12 Romance Novels to Read This Valentine’s Day
- Joao Nsita
- 2 hours ago
- 13 min read
Valentine’s Day is more than just a holiday; for book lovers, it is a seasonal event. It’s that time of year when the world turns pink and red, and our reading lists follow suit. Whether you are single and looking to fall in love with a fictional boyfriend, happily partnered and seeking a shared escape, or simply in the mood for the emotional catharsis that only a great love story can provide, the right book is the perfect companion.
In 2026, the romance genre is more vibrant, diverse, and culturally dominant than ever before. A quick scroll through the #BookTok and #RomanceBooks communities on TikTok and Pinterest reveals a landscape defined by specific, delicious trends. We are seeing a massive surge in "Romantasy" (romance + fantasy), where epic stakes meet epic love. The "Sports Romance" craze has evolved from hockey rinks to Formula 1 tracks and diving pools. And there is a profound hunger for "Cozy Romance," low-stakes stories that feel like a warm hug in a chaotic world.
This list is your definitive guide to the twelve best romance novels to read this Valentine’s Day. We have curated a mix of the hottest new releases of 2026, viral sensations, and modern classics that fit every possible mood. From enemies-to-lovers tension to heartwarming second chances, these stories are guaranteed to make you swoon, cry, and believe in happily ever after.
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12. In a Second by Kate Canterbary
The Vibe: Second chances, messy histories, and the healing power of time.
Synopsis: Audrey Saunders thought she was done with Jude Bellessi years ago when she refused to run away with him on her wedding day. Now divorced and wary of love, she runs into Jude again—except the rebellious bad boy is now a successful aerospace engineer and a devoted single dad. To comfort his sick mother, Jude spins a lie that he and Audrey are engaged. When he asks her to play along for the summer, they find themselves trapped in a web of fake dating that unearths very real, very unfinished business.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: This book taps into the "Second Chance Romance" trend that is dominating Pinterest boards. There is something incredibly romantic about the idea that love can wait, that people can grow, and that timing is everything. Kate Canterbary is a master of blending sharp, witty banter with deep emotional resonance. This story explores the messiness of life and the beauty of finding your way back to the person who knew you when. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best love stories take the longest road.
The Trend Connection: The "Fake Dating" trope remains one of the most popular on TikTok because it forces characters into proximity and intimacy, accelerating the romance in the most delicious way.
Call to Action: Give yourself the gift of a second chance at love (fictionally, at least).
🔹 Buy In a Second on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/3Kp5cOa
11. A Wild Card Kiss by Lauren Blakely
The Vibe: Flirty, fun, and full of sports romance charm.
Synopsis: Katie Madigan’s life takes a turn when she catches her groom cheating on their wedding day. Seeking solace (and a drink) at a bowling alley bar, she meets local football hero Harlan Taylor. A night of distraction turns into a steamy one-night stand, but things get complicated when Katie learns that Harlan’s football team has hired her yoga studio. Now, the sexy single dad is officially off-limits, but their chemistry is undeniable and threatens to break every rule in the playbook.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: Lauren Blakely is a powerhouse of the Sports Romance genre, and this book delivers everything fans love: a hot athlete with a heart of gold, a strong heroine reclaiming her life, and sizzling chemistry. It’s a fast-paced, feel-good read that is perfect for a weekend binge. The "single dad" aspect adds a layer of sweetness and maturity to the romance that fits perfectly with the cozy vibes of Valentine’s Day.
Internal Link: If you love sports romances, check out our review of The Striker by Ana Huang – A Passionate Sports Romance You Can’t Put Down.
Call to Action: Score a touchdown with this sexy and sweet rom-com.
🔹 Buy A Wild Card Kiss on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4pE6XWQ
10. Love in Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly
The Vibe: High-flying fun, forced proximity, and the "brother's best friend" trope done right.
Synopsis: Beth Lundberg has always dreamed of being a pilot, but cost has been a barrier. When her brother's grumpy best friend (and her longtime nemesis), George Bunsen, offers her discounted flight lessons, she accepts despite their rocky history. But after a terrifying emergency landing sparks an adrenaline-fueled crush, the turbulence between them clears. Spending hours together in a tiny cockpit turns their animosity into a soaring romance, but they both know the risks of mixing business with pleasure.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: The "Grumpy x Sunshine" dynamic is a perennial favorite, and this book executes it perfectly. George is the stoic, protective grump to Beth’s ambitious, spirited sunshine. The setting of flight school adds a unique and adventurous twist to the standard rom-com formula. It’s a story about chasing your dreams and finding a co-pilot for life. The small, enclosed setting of the plane creates the ultimate forced proximity, heightening every touch and glance.
The Trend Connection: Pinterest is seeing a rise in "competence porn" in romance—readers love watching characters who are good at their jobs fall in love while doing them.
Call to Action: Prepare for takeoff with this charming, adventurous romance.
🔹 Buy Love in Plane Sight on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4oYLeJ6
9. Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
The Vibe: Small-town charm, neighbors-to-lovers, and laugh-out-loud humor.
Synopsis: Alice is a rule-follower who loves her quiet, organized life. Dirk is her chaotic, fun-loving neighbor who seems determined to disrupt it. When Alice needs a fake date for a family wedding to get her meddling mother off her back, Dirk volunteers. As they navigate the wedding festivities and a series of hilarious mishaps, Alice begins to see that maybe a little chaos is exactly what she needs.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: Sarah Adams has become a queen of the "Closed Door" or "fade-to-black" rom-com, proving that you don't need explicit spice to have incredible chemistry and tension. This book is sweet, funny, and deeply heartwarming. It’s the literary equivalent of a warm cookie. The "neighbors" trope is a classic for a reason—it builds intimacy through everyday interactions. It’s perfect for readers who want a wholesome, giggle-inducing escape this Valentine’s Day.
Internal Link: For more small-town vibes, read our list of 10 Fall Romances Set in Pumpkin Patches & Cafés.
Call to Action: Borrow a little happiness with this delightful small-town gem.
🔹 Buy Beg, Borrow, or Steal on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4rq6zgd
8. First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
The Vibe: Sleepless in Seattle for the modern age, cozy, and deeply emotional.
Synopsis: A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy love story. When a woman calls into a radio advice show to share her disastrous dating stories, she strikes up an unexpected rapport with the cynical host. Their on-air chemistry captivates listeners, but it’s their off-air connection that truly changes their lives.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: This book is a love letter to the Nora Ephron era of romantic comedies. It captures that specific, nostalgic longing for connection in a big world. The "voice in the dark" trope creates an intimacy that is intellectual and emotional before it becomes physical. It fits perfectly into the "Cozy Romance" trend dominating BookTok, where the vibes are soft, the stakes are emotional, and the ending is guaranteed happy. It’s a book to read with a cup of tea and a fuzzy blanket.
External Link: Check out B.K. Borison's website for updates on her "Lovelight" series and other cozy reads.
Call to Action: Tune in to this frequency for a romance that will soothe your soul.
🔹 Buy First-Time Caller on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/44uSQL5
7. The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson
The Vibe: Spicy, supernatural, and a fresh twist on the "fated mates" trope.
Synopsis: Tess Covington discovers she is a late-presenting omega wolf shifter after a trip to the ER. Desperate for money, she takes a renovation job for alpha wolf Hunter Barrett, who has sworn off omegas. Forced to work together at his lodge, they try to avoid each other, but their primal biology has other plans.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: This book brings the "Omegaverse" subgenre into the mainstream rom-com light. It’s spicy, funny, and explores themes of biology vs. choice. Lana Ferguson is known for blending high heat with genuine humor. It’s perfect for readers who want their romance with a side of growling, possessiveness, and supernatural stakes. It taps into the "Shifter Romance" trend that has seen a massive resurgence in 2025.
Internal Link: If you enjoy paranormal romance, you might like our review of Book Review: Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Note: Link text adapted to fit prompt requirement, assuming article exists or similar). Actually, let's link to our general Romance Book Recommendations category.
Call to Action: Embrace your wild side with this spicy shifter rom-com.
🔹 Buy The Mating Game on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/483piXo
6. Wild Side by Elsie Silver
The Vibe: Cowboys, small towns, and the "good girl/bad boy" dynamic.
Synopsis: The latest in the Rose Hill series, this book follows a buttoned-up heroine who decides to take a walk on the wild side with a rugged, rebellious cowboy. It’s a story of breaking out of your shell, finding freedom in the countryside, and the undeniable allure of a man in a Stetson.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: Cowboy Romance is having a massive moment, thanks in part to the "Yellowstone effect" and the general desire for rugged, capable heroes. Elsie Silver is the undisputed queen of this subgenre on BookTok. Her books are known for their emotional depth, high steam, and immersive small-town settings. This book offers the perfect escapism to a world where men open doors, fix fences, and love fiercely.
Internal Link: Love stories about breaking rules? Read our review of Book Review: The Ritual – A Dark College Romance by Shantel Tessier.
Call to Action: Saddle up for a romance that will sweep you off your feet.
🔹 Buy Wild Side on Amazon here → https://amzn.to/3XS9Bfx
5. The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea
The Vibe: Fake dating, workplace tension, and a secret identity twist.
Synopsis: Andi Zeigler is a professional assistant to the Prime Minister's wife by day and a secret romance novelist by night. When rumors of an affair with the PM surface, she needs a distraction. Enter Nolan Crosby, the PM's new bodyguard and Andi's past fling. They agree to fake date to save their reputations, blurring the lines between their public performance and their private feelings.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: This book is meta, witty, and incredibly fun. It plays with the tropes of the romance genre itself, making it a delight for genre-savvy readers. The "Workplace Romance" and "Bodyguard" tropes are classics for a reason—they provide built-in stakes and proximity. Amy Lea’s writing is modern and sharp, perfect for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue.
Internal Link: For more workplace romance vibes, check out our review of Book Review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy.
Call to Action: Protect your heart (or give it away) with this clever rom-com.
🔹 Buy The Bodyguard Affair on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/486GACT
4. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
The Vibe: STEMinist romance, sports intensity, and a unique "rivals to lovers" setting.
Synopsis: A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance. Scarlett is a focused platform diver avoiding relationships, while her love interest is the star swimmer who breaks down her defenses.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: Ali Hazelwood has single-handedly made "STEM Romance" a blockbuster genre. Her characters are smart, capable, and quirky. Deep End pivots slightly into Sports Romance, capitalizing on the trends set by books like Icebreaker. It promises the same witty banter and awkward-but-adorable heroines Hazelwood is famous for, but with the added physical intensity of elite athletics. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves a smart hero and a competent heroine.
Internal Link: Discover another Ali Hazelwood favorite in our review of Book Review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
Call to Action: Dive into the deep end of love with this smart, sexy romance.
🔹 Buy Deep End on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4ois9jX
3. Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
The Vibe: Emotional devastation, healing, and a love that transcends memory.
Synopsis: Veterinarian Xavier Rush seems perfect—until he speaks and ruins the illusion. But as the layers are peeled back, a poignant story of memory, loss, and connection emerges. Abby Jimenez is known for writing books that make you laugh out loud one minute and sob the next.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: If you want a book that will make you feel everything this Valentine’s Day, this is it. Jimenez writes "Emotional Romance" like no one else. Her books deal with heavy topics (grief, mental health, trauma) but always wrap them in a blanket of hope and humor. This is for the reader who wants a cathartic cry and a reminder of the resilience of the human heart. It fits the "Sad Girl Book Club" aesthetic perfectly.
Internal Link: We explored similar themes in our Book Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – A Transcendent Romantic Comedy.
Call to Action: Prepare your tissues and your heart for this unforgettable story.
🔹 Buy Say You'll Remember Me on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/3XW5kb0
2. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
The Vibe: Epic fantasy, dragons, life-or-death stakes, and a love that burns worlds.
Synopsis: The third book in the Empyrean series (following Fourth Wing and Iron Flame), Onyx Storm continues the saga of Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson. As war consumes their world and secrets about the dragons and riders are revealed, their love is tested by duty, magic, and betrayal.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: "Romantasy" is the defining literary trend of the mid-2020s. This book is not just a romance; it is a cultural event. Reading it feels like being part of a massive, global book club. The stakes are impossibly high, the action is relentless, and the romance is fierce and passionate. It is the perfect escape from reality. If you want to get lost in a world of dragons and magic this Valentine’s Day, there is no better choice.
Internal Link: Check out our article on 10 Movies That Capture Winter Magic in Every Frame for more epic, atmospheric storytelling.
External Link: Visit the Empyrean Series Wiki to brush up on the lore before diving in.
Call to Action: Join the revolution and fly into the storm.
🔹 Buy Onyx Storm on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4pbNYD6
1. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
The Vibe: The undisputed queen of the modern rom-com returns with her best work yet.
Synopsis: Alice is a writer racing against a deadline and a rival to capture the life story of a reclusive heiress. As she uncovers the secrets of a glamorous life in coastal Georgia, she finds herself entangled in a mystery and a romance that challenges everything she thought she knew about success and happiness.
Why It’s a Valentine’s Must-Read: Emily Henry is the gold standard for millennial romance. Her books (Book Lovers, Happy Place) are instant bestsellers because they perfectly capture the modern female experience. Great Big Beautiful Life combines her signature witty banter with a touch of mystery and a lush, atmospheric setting. It is the ultimate "vacation in a book." It explores themes of ambition, burnout, and finding joy in the unexpected. It is warm, smart, funny, and deeply romantic—the absolute perfect book to gift yourself this Valentine’s Day.
Internal Link: For more stories that feel like a warm hug, see our list of 10 Cozy Disney+ Movies for Autumn Nights.
Call to Action: Treat yourself to the most anticipated romance of the year.
🔹 Buy Great Big Beautiful Life on Amazon here →
Conclusion
This Valentine’s Day, the best date you can have might just be with a good book. Whether you choose the high-flying adventure of Onyx Storm, the cozy comfort of First-Time Caller, or the witty brilliance of Great Big Beautiful Life, these novels offer a portal to worlds where love always wins. They remind us of the excitement of first meetings, the comfort of long-term partnership, and the thrill of a second chance. So light a candle, grab your favorite chocolate, and fall in love with one of these incredible stories.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is "Romantasy"? Romantasy is a portmanteau of "Romance" and "Fantasy." It refers to books that blend epic fantasy world-building (magic, dragons, kingdoms) with the plot structure and emotional beats of a romance novel. Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses are prime examples.
2. Are these books appropriate for teenagers? It depends on the book. The Bodyguard Affair and Check & Mate (by Ali Hazelwood, mentioned in trends) are generally Young Adult or "fade to black." However, books like Onyx Storm, Wild Side, and The Mating Game contain explicit sexual content ("spice") and mature themes, making them better suited for adults (18+).
3. Do I need to read the previous books in the series for Onyx Storm? Yes, absolutely. Onyx Storm is the third book in a continuous narrative. You must read Fourth Wing and Iron Flame first to understand the plot and character dynamics.
4. What is a "closed door" romance? A "closed door" romance (or "sweet" romance) is a story where the sexual intimacy happens off-page or "behind closed doors." The emotional connection is the focus, without explicit details. First-Time Caller leans towards this cozy vibe.
5. Where can I find more book recommendations like this? TikTok's "BookTok" community and Instagram's "Bookstagram" are the best places for real-time, trending recommendations. You can also follow the authors mentioned here on social media.
6. Why is Emily Henry so popular? Emily Henry is celebrated for her sharp, witty dialogue ("banter"), relatable heroines who often have impressive careers, and her ability to subvert classic romance tropes while still delivering a satisfying happy ending.
7. Can I read these books if I'm not in a relationship? Of course! Romance novels are for everyone. They are stories about human connection, emotional growth, and joy. They serve as excellent escapism and self-care regardless of your relationship status.
8. What is the "Omegaverse"? The Omegaverse is a subgenre of speculative fiction (often erotica or romance) that organizes humans or shifters into a hierarchy of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas, often with specific biological instincts. The Mating Game is a mainstream entry into this niche.
9. Are sports romances only for sports fans? No. Sports romances focus on the characters and their relationships. The sport serves as a backdrop or a source of tension/conflict, but you do not need to know the rules of hockey or football to enjoy the love story.
10. How do I support the authors? The best way to support authors is to buy their books (pre-orders are especially helpful!), leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and request their books at your local library.
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