Books Like...
If you liked The Lovely Return, here are the top 34 books to read next:
- #1
A bold, dark-tinged romance that’s equal parts heart-wrenching, suspenseful, and swoony. If you love slow-burn chemistry with a side of danger, Want You is totally worth the late-night binge.
Want You by Jen Frederick is a story that spans decades, following the evolving relationship between Leka Moore and Bitsy. Leka, living in a world of crime and danger, takes in a young orphan, Bitsy, and cares for her until circumstances force them apart. As they grow older, their relationship transforms into a romance filled with tension and danger. Despite the taboo nature of their bond, their love for each other grows stronger, leading to a slow burning romance that keeps the readers on edge. The book is described as beautifully written, with a dark yet ultimately heartwarming storyline that delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and survival.
Instead of a small animal, I see a small human crouched in the corner, just beyond the doorway of a crumbling brick apartment building I’m using as cover. Behind her, a big wooden fence blocking off t...June 2018•303 pages - #2
Heart-wrenching, beautifully written, and ultimately hopeful - this is an intense, unforgettable love story about surviving the worst and choosing your own destiny. Bring tissues!
'Once We Were Starlight' by Mia Sheridan is a poignant story that delves into the lives of Karys and Zakai, who were kidnapped as children and forced into a life of performing sex acts for their captor. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the bond between Karys and Zakai grows into a deep and enduring love that transcends the challenges of freedom. The narrative, primarily from Karys' perspective, intricately weaves a tale of resilience, heartbreak, and self-discovery, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate their traumatic past and uncertain future.
The book beautifully portrays the evolution of Karys and Zakai's relationship, from their captivity in Sundara to their struggles with freedom and individual growth. Mia Sheridan skillfully immerses readers in a world filled with raw emotions, vivid descriptions, and a captivating balance of internal and external dialogues. Through a narrative that explores themes of love, trauma, and redemption, 'Once We Were Starlight' offers a compelling and haunting story that lingers in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final chapter.
I felt him before I saw him, but that had always been the case. A subtle flush beneath my skin as some unnamed particle that created my being reacted to the same yet opposite part of his. The soaring...February 2021•343 pages - #3
A heartfelt, one-of-a-kind romance that packs an emotional punch - perfect for those open to love stories with a speculative twist. Keep some tissues handy!
'Any Given Lifetime' by Leta Blake is a unique and heartwarming story of love that transcends time and lifetimes. The plot follows the intertwined lives of Neil and Joshua, who meet serendipitously and develop an intimate relationship that tragically ends with Neil's death. However, Neil is reincarnated with memories of his past life and the love he shared with Joshua, leading to an epic love story that unfolds across different lifetimes. The nonlinear writing style effectively plays on emotions, making it a memorable and emotional read for readers who enjoy reincarnation themes and epic love stories.
The book explores themes of reincarnation, love, loss, and the enduring power of love that refuses to die. The characters, particularly Neil and Joshua, are well-developed and easy to identify with, evoking both heartache and joy as their love story unfolds across different lifetimes. The author's storytelling skill shines through in the nonlinear narrative, creating a captivating and emotional journey for readers as they follow the characters through various obstacles and challenges in their quest for everlasting love.
Joshua sat at a tiny table in a quiet corner of Earl G. Dumplin’s diner. It was a slow day, and not many other tables were occupied. His coffee was verging on being too cold, and he considered getting...September 2018•254 pages - #4
A rollercoaster of forbidden desire and emotional drama, Wanting Mr. Cane is a must-read for taboo romance lovers - just be prepared for a scorching slow burn and a cliffhanger ending!
'Wanting Mr. Cane' by Shanora Williams is a forbidden taboo romance that follows the story of Kandy and Cane. Kandy has been drawn to Mr. Cane since she was young, but their relationship takes a different turn as she grows older. The book explores the forbidden love between Kandy and Cane, who is her father's best friend, and the challenges they face due to their age gap and societal expectations. The writing style keeps readers engaged with its drama, steamy moments, and a well-paced plot that unfolds with twists and turns, leaving readers eager for more.
A shiny black car pulled into the driveway of our two-story home, parking less than a yard away from where I was. I sat on the tire swing of the big tree on the front lawn, wearing dingy-white chucks...June 2018•315 pages - #5
'Was I Ever Here' in the 'Was I Ever' series by Naomi Loud is a unique story that delves into themes of reincarnation, mental health struggles, and a deep romantic connection that transcends time. The plot follows the characters Sunny and Byzantine as they navigate through lifetimes, facing challenges such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and a stalker. The writing style is described as stunning, captivating, and beautiful, drawing readers into the world of Sunny and Byzantine with intricate character development and complex relationships.
2022•332 pages - #6
A beautifully written, emotional slow-burn romance with lots of heart and some heavy topics. Perfect for fans of angsty, character-focused contemporary love stories - just be sure to check those trigger warnings!
'Don't Kiss the Bride' by Carian Cole is a heartwarming story about Skylar Timmons, an 18-year-old high school student living in difficult circumstances, and Jude Lucky Lucketti, a kind-hearted hero who offers her a helping hand. Their unlikely friendship evolves into a beautiful love story as they navigate through age gap, friendship, and the challenges of their pasts. The writing style captures the emotions and struggles of the characters, drawing readers into a rollercoaster of feelings and a journey towards a heartwarming happy ending.
“You need anything before I head outta here?” Kyle asks, glancing over the blueprints that are spread out on a table in the middle of the framed-in addition. We’ve known each other since high school,...January 2021•516 pages - #7
Deeply emotional, achingly slow-burn, and packed with genuine heartbreak - June First is a one-of-a-kind love story that isn’t afraid to challenge boundaries. Prepare your heart (and a box of tissues)!
'June First' by Jennifer Hartmann is a taboo romance that explores the complicated and forbidden relationship between June and Brant. The story follows their journey from childhood, navigating through tragedies, friendships, and evolving feelings that eventually lead to a deep and intense love. The writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, portraying their struggles, growth, and the complexities of their relationship in a way that feels real and compelling.
I watch them go from the edge of my driveway, while Theo kicks up one of the loose stones that rims our mailbox. Dad is going to blow a gasket if he sees a rock out of place. He loves weird stuff like...May 2022•472 pages - #8
A bold, fast-paced romantic suspense packed with moral ambiguity, high stakes, and unconventional leads - gripping if you like your romance a bit wild, but might not win over Howard’s fans who prefer her lighter side.
Drea Rousseau, the mistress of a drug lord, decides to escape from her dangerous life, stealing money in the process. The drug lord hires an assassin to hunt her down, but after a twist of fate, the assassin starts searching for her instead. The book explores a romance between an assassin and a former mistress, blending suspense and fast-paced action with elements of redemption and second chances.
“YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB,” RAFAEL SALINAS PURRED to the assassin, who stood on the other side of the room, near the door. Either the man didn’t like getting too close to other human beings, or he did...July 2008•380 pages - #9
A haunting, steamy, and deeply dark ride - Dead Man Walking grabs you by the throat and never lets you go. For fans of raw, edgy MC romance with disturbingly beautiful love stories, this is Giana Darling at her boldest - and best.
Dead Man Walking by Giana Darling is a dark and intense love story between Bea, a God-loving girl drawn to darkness, and Priest, the enforcer for the Fallen MC. Their unconventional and passionate relationship is a true opposites-attract tale, filled with depth of emotion, suspense, and thrilling action. The book explores themes of healing power of love, acceptance, and finding beauty within darkness, portraying a hauntingly original and explosively intense story that delves deep into the characters' psyches.
Giana Darling's writing style is described as astoundingly beautiful, with brilliantly architected symbolism and imagery that create a rich reading experience. The plot of Dead Man Walking is a total page-turner, balancing MC action and romance with twisted themes that are both philosophically intense and intriguing. The characters, especially Priest and Bea, are complex and magnetic, with their love story being portrayed as sweet, hauntingly beautiful, and deeply affecting.
More specifically, I was dressed in the costume of an angel resplendent with feathered wings gracing my shoulders and a silk dress that fluttered above my knees. With my pale gold hair, my small femin...December 2020•606 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Fallen Men ) - #10
A gorgeously written, soul-crushing story that will break your heart and stay with you - recommended for readers who crave angsty, boundary-pushing dramas. Prepare tissues and expect to be emotionally invested (and wrecked)! Not for those who only want light or conventional romances.
'The Boy & His Ribbon' in the series 'The Ribbon Duet' by Pepper Winters is a deeply emotional and captivating story of two souls, Ren and Della, who share an unbreakable bond that evolves from a father-daughter relationship to a unique and profound connection. The plot spans a long time, portraying the growth and challenges faced by Ren and Della as they navigate the complexities of their relationship from childhood innocence to the turmoil of teenage years. The writing style is beautifully descriptive, evoking powerful emotions of sacrifice, heartbreak, determination, and love, creating a story that settles deep in the reader's heart for ages.
The book explores themes of unconditional love, sacrifice, survival, and the complexities of different types of relationships. Ren and Della's journey is depicted as a breathtaking yet painful experience, filled with rawness, intensity, and genuine emotions. The narrative delves into the intertwined lives of the two characters, showcasing their unyielding commitment to each other amidst the adversities they face, making it a poignant and unforgettable read.
I shouldn’t have turned off the road and entered the forest. I knew that. I’d known it the minute I’d leapt off manmade pathways and traded it for dirt, but Mr. Mclary had chased longer than I’d expec...April 2018•387 pages











