With Valentine's Day being a day of romance, when its over we settle back into our normal routines--relationship or otherwise. Since there are many stages to romance and relationship, I figured a list of according recommendations could be interesting.
Meeting + Talking Stage: Just for the Summer
I have a dedicated review for Just for the Summer, so I'll keep it concise. This is a good pick for this stage of a relationship because it captures the joy and butterflies that come with first getting to know someone. Justin and Emma are a pair that click off the bat and don't expect have expectations for anything serious, but begin to see each other for their flaws, issues, and positives. Their relationship captures the beauty of falling for someone as they're falling too.
Committing: Alone With You in the Ether
Alone With You in the Ether might be an unexpected pick, but it captures a lot of the complexity that comes with falling for someone and choosing to commit. The novel follows Reagan and Aldo throughout the course of their relationship. Both have their own issues to face, but find someone who can understand them in a way no one else has ever quite managed. Olivie Blake writes something that captures the journeys of two individuals who cross paths and choose new paths together.
Ending a Relationship: The Happy Couple
Somewhat opposed to Alone With You in the Ether in some ways, The Happy Couple captures the complexity of a relationship that is doomed to fall apart. The novel follows a couple on the brink of their wedding, where each character unveils information about their past and why that level of commitment is uncertain. Naoise Dolan writes a complicated and incompatible relationship, traces the reasons why relationships end, and how that can sometimes be for the best.
Second Chance: Happy Place
Happy Place follows a couple who have broken up but have to fake their relationship while on a vacation with friends who don't know. Like many of the other books on the list, Harriet and Wyn have issues that they couldn't solve in their several years together. Being forced back together after time apart, they confront their issues, their individual time apart, and they ways they've each grown. Emily Henry explores a loving relationship with reflections about what can ultimately make it work.
Moving On: You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty
This novel is a bit different as it follows a main character who is in the midst of rebuilding her life. Feyi Adekola is grieving, since she has lost her husband. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, therefore, traces the process of moving on. She tries finding something new both romantically and otherwise, and the complications that come with it. Akwaeke Emezi explores this messy and emotional process, especially considering the nature of the relationships.
Forever and Always: The Princess Bride
While some relationships don't work out, some absolutely do. None is truer than the romantic nature of The Princess Bride. William Golding creates a perfect tale that encapsulates the beauty of adventure and romance. Westley and Buttercup are a perfect example of relationships built to last because of love, mutually fighting for one another, and communication.