For some, February can feel like a dark and dreary month. For others, it’s the month of love! Whether you are all about the romance or need a pick-me-up read to brighten a gloomy month, these five romance novels set in the Bay Area are sure to do the trick!
Recommendation: “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang
Why it’s a good read: One part sweet adoration and one part steamy chemistry, this San Francisco romance features Stella Lane, a brilliant analyst who is well-versed at tackling much of human behavior through mathematics, but finds herself struggling when it comes to her own interpersonal relationships. In an effort to find the solution to that problem, she hires an escort to help her master the challenge of dating — only to discover that maybe what was supposed to be only practice has become a bit more than she bargained for.
Recommendation: “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood
Why it’s a good read: Science and romance go hand in hand against a Stanford University backdrop in this fake-dating love story. Graduate student Olive Smith is determined not to fall in love when she finds herself crashing headfirst into a fake-dating agreement with the scariest, grumpiest professor in her department. But as she discovers, there’s more to him than the gruff exterior and when she needs an academic ally, there’s no one better to have in her corner.
Recommendation: “Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren
Why it’s a good read: This second-chance romance stretches through the years with the Bay Area as a backdrop. Macy Sorensen’s life is finally falling into order, but when she reconnects with her childhood best friend (and first love), Elliot Petropoulos, she realizes that there may be something missing — perhaps something she might be able to reclaim.
Recommendation: “Secretly Yours” by Tessa Bailey
Why it’s a good read: This small town, wine country romance will have you itching to take a drive through Napa’s vineyards. Hallie Welch, a human storm of flowers and chaos, has been harboring a crush on Julian Vos, the not-so-prodigal son of a local winemaking family, since high school. The only problem? The only way he knows how to keep his anxiety in check is through regimented routine and absolute order — and she is anything but that. So why can’t he manage to get her out of his head?
Recommendation: “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory
Why it’s a good read: A classic meet-cute, a fake-dating agreement, and a Bay Area setting combine for a romance you won’t want to put down. This modern rom-com has the characters tackle real challenges like long-distance, conflicting careers, and their differing lived experiences — all while sprinkling in local landmarks that Bay Area readers will love to see pop up on the page!