Swoon-Worthy Romance Book Recommendations for this Valentine’s Day

Wanderlust by Elle Everhart is the perfect second-chance romance for the travel-hungry romance reader. In the London magazine scene, our main character, Dylan Coughlan, impulsively enters a radio contest to win an all expenses paid trip around the world. The only catch is she must go with a partner, not of her choosing... her travel partner is randomly chosen from her contact list. This leads us to none other than, "Jack the Posho," as he is labeled in her phone— a guy she met one night and then ghosted. Will the forced proximity of a worldwide trip help to blossom a romance? Or will this trip end into chaos?

Ali Hazelwood is famous for her STEMinist novels, and Love, Theoretically does not disappoint. Elsie Hannaway is a woman of many hats— an adjunct professor of theoretical physics and also a fake girlfriend to attend to other people's needs. She's pretended to be so many people that she can't even remember who Elsie really is. But when hot-shot scientist, Jack Smith, the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor's career recognizes her as the fake-girlfriend of his younger brother, Elsie's favorite client, her entire life starts to crumble. Because, of course, Jack Smith of all people, stands on the hiring committee between her and her dream job. This rivals-to-lovers novel is heart-warming, steamy, and amazingly introspective.

In the mood for a graphic novel series? Look no further than to the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. Heartstopper is centered around Charlie, a teenaged boy who was bullied at school for his sexuality, and his new friend Nick, a rugby-player and all-around "lad." Charlie and Nick's newfound friendship seems to be leaning in another direction, but the whole school seems convinced that Nick is straight. This series is ongoing, and it is beautifully-written and sweet, with the cutest main couple you'll ever read about.

Bree Camden, dancer, and her best friend Nathan Donelson, star quarter-back, are just friends, in The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams. But is that how they want to be? Regardless of their feelings, in the interest of saving Nathan's career, they must fake-date; and they are both nervous of the truth of their feelings towards each other coming out...

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a queer romance that defies time zones and politics. First-son Alex Claremont-Diaz is good press for the American White House... most of the time. But other times, he destroys international cakes with British Prince Henry and is forced to do damage control. Maybe damage control isn't such a bad thing though, because as the line into friendship and even more gets blurred, the international politics get even more convoluted.

If you just want a light "Wattpad"-like read, then The Upside of Falling by Alex Light is perfect for you. Originally published on Wattpad, this novel follows Becca Hart, who absolutely does not believe in true love, but is forced to lie about being in a relationship. In comes Brett Wells, captain of the football team and most popular guy at school, who is too focused on his future to have obtained a prom date. Queue the fake relationship— but as they get closer, lines start to blur...

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon has even the perfect Valentine's Day color-scheme! Barrett Bloom is excited to start college, but on the first day of class, Sept. 21, her excitement immediately dwindles. She's embarrassed in class by a know-it-all named Miles, botches an interview, and sets a fraternity house on fire. And on top of that, she can't even sleep in her own bed, because when she gets home, her roommate's locked her out. Hoping the next day will get better, Barrett wakes up in the morning, only to realize it's Sept. 21... again. Alone and afraid, she discovers that Miles is the only other person stuck in this time loop, and has been for months. Following a Groundhog Day-esque format, these two need to find a way out of the repeating timeline, together.

Maybe the healthy romance novels are too common for you and you're looking to branch out to read something more... toxic. CW: These characters are very toxic and this behavior should never be tolerated in real life. If you're interested in a book series that has all the drama and complexity of Gossip Girl but is set in England, look no further than Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings. This first novel follows London socialite Magnolia Parks and her bad-boy boyfriend BJ Ballentine. After years of breaking each other's hearts, they still can't seem to quit each other. But after all this time, they're left wondering "how many loves do you really get in a lifetime?"