It’s Valentine’s Day! Celebrate the day with the pleasure of reading a great love story.
The list includes all genres of romance novels. These books depict handsome Asian love interests, and power women carving out their role in the workplace and society at large. In media, Asians have been often viewed as quiet and submissive, Asian women feminine and passive, and Asian men geeky and unattractive. These books crush those stereotypes and are easy-to-read escapes for Valentine’s Day.
Grab a glass of wine, a box of treats, and savour these great romance books!
See also: 6 Queer Asian books we love
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
College student Tsuneo loves the ocean, and he dreams of studying more about the sea abroad. He works at a scuba shop, and he takes a part-time job as a caretaker for a young woman in a wheelchair. Getting to know Josee is difficult. She’s temperamental and closed off, but he slowly discovers her inner world and the challenges she faces. The two inspire each other to pursue their dreams, though Josee’s lack of mobility often discourages her from fulfilling her dreams.
When Tsueno is hit with a sudden turn of events in his life that keeps him from his dreams, he understands Josee’s fears about pursuing something that’s beyond her reach. In the darkest part of their lives, they remember to inspire each other to reach for the seemingly impossible. The manga is based on the animated film that preceded it. The film is also worth watching on Valentine’s Day with a large box of tissues.
Circling Back To You
Cadence Lim and Matt Escanilla climb the corporate ladder at Prism Realty, with their humorous chemistry and inseparableness as work besties. While Cadence tries to rekindle her relationship with her father after her mother’s death, Matt is being nagged by his loving Filipino family to settle down. A business trip together brings them to their hometown where their family lives…
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