The romantic holiday has been celebrated for centuries, but the history behind it is much darker than red roses.

These books deliver the romance you’re after, but they aren’t just about grand gestures and happy-ever-afters. They’re also raw, messy, and real. Plus, they bring a refreshing variety of characters with plenty of LGBTQ+ representation, breaking away from the typical heteronormative romance the genre is notorious for.

Valentine’s Day means flowers, chocolate and picking out the perfect card to express your affection. We analyzed nearly 600 cards to spot trends about modern love.