top of page

Valentines Day

Is Love Island the blueprint for modern Valentine’s Day romance stories?

Valentine’s Day has become more than just a celebration of love… it’s an opportunity to immerse ourselves in stories that capture romance in all its messy, dramatic glory. From the sun-soaked drama of Love Island: All Stars to the viral romance novels dominating BookTok, audiences today can’t get enough of these tales of love, heartbreak, betrayal, revenge and everything in between.

Collider.png
Collider

Louise Stephenson, managing director at WTTB, one of the UK’s largest independent printers of books, leaflets and other literature, has noticed a fascinating overlap between the tropes that make Love Island irresistible and the ones driving the popularity of contemporary romance novels.

What makes it SO addictive?

Both Love Island and bestselling romance novels thrive on the same timeless ingredients that keep us hooked.

Love Island delivers drama and romance against the blissful backdrop of dreamy villas and sunkissed terrain. Similarly, romance novels often transport readers to idyllic, escapist settings – whether it’s a luxurious Italian vineyard or a romantic Greek island (think Beach Read by Emily Henry). These glamorous locations heighten the stakes, making every love story feel larger than life.

The same tropes in the villa are staples of romance novels, from love triangles to second-chance romances. Take Casa Amor… it’s the ultimate test of loyalty, echoing the missteps and heartbreak we see in novels like It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.

And who doesn’t love a little tension? Whether it’s Islanders questioning their connections or the slow-burn build of an enemies-to-lovers plot (looking at you, Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game), the drama is what keeps us invested. Both mediums thrive on the thrill of anticipation: will they or won’t they?

Why Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for both
amazon3.jpg

There’s no better time to indulge in love stories that showcase its many forms. Whether it’s the fiery passion of a Love Island recoupling or the swoon-worthy moments in BookTok hits, audiences are drawn to narratives that reflect the complexities of modern relationships.

For those who love the sun-soaked escapism of Love Island, here are a few romance novels to try:

  • The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas – a fake dating tale with sizzling chemistry.

  • One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London – romance meets reality TV in this glamorous, heartfelt story.

  • People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – perfect for fans of friendship-to-romance arcs.

And for those already hooked on BookTok’s romance recs, why not channel the villa vibes with a Love Island marathon?

At WTTB, we’ve seen how storytelling continues to evolve to reflect modern tastes. Whether it’s through reality TV or bestselling novels, audiences today crave emotionally charged narratives that feel authentic yet escapist.

What’s most fascinating is how platforms like TikTok and shows like Love Island influence each other. As reality TV inspires romance books, BookTok creators bring these stories back into the spotlight, creating a cycle where storytelling thrives across mediums.

Louise Stephenson, Managing Director
Book Images by Amazon

©2025.English Living.All Rights Reserved.
bottom of page