Books Like...
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston is about a young woman whose car breaks down in a quaint town that comes straight from her favorite romance book series. She finds herself immersed in a magical realism world, meddling with characters and recognizing the possibility to change their stories. While the premise is fun and cozy, many readers felt it lacked depth, especially during the story's climax where the male protagonist's actions raise questions about his commitment.
The narrative style has been described as charming, though some readers pointed out issues with editing and repetitive descriptions, particularly about the male lead's appearance. The plot twist involving a third-act breakup left several fans dissatisfied, feeling it undermined the characters' connection. Nonetheless, it appeals to fans of light-hearted, whimsical tales propelled by bookish nostalgia.
If you liked A Novel Love Story, here are the top 59 books to read next:
- #1
Clementine inherits her late aunt's magical apartment in New York City, where time bends and allows her to slip seven years into the past or future. As she navigates grief and a demanding job, she encounters Iwan, a charming chef from the past who steals her heart. The book beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the magic of timing, while blending romance with a touch of whimsy and enchanting storytelling that keeps readers engrossed till the end.
- #2
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston is a charming and poignant ghost story with a mix of romance and women's fiction elements. The plot follows Florence, a ghostwriter who, after facing a career setback and heartbreak, is struggling to meet a tight deadline for a romance novel. When her father passes away, she returns to her hometown where she encounters her new editor, Ben, who appears as a ghost. As Florence navigates her grief and writer's block, she forms a unique connection with Ben, leading to a story that intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and hope. The writing style is engaging, balancing light moments with heavy themes, and incorporating plenty of ghostly references and puns.
At least, that’s what I’ve been told. Sometimes they’re secrets about love, secrets about family, secrets about murder—some so inconsequential they barely feel like secrets at all, but monumental to t... - #3
'Bro and the Beast 1' in 'The Wolf's Mate' series by Joel Abernathy, L.C. Davis follows the story of Brad, a frat boy who finds himself magically transported into a world where he becomes the romantic interest of an alpha male named Raul. The plot is filled with humor, ridiculousness, and a unique take on shifter romance tropes. The writing style is described as humorous, campy, and engaging, with a mix of comedy and sincere moments that keep readers entertained.
- #4
The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood is a quirky and fun romantic comedy that follows Delphie, a young woman who dies and meets her soulmate in the afterlife. When her soulmate is mistakenly brought back to life, Delphie gets a second chance to return to Earth for ten days to make him fall in love with her. This unique premise blends humor with heart and offers witty banter throughout the narrative.
The writing style is light and engaging, with a touch of dry sarcasm reminiscent of Bridget Jones. Delphie's character is depicted as witty and misunderstood, making her relatable. Readers find the book entertaining, offering a mix of sweet moments and laugh-out-loud scenes, appealing to fans of contemporary romance and magical realism.
- #5
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle follows Daphne, a unique and lively protagonist who navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery. She receives mysterious notes containing expiration dates for her relationships, leading her into a whirlwind of romance and introspection. As she explores her connections with various characters, including her ex-boyfriend and her current love interests, Daphne's journey reveals the importance of understanding herself before committing to others. The story combines elements of romance and a touch of mystery, offering a glimpse into her heart and the challenges of fate versus free will.
Serle's writing style is energetic and vivid, capturing the essence of California's vibrant settings. The narrative flows with witty banter and a light-hearted tone, though it struggles to balance moments of levity with deeper themes. While the book is easy and enjoyable to read, some readers find it predictable and not as emotionally impactful as her previous works. Overall, Expiration Dates is a delightful and quick read that combines humor and romance, perfect for those seeking a light escape into the world of love and self-exploration.
- #6
'The Rom-Commers' centers around Emma Wheeler, a talented screenwriter who had to abandon her dreams to care for her father after a tragic climbing accident left him partially paralyzed. The story explores her journey of self-discovery and the emotional weight of her responsibilities. Along the way, she crosses paths with Charlie Yates, a screenwriting legend struggling to pen a romantic comedy. Their initial polar oppositeness sets the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with humor, banter, and life lessons, as both characters confront their pasts and learn to embrace love amidst the challenges they face.
Katherine Center's writing style is characterized by a blend of humor and depth, capturing the raw emotions of her characters while tackling heavy themes like loss and responsibility. The narrative is infused with relatable moments and engaging dialogue that keeps readers invested in Emma and Charlie's evolving relationship. The incorporation of side characters, including Emma's supportive family and Charlie's Hollywood connections, adds richness to the story, making the emotional stakes feel even more personal and profound.
- #7
'Better Than Fiction' by Alexa Martin is a romance novel that follows the story of Drew as she navigates being a new business owner while dealing with her grief. The book is a mix of love story and self-discovery, focusing on Drew's journey to find herself again after a loss. The plot includes a cute love story between Drew and Jasper, with adventures that kept readers entertained. The writing style is described as hysterical, with excellent character development for Drew and a balance of humor and emotional depth.
- #8
'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez is a slow burn romance with a lot of family drama and personal baggage that keeps the characters from fully committing. The story follows Emma, a travel nurse, who falls for Justin, a software developer, amidst a backdrop of tension, heartfelt moments, and deep emotional exploration. The book delves into themes of complicated love, childhood trauma, and the challenges of forming connections in the face of past struggles. The narrative switches between male and female points of view, offering a well-rounded perspective on the evolving relationship between the characters.
- #9
Hannah Brooks, an Executive Protection Officer, finds herself in a challenging situation after the loss of her mother and a breakup with her boyfriend. Despite her desire to leave the USA, she is forced by her boss to protect Hollywood star Jack Stapleton in Texas. The story follows their evolving relationship as they navigate personal struggles and a budding romance, all while dealing with a stalker threat and family issues. The book is a mix of humor, romance, and personal growth, with a slow burn romance that develops amidst emotional topics and introspective moments.
But then, suddenly, it was the night after her funeral. I couldn’t sleep, and I kept thrashing around in my bed, and that moment kept coming back to me. The way she’d held my gaze and squeezed my hand... - #10
Emmeline Bailey, a 19-year-old college student, unexpectedly inherits a library from her grandmother in Maine, along with a secret ability to time travel through books as a preserver of history. As she delves into her newfound gift, she meets a man named Jack in 1893 England, leading her to question her past choices and future plans. The book explores themes of love, family legacy, and the consequences of altering the past.