It’s Valentine’s Day, so I guess I might as well talk about the “R” word: Romance. If you’ve read my books, you know I love a good romantic subplot, especially woven into a story with lots of adventure and action, but on occasion I do enjoy the occasional romance novel. In case you were looking for a good romantic read this weekend, I’ve listed a few of my favorites for you!

If you want romance as the central story with some fun plot mixed in, I highly recommend The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee, or Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Gentleman’s Guide is a historical fantasy (very low fantasy) with a delightful bisexual main character who has accidentally fallen in love with his best friend. Red White and Royal Blue is more contemporary, another male/male romance that takes place between the President’s son and a prince of Great Britain, very entertaining, witty and romantic!

If your preference is for more action, higher stakes, and a bit of danger mixed in with a few romantic themes, then I might recommend either Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo or The Last Sun by KD Edwards. Six of Crows is a high-fantasy heist story with about six protagonists, all with their own complicated romances going on in the background. While I loved watching the relationship between Jasper and Wylan take shape, the one that really stole the show for me was between Inej and Kaz. I’d love to gush more about this one, but SPOILERS, so I’ll just say read it!

As for The Last Sun, it’s one of my current favorite series, urban fantasy with a magic system based on Tarot cards. The romance takes a backseat to a kidnapped young scion, summoned monsters and all kinds of magic, but for me, the real chemistry is the bromance between Rune and his companion, Brand. Their love and support for each other goes way beyond romance and into something deeper. I’ve probably recced these books a hundred times now, but all that means is that if you haven’t already, you should be reading them!

Oh, and if you’re looking for just the right words to say to your Valentine, try so tried-and-true love quotes from the masters:

“In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because. That’s as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.”
~The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

“[Senlin] believed true love was more like an education: it was deep and subtle and never quite complete.”
~Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft

“As you wish.”
~The Princess Bride by William Goldman

“Always.”
~the Harry Potter books, by JK Rowling