…or a great Galentine’s. Up to you, my friends. 😉

Much as I despise Valentine’s Day, you all know I’m a sucker for some romance novels. Here are some of my mushy-gushy favorites, if you’d rather spend February 14th in bed with a great read!

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

This one goes without saying! No explanation needed. I originally read Pride & Prejudice when I was too young to appreciate its wit and sarcasm, but ever since I read it I have seen or read the story a thousand different ways (trust me, a thousand at least), and it just gets better and better. The classic love interest in Mr. Darcy never loses its appeal for me, and it remains one of my all time favorites. A great cozy read if you’re looking for a romance for the ages. Get a gorgeous copy of Austen’s best here.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

I love, love, love Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series. It’s my understanding that the entire thing is already published on the internet somewhere, but I’ve been picking away at her published graphic novels of the story as they get released. I’m anxiously awaiting the fourth this year! Oseman nails a sticky sweetness between Charlie & Nick, without getting bogged down in a negative perception of gay relationships and how that affects our characters. And what I mean by that, primarily, is that all the adults, and the majority of their peers, have very wholesome and awesome reactions to Nick and Charlie. As important as it is to pay attention to the negative, I think it is equally important to model the good, and I love that Heartstopper is just that: all-around feel-good romance. I hope you give it a try, even if graphic novels aren’t your usual go-to! Pick up the first book here.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Talia’s novels were on a shortlist when I made My Favorite Contemporary Romance a few months back. I love Talia’s wit and charm when she writes, and Chloe was my absolute favorite character in the series. She won me over from the start. Her unabashed bubbliness and good humor in contrast to Red’s mysteriousness and broody demeanor was too cute for words, and an utter surprise from what I was expecting from the novel. Chloe is my favorite, but I am undeniably a Dani. 😉 I hope you’ll pick up the whole series, but for sure start here or read my full review here!

Simmer Down by Sarah Smith

Simmer Down was an unexpected favorite of mine last year! I read Faker when it came out and loved the premise, but not so much the execution (though I did read the whole thing in a night, so it couldn’t have been that bad I suppose). The story behind her newest though sounded so good (food truck wars in Hawaii?!), I figured she was worth a second try, and I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed Simmer Down and the fun enemies-to-lovers trope (those are my favorite)! Grab a copy here.

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

Another surprising hit for me! The title of You Had Me at Hola was just soooo cheesy, I felt like there was no way I could possibly like it. But I kept seeing good reviews from people whose taste I trusted, and it was all over bookstagram…so I thought, what the hell? I’m so glad I gave it the fair shot it deserved. Another sticky sweet romance, I think you’ll fall in love with Jasmine and Ashton. I didn’t love her next novel quite as much, but I will still keep reading her works. She has talent and an awesome voice (and I get a little thrill every time I can understand the Spanish sprinkled throughout without the aid of Google Translate, lol). Get yours here.

And there you have it! Pick up one of these great books instead of a box of chocolates. You can thank me later. 🙂 Have a wonderful and cozy winter season!