Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and what better way to set the mood than with a romance book?
This list is compiled of eight books, including fiction, classics and some young adult. There are enemies to lovers, fake dating, running away together- something for everyone. This list includes LGBTQIA+ romances as well.
I, myself, love a romance book every once in a while and I know that these books will make your heart skip a beat.
Let’s start with fiction.
1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”- Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book follows journalist Monique Grant as she approaches a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; the chance to help write famous Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo’s memoir. Evelyn was a superstar during the early years of Hollywood and was known for having a very taboo love life (seven husbands). The book jumps between the past and the present as Evelyn unfolds her love story and the secrets that it holds. This book is historical fiction, LGBTQ+ and shows what it means to truly leave a legacy.
2. “The Unhoneymooners”- Christina Lauren
Ever think you were born unlucky? Meet the unlucky Olive Torres. Her twin sister Amy is getting married, (featuring a free venue and free food that she won) and Olive just wants the day to be over. But when Amy and her husband get sick she needs someone to take her honeymoon trip to Hawaii. Olive volunteers and the only other guest available is the best man Ethan (who she can’t stand). You can’t go wrong with enemies to lovers at the beach.
3. “Red, White and Royal Blue”- Casey McQuiston
In this LGBTQ+ romance, you meet Alex and Henry. Here’s the catch: they both come from high-status families. Alex is the first son of the United States and Henry is a British Prince. The book follows the two of them as they balance fame and fun with pressure from their families as well as the media. The book also deals with politics and responsibilities for their countries.
Now onto some young adult fiction.
4. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”- Jenny Han
In “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” we meet a hopeless romantic junior in high school, Lara Jean Covey. She has spent her life chasing crushes and recording her feelings in various letters addressed to each one. One day, her letters mysteriously are sent out to all the boys she loved and now she has to face the consequences. This book features fake dating; however, it puts the importance on sharing your true feelings. This book was adapted to the big screen in 2018 starring Lana Condor.
5. “Zyla and Kai”- Kristina Forest
Meet Zyla and Kai, high school seniors on a school trip in The Poconos. The story takes off as soon as the two of them run away together mid-trip. Here’s the catch: the two of them have been broken up for months. This leaves their peers confused; why the sudden change of heart? What could possibly become of the two of them?
6. “They Both Die At The End”- Adam Silvera
On a sadder note, this book is set in a dystopian, futuristic society where you get a phone call on the day you are going to die. This system is called Death-Cast and they give you a countdown in your final moments so you can enjoy your last day on earth. Mateo and Rufus both get the call on the same day and decide to spend their final day together. The title does not prepare you for what happens in the book. It is an LGBTQ+ romance that teaches appreciation of life and loved ones.
Who can forget about the classics?
7. “Pride and Prejudice”- Jane Austen
This classic follows Elizabeth Bennet and the Bennet family in early 19th-century England. Elizabeth is one of five sisters who all happen to be looking for husbands. Elizabeth learns about herself and society throughout the novel. At the same time, she deals with the difficult Mr. Darcy and the budding romance that cannot help but form between them. This book is the original enemies-to-lovers and has been adapted many times including the iconic 2005 movie starring Keira Knightley.
8. “A Room With a View”- E.M Forster
Similarly to “Pride and Prejudice,” this story is also set in the time period in which it was written. It follows upper-class Lucy Honeychurch and her battle with societal norms. She is faced with many choices about her life and possible husbands. She is approached by two love interests and ultimately, like every love story, has to follow her heart.
Swooning yet? Spread the love and get to reading.
