The season of love is upon Us — and for those spending Valentine’s Day without a significant other, there’s always some good smut to read.
While romance novels are best read during the month of love, they can be enjoyed all year long. Whether you’re into those spicy scenes or some more low-key love, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Keep scrolling for all the romance novels Us Weekly is looking forward to this Valentine’s Day and beyond:
‘Throne of Nightmares’ by Kerri Maniscalco
The third book in the Prince of Sin series follows the steamy standalone romance between Prince Sloth and Lore Brimstone. Their love story also takes place in a library, making it a book about books — which might just be the best way to read, if you ask Us. (out now)
‘The Roommate Arrangement’ by Samantha Markum
Markum’s young adult romance tells the story of college student Blair who is in a desperate bind for housing. When four college sophomores are looking for a fifth roommate, she has no choice to oblige — even though one of them is her brother’s best friend. (out now)
The Most Romantic Movie Moments to Swoon Over on Valentine’s Day
‘The Exes’ by Leodora Darlington
Yes, this may be considered a thriller but its underlying thread is a major love story (or a few). All Natalie wants is love, but every single one of her relationships ends in tragedy. Think: multiple dead ex-boyfriends. While she’s married to the perfect man now, Natalie’s past is finally catching up to her. (out now)
‘It’s All in Your Head’ by Sabina Nordqvist
A fake-dating trope? Yes, please. Skylar met Pike at her chronic pain support group and shortly thereafter, the two find themselves in a fake relationship. However, the lines start to get blurred when both Skylar and Pike catch feels. (out now)
‘A Little Buzzed’ by Alys Murray
Turn up the spice with this novel following a sex toy engineer, Scout, who hooks up (for work purposes) with the new software engineer, Hudson, at her company. However, the two have some serious chemistry and things get, well, complicated. Enter Hudson’s ex and a new layer of awkwardness makes this love story one to read. (out February 17)
‘Wait for Me’ by Amy Jo Burns
Burns’ new novel combines historical fiction, music and love. Folk singer Elle Harlow disappears during the height of her fame in the 1970s, leaving behind the man she loved. Nearly 20 years later, Marijohn Shaw’s dad, Abe, swears he was the last one to see Elle alive. When a meteor strikes their Pennsylvania town parts of Elle’s past are revealed. (out March 3)
The Most Highly Anticipated Books — Both Fiction and Memoirs — of 2026
‘That’s What Friends Are For’ by Wade Rouse
Think The Golden Girls but different. Teddy Copeland lives in a pink Palm Springs house with friends Barry, Ron and Sid. They’ve turned their golden years into an oasis, but all their emotional baggage starts to unfold when Teddy’s sister, Trudy, shows up with her granddaughter.
‘The Sooner I Go’ by Heather Cumiskey
Romantic suspense fans, unite. Brynn, an 18-year-old aspiring singer, is reeling from the death of her boyfriend and parents — who died on the same night. She’s hired by a man named Micah and their enemies-to-lovers relationship starts. However, things get complicated when the truth about Micah’s past starts to be revealed. (out March 10)
‘Starside’ by Alex Aster
This novel marks Aster’s first foray into the adult romantasy genre. Aris is on a quest for vengeance when the gates between Stormside and Starside open and she can travel to the land of the gods. When she crosses paths with mysterious king’s guard Harlan Raker, his past betrayal comes to light. But she might have to trust him once again in order to survive. (out March 31)
