With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s a great time to find Valentine’s Day books to read (although really, you can—and I do—read them all year long. We’re going to do things a little differently this time around. Usually I preread books for my rec lists and write about them afterward. But this time I’m going to share my carefully curated list of five Valentine’s Day-themed romance novels, and I’m going to update this post with my thoughts as I read them. So save this page and check back for updates. You can also add me on Goodreads to check in and see where I’m at. (Note: I’ve just added a bonus book, one I’d preordered without realizing it included Valentine’s Day celebrations.)
Update: Feb 22, 2024: This post is complete. I’ve posted my thoughts on each of the books.
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Valentine’s Day Books — Romance Reads
Shot Through the Heart by Kate McDarris
[MM Paranormal Romance, Greek Gods, Love God x NYC Investor, Banter, Enemies to Business Associates to Lovers]
If you’ve been reading my reviews, you’ll know I’m a fan of Kate McDarris’ Monster Mash Holiday stories. I loved her Tinsel & Tentacles and Diamonds & Tentacles novellas (reviews here and here). Carter Eros plays a role in Diamonds & Tentacles, and I just knew I had to read Carter and Preston’s story, Shot Through the Heart.
Ancient Greek mythology collides with modern New York City in this swoony MM Paranormal romance. Love god (Carter) Eros is losing his touch. His only hope is to make a matchmaking app, but he needs the help of inventor Preston. But Preston needs proof of Carter’s matchmaking formula. Can Carter plead his case without losing his heart in the process?
I’ve just finished this book and it’s hands-down my new favorite Kate McDarris book! I adore the combination of ancient Greek mythology with a modern New York City backdrop. Carter and Preston’s dynamic is *chef’s kiss* and I can’t get enough of them. They’re funny with excellent banter and they push each other’s buttons. These two need a full blog post of their own (you can read it here).
Shot Through the Heart by Kate McDarris (A Monster Mash Holiday Story)
Knotty Valentine by Amity Malcom
[FF Contemporary Romance, Divorce Lawyer x Burlesque Performer, BDSM, Shibari Demonstrations, set in New York, Novella]
NYC divorce attorney Valentine Love, whose birthday falls on Valentine’s Day, is not a fan of love, roses, or Cupid. But her perspective might change when her best friend drags her out to one of the hottest clubs. Featuring burlesque performers and shibari demonstrations, a gorgeous dancer catches Valentine’s eye.
This is a fantastic read. It’s a slice-of-life story spanning one night and one morning. I’m a sucker for the whole “I’m never going to fall in love, I don’t believe in love” trope that immediately gets tossed out the window when the protagonist meets their person. The chemistry between the two female leads is amazing. Candi is dominant while Valentine is submissive, and I love their open communication. There are some delicious shibari scenes. Definitely an A+ read.
Knotty Valentine by Amity Malcom
Petty Cupid by Sarah Blue
[MF Monster Romance, Cupid x Grim Reaper, Fake Dating, Opposites Attract, Petty Revenge, Novella]
When a beautiful Cupid needs a last-minute date to the Cupidale Valentine’s Day ball to make her ex jealous, the only being available is a grim reaper. But fake dating is never simple, and things become complicated when opposites attract.
This one is super cute and spicy. I adore Daddy Death. Love, the Cupid, is fantastic. I love her voice and her mischievous spirit. The world-building is excellent, with fun details and Valentine-themed play-on-words. Cupids are super kinky (celebrating every Love New Year with a group orgy), while Angels are prudes, and Grim Reapers are misunderstood. There is the miscommunication trope, but it’s quick. Overall, a fun read.
The Perfect Match by Milena McKay
[FF Fantasy Romance, Cupid Academy, Greek Mythology, Age Gap, Roommates, Grumpy/Sunshine, Cinnamon Roll/Ice Queen, Fake Dating, Second Chance, set in Las Vegas, Novella]
Abby, a junior cupid determined to prove herself, runs into Sabine, her matchmaking idol, at the annual Cupid Convention in Sin City. However, while Sabine may be Queen of the Perfect Match, her romantic life pales in comparison. But, when sparks fly between the pair, will Sabine open her heart to love?
I just finished this one and I enjoyed it so much. The world-building is fantastic, a combination of contemporary setting with fantasy elements, where cupids have regular jobs but also moonlight as matchmakers. I love the concept of striving for the Perfect Match vs playing it fast and loose with the love arrows to create as much lust as possible. I love books with creative chapter titles and this one kept me turning pages because it was a wishlist of all my favorite tropes. Sabine and Abby’s attraction is magnetic, yet Sabine resists due to a painful divorce. Aphrodite is a highlight at the Cupid Convention bringing much levity (along with The Fates). I can’t wait to read more from this author.
The Perfect Match by Milena McKay
No Sugar Coating It by DJ Russo (releases February 14th, available for preorder)
[MF Monster Romance, Demon FMC x Human MC, BDSM, Novella]
Faith’s job as a lesser demon is to siphon the souls of the damned into hell. But she’s not meeting her quota. She opens a candy shop to lure unsuspecting souls. Byron has it all: wealth, fame, an endless supply of women, and zero consequences. That is until he visits Faith’s candy shop. Faith’s job should be easy, but Byron has a submissive streak she can’t resist.
This one was amazing! I love a female monster, and Faith has tail, teeth, and claws to boot and a penchant for domination (“Let’s get one thing straight, sweetie. I’m not your baby, and you’re not fucking me. I’m fucking you.”). Both Byron and Faith have deeply satisfying character arcs (I may have teared up at the end). I’m a huge fan of the licorice bondage and candy sex toys. This would be an ideal Valentine’s Day read for those jilted by love and fans of monster romance.
No Sugar Coating It by DJ Russo
Bonus: Little Drop of Blood by Clio Evans
[MM Monster Romance, Vampire x Human, Age Gap, Professor/Student, BDSM, Novella]
I’m adding this one in as a bonus Valentine’s Day book. I preordered it a while ago and did not realize it was set around Valentine’s Day. Little Drop of Blood kicks off Clio Evans’ Creature Cafe series 2.0, set twenty-five years after the original series (it’s not necessary to have read the first series; I’m only halfway through at the moment).
Vampire professor Malachi craves his fated mate, someone who will submit fully to him. So, he goes to the Barista at the Creature Cafe for help finding his match. He does not expect to be paired up with one of his students. Leo’s history professor may be hot, but he’s convinced the older man is too stuffy and inhibited to be any fun in the bedroom. But if the Barista has declared them a match, Leo’s willing to give them a chance.
I always enjoy Clio’s novellas. The first series contained ten romance novellas linked by an overarching plot involving the Barista (there’s also a book eleven, Little Kiss of Snow, that’s mostly Christmas snippets involving chartacters from the first ten books as well as a novella). Little Drop of Blood kicks off a brand new series that looks like it has dual overarching plots involving the Barista’s children and the local vampires. I enjoyed Malachi and Leo’s dynamic, which starts off as antagonistic, growing through physical attraction to instalove. Many kinks are explored, including somnophilia, primal play, praise, degradation, and more. And, of course, there’s the usual kidnapping typical of this series. Reading this book felt like coming home. I’m determined to dive back into CC1.0 to finish it up, and I’ve preordered the next book, Little Heart of Stone, a FFM gargoyle romance.
Little Drop of Blood by Clio Evans (Creature Cafe Book 12)
What is your favorite Valentine’s Day book?
Banner Image Credit: Hearts
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