The Book Review: Valentine’s reading
For skeptics and romantics alike.
Books
February 14, 2026

Dear readers,

Must we call this a holiday? No matter if I am happily coupled or happily single, Valentine’s Day always strikes me as an occasion destined to make people feel inadequate, lonely or prediabetic. The reading possibilities, about love (or a lack thereof) in all its forms, are pretty good, though. Here are some for your consideration.

WHY DON’T YOU …

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Get to know some standout classic romance novels?

This is a gold-rimmed martini glass filled with a drink.

Agustin Nieto for The New York Times

Sink into an outrageous political satire with a love story at its core?

 A portrait in jewel tones of a woman in Renaissance dress, standing with her right hand resting on a stand draped with heavy orange-gold fabric.

Alamy

Revisit the lore surrounding an alleged Hungarian “blood countess” and the young girls she loved?

The illustration features portions of eight book covers, and one round black-and-white author photo, on a yellow background.

Author photo by Megan Preece

Dabble in all manner of one-night stand romance novels?

This is a photo of several women’s bodies underwater.

Peter Marlow/Magnum Photos

Submit to the charms of a funny, poignant and somewhat deranged novel of midlife friendship?

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Kean Collection/Archive Photos, via Getty Images

Dip into a list of books for the scorned, loveless and skeptical?

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