Every Valentine’s Day, I spend my time under the covers reading a romance novel. The same thing every year, but it never gets old. I always tend to get lost in the books I read, and dream of being in that fantasy, especially on the one day of the year where romance is the center of attention. I love to read romance novels because the spark between the main characters is something I have always wanted, in addition to the chemistry that builds with every page. While I have read many romance novels, these are a few of my favorites that I fully recommend!
“The Do-Over” by Lynn Painter is a YA romance about a girl named Emille Horny and a boy named Nick. Emille had the worst Valentines Day of her life; her boyfriend cheated on her, she crashed her car, and much more, so she escapes to her grandmother’s house to eat a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. When she wakes up, she is stuck in the same time loop, and it is Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day. And the next. While repeating Valentine’s day, she coincidentally keeps finding Nick. Through their multiple interactions and meaningful exchanges, their lives start to intertwine without them even realizing that time is passing by. Going into this book, I was not sure how how I’d feel, but I ended up loving the book. If you love stories with a time loop and romance, you will love this book.
“Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh” by Rachel Lippincott is a YA lesbian romance between a girl named Audrey and one named Lucy. Audrey got dumped by her first love and got waitlisted from her dream school all in one week. Mr. Montgomery walks into her family’s convenience store and says he can help, but she does not except being transported back to 1812. Lucy Sinclair was surprised to find Audrey lying on the ground from two hundred years in the future. She admits that Audrey is a distraction from being courted with a man she has no interest in. The two girls try to figure out how to send Audrey home, while also learning a lot about each other and connecting in unexpected ways. This book is one of my all-time favorite books and I would totally recommend it to those who love time travel romance.
The third romance book I would recommend is “Kisses and Croissants” by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau. This book is a romance between Mia and a charming French boy named Louis. Mia travels to France in the summer for a ballet program. Louis is eager to show Mia around the city and Mia is gleaming at the thought of wrapping her hands around him, strolling on his vespa throughout the city of love. When I was younger, I was obsessed with the American Girl Doll movie: Grace Stirs Up Success. Reading this book allowed me to relive the experience I had watching that movie, and it made me feel nostalgic. If you like bitter-sweet love stories and a European summer romance, this is the book for you!
The last book I am going to mention is “Practice Makes Perfect” by Sarah Adams. This book is a romance between Annie Walker and Will Griffen. Annie works at a small flower shop, and she goes on a date, where the date describes her as boring. This is where Will comes in as she believes she needs good practice in the dating world. Will is the gorgeous bodyguard of Amelie Rose, who just so happens to be engaged to Annie’s brother Noah. Will helps Annie with dating practice to distract him from leaving this town of Rome, Kentucky. As they spend more time together, their bond starts to grow and start to wonder if this is all just practice or if it is real. This book is sweet and adorable and if you like springtime, or fake-dating romances, then this is the book for you!
I know what I will be doing on Valentine’s Day, reading a cute romance novel, and imaging I am in the book. I hope this will give all of you something fun and relaxing to do on this holiday, that for some may not be fun! Happy Reading!