I’m a bit neutral when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I hated it when I was a younger woman because it was an annual reminder that I was still single and I was at a point in my life where that shamed me. (Oh, the things I’d tell her now if I could!) To be clear: being single is nothing to feel shame about. I only wish I’d learned this myself when I was so naïve.
Now that I’ve been married to my best friend for the last 13 years, I don’t hate Valentine’s Day anymore—but it’s still not my favorite holiday. I try to make it special for the kids, and aside from having another reason to spoil each other with presents, the hubs and I treat it like any other day, really. Maybe we’ll bake a special treat for the whole family to indulge after dinner, but there are no fancy black dresses or shiny new rings. And I kind of love it that way.
Three of my favorite (and well-loved!) love stories of all time: LOVE AND OTHER WORDS by Christina Lauren, ONE DAY IN DECEMBER by Josie Silver, and JOSH & HAZEL’S GUIDE TO NOT DATING also by Christina Lauren. Are they romance novels? Sort of, as in they all tell a love story, but there’s is so much more to each one of these books. In LAOW, we have a heart-wrenching best friends-to-lovers tale in which Macy and Elliot have to unravel and understand the past betrayal if they ever hope to appease the undying flame between them. Trust me, this one will keep you glued to the pages.
In ODID, Laurie and Jack share a love-at-first-sight moment, but neither acts quickly enough before her bus drives away. The next time she sees the man of her dreams, he is introduced to her as her best friend’s boyfriend. Yep. But don’t worry; it’s not the end of the story. And Laurie loves her best friend too much to steal her boyfriend, so, snuggle in for this one.
You already know my love for J&HGTND so I won’t take up any more of your time. I actually have to head into work here in a minute, but I wanted to wish you all a wonderful Valentine’s (even if I’m a day late).
Nicole Starleigh, Author 