“You can fall in love: someone will catch you.”
Looking for the best Valentine’s Day books to read this year? Whether you’re spending the day with a loved one or prepping for a solo cosy night in, there’s nothing better than diving into a romantic book for Valentine’s Day. From swoon-worthy rom-coms to heartwarming historical love stories, there’s a perfect Valentine’s read out there for everyone. Today at What We Reading we’re pulling together the must-read Valentine’s Day books brimming with passion, slow-burning tension and unforgettable love stories. Whether you prefer lighthearted romantic comedies or deeply emotional novels, there are the perfect books to fall in love with. So, grab a warm blanket, pour a glass of wine (hot chocolate is also acceptable) and discover the perfect Valentine’s Day books that are guaranteed to sweep you off your feet!
The Love Hypothesis – Ali Hazelwood
Kicking off our list of the best Valentine’s Day books is Ali Hazelwood’s bestseller, The Love Hypothesis. This swoon-worthy contemporary romance novel follows Olive Smith, a PhD student who finds herself in an unexpected fake dating romance with Adam Carlsen, a brilliant albeit grumpy professor.
To reassure her best friend that she’s moved on, Olive spontaneously kisses Adam – only for him to agree to go along with her charade. What begins as a pretend relationship soon leads to undeniable chemistry, complete with slow-burn tension and heart-melting moments. With witty banter, forced proximity and an irresistible opposites-attract dynamic, Ali Hazelwood more than delivers the perfect blend of comedy, STEM romance and emotional depth.
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Part Of Your World (Part Of Your World #1) – Abby Jimenez
Alexis Montgomery is a sophisticated ER doctor from an affluent and upstanding family. Daniel Grant is a charming small-town carpenter with a heart of gold. After a chance encounter leaves them stranded together, Alexis finds herself drawn into Daniel’s world – a place far removed from the high expectations and pressures of her privileged life. Their romantic connection is undeniable, but their slow-burn romance is destined to fail with Alexis’ career and family obligations pulling her in one direction and Daniel’s small-town roots keeping him tied to another.
With laugh-out-loud moments, deep emotional stakes and a picturesque small-town setting, Part of Your World delivers a swoon-worthy love story that explores healing, belonging and choosing happiness. If you love small-town romance tales with grumpy/sunshine dynamics, found family themes and an unforgettable love story, this is the perfect Valentine’s Day read for you.
The Siren Of Sussex (Belles Of London #1) – Mimi Matthews
Set in Victorian England, Mimi Matthews’ The Siren of Sussex follows Evelyn Maltravers, a headstrong young woman determined to make a name for herself in society – not through traditional beauty, but through her exceptional horseback riding skills and bold fashion choices.
To stand out in the competitive marriage market, Evelyn reaches out to Ahmad Malik for help. Ahmad is a gifted tailor of Anglo-Indian heritage whose stunning designs could make her unforgettable. As Evelyn and Ahamd work together, their forbidden romance soon starts to blossom, challenging the rigid social norms that threaten to keep them apart. With rich detail, a strong-willed heroine and tantalising romance, The Siren of Sussex is one of the most beautifully written period pieces and a must-read historical romance for Valentine’s Day.
Better Than The Movies (Better Than The Movies #1) – Lynn Painter
If you love romantic comedy books with friends-to-lovers romance, Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a perfect Valentine’s Day read brimming with charm, nostalgia and swoon-worthy callbacks any veteran of the genre is sure to recognise.
Liz Buxbaum has always been a hopeless romantic, dreaming of a love story plucked straight from a rom-com. So, when her childhood crush, Michael, moves back into town, she spies the perfect chance to build her own happily ever after. The only issue? She needs help catching his eye – and the best person for the job is her infuriating (but annoyingly handsome) next-door neighbour, Wes. As Liz and Wes scheme to make Michael notice her, she begins to see that the best love stories aren’t always the ones you plan.
Twice Shy – Sarah Hogle
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle follows Maybell Parish, a woman who unexpectedly inherits a crumbling estate in the mountains after her grandmother’s passing. When she arrives at the house, she is introduced to Wes, the brooding and mysterious groundsman, who has spent years caring for the property and isn’t keen for anyone to come along and change it. But, as Maybell and Wes begin working together, their differences spark a palpable chemistry.
Though Maybell is drawn to Wes and his quiet strength, she struggles with her own fears and insecurities. Their forced proximity and slow-burn romance unfolds against a backdrop of small-town life, making this a perfect Valentine’s Day read for anyone who loves good grumpy/sunshine dynamics, quirky heroines and emotional, healing love stories. Twice Shy is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, love takes you by surprise, and the best things in life are worth fighting for.
The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient #1) – Helen Hoang
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is a heartfelt and steamy romance novel that centres around Stella Lane, a brilliant mathematician with Asperger’s who is well out of her comfort zone when it comes to relationships. After a succession of awkward dating experiences, she decides to hire an escort, Michael, to help her perfect the art of romance.
What begins as a fake relationship soon turns into something far more genuine, as Stella and Michael discover that their connection is deeper than they ever could have imagined. With slow-burning tension, grumpy/sunshine dynamics and plenty of steamy moments, The Kiss Quotient is the perfect Valentine’s book for anyone looking for characters with real depth and enough romance to leave you swooning.
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Book Lovers – Emily Henry
Nora Stephens is a literary agent who’s more comfortable with books than relationships. After a badly needed holiday to a small town, Nora unexpectedly finds herself crossing paths with Charlie Lastra, a brooding book editor who she’s a had professional rivalry with for years.
Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic and forced proximity set the stage for a compelling and deeply emotional romance. As Nora and Charlie spend more and more time together, their chemistry builds, and Nora begins wrestling with everything she thought she knew about love, career and happiness. Emily Henry’s Book Lovers is a fun, heartwarming, love-affirming novel that perfectly captures romantic comedy with a deeper exploration of personal growth. If you can’t resist a book-about-books story, this is a must-read Valentine’s Day romance that needs to be on your TBR pile!
The Duke And I (Bridgertons #1) – Julia Quinn
If you’re looking for a steamy Valentine’s Day romance book, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn is still an absolute go-to. Set in the glittering world of Regency-era London, this historical romance follows Daphne Bridgerton, a charming debutante, and Simon Basset, the dashing Duke of Hastings. When Simon swears off marriage and Daphne struggles to attract suitors, the pair agree to a fake relationship – a plan that will help Daphne land a husband and give Simon the freedom he craves.
What starts as a simple arrangement soon ignites into undeniable chemistry, as Simon and Daphne begin to explore the slow-burn romance building between them. With sharp banter, a passionate love story and plenty of spice, The Duke and I blend the best of opposites-attract romance with the grandeur and intrigue of the ton.
Would You Rather – Allison Ashley
For a fun and flirty Valentine’s Day book, Would You Rather by Allison Ashley offers the ultimate blend of humour, chemistry and heart. This contemporary romance follows Calla, a successful wedding planner who’s used to organising other people’s love lives, but struggles with relationships of her own. When she encounters Beck, an irresistible, slightly mysterious man with a wild streak, sparks instantly begin to fly – particularly when they play a game of would you rather, revealing their secrets and desires.
As the tension between them builds, they discover that their initial playful banter masks deeper emotions, leading to a slow-burn romance that’s both steamy and sweet. Packed full of funny moments, opposites-attract dynamics and a love story you can’t help but root for, Would You Rather is a perfect Valentine’s Day read for any fans of romantic comedies with plenty of depth to their stories.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
