Books Like...

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee is a novel that explores a unique and forbidden romance between a 39-year-old gallery owner, Solène, and a 20-year-old frontman of a popular boy band, Hayes. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, addressing issues such as ageism, sexism, and the challenges of fame. The writing style is described as intense, steamy, and thought-provoking, with a focus on the emotional and physical connection between the characters.

'Dear Emmie Blue' by Lia Louis is a heartwarming story about Emmie Blue, a young woman who has faced numerous challenges in her life, from betrayal to neglect. The book follows Emmie's journey as she navigates her past traumas, searches for her missing father, and discovers the true meaning of friendship and love. Through a captivating writing style, vibrant characters, and engaging drama, readers are taken on a emotional rollercoaster as Emmie's story unfolds.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert is the third book in 'The Brown Sisters' series, focusing on the youngest Brown sister, Eve, who is struggling to find her place in the world. When her parents cut her off financially until she can hold down a job for a year, Eve embarks on a journey that leads her to a charming B&B in a small town. There, she meets Jacob Wayne, the owner of the B&B, and despite their differences, they develop an undeniable chemistry. The book explores themes of self-discovery, love, and acceptance, with a steamy romance featuring two neurodiverse characters on the autism spectrum.

'The Good Sister' by Sally Hepworth is a compelling family drama that follows the lives of fraternal twin sisters, Fern and Rose. Fern, with sensory issues, and Rose, dealing with fertility problems, have a complex relationship filled with dark secrets from their past. The story alternates between the present day and the twins' childhood, revealing suspenseful information that leads to a shocking conclusion. The narrative style includes alternating voices, journal entries, and a slow unveiling of backstories, keeping the reader engaged and intrigued throughout.

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.

Undertow by Elizabeth O'Roark is a captivating adult contemporary romance that follows the story of childhood friends, Maura and Nate, who are torn apart by societal expectations and misunderstandings. Set in the small beach town of Paradise Cove, the novel explores themes of first love, second chances, and personal growth. The plot is filled with emotion, angsty moments, and open door steam, keeping readers engaged and rooting for the characters to overcome their obstacles and find happiness together.

Maura Pierce and Nate Sullivan navigate class differences, family pressures, and their own insecurities as they struggle to rekindle their relationship after years of separation. The writing style is described as unputdownable, with a mix of retrospective narration, observational storytelling, and heartfelt moments that tug at the readers' heartstrings. Despite some rushed elements in the ending, the book offers a realistic portrayal of relationships, personal choices, and the complexities of love.

A young widow, Evvie Drake, who is trying to move on from her difficult marriage, crosses paths with Dean, a former star pitcher struggling with the disappointment of his career coming to an abrupt end. As they navigate their personal challenges, Evvie and Dean form a unique bond, supported by family, friends, and a therapist, leading to a story of resilience, friendship, and starting over. Set in a small town in Maine, the novel weaves humor, romance, and pop culture references into a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and forging genuine connections.

"The Half-Life of Planets" is a young adult novel that follows the story of two teens, Lianna and Hank, who meet and form a close bond despite their differences. The book is written from dual points of view, with each author capturing the distinct voices of the characters. Lianna is a science geek with a passion for astronomy, while Hank is on the Asperger's spectrum and deeply connected to music from before 1990. As their relationship blossoms, they navigate issues such as social anxieties, family dynamics, and societal labels, all while maintaining a sense of humor and honesty. The alternating chapters provide insight into each character's perspective, adding depth and richness to the story.

'Queens of Geek' by Jen Wilde is a young adult novel set at a fictional version of San Diego Comic Con called SupaCon. The story follows three best friends, Taylor, Charlie, and Jamie, as they navigate the world of fandom, conventions, and personal challenges. The book touches on themes such as bisexuality, social anxiety, autism, friendship, and standing up for oneself. Through the perspectives of the characters, the author captures the excitement, chaos, and emotions of attending a convention, while also highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in literature.

'House Rules' by Jodi Picoult revolves around a gripping story where an 18-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome, Jacob, is accused of murder. The narrative provides insights into the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families, delving into the legal system and the impact of the disorder on relationships. Through multiple perspectives, including Jacob, his mother Emma, his brother Theo, and lawyer Oliver, the book unfolds a complex family drama intertwined with a compelling mystery.

The writing style of 'House Rules' is praised for its ability to immerse readers in the characters' emotions, particularly highlighting the struggles and frustrations of living with Asperger's Syndrome. Jodi Picoult skillfully weaves together different viewpoints, offering a nuanced exploration of the dynamics within the family and the legal proceedings surrounding Jacob's case. The novel effectively combines elements of suspense, family drama, and legal thriller, creating a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the complexities of autism and the challenges of understanding and accepting differences.