However you plan to spend this Valentine’s Day, unwinding with a sweet, cheesy romance novel after a long day never hurts. Although romance novels are at times cringe-worthy and downright laughable, they have a lovable, sweet quality that allows anybody to connect with them. We compiled a list of our favorite six wholesome and charming romance books that we recommend this Valentine’s day.

1. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Gillroy

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Gillroy follows a charming groomsman, Drew, on the eve of his ex’s wedding. Desperate for a wedding date, Drew is ‘lucky’ enough to get stuck in an elevator with beautiful and smart Alexa Monroe, who decides to go to the wedding with the mysterious man from the elevator. This book is the fun, hopeful, angsty, and romantic journey of an unexpected couple. The Wedding Date is a perfect romantic Valentine’s Day read for all readers.

2. The Fastest Way To Fall by Denise Williams

The Fastest Way To Fall not only showcases the love life of a plus size woman of color, but it also follows the self discovery that many experience when falling in love with someone. Britta, a reporter for a lifestyle website, meets Wes, the CEO of a fitness company. The book details hard truths about cyber bullying and insecurity when it comes to one’s love lives. The book can be a bit cringy, but the overall message of self love over romantic love hits close to home and is incredibly well delivered. 

3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Adapted into a TV series in June of 2022, Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Belly and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, throughout a summer of love, heartbreak, and growing up. The sweet and infuriating romance between Belly and the Fisher brothers will make the reader swoon and wonder why they can’t be in the same position as Belly (well, for the most part). Written with sweet letters, dual perspectives, and flashbacks, this book series is definitely capable of putting its readers into a Valentine’s Day daze. 

4. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

When Dimple Met Rishi is a classic feel-good romance that anyone can enjoy. The book follows opposites Dimple and Rishi. Their respective parents want to arrange their marriage and thus send them to the same summer program, where they “accidentally” meet. Although they clash at first, the two eventually grow to love each other. The adorable enemies to lovers development is bound to put a smile on your face, making When Dimple Met Rishi the perfect book to settle down with on Valentine’s Day.

5. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Recently, the graphic novel series Heartstopper by Alice Oseman skyrocketed in popularity due to the Netflix  adaptation. The series follows the blossoming romance of two boys, Nick and Charlie, as they grow up and discover new things about themselves. The readers grow to love both characters as the novel progresses, exploring authentic teenage problems to which the readers can genuinely relate. This graphic novel series, full of imagery and likable characters, is perfect to binge-read. 

6. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient is a great read, following the love story of a woman on the autism spectrum named Stella. Stella begins dating with the help of Michael Phan, a man who is well-trained in the romantic lives of others. A beautifully written book that brings attention to autism and how it can affect different facets of one’s life, The Kiss Quotient will make you wish for a partner like Michael. Not only does this book fight some of society’s stereotypes concerning people on the autism spectrum, but it is also a feel-good story that will leave you wanting more. 

With Valentine’s day being right around the corner, we all need a comforting romance book to indulge in. These are some of our favorites that we think others would enjoy as well. Let us know some of your favorite romance books that you recommend this Valentine’s Day. No matter your relationship status, everyone deserves to have a fun, swoon worthy day on February 14th.