Books Like...

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton is a charming historical fantasy romance set in a whimsical Victorian-era world. The story follows two rival ornithologists as they compete in a magical bird-catching contest. Despite their rocky start, they end up teaming up, leading to humorous escapades and unexpected romance. The plot is light-hearted and filled with entertaining side characters, making it a delightful read.

India Holton's writing style is characterized by dry humor and playful banter. The book features an abundance of bird puns and a madcap atmosphere that enhances its silliness. It’s described as both a satire and a comedy, with the characters navigating their feelings amidst a backdrop of absurdity. The story is engaging and makes for a great palate cleanser, perfect for those looking for a fun and refreshing escape.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater is a Regency fantasy tale that follows the protagonist, Dora, who had half of her soul stolen by a faery lord in her childhood. This leads to her struggling with limited affect and navigating societal expectations in the Regency era. When Dora goes to London with her cousin to find a husband, she meets Lord Sorcier Elias Wilder, who offers to help her find a cure for her condition. The story unfolds with a mix of reluctant romance, friendships, mystery, and strength of spirit, set against the backdrop of English and Fae society politics.

The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly Dora and Elias, who stand out as sensible, passionate, and vulnerable individuals. The narrative is described as evenly paced, focusing on a solid story that keeps readers engaged and leaves a lasting message beyond the final page. Despite the lack of extensive world-building, readers find themselves engrossed in Elias' journey, Dora's self-discovery, and the engaging development of side characters, making the latter half of the book a swift and enjoyable read.

In the book "Soulless" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to an alternate Victorian England where supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves are accepted members of society. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, is a unique character who is soulless, meaning she can neutralize supernatural abilities by touch. The story follows Alexia's adventures as she inadvertently kills a vampire and is drawn into investigating the supernatural occurrences in her society, leading her to partner with the brash and handsome werewolf leader, Lord Maccon. The plot is filled with mystery, humor, witty dialogue, and a touch of romance, set against a backdrop of steampunk elements and a Victorian London filled with paranormal intrigue.

The writing style of "Soulless" is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, with a blend of fantasy, steampunk, and romantic elements. The characters, especially the strong and sassy heroine Alexia, are praised for their depth, humor, and chemistry, making the story a delightful mix of comedy of manners, urban fantasy, and romance with a modern and feminine twist.

'A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon' by Sarah Hawley is a paranormal romance novel set in a modern world filled with magic and demons. The story follows Mariel, a witch with a garden full of vibes, and Oz, a demon dealing with inner conflict as he falls for her. The plot revolves around fake dating turning into enemies to allies to friends to lovers, with elements of humor, steamy romance, and breaking generational trauma. The book is described as a light-hearted, funny, and cozy read that balances humor, romance, and worldbuilding seamlessly.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna tells the story of Mika Moon, a witch who has always hidden her identity, moving from place to place to protect her secret. When she receives a mysterious invitation to teach young witches at Nowhere House, she starts feeling at home among people who know her secret, finding a sense of belonging. The book follows Mika's journey of fitting in, forming relationships with the eccentric residents of the house, and uncovering secrets, including a potential romance with the grumpy librarian, Jamie. The writing style is described as bright and colorful, filled with humor, quirky characters, and heartwarming moments that make the readers feel like they are wrapped in a warm hug.

Between by L.L. Starling is a whimsical and humorous fantasy novel set in Old Middleton, Wisconsin, where the mortal realm meets the magical realm of Otherworld. The story follows Sasha Pierce, a substitute teacher who becomes entangled in a magical cascade of events involving Lorn, the Shadow King of Between. The book features an array of fantastical elements such as baseball bat-wielding heroines, fairytale kings, witches protecting ancient gateways, and drunk unicorns, all woven together in a captivating and enchanting narrative style that blends humor, adventure, and romance.

The narrative of Between is characterized by its unique writing style that has been likened to the works of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, where fantasy tropes are playfully twisted and molded into new shapes. The book introduces readers to a diverse cast of lively and endearing characters, engaging plotlines, and rich world-building that seamlessly blends magical realism with fantasy elements. With its blend of humor, suspense, and intricate storytelling, Between promises an immersive reading experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Chronicles of Between series.

'Not Another Vampire Book' by Cassandra Gannon is a hilarious parody of supernatural romance novels, filled with cliche characters and ridiculous plot directions. The story follows Karalynn Donnelly, a book editor who finds herself transported into the pages of a poorly written vampire romance novel. Mistaken for the eternal love interest of the vampire king Slade, Karalynn teams up with the supposed villain, Damien, to disrupt the plot and create chaos. The book is described as witty, fun, and fast-paced, offering a unique and entertaining take on the vampire genre.

The writing style of Cassandra Gannon in 'Not Another Vampire Book' is praised for its humor, strong main characters, and clever plot. The author's ability to poke fun at the genre while still creating endearing and engaging characters like Karalynn and Damien is highlighted as a key aspect of the book's charm.

In "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" by Megan Bannen, readers are immersed in a quirky world where Hart, a marshal, and Mercy, an undertaker, find themselves entangled in a hate-to-love relationship. Their dynamic is filled with snippy banter, emotional tension, and a blossoming romance that unfolds through a series of letters exchanged unknowingly between the two. Set in a fantastical world with elements of humor, romance, and a touch of fantasy, the story follows the journey of these two characters as they navigate their complicated feelings amidst a backdrop of family drama, emotional angst, and unexpected twists.

The book is a delightful mix of fantasy, romance, and comedy, blending elements of enemies-to-lovers trope with strong family dynamics and well-executed rom-com elements. Through the interactions between Hart and Mercy, the author weaves a tale of emotional depth, character development, and engaging plot twists that keep readers invested in the unfolding love story between the two protagonists. With a unique setting that combines historical western vibes with magical quirkiness, the book offers a fresh take on romance and fantasy genres, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

The House Witch 1 is a cozy fantasy novel with strong characters and a fun storyline. The book follows the charming adventures of the main character, a cook, as he navigates through a world filled with magic, romance, and unexpected friendships. The writing style of the author, Delemhach, is described as well-crafted and structured, with a focus on world and character building that lays the groundwork for an engaging series.

The Lord of Stariel follows the story of Henrietta Valstar, an illusionist who returns to her family estate for her father's funeral. As she navigates through family politics and mysterious interference, she uncovers a web of suspicious characters with unique agendas. The book introduces a magical land, Stariel, where tradition dictates its ruler through a ritual known as 'The Choosing'. With a blend of historical romance and fae elements, the story unfolds at a steady pace, revealing surprises and secrets that are crucial for the plot's development. The writing style is engaging, with well-built characters and a world filled with magic and intrigue.