Books Like...

'Him' by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen revolves around a romance between two hockey players, Wes and Jamie, who were once best friends. The story follows their journey from childhood friends to lovers, exploring themes of self-discovery, sexuality, and friendship. The writing style is described as engaging, filled with dual points of view, explicit scenes, and a mix of tenderness and steamy moments. The plot captures the emotional depth of the characters as they navigate their relationship and personal growth.

In "Heated Rivalry" by Rachel Reid, readers are taken on a journey following the intense and secretive relationship between two hockey stars, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. Despite being rivals on the ice, they share a passionate bond that spans almost a decade, filled with heated moments and dangerous secrets. The story unfolds over several years, from their initial meeting as rookies to their professional careers, showcasing their evolving connection and the challenges they face both personally and professionally. Reid's writing style is praised for its descriptive yet easy flow, humorous moments, and strong editing, creating a captivating narrative that delves into themes of rivalry, self-discovery, and forbidden love.

'The Understatement of the Year' by Sarina Bowen is a New Adult romance set in an elite American college, focusing on the lives of two main characters, Graham and Rikker. The plot delves into themes of internalized homophobia, gay bashing, and the struggles of being openly gay in a sports environment. The story follows the rekindling of a childhood friendship and romance between Graham and Rikker, as they navigate their feelings for each other, the challenges of being on a hockey team, and the complexities of their shared past. The writing style is described as fresh, engaging, and touching on serious issues with sensitivity, making the characters relatable and the plot believable.

In 'Game Changer' by Rachel Reid, the story revolves around Scott Hunter, a closeted New York hockey player, who meets Kip Grady, a smoothie shop server. As Scott struggles with his fears of coming out due to his fame in the sports world, a secret relationship blossoms between him and Kip. The plot focuses on Scott's journey towards self-acceptance and the challenges they face in maintaining their hidden romance, ultimately leading to a heartwarming conclusion. The writing style is described as low angst, with a mix of sweet moments, steamy scenes, and a focus on the characters' personal growth and emotional struggles.

Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday is a slow burn romance novel that follows the story of Theo and Jamie. The book is filled with snarky banter, sweet moments, and strong chemistry between the main characters. The plot revolves around Theo's obliviousness towards Jamie's feelings, leading to a gradual progression of their relationship from friendship to love. The writing style is described as funny, warm, and sweet, with a focus on character development and interactions. The book also touches on themes of friendship, trust, jealousy, and love in a fun and entertaining way.

'Let's Get Textual' by Teagan Hunter is a romantic comedy novel that follows the story of Delia and Zach, who start their relationship with a wrong number text that leads to quirky banter and a strong connection. The book is filled with humorous dialogue, witty banter, and light-hearted moments between the characters. The plot revolves around their growing relationship, from texting to meeting in person, and the development of their connection despite some misunderstandings and conflicts. The writing style is characterized by a focus on text messages between the characters, comical interactions, and a light-hearted tone that keeps the readers engaged throughout the story.

'To Sir, With Love' by Lauren Layne is a modern romance novel set in Manhattan, following the story of Gracie Cooper, who is struggling to keep her family's champagne shop afloat. Gracie, a dreamy romantic at heart, finds solace in her online relationship with a mysterious man known as Sir. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers that the real estate businessman trying to buy out her shop is none other than her online pen pal, leading to a mix of tension, attraction, and conflicting emotions. The book explores themes of family, love, pursuing dreams, and finding unexpected connections in a light and charming writing style that keeps readers engaged.

Gracie's journey of self-discovery and growth, along with the witty banter between characters, the charming interactions between Gracie and Sebastian, and the heartwarming family relationships depicted in the story, make 'To Sir, With Love' a delightful and feel-good read for fans of romantic comedies. The book weaves together elements of enemies-to-lovers, strangers-to-lovers, and classic romantic tropes, providing a mix of humor, romance, and a touch of whimsy that keeps readers smiling throughout the narrative.

In "Heat Stroke," Marcus, a lovable himbo, is drawn to Jamie, a smart and confident man who has been hurt in the past. Despite their differences, their journey to love is full of laughter, passion, pain, and acceptance. The book explores the natural and genuine love between the two characters, set against the backdrop of a beach town where they work as lifeguards and bartenders, navigating their feelings and the challenges of being in a closeted relationship.

Tessa Bailey's writing in her first M M book is praised for its hotness, deep emotions, and well-developed characters. The story is described as cute, funny, steamy, and emotionally impactful, with a focus on love, passion, and acceptance, making it a compelling and heartfelt read that tugs at the heartstrings.

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland is a heartfelt story about Luca and Griffin who start off as childhood pen pals, connecting through letters as they navigate through life's challenges. Luca, dealing with agoraphobia and anxiety, grapples with past traumas and guilt that have shaped her life. Griffin, a patient and understanding rockstar, reconnects with Luca after years of silence, sparking a journey of healing and rediscovery. Their emotional rollercoaster of a relationship is depicted through intimate letters, highlighting themes of unconditional love, friendship, and overcoming past struggles.

'Call Me Maybe' by Cara Bastone is a heartwarming romance that unfolds over customer service calls between Vera and Cal. As they work together on Vera's website, their virtual friendship blossoms into a sweet and romantic connection. The book portrays the struggles and insecurities of the characters, building tension as they wait to meet in person, all while maintaining witty banter and authentic dialogue. The story is filled with humor, cute moments, and relatable characters, creating an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.

The writing style of 'Call Me Maybe' is described as fresh, fun, and entertaining, with well-developed characters and a natural progression of the romance. The book stands out for its unique concept of two characters falling in love through phone calls, texts, and emails, making it a refreshing and charming addition to the romance genre. The narration, background sounds, and dialogue are highlighted as key elements that enhance the immersive experience, creating a feel-good and engaging audiobook that captivates the audience from start to finish.