Celebrate Valentine's Day with these underrated romance books

Each year, it feels like the romance world gets bigger and bigger. However, sometimes you want to read something you're not hearing much about especially with Valentine's Day coming up.

While there are some authors and books always getting hype, there are some that fall through the cracks. That's why I wanted to make sure I showed some love to these romance books which all have less than 1,000 ratings on Goodreads.

Whether you're looking for something new to add to your TBR or are headed to the library, then you need to keep these books in mind. Sadly, these books aren't getting the love they deserve so I wanted to make sure they got a spotlight.

Of course, I'd love to know some of your favorite underrated romance books and which I should add to my evergrowing TBR.

Try out these underrated romance books for Valentine's Day.

Unlike some of the other romance recs, I don't have covers for most of these but I still wanted to show them some love so I'm going to share some details about them and why I think they're worth adding to your TBR.

1. Wild Life by Opal Wei

Starting things off is the book cover I used as my featured image and that's Wild Life by Opal Wei. I know it's a recent release, but I still feel like it hasn't gotten as much love. Published by Harlequin, this book is absurd from start to finish. However, it has that classic Harlequin vibe to it that will make you fall in love with it.

The characters: Zoey and Davy might seem like an unlikely pair but they end up growing on you and on the whole, Wild Life is just fun. Since it's such a new release, I feel like most people haven't picked it up yet but you're doing yourself a disservice by not adding it to your TBR.

2. Fancy Meeting You Here by Julie Tieu

If there is one author I believe is criminally underrated, it's Julie Tieu. I've been reading Julie Tieu since her first book came out and I feel like she hasn't gotten the love she deserves. Even so, Fancy Meeting You Here is such a fun and adorable story. The book follows Elise and Ben who start off on the wrong foot before realizing who the other person is.

Regardless, they end up teaming up as their best friends are getting married and they're the maid of honor and best man respectively. Of course, feelings start to get involved and it's just so delightful to watch. I feel like this book could be a sister story to Forget Me Not by Julie Soto so I really do think a lot of people would appreciate it.

3. Housebroke by Jaci Burton

The next book is one I haven't talked about on Culturess as it was featured on another site. However, I do think it's incredibly underrated so I'm featuring it now. Housebroke starts with Hazel, staying in her friend's house and getting the fright of her life when a guy shows up. Turns out that he bought the house from them but is willing to let her and her foster pets stay there while he's fixing it.

Since the two are in close quarters, they end up forming a friendship and eventually, falling for each other. This book isn't without its challenges though as Hazel is trying to get back on her feet after a divorce while Linc is figuring out his finances and settling down. It's honestly somewhat angst but overall, a great time. Plus it has foster dogs which makes everything better.

4. Then There Was You by Mona Shroff

Moving to the next book, I slept on Then There Was You because I had a signed copy but eventually, I broke down and read it. This book ended up being such a treat for a few reasons. First, Mona Shroff is a local author to me which is awesome. In addition, this book focuses on two characters who are messy and are actively working to be better but at the start, their relationship cannot work.

However, Shroff puts in the work and really makes you yearn for a relationship between Annika and Daniel. By the time they're together, you're breathing a sigh of relief and wishing for their happy ending. I feel like Mona Shroff is a criminally underrated author so if you haven't picked her up before, now is the time.

5. Taking on the Billionaire by Robin Covington

I'm not sure if you're sensing a theme here, but no one seems to give love to Harlequin books and I don't know why. Maybe it's the stigma as romance readers, but I will continue to recommend them. If you're looking for a unique billionaire romance, then Taking on the Billionaire is the ultimate treat.

The book starts with Adam hiring Tess to help find his family and thus begins their professional turned personal relationship. Since this book isn't very long, I don't want to give away too many details. I do want to mention that Adam is Cherokee which is a huge part of his character. This book has less than 250 ratings on Goodreads and it's such an amazing read so what are you waiting for?

6. Not the Plan by Gia de Cadenet

As we get close to wrapping up this list, I wanted to share some books I've previously featured on Culturess that I think deserve more love. One of those is Not the Plan by Gia de Cadenet. This book follows a rivals-to-lovers story between Isadora and Karim. These two are working for opposing politicians and it honestly seems like these two are doomed.

While things aren't easy for the two of them, they don't give up and things work out in the end. I don't want to give too much away but Not the Plan is one that deserves so much more love. It is fairly close to 1,000 ratings though so hopefully giving it some attention will push it to that threshold.

7. Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort

Another book I've previously covered on Culturess is Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort. I don't know why this book didn't get the love it should have. This is a reimagining of Phantom of the Opera where Erika is the phantom and Christof is Christine. The two meet because Christof and his band are leasing her opera house to try to make it into the North American mainstream.

One thing I will say about Midnight Duet is that these characters are so refreshing. They aren't prototypes of tropes but instead feel like real people. Plus it's incredibly steamy and a lot of fun, making it an ideal Valentine's Day read. If you're subscribed to Kindle Unlimited and haven't picked this up yet, you need to remedy that now!

8. Game On by Seressia Glass

If you pick up one book upon my recommendation, please have it be Game On. I feel like December can be a dreaded month for book releases so this one needs some love. This book follows a gamer who calls out a company and then ends up getting hired to help with their games. Of course, it ends up being a romance between said gamer and the CEO.

In addition, this book features whipsmart commentary on the gaming industry and has a romance you'll be wanting to see level up. Whether you've read this author's previous book or not, you NEED to pick up Game On if you're headed to the bookstore this Valentine's Day.