Authors in love: writers share their cute Valentine's Day pics

As bestselling authors James Patterson, Deon Meyer, Dean Koontz and Wilbur Smith  have an unfair advantage when it comes to spinning romantic lines - but sometimes a picture says a thousand words. We take a look at how they and other writers celebrated the day of lurv.

DEON MEYER

The South African author has been making fans green with envy with the snaps he's been sharing on Instagram of his idyllic stay in Italy. He and his wife, Marianne Vorster, are currently staying in Poggio Nativo, a small town near Rome.

DEAN KOONTZ

The American master of horror knows how to cook up a storylines that will give his readers sleepless nights but deep down he's a true romantic.

WILBUR SMITH

The author shared this sweet pic of himself and his wife, Niso Smith.

BARACK OBAMA

The former president, whose new memoir is flying off the shelves, paid tribute to the three special women in his life - his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha.

JAMIE OLIVER

The British chef served up this mouth-watering surprise for fans.

JAMES PATTERSON

The American has to be one of the world's most prolific authors, cranking out dozens of books every year with the help of his team of co-writers. But on Valentine's Day he took some time out for romance.