Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is all about romance and, especially showing that love to your significant other. Many couples are so sweet and lovey-dovey in their affection, that, for some people, is gag worthy. Some share a little more spice or a gruffness, but it all boils down to share your love for each other.
While there are millions of people that happily celebrate Valentine’s Day with romance, there are those who don’t celebrate it at all for one reason or other, or don’t demonstrate their love in such a profuse or predictable manner. To honor these people, this Valentine’s Day, we’re going against the grain. Our focus is on books that illustrate relationships that are not the expected typical romance. In fact, you’ll find that several of our books are not romantic at all.
So spend your day with something different and read a book from our anti-Valentine’s Day list.
DB 92245 Where the crawdads sing by Delia Owens
In late 1969, when Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals of Barkley Cove, North Carolina, immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home. Contains strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2018.
DB 93043 My sister, the serial killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Though it wears on her, Korede has grown very good at cleaning up her sister's messes--namely, those left after she murders her boyfriends. The bright spot in Korede's life is a kind doctor at the hospital where she works--until the day he meets Korede's sister and asks for her number. Contains some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2018.
DB 86665 The bookshop on the corner by Jenny Colgan
After getting out of a toxic relationship, Polly moves to a small seaside town in Cornwall, where she rents an apartment above an abandoned shop. She finds solace in baking bread, and soon discovers her hobby brings her friends--and maybe even a new business. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2014.
DB 85265 Behind closed doors by B. A. Paris
Jack has looks and wealth, and his wife, Grace, has charm and elegance. It's difficult to get to know Grace better, because Jack and Grace are never apart. Grace never answers the phone and can never meet for coffee. And there are bars on one of the bedroom windows. Contains some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2016.
DB 74888 Gone girl by Gillian Flynn
Nick and Amy alternate telling the story of their troubled marriage, their move from New York to Nick's Missouri hometown, and Amy's disappearance on their fifth wedding anniversary. As clues begin to implicate Nick, he learns more about Amy. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2012.
DB102261 The echo wife by Sarah Gailey
Renowned scientist Evelyn Caldwell's husband has been having an affair with Evelyn's own clone. After the clone kills him, both women must face the consequences together. Contains strong language and some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2021.
DB 79622 Big little lies by Liane Moriarty
New to town, Jane--single mother of kindergartener Ziggy--becomes friends with Celeste and Madeline, who each have children in Ziggy's class. But the women are harboring secrets that lead to a disastrous school trivia night ending in multiple injuries--and one death. Strong language. Bestseller. 2014.
DB 92521 A simple favor by Darcey Bell
Stephanie agrees to pick up her best friend Emily's son after school. A widowed stay-at-home blogger living in suburban Connecticut, Stephanie was lonely until she met Emily, a sophisticated PR executive whose job in Manhattan demands so much of her time. But now Emily doesn't return. Movie tie-in. Contains some violence and some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2017.
DB 89062 Made for love by Alissa Nutting
Hazel has left her tech-CEO husband, Byron, to move in with her father, who lives in a trailer and has an unhealthy attachment to a sex doll. Byron wants her back, claiming to have installed a chip in her brain. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2017.