Books Like...
'Pansies' by Alexis Hall follows the story of two men, Alfie and Fen, who knew each other as children where one bullied the other. As adults, circumstances draw them back to their hometown where they fall for each other. The plot explores themes of redemption, self-acceptance, and the complexities of relationships. The writing style is described as well-written, entertaining, and filled with attention to detail that illustrates the characters' personalities and dynamics. is a contemporary romance with elements of heartbreak, quirkiness, and a deep dive into character development.
If you liked Pansies, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Spires Universe)
- #1
In the book "How to Bang a Billionaire" by Alexis Hall, university student Arden St. Ives finds himself entangled with the mysterious and brooding billionaire Caspian in a complex and sometimes destructive relationship. The story delves into themes of pain, love, darkness, and light as Arden chips away at Caspian's defenses little by little, while also navigating the complexities of their dynamic. The writing style is described as warm, funny, sexy, sharp, and adorably geeky, with engaging dialogues, intellectual conversations, and a balance between accessibility and art.
I was supposed to be doing this college fund-raiser thing where undergraduates called up wealthy alumni and connected deeply with them in a way that got them all nostalgic and wallet-opening or bank-t... - #2
'Coming Up Roses' by Staci Hart is a romantic tale set in a floral shop owned by the Bennet family. The story follows Tess and Luke, two opposites who find themselves bonding over renovating the shop and designing eye-catching window displays together. As the Bennet siblings come together to save the struggling family business, Tess and Luke's love story unfolds amidst chaos and second chances. The plot is inspired by elements of Pride and Prejudice, with a modern twist that explores themes of family, love, and personal growth. The writing style is described as descriptive, creative, and engaging, with alternating points of view between Tess and Luke providing insight into their thoughts and feelings.
Not the little bell on the door that rang entries into my family’s flower shop. Not the ancient oak barrels, stuffed to the brim with petals and greenery. Not the smell, that mixture of earth and swee... - #3
'In The Weeds' by B.K. Borison is a captivating small town romance that follows the story of Evelyn St. James, a social media influencer seeking happiness, and Beckett Porter, a tender-hearted farmer. As Evie returns to Lovelight Farms, she reunites with Beckett, sparking a sweet and steamy second chance romance filled with sizzling chemistry and mutual pining. The book beautifully explores themes of finding joy in everyday life, self-discovery, and the magic of simple moments, all set in the idyllic yet realistic town of Inglewild.
B.K. Borison's writing style is described as poetic, comforting, and delightful, crafting a beautiful narrative with deep characters such as Beckett and Evie. The dual POV in the book offers readers a glimpse into the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonists, enhancing the understanding of their personalities and creating a more immersive reading experience.
Her voice is raspy with sleep and she has a hickey at the base of her throat, a deep purple bruise that I can’t stop staring at. She stretches her arms above her head and the sheet slips half an inch,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lovelight ) - #4
'It Just Had To Be You' by Jacqueline Francis revolves around a high school bully romance where the male main character (MMC) starts off as a bully and racist towards the female main character (FMC). However, he soon realizes his mistakes and spends a significant portion of the book groveling and making amends for his behavior. The story is about the MMC's journey towards redemption and becoming a better person, with themes of forgiveness, character growth, and overcoming prejudices. is praised for its well-written storyline, the development of the characters, and the heartfelt groveling moments that make it a compelling read.
- #5
"Imago" by N.R. Walker follows the story of Lawson Gale, a genius butterfly researcher, who teams up with Jack Brighton, a Parks and Wildlife officer, to search for a rare butterfly species believed to be extinct. The romance between Jack and Lawson blossoms alongside their quest, with sweet and simple moments shared between the two men. The writing style is described as cute, adorable, and low on angst, focusing on the connection between the characters and their shared passion for wildlife and conservation.
The flight from Melbourne to Launceston was usually uneventful. A quick hour across the Tasman Sea, away from the rat race of city life, back to my home state of Tasmania where the air was clean and t... - #6
Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein is a gripping and emotional story that delves into the complex dynamics of a relationship between Letty and Tate, two characters with a history of bullying. Letty, who has endured traumatic experiences in high school, finds herself facing her former tormentor, Tate, in college. As their paths cross again, the story unfolds with elements of regret, redemption, and intense passion. The author skillfully navigates the themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and second chances, creating a narrative that captures the reader's attention from the very beginning and explores the transformation of enemies into friends and then lovers.
The book portrays a slow-burn romance between Letty and Tate, gradually unraveling their layers of vulnerability and strength. Through moments of humor, tension, and love, the characters navigate their past traumas and strive for a future filled with healing and understanding. Stein's writing style beautifully captures the emotional journey of the characters, offering a poignant exploration of themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships.
- #7
Dirty Deeds by Stella Rhys is a second chance romance between main characters who were rivals when they were young. Emmett and Aly, who have a long history of love-hate relationship since their childhood, are thrown back together after years apart. The book explores their past, the competition between them, and the tension that builds as they spend more time together, leading to a rekindling of their relationship.
The writing style of Stella Rhys in Dirty Deeds is described as engaging and full of feels, with a focus on childhood friends turning into rivals and then lovers. The plot unfolds with interesting revelations about the characters' pasts, their connections, and the strength they find in each other as they navigate through their issues and emotions.
I had arrived at Emmett’s East Hampton home a good ten minutes ago, but I wasn’t over it yet. It was going to take awhile to get over this four-bed, six-bath masterpiece of a dream house that Emmett a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Irresistible ) - #8
'How to Blow It with a Billionaire' in the series 'Arden St. Ives' by author Alexis Hall follows the complicated relationship between Arden St. Ives, a middle-class boy, and Caspian, a moody young billionaire. The story delves into their struggles to navigate their relationship, their differing desires, and the challenges they face as individuals. The writing style is described as witty, sharp, and at times sarcastic, with detailed descriptions that make every action feel like an adventure.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Arden St. Ives ) - #9
Anna, the protagonist of "Here's Looking at You" by Mhairi McFarlane, is a woman in her 30s who is still haunted by the trauma of being bullied in school. When she encounters one of her former tormentors, James, in a work setting, they are forced to confront their past and develop a complex relationship. The book delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the impact of bullying, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging writing style that keeps readers hooked until the end.
The novel showcases McFarlane's knack for creating relatable characters with witty banter and realistic relationships. The story unfolds with humor and heart, as Anna and James navigate their evolving friendship, confront their past mistakes, and strive for personal growth. Set against the backdrop of London and Italy, "Here's Looking at You" is a classic chick lit tale that blends romance, humor, and emotional depth in a captivating narrative.
Thanks to practice, Anna knew to choose lively and not-overtly-romantic venues to take the pressure off. And the trend for sharer plates that arrived at different times was a gift. With the traditiona... - #10
In "Brothersong," the final installment of the 'Green Creek' series by T.J. Klune, readers are taken on an emotional journey filled with love, sacrifice, and closure. The book follows the characters as they face intense challenges, experience growth, and come to terms with their destinies. The plot is action-packed, with moments that keep the readers on the edge of their seats, leading to a natural and satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while tugging at the heartstrings.
The writing style in "Brothersong" is raw, heartfelt, and humorous, capturing the essence of the characters and their relationships. The author delves deep into the emotional complexities of the characters, making them feel real and relatable, while also infusing the narrative with elements of tragedy, humor, and love. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience for fans of the series.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Green Creek )