Books

Underrated Romance Novels To Read This Valentine’s Day

A selection of under-appreciated books, all published in 2021 by first-time romance authors.

by K.W. Colyard

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No matter what kind of romance you like, you’ll fall for one of these books.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

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‘Love Is for Losers’ by Wibke Brueggemann
Amazon
A 15-year-old cynic who has sworn off love finds herself falling for a thrift-shop co-worker in Wibke Brueggemann’s queer YA rom-com.
$18.99
See On Amazon
‘Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships’ by Sara Grunder Ruiz
Amazon
Jo was on track to complete her birthday bucket list before she hit 30 ... until tragedy struck. But with some help from her nieces, the yacht stewardess might just summon the strength to pull it off after all — and find someone special in the process.
$16
See On Amazon
‘The Jasmine Project’ by Meredith Ireland
Amazon
When Jasmine’s soon-to-be live-in boyfriend turns out to be a cheater, she swears off love. But her family isn’t going to let her give up so easily, even if that means tricking her into finding someone knew.
$19.99
See On Amazon
'Happy Endings' by Thien-Kim Lam
Underground Books
Thien-Kim Lam’s debut centers on Trixie, a sex-toy startup founder who finds herself teaming up with her ex to bring life’s best pleasures to the public.
$15.99
See On Underground Books
‘Meet Me in Madrid’ by Verity Lowell
Amazon
Stranded in Spain on a business trip, a museum courier reaches out to an old crush from grad school and winds up crashing on the other woman’s couch.
$14.99
See On Amazon
‘Heart on a Leash’ by Alanna Martin
Amazon
In Alanna Martin’s Heart on a Leash, forbidden romance meets puppy love. The Lipins raise cats, the Porters raise Huskies, and no one crosses that line — until Taylor and Josh come along.
$7.99
See On Amazon
‘Like a Love Song’ by Gabriela Martins
Amazon
After weathering a devastating on-air breakup, teen pop phenom Nati starts a “dating” an up-and-coming British actor as a PR stunt. He’s the last guy on Earth she expects to fall for, but rom-com readers know exactly where their fake romance will lead.
$9.99
See On Amazon
‘The Meet-Cute Project’ by Rhiannon Richardson
Detroit Book City
When high-school junior Mia can’t find a date to her sister’s wedding, her rom-com-loving friends take matters into their own hands.
$19.99
See On Detroit Book City
‘Made in Korea’ by Sarah Suk
Amazon
In Sarah Suk’s Made in Korea, sparks fly between two high schoolers running competing K-beauty businesses.
$19.99
See On Amazon
‘A Lowcountry Bride’ by Preslaysa Williams
Brain Lair Books
Preslaysa Williams’ A Lowcountry Bride follows Maya, a New York City-based bridal designer, as she travels home to Charleston, South Carolina and falls for the owner of a struggling boutique.
$15.99
See On Brain Lair Books

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