16 Books That Will Make The Coldest, Deadest Heart Come Back To Life

Books are my valentine.

1. A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

Harper Collins, Courtesy of Alyssa Cole

Grad student Naledi Smith assumes the incessant emails she keeps getting claiming she's betrothed to an African prince are nothing but a scam. So, when Prince Thabiso tracks down his should-be bride and she mistakes him for an everyday Joe, he uses the opportunity to get to know her as himself, not a prince.

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Harper Collins, Katie Saarikko

Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are work rivals who hate each other. But when they're up for the same promotion, their tense games of one-upmanship develop into a steamy flirtation that neither of them see coming.

3. Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal

Penguin Random House, amazon.com

A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan, Unmarriageable follows Alys Binata, one of five Binat daughters and a member of a family recently rocked by a scandal that destroyed their marriage prospects. When they receive an invitation to a big wedding and Alys's sister Jena catches the eye of Fahad Bingla, the Binat family wonders if their luck is beginning to change. However, after hearing what Valentine Darsee seems to think of them, Alys isn't so sure. Is there more to him than meets the eye?

4. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

amazon.com, marianazapata.com

Figure skater Jasmine Santos has one chance at winning the championship, and it seemingly bursts into flames when her partner bails on her. So, when her rival Ivan Lukov and his coach suggest that they pair up, she's in no position to be picky and takes them up on their offer — hilarious antics and passion ensue!

5. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Berkley, penguinrandomhouse.com

The day before his ex's wedding, Drew is still desperate for a plus one. So, when he gets stuck in the elevator with the beautiful Alexa, it seems like fate. Alexa agrees to go as his date, but never expects that it might turn into something more.

6. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Berkley, Chris Malpass

In 1950's Cuba, Elisa Perez is a young socialite who has a grand love affair with a revolutionary. Nearly 60 years later, Marisol Ferrera returns to Cuba to scatter her late grandmother Elisa's ashes. With alternate narrations, Elisa's love story unfolds and Marisol uncovers family secrets that can change everything she thought she knew.

7. Roomies by Christina Lauren

Gallery Books, christinalaurenbooks.com

Holland Baker has a massive crush on street musician Calvin Mcloughlin. After Calvin saves her from a drunken attacker and the two become acquainted, she realizes he's perfect to audition for her uncle's Broadway show — and his uncle agrees. The only problem is that Calvin is in the country illegally. Holland and Calvin get married to save the show, but somewhere along the way their relationship stops being pretend.

8. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Simon Pulse, Dana Foster

All Dimple Shah wants is to attend a tech summer program in San Francisco before starting Stanford in the fall. All her parents want is to find her an Indian boy to marry. When they agree to send her to Insomnia Con, she has no idea that Rishi — a hopeless romantic who embraces the tradition of arrangement and wants to find a wife — will also be in attendance.

9. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Berkley, helenhoang.com

Stella Lane is a workaholic with little to no dating experience; she also happens to have Asperger's. So, she takes the analytical route and hires an escort to teach her the ins and outs of dating. But after a few "sessions" with the hot Vietnamese/Swedish Michael Phan, their professional relationship starts to feel less like work and more like romance.

10. Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atria Books, Scott Witter

In this novel, icon Evelyn Hugo sits down with a writer named Monique to share her fascinating life story about being a film star in Old Hollywood, including the seven husbands she's had over the years.

11. Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Speak, penguinrandomhouse.com

Emi is a young set designer in LA whose love life lacks the inspiration that comes so easily to her work. But, when she discovers a mysterious letter that sends her down the rabbit hole of a movie star's hidden life, she meets Ava, and everything begins to change.

12. The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

St. Martin's Griffin, imdb.com

Art gallery owner Solène Marchand takes her 12-year-old daughter to an August Moon concert — the biggest band in the world. During a fan meet-and-greet, she meets Hayes Campbell, a 20-year-old member of the band who instantly becomes smitten with the 39-year-old divorcée. What begins as the occasional tryst soon develops into something more, that neither of them expect, nor know how to handle.

13. Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Berkley, Kristie Chadwick

When Marlee discovers that her NFL-star boyfriend of 10 years has been cheating on her, she vows never to date another athlete. That is, until Gavin Pope enters the picture. With the football wives trying to oust her from the inner circle and her growing feelings for Gavin, Marlee's not sure she'll make it through football season.

14. Lost For Words by Andrea Bramhall

Ylva Publishing, ylva-publishing.com

Sasha's life is turned upside down when her mother and BFF enter her in a scriptwriting competition. First, there's the writing itself. But, when she meets Jac Kensington, the woman who runs said competition, there's a good chance that life for Sasha will never be the same.

15. Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

Balzer + Bray, Christy Archibald

Ramona always knew she was attracted to girls. Or, at least that's what she thought until her childhood friend Freddie returns to Mississippi. Her friendship with the former competitive swimmer picks up right where it left off. Before you know it, Ramona's fallen in love with swimming...and maybe even Freddie himself.

16. One Day in December by Josie Silver

Broadway Books, Justine Stoddart

Looking out from a bus window, Laurie spots Jack reading a book on a bench. He sees her, she sees him, and they're both pretty sure it's love at first sight. But, then the bus drives away and they don't get to meet. A year later, Laurie's best friend Sarah introduces Jack as her boyfriend. Over the next few years, there's friendship, feelings, missed chances, and more. (Look, I know it's not December, but it's technically still winter so just go with it!)