Mumbai: Love stories have always held a special place in literature, capturing the emotions, struggles, and joys of romance through timeless narratives. If you’re searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your partner, why not choose a classic romantic novel? These books are more than just stories—they are testaments to love, passion, and the enduring power of human connection.
Whether it’s the slow-burning romance of Pride and Prejudice or the bittersweet beauty of Jane Eyre, classic romance novels have a way of staying with us long after the final page is turned. In this list, we explore five of the most cherished love stories in literature, each offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of love.
5 Iconic romantic novels that make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift
Surprise your loved one with these timeless romantic novels that beautifully capture the essence of love, passion, and devotion.
1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Set in the 1980s, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a beautifully written novel that explores young love, identity, and resilience. The story follows two teenagers—Eleanor, a girl with fiery red hair and a difficult home life, and Park, a quiet and kindhearted boy from a stable yet traditional family. Despite coming from vastly different backgrounds, they form an unexpected connection over their shared passion for music and comic books.
Their relationship begins with small, meaningful interactions on the school bus, where they cautiously exchange words, music cassettes, and comic books. What starts as a tentative friendship soon blossoms into a deep and heartfelt romance, proving that love can be found in the most unexpected places. However, their journey is not without its struggles, as they navigate the complexities of family expectations, societal pressures, and personal insecurities.
With its raw emotions and poignant storytelling, Eleanor & Park is a novel that captures the beauty and pain of first love, making it a perfect gift for those who appreciate deep, meaningful romance. It’s a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever fallen in love for the first time, faced adversity, or found solace in a kindred spirit. If you’re looking for a heartwarming yet bittersweet love story to gift your partner this Valentine’s Day, this novel is a wonderful choice.
2. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Traveler’s Wife is a mesmerising love story that transcends the boundaries of time. It follows the extraordinary romance between Henry, a librarian with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel through time, and Clare, an artist who has spent her entire life waiting for him. Their love story is deeply moving, blending elements of fate, devotion, and longing.
Henry and Clare’s journey begins most unconventionally—Clare meets Henry when she is just six years old, while he is thirty-six. As time passes, their paths continue to cross at different stages of life, leading to a profound connection that withstands the unpredictability of time travel. Despite the uncertainty of when or where Henry will appear next, their love remains steadfast, proving that true love knows no bounds.
This novel beautifully captures the essence of an unbreakable bond tested by circumstances beyond their control. As Clare patiently waits for Henry to return from his unintended journeys, the story explores the themes of destiny, longing, and the endurance of love against all odds.
Now adapted into a major TV series, The Time Traveler’s Wife is a timeless masterpiece that will leave readers deeply touched. Whether you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster or a novel that redefines the meaning of love, this book is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your partner, reminding them that true love is eternal, even when tested by time.
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice is one of the most celebrated love stories in literary history. This novel follows the spirited and intelligent Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman who values independence and wit, and the reserved yet noble Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy gentleman known for his aloofness and pride. Their first encounter at a grand ball is anything but romantic, as initial misunderstandings and social differences create tension between them.
Elizabeth, known for her sharp tongue and strong opinions, finds Darcy arrogant and dismissive, while Darcy struggles to understand his growing admiration for her despite his prejudices. However, as fate continues to intertwine their lives, both Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to confront their flaws, overcome their misconceptions, and gradually discover the true depth of their feelings for each other.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, this novel explores themes of love, class, pride, and personal growth. Austen masterfully weaves a tale of romance that transcends time, showing that true love often requires overcoming one’s ego and learning to see beyond first impressions.
For those who appreciate slow-burning romance, strong-willed protagonists, and witty exchanges, Pride and Prejudice is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. This enchanting novel is not just about love—it’s about self-discovery, second chances, and the beauty of a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. Whether your partner is a fan of classic literature or simply enjoys a beautifully crafted love story, this book is sure to make their heart swoon.
4. The Last Eligible Billionaire
If you love the enemies-to-lovers trope, The Last Eligible Billionaire is a must-read romance novel that blends humour, charm, and unexpected emotions. This delightful book tells the story of an unlikely pair—Hayes, a brooding billionaire heir, and Begonia, a lively and outspoken schoolteacher—who find themselves entangled in a fake relationship.
Hayes is the epitome of emotional unavailability, having perfected the art of keeping people at a distance. He lives a life of wealth and privilege, untouched by deep personal connections. On the other hand, Begonia is a burst of energy—funny, loud, and full of life. When a misunderstanding puts her in a difficult situation, she has no option but to strike a deal with Hayes: she will pretend to be his girlfriend to fend off unwanted suitors, and in return, he will ensure she doesn’t face the consequences of her mistake.
What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement soon takes an unexpected turn. As they spend more time together, Begonia realises that Hayes is far more than just a wealthy bachelor with an icy exterior. Beneath his layers of detachment and luxury lies a man with vulnerabilities, emotions, and an unspoken longing for something real. Their fake relationship begins to blur into something deeper, something neither of them anticipated.
However, when their charade catches public attention, and a scandal erupts, their carefully constructed arrangement spirals into chaos. With their lives thrust into the limelight, both Hayes and Begonia must confront their feelings and decide if their love can survive the scrutiny of the world.
Packed with witty banter, heartwarming moments, and grand romantic gestures, The Last Eligible Billionaire is an entertaining read that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in love against all odds. This novel is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for anyone who enjoys a fun and engaging romance with the perfect balance of humour and heartfelt emotion.
5. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You is a deeply moving and unforgettable love story that explores the transformative power of relationships. At its heart, this novel is not just about romance—it is about self-discovery, compassion, and the courage to embrace life’s unpredictability.
The journey of Louisa Clark and Will Traynor is one of love, laughter, heartbreak, and profound life lessons, making it an emotional rollercoaster that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
Louisa Clark is an ordinary young woman living a predictable life, content with her job at a small-town café and her long-term but uninspiring relationship. She is quirky, full of life, and yet unaware of her true potential. However, her world takes an unexpected turn when she loses her job and is forced to take up a new position as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a once-adventurous and successful businessman whose life was forever changed by a tragic motorcycle accident.
Will, now confined to a wheelchair, sees life as dull and hopeless, a stark contrast to his once-thriving existence filled with travel, adrenaline, and ambition. He is cold and distant, having accepted that his life will never be the same. But Louisa, with her vibrant personality and infectious optimism, gradually begins to break through his walls. What starts as a job soon turns into an extraordinary connection that neither of them expected.
As Lou and Will spend more time together, their bond deepens, revealing moments of tenderness, humour, and heart-wrenching honesty. Will challenges Lou to step out of her comfort zone, teaching her to dream bigger and embrace life’s possibilities. Meanwhile, Lou’s unwavering presence and affection show Will that even in darkness, love can bring warmth and light.
However, their love story is not a conventional one. Me Before You takes readers on an emotional journey that explores difficult choices, the essence of true love, and the selflessness required to truly understand another person’s pain. The novel delivers a powerful message: sometimes love is about giving someone the freedom to make their own choices, even when it breaks your heart.
This international bestseller has touched millions of readers worldwide and was adapted into a major motion picture, further cementing its place as one of the most poignant modern love stories. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift that is both touching and thought-provoking, Me Before You is the perfect choice. It’s a novel that reminds us to cherish love in all its forms and to live life fearlessly, no matter the circumstances.
A timeless love story has the power to transport readers to different worlds, eras, and emotions, making classic romance novels the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. These novels remind us that love—whether passionate, tragic, or tender—has always been a fundamental part of the human experience.
This Valentine’s Day, surprise your partner with a literary masterpiece that speaks to the heart. A well-chosen romantic novel is not just a book—it’s an invitation to experience love through the eyes of unforgettable characters and beautifully woven narratives.
A beautifully written romance novel is one of the most heartfelt gifts you can give on Valentine’s Day. Whether your partner is a book lover or a hopeless romantic, these five timeless classics will make them fall in love all over again. From heartwarming tales of true love to stories of deep emotional connection, these novels capture the essence of romance in the most enchanting way. Book Review Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
