Illustration by Tuesday Hadden

With the rise of “BookTok” — a TikTok subcommunity that centers around the discussion of books — reading romance books has become a mainstream activity. The genre, however, can be difficult to navigate for those newer to these types of books. Whether you’re looking for a light, fluffy read or a smuttier, more emotional one, there is a romance book out there for you! Here are five of the best reads guaranteed to brighten up your February.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

A 2022 Goodreads nominee for Best Romance, this novel is fun, hilarious, heartfelt, and criminally underrated. Featuring a unique premise, The Bodyguard tells the story of Hannah, a bodyguard for hire, and Jack, the celebrity heartthrob she is tasked with protecting. There are many things to love about this book, from Jack’s thoughtfulness and kindness, which is sure to raise anyone’s standards in a romantic partner, to the beautifully executed third-act conflict with no miscommunication trope in sight. If you want a fast-paced, easy yet touching read, look no further than The Bodyguard.

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde

If you’re in the mood for a sports romance, Caught Up is the way to go. Though it is the third book in Liz Tomforde’s Windy City series, the books are standalones and do not need to be read in order. Caught Up follows Kai, a single dad and the pitcher for the Windy City Warriors, a fictional Chicago MLB team, and Miller, a burnt-out pastry chef who becomes Kai’s son’s nanny. The story that Liz Tomforde crafts is beautifully emotional and moving, with heart-wrenching proclamations of love and Kai’s adorable son. Additionally, the characters are extremely well developed and feel amazingly real. Although the other books in the series are also incredible, Caught Up’s storyline and characters truly make it shine.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

For fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing is an exciting combination of fantasy, dragons, and a touch of romance. The novel takes place at a war college, where Violet, the daughter of the college’s commander, must train to become a dragon rider. Training is a deadly game, especially when Xaden Riorson, a powerful and cold-blooded dragon rider, is after her throat. A slow burn enemies to lovers romance, Fourth Wing is an easy-to-follow, fast-paced, and occasionally heartbreaking ride. For those looking for a story that has more to it than romance, Fourth Wing is for you.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

If you’re looking for a romance on a college campus, Icebreaker is for you. When the captain of the hockey team, Nathan, and a competitive figure skater, Stassie, are forced to share a rink, chaos and romance ensues. A sweet and heartwarming story, Icebreaker is a jam-packed and entertaining, if slightly long, ride. Its highlights include amazing side characters (namely Henry) and smut (if you prefer fade-to-black sex scenes, try The Bodyguard). Icebreaker’s fun, charming love story is sure to get you through even WashU’s iciest days.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

For another fantasy with a touch of romance, The House in the Cerulean Sea transports the reader to a world in which forty-year-old case worker Linus is sent to oversee an orphanage; there a group of six magical children and their caretaker, Arthur, reside. Part queer romance, part found family, and part magical realism, this is a beautiful story for those looking for a more wholesome read.