Fancy a romantic or passionate read for Valentines? Here’s a list of the latest books about love, be it all rose petals or thorns and dark passion. You are guaranteed to find your favourite amongst these brilliant authors!
1. Jojo Moyes: Still Me
The third book in this tragic love trilogy sees Lou Clark move to New York to start a new life. But soon she shares a secret about her employer that she knows will destroy all of their futures. And then she meets someone who reminds her so much of the man she lost that it hurts, while her new boyfriend Sam is patiently waiting for her return in London. How can she possibly make a choice that will keep everyone – including herself – happy?
2.Cocky
Best Friens by Faleena Hopkins
They’ve danced together since they were six. Always ‘background.’ Always in the shadows. Until now. If you like your romance steamy, Faleena Hopkins’ Cocky series is for you. And who doesn’t sometimes need a bit of a raunchy read – especially for Valentine’s?
3. Amanda Prowse: Girl in the Corner
Amanda Prowse writes second chance romances about marriages that break up, relationships that go wrong and women who, in spite of having everything stacked against them, come through and thrive. Her latest book tells the story of Rae-Valentine (so very apt for this Valentine’s reading list 😁) who’s husband Howard has a secret. A secret so huge, that eventually, it has to come out. Reeling from Howard’s betrayal, Rae-Valentine takes her friend on a would-be anniversary trip to Antigua, where she realises she has always been there for her family and friends. Now that she needs them, will they be there for her? And she has a choice to make, return to London and keep the peace as she always has done, or put her own needs first?
4. Love is Blind by William Boyd

This sweeping historical love story begins on a wet Edinburgh afternoon at the end of the 19th century when piano tuner, Brodie Moncur, is offered a job in Paris. Keen to escape his tyrannical preacher father, Brodie grabs this chance to change his life forever. In Paris, he meets a Russian soprano, Lika Blum, and they begin a passionate, fateful affair that takes Brodie from Paris to St Petersburgh, Edinburgh and back again. I always enjoy William Boyd’s novels, but this one was a special one. Love is Blind is full of dark passion and brilliant prose. Not his best, but close.
5.
The Frozen River by Clare Flynn

If you like historical romance, Clare Flynn is an author you should investigate. The Frozen River is a set in post-war Canada where war-bride, Joan, now with four children, English hairdresser Ethel and widow and single mother, Alice, bringing up two daughters, are all trying to make their way in the new country and era. The Frozen River is a stand-alone read, but if you like Clare’s writing, it’s worth checking out the other two novels in The Canadians series, The Alien Corn and The Chalky Sea.
6. Santiago’s Guitar by Stephen R Marriott

Santiago’s Guitar isn’t a romance book, but it is a story about love. Love for music and life. Diego dreams about becoming a famous Flamengo guitarist but does he have the strength of character to pursue a demanding career in music? If you want a book to take you somewhere, this one is for you. You will be able to smell the heat of the Madrid pavements, taste the cold cervezas and tapas and feel Diego’s disappointments and triumphs as you follow this coming-of-age story.
7. Maiden Musings And The Canny Crows by Robert J Brooks

This book of poetry is in two parts. The first one is the result of a life shadowed by alcohol, substance addiction and heartache but also a time of great awakening. The second book was written some twenty-three years later with the revelation of sobriety, but also the clear but shocking view of reality. A hugely insightful collection, this book includes many beautiful love poems as well as heartbreaking observations on grief and loss.
8. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty (of Big Little Lies fame) is one of my most favourite authors and I grab her new books as soon they’re out and fervently read them in almost one sitting. Nine Perfect Strangers didn’t disappoint. This is the blurb:
The retreat at health-and-wellness resort Tranquillum House promises total transformation.
Nine stressed city dwellers are keen to drop their literal and mental baggage, and absorb the meditative ambience while enjoying their hot stone massages.
Miles from anywhere, without cars or phones, they have no way to reach the outside world. Just time to think about themselves, and get to know each other.
Watching over them is the resort’s director, a woman on a mission. But quite a different one from any the guests might have imagined.
For behind the retreat’s glamorous facade lies a dark agenda.
Couldn’t put it better myself.
I hope you enjoy my choices for this Valentimes Day and I hope you have a great one full of love and romance!
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