Valentine’s Day is for lovers — but you don’t need a romantic soulmate to celebrate. Experts say the holiday is a chance to consider just how rich, diverse and beneficial every form of love is.

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 famous for.

At 143 Social speakeasy under the Better Days’ Eatery & Bar in Jersey City, a bold and captivating blend of Lunazul Star Anise Tequila and Cynar Amaro (70 proof), with bright blood orange agave and fresh lemon, with cacao bitters, for a beautiful well-rounded cocktail.