Valentine’s Day often feels like putting pressure on bruised skin, a reminder of how tender and raw you really are.
Reading romance novels is a wonderful way to avoid the awareness of this pain and fill your heart with love. The romance genre is a safe place; a place where you can allow yourself to soften and experience the kind of love you deserve, and, therefore, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to pick up a lighthearted romance novel.
1. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I think a lot of women— myself included— can see a reflection of themselves in Stella. Reading and watching her learn that loving someone shouldn’t feel like an intrusion that she must bear witness to was so powerful. Michael is incredibly attentive, and every time he called her “my Stella ”, my heart melted. Their love is so beautiful and sweet. You will fall in love with both of them.
2. Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
The way Josh and Hazel are written makes it feel as though you exist in their lives and are watching their friendship develop in real time. Their dynamic is so beautiful; my cheeks hurt from the smile they brought to my face, and I legitimately laughed out loud during certain parts of the book.
3. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Max Hartley was the best man who encouraged his brother to jilt Carolina Santos at the wedding, but now Lina needs to work with Max to secure a life altering opportunity for her career. Based on their past, Lina should despise Max–– and she tries to for a while–– but the circumstances that force them to be in each other’s proximity allow them to explore their feelings for each other in a new light, and their interactions will bring a smile to your face and mirth in your eyes.
4. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Zafir is an ex-rugby player who now works as a security guard and reads romance novels in his spare time. When he retrieves Danika from the elevator during a workplace fire drill, the internet starts shipping them, and they––naturally–– fake date. Dani and Zaf are some of the coolest characters to ever be written, and the issues addressed in this book are incredibly important and are handled in a delicate manner.
5. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Shay and Dominic work for a public radio station in Seattle; however, the station is struggling, so Shay suggests a talk show where two exes share advice on air. Her boss is eager about the idea and proposes that she and Dominic, her workplace nemesis, play the role of the “exes.” They go along with this–– despite the fact that neither of them are comfortable lying to their listeners–– because they feel as though there is no other choice.
As they spend more time together, their perception of the other grows closer to reality, and they find a sense of safety in each other. Experiencing them become more open and comfortable was so heartwarming.
6. Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Set in the summer during a Renaissance Faire, this book gave me major Stars Hollow vibes. It was adorable, and I loved experiencing the dynamic shift between Emily and Simon, especially the contrast between the roles they played in the faire and the seemingly distant nature of their relationship when they were themselves.
7. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Naomi and Nicholas are soon to be married, but they’re both unhappy in the relationship for their own reasons; however, the one to call off the wedding will end up with the nonrefundable bill, and so, they engage in a sort of battle to see how far they can push the other until they crack. During this exchange of pranks, though, they find that their second chance at love is possible and already blooming. This book is incredibly sweet and such an enjoyable, fun read.
8. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
This book was so cute. It’s the kind of book where you become eager to discover how their relationship develops, and so, you don’t really pay attention to the number of the pages. Olive’s sexuality is fluid in the sense that she’s given herself various labels in the past but is okay with letting her feelings guide her. She and Adam are so perfect for each other. Their interactions will make you all smiley and giggly.