Books Like...

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.

'Fix Her Up' by Tessa Bailey is a steamy romantic comedy that follows the story of Georgie Castle, a professional clown who is tired of not being taken seriously by her family and her town. When Travis Ford, a washed-up baseball player, returns home after an injury ends his career, Georgie decides to help him get back on track. The two enter into a fake dating agreement to change Travis's public image and convince Georgie's family that she is more than just the baby of the family. As their fake relationship turns into real feelings, they navigate through witty dialogue, steamy scenes, and a whirlwind romance that challenges their perceptions of themselves and each other.

In 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood, readers are introduced to Olive Smith, a PhD student in biology, who navigates the challenges of being a woman in STEM while trying to prove a scientific theory about attraction and relationships. The story follows Olive's journey as she grapples with her insecurities, self-discovery, and professional ambitions, all while engaging in a strained professional partnership turned romance with the charming Dr. Adam Carlsen. The book expertly blends elements of romance, humor, and academia, offering a heartwarming and sweet narrative that explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

The novel shines in its portrayal of relatable and multifaceted characters, particularly Olive and Adam, whose chemistry and interactions leap off the pages. Ali Hazelwood's writing style is engaging, filled with witty banter and authentic dialogues that create a delightful rapport between the characters. The story unfolds through Olive's unique perspective, allowing readers to witness her moments of vulnerability, self-doubt, and eventual growth, all while experiencing a perfect blend of humor, heart, and a touch of academia.

Addison Potts, the black sheep of her family, unexpectedly becomes the getaway driver for a jilted groom, Elijah, at her cousin's cancelled wedding. As they quickly become friends and unofficial housemates, Addison and Elijah navigate their different worlds and find comfort and support in each other. The story follows their journey from friends to lovers, filled with humor, steamy moments, and emotional depth, set against the backdrop of Charleston and a mayoral campaign. Tessa Bailey's writing style combines witty dialogue, sweet romance, and steamy scenes to create a heartwarming and engaging tale of unexpected love.

'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.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a heartwarming and emotional story set in the small town of Knockemout, Virginia. The book follows Naomi, a runaway bride who finds herself in a strange town with an 11-year-old niece she never knew existed. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she encounters Knox, a grumpy and tattooed man who initially clashes with her but ends up helping her in unexpected ways. The story revolves around their developing relationship, the support they receive from the tight-knit community, and the complexities of family dynamics and romantic entanglements.

The book is praised for its mix of humor, heart, and steamy romance, with readers highlighting the well-developed characters, engaging plot twists, and the small-town charm of Knockemout. The writing style is described as exceptional, with a perfect balance of emotional depth, humor, and heartwarming moments that keep readers gripped from start to finish.

Runaway Girl is a heartwarming and romantic story that follows Naomi, a woman who escapes her wedding to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Finding herself at Jason Bristow's house in Florida, she takes on the role of a pageant coach for his younger sister, Birdie. Despite their initial differences, Naomi and Jason are drawn to each other, navigating their attraction amidst their limited time together. The book portrays Naomi's transformation from a sheltered debutante to an independent woman, while also delving into Jason's protective nature and his own personal growth.

'The Spanish Love Deception' by Elena Armas is a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance novel that follows the story of Catalina and Aaron. Catalina, in need of a fake boyfriend for her sister's wedding, reluctantly accepts Aaron's offer. As they navigate through the deception, family drama, and personal struggles, their chemistry and tension grow, leading to a lush and emotionally detailed love story between two stubborn individuals. The book is told solely from Catalina's perspective, with a writing style that expertly conveys the emotions and challenges faced by the characters.

'Walk of Shame' by Lauren Layne follows the story of Georgina, a misunderstood socialite, and Andrew, a divorce lawyer. Georgina, also known as Georgie, is portrayed as a fun, warm, and affectionate woman who cares deeply about people despite her over-pampered socialite image. On the other hand, Andrew is depicted as a cynic and a workaholic who initially comes off as pompous but shows moments of vulnerability and compassion. The book delves into the unlikely romance between these two characters, exploring their differences, vulnerabilities, and the development of their relationship amidst societal expectations and personal struggles.

The writing style of 'Walk of Shame' is praised for its smart wit, character depth, and ability to expose the vulnerabilities and complexities of the main characters. The plot is described as Cinderella-like, focusing on Georgie's desire to be loved for who she truly is, rather than her social status, and Andrew's journey towards understanding and compassion. The book is noted for its humor, romance, and emotional depth, making it a compelling read that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Poppy and Alex, two best friends with contrasting personalities, have been taking annual vacations together for years until a falling out causes a two-year silence in their friendship. When Poppy suggests one final summer trip to mend their relationship, they head to Palm Springs to confront their feelings for each other. The story alternates between past trips and their current vacation, exploring their deep connection and the challenges they face in transitioning from friends to potentially something more. Emily Henry's writing style weaves humor, romance, and realism, creating an engaging narrative that delves into themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery.