Books Like...
If you liked Crashed Out, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Over-the-top, steamy, and sweet, Mouth to Mouth is a quick treat for lovers of protective bad boys and instant attraction - but the obsessive hero and youthful heroine aren’t for everyone.
Mouth to Mouth by Tessa Bailey is a fast-paced romance novel that follows the story of Rory Prince, an ex-con with a troubled past, who saves Olive Cunningham from a near-death experience. Despite his rough exterior, Rory is immediately drawn to the innocent and bookish Olive. As their intense and obsessive love story unfolds, both characters struggle with their insecurities and past traumas, ultimately finding solace and love in each other's arms. The writing style of the book is described as hot and graphic, typical of Tessa Bailey's work, with steamy scenes and a quick pace that keeps readers engaged.
Rory and Olive's love story is portrayed as a whirlwind romance filled with intense emotions and overwhelming feelings of love at first sight. The author, Tessa Bailey, explores themes of obsession, redemption, and self-discovery through the complex dynamics between the characters. Despite the lack of character development and some loose ends in the plot, Mouth to Mouth is praised for its passionate and captivating storytelling, making it a compelling read for fans of the bad boy/good girl trope and insta-love romances.
Rory Prince shoved the ice pack against his throbbing eye and tried unsuccessfully to tune out the offensive early morning kitchen sounds. The scratching of his oldest brother’s pencil across the tabl...November 2018•200 pages - #2
A smart, spicy, feel-good romance with a great modern twist and lovable leads - especially recommended if you like a playful age gap dynamic. Not for sticklers of realism, but a total treat for romance fans craving banter, steam, and all the feels.
'All Grown Up' by Vi Keeland is a modern romance novel that tells the story of Valentina and Ford Donovan, who meet on a dating app and develop a connection through texting. Despite an age gap, they are drawn to each other and navigate the complexities of their budding relationship. The plot delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and overcoming insecurities, all while showcasing the unique and mature writing style of Vi Keeland. The characters, Valentina and Ford, are portrayed as real and relatable individuals, making the reader emotionally invested in their journey towards finding love.
The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and Vi Keeland's skillful storytelling. Readers appreciate the modern and realistic portrayal of romance, the humor infused in the narrative, and the depth of emotions evoked by the interactions between Valentina and Ford. The book explores themes of age differences in relationships, personal growth, and the importance of following one's heart, all delivered in a captivating and heartfelt manner.
Every other Sunday, Eve and I went to a different restaurant to check out the competition. She owned a French bistro on the Upper East Side and liked to sample the menus and check out the pricing of n...July 2019•338 pages - #3
A heartwarming, low-stress rom-com that celebrates believing in love - even when it's hard. Perfect for readers in need of a serotonin boost and lots of warm fuzzies.
'Hung the Moon' by Alexandria Bellefleur is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of Annie, who has given up on love, and Brendon, a complete romantic who sets out to prove that romance isn't dead. As Annie navigates her insecurities about relationships and her doubts about love, Brendon, with his optimistic and charming personality, aims to show her that happily ever afters do exist. The book explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of Seattle, which is portrayed as a character in itself. The dual perspectives of Annie and Brendon provide insight into their emotional journeys, making the reader root for their love story to unfold.
The writing style of Alexandria Bellefleur in 'Hang the Moon' is highly praised for its ability to create relatable and endearing characters, immersive storytelling, and a perfect balance of humor, romance, and emotional depth. The book seamlessly weaves together classic romance tropes such as childhood crushes, friends to lovers, and heartfelt moments, while also incorporating modern themes like career struggles, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. Readers find themselves captivated by the chemistry between Annie and Brendon, the charming setting of Seattle, and the overall feel-good vibe that the book exudes.
Annie nearly wept tears of joy. Starbucks, the holy grail of coffee, was within spitting distance of Gate D2. Something cold, creamy, and above all, caffeinated was exactly what she craved after a day...May 2021•384 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Written in the Stars ) - #4
A scorching, sweet escape that delivers on the forbidden and the fun. If you want steamy romance with an empowered older heroine, The Pool Boy is a crowd-pleaser!
"The Pool Boy" by Nikki Sloane is a steamy romance novel set in the Nashville music scene, revolving around Erika, a recently divorced woman in her 40s, who finds herself drawn to her best friend's son, Troy, who also happens to be her pool boy. The forbidden romance between Erika and Troy is filled with passion, self-discovery, and age-gap dynamics, creating a sizzling and emotional journey for both characters. The book explores themes of desire, connection, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the music industry and the complexities of relationships.
The writing style in "The Pool Boy" is described as engaging, immersive, and addictive, with vivid storytelling that brings the characters and their emotions to life. The author, Nikki Sloane, skillfully weaves together moments of intimacy, self-reflection, and forbidden love, creating a narrative that is both sensual and emotionally resonant, leaving readers captivated by the chemistry between Erika and Troy.
Sweat trickled down my back, making my sleeveless silk blouse stick to my skin. Okay, this was getting ridiculous. The air conditioning at the office had never been great, and it had barely been worki...August 2020•323 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nashville Neighborhood ) - #5
In "Reverse Pass" by Maggie Rawdon, readers are taken on a journey of romance, passion, and self-discovery between Ben and Violet. Ben, a charming and confident football player, has harbored feelings for Violet since they were young. As their relationship evolves from friends to something more, the book delves into themes of loyalty, forbidden love, and personal growth. Rawdon's writing style captures the sizzling chemistry between the characters, blending humor, steamy moments, and emotional depth to create a captivating story that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
March 2023•273 pages - #6
A charming, breezy rom-com with plenty of laughs, lovable characters, and an unforgettable dog - perfect for anyone craving a quick pick-me-up or a warm, witty love story with a twist on the usual romance tropes.
'Anyone But You' by Jennifer Crusie is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Nina Askew, a newly divorced 40-year-old woman who adopts a sad-eyed basset hound named Fred. Fred inadvertently becomes a matchmaker when he brings Nina together with her downstairs neighbor, Alex, a charming 30-year-old ER doctor. Despite the age difference, Nina and Alex navigate the complexities of starting over, finding love, and embracing second chances. The book is filled with humor, witty dialogues, and lovable characters, including the unforgettable and endearing canine character, Fred.
the door, determined to pick herself out the perkiest birthday present on four paws. So what i f yesterda y had been her fortieth birthday? Forty was a good age for a woman. It meant freedom. Especial...1996•290 pages - #7
A funny, flirty, and feel-good read with a charming hero and real-life struggles, perfect for fans of witty contemporary romance - though those seeking extra depth or subtlety might want to look elsewhere.
"Boy Toy" by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Sadie, a divorced mother of twins, and Liam, a younger man who used to be Sadie's babysittee. The book explores their developing relationship, tackling themes of age difference, self-esteem, and past insecurities. The writing style is described as sweet, heartwarming, and delightful, with likable lead characters and a focus on strong friendships.
The book features a romantic storyline between Sadie and Liam, as they navigate their feelings for each other despite the challenges they face. The plot includes elements of humor, steamy scenes, and interactions with secondary characters that add depth to the story. Readers appreciate the chemistry between the main characters, the slow burn of their relationship, and the heartwarming moments shared between them.
Twenty minutes later I walk them both through the door at Small Packages daycare. I’m carrying a duffel bag full of extra clothes, nut-free food, and comforting items from home. The most comforting it... - #8
A heartfelt, satisfying comfort read for fans of outdoorsy romcoms, emotional journeys, and gentle, believable love stories. Tuck in for a sweet adventure - and skip the movie, the book's where the magic is!
"Happiness for Beginners" by Katherine Center is a contemporary romance novel that follows a woman on an outdoor adventure during a wilderness survival course in the mountains of Wyoming. The story revolves around the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, learning stillness and kindness towards herself, all while navigating the challenges of the rugged wilderness. The book's plot involves hiking as a major element, with the characters engaging in a camping trip that serves as a backdrop for personal growth and emotional exploration.
The writing style of "Happiness for Beginners" is described as lighthearted and engaging, with a focus on character development and relationships. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create a heartwarming and emotional narrative that resonates with themes of love, self-acceptance, and empowerment. The book is praised for its unique blend of romance, humor, and introspection against the backdrop of a wilderness setting, making it a compelling and enjoyable read for those looking for a feel-good story.
If you want to put me in Hell, plunk me down in the middle of a party where I don’t know anyone. If you want to be really thorough, fill the place with drunken college kids. And make sure every other...March 2015•386 pages - #9
Falling for My Brother's Best Friend by Piper Rayne is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Savannah and Liam from 'The Baileys' series. The book delves into the complex relationship between Savannah, who had to grow up quickly after her parents' passing, and Liam, her brother's best friend who has always harbored feelings for her. As the two characters navigate their deep-seated emotions and familial dynamics, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions filled with love, self-discovery, and heartwarming moments. The writing style of the book is described as witty, emotional, and engaging, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that keep readers hooked until the early hours of the morning.
Early Wednesday morning, I tiptoe down the hall wearing a towel wrapped around my body, slide into my bedroom, and slowly close the door. Once it clicks shut, I release the breath I’m holding, hoping...October 2019•328 pages
(Also, see 30 recommendations for the series The Baileys ) - #10
An angsty, moving MM sports romance that’s as much about courage and healing as it is about love. Expect to feel a lot - and cheer hard for these two hockey heroes to find their happy ending.
'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 all my favorite movies, when something bad was going happen, the protagonist usually sensed it. He saw a sign, or felt a disturbance in the force. But that’s not how my real life worked. And I’m no...September 2014•309 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Ivy Years )











