Here are some of the best romance books to make your Valentine’s Day even better.
February has entered the scene, which also means Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. There are so many romance books to read during this time.
It doesn’t matter if you’re single, have a partner or are just planning to spend time with your best friends, here are some of the best recommendations to keep you occupied through the month and ready for Valentine’s Day.
Funny You Should Ask – Elissa Sussman (12 April 2022)
Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction
Best for: Women and young adults
In this fun, light-hearted text, we find writer Chani Horowitz being offered to write a profile of movie star Gabe Parker… her ultimate Celebrity Crush. Terrifying and riveting for Chani; if she can keep her cool, her career could skyrocket, and Gabe would get good publicity. However, what comes next proves life-changing for Chani. Ten years later, although focused on work, Chani has still spent the better part of the decade constantly being asked about Gabe Parker. So, when his PR team requests a second piece to be written, its hard to say no.
My rating: 3.5/5
Just Kids – Patti Smith (19 January 2010)
Genre: Biography & Memoir
Best for: Any reader interested in artistic careers and memoirs
Just Kids will have you in tears by the end of it. Patti Smith’s first book of prose offers a never-before-seen glimpse of her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. We follow them through the passionate and emotive days in New York City and the Chelsea Hotel in the sixties and seventies. Patti Smith translates her love and talent for poetry and lyrical quality, like her other bodies of work (I definitely recommend indulging in the Patti Smith universe). A moving story of youth and friendship, it’ll be a perfect read for your Palentine’s plans.
My rating: 5/5
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (28 January 1813)
Genre: Classic Romance
Best for: A Lover of classics and traditional love stories
You can’t go wrong with a classic, and what better to recommend than Jane Austen? A satire of marriage and social class, Pride and Prejudice follows The Bennet family, including five sisters and their mother, who is keen to see them get married. It focuses on the relationship between heroine Elizabeth Bennet and aristocratic landowner Mr Darcy. With elements of romantic comedy and enemies to lovers, Jane Austen is ahead of her time, experimenting with playful and sour banter between the two.
My Rating: 4/5
The Summer I Turned Pretty – Jenny Han (5 May 2009)
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Best for: Younger adults who love romance and love triangles
The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of the ultimate love triangle stories. This one is for you if you’re a hopelessly romantic love story fan. Protagonist Belly has always visited Cousins during summer. Winters for Belly are only a time to count the weeks until she gets to see Susannah and, most importantly, Jeremiah and Conrad. They have always been brother figures to her, but one summer changes everything. There is even a show for you to watch after you’ve read it!
My rating: 3/5
New Release: Romantic Comedy – Curtis Sittenfeld (4 of April 2023)
Genre: Romance Fiction
Best For: A lover of romance who enjoys a hint of comedy
A hilarious and observant novel from the author who brought us Prep and Eligible. Sittenfeld’s protagonist is a sketch writer for a hit late-night show, watching all the talented but average-looking men mingle with beautiful and accomplished women. This is where pop music sensation Noah Brewster enters the scene, and they instantly hit it off. Despite this, Sally can’t help but think that someone like him will never date someone like her…
