When it comes to Valentine’s Day, you either love it or hate it — there is no one in the world that is just “meh” about this day of love. Whether you think its lame or adorable, it’s still a good reason to develop a themed list! I’m here with some classic rom-coms as well as some more unconventional picks for you to read during this season of love. Let’s get started!
one | The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Monique lives in modern-day New York and is writing about the life of the 50s movie starlet Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn chronicles her life to Monique, so much of the story actually taking place in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. As Evelyn tells Monique about the trials and tribulations she faced as a woman trying to reach stardom, and about her seven husbands throughout her lifetime, Monique gains a new sense of confidence in her own life because of the stories Evelyn is telling her, and she learns a terrible secret along the way.
two | It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Lilly didn’t have an easy childhood. From saving homeless boys from themselves to protecting her mother from her abusive father, she didn’t really get to be a kid. But, she moves to Boston once she graduates from college, and life couldn’t be better. She opens her own flower shop, falls in love with a neurosurgeon, and makes an amazing new best friend. Everything seems perfect, but one day, just 15 seconds, changes everything. When the boy from her past comes back into her life, Lilly doesn’t know what she should do. A beautiful story about love, loss, and second chances, Colleen Hoover is sure to drag you between the covers and leave you wanting more.
three | The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Addie LaRue made a deal with the devil 300 years ago, and no one has been able to remember her since. She has survived wars, the invention of planes, famines, and so much more without anyone remembering her name. Until she runs into a boy in a bookshop one day and everything changes. He remembers her. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is beautiful and, of course, heartbreaking. It reminds readers to live every day as if it were their last and to never be afraid to stand in the storm.
four | Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex is the First Son of the United States — his mom is the President — and Henry is the Prince of England. They are sworn enemies, until one day, they have to pretend to be best friends to save face after toppling a wedding cake at the royal wedding. What originally starts as a forced friendship, blossoms into a full-on love affair. This was a wonderful young adult romance that helped highlight other types of love stories for teens to look up to.
five | The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Follow Olive and Ethan, sworn enemies, on a delightful honeymoon meant for their siblings in this twisty contemporary romance sure to satisfy the heart. Olive’s twin, Ami, and Ethan’s brother, Dane, have a seafood buffet at their wedding that renders everyone sick except, of course, Olive and Ethan, who can’t stand each other. The two reluctantly take the trip to Maui that Ami won, and subsequently have to lie their butts off to Olive’s new boss and Ethan’s ex-girlfriend when they run into them both in Hawaii. Obviously, they fall in love, but my favorite part is a huge twist between Olive and Dane that will leave you fist-pumping in the air.
Happy reading,
Kimberly
