As John Paul Young’s “Love is in the Air” begins to play on a vicious cycle in my head, I know Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Typically, as a non-Valentine’s Day celebrant around this time of year, I search for a new romance novel to celebrate the “love that’s in the air.” Romance books are always available, but there’s something about a new release or discovering a classic romance that makes the month of love just that much better! If you want a fun romantic novel, consider one of the books below to celebrate Cupid’s Day!
Classic and Modern Romance Novels
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. It follows the perfect female protagonist, Elizabeth Bennett, who has a run-in with the cold, ivory-tower Mr. Darcy. This story is one of the most famous friend-to-lovers stories and is phenomenal. The characters surrounding Elizabeth include her sweet father, pushy mother, and the intimidating Mr. Collins. However, with each page, you will see each character’s relatability and why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – especially the surprising Mr. Darcy. If you haven’t read it, please do. You won’t be disappointed!
Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfield
If you prefer a more modern retelling of the classic, try Eligible. In it, you follow Liz, a magazine writer who lives with her sister Jane in New York City. Immediately into the story, the sisters learn their father has a health scare, and they must return to their childhood home, where they discover the home in deep decline. Kitty and Lydia remain self-centered young women, and Mrs. Bennett continues to strive to marry off her daughters.
Introducing Chip Bingley, the new resident doctor who has also been on reality TV and his best friend, neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy and Elizabeth begin on shaky ground, but soon, impressions change. This quirky, funny romance novel will make Pride and Prejudice’s devoted followershappy.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
With her divorce on the horizon, Dr. Briana Ortiz is swearing off men – she doesn’t have time for the romance nonsense. Her brother is in desperate need of a kidney donor; she wants to win the promotion, and she is trying to get on with her life. Insert Dr. Jacob Maddox – a quiet, somewhat awkward medical professional.
To apologize for his awkwardness, Jacob writes Briana a letter, and suddenly, Briana has a pen pal. When Jacob hears of Benny, Briana’s brother’s condition, he tests to see if he could be a kidney donor. What if the person who most surprises you becomes a lifesaver and your soulmate?
Enjoy this quirky and hilarious romantic book! If you like this author, check out her other romantic novels!
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Two complete opposites, one serendipitous moment, and the rest is history. Poppy and Alex have spent most of a decade making memories by traveling for one week each summer. One trip made for an awkward chapter in their friendship, and they haven’t spoken since.
After two years of silence, Poppy decides enough is enough and invites Alex on one final trip for a week of fun. She has many pent-up emotions and wants to clear the air – does the friendship last, or do they choose to take the plunge?
If you want a romantic novel about second chances, try this one!
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Another great enemies-to-lovers romantic read, The Unhoneymooners, follows Olive, a recently unemployed, unlucky young woman who participates in her sister Ami’s wedding. The wedding is financed by the contests Ami wins, and while a wedding is a time to celebrate the joining of two families, Olive is dreading spending the day with her nemesis, Ethan Thomas.
What could possibly go wrong? How about everyone at the wedding gets food poisoning except Olive and Ethan, who must take their siblings’ honeymoon so the tickets don’t go to waste? Agreeing to peace for the honeymoon, Ethan and Olive fly to Maui, where they pretend to be recently married. When the farce turns into real feelings, what could happen?
Enjoy this laugh-out-loud romance novel. I highly recommend the audiobook for this story!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This romance novel follows Linus Baker, a Type A caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is tasked with a new case – determining whether six “dangerous” magical children will bring the end of civilization.
Living in an orphanage at the end of the world, all of the children feel loved and safe, thanks to Arthur Parnassus, the master of the orphanage. This one-of-a-kind story includes the most epic love story, surprising, hilarious moments, and a beautiful story about how you can’t pick your biological family. Still, you can certainly build your chosen family.
If you want an LGBT+ romance novel, try this amazing book!
Give an independent author a try!
Love and Work by Dahlia Dempsey
Alice is seeking a change in her life. After quitting a job she once loved, she starts fresh with a new company. Her best friend, Becks, thinks Alice needs a rebound, but she’s unsure. When a setup date with Logan—a cocky but attractive guy—fails to impress her, she believes it’s over. Unexpectedly, they run into each other again and develop a genuine friendship.
However, their friendship quickly becomes complicated as Alice navigates feelings for Logan and Ryder, a sexy, mysterious man she meets at a bar. Alice must decide which truly has her heart, knowing that love and work can be tricky.
Which romance novels am I missing?
I typically read romance novels to bring some levity between more serious novels – especially books that make me cry. However, I love swapping novels with my family and friends; everyone has their favorite, so please share yours!
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