Romcoms are the perfect Valentine’s Day reading. Charlotte Griffiths shares her favourites
Words by Charlotte Griffiths
Experienced by Kate Young
This is the first novel by brilliant author Kate Young, the brain behind the fantastic Little Library Cookbook series (which should also be on your radar as a book lover: it comprises some excellent collections of recipes inspired by classic reads). Unsurprisingly, Young’s novel is a complete delight.
Newly out, 30-year-old Bette thinks she’s found the love of her life with first-ever girlfriend Mei. However, as a more experienced gay woman, Mei feels it’s important for Bette to explore her new identity before making such a huge commitment, so puts their relationship on hiatus for three months so that Bette can gain experience.
At first Bette is heartbroken by Mei’s decision, but with some no-nonsense advice from her straight-talking flatmate Ash and helpful pointers from the women she meets through her first few encounters on dating apps, Bette soon finds her feet in this brave new world. She stumbles her well-meaning way through a series of hook-ups, dates and casual flings, trying not to break too many hearts on her journey and hoping this path will lead her back to her one true love – but will it?
Set in beautifully depicted Bristol and packed with contemporary references, Young’s effortless description and dialogue means reading this almost feels like watching a high-end romcom. You’ll have trouble believing these characters aren’t real people. This is a warm, funny and hugely enjoyable romantic comedy that’s not to be missed – perfect reading for Valentine’s Day.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
A novel for those who like their fiction on the dark side. Alison Espach’s romance title is an unforgettable read, which came out last summer and found its deserving way onto many 2024 best-of lists.
When you consider the background, it’s hard to see the com in this romcom. The newly separated and heartbroken 40 something Phoebe has booked herself into Rhode Island’s high-end Cornwall Inn, a place she’d always wanted to stay at with her husband – except he’s now left her for his younger assistant.
Their 20-year-long relationship – involving unrelenting struggles with IVF and infertility issues – is over, and Phoebe is failing to see the point of going on alone.
But when she arrives at the hotel, Phoebe discovers she’s the only guest there who’s not involved in a large wedding party. Young bride Lila thought she’d booked the entire inn for her week of celebrations, and although she’s initially bewildered to find out that there’s a guest staying who’s not part of the family, having someone around who’s not involved – and will actually tell her the truth – soon becomes invaluable.
This is an exquisitely written slice-of-life novel with twists, turns and all the drama you might expect when two families collide: it’s laugh-out-loud funny in parts, but also full of heart and connection, and it’s well worth seeking this out in book format before it inevitably gets made into a movie.
Snowdrift And Other Stories by Georgette Heyer
If you’re in the mood for romantic reads, look no further than Georgette Heyer. The Bridgerton author has shelves upon shelves of superb Regency-era stories available to distract, divert and disarm you, so it won’t be long before you’re cheering on a swapped-at-birth squire as he races to Gretna Green with the season’s sparkling diamond.
This collection features three of Heyer’s more recently discovered Regency romances, which were written for magazines, and is a great way to dip your toe into Heyer’s world. Each of the snackable romances by this legendary author could probably be polished off in one cosy afternoon (depending on your reading speed!). Wherever you open this book to, you’ll find unplanned encounters, missed connections, forbidden love, grasping hands, duels, dances and debutantes galore. Those familiar with Heyer’s work will enjoy spotting the initial sketches of plots and conversations which she spun out into full-blown encounters in her later novels.
If you’re keen to pick up more books in 2025, short stories are a low-commitment way to get back in the saddle, and if you’re eagerly awaiting Bridgerton’s next installment then this collection is a splendid way to bide your time before the next series drops. It will give your exhausted attention span the same dopamine hit as doomscrolling – this is the Instagram Reels version of Bridgerton!
Romantasy reads
Prefer your romance with a little added magic? Start swooning with a new series
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Catch up on the first two parts of the epic Empyrean series following young Violet Sorrengail – who is unexpectedly enrolled in a military college for dragon riders – before embarking on the newest in the series, due to be published in spring 2025.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Orphaned Jude and her sisters have spent the past ten years living in the land of Faerie and are desperate to belong. But many fae would never accept a human as an equal, least of all the King’s malevolent youngest son, Prince Cardan.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
England, 1908, where the upper classes have magic and means. Non-magical civil servant Robin is mistakenly recruited as liaison to the magical world, alongside the frustratingly bookish, yet curiously handsome Edwin.
