Love is in the air this weekend, with couples all around campus occupying the seats at favorite cafés and sprawling out together on the Main Quad. But for the less occupied among us, this may be the apt time to fall in love with a new novel.
From rom-coms to thrillers, enemies to lovers to serial killers, this list has something for everyone.
**Some titles may contain adult content.**
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“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
This 1813 text is one of the most famous romances in the English literary canon, with over 4 million ratings on Goodreads. The text follows quick-witted heroine Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the chaotic world of upper-class England and the 19th-century marriage market.
This classic novel is 400 pages long but a challenge worth taking for the classic romance lover.
“Salvation: Black People and Love” by bell hooks
This collection of bell hooks’ essays, written from a historical socio-cultural perspective, delves into how love impacts the life and culture of the African American community. hooks’ philosophical essays follow themes of love, race and social justice.
At 256 pages, this is a quick and interesting nonfiction read for the more critical thinker this Valentine’s Day.
“Pickleballers” by Ilana Long
A more traditional rom-com novel, this sporty read follows two pickleball players in their enemies-to-lovers arc. After her breakup, the main character, Meg, decides to blow off steam with a sporty vacation, where she meets her dream-man-turned-court-rival.
At 368 pages, this book is one the reader is sure to keep bouncing back to.
“Those Fatal Flowers” by Shannon Ives
Shannon Ives’ debut novel, which came out in January, mashes the world of Greco-Roman mythology and early American history. Following two timelines set centuries apart, the main character, Thelia, travels from the Greek island of Scopuli to the American colony of Roanoke.
Following themes of womanhood and romance, this 384-page sapphic romance puts a spin on the quick-read rom-coms popular of the season.
“The Beginner’s Goodbye” by Anne Tyler
As a more melancholy read, perhaps for those with a distaste for quick-paced love stories, this novel follows the end of a romance. The main character, a shy middle-aged man named Aaron, must learn how to live again after the death of his wife, Dorothy.
Quite short at only 198 pages, this is a tear-jerking page-turner.
“The Truth According to Ember” by Danica Nava
Danica Nava’s 2024 debut novel follows a twisting world of little white lies in the corporate setting of Oklahoma City. Dejected by a slew of rejections, the main character, Ember, takes the truth into her own hands — but her actions come back to bite her when a jaded co-worker begins to blackmail her. Can Ember maintain her secret workplace relationship and her web of lies, or will the truth come out?
This Indigenous romance novel, winner of the Goodreads Choice Award, comes in at 358 pages and will keep the reader tangled in its web of conspiracy.
“The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir
If the reader wishes to veer away from romance this holiday season, Simone de Beauvoir’s classic 1949 feminist monolith may be the perfect read. Translated from French, this text analyzes the Western idea of womanhood, inequality and patriarchy.
Certainly not a quick read, this 746-page book is laden with complex language and ideas. The dedicated reader can certainly obtain a plethora of knowledge from this massive text.
“I Think They Love You” by Julian Winters
Julian Winters’ newest novel, published this year, is a bright new fake-dating-based romance novel. The main character, Denzel, must prove his maturity to his family in hopes that he can inherit the company, and to do so, he needs to bring his long-term boyfriend to family functions. The thing is, his relationship just ended, and his backup plan of bringing his best friend falls through, so he turns to the only person left — the man who broke his heart.
This novel is 336 pages long and promises to keep the reader invested in its complex interpersonal plotline.
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
“The Bell Jar” is another novel for the melancholy this Valentine’s Day — nothing kills romantic yearning quite like the tumultuous relationship in Sylvia Plath’s iconic novel. Following college student Esther through the collapse of her mental health and the degradation of her relationships, this book is certainly not a light-hearted read for the happy holiday.
This novel is 288 pages, a fairly quick read for the reader ready to immerse themself into Plath’s dreary world.
“Outdrawn” by Deanna Grey
Deanna Grey’s newest novel follows two rival artists in the cutthroat world of professional comics. Finally scoring her dream job, Noah has to reckon with an artistic partnership with her comic artist, Sage. Rivals since college, the pair must learn to work with each other to succeed with their comic — and maybe learn to love each other outside of the workplace.
At 328 pages, this book is certain to draw the reader in.
“The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels” by India Holton
This historical fiction romance follows Victorian lady Cecilia, who is involved in the illusive Wisteria Crime sorority. All is going well in Cecilia’s chaotic life until, one day, she meets a dashing hitman who has been sent to kill her.
This 336-page novel is sure to keep the reader engaged with its fast-paced plot and dramatic storyline.
“My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Valentine’s Day has gained popularity in the past years as a celebration of anyone you love, not just a romantic partner. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s debut thriller is set around the lives of sisters Korede and Ayoola — the latter of which is, as the title suggests, a serial killer. When Ayoola enters into a deadly relationship with Korede’s long-time love, the pair are faced with a set of difficult decisions.
At 226 pages, this crime thriller is sure to entice the reader.
“Ex-Wife” by Ursula Parrott
The main character, Patricia, is married to a serial cheater, and when she gets her revenge by having an affair with her husband’s friend, she’s quickly cast out as a deviant in society. Divorce was taboo in the 1920s, and Patricia has to relearn her ways of life as a new divorcée.
This classic, originally published anonymously in 1929, is a 224-page scandal the reader is sure to get wrapped up in.
“Letters to Milena” by Franz Kafka
“Letters to Milena” was published posthumously in 1952 and is a collection of real love letters written by famous author Franz Kafka to one of his translators, Milena Jesenská. Spanning three years, these writing pieces give the viewer a more personal look into Kafka’s psyche and writing.
For the enjoyer of genuine romance and tragedy, this text is 298 pages to savor.
