For this February/Valentine’s issue, I chose books that made me feel something—books I wanted to press into a friend’s hands and say, “Read this. Trust me.” These stories are romantic, yes, but they’re also comforting, honest, and occasionally a little heartbreaking in the best way. Whether you’re happily coupled, cautiously hopeful, or perfectly content on your own, there’s something here worth falling into.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Chloe Brown is a chronically ill web designer who decides to “get a life” by creating a list of bold, life-changing goals. Enter Redford Morgan, her grumpy yet secretly soft-hearted superintendent, who becomes an unexpected ally—and more—as Chloe steps outside her comfort zone. What I loved about this book is how real and refreshing it feels. The romance is tender and funny, but it never overshadows Chloe’s journey toward self-acceptance and independence. It’s a love story that honors boundaries, growth, and emotional honesty—and that makes it incredibly satisfying.
Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren
Told through alternating timelines, this novel follows Macy and Elliot, childhood friends turned first loves who drift apart after a devastating misunderstanding. Years later, fate brings them back together, forcing them to confront the past they never truly healed from. This book quietly broke my heart and stitched it back together again. It captures the ache of young love and the lingering weight of words left unsaid. Emotional and deeply nostalgic, it’s a reminder that some loves don’t fade—they just wait for the right moment to be understood.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Clementine inherits her aunt’s apartment, only to discover it exists in two timelines. When she meets Iwan—who is living seven years in the past—their connection unfolds across time, forcing them to navigate love, loss, and impossible timing. This book feels like a warm hug with a quiet ache underneath. Ashley Poston has a way of blending whimsy with emotional depth, and this story is no exception. It’s romantic without being over-the-top, thoughtful without being heavy, and perfect if you love love stories with a magical twist.
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
Joni Lark is stuck—creatively and emotionally—until a chance encounter opens the door to connection, music, and unexpected romance. Set in a small town filled with heart and nostalgia, this story explores how love can find us when we’re least prepared for it. This one feels deeply comforting. It’s about creativity, healing, and embracing the opportunity to be seen. I loved how gentle the romance felt, grounded in emotional safety and shared understanding. It’s the kind of book you want to read curled up on the couch with a cup of tea.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Louisa Clark takes a job caring for Will Traynor, a once-adventurous man left paralyzed after an accident. What begins as an unlikely companionship slowly deepens into a relationship that challenges both of them to rethink love, independence, and what it means to truly live. This book stayed with me long after I finished it. It’s tender, heartbreaking, and honest about loving someone without trying to save or change them. Not an easy read emotionally, but one that stay with you long after you’re done reading—and quietly reshapes the way you think about love.
One Day by David Nicholls
Following Emma and Dexter over the course of twenty years, this novel revisits the same day—July 15th—each year, capturing how friendship, timing, and love evolve as life moves forward in unexpected ways. This story feels incredibly human. Messy, frustrating, hopeful, and painfully real. It reminds me that love isn’t always about perfect timing or grand gestures, but about a connection that refuses to fade. It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you and stay with you long after you’re done reading.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to look one specific way—and neither do love stories. These books remind us that love can be soft or messy, new or familiar, hopeful or healing. Sometimes it shows up quietly, sometimes it changes everything.
If you’re looking for a book to curl up with this February, I genuinely think one of these will find you at the right moment. And if there’s a love story you think everyone should be reading, I’d love to hear about it. You can email me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com, and let’s keep sharing the books that make us believe in love—whatever form it takes.
Discover more of Ia's favorite books and lit themes at her weekly blog.
