By Kimberly Dunbar

Most good romantic comedies start with an even better book. For example, look at any Nicholas Sparks book-turned-movie (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Safe Haven, etc.). If the thought of spending your Valentine’s Day watching Gone with the Wind (thanks, Margaret Mitchell) for the 56th time doesn’t appeal to you, pick up one of these books instead. They’re all headed for the big screen soon, so read up before Hollywood intervenes.

Divergent (Veronica Roth)
This coming-of-age science fiction book, the first in a series of three, has a romance at its heart. The relationship between the main characters might at times leave you squealing like a teenage girl and also feeling a little like Mrs. Robinson for crushing hard on the 18-year-old hero. I dare you not to fall in love with their budding love story. Divergent hits theaters in March 2014.

The Fault in Our Stars (John Green)
This New York Times best-seller tells the story of 16-year-old Hazel, who is stricken with thyroid cancer and forced by her parents to attend a cancer support group for kids. When she meets Augustus, a 17-year-old who lost his leg to cancer and is in remission, a love story ensues, so make sure you have some tissues ready. The movie is set to hit theaters in June 2014.

50 Shades of Grey (E.L. James)
Although I haven’t read the books, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this much-anticipated big screen adaptation. I hear the steamy love scenes between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele are quite scandalous. Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard the movie is slated for a 2015 release.

If I Stay (Gayle Forman)
After surviving a car crash that kills the rest of her family, Mia must decide if she wants to wake up from her coma or let go. The power of young love takes center stage in this quick read. Although the movie adaptation has hit a few bumps, it’s said to be moving forward, but it doesn’t have an official release date.

Something Blue (Emily Giffin)
The sequel to Something Borrowed has long been rumored for film adaptation and seems like an eventual certainty, especially after the first film ended with “to be continued.” As much as you hate selfish, snotty (and pregnant) Darcy, you’ll experience a change of heart as she transforms into someone the upstanding (and adorable) Ethan can love.