Valentine's or Galentine's?

Unbelievably, we are in FEBRUARY already! They always say each year goes by faster than the last and, as I prepare for my last few weeks as a University student, I can already feel this year flying by me. February is an odd month; it's still a little cold outside and if you're living in the South of England you'll know that we've had more than enough rain the last few weeks to last us the rest of the year. BUT, two of my favourite days of the year are hosted in February's short 28-days.

Today is Shrove Tuesday or, as it is more commonly known, Pancake Day! If you have seen my Instagram already today then you will know that my boyfriend and I treated ourselves to a lunch of traditional pancakes and I kept mine simple with just a sprinkling of sugar for added sweetness. I can honestly say that pancakes are one of my all time favourite foods but I don't have them very often at all. It wouldn't be a treat if I had them on a weekly basis now would it?! Now, for those of you who are romantics or just love an excuse to celebrate tomorrow [February 14th] is Valentine's Day and, whether you're spending it with your partner, having a quiet night in with the girls or having some quality alone time for the evening, I have a list of some of my favourite romantic novels. I will admit, I am not the biggest romantic out there, I am certainly not the typical hearts and flowers knd of girl but even I enjoyed these few books and if you're a bit more understated with your romance then you may just find a new book to add to your growing bucket list!

Looking For Alaska by John Green 

I must have only been about 16 years old when I first read Looking For Alaska. It was the first novel I'd ever read by John Green and it inspired me to go out and purchase more of his books. A young Miles Halter leaves his Florida home to begin a life at a Boarding School in Alabama. Having not had many friends at his previous school, Miles is delighted when he becomes good friends with his new roommate, Pudge, and the enigmatic, Alaska Young. Miles finds Alaska captivating and carefree and, as any teenage boy would, he cannot help but notice her charm and understated beauty. Alaska is the first girl Miles has ever had a crush on and Green takes us on a journey of young, blossoming romance as teenagers deal with their raring emotions and sexual desires. Green captures the essence of young love so delicately and honestly. On the contrary, Looking For Alaska is not your typical romance novel but a truthful account of teenage life; the struggles and fears, the tenderness of a new love and the heartache once it is all over. Even at the age of 22, I still find this novel enthralling and truly beautifully written story.

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 

I am almost certain a lot of you will have seen the film of the same name already; I saw the film in the cinema when it was first released when I about 14 years old and I remember my older sister crying throughout the entire thing. Henry and Clare first meet when Clare is just 6 years old and Henry continues to appear at different events throughout her lifetime. They meet again when Clare is in her early-20s but Henry has no recollection of who she really is. As they sit and talk, as Clare tells him of their meetings in her garden, their love making and future planning, we learn that Henry has a genetic disorder which enables him to travel through time and, as he stands with Clare in a public library in Chicago, he has not yet met her 6 year old self. For those of you who have seen the film you'll know it to be a bittersweet love story however, the book is slightly more risque and some of the sex scenes written by Niffenegger are very vivid. BUT, the good news is, if you read and liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you will be absolutely mesmerised by The Time Traveller's Wife. Niffenegger writes with such passion, such desire and the story is both sensual yet beautiful at the same time without any of the awkward or cringe-worthy moments installed in the Fifty Shades series. The plot of the novel is inspiring and innovative and, if you're a sucker for a bit of a tearjerker, then this is the Valentine's treat for you!