The Best Books to Read To Get Into the Valentine's Day Spirit

I am a Valentine’s girl. I love the pink and red, I love the chocolate and candies, the cards just letting people know you’re thinking of them. it’s a nice focus after the gloom of January. I read Romance year round, so I do feel it is my duty to highlight some fantastic options to read during in February, when everyone wants a little more love in their life.

Backlist

A Queen’s Game—If you love the show Bridgerton, this is a great book to pick up. Like McGee’s other books, it’s told in multiple POV’s and follows three young women of royal or noble birth during the Victorian era. I thought it was the author’s best written book so far. I loved the stakes of the characters, the historical aspect, and how so much hasn’t changed in relationships. I can’t wait for book 2!

The Next Best Fling—Fake Dating is one of the most elite tropes in my opinion and I had so much fun diving into this book last year! It’s a librarian and former NFL player, who happen to be be best friends. When Theo wants to confess his feelings for his brother’s fiancee, Marcella convinces him to stop…but when they show up at brunch together the next day everyone assumes they’re together now. They agree to save face while Theo works out his feelings until the wedding…

Savor It—I love all of Tarah’s books and I think this is a great one to get to know her writing. It’s another fake dating romance (I told you it’s my favorite) between Sage, a long time resident of the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon, and Fisher, a shamed chef from NYC who was sent west for a summer sabbatical. Sage agrees to improve his reputation in town and Fisher agrees to help make her newly engaged ex jealous. Can you see where this will go?

This Could Be Us—Anytime you want to read a book that will make your heart pump faster and feel like it’s breaking in two, pick up a Kennedy Ryan. This is the second book in the Skyland series after Before I Let Go. This is Soledad’s book and has a forbidden, tension filled romance.

The Partner Plot—Accidental marriage in Vegas! But…they’re former high school flames. It’s second chance, accidental/marriage of convenience. It’s such a delicious, high stake story. I highly recommend this one on audio too!

Be Mine in Valentine—A cutie little novella that captures all the Valentine’s energy with a matchmaking barista and travel reviewer in the idyllic small town of Valentine, Vermont.

The Roommate—I remember when this book came out it the premise seemed to scandalize a lot of people, but it’s not as scandalous as you’re imagining. Clara moves across country at the supposed request of her childhood crush, only to find she’s sharing a space with a charming stranger, Josh. Who has made a name for himself in the adult film industry. I actually really liked how this book addressed desire and “shame.” It’s a fun and fast read!

Fake It Til You Bake It—If you’re looking for something lighter spice but still full of tension and fun, try this book about a reality star and cupcake baking football star! Jada is hated across America for turning down a marriage proposal on a reality dating show so she heads home and take a job at a new bakery owned by Donovan, a professional football player. One things leads to another and obviously, fake dating occurs to save both their reputations and the bakery.

New Releases & Novellas

Beg, Borrow, Or Steal—This is on my February TBR and the hype so far has been that it is Sarah Adam’s best book yet! It’s a rivals to lovers romance between two feuding second grade teachers.

First-Time Caller—While this isn’t out until February 11, 2025, PLEASE tell me you’ll read it. I loved this book so much. It’s filled with such fantastic tension, you’ll have no choice but to keep reading. It follows Lucie, a single mom who winds up the co-host of a love podcast with a grumpy, jaded radio host. The found family is incredible and the characters’ chemistry leap off the page.

Spiral—A fun, quick sports romance starring a pro-hockey player and professional ballerina. It dives into some deeper topics like parents with addiction, assault, and independence as well. I really enjoyed it!

Dream Girl Drama—It’s not a Valentine’s post without a Tessa Bailey. This is her latest release and I have a feeling it is going to be as fun and slightly ridiculous as her other books. And it’s another hockey romance! Hockey player and country club cutie.

The Improbable Meet Cute Collection—This is a novella series that you don’t need to read in order or all of them! I loved the Abby Jimenez one the most last year but they’re a great when you want to read something in one sitting that feel festive and lovie for this month.

Be sure to leave any of your recommendations in the comments so others can add more to their TBRs!