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I tend to judge contemporary romances on whether it’d be a good romantic comedy movie, and how many butterfly feelings I get in my stomach. How much I laugh. How much I smile and swoooon. How much I root for the couple. Here are 12 (!) books that I think would make great Valentine’s Day Reads:
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins– I reread this 2 years ago for Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time of year for it. Anna + St. Clair = OTP.
Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill– my first and still one of my best loved YA contemporaries! London, meet-cutes, and second chances. Perfect.
The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes– I have a post on Lainey coming up but this has all the best tropes and some seriously hot kisses! Also musicians who bake.
Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison– a YA classic with so many ships, slang words, and hilariosity you won’t know what to do. Laughing like a loon on loon tablets over here.
These books have a few more elements beyond the typical romantic comedy, including a big emphasis on friendship as well as relationships and how they can help you deal with bigger issues such as grief and identity. There are still plenty of smiles and swoony feels though!
Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli– one of my favorite books of last year, I absolutely loved Simon and watching him come into his own & fall for Blue over email. The ship is too cute!!
The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord– Oh how I love Max and Paige, and how they challenge each other, and fall for each other.
Here are two retellings and one NA perfect for Valentine’s Day because why not?
The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors– an ugly duckling retelling with a sweet romance and a plot that centers around…. chocolate!
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine– one of my childhood favorites and so very romantic and adorable! And a quick read.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy– Hi, I’m Morgan, have I sold you on The Deal yet? I’ve been pushing this one hard and Valentine’s Day would be a perfect time to start this hilarious, very sexy, and very adorable NA romance.
Lastly, I have to throw in a few adult titles too:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon– a very romantic, very long series. Ironically I read it for the first time in February 2011! It’d be a great time to start.
I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella– Kinsella is the queen of the British lit rom com and this is such a good one! It’s very funny and adorable.
Persuasion by Jane Austen– this might be my favorite Austen book. It’s more understated and quietly romantic, and it’s a quicker read compared to her others. But any Austen in February would do!
I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot of books because there are so many wonderful romances out there in every genre! And I stayed away from tragedies haha. Have you read many of these? Do you have any suggestions for me?
Gillian
P sure I’ve Got Your Number is my fave Sophie Kinsella. And AS PER USUAL I love/adore/agree with all of your choices!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Same here!! You are the best <3
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOoh nice topic and picks! Have to say that nearly all are new to me! Well, I’ve heard of some, but haven’t read any since they’re outside my genre. But still! Great picks!
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Have a GREAT day!
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Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Thank you! Hope you like them if you pick up a few! It’s always fun to see how different everyone’s lists and recommendations are :)
Jennifer @ YA Book Nerd
Great list! Love Sophie Kinsella and of course anything Austen!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Thanks! Saaaame here, Kinsella was my go-to for so long! I have to catch up on her newest books.
Jessica@Lovin' Los Libros
You just reminded me that I recently bought Persuasion! I should try and read it next weekend! :)
Love that Anna is on here, as well as The Deal! That series is my favorite NA series ever. LOL. I also have both Meant to Be and The Art of Lainey! I definitely want to read those too!
Great list Morgan!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Oh fun! Did you end up reading Persuasion? It always takes me a little while to get back into the language but once I do, the story is so great!
MY FAVE EVER TOO! Omgggg you have to read Meant to Be and Lainey! They are so amazing.
Bri
I completely forgot that Angus was the greatest heroine in my life for awhile and now I’m thinking I should go reread. Thanks for the reminder and great list!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Haha!!! You’re welcome! You should, those books are so silly but they hold up :D
Heidi @ YA Bibliophile
Love this list! I cannot read Angus with out crying from laughing so hard!!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Thanks! Omg same here!! My stomach hurts from laughing so much.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books
Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda!! That one totally made my list. I ship Simon and Blue so hard.
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
TOTAL SHIP! I’ve been wanting to reread that, I should :)
Eva @ All Books Considered
Great pick! I completely agree re: The Deal, Outlander, I’ve Got Your Number and Persuasion. Love all of those reads!!
my TTT♥
Krystianna
Anna and the French Kiss is one of my favorites. I have yet to read Lola and Isla though. Hopefully I’ll get to those soon. I also recently read Simon and I loved it so much!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
I read Lola but I still need to read Isla also. Anna is such a favorite :) Wasn’t Simon great?!? So cute!
Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books
I’ve loved (and laughed through) every Sophie Kinsella book that I’ve read. But I haven’t read I’ve Got Your Number yet. I also totally agree with reading Anna on V-Day. All of Steph Perkins books would probably be good for that :) Cute list!!!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Thanks so much! Oh gosh if you’ve loved all her others, you have to read Number! It’s quintessential embarrassing/cute Kinsella haha :D I’ve loved almost all of her books (couldn’t get into Wedding Night for some reason).
Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense
Completely agree, Austen is perfect to read (and watch) in February). Persuasion is my second fav Austen novel, Captain Wentworth and that letter!
tonyalee
I read Anna and the French Kiss SO long ago!! I remember loving it though, and actually, after finishing I started it again LOL
Lauren @ Always Me
Great picks! Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging is so much fun! :)
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Tricia
Great post! Sadly, I’ve only read a few of these, but now you’ve given me several to add to my TBR pile! I’ve Got Your Number was so adorable, I think I want to read it again and again!!
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
Yay, I love adding to TBRs! :) It’s sooo cute and it’s actually been a few years since I read it, a reread would be fun.
Tasya
Anna and Etienne is so cute! They’re definitely made to be together<3
Lyn Kaye
“Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli– one of my favorite books of last year, I absolutely loved Simon and watching him come into his own & fall for Blue over email. The ship is too cute!!”
This should be THE official Valentine’s Day Book! We need a petition for this!!