Books Like...
If you liked Only When It's Us, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A fun, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt rom-com that brings representation and real-life struggles to the romance genre. Recommended for fans of smart heroines, cinnamon roll heroes, and anyone after a modern love story with emotional depth - just be ready for open-door steam and some classic romance beats!
'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' by Talia Hibbert follows the story of Chloe Brown, a quirky web designer living with chronic health issues, who embarks on a journey to break out from her boring life. She creates a list of new experiences to try and enlists the help of Redford Morgan, the building superintendent, to guide her. Despite starting out as adversaries, Chloe and Red's relationship progresses believably, leading to a cute and steamy romance. The book skillfully weaves in themes of chronic pain, abusive relationships, and disability, all while maintaining a balance between humor and meaningful discussions.
The writing style in 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' is described as charming, funny, and heartwarming. The characters, especially Chloe and Red, are portrayed as real, funny, and troubled individuals rather than perfect romance stereotypes. The novel delves into important topics like chronic pain and abusive relationships with care and emotional intelligence, making it a refreshing and engaging contemporary romance read.
“You’re the best superintendent we’ve ever had,” she cooed from the bathroom doorway, clasping one wrinkled hand to her bony chest. Her shock of white hair fairly quivered with emotion. Bit of a drama...November 2019•385 pages - #2
A swoony, funny, and heartfelt new adult romance with loads of chemistry - perfect for fans of college sports romance and witty banter. Not groundbreaking, but totally addictive and charming!
"The Deal" by Elle Kennedy is a new adult romance novel that follows the story of Hannah, a music major with a traumatic past, and Garrett, the captain of the hockey team. When Garrett needs help with his grades, he strikes a deal with Hannah to tutor him in exchange for his assistance in attracting her crush. As they spend time together, their chemistry grows, leading to a complex and heartwarming romance. The plotline may seem familiar, but the well-written banter and character development make this book a captivating and enjoyable read.
The writing style of Elle Kennedy in "The Deal" is praised for its ability to address dark themes such as abuse and trauma with care and finesse. The characters, Hannah and Garrett, are portrayed as flawed yet relatable individuals who find solace and growth in each other. The book explores themes of friendship, trust, and overcoming past struggles, all while delivering a fun and engaging college romance story.
For the millionth time in forty-five minutes, I sneak a peek in Justin Kohl’s direction, and he’s so beautiful it makes my throat close up. Though I should probably come up with another adjective—my m...February 2015•409 pages - #3
If you live for slow burns and love seeing two complex characters grow together (with a side of soccer!), Kulti will hit the spot. But if you want steam, snappy pacing, or sports realism, it might not score a goal for you.
'Kulti' by Mariana Zapata is a slow burn romance novel that follows the development of a relationship between Rey and Sal, two main characters with a love-hate dynamic that gradually evolves into a deep friendship and eventually romance. The story is praised for its realistic unfolding of the relationship, showcasing trust-building and character development along the way. The book is noted for its emphasis on friendship and the slow burn of the romance, with a backdrop of soccer that adds depth to the plot.
Still, I stared at him. I heard him correctly the first time. He was loud and clear. No problems. But my brain couldn’t wrap itself around the sentence that had come out of his mouth. I understood all...March 2015•571 pages - #4
A wonderfully original, slow-burn romance brimming with heartfelt moments and creative flair - perfect for those who savor character-driven stories with quirky, realistic leads and a big helping of Brooklyn atmosphere.
'Love Lettering' by Kate Clayborn is a contemporary romance that follows Meg, a talented hand lettering designer, and Reid, a numbers guy. Their unique relationship starts when Meg hides a message in Reid's wedding invitation, leading to the unraveling of his engagement. As they navigate through personal and professional challenges in New York City, their rocky journey from strangers to lovers is portrayed with depth and authenticity. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on the characters' growth, friendships, and the city setting, creating a charming and unique love story.
for the upcoming month, big enough that the A crosses the center line. It’s such a . . . such a short word, not a lot of possibility in it, not like my clients who’ve wanted a nice spring motif before...December 2019•337 pages - #5
A moving, atmospheric romance that blends enemies-to-lovers sparks with raw family drama against an unforgettable Alaskan backdrop - definitely worth the hype (as long as you’re up for some emotional turbulence along the way).
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker is a heartwarming story set in Alaska, focusing on the relationship between a young woman, Calla, and her estranged father who is battling lung cancer. The book beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters like Calla, Jonah, and Wren, the author weaves a tale of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery that resonates with readers on an emotional level.
I smile bitterly as I peruse the contents of the cardboard box—toothbrush, toothpaste, gym clothes, a tissue box, super-size bottle of Advil, cosmetics bag plus four loose lipsticks, hairspray, brush,...August 2018•401 pages - #6
A charming, diverse, and very spicy contemporary romance that stands out for its unique heroine and honest approach to intimacy - but if you’re not into steam or wish for deeper side-plot exploration, you might want to look elsewhere! All in all, a standout for fans of heartfelt, modern love stories with a twist.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang follows the story of Stella, an autistic econometrician who hires an escort named Michael to help her learn about dating and intimacy. As their relationship progresses, they both find themselves more involved than they intended, leading to a powerful plotline filled with steamy and tender moments. The book explores how honesty, hope, and courage can help individuals overcome personal challenges and societal expectations, all while navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
Stella Lane’s gaze jumped from her breakfast up to her mother’s gracefully aging face. A subtle application of makeup drew attention to battle-ready, coffee-colored eyes. That boded ill for Stella. Wh...June 2018•360 pages - #7
A charming, funny, and heartwarming small-town romance full of memorable characters - perfect for fans of quirky love stories with family feels, but may test your tolerance for drama and Southern kitsch.
"Truth or Beard" in the series "Winston Brothers" by Penny Reid is a small town romance set in Tennessee, revolving around the Winston family. The story follows Jessica James, a math teacher with a wanderlust spirit, who returns to her hometown and gets entangled in a romantic dilemma between the Winston twins, Beau and Duane. Mistaken identities, childhood crushes, family dynamics, and a touch of suspense with biker gangs create an engaging and humorous plot. The writing style is described as easy to read, with dual perspectives providing insights into the characters' thoughts and emotions, making the story relatable and enjoyable for readers.
Even though it was Halloween, inducing heart attacks in the geriatric population was not on my agenda. Unfortunately for everyone within earshot, my truck made a ghastly, high-pitched whining sound. T...2015•386 pages - #8
A deeply character-driven sports romance full of banter and heart, but be ready for a glacially slow burn and lots of internal reflection. Great for fans of rivals-to-lovers and stories that take their sweet (long) time.
From Lukov With Love by Mariana Zapata centers around Jasmine, a figure skater who is determined to make her dreams come true despite the obstacles she faces. Jasmine's journey is filled with personal growth, as she navigates her flaws and aspirations while dealing with her complicated relationship with Ivan, her new skating partner. Their bond evolves from a rivalry filled with witty banter to an unexpected friendship, and ultimately, to romance. The story unfolds over a year, showcasing their training and emotional journeys, culminating in a heartwarming epilogue that hints at their future together.
Zapata's writing style is characterized by slow-burning romance and rich, detailed character development. The story focuses heavily on character interactions and inner monologues, allowing readers to connect with Jasmine and Ivan on a deeper level. While some readers appreciate the slow build and character exploration, others feel that it sometimes leads to drawn-out narratives. The book expertly balances humor with emotional moments, and fans of slow-burn romance will find enjoyment in the depth of Jasmine's family dynamics and the tantalizing tension between her and Ivan.
My butt cheeks could handle another two hours’ worth of falls tomorrow. They might have to if I didn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, damn it. This was the second day in a row I hadn’t been able t...February 2018•531 pages - #9
A hilarious and heartfelt ode to romance novels that flips the script with bromantic camaraderie and honest looks at love and marriage - perfect for fans of rom-coms who don’t mind a spicy, earnest twist.
The Bromance Book Club is a heartwarming story about Gavin Scott, a pro baseball player who is on the verge of losing his marriage. After his wife, Thea, kicks him out, Gavin's friends introduce him to a secret book club where they read romance novels to understand women better. Through the book club, Gavin learns valuable lessons that help him reignite the passion in his marriage and save it. The story explores themes of second chance romance, personal growth, and challenging stereotypes about masculinity, all while providing a fast-paced and engaging narrative.
The book delves into the journey of Gavin as he navigates the complexities of relationships, insecurities, and personal growth. With the support of his friends and the insights gained from reading romance novels, Gavin embarks on a mission to understand his wife and himself better. The narrative not only focuses on saving a marriage but also on self-discovery, vulnerability, and the importance of communication in relationships. Through a blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth, the book offers a refreshing take on love, friendship, and personal development.
Which is why he didn’t get up when his best friend and Nashville Legends teammate, Delray Hicks, pounded on the door to his hotel room, a fourth-floor state of depression that reminded him every minut...November 2019•358 pages - #10
A feel-good, swoony romance bursting with food, family, and fall vibes - perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine pairings, small towns, and second-chance sparks. Not flawless, but charming and undeniably comforting.
'Bittersweet' in the 'True North' series by Sarina Bowen is a sweet and refreshing romance novel that introduces readers to the Shipley family and their non-blood family dynamics. The story follows Audrey, a determined chef working for a food corporation, and Griffen, a grumpy yet endearing farmer. Their paths cross years after a brief college fling, leading to a rekindling of their chemistry amidst Vermont's farming community. The book is praised for its interesting foodie information, perfect blend of romance and sensuality, and the engaging dynamics between the characters.
My mother sat down across from me at the big farmhouse table as I chewed the last bite of her home-smoked applewood bacon. My farmhand and I had already finished Vermont-cheddar omelets and homemade b...June 2016•349 pages











