Book-ish.

Sometimes there is nothing better than settling in with a fun and carefree romance book. I tend to be pretty picky with my romance book choices – I don’t like when books are too cheesy or over the top unrealistic. This is not one of my all time favorite genres, but every now and then it is exactly what you need. These five romances are my favorites from the past couple of years. So pick one out and enjoy a nice beach read in the middle of February. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

4.5/5 Stars

Emily Henry is by far and away my favorite romance author. She has a way of making romance books feel like so much more and really makes you feel connected to the characters. This was her most recent release and it did not disappoint! Read this book if you are just getting into romance and want a more fully flushed out story, miss your college friends, and want to escape for a weeklong vacation.

Short Synopsis

Harriet and Wyn have been a couple since college but recently broke up five months ago without telling anyone. At their yearly friend group’s getaway they end up sharing a room and hiding the fact that their relationship is over while trying to fake it for a week. Will they find their way back to each other by the end of the trip?

 

4/5 Stars

This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed this book! This story packs an emotional punch to it, as well as the light-hearted side you love to see in a romance book. I think many people can relate to the main character and other themes in this book besides just the romance aspect. Overall this was a very sweet, fun, and heartwarming read – perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Short Synopsis

Georgie is known for putting others above herself and suddenly finds herself leaving her hectic job in L.A. and ending back up in her hometown where she needs to discover who she really is. While in town she reconnects with Levi, the one-time town troublemaker who is now a hermit and dealing with his own issues. The two connect and both try to discover who they are and how to leave their pasts behind.

 

4/5 Stars

This was my first time reading a book by Abby Jimenez and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. She has a ton of romance books and many of them are connected through characters but can all also be read as standalone books. This is a classic small town love story of opposites attract that is charming and fun.

Short Synopsis

Alexis and Daniel are polar opposites. Alexis is a sophisticated, wealthy city girl and Daniel is a carpenter who is 10 years younger than her living in a small town. They meet by chance and have undeniable chemistry but neither of them belongs in each other’s world. Can they put their differences aside to truly be happy?

 

5/5 Stars

This was Carley Fortune’s debut novel and it was such a pleasant surprise – I absolutely loved this book! This is the definition of a book you cannot put down. I read this in 2 days and really enjoyed every second of it. I recommend this book if you are a fan of second chances, revisiting the past, and have some nostalgia for your teenage years.

Short Synopsis

Percy and Sam spent six summers together as friends and eventually falling in love in the quaint lake town where they spent their childhood summers. They have a huge falling out when they are 18 and end up not speaking for years. When Percy returns for Sam’s mom’s funeral years later they are together again and forced to confront their past and what actually went wrong. Alternating in past and present, can they find their way back to each other?

 

5/5 Stars

This was Emily Henry’s second book and I have to say it is my favorite of hers so far! I really enjoyed this fun story of two friends who finally figure out that they are meant to be together. This is a classic friends-to-lovers story and a very fun, light-hearted read. Bonus – this book is being adapted into a movie so make sure to read it first 🙂

Short Synopsis

Alex and Poppy are complete opposites who met in college and happened to become the best of friends. Most of the year they live apart, but they have been taking a week long vacation together every summer for the past 10 summers which happens to be their favorite week of the year. Two years ago, they ruined it all and have not spoken since. They agree to take one last trip together – can they lay everything on the table and realize they are actually meant to be?

 

I had so much fun reliving some of my favorite romance books while writing this post. Go pick one (or all) of these up for a nice escape!