It’s February, and the lackadaisical days of Winter Break are officially cemented in the past. Schoolwork is ramping up, midterms are (somehow?!) around the corner, and it’s safe to say that we could all use a little break, a little detox. There is, perhaps, no better way to detach yourself from the stresses of academic life than by diving into the escapist and refreshing world of romance literature. Whether you’re looking for addictive tension, a slow-burn, smut, or a happy ending, romance books have something for everybody. So, grab a cozy blanket, put on some romantic jazz, and allow yourself to be whisked away by these five lovable reads!

“Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez

Though “Just for the Summer” is the third book in Abby Jimenez’s interconnected series, “Part of Your World,” it can be read as a standalone (though, of course, the other two books are worthy reads). “Just for the Summer” follows Justin and Emma, two individuals who share a romantic “curse”: every person they date finds “the one” immediately after their breakup. After meeting, Justin and Emma devise a way to break this curse. If they dated each other “just for the summer” and then broke up, they would find their own soulmates! Of course, they just might fall in love with each other during the process… who could say? “Just for the Summer” is character-driven, sweet, and humorous, making it the perfect novel to escape the dreary St. Louis February for a summer on Lake Minnetonka.

“Bride” by Ali Hazelwood

If you’ve ever had a “Twilight” phase, give Ali Hazelwood’s “Bride” a try. “Bride” follows Misery Lark, a Vampyre, as she is forced to marry Lowe Moreland, a Werewolf. Yes, this sounds outrageous. Add in the fact that Misery is simultaneously investigating the disappearance of her best friend, and “Bride” becomes chaos. Yet, this book (somehow) works. Its intriguing world coupled with the enemies-to-lovers tension between Misery and Lowe make this book utterly captivating. And, of course, it wouldn’t be an Ali Hazelwood book without a healthy dose of smut.

“The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center

Katherine Center creates some of the most inventive plots in the romance genre. Her latest book, “The Rom-Commers,” is no exception. This novel centers around Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter who is obsessed with, you guessed it, romantic comedies. Emma is hired to rewrite a disastrous rom-com script by her hero, the wildly famous and successful screenwriter Charlie Yates. As she attempts to revive Charlie’s script and convince him of the allure of the rom-com genre, Emma takes on a much larger challenge: showing Charlie the value of love. “The Rom-Commers” is a heartwarming, clever, and somewhat meta addition to its titular genre.

“Heartless Hunter” by Kristen Cicarelli

Largely popularized by BookTok, “Heartless Hunter” is one of the best romantic fantasies released in recent years. “Heartless Hunter” is set in a world in which witches have become exiles of society and hunted for their magic. Rune is one of these witches and is forced to spend her days hiding her true form by parading as a member of high society. However, at night, Rune becomes the Crimson Moth, a mysterious figure who rescues witches from capture and eradication. In order to gather crucial information and cover her tracks, Rune decides to begin courting Gideon Sharpe, a witch hunter. However, Gideon isn’t the only love interest in “Heartless Hunter.” His brother Alex is Rune’s longtime friend, and he just happens to be hopelessly in love with the secret witch. This romance is full of forbidden love, twists, and high stakes, and its fast-paced plot is guaranteed to keep you on your toes.

“Mistborn” by Brandon Sanderson

This is not a romance book. Yes, I know that this is a list of romance recommendations. However, I understand that there are those who are not totally sold on the idea of a book focused almost entirely on characters falling in love. So, for those readers, here is a plot-driven, inventive fantasy book with the lightest sprinkle of romance. “Mistborn” is centered in a world ruled by a god-like dictator in which some nobles possess the ability to burn metals and access magical powers. Vin, a lowborn orphan who can wield these magical powers, is recruited by a ragtag team who is determined to overthrow the empire’s dictator. The story follows Vin and the team’s leader, Kelsier, as Vin discovers her power, a newfound family, and, of course, a sweet and youthful romance. “Mistborn” is action-packed, heart-wrenching, and addictive, proving Sanderson to be the true master of the fantasy genre.