Five books to read this valentine’s day...
It’s impossible to narrow down a list of five romance novels to devour over the valentine period but here are some of my favourites. Stories that live rent free in my mind despite having read them such a long time ago (ok well maybe not that long ago for some but you know what I mean).
If you want to snuggle on down, under a cosy blanket, with a candle and some snacks (obvs) and read a new love story that you won’t be able to forget in a hurry here are some great choices to pick from.
Ali Hazelwood - The Love Hypothesis
Blurb: “When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive on her way to a happily ever after was always going to be tough, scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting woman, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when he agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire and Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support (and his unyielding abs), their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion.
Olive soon discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.”
You've all probably already read it but I devoured it and would absolutely recommend. It’s everything you want from a romance novel, including all the sizzle and swoon you could ask for. Run, don’t walk to the bookstore to get this!
Paige toon – The One We Fell in Love With
“Phoebe is caught between a rock and a hard place. Settle down and get married, or return to the French Alps to pursue her passion?
Eliza is in love with someone who is no longer hers. In fact, he probably never was… And her dream of becoming a successful musician seems to be vanishing before her eyes.
Rose is out of a job and out of a boyfriend. To make matters worse, she’s been forced to move back in with her mother…
But these very different girls have one thing in common. Angus. The one they fell in love with…”
This book lives on in my mind despite having read it a few years ago. It’s beautiful, with twists and turns and revelations and some of Paige Toon’s best work. A good read to get lost in this Valentine's day.
Karen Swan – The Hidden Beach
“Two’s a love story. Three’s a crowd.
In Stockholm’s oldest quarter, Bell Everhurst loves her job working as a nanny for the rich and charming Hanna and Max Mogert, caring for their three children.
But one morning, everything changes. A woman from a clinic Bell has never heard of asks her to pass on the message that Hanna’s husband is awake. But the man isn’t Max.
As the truth about Hanna’s past is revealed, the consequences are devastating. As the family heads off to spend their summer on Sweden’s idyllic islands, will Bell be caught in the crossfire?”
Fab escapism, takes you away to Sweden perfectly and will warm you right up from the middle of your cold frozen heart…if you are anything like me of course. Great escapism from the current bleak British winter too so if you are longing for warm summer holidays this is the one for you.
David Nicholls - One day
“Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY.
'I can imagine you at forty,' she said, a hint of malice in her voice. 'I can picture it right now.'
He smiled without opening his eyes. 'Go on then.'
15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.
So where will they be on this one day next year?
And the year after that? And every year that follows?”
It’s a classic now right? It’s a film, it’s a book and it’s heart-breaking…bring a tissue. It's beautiful in every way and if you want a reason for crying this valentine's day, this one will give it to you.
Sally Rooney - Normal People
“The novel follows the complex friendship and relationship between two teenagers, Connell and Marianne, who both attend the same secondary school in County Sligo, Ireland and, later, Trinity College Dublin (TCD). It is set during the post-2008 Irish economic downturn, spanning from 2011 through 2015”
Is anyone really, truly normal? It’s a lovely representation of simple life but complicated love and emotions. If you've had enough of the glitzy glamorous relationships (I mean I never do but a break sometimes is good) then this is the one for you.
Let me know in the comments if you read or have read any of them, I'd love to hear. Also feel free to share some of your favourites too.
S x
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