Even though Valentine’s Day has passed, there is still time to keep the romance alive!  Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy and flowers; it’s also the perfect time to read a romance novel that makes you smile, laugh, or maybe even cry a little (shedding a few tears can be a good cathartic release, actually). If you love BookTok-style reads with strong chemistry, emotional moments, and unforgettable characters, these romance books are perfect for celebrating love this Valentine’s Day (or St.Patrick’s Day, or Easter, or any random weekend day…)

• The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

This book is basically chaos in the best way. It follows a girl who keeps reliving the same Valentine’s Day over and over, which means a lot of awkward moments, bad decisions, and chances to fix everything. It’s funny, relatable, and has great banter, so if you like enemies-to-lovers and rom-com vibes, this one is super easy to get into.

• First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

This is one of those cozy romances that just feels comforting. It’s about a radio show where people call-in to talk about love, get advice, or solve their problems. The romance builds slowly but emotionally in this novel; it’s not super dramatic, but it hits hard in a quiet way. It’s perfect if you like slow-burn romances that focus more on feelings than on drama.

• Flawless by Elsie Silver

If you love grumpy characters who don’t want to fall in love but who obviously are going to, this book is for you. It’s a small-town romance with lots of tension, strong chemistry, and found-family moments. The characters feel relatable and the relationship actually helps each of them grow as individuals outside of being a couple, which makes the plot even better. The story follows a professional bull rider whose career is spiraling and the publicist assigned to clean up his image forcing them to work closely together despite their clashing personalities.

• Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

This book is basically enemies-to-lovers done right. It follows Bee, a neuroscientist, who gets her dream job on a NASA project, but there is just one catch–she has to work with Levi, a guy she is sure has hated her since they were in grad school together. There are a lot of awkward moments and miscommunications which bring about a tension that slowly builds until it catches fire.  The romance is frustrating, but also really swoony. If you like smart, science-based romances with good banter, this one’s worth the hype.

• Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher

This is a second-chance romance about two people with a lot of history and unresolved feelings. It’s emotional without being over-the-top and focuses on personal growth and communication. Dahlia, an interior designer, and Julian, a wealthy businessman, are forced to work together again, which brings up their past and makes them question whether they’re ready to give their relationship another try. If you like slow burns and “what if we tried again?” energy, this book definitely fits. 

• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This book starts as a rivalry between the First Son of the United States and a British prince and slowly turns into something much deeper. Alex and Prince Henry are pushed to fake a friendship for the public, but it doesn’t take long for that tension to turn into a secret relationship. It’s funny and romantic while still being meaningful.  This book also touches on identity and acceptance while staying fun to read, which explains why it’s such a BookTok favorite.

• A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

This is not a light read, so be warned. It’s a super emotional story about first love and loss, and it will probably make you cry, like…a lot. The book follows Poppy and Rune as they grow up together and fall in love, only to face heartbreaking challenges that change their lives forever. It’s painful, but it’s also really beautiful, especially if you like books that stick with you long after you finish them.

You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

This book is heartbreaking but also kind of comforting at the same time. It focuses on grief, love, and learning how to move forward after losing someone you care about. After her boyfriend Sam suddenly dies, Julie discovers she can still talk to him through his old phone number which makes dealing with her loss even more complicated. It’s a very real and emotional read that takes its time with the healing process.  If you like love with a touch of the supernatural, this one is for you. 

• A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn

This fake-dating rom-com is messy, dramatic, and honestly just fun. The story follows Lottie and Huxley who agree to a fake-dating adventure, each for their own reasons, leading to a lot of banter, awkward situations, and obvious chemistry. It doesn’t take itself too seriously which makes it a great pick if you just want something entertaining and easy to read.

•  The Upside of Falling by Alex Light

This YA romance starts with a fake-dating situation but slowly turns into something real. Becca pretends she has a boyfriend to avoid embarrassment and Brett goes along with it, even though neither of them expects this “relationship” to actually mean anything. As they spend more time together, their relationship becomes more real and focuses on trust, vulnerability, and opening yourself up to love making it a perfect Valentine’s Day read.