When introduced to a new book, readers tend to use the story to escape reality – sometimes, they even “fall in love” with the book or characters. This is especially true for the romance genre, which has multiple subcategories that appeal to different readers. For example, some love the childhood friends-turned-lovers trope; others fall for second chance romances and enemies-to-lovers tales. 

The following four books help readers truly comprehend the meaning of the often misunderstood and confusing concept of love.  

• Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

“Before We Were Strangers” is one of those books that evokes powerful, long-lasting emotions. This book takes place in New York City and features two main characters, Grace and Matt, who fall in love while attending New York University. One night 15 years ago, something happened big enough to sever their once-unbreakable bond. 15 years later, Matt takes his usual route home on the F train and stumbles upon Grace — better known as his “green-eyed lovebird”— but it was too late. He sees his past life flash before his eyes as the girl he once knew disappeared a second time. Carlino wrote this book when she was the same age as Grace and Matt, allowing her to better explore these characters and their love for one another. 

“I believe love is more of a verb than a noun. I believe there are many ways to love and to be loved. My idea of love directly impacts my writing all the time because it wouldn’t feel authentic if the writer didn’t believe it to be true, especially in a romance novel,” Carlino said. 

“Before We Were Strangers” helps readers understand that rekindling love may be hard, but by following Grace and Matt on their journey of second chances, long-lasting love is possible.

• Reminders Of Him by Colleen Hoover 

Love is a word many associate with romantic relationships, but the word “love” has many subcategories. “Reminders Of Him” highlights both romantic love and the bond between a mother and child. After Kenna serves five years in prison for making a mistake she will never forget, she returns to the town where everything went downhill. All she wants is to reunite with her four-year-old daughter Diem, but meeting Ledger Ward makes this a little more difficult. This book is unlike anything Hoover has written since it is not a run-of-the-mill romance novel. Hoover explores many themes, including the loss of loved ones, women in prison and custody battles, but the core message is revealed through the love that Ledger and Kenna share for Diem. 

• Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 

“Love and Other Words” takes readers through an emotional rollercoaster that will leave them speechless. Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos have been best friends since they were kids. The two have always shared a love for reading, and when Macy visits her vacation home, she and Elliot read books cover-to-cover all day long. Elliot was Macy’s entire world until one day, everything changed. Fifteen years go by and the once-inseparable duo are now complete strangers (similar to “Before We Were Strangers.”) Macy, who works as a nurse and has remained silent for many years, happens to run into Elliot one day. Each chapter in this book switches from the present to the past, encouraging the reader to wonder what could have happened to ruin something as strong as Elliot and Macy’s love. Christina Lauren is an amazing author whose writing truly changes your perspective on life and love. 

• Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan 

With a title that does not mention love, readers may be wondering what “Archer’s Voice” is about. Bree Prescott is a girl who tries to escape her past and leaves her home city, ending up in the small town of Pelion. When she first arrives, all she hears are rumors of Archer Hale and his secrets. Archer has lived in the background of the small town of Pelion ever since the accident. The townspeople do not know much about him because they do not often see him, but one day, Bree runs into him and everything changes. The strange and silent boy is the only one who seems to truly listen to Bree. Mia Sheridan writes this beautiful love story whereby the primary form of communication is sign language. This unique element creates an even closer connection between the reader and Archer.