjoy a strained love tale with all the complications that comes with it.
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9. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game is a fun read with an incredibly fast-paced plot and fascinating enemies-to-lovers’ romance. Lucy and Joshua have been adversaries since the day after each of the companies they work for merged, forcing them to compete on a daily basis. When they’re told of a new position that would make one of them the boss of the other, it’s a fight to the death. Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against cold and efficient nemesis Joshua, a rivalry complicated by her growing attraction to him. Add it to your TBR if you’re looking for some deliciously amusing books to read this Valentine’s Day.
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10. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Surprisingly sweet and extremely spicy, The Kiss Quotient is sensual and heartwarming and awkward and funny in equal measure. The plot is basically Pretty Woman in reverse and is just everything we love about the romance genre. Stella thinks that her lack of success in relationships is due to her lack of competence in the bedroom, so she employs a male escort to assist her fix the problem. What she does not, however, tell Michael is that she is autistic. So, what happens when Stella develops feelings for her male escort? Is it possible that an obsession may develop? Highly recommended if you’re looking for wholesome yet spicy books to read this Valentine’s Day.
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11. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue is the perfect mix of enemies-to-lovers romance, political intrigue and strong friendships. This book is about two young men, Alex Claremont-Diaz, America’s first son, and Prince Henry of Wales, who are not very fond of each other and are forced into a fake bromance after a royal cake-related event. But all changes when Henry makes a play on Alex. This is one of the best romance books to read on Valentine’s Day if you don’t like slow burns but prefer the mild enemy-to-lovers trope and are interested in LGBT fiction. It is a book that you will love reading, as would people who enjoy slightly steamy fiction.
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12. The Kissing Game by Marie Harte
An incredibly fun and hilarious read, The Kissing Game features a gorgeous couple with plenty of sizzling chemistry, despite being long awaited with plenty of encounters, misinterpretations, and surprises. Axel Heller, at six feet six inches tall, is well aware that he intimidates the majority of people. Rena Jackson, a stunning waitress, has been his crush for months. But the muscled mechanic isn’t a romantic, and his heart is so buried that he has no idea how to express his feelings to Rena. He’s well aware that he’s completely out of his depth, and she’s drifting away from him. So he makes a desperate, wild play. The edgy and charming elements create romantic expectations while also providing a sense of exhilaration and excitement.
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13. 11 Paper Hearts by Kelsey Hartwell
An adorable, unique and quick read, 11 Paper Hearts is an ideal mix of family and relationship storyline. Ella had a picture-perfect life. She had a close group of friends, an enviable social life, and a fantastic boyfriend. Then, following a Valentine’s Day dance, something utterly unexpected happened: a terrible car accident. Ella couldn’t remember anything when she awoke in the hospital. One year later, she begins to receive paper hearts from an unknown admirer who appears to have the answers she seeks. The hearts contain clues that will assist her in recalling her previous existence. Ella had never done anything more spontaneous than following the paper hearts. Will she, however, find love?
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14. Verity by Colleen Hoover
If you’re looking for a sublimely creepy, romantic psychological thriller to read this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Verity. A struggling author from Manhattan on the verge of financial collapse, Lowen Ashleigh, accepts the job opportunity of a lifetime. She has been hired by bestselling novelist Verity Crawford’s husband, Jeremy Crawford, to finish the remaining volumes in a lucrative series that his injured wife is unable to complete. But after arriving at Verity’s residence to conduct research for their upcoming books, Lowen uncovers darkness. This book is a whirlwind, a rollercoaster full of twists and suspense and gripping until the last page.
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15. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
A tragically beautiful masterpiece, The Song of Achilles is a truly remarkable retelling of the Iliad, as told from the viewpoint of Patroclus. Cursed from the beginning, Achilles and Patroclus embark on a journey of sacrifice and love. Tested to the extremes to determine the strength of their bond by the gods and the people, Achilles and Patroclus discover the value of honor and the power of words and actions. The romance, tragedy and adventure are wonderfully engaging and enthralling. Also, you need no preconceived ideas of Greek Mythology, Miller covers everything you need to know in order to understand the lives of each individual character.
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16. Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young
Perfect for fans of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, Before Jamaica Lane is a sensual, romantic follow-up to On Dublin Street and Down London Road. Liv has recently relocated from the United States to Edinburgh and has little to no experience with men, so when she develops a crush on a coworker, she turns to Nate Sawyer, one of her new best friends, for assistance in the art of seduction. Nate is the consummate player, but he is also her most devoted friend, so he agrees to assist her, and the ‘flirting’ lessons swiftly intensify. What appears to be the ideal ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement will not last long. Get your hands on this book right now if you’re looking for fantastic contemporary romance books to read on Valentine’s Day!
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17. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
The New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners returns with a humorous and effervescent story about what happens when science—or fate—brings two people with everything on the line together. The Soulmate Equation is a funny, warm, and heartfelt story that proves the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be measured. Jessica Davis is an expert in data and statistics, but no amount of calculating can persuade her to return to the dating scene. But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a hot new DNA-based matchmaking website that promises to revolutionize relationships. Is it possible to find a soulmate through
DNA?
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18. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
A beautifully crafted contemporary romance, The Spanish Love Deception is perfect for those looking for a steamy slow-burn romance with the sweetest Happily Ever After. Catalina has already announced that she will be bringing a date to her sister’s wedding in Spain. But the only problem is she does not have one! Since four weeks isn’t a lot of time to find someone, she resorts to setting up a fake date, which Aaron Blackford—the man she despises—gladly accepts. Will she tell the truth or face the consequences of the dangerous scenario she has found herself in? One of the best romance books to read this Valentine’s Day, it has all the great tropes, resulting in an all-around romantic classic.
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19. Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren
The perfect blend of passionate romance and naughty eroticism, Beautiful Player is the third book in The Beautiful series. Hanna is a gifted 24-year-old scientist who has just moved to Manhattan to pursue her research. But New York has much more to offer her than hours of solitary work. To have fun, to get out of her routine, she can count on her big brother, Jensen. And especially on the latter’s best friend, the irresistible Will, brilliant financier and absolute playboy. Can the attractive but innocent Hanna really become an uninhibited seductress? He doubts—until she shows him her sensual side. And suddenly the game of seduction takes on a very special note.
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20. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez’s The Friend Zone is a romance novel packed with cuteness, witty banter and a lighthearted love story, topped with a good cry and an impending sense of emotional overload. While helping her best friend organize her wedding, Kristen meets the best man, Josh, and sparks ignite right away. And the more she learns about Josh, the more ideal he appears to her. The only catch is that Josh is desperate for a large family, and with Kristen’s inability to conceive due to a medical condition, she feels we’d be better off with someone else. But as their attraction builds, keeping him at arm’s length becomes more difficult. Abby Jimenez has done an incredible job of packing in all the feels in this contemporary romance.
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21. Well Met by Jen DeLuca
A delicious, funny contemporary romance, Well Met takes place during a summer Renaissance faire. When Emily moved to the little town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister heal from an accident, she knew there would be snags, but who could have predicted being lured into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenage niece? Or that the obnoxious and perplexing school teacher in charge of the volunteers is so aggravating that she can’t stop thinking about him? However, he begins to steal Emily’s heart while in character as the pirate captain. But is this attraction genuine, or is it merely a product of the characters they’re playing?
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22. Josh and Hazel Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
A must read for all the romance addicts out there, Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is hilarious, clever, sweet, romantic and heartwarming. In a much more memorable first encounter, Hazel Bradford met Josh Im at university. Seven years later, during a BBQ held by Josh’s sister Emily, who also happens to be Hazel’s best friend, their paths cross once again. Hazel resolves that she and Josh will be best friends from now on because “clearly,” they will never date each other. She finds friendship and acceptance in him, leading to a hilarious series of double dates. But setting each other up on terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them… right? If you’re in the mood for a fun, quirky chick lit then this book is for you!
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23. Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Darkly sensual, intensely romantic, and absolutely addictive, Bared to You will push you to the edge of obsession—and beyond. Often compared to Fifty Shades of Grey, this is the first book in the Crossfire series. The story follows Eva, a girl who comes from a wealthy family but is determined to make it on her own. Starting a new job at an advertising company means she will eventually bump into the owner of the company she works for, Gideon Cross, a young billionaire. Their on-the-spot chemistry is scorching. Both have an instant connection that’s burdened by all their secrets and demons. Now they must figure out a way to help each other heal and form a good romantic connection.
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24. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Bold, insightful, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work. It masterfully captures the hilarious, exhilarating, and sad nature of being alive and in love. The narrator of the story is Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has extended her life by a few years, Hazel has always been terminal, her ultimate chapter written when she was diagnosed. But when Augustus Waters, a charming plot surprise, shows up to Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s life is about to alter dramatically. The book is the ideal blend of sophisticated, melancholy, romantic, cheerful, and inspirational; it is unquestionably one of must-read romance book to read this Valentine’s Day!
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25. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
A book worth adding to your romance TBR, The Happy Ever After Playlist is such a cute story that you can’t help but get lost in. Sloan Monroe is still struggling to get her life back on track two years after losing her fiancé. But everything is about to change due to one mischievous puppy with a “take me home” expression in his eyes. Sloan starts to feel more like herself now that she has a new companion by her side. But, after weeks of ignored texting, Tucker’s owner finally approaches her. He is an Australian musician on tour and, at the end of the day, he desires Tucker’s return. Is Sloan capable of surviving another heartbreak? Anyone looking for a romance book with plenty of depth, this is the one!
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26. The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon
Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also A Star tackles complex emotions with an incredibly honest lens through characters that never once lack genuineness. It’s a moving romance novel with diverse characters and real-world problems. Two teenagers, Daniel Bae and Natasha Kingsley meet (or perhaps it was meant to be? ), discover themselves, and fall for each other over the span of one day, in the flurry of New York City. But the novel isn’t just about them; it’s also about everyone in between, which is what makes it so compelling. It’s a story about everyone in Natasha and Daniel’s universe, from a little worker named Irene to Natasha’s deportation lawyer Jeremy. It’s undoubtedly one of the must-read romance books to read this Valentine’s Day!
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Related: 22 Powerful Immigrant Novels about love and survival
27. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Intensely thrilling and engaging, Gone Girl depicts two human beings who are incredibly ideal for each other in all the worst ways, as well as a reflection of your character based on how you react to their version of love. When Amy Dunne, Nick Dunne’s attractive, intelligent, and wealthy wife, goes missing, all eyes are on him. Why is he acting strange, cool, and seemingly peaceful when his wife is gone and assumed dead after blood was discovered on the kitchen floor? Is he concealing something sinister? Or is he simply dealing with the circumstance in his own unique way? Amy’s disappearance is chronicled through a series of diary entries, while Nick’s absence is chronicled through each day since her abduction. Will she be discovered alive or dead?
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28. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
A unique tale full of self-discovery, The Rosie Project is a book I’d recommend if you just want to sit back and enjoy a book without the need for twists and turns. Don Tillman has everything figured out when it comes to his romantic life. He knows who he wants, but is it the right person for him? Nobody informed Don Tillman that love isn’t an exact science. A 39-year-old geneticist, he has never been on a second date. As a result, he creates the Wife Project, a scientific experiment to locate the ideal partner. Then comes Rosie, “the world’s most incompatible woman,” and throws Don’s safe, orderly life into disarray. But what is this strange, foreign emotion he’s experiencing?
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29. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s most perennially popular novel, Pride and Prejudice is about the search for happiness and self-knowledge. The love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy—who misjudge, then confront and alter each other—has enchanted us body and soul for almost two centuries and numerous adaptations. And we adore it. The book depicts a world of strict social rules, where a woman must marry well to survive. It follows the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, as she battles with concerns of etiquette, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage amid the landed gentry society of the British Regency period. One of the all-time classics, it’s your perfect enemies to lovers romance and deals with so many other themes.
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30. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
A wonderful romantic classic to read at least once in a lifetime! Set in a male chauvinist era in which a woman’s worth was assigned only on the basis of her aesthetic beauty, Jane Eyre turns all this back on showing that true beauty is inner beauty. The book talks about courage, independence and values. The protagonist, Jane, is one of those characters that hold you from beginning to end of the story. Because she is very mature and intelligent for her age, we are always looking forward to how she will react to situations. Also, the scenery described, the big house, the constant storms and rains and above all her Christian spirit captivates the reader in a manner that practically no other book does!
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Valentine’s Bonus: If you want to read a romantic, seductive, and spicy story set on Valentine’s Day, try Tessa Bailey’s ‘The Sweetest Fix.’
Looking for more diverse books to read this Valentine’s Day? Check out these:
