5 Books to Read if You Want to Get Kilig
Love isn’t just for Valentine’s—these five kilig-worthy books will have your heart racing all year round!
Words Kaila Dy
March 2, 2025
Who needs overpriced flowers, crowded restaurants, and the pressure of grand romantic gestures when you can have a swoon-worthy romance any day of the year? Now that Valentine’s Day has passed–leaving behind half-eaten chocolates, wilting roses, and receipts from that overpriced dinner–it’s the perfect time to indulge in stories that never fade.
These books deliver all the kilig, page-turning magic—minus the love-month inflation. Because real romance isn’t about a day–it’s about stories that stay with you long after the petal falls.
1. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
If you live for rom-coms, this book is a must-read. Liz Buxbaum has spent her whole life dreaming of a love story worthy of the big screen. So when her childhood crush moves back to town, she enlists the help of her frustratingly charming (but undeniably cute) neighbor, Wes, to make it happen. But as her picture-perfect plan unfolds, Liz starts to wonder—what if the best love stories aren’t scripted? Packed with sharp banter, undeniable chemistry, and an irresistible slow burn, this one is pure rom-com magic.
2. When in Rome by Sarah Adams
A pop star in desperate need of a break. A small-town baker with zero patience for celebrity drama. Sparks fly when Amelia Rose, inspired by Roman Holiday, escapes to a quiet town—only to end up stranded on grumpy Noah Walker’s doorstep. What starts as an inconvenience soon turns into something neither of them expected. Cozy, heartwarming, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments, this book is the perfect feel-good romance.
3. Betting on You by Lynn Painter
Fake dating with a twist? Yes, please. Bailey and Charlie couldn’t be more different, but when a high-stakes bet forces them into a pretend relationship, their fake romance starts feeling a little too real. What begins as a playful challenge turns into an emotional whirlwind of late-night conversations, undeniable tension, and swoon-worthy moments. If you love fast-paced, flirty reads with electric chemistry, this one’s a winner.
4. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
For those who can’t resist an enemies-to-lovers romance with razor-sharp banter, Book Lovers is an absolute treat. Nora Stephens, a cutthroat literary agent, thrives in the high-stakes world of publishing—until a trip to a sleepy town throws her into the orbit of Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor who’s just as sharp (and just as stubborn) as she is. What starts as professional rivalry crackles into something deeper, full of tension, humor, and undeniable chemistry. This one’s for the bookworms who love their love stories with wit, warmth, and a whole lot of heart.
5. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
A love story that feels like a warm hug, Yours Truly follows Dr. Briana Ortiz as she juggles professional chaos and personal heartbreak—until she meets Jacob Maddox, a new doctor with a reputation for being distant. But when Jacob surprises her with a thoughtful gesture, Briana starts to see beyond his quiet exterior. What follows is a beautifully layered romance about healing, vulnerability, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
