Love in Literature: Once Upon a Book Club’s Romantic Recommendations

Romance is one of the most popular genres and it’s easy to see why. As the song goes, love makes the world go round. Here at Once Upon a Book Club we love scouring the world for the latest bestsellers and we know when we find a great romance, we’ve picked a winner.

Our shelves and past book subscription boxes have had their fair share of those love stories that have you remembering them for years to come. Having said that, we have some pretty spicy ones too. Just take a look at our Limited Edition: Valentine’s Day 2024 Box!

We often think of romance as a simple genre but there are so many exciting sub-genres like regency-style romances (yes, we’re definitely talking about Bridgerton but more about that

later). We’ve had everything from historical romances to romantic suspense, rom-coms, and romantasy (you definitely want to check out our Romantasy Volume 2 Box if that’s one of your favorites). 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at some of our top picks, which are bound to get the love feeling going during this wonderful month of February.

Romantic Reads—Handpicked Adult Literature to Ignite the Flame of Love

We’ve really battled to pick our top romantic reads; we always find it difficult to narrow down the list when you have such a wonderful selection to choose from. Great romances make you feel, really feel. It’s the depth of emotion that only love can bring, and the thing about love is that we can all relate.

We all want that special someone, that soul mate. We’ve felt those highs when you feel like you can live on love alone. We’ve experienced those moments of pain; we’ve cried and we’ve laughed. Love is something we all know, and that’s what makes romances so popular.

The Bridgerton Collection by Julia Quinn

This one definitely doesn’t need any introduction, and we are very proud of our  Bridgerton Collection. Unfortunately our Bridgerton Volume 1 collection is sold out but you’ll be thrilled to hear you can still order Volume 2! 

This is the perfect addition to your Bridgerton book collection, so get ready to immerse yourself in the last 4 novels of this legendary series by Julia Quinn. We loved reading these glorious tales of love, scandal, and passion, and we simply love the two carefully selected wrapped gifts that are paired with each book.

Love of My Lives by Yamile Saied Mendez

How far would you search for the soulmate of your dreams? This charming romantic novel from our Steer Your Own Dreams book box is the perfect read for anyone who has longed for a

legendary love story that transcends time and distance—and the powerful magic of steering their own dreams.

About the book

Madi Ramírez has it all—a thriving career she loves, a successful boyfriend, and a wedding to plan—when he finally proposes. So why does she feel like there is something missing? Jayden even has the right initials—the JR that appeared to Madi years ago, in a dream visitation from her beloved, wise abuela. 

When a business trip to Puerto Rico presents itself, Madi is quick to take it. She can finally scatter her abuela’s ashes on the beach, as she wished. And maybe time apart will remind Jayden how much Madi means to him—and maybe he’ll begin to show it. But in Puerto Rico, Madi finds something—well, someone—else. A man who makes her heart beat triple-time—and who feels as right as someone Fated—except for those nagging initials . . .

We hope we have you intrigued. This wonderful edition features a custom dust jacket, fabric hard case with exclusive foiling designs, custom end papers, and beautifully designed page edges! We love making the whole reading experience special from the moment you open your book box until you turn the last page.

Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

Fake It Till You Bake It is an adorable book from our Cupcake Connection book box, and we’re delighted to let you know that we still have a few in stock. This popular book box also includes five gifts that bring this fun and flirty novel to life!

About the Book

A reality star and a cupcake-baking football player pretend to be a couple in order to save his bakery in this sweet and sexy romance from Jamie Wesley, Fake It Till You Bake It.

Jada Townsend-Matthews is the most reviled woman in America after turning down a proposal on a reality dating show. When she comes home to lick her wounds, Jada finds herself working at San Diego's newest cupcake bakery, Sugar Blitz, alongside the uptight owner and professional football player Donovan Dell.

When a reporter mistakenly believes Jada and Donovan are an item, they realize they can use the misunderstanding to their advantage to help the struggling bakery and rehabilitate Jada's image. Faking a relationship should be simple, but sometimes love is the most unexpected ingredient.

A Gift of Love—Choosing the Perfect Literary Valentine’s Present for Avid Readers

When it comes to avid readers, the only thing that beats a book is one of our amazing bookish products. The gift of love with a bookish twist is what we love best. I will just put it out there that nothing beats a monthly book subscription box, and it may just be time to start sending those subtle hints to the love of your life. 

February’s box Their Untold Story is a novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, this book is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.⁠ 

The Ultimate Bookish Products from Once Upon a Book Club

The Cupcake Connection Lipstick

Nothing quite says Valentine’s Day like a daring red lipstick, and we have just the one for you! From our fabulous book box, The Cupcake Connection we present a stunning white lipstick tube of bold berry red lipstick in the OUABC exclusive shade, "Confidence", inspired by Jada's lipstick that she wears when she needs to feel confident.

Through Thick and Thin—Freshwater Pearl and Gold Bracelet

Everyone needs that subtle accessory that elevates any outfit and we have just the thing. A stunning freshwater pearl with a rose hue and 18k gold plated  bracelet inspired by the one described in We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza! Also included is a letter written by the authors EXCLUSIVELY for OUABC readers! 

Bridgerton Slippers

These fluffy Bridgerton slippers are just the bee’s knees and were originally paired with On The Way To The Wedding in our Bridgerton Volume 2 box. We can’t get enough of these pink, fuzzy slip-ons embroidered with the words 'Shh dearest readers...I'm reading...' They have a way of making you feel special, and we all have a pair!

Steer Your Own Dreams Candle

Nothing says romance quite the way a candle does! We love this adorable "Good Vibes" scented candle featuring a green glass container and small crystals embedded in the wax. This great addition to your relaxation store was part of our adult box featuring Love of My Lives by Yamile Saied Méndez.

And while we are on candles, another must-have is our candle care set from our Bridgerton Collection. We know you will love this set of which includes a wick trimmer, candle snuffer and wick dipper. This elegant gold set is the epitome of elegance!

The Romantasy Glass Globe Light

If you’re looking for an easy way to set the mood, then this one is for you! It is a gorgeous glass globe light featuring an open book with trees engraved inside the orb! Light glows through the wooden base, burned with the quote 'You are free to choose your own path'. This gift was custom-designed and inspired by The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick. We think that everyone needs a reminder that you are free to choose your own path, don’t you?

Conclusion

Love is in the air during the month of February, and it’s the perfect time to spoil your loved ones, including yourself! Take time out to appreciate one of life’s most powerful emotions—LOVE. Smell the roses, read a great romance, find a classic romantic movie, buy a red dress, eat chocolates, make heart-shaped biscuits—it doesn’t matter what you do, just get into the spirit of love.

And as I sign-off, I find myself humming that fabulous song by Nat King Cole—

“L is for the way you look at me
 O is for the only one I see
 V is very, very extraordinary and
 E is even more than anyone that you adore”

Wishing all of our fabulous Once Upon a Book Club community a month of romance!