We may receive a share of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Long live Galentine’s Day! Let’s face it, February is perhaps the worst month of the year (it’s still cold and it is still dark). But a day dedicated to celebrating female friendships is a bright spot in an otherwise dull 28 days. It is meant to be celebrated! And what could be more fun than hosting a romance novel book exchange?
Romantic novels are a very important part of our country’s literary culture, thanks in large part to #BookTok and highly successful series like ACOTAR and Fourth Wing. (Romance, anyone?) With the most romantic day of the year approaching, why not host a romance novel book swap? The genre has grown and is much more than predictable plots and silly book covers. Here we explain how to organize your own, step by step!
Featured image from our interview with Sophie Collins conducted by Christie Graham.
What really is a book exchange?
Book exchanges are exactly what they sound like. Guests bring a beloved book to exchange and everyone leaves with a book new to them. Since this is a themed book exchange, invite your guests to bring a romance novel or romance-adjacent novel to share. Traditionally, you would exchange books you’ve already read and love, but don’t hesitate to let your guests know they can bring new books too, especially if romance is a new genre for them. Much of the fun is choosing a book to share!
The joy of exchanging a book is that you can invite as many friends as you want. This party works with a large group of 20 or more and can be just as fun with just 5 or 6 guests. Send a group text or host an Evite, and be sure to include having guests bring a romance novel to share! Then the fun begins.
First, decide on your menu. Easy, do-it-yourself food is best for a gathering like this. A romance novel book exchange is the perfect time for light snacks and a fun signature cocktail!
Remember, you don’t need to prepare a three-course sit-down meal for a gathering like this. Keep it casual and fun!
Set the scene
Preparing your home for a book exchange doesn’t have to mean a thorough, deep cleaning. But take the time to tidy up, clear away the clutter, and decide where guests will place the books. Ideally, have a table in a central location so guests can take a look at all the books in play. This is where the exchange will happen!
When guests start arriving, show them where to put their book and then offer them a drink. The party can start with a chat, catching up and a light meal. Turn on a fun playlist and enjoy time with the girls. You don’t need a strict schedule, but be sure to check if any of your guests need to leave at a certain time. You want to make sure everyone has time to participate in the exchange!
Exchange your books
Once it’s time to exchange, gather your guests around the table with the books and explain the rules of exchange. If you’ve ever played White Elephant, the same rules apply.
- Write numbers on small pieces of paper and then have everyone choose one from a hat. This will determine when guests will take their turn.
- The guest who chose number one chose the first book. The guest who chose number two is next and can choose a book from the pile or choose one that has already been chosen. A book can only be chosen twice, and if your book has been taken, you choose another one from the pile.
- Continue swapping until everyone has a book!
Depending on the size of your group (and how much time you have), it’s fun to have guests share a quick synopsis of the book they brought before they start sharing. If a guest has brought a book they’ve read, you can also share why you love it. Maybe share the level of spiciness, how dreamy the love interest is, or a particular scene that makes the read worthwhile. It makes trading a little more exciting and maybe even more competitive!
Enjoy time with your friends and your new book!
A book swap is a fun and easy way to bring the girls together and provide a fun experience for everyone. At the end of your time, everyone will leave with a new book and new memories. Take this as your cue to send out the invitation and celebrate the female friendships in your life. Cheers to Galentine’s Day and happy hosting!
This post was last updated on February 7, 2026 to include new insights.
