By The Kayseean
In honor of Valentine’s Day, The Kayseean staff has compiled a list of their most well-loved books and movies. Whether you are a fan of historical romance or contemporary romance, this list has someone for everyone!
Callie:
Book – My favorite book to read any time of the year is Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. This book follows two lifelong friends, Kate and Tully, as they battle life’s ups and downs together. Their relationship is one I think we all long to have as friends. Someone who will stay by your side no matter what (even when you both end up falling for the same guy). If you are not one for reading, there is also a TV adaptation on Netflix under the same name, which follows close to the books!
Movie – My favorite Valentine’s Day movie is Pride and Prejudice (2005), starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. This movie is based on the timeless classic by Jane Austen under the same name. It follows the story of young Elizabeth Bennett, a hopeless romantic; she doesn’t know it yet. She soon meets Mr. Darcy, and much to her dismay, she (slowly) falls head over heels with him and him with her. One thing I absolutely love about this movie is how happy it makes me when I watch it. I can watch it a million times and still feel like I’m watching it for the first time. I guarantee that anyone who watches this film will be mesmerized by the scenery and score.
Nick:
Book – The Fault In Our Stars (2012). The book covers Hazel, a teenage girl who is diagnosed with cancer. During her story, she joins a support group and meets Agustus, who also has cancer. The novel follows the two and their journey together in the fight against cancer, where they learn to comfort each other and give each other hope for the better. I always enjoy reading this book because it’s a great example of loving through hardship. Although the two are so young, they have such a great perspective on life and develop such a pure love for one another through adversity. The message the book conveys to readers is a powerful one. For all the love birds out there, this is a great read, but prepare yourselves for heartache.
Movie – My favorite movie to watch on Valentine’s Day is Silver Linings Playbook (2012), starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. The movie focuses on two individuals with mental illnesses who are just trying to find their way in the world. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) wants nothing more than to reconnect with his wife, however, he meets a young lady by the name of Tiffiany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence) and she offers him help in the process. Things get complicated from there, though. The thing I love the most about this movie is the ability it harnesses to mix romance with comedy. One minute, you’ll be crying with laughter, and the next, your heart will be melting. It is a perfect mix for those who enjoy rom-coms!
Emily:
Book – Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura (2023). It’s no secret that I love a good romance novel, and Raiders of the Lost Heart is a REALLY GOOD romance novel. It’s Indiana Jones, Romancing the Stone, and The Lost City all rolled into one. Dr. Corrie Mejía is a renowned archaeologist whose specialty is the ancient Aztec warrior Chimalli. She might even be Chimalli’s descendant, according to family legend. Dr. Ford Matthews is her academic nemesis—it doesn’t help that he’s also exceptionally handsome because the feelings of attraction Corrie feels for Ford are really inconvenient. The two have been competing since graduate school, so it’s especially annoying that Ford is leading an expedition to find Chimalli’s burial site. It should be Corrie’s dig. If you love adventure, rivals-to-lovers, and overcoming back-stabbing billionaires, this book is for you.
Movie – Holidate (2020, Netflix). My favorite romance trope is fake dating, and this movie plays with the trope in a fun and refreshing way. It’s also a great friends-to-lovers story. Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) randomly meet in a department store near Christmas, and despite irritating each other, they decide to be each other’s plus-one at a couple of holiday events. They keep meeting up for holidays throughout the year, acting as the other’s platonic plus one for every holiday imaginable. Of course, the platonic relationship quickly turns into something more, and by the end of the movie, you’ll find yourself rooting for this quirky couple.
