Valentine's Day reads for 2025

Happy Valentine's Day ... or happy Discounted Chocolate Day Eve (whichever you prefer).

Here's how to celebrate the holiday in a literary way.

• Ellie Gold Laabs analyzes the appearance of poetry on dating shows (Electric Literature).  

• Some readers (both lovers and critics) say the steamy scenes are the least realistic part of romance novels, but Alison Doherty argues that a different aspect deserves that crown (Book Riot).

• The Notting Hill bookstore scene isn't total fantasy — meet these couples whose love stories include romance among the shop shelves (The Guardian).

• If you need inspiration for wooing a book lover, here are some (tongue-in-cheek) ideas to try (Literary Hub).

• It's too late to purchase and receive these literary valentines, but maybe the bookworm in your life will still appreciate the thought via link ... ? (Book Riot).

• Librarians share fifty of their favorite new romance novels (New York Public Library).

• Or, see the hundred most popular romances of the past three years according to readers (Goodreads).

• Test your knowledge of classic literary couples, from the past century (The New York Times).