Your Guide to the Perfect Valentine's Day Romance Novel
Love is in the air! With Valentine's Day just around the corner, everyone's hearts are a flutter. Whether you're cuddled up with your special someone or flying solo this February 14th, there's no better time to celebrate love in all its glorious forms. And what better way to do that than by getting lost in a passionate romance novel?
Romance novels are more than just fluffy escapism. They're journeys of the heart, filled with characters we can't help but root for, steamy scenes that make our toes curl, and happily-ever-afters that leave us sighing with contentment. They remind us that love is powerful, messy, and oh-so-worth it.
So, whether you're a seasoned romance reader or a curious newcomer, we invite you to join us on a literary adventure this Valentine's Day. We'll be exploring all kinds of romance novels, from classic historicals to contemporary rom-coms to spicy romantasy tales. Get ready to swoon, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two, because these books are guaranteed to give you all the feels.
Best Contemporary Romance
Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major
Trapped in a perpetual Monday, Emma relives the same day on an endless loop in Cesca Major's "Maybe Next Time." Her life, once bustling with work and family, morphs into a desperate game of chance as she tries to avert a tragedy looming over her husband, Dan. Each iteration reveals hidden cracks in their seemingly perfect partnership, forcing Emma to confront unspoken truths and redefine the meaning of love. Through Dan's poignant letters, interspersed with Emma's frantic present, we glimpse the tender threads of their past, unraveling a tapestry of missed opportunities and whispered regrets. Can a single day hold the key to changing fate, or must Emma rewrite her entire life to save the man she loves? This emotionally charged time-loop novel is a powerful meditation on second chances, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones we rewrite.
The Seven year Slip by Ashley Poston
In Ashley Poston's whimsical romance "The Seven Year Slip," prepare for a mind-bending twist on time travel and falling in love. Clementine, a heartbroken book publicist, inherits her eccentric aunt's apartment, unaware it possesses a magical ability to shift seven years into the past. Enter Ben, a charming yet troubled artist, who inadvertently becomes her roommate – across the temporal divide.
Through post-it notes and stolen glances, their connection transcends the seven-year gap. Clementine finds solace in Ben's kindness and wit, while Ben discovers a future he longs to reach. But their budding romance faces insurmountable odds. Can love truly blossom when your soulmate exists in a different time?
"The Seven Year Slip" is a heartwarming and witty exploration of love, loss, and the power of connection. As Clementine and Ben navigate the complexities of their impossible relationship, you'll be swept away by their emotional journey, rooting for their happiness even as fate seems determined to keep them apart. Packed with humor, tenderness, and a touch of the fantastical, this book is a perfect escape for anyone who believes in the magic of love, no matter the obstacles.
Forget picture-perfect couples and predictable beach reads. Emily Henry's "Happy Place" dives into the bittersweet reality of a brokenhearted vacation. Harriet and Wyn, once the epitome of couple goals, have secretly broken up months ago. Yet, they find themselves back at their annual Maine cottage with their best friends, pretending everything's fine. Through alternating past and present chapters, we relive their idyllic years while facing the raw ache of their present. Laughter mixes with longing, secrets bubble beneath the surface, and the question burns: can their 'happy place' ever be the same, and can love bloom again from the ashes of heartbreak? "Happy Place" is a captivating and deeply relatable tale about love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship, perfect for anyone who's ever wondered if happily ever after can get a second chance.
Best Romantasy Novels
Forget delicate princesses and fire-breathing beasts. In Rebecca Yarros' "Fourth Wing," Violet Sorrengail is thrown into the brutal world of dragon riders against all odds. Undersized and underestimated, she faces not only fire-breathing threats, but also a cutthroat system where survival demands more than dragon scales. With her sharp wit and fierce determination, Violet must forge an unlikely bond with a powerful dragon, navigate a war-torn kingdom, and unravel a dangerous secret. This isn't your typical fairytale—it's a high-flying, heart-pounding adventure where love and defiance soar under the wings of dragons.
What the river knows by Isabel Ibanez
The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in 19th century Egypt, filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.
Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that's been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns for the most: her globetrotting parents - who frequently leave her behind when they venture off on their exploring adventures.
When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archaeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there's more to her parent's disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.
Bes YA Romance Books
In "Check & Mate" by Ali Hazelwood, prepare for a clever and swoon-worthy romance where chess takes center stage. Mallory Greenleaf, a former prodigy ostracized from the game, unexpectedly faces off against the notorious "Kingkiller," Nolan Sawyer, reigniting both her competitive spirit and a spark of something more. As they navigate tense matches and witty banter, their rivalry threatens to blossom into something far more intoxicating than a checkmate.
Destiny, magic, true love . . .
Remy is in love with her best friend Cam, and a winter trip to Japan provides the perfect setting to tell him how she truly feels. But when a mystical tea leaf reading reveals they’re not meant to be together, Remy and Cam find themselves in a secret magical apothecary in their search for answers.
Here they are offered an ancient soulmate elixir - but upon drinking it they are plunged into chaos when Cam's memories of Remy completely disappear.
They must travel through Tokyo to rediscover Cam’s memories and make new ones, for if Remy can't help restore Cam's memories before midnight on New Year’s Eve, they’ll be cursed to forget each other . . . forever.
Best Historical Romance Novels
Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo
Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds - but the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship, played out against their post-war city, and Vincenzo's family's beautiful vineyard. But when shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, the bright future they dreamed of together is shattered.
New York, 2017. Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other's family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass's grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide to reveal a secret that changes everything . . .
At The Foot of The Cherry Tree by Alli Parker
n Alli Parker's captivating novel "At the Foot of the Cherry Tree," we embark on a poignant journey through history, witnessing the blossoming love story between Keiko, a young Japanese woman, and Gordon, an Australian serviceman, amidst the ashes of World War II. Their forbidden romance blooms in post-war Japan, defying cultural barriers and societal judgments.
Keiko, with her gentle spirit and resilience, captures Gordon's heart under the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms. Their love faces insurmountable challenges, from navigating language barriers and cultural differences to confronting disapproval from both families and the lingering prejudices of a war-torn world.
Their tale intertwines with the turbulent history of the first wave of Japanese war brides arriving in Australia in the early 1950s. We witness Keiko's struggles to adapt to a new culture, facing discrimination and loneliness while battling to build a life with Gordon. Their journey is paved with both heartbreaking hardships and moments of exquisite joy, as they fight for their love and carve their own place in a world hesitant to accept them.
"At the Foot of the Cherry Tree" is a powerful testament to the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. It's a story that celebrates courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of two souls determined to make their love bloom against all odds. Prepare to be swept away by Keiko and Gordon's captivating romance, a poignant reminder that love transcends borders and cultural divides, leaving a lasting impression that resonates long after the final page is turned.
...swept off your feet. Skip the crowded restaurants; this Valentine's Day, say "I love you" with a literary adventure curated by Booxies. Forget generic bouquets and predictable boxes of candy - choose a pre-selected gift box teeming with romance novels handpicked for your soulmate's taste. Imagine their delight as they discover a captivating adventure, a steamy escape, or a witty rom-com waiting to ignite their imagination. Let Booxies be your cupid this February 14th, delivering the perfect pairing of passion and prose. Order your unique Booxies today and snuggle up for a cosy night in, ready to fall head over heels for the perfect literary Valentine.
Build your own booxies now with up to 2 books and up to 3 Australian products. All carefully selected and added to our collection. Enjoy it yourself or send it to your bookish friend.
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