With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now’s the perfect time to pick up a romantic book! I love this time of the year because I see it as a great opportunity to show yourself some extra self-care and kindness (no matter your relationship status); my way to do that is by taking the time to read my worries away. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a lonely time, especially for those of us who are not going to celebrate it in a romantic way, which is why I’ll be reviewing 12 books from TikTok’s romance section that have caught my attention so you don’t have to worry about going on a blind date with your next read!
- ‘The Spanish Love Deception’ by Elena Armas
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Catalina needs a date for her sister’s wedding after being single for far too long; not wanting to go alone, she plans to take a random someone as her “date”. With the faking dating trope and no one other than Mr. Aaron Blackford himself, this book seems to have had booktok in a chokehold for a while. I would rightfully argee because despite reading it over a year ago, I simply can’t get Mr.Blackford out of my mind.
- ‘The Love Hypothesis’ by Ali Hazelwood
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Olive, a PhD student in STEM starts to fake date her young professor after accidentally convincing others they’re dating because of a kiss. Although I haven’t read this title yet, it vaguely reminds me of the Spanish Love Deception… who am I to say no to some academia romance?
- ‘Neon Gods’ by Katee Robert
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I would argue that this is one of the best modern retellings of Hades and Persephone’s romance “that’s as sinful as it is sweet.”
- ‘It Ends with Us’ by Colleen Hoover
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While this book does have a trigger warning because of its portrayal of an abusive relationship, it wouldn’t be much of a romance recommendation article without some anst by Colleen Hoover. I recently finished reading this and I will say, TikTok didn’t lie; tissues are a must!
- ‘The Trouble with Hating You’ by Sajni Patel
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Despite being another one on my tbr, my friend just completed it and told me I have to try it. Disclaimer: there is a trigger warning on sexual assult but… a book with strong Indian representation and a strong female lead challenging cultural norms while falling in love? Sign me up!
- ‘From Lukov with Love’ by Mariana Zapata
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This is actually my new read for the week so I can’t say much yet. This book is filled with a slow-burn, sports romance between two rival figure-skaters who pair together to compete in the championships. Rest assured, they do fall for each other, but not without some major-class drama.
- ‘The Song of Achilles’ by Madeline Miller
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As an adaptation of Homer’s Iliad, set in the world of Greek Mythology, this book is a massive tearjerker; the hidden love story between Achilles and Patroclus will definitely make you a little emotional.
- ‘Anna and the French Kiss’ by Stephanie Perkins
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Although this book isn’t nearly as advertised as I’d expect it to be on TikTok and a definite hidden gem in my eyes, it was a quick, cute, fluffy read. Definitely not everyone’s cup of tea but if you’re half the hopeless romantic I am, you’ll find yourself immersed in our characters’ French reality.
- ‘Reminders of Him’ by Colleen Hoover
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Released in January of this year, this is the most recent book published by Colleen Hoover and since the beginning has exploded on TikTok. In this romantic book, we follow a troubled mother at her shot for redemption for love. Definitely another one for the tbr!
- ‘You’ve Reached Sam’ by Dustin Thao
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After the death of her boyfriend Sam, Julie is broken until she reaches him over a phone call and we are taken down their journey as she decides whether to let him go or reveal to his family that she can reach him.
- ‘Punk 57’ by Penelope DouglAs
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This may appear as a high-school romance that can be found in Indigo’s #BookTok section, but proceed with caution because you’ll surely need a moment to breathe. This slow-burn romance isn’t for the faint of heart!
- ‘A Thousand Boy Kisses’ by Tille Cole
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In this teary childhood-friends-to-lovers standalone, we learn the most important life lesson about love no one can prepare you for. I’m so glad this book finally got some well-deserved attention after years.