Books Like...

Maybell Parrish, a dreamer and romantic at heart, inherits her Great Aunt Violet's mansion, Falling Stars, along with Wesley Koehler, the former groundskeeper. Despite their initial clashes and differing visions for the property, they must work together to fulfill Violet's wishes and renovate the house. As Maybell and Wesley navigate their shy and introverted personalities, they slowly build a relationship that goes beyond just being shy, evolving into a lovely and charming story. The novel explores themes of overcoming social anxiety, building healthy relationships, and finding the courage to pursue one's dreams, all set in a whimsical and heartwarming atmosphere.

The story is a light-hearted romance with quirky characters, humorous moments, and a unique twist on the trope of renovating a shared property to find true love. Through Maybell's daydreams and Wesley's struggles with anxiety, the author, Sarah Hogle, beautifully depicts their growth and transformation as they navigate their past traumas and insecurities to create a new future together at Falling Stars.

In "Transcendence" by Shay Savage, the story follows Ehd, a caveman who has been alone since his tribe perished in a fire. One day, he discovers a woman named Beh trapped in a pit and believes she is meant to be his mate, despite their language barrier. The book is written entirely from Ehd's point of view, showcasing their unique love story and the challenges they face in communicating and understanding each other in a prehistoric setting. The writing style is described as emotional, heartwarming, and engaging, with a focus on the deep emotional connection between the characters.

"The Bride Test" by Helen Hoang follows the story of Khai, an autistic man who believes he is incapable of love, and Esme, an immigrant from Vietnam who is determined to make him fall in love with her to provide a better life for her daughter. Khai's mother arranges for Esme to come to California for the summer to see if they are a suitable match. The book explores their relationship dynamics, vulnerabilities, and the challenges they face in understanding and expressing their emotions. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on character development and emotional growth, particularly in portraying Khai's journey in recognizing his capacity for love despite his beliefs.

"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.

Unbound by Cara McKenna is a compelling and immersive read that delves into the complex and realistic depiction of two deeply sympathetic characters, Merry and Rob. Merry, who undergoes a dramatic weight loss, embarks on a journey across Scotland to rediscover herself, where she encounters Rob, a recovering alcoholic with submissive desires and fetishes. The story follows their evolving relationship, challenges, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. McKenna's writing style is lauded for its unique take on romance and erotica, weaving together themes of healing, intimacy, and personal growth with depth and authenticity.

'Savaged' by Mia Sheridan is a unique romance novel that follows the story of a man who grew up alone in the wilderness and is now a suspect in a crime. The book combines elements of romance, suspense, and mystery as a wilderness expert tracks him down and gets pulled into the mystery while falling for him. The writing style is described as intense and interesting, with a plot that almost seems like a movie. The hero, who is portrayed as a feral child raised in the woods with only a wolf pup for companionship, adds depth and angst to the story.

The book is praised for its dark themes and unique storyline, with readers appreciating the unconventional nature of the hero and the suspenseful plot. The romance between the main characters is highlighted as touching and phenomenal, with a Tarzan-like feel that adds to the book's charm. The wilderness setting, the survivalist elements, and the darker background issues contribute to making 'Savaged' a captivating read that stands out among other romance novels.

Readers describe "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" as a slow burn romance novel featuring a personal assistant, Vanessa, to a football player, Aiden. The story revolves around their unique relationship dynamics, starting with a fake marriage for a green card. The plot is engaging, focusing on the character development of Vanessa and Aiden, showcasing their growth and flaws throughout the novel. The writing style is immersive, with constant pacing and well-thought-out interactions between the characters, making it easy for readers to get involved in the story.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is a heartwarming story of Macy and Elliot, childhood friends turned lovers whose bond is shattered by a mysterious event, leading to years of separation. The book alternates between the past and present timelines, unraveling the deep connection between the characters and the emotional journey they undertake to rediscover their love and friendship. The writing style seamlessly weaves together themes of first love, loss, second chances, and personal growth, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

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.

'Broken' by Elizabeth Kelly is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, focusing on the unconventional romance between a curvy female main character (FMC) and a physically unattractive male main character (MMC). The story revolves around the FMC's journey of self-acceptance and the MMC's struggle with his appearance, all while they support each other through their insecurities. The writing style of the book is heartwarming and emotional, portraying a sweet and gentle love story that transcends physical appearances.