Romantic Novels to Read this Valentine’s Day

Whether you’re alone or booed up this Valentine’s Day, a book is always good company. Here are the top books that will get you in the lovey mood. Who knows, maybe Cupid’s arrow will hit you next.

By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer

Exes and O’s by Amy Lea

This contemporary romantic comedy follows Tara Chen, who has recently been dumped by her fiancé. Frustrated with modern dating apps, she decides to take her life into her own hands like any good romance novel protagonist would: by contacting all her exes to see if any of them are worth a second chance. Her partner in crime is her roommate, Trevor, who is a commitment-averse, but charismatic, firefighter. Throughout this journey, they become closer and, dot dot dot.

This is a great Valentine’s Day read due to our romance-loving main characters, lighthearted storyline, and classic rom-com arc. It makes playful commentary on those romance tropes that we see all the time, and you’ll put the book down feeling romantic. Just don’t text your ex.

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Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

This sapphic romance novel is the perfect combination of humor, heart, and chemistry. It follows Avery Jensen, a recently single event planner. When it comes to dating women, she’s stumped. She knows what she wants: adventure, flirting, and spontaneity, but has no idea how to pursue it. When she meets Taylor Cameron, a woman who embodies every one of these traits, with one issue: she recently made a two-month bet that she won’t sleep with anyone. In a compromise, Avery begs Taylor for flirting lessons – nothing more.

This is a fresh take on the fake dating romance trope that comes with themes of real emotional growth and vulnerability from both characters. Warm and inviting, this book will make you swoon.

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

High school junior Emilie Hornby has planned the perfect Valentine’s Day, but spoiler alert: it all falls apart. When a car crash, a cheating boyfriend, and a million other inconveniences wrack her plans, she goes to bed devastated. But when she wakes up the next morning, it’s Valentine’s Day again. And again, and again.

Even when she tries to fix everything and control every outcome, the time loop repeats. She’s forced to ditch her perfectionism and face her fears to discover what she really wants from life and love. Along the way, she meets someone who helps change her mind.

Valentine’s Day is the backdrop for this romantic story, which shows not only romance but also self-love. It is a relatable story of unexpected romance that will leave you feeling good.

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Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

This story follows Mallory Greenlead, an 18-year-old chess whiz who recently gave up the game to focus on her chronically ill mother and younger sisters. When a friend persuades her to participate in a tournament for charity, she meets Nolan Sawyer, the reigning world champion. Her victory over him sets her back on the competitive chess path, rekindling her love for the game and igniting a slow-burning tension with Nolan.

This is a great Valentine’s Day read because it is the classic rivals-to-lovers romance with a unique chess backdrop. This story isn’t just about romance; it is also a return to passion as Mallory begins playing chess again.