I've been exposed to the romance genre since I graduated from basic chapter books and started reading books like "The Fault in Our Stars," "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and "My Life With the Walter Boys." (Noting it now that I was an OG fan, having read it in the early aughts, straight from Wattpad, before it was a popular TV show.)
Reading — especially the romance genre — serves as a means of connection for me with the people in my life: from my mom recommending Nicholas Sparks' novels she's owned and loved for years, to sharing Taylor Jenkins Reid books with my sister and even taking "field trips" to the nearest bookstore to grab Emily Henry's latest release with my coworkers.
And I'm not alone — booksellers agree that reading itself has grown since the pandemic. "There’s a growing hunger for stories that center hope, love and emotional connection — especially in the face of everything the world has thrown at us these past few years," says Leah Koch, co-founder and owner of The Ripped Bodice, a romance bookstore. "Romance offers all of that, plus a guaranteed happy ending. Social media has also played a huge role in breaking down the old stigma and introducing new readers to the genre through BookTok, book clubs and fan communities."
If the above sounds familiar, or you know of someone who gushes any chance they get over their favorite trope, OTP (one true pairing) or fictional boyfriend, you're in the right spot.
And, just in time for Valentine's Day, we rounded up gifts to treat yourself or your OTP with, starting at $5. Shop editor-loved romance novels, mugs to accompany your nighttime routine or even candles that show your allegiance for either of the world's two favorite hockey players, Shane Hollander or Ilya Rozanov. (Because we couldn't write this roundup without mentioning them at least once.)
Editor- and expert-loved romance books
"'Get a Life Chloe Brown' by Talia Hibbert is a great universal starting point," recommends Koch. "It’s funny, sexy, emotionally rich and it perfectly showcases how the genre can handle big feelings with both care and joy."
"Outside of romantasy, I love anything by Jasmine Guillory!" raves associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. "'The Wedding Date' was the book that got me back into reading in 2020 and it also opened me up to the world of adult romance after only reading YA for so long. I love that her stories are centered around Black characters, too. 'Drunk on Love' is another favorite and one that I recommended to my MIL who also absolutely loved it!"
"Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "I absolutely adore her writing, which I’ve come to associate with witty banter, relatable characters and the perfect balance of humor and heart. 'Nora Goes Off Script' is one of those books I’ve recommended to so many friends, whether they identify as romance readers or not, because it will leave you rooting not just for the romance but for Nora herself."
"This has become my daily lecture during the holiday season," says writer Jannely Espinal. "I decided to read the Spanish version for added drama and I just love how the character is dealing with grief, love, success and family drama all at once, while navigating a career dilemma. This is a book you won’t put down during your commute and might make you lose track of time."
"This one stayed with me for a while," says writer Danielle Murphy. "Beautifully written, unique premise, main characters will make you want to cry in the best way."
"You think you’re reading a single series but you’re all of a sudden sucked into a Sarah J. Mass multiverse and have to read 'Throne of Glass' and 'Crescent City' is also a must to continue on to the next upcoming ACOTAR," says associate editor Shannon Garlin of the romantasy spiral you're about to go down. "Once you’ve completed those, you’ll have the biggest book hangover and then get sucked into all the other books 'for SJM fans' to fill the void, and yes, they’re just as good."
"Fourth Wing" ranks #14 on Amazon's Most-Read Fiction list, proving its prominence despite a 2024 publish date.
"This series is full of the most shocking, out-of-nowhere twists — it had me hooked from the start," says commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto. "It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers romance trope, but intertwined with a compelling plot filled with dragons, a war college, and complex friend and family relationships."
Booksellers also love when romance and fantasy combine to create impossible-to-put-down romantasy novels, according to Savanna Sturkie, co-owner of Love and Legends, a new romantasy bookstore in NYC: "People loved to be swept away by stories. Whether it’s a heart-pounding romance or an edge-of-your-seat adventure (or both), I think it’s hard to ignore the pull of these kinds of fiction."
Once I [Hoeger] saw this novel on fellow Iowan Erika Veurinks’ Instagram story, I knew I had to read it. It follows Teddy and Marin as they roadtrip from Iowa to NYC and how their paths continue to cross over the course of eight years in a very “When Harry Met Sally”-inspired way.
I read it in nearly one sitting, falling in love with the familiar Midwestern charm of the characters and growing frustrated with each chance meeting not ending in reconciliation nor a rekindled relationship.
“Once I watched the first two episodes of the show, I knew I needed more of the main characters so I decided to read the book!” says Stewart-Jackson. “You get to spend so much more time in the POVs of Shane and Ilya, and it provides added context and extra layers to the moments we’ve all been dissecting in the show. I enjoyed reading it so much, I’m now working my way through the rest of the Game Changers series!”
Readers and viewers alike are enthralled by the series — in which queer romance takes center stage (or in this case, the rink) for a topic that’s new to some readers.
“I think only more and more readers will join in on the joy of reading genre fiction,” says Sturkie. “My hope for growth is in diversity within the genre. I hope more publishers, awards, articles, etc. champion the authors and stories of marginalized groups. The stories and authors are out there, but they need to receive the marketing, support and enthusiasm they deserve.”
Here at Shop TODAY, we're big fans of Emily Henry. We've taken trips to our nearest McNally Jackson with each book release, then get together to discuss afterwards.
"People We Meet on Vacation" is Henry's first book to be produced into a film, where we follow Poppy and Alex over the years as they first ignore, then fall into a friends to lovers trope.
Editor-loved romance gifts
Never lose track of your spot or what romance novels you've recently read thanks to this bookmark that does both for you! It includes dedicated columns to note the many books you're powering through as well as an indicator for spice level.
Cue the giggles! Garlin received this candle for Christmas, whose jar can be reused well after the candle burns through. If you're gifting someone who prioritizes self care, the small business also provides you with the option to include this candle in a gifting bundle, complete with "pamper and glow," "sip and sleep" and "write and light" options.
We all know the hand flex scene from the 2005 film adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." Yearners alike can attach this PopSocket-like grip onto a phone or e-reader to ensure less drops.
Chronicle your latest reads with this interactive, unlike-the-rest journal. It has activity pages that prompt you to draw your favorite book covers, build a "Best Book of the Year" bracket and more.
This puzzle is filled with romance novel covers most likely from your teenhood and beyond. With titles from authors like Colleen Hoover, Nicholas Sparks, Taylor Jenkins Reid and more, you're likely to spot a few from your "have read" and TBR lists.
If you prefer something a little bit stronger to unwind after a long day with your current read in hand, this rocks glass features the cover and first few lines of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."
"Heated Rivalry" home decor? Sign us up. Whether you've claimed Hollander or Rozanov as your favorite, we can all agree they're our OTP.
These candles are available in two different sizes and are made with notes that play into each character perfectly. Will you choose a "sophisticated and bold" scent that resembles Rozanov? Or an "undeniably captivating" one that portrays Hollander?
Use this tote on your next library or local bookstore run to snag titles related to "Heated Rivalry." Because, let's be honest, you've already read the entire series and are looking for your next sporty romance.
For the classic romance reader, they can sport titles such as "The Great Gatsby," "Jane Eyre" and more made visible in this stack of novels.
Keep loose strands tucked away and tame flyaways with this adorable hand-painted claw clip that features a stack of books secured with a red bow.
This mug has a QR code discreetly hidden within one of the books on the pictured shelf, meant for you to scan and receive a new quote each day. While they might not be romance per se, perhaps it'll inspire some new genres and books to add to your TBR.
Your next reading marathon can be sponsored by this ACOTAR-inspired crewneck that features a phrase avid fans will understand.
Every reader seems to have a never-ending TBR, which only grows every time you’re recommended a new book to read. This journal takes the TBR from your phone to a physical log, where you can jot down notes on books you have read and plan your next romance read.
Decorate your bookshelf with this planter that appears to be a stack of classics — helping it blend in seamlessly. Whether you pot succulents or a snake plant, this vase also includes a drainage hole and a rubber stopper to help prevent messes.
Does your Valentine double as a bookworm? This tee features popular romance tropes as the 'conversations' in multi-colored candy hearts. Pair this with a book off their TBR to round out the perfect gift.
The brand says they tried to model this tee after the viral “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” tee, with its block, capitalized font and minimalistic logo.
Whether you enjoy "love at first bite" vampire romances, a slow burn or the classic "one bed" trope, they're all represented within this Kindle case that's aptly named "the perfect match."
Many Shop TODAY editors are fans of the "Throne of Glass" series, and what better way to subtly incorporate it into your everyday than with a Kindle case?
This one from PopSocket helps ensure that its compatible with the PopSockets themselves, as well as other MagSafe items.
"Romance readers are voracious/tend to read quickly so helps to be able to immediately download your next read and take it on the go," says Cocchi Zabloudil — making a Kindle the perfect splurgeworthy gift for any romance reader.
With the help of apps like Libby, users are able to easily access and download e-books from their local library, tackling their TBR one book at a time.
Meet the experts
- Leah Koch is the co-founder and owner of The Ripped Bodice, a romance-centric bookstore with locations in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.
- Savanna Sturkie is the co-owner of Love and Legends, a fantasy and romance bookstore based in New York City.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best gifts for romance readers. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides for every occasion including gifts for book lovers, gifts for the Harry Potter-obsessed,
