|
February 13, 2026 
|
|
|
Happy Galentine’s Day, dear readers!
As our department’s resident romance expert, I often get questions from befuddled colleagues about some of the terms I toss around: black cat/golden retriever, cinnamon roll, “oops, there’s only one bed.” The genre can feel as if it has a language of its own. If you’re a fan, it’s a helpful code that tells you quickly if a book is going to be your speed. (Forced proximity plus enemies-to-lovers plus grumpy/sunshine, with a generous sprinkle of yearning, usually guarantees I’ll have a good time.) But if you’re new to the genre, it’s more likely to leave you scratching your head and wondering who or what on earth qualifies as a stern brunch daddy.
The Book Review is here to help, with a new A–Z glossary of 101 romance terms you should know, from apron tuggers to zombies. Even the undead deserve love! I also broke some of them down in a video. And if you see something that strikes your fancy, we’ve included recommendations for books that show these tropes off at their best — all of which you can save to your reading list.
However you plan to spend your Valentine’s Day, and whomever you plan to spend it with, I hope you find something here to love! You’re all poetic and noble land mermaids in my book.
Like this email?
Sign-up here or forward it to your friends. Have a suggestion or two on how we can improve it? Let us know at books@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.
|
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT READ? |
|
|
|
|
We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times.
|
THIS WEEK IN THE BOOK REVIEW |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BEST SELLERS
|
If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Books from The New York Times. To stop receiving Books, < |
