A woman sits and rejects her companion's declaration of love with scorn. Engraving by J. Punt and P. Tanjé after C. Troost. Wellcome Collection. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Valentine’s Day is here—a time to celebrate love in all its forms. While we adore romantic fiction, some of the most powerful stories about love aren’t found in the romance section. They’re tucked into novels, memoirs and even classics that explore love in unexpected and unforgettable ways.

We’re talking about those books that leave you soaring with joy at love found or in emotional pieces at love lost. Stories that remind us of the depth and complexity of human connection, the ache of longing and the beauty of finding someone—or something—that feels like home.

Think about Atonement, with its heartbreaking portrayal of missed chances and regrets, or The Great Gatsby, filled with unfulfilled desire and yearning. What about the bittersweet love of family in Little Women, or even The Road, where the bond between a father and son is the truest form of love?

Love in literature is vast—it’s romantic, familial, passionate and even tragic. That’s what makes it so captivating. This Valentine’s Day, we’d love to know:

What’s your favourite book about love?

It can be a romantic novel or something entirely unexpected. Share your choice in the comments or on our social channels, and let’s celebrate the stories that have moved us with their tales of love, connection and everything in between.

Because at the very heart of it all, isn’t every great story a love story of some kind? ❤️

We can’t wait to hear your favourites! Tell us using #BooksWeLove and #PWavePress on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky.