Love is in the air … and it’s the perfect time relax with a box of chocolates and a good romance book.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Page Six editors are sharing some of their favorite love stories spanning from the 1800s to modern day.
Whether you’re looking for everyone’s new obsession “Heated Rivalry” or a magical apartment that brings two people together, there’s something on this list for everyone looking to fall in love this month.
“Like pretty much everyone else on the face of the planet right now, I’m obsessed with ‘Heated Rivalry’ in a way that’s bordering on unhealthy. After watching the show no fewer than three times, I figured I’d give the source material a try, and — surprise, surprise! — devoured Rachel Reid’s entire series in just a couple of weeks. I loved them all, but my personal favorite book of the bunch is the first: ‘Game Changer,’ which focuses on Scott Hunter’s relationship with smoothie barista Kip. It’s sweet, sexy and sets the foundation for the rest of the series — and don’t worry, Shane and Ilya make appearances, too!” — Elana Fishman, Style & Shopping Director
“I know Heartburn isn’t really a romance novel, but it is about love and heartbreak and food, and it’s written by the sadly missed Nora Ephron. So you know it’s going to make you laugh and cry.” — Nicki Gostin, Reporter
“I have been seeing this book everywhere and completely judging a book by its cover. ‘One & Only’ follows a matchmaker from a family with a magical knack for identifying soulmates. She’s spent a decade searching for her own fated love only to be thrown off course by an unexpected fling and a surprising twist of fate. Sign me up.” — Lindsey Kupfer, Deputy Editor
“Though I’m not normally a big romance reader, this enemies-to-lovers book grabbed my heart from the start with so much yearning and tension between the two characters, one a Prince of England and the other, the son of the United States President. To this day, it’s the only book I’ve read multiple times and will continue to revisit throughout the years.” — Nicole Mazza, Deputy Photo Editor
“After watching ‘Heated Rivalry,’ I had to know how Shane and Ilya’s story ends. As soon as the credits were running on the last episode, I immediately ordered this on my Kindle. While the books and show are known for their steamy scenes, the hockey players’ story gets extra heartwarming in this sequel.” — Hannah Southwick, Associate Editor
“’Problematic Summer Romance’” by Ali Hazelwood came out last May, but I’ve been meaning to check it out because of its great reviews. Set in Italy with the ‘falling for my brother’s best friend’ trope, I hope this is a breezy read that gives me all the feels.” — Antoinette Bueno, Reporter
“While Elizabeth Beller’s ‘Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’ isn’t billed as a romance, Ryan Murphy’s upcoming ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ is based on the book’s accounting of their epic romance. I’ve long been fascinated by the push-pull dynamic of the beloved couple’s relationship — Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for a deep dive into what drove their attraction to one another. — Audrey Rock, Reporter
“This English class staple isn’t a romance. There’s a toxic relationship in it, but it’s mostly a bunch of jerks being awful to each other, cycles of abuse, inheritance laws, and there’s a ghost. But, I revisited it in honor of the upcoming movie starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, which has re-imagined the classic into a steamy movie that’s being advertised as a “love story.” — Lauren Sarner, TV reporter
“‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ by Thomas Hardy is the rare romance classic worth picking up for a second reading. The story follows Bathsheba Everdene, whose rural life is disrupted by the slow burn of courtships with three very different suitors. Hardy’s breathtaking descriptions of rural landscapes stand out, as does his raw portrayal of human romantic relationships.” — Audrey Rock, Reporter
“Even though most romance fans have already read this, I can’t make a list of Valentine’s Day books without mentioning ‘The Seven Year Slip.’ Clementine, a 20-something book publicist moves into her late aunt’s apartment and discovers a man living there — one who is mysteriously stuck seven years in the past. As their connection deepens, she must face the impossible choice between the present and the past. I loved everything about this book — the characters, the magic and most of all the way it all comes together in the end.” — Lindsey Kupfer, Deputy Editor
“Every summer I look forward to the new contemporary romance by Carley Fortune to start off my spring. With warm beachy atmospheres and sweet romances, they’re exactly what I’m looking for to bring in the summer season. Her newest friends-to-lovers will be the first read I reach for when I’m in the mood for some light drama that you know will be wrapped up with a happy ending. Out on May 5!” — Nicole Mazza, Deputy Photo Editor
