14 books to get you in the mood for valentines day
It’s February and that means that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Now, Valentine’s Day isn’t just a holiday about love or chocolate, it’s also about books. And since this is a blog about books, I’m going to suggest some great reads for the holiday. There is, however, a slight catch. This won’t be your usual romance novel round-up post.
This post is intended for the people who are always on the lookout for That Book. They know exactly what they are looking for but can’t quite seem to find it. The people who say things like, “I want a gender-bent Pride and Prejudice, but set in space. Oh, and there has to be at least one witty space fighter scene and probably a small mechanimal named Brutus.” Well, my friends, this is for you: a list of highly specific romance novel suggestions that you didn’t know you were looking for.
NOTE: All of the books recommended here can be read alone even if they are part of a series.
NOTE 2: This post is dedicated to SK, who wishes in all seriousness that I would actually write the book I jokingly described above. One thing at a time, my friend.
- Are you looking for a book about an angry woman? Not just any angry woman, but one who lives in a world based on Greek mythology and who is captured for her unique ability to divine the truth? A woman who is filled with such rage at being used for her magic that she is not afraid to smite others without looking twice? Don’t burn anything down looking for it, here’s the link to pick up your copy.
A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #1) by Amanda Bouchet (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a bisexual electrician who, while mourning the loss of his husband, meets a woman who could not only love him but also love his daughter? What about the story of an actress who left the limelight after being attacked by a fan and her subsequent journey to finding love despite her emotional and physical scars? Basically, I’m asking if you want a side dish of tears to go with your entree of angst andheartbreak. Obviously, my answer is YES.
Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a Christian romance that features a professional sports star and a female bodyguard? Wait, what? There’s a story that combines an NFL tight-end and an ex-marine in a suspense-driven chaste romance? Ooh-rah, yes there is and you can find it here.
Her One and Only by Becky Wade (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a body positive, fake relationship, rom-com with a WOC main character? Not quite sure about this #ownvoices novel yet? What if I told you there was also a large and ridiculous family, a giant wedding (not hers), cute dogs, and it takes place in the Philippines? Yeah, I thought so. You can pick up your copy here:
If the Dress Fits by Carla de Guzman (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a historical romance containing a main character with Asperger’s who meets a clever and sizzling widow? Don’t worry, that’s not even all! There’s also a murder mystery, three older brothers, a dogged inspector, and some pretty expensive and gorgeous Ming vases. Get thee to a library, ASAP (or just click the link below).
The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a contemporary f/f romance between a transgender woman trying to figure out her new life and a roller derby coach? Oh, you were? Well, here’s the story of a woman who falls in love with the fix-it woman and who also gains supportive and caring friendships from a team that’s ready to rock and roll.
Roller Girl by Vanessa North (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a YA dystopian science fiction set in a futuristic Taiwan? Just imagine this. Him: a low-class and angry man, mourning the death of his mother and determined to put a stop to the corruption of the city. Her: the daughter and heir to the largest corporation in Taipei that just might be the reason for the vast income inequality the city has. Together: sparks fly. Don your favorite space suit and go read!
Want by Cindy Pon (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for two childhood friends that share both a mutual adoration of cake and the absolute dread of her family’s yearly concert? “Okay,” you tell me. “The cake part I totally get. Who doesn’t love cake? But how bad can this concert really be?” I’ll tell you how bad. A chorus of cats in heat would be better for your eardrums. Don’t believe me? Read about the Smythe-Smith concerts yourself.
Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for slow-burn, hate-to-love historical romance between a healing widow from the Napoleonic wars and the owner of her Cornwall estate? I’m sorry, this wasn’t specific enough, let me try again. Are you looking for a story about a widow who has been living in self-exile after she and her husband were kidnapped during the wars? How about witty dialogue and a menagerie of barnyard animals being thrown at a fancy London lord by a stubborn woman? You won’t regret picking up this book.
Only a Kiss by Mary Balogh (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a steampunk lady pirate captain who throws a fearless adventurer off her ship to his certain death? You’d think a guy would hold a grudge after that incident, but not Archimedes Fox! Look no further for a revisionist European history that is rife with nanobots, Da Vinci sketches, and metallic seamonsters.
Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a near-future police procedural and murder mystery with a female detective who kicks ass in a self-driving car but has trouble with her crappy auto-chef? Oh, and then she meets a sexy billionaire who has more shades of grey than that one best selling novel? The best part about reading this book is realizing that there are more than forty (!!!) sequels that are all honestly pretty darn good.
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a YA arranged marriage between an utterly hopeless romantic (him) and a sassy and determined non-conformist coder (her) that takes place at computer camp before they both head off to university? What part of that sentence didn’t sound utterly delightful? It all did, didn’t it?
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a budding romance between a filipino foodie / entrepreneur and an army reservist back from the war? What, you think that sounds fake? It’s not as fake as how their relationship starts!
East in Paradise by Tif Marcelo (Amazon | Goodreads)
- Are you looking for a historical romance that perfectly balances humour with so much angst you don’t know how the main characters can bear to get up in the morning? Well, call in sick and stay in bed cause you’re going to want your coziest slippers and a box of tissues to find out what happens next between Minerva (!!) and the Duke of Clermont.
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan (Amazon | Goodreads)
AS A BONUS:
Are you looking for a WOC grad student who is being courted by a real African prince? Ex-foster kid Naledi is training to be a scientist and does not have time or the gullibility for persistent emails claiming that she is the long lost betrothed to a prince. I’m not even kidding about this book. I pre-ordered this ages ago and I’m telling everyone I know that they should do the same because who doesn’t want a post-valentines day surprise?
A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole (PRE-ORDER TODAY!)
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