Books Like...
If you liked Happily Ever Ninja, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Knitting in the City)
- #1
A spicy, heartfelt look at a marriage on the brink - packed with steam, some laughs, and just enough angst. Great if you want your HEA hard-won, but skip it if miscommunication drives you nuts!
In "Love Her or Lose Her," Rosie and Dom, a married couple, face challenges in their relationship due to lack of communication and emotional intimacy. Rosie decides to leave Dom, seeking to fulfill her dream of owning a restaurant and longing for a deeper connection. Through therapy and support from friends, Rosie and Dom navigate their troubled marriage, rediscovering their love and commitment to each other. The book explores themes of love languages, second chances, and personal growth, with a focus on the couple's journey towards understanding and supporting each other.
Really, that’s what her name tag should have read, instead of COSMETICS CONSULTANT. In order to fulfill that title, someone would be required to consult her first, right? Problem was, no one ever aske...January 2020•352 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hot & Hammered ) - #2
A smart, moving romance that doesn't shy away from the hard parts of love. Grab it for the honest look at marriage, layered characters, and just the right amount of steam - perfect for romance readers who want something real (with happy feels by the end).
Ever After Always by Chloe Liese is the third book in the Bergman Brothers series, focusing on Freya and Aiden's troubled marriage. The story follows the couple as they navigate through a rough patch in their relationship, dealing with poor communication, anxiety, and miscommunication. The book showcases the journey of Freya and Aiden as they work towards healing their marriage, with the support of the Bergman family and themes of love, trust, and personal growth. Chloe Liese's writing style expertly portrays the raw and realistic aspects of a marriage in crisis, with a blend of heartwarming moments and steamy romance.
Some mutual friends threw together a pickup soccer game one balmy summer Sunday and invited us both. I’d played in high school, kept up with a recreational soccer league while I went through undergrad...January 2021•342 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bergman Brothers ) - #3
A deeply honest, sometimes raw exploration of marriage and selfhood. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a smart, emotional read perfect for those who crave realistic love stories and complex family ties.
"After I Do" by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the story of Lauren and Ryan, a married couple who reach a breaking point in their relationship. Struggling with constant bickering, resentment, and a lack of communication, they decide to take a year-long break with no contact to reevaluate their marriage. The book explores themes of self-discovery, individual growth, and the complexities of love and marriage. Through Lauren's journey of reconnecting with her family and exploring her own desires, readers witness a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and challenges faced in long-term relationships. Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style weaves together emotional depth, thought-provoking insights, and relatable characters, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the nuances of marriage and the importance of communication and compromise.
“You remember wrong,” I say, my tone clipped and pissed-off. We’ve already been here too long, and I hate the chaos of Dodger Stadium. It’s a warm summer night, so I have that to be thankful for, but...July 2014•352 pages - #4
A gripping, angsty ride for readers who like their romance messy and real, but the cheating theme and single POV might not work for everyone.
Frayed Silk by Ella Fields is a story that delves into the struggles of a married couple, Dahlia and Leo, as they navigate a crumbling relationship filled with secrets, neglect, and a lack of intimacy. Dahlia finds herself longing for her husband's affection, but Leo remains distant, pushing her to seek solace in Jared, leading to a complex web of emotions and decisions. The book explores themes of infidelity, love, and the intricate dynamics of relationships, all narrated through Dahlia's perspective with raw emotions and a gripping storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
Over the past seven months, he’s closed himself off to me. To our children. To our once happy life together. And he’s never told me why. Why he’s chosen to make me feel so alone. As if I’m invisible e...June 2017•380 pages - #5
A sizzling, heartfelt erotic romance about a loving couple reigniting their spark - ideal for readers craving spice and emotional maturity, but might be too steamy or story-light for some.
The Marriage Diaries by Erika Wilde tells the story of Jillian and Dean, a couple who have been married for twenty years and are ready to reignite their intimacy as their children have left home. Jillian embarks on a mission to spice up their bedroom activities, encouraging Dean to explore his alpha and dominant side. Together, they delve into their fantasies, experimenting with kink and mild BDSM, all while strengthening their emotional connection and deepening their love for each other.
The writing style is engaging and well-crafted, drawing readers into the couple's journey without excessive background details. The book balances explicit erotic scenes with meaningful character development and communication, showcasing a loving relationship filled with passion. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and the playful exploration of new dynamics, making it a captivating read for those interested in established couples rekindling their romance.
February 2013 - #6
Tender, courageous, and real - this novella is perfect for anyone who wants to see what love looks like after the wedding bells fade. Grab tissues and settle in for an emotional, ultimately uplifting ride.
Amber and Tony's story in "Making It Last" delves into the complexities of marriage and parenthood. The book explores the struggles of maintaining a strong connection amidst the challenges of everyday life. The plot revolves around a couple who, after ten years of marriage and three children, find themselves drifting apart and struggling to rediscover the spark in their relationship, all set against a backdrop of emotional turmoil and personal growth. Ruthie Knox's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke deep emotions and create a realistic portrayal of a marriage that is facing difficult times.
July 2013•144 pages - #7
A gripping, steamy historical romance that digs into marital struggles, trust, and redemption - with plenty of heart and angst. Not perfect for everyone, but a must-read if you love dramatic, emotional love stories with a sprinkling of intrigue.
'The Lady Who Came in from the Cold' in the 'Heart of Enquiry' series by Grace Callaway follows the story of Penny and Marcus, a married couple with three sons. Their blissful marriage is shattered when Marcus discovers that Penny has been keeping secrets about her past. The novel delves into their journey of rediscovering trust and love amidst deception, betrayal, and past secrets. The plot unfolds with flashbacks that reveal the couple's initial romance and the challenges they face in repairing their fractured relationship. Grace Callaway's writing style intricately weaves together dual perspectives, intriguing plot twists, and well-developed characters, creating a unique and engaging historical romance narrative.
It was her own dashed fault. She should have been more careful. Her disguise as a trull—a camp prostitute—was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it gave her access to the army encampment; on the o...November 2015•254 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Heart of Enquiry ) - #8
A gentle, genuine marriage-in-trouble romance that’s all about heartfelt second chances and fighting for love - perfect for readers who prefer emotional depth over high drama.
'Something Worth Saving' by Mayra Statham revolves around the marriage of Nadia and Owen, depicting their struggles and efforts to save their relationship. The story follows Nadia's realization of needing more in her life beyond just being a wife and mother, while Owen is consumed by his career as a plastic surgeon, neglecting his family. As their marriage hits a low point, both Nadia and Owen work hard to communicate, understand each other's needs, and fight for their love. The narrative beautifully captures the journey of rediscovering love and rebuilding a strong foundation for their relationship, with a focus on the importance of communication and effort in a marriage.
The writing style of 'Something Worth Saving' is described as emotional, sweet, and engaging by readers. The story unfolds through the perspectives of Nadia and Owen, showcasing their individual struggles and growth within the marriage. delves into themes of love, communication, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by couples in maintaining a healthy relationship, ultimately delivering a heartfelt tale of perseverance and renewal.
MUSIC MIGHT HAVE BEEN playing, but I couldn’t make out the song. My head was too muddled with my own thoughts and the sounds of arguing coming from the backseat. I stared at the red light in front of...September 2017•217 pages - #9
A quick, spicy, and heartfelt marriage-in-trouble romance - perfect for fans of westerns, sizzling chemistry, and stories about finding your way back to each other.
In "Strong Silent Type" by Lorelei James, the story follows the journey of married couple Quinn and Libby as they navigate through a rough patch in their relationship. The book delves into themes of rediscovering love, communication, and intimacy as the couple works towards reviving their marriage. Set in a Western romance backdrop, the plot unfolds with steamy scenes intertwined with emotional depth, portraying the struggles and efforts of the characters to rebuild their connection.
The narrative explores the complexities of marriage, highlighting the importance of not taking a partner's love for granted and the significance of communication in a relationship. With a focus on themes of devotion, self-discovery, and reigniting passion, the book showcases Quinn's transformation from a 'strong silent type' to a more expressive and attentive husband, as he endeavors to win back Libby's heart and save their marriage.
“Walk it off, Quinn,” Libby McKay tossed over her shoulder, letting the young buck lead her deeper into the crowd on the dance floor. The last thing Quinn saw was the sassy head shake of her sassy new... - #10
A deeply moving, sometimes gut-wrenching portrait of marriage and imperfect love. It’s not a breezy read, but if you want an honest and heartfelt story that sticks with you, 'All Your Perfects' is worth picking up - just keep the tissues nearby!
'All Your Perfects' by Colleen Hoover is a heartfelt and engaging story that delves into the struggles and challenges faced by a couple dealing with infertility. The plot alternates between past and present, showcasing the raw and realistic journey of Quinn and Graham's marriage. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, emotional, and beautifully written, with a multi-dimensional plot that keeps readers invested in the characters' story.
That thought plagues me during the entire ride up the elevator to Ethan’s floor. Vincent has been my favorite doorman since Ethan moved into this apartment building. He always smiles and chats with me...July 2018•337 pages











