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Make this Valentine's Day sweet with these top SFF romance novels!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I get it, those aren’t words every one of us likes to hear. An overflow of pink and red signs inundating the grocery store, explosions of red roses and oversized teddy bears, and do the heart-shaped chocolate boxes keep getting bigger, or is it just me? Oh yeah, can’t forget those paper valentines for my kid’s class at school. Does she want Encanto or Spongebob theme this year? Oh, are ALL the kids bringing candy to give away, too?! Let’s face it, the day meant to celebrate love has been commercialized like every other holiday.

BUT. There are other, simpler ways to enjoy the holiday. While fancy dates or a homecooked dinner with a loved one are sentimental and sweet, you don’t need a significant other, or anyone REAL at all, to get your romance on.

Here are four novels in our beloved science fiction/fantasy genres that include romances that will comfort you, excite you, and at times, take your breath away (or wish desperately that the character you pine for would pop out of the pages and give you a spin on the dance floor instead!).

1. The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks

*fans self*

This book is riveting, with a classic fantasy world that offers unique twists, a daring protagonist who, unlike everyone else, doesn’t need a voice to perform magic, and beyond that, boy is it spicy in the romance department--the chemistry is explosive. If you want a read that will keep you locked into action, magic, mystery, and an enemies-to-lovers romance, this is for you.

2. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell

Oh my stars, guys. Get ready for tears of joy, anguish, and desperate cheerleading from the sidelines for the romance of Jainan and Kiem, the CUTEST couple in the universe. In this arranged-marriage space opera, political intrigue meets sigh-worthy romance with extremely well-developed characters who feel real, inspiring, and like they need a hug.

3. When Skies Have Fallen by Debbie McGowan

Many SFF readers have a major soft spot for history as well. Why? It transfers us to a different time, allowing us to imagine what it would be like to live among our ancestors in years of events unlike our own. Of course, all of this is backed by the caveat that historical fiction is still rooted in real history, real events, and takes inspiration from the lives of real people, making the stories all the more poignant. “When Skies Have Fallen” does just that. Inspired by a real photo of two soldiers in WWII embracing with a cheerful kiss on the cheek, this novel explores the possibilities of two men in love facing the hardships of both war and living in a world that would persecute them simply for loving whom they choose. Throughout the struggle, their love is a comfort and a triumph, both for the vivid characters and the reader invited into their lives.

4. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

This. Book. I won’t deny it, my copy of this fantasy romance has a broken binding, enough dog-ears to start a pet adoption agency, and (gasp!) pen marks from my personal jot notes and underlines of favorite passages. While the story may seem like a simple enemies-to-lovers, “beauty and the beast”-style tale, the Polish folklore-based world, unique magical fiascos, political intrigue among wizards and witches, and an alluring, fiery, sometimes spicy romance all bring this novel to a prominent place on my bookshelf. Dive in, and you might fall in love, too.

So, why make elaborate Valentine’s Day plans this year?

Find romance between the pages of your favorite novel or jump into “shipping” a new fictional couple. And go ahead, eat that monster-sized box of chocolates while you’re at it!

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Announcements

Looking forward to a great summer beach read? Add Swordfights & Spaceflights author Noah Lemelson’s sequel to his hit “The Sightless City” to your list! “The Lioness and the Rat Queen” releases August 29, 2023!