Date Night, But Make It Fiction: Valentine’s Romance Picks

A not-so-typical reading list for the “month of love” this February.

For the romance lovers, or even if you’re on the fence about the genre, these novels are heart-warming in their own way and define what we really mean by love. Whether this is typical romance, queer love or self-love and finding yourself, this is the perfect reading list for February: if you are feeling the love this month, or even if you aren't.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

This one of the first romance novels in history, and the kind of romance that proves why people still care about classics. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy spend most of the book misunderstanding each other, and honestly, that is half the point. It is a story about swallowing your pride, admitting when you are wrong, and realising that love works best when it is built on respect rather than first impressions: a more realistic counterpart to the romance classics we all know and love.

Normal people, Sally Rooney

This isn't the easiest read emotionally, but encapsulates the truth of young love and how it will eventually find itself getting stronger through hardship, more than any other novel I've read. If you have ever loved someone but never quite known how to talk about it, this book will definitely hurt, but will leave you feeling warm and understood. Marianne and Connell keep circling each other, getting close and then pulling away, often because they do not know how to ask for what they need. Although difficult, their love for each other breaks boundaries and shows what happens when two people genuinely love each other. 

The Colour Purple, by Alice Walker

This is not a light read, but is an incredibly hopeful one, combining the realities for many minority groups while focusing on found family, overcoming hardship and how the definition of love is unique to each person. Watching Celie slowly learn that she deserves love, safety, and happiness is genuinely moving. The book shows that love is not just romantic, but can come from friendship, community, and finally being kind to yourself.

Open Water, Caleb Azumah Nelson

This is a quiet love story, the kind that lives in conversations, shared playlists, and moments of understanding, rather than loud gestures or having to use the words associated with love. The relationship at the centre of Open Water is tender and thoughtful, shaped by creativity and vulnerability. It is a really beautiful example of what love can look like when people actually listen to each other.

Less, Andrew Sean Green

Arthur Less is awkward, funny, and a little bit sad in a way that feels very human. He travels around the world trying to avoid his ex’s wedding, while also avoiding his own feelings about getting older and being alone. It also serves as quiet reassurance that ending something serious doesn't mean that finding unconditional love is impossible. What makes this book special is how gently it reminds you that it is never too late to find love, especially once you stop being so hard on yourself. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea, T.J. Klune

This is the book equivalent of a warm hug, perfect for a low-mood or rainy day. It follows Linus Baker, who is sent to investigate an orphanage and ends up finding a version of family and love he never knew he needed. It is cosy, queer, and unapologetically kind, which feels especially welcome during a month that often puts a lot of pressure on romance. 

Written by, Charley Sands