6 Romance Novels That Want to Be Your Valentine

Shanna, by Kathleen Woodiwiss
The late, great Woodiwiss’ novels are the Chanel suits of romance—they never go out of style. Fans know that a Woodiwiss novel appeals to the senses, and newbies will delight in being able to completely immerse themselves in another world. From foggy, dreary London to a tropical island, this read certainly delivers an atmosphere that is almost like another character. Our heroine is the spoiled daughter of a wealthy merchant, and her father wants her to get married, like, pronto. Oh, and it would be preferable if she marries a man with a title. In order to avoid being set up with some soft-bodied idiot who only wants her for her dowry, Shanna decides to marry a prisoner—Ruark Beauchamp—who is set to be hanged. The only thing is that Ruark is not the kind of guy you want to go away any time soon. Also, he’s not too happy that Shanna wedded him and didn’t give him that night of pleasure she promised.

Colton Baby Homecoming, by Lara Lacombe
Ridge Colton and his siblings had a very difficult childhood in the foster system, but he’s never let that get him down. He’s grown into a mature, caring adult, one who doesn’t hesitate to take in the abandoned baby girl on his doorstep. He needs help, though, because babies aren’t always easy to take care of, so he goes to Dr. Darcy Marrow, i.e. The One That Got Away. Ridge and Darcy were madly in love when they were teenagers, but her parents did not approve, to say the least. This led to a painful breakup for both of them, but they never really got over each other. (Fact: No woman is capable of forgetting Ridge’s warm embrace.) Kids, you’re both adults now, so figure out what’s going on with that baby and get to making some more! This is the third book in the Coltons of Texas series, which means there is plenty more in the way of people who have had a hard time and just want to show their softer sides to the world.

Sweet Little Lies, by Jill Shalvis
Looking for some lighter, modern-day romance reading? Then this is the one for you! The first novel in Shalvis’ Heartbreaker Bay series features Pru, who captains a San Francisco tour boat, and Finn, a very sexy and kindhearted bar owner. Pru has had it rough, but that has not stopped her from being, like, a really nice person. Together, she and Finn embark on a very sweet romantic journey, one that is threatened by a very dark secret from Pru’s past. Can they move past the tragedy and build a life together, one that includes Finn’s close-knit group of friends, Finn’s impressive biceps, and Pru’s adorable dog, Thor? Let’s hope so! What’s especially nice about this book are Pru’s many attempts to make sure the exceptionally hardworking, hard-bodied Finn has some much-needed fun.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham, by Julia Quinn
Many a modern lady can relate to Grace Eversleigh. Our historical heroine has been stuck in a job for the past few years that hasn’t always been fulfilling. She’s a companion to the crusty Duchess of Wyndham, who’s a right pain in the patootie. (Imagine having to live with an awful boss and OHMIGOD make that terrible image go away!) Things get way more interesting, though, when Jack Audley enters the picture. (Opinion alert: He is by far one of Quinn’s sexiest heroes!) Jack just might be the heir to the dukedom, which is so NOT part of his life plan. He’s perfectly happy being a handsome highwayman, a sensuous soldier, you name it. But if being a duke means becoming more acquainted with Grace, well, then surely some lifestyle changes can be made. This is the first book in Quinn’s Two Dukes of Wyndham series, and in this first installment, Quinn presents a hero who turns out to be just as vulnerable as the leading lady.

These Broken Stars, by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
When the spaceship they’re both traveling in explodes, leaving them as the only two survivors on a barren planet, Lilac and Tarver will have to work together if they’re going to survive. They are from very different worlds. They literally grew up on different planets, for one. Also, she’s the daughter of a supremely wealthy business guru and he’s a decorated war hero from a very common background. Oh, and she might have dissed him real badly at a high society party, so they’re not exactly feeling the hots for each other when they crash. Now, Lilac may put on a haughty exterior, but really she’s masking some deep pain. As for Tarver, well, he’s the kind of boy all of our mothers would have wanted us to bring home in high school. It’s so great to watch as they become closer. Oh, and this is just the first book in the authors’ very imaginative and creative Starbound series. So there is plenty of material to keep the space fun going.

Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen
With all of the hullabaloo going on in the world, it’s nice to know that we can always come back to Jane Austen. True, Austen’s world wasn’t free of problems, but in an age of oversharing, in which we are constantly inundated with all kinds of information, it’s great that we can still keep it classy with a classic such as this one. (That said, this particular Austen yarn is far from scandal-free.) Fanny Price may seem like one of Austen’s meeker heroines, especially if you compare her to Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice, but she always stays true to herself. She doesn’t always speak up in her own defense (life is rough when the people around you are wont to bully you), but knowing her own mind and heart ultimately gets her the happy ending she wants. As for her love interest, Edmund, it may take him a while to realize that he and Fanny are perfect for each other, but he’s never been anything less than 100 percent kind and encouraging to her, and that’s something always worth celebrating!
Which novel is going to be your Valentine this year?