Isn’t It Romantic? Wonderful Romance Novels for Valentine’s Day

This Valentine's Day celebrate love with a good book. To get you in the mood for the romantic holiday, try one of these romance novels written by African American women writers, just in time for Black History Month.

The Wedding Date, opens a new window

When Alexa and Drew are trapped in a hotel elevator, she impulsively agrees to be his plus one for his ex's wedding that weekend. But can this fake date turn into true love? I love a fake date/engagement/etc. romance, and this one is fresh and clever. You can't go wrong with any of Jasmine Guillory, opens a new window's books. She is one of the best new romance writers in the last couple of years. Her romantic comedies are smart and funny, and you will want to be best friends with both her and her heroines. #squadgoals. All of her books can be read individually but all of her characters inhabit the same world and are friends. And if you are looking for a romance about a mature heroine (after all we aren't all twentysomethings anymore), check out Guillory's Royal Holiday, opens a new window. Also The Proposal, opens a new window was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.

A Princess in Theory, opens a new window

Alyssa Cole, opens a new window's Reluctant Royals series is amazing, and after you read this first book, you'll want to check out the whole series! When public health student Naledi starts getting emails from the prince of Thesolo, she ignores them believing them to be spam. However, Prince Thabiso is determined to track down his betrothed, and when she mistakes him for a waiter at her catering job, he can't resist the chance to experience life and woo the girl without his crown. Cole also writes historical romances set during the Civil War.

 

Intercepted, opens a new window

Missing football season? Check out one of Alexa Martin's football romances. Intercepted follows the trials of Marlee, who has just broken up with her cheating football player boyfriend, when an old fling becomes the teams new quarterback, Gavin. Marlee has sworn off jocks, and the football WAG (wives and girlfriends) drama that comes with it, but maybe Gavin is worth it. All three of her books are available through the Overdrive/Libby app.

Rebel, opens a new window

Looking for a historical romance? You can't go wrong with any of Beverly Jenkins's books. She published her first novel in 1994 and is one of the grand dames of romance publishing. Rebel is set in post–Civil War New Orleans where Valinda Lacy's mission is to help the newly emancipated survive and flourish. When thugs destroy her school and target her, she runs for her life straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq, an architect from an old New Orleans family. Jenkins also writes contemporary romance, including the long-running Blessings Novels, opens a new window.

And coming soon to a branch near you, Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Brown. Set in England, this contemporary romance follows computer geek Chloe Brown as she checks off items on her "Get a Life List," which includes moving into her own place and doing something bad. However, stepping outside the lines won't come natural to this good girl, she's going to need a little help from tattoed handman/artist Redford "Red" Morgan. This one is a keeper!