Books Like...
If you liked Protecting What's His, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A sinfully steamy, suspense-filled opposites-attract romance with heart - and plenty of heat. If you want action, angst, and a dirty-talking hero who’ll melt your e-reader, pick this up. If super-steamy romantic thrillers aren’t your thing, you might want to skip it.
In "Risking It All" by Tessa Bailey, readers are taken on a thrilling journey with Seraphina Newsom, a rookie cop seeking justice for her brother's murder by going undercover to infiltrate the criminal world of Brooklyn's crime boss. Along the way, she crosses paths with Bowen Driscol, a complex and captivating character with a dark past. As their worlds collide, a forbidden romance ignites, filled with passion, suspense, and dangerous secrets. Tessa Bailey's writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seats with steamy scenes, intense emotions, and a plot that is both captivating and engaging.
2015•400 pages - #2
Steamy, witty, and compulsively readable! If you're in the mood for spice, swoon, and emotional messiness, "Disorderly Conduct" is a total treat - just prepare for a hero who goes all out to get his girl back.
In 'Disorderly Conduct' by Tessa Bailey, the story revolves around Charlie, an NYPD Police Academy recruit, and Ever, a tough and independent woman starting a catering business. They both have commitment issues but are drawn to each other in a no-strings-attached relationship. However, when Ever decides to change her dating goals, it challenges their dynamic, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments as they navigate their feelings and desires. The book portrays the struggles and growth of the characters, with a mix of steamy romance, witty banter, and emotional depth, showcasing Tessa Bailey's signature dirty-talking alpha male and strong, relatable heroines.
People magazine isn’t going to name me the Sexiest Man Alive any time soon, so I don’t play the long game with girls. If I see one who interests me, I go in for the kill. Fast. Before some jerk who us...August 2017•384 pages - #3
A steamy, feel-good contemporary romance with a lovable grump of a hero and quirky, artsy heroine. If you’re in the mood for comfort, laughter, and a hero who dotes, treat yourself to "Worked Up."
'Worked Up' by Tessa Bailey is a contemporary romance novel set in the small town of Hook, focusing on the relationship between the blue-collar hero, Duke, and the artist heroine, Samantha. The book explores themes of insta-love, marriage of convenience, and features a hero described as a "Pouty Man Bear" with a heart of gold. The story is filled with steamy scenes, dirty talk, and adorable banter between the characters.
The book is praised for its delightful characters, especially Duke and Samantha, who are described as a perfect match with strong, quirky, and sassy personalities. The writing style is commended for its ability to create lovable characters, engaging chemistry, and a story that keeps readers wanting more, delivering happiness and steam in equal measure.
As always, when Sam encountered a dose of inconvenient nerves—a frequent occurrence of late—she reached into her brown leather satchel and ran a thumb over the spiraling metal holding her sketchpad to...July 2016•240 pages - #4
A red-hot, dirty-talk-filled romance with memorable characters and killer chemistry - great for fans of steam, sassy banter, and protective heroes. Just don’t expect a deep or slow-burning plot.
Follow by Tessa Bailey is a captivating story about Teresa, who is tasked with bringing back Will to New York to protect her younger brother from a dangerous situation. The plot is filled with secrets, danger, and emotional conflicts, all while Will and Teresa navigate their growing attraction. The writing style is described as phenomenal, with unique descriptions and steamy moments that captivate the reader's attention.
Some people find them romantic. Others think they’re a nasty business. I fall somewhere in the middle. Crowded from all sides by limousine drivers holding signs and loved ones cradling stuffed bears,...October 2017•262 pages - #5
A flirty, funny, and spicy small-town romance with lovable characters - perfect for fans of feel-good, opposites-attract love stories. Worth picking up if you need a smile and a little heat!
Drive Me Wild by Melanie Harlow is a small town romance that follows the story of Blair Beaufort, a former socialite escaping her controlling family, and Griffin Dempsey, a mechanic with a guarded heart. Their unlikely encounter in Bellamy Creek sets off a chain of events that lead to a deep and intimate emotional connection. As Blair tries to find independence and Griffin grapples with his past, they navigate small town gossip, meddling neighbors, and unexpected feelings that challenge their perceptions of life and love. The book is filled with humor, steamy romance, and endearing characters, creating a heartwarming story of love, hope, and belonging.
Fucking Swifty Auto. The fast food chain of automotive repair. High volume, low value, shitty rush jobs done on the cheap—but customers didn’t seem to care. Apparently, a chandelier in the lobby, glos...August 2020•305 pages - #6
A steamy, feel-good romantic romp that’s equally sweet and spicy - with enough heart and humor to satisfy fans of the genre. Perfect for readers who want a playful, sexy escape, but may not win over those who prefer subtler, more grounded romance dynamics.
Runaway Girl is a heartwarming and romantic story that follows Naomi, a woman who escapes her wedding to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Finding herself at Jason Bristow's house in Florida, she takes on the role of a pageant coach for his younger sister, Birdie. Despite their initial differences, Naomi and Jason are drawn to each other, navigating their attraction amidst their limited time together. The book portrays Naomi's transformation from a sheltered debutante to an independent woman, while also delving into Jason's protective nature and his own personal growth.
I’m fifteen minutes away from marrying the man who ordered me the wrong white wine at our rehearsal dinner last night. There are definitely far better reasons to get cold feet, but the lemony Pinot Gr... - #7
A spicy, heartfelt, and genuinely funny friends-to-lovers romance that’ll make you swoon - unless over-the-top steam or audio not-quite-there narration is a dealbreaker for you.
Addison Potts, the black sheep of her family, unexpectedly becomes the getaway driver for a jilted groom, Elijah, at her cousin's cancelled wedding. As they quickly become friends and unofficial housemates, Addison and Elijah navigate their different worlds and find comfort and support in each other. The story follows their journey from friends to lovers, filled with humor, steamy moments, and emotional depth, set against the backdrop of Charleston and a mayoral campaign. Tessa Bailey's writing style combines witty dialogue, sweet romance, and steamy scenes to create a heartwarming and engaging tale of unexpected love.
In leather pants and a faded T-shirt, I didn’t even bother dressing up, which is drawing censorious raised eyebrows from the Charleston upper crust. There they are in their pressed pastels and bow tie...September 2018•285 pages - #8
A scorching, emotional, and trope-heavy romance that fans of brother’s best friend, angsty heroes, and high heat won’t want to miss - just be ready for plenty of steam and a polarizing age-gap dynamic.
Now Or Never by Stella Rhys is a romance novel that explores the dynamics of an older man and younger woman relationship. The story follows Holland, who reunites with her brother's best friend, Iain, after years of no contact. Despite the age gap and their past history, they find themselves drawn to each other, navigating a push-and-pull banter as they both struggle with their feelings and past traumas. The book delves into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and healing, all wrapped in a steamy and emotional storyline that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
In an instant, my pulse doubled, and I could feel my jaw ticking tighter and tighter under my palm as I ran my hand over my face, my eyes devouring her body in ways I told myself had strictly to do wi...January 2020•311 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Irresistible ) - #9
Sexy, angsty, and emotionally charged - Tease is a fun, fast-paced read that delivers all the feels. Perfect for fans of new adult romance who like flawed but lovable protagonists and plenty of romantic tension!
Tease by Sophie Jordan is a New Adult contemporary romance that follows the story of Emerson, a college-aged protagonist who presents herself as a tease, engaging in provocative behaviors to mask her insecurities and painful past. The narrative unfolds as Emerson meets Shaw, a seemingly bad boy with a heart of gold, who challenges her perceptions of relationships and pushes her to confront her inner demons. Through a blend of hot romance, emotional depth, and engaging character development, the story explores themes of love, trust, and self-discovery in a fast-paced and gripping writing style that keeps readers hooked until the end.
ARE YOU SURE THIS is the place?” I stepped out of Annie’s car into the cold January night. My hand lingered on the passenger door as though I might suddenly pull it wide open again and dive back insid...May 2014•322 pages
(Also, see 62 recommendations for the series The Ivy Chronicles ) - #10
A classic Kristen Ashley: dramatic, spicy, and full of heart - with a no-nonsense heroine and an alpha male finding real love. If you’re a fan of mature characters and family drama with your romance, you’ll want to add this to your TBR (but steer clear if alpha heroes and Ashley’s style aren’t for you!).
"Wild Man" by Kristen Ashley is a romance novel that follows the story of Tess and Brock. Tess, a talented baker and independent woman, meets Brock, an undercover DEA agent, who initially approached her for a job-related investigation. Despite the rocky start, their relationship evolves as they navigate through past relationships, family dramas, and personal challenges. The plot is filled with elements of danger, excitement, and emotional depth, while the writing style captivates readers with its mix of humor, touching moments, and intense romance.
Readers praise the character development of Tess and Brock, highlighting Tess's maturity, talent, and independence, and Brock's alpha male persona and protective nature. is commended for its realistic portrayal of relationships, blending hot romance with real-life touches such as work, family, and personal growth. The chemistry between Tess and Brock is described as intense and captivating, making the story emotionally engaging and filled with all the feels.
I kept my eyes on him and, like I’d been doing since I’d been led into that room what felt like hours ago (and what I didn’t know actually was), I kept them away from the mirror. I’d seen enough cop s...











