Books Like...

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.

Regina "Reggie" Hayes, a determined astronaut, is left devastated after being removed from a moon mission due to her solitary attitude. In an attempt to prove herself, she reluctantly agrees to train an actor, Jon, for a space-themed movie. Despite their differences, Reggie and Jon form a connection, leading to a complex love story intertwined with themes of trust and personal growth. The book delves into Reggie's struggles with balancing her career aspirations, personal relationships, and her own insecurities, all set against the backdrop of the space industry.

'Always Only You' by Chloe Liese is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of Frankie, a social media marketer for a hockey team, and Ren, one of the star players on the team. Frankie, who is on the autism spectrum and deals with arthritis, struggles to let Ren into her life despite his unwavering affection towards her. The book beautifully portrays their evolving relationship, delving into themes of acceptance, love, and personal growth. The detailed sports aspect adds depth to Ren's character, making the story engaging and relatable. Chloe Liese's writing style shines in accurately representing autism and chronic illness, creating a perfect blend of insight, inclusivity, and romance.

Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Lucia Bell, a supermodel, and Calvin Ellis, a shy bookstore owner in Big Sur. The book explores the unlikely romance between these two characters who come from different worlds but find a deep connection over their shared love for poetry and literature. As they navigate their relationship, the story delves into themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. The writing style of the book is described as poetic and evocative, transporting readers to the picturesque setting of a bohemian bookstore in Big Sur through vivid descriptions and heartfelt prose.

"Faking Under the Mistletoe" by Ashley Shepherd is a holiday romance that follows Olivia, an intern at a PR firm, as she navigates a fake relationship with her grumpy boss, Asher. The story delves into heavy topics like sexual assault, while also showcasing Olivia's infectious personality and her dedication to Christmas festivities. The book is primarily told from Olivia's perspective, with readers praising the banter between the main characters and the way their relationship develops.

The plot of the book revolves around Olivia pretending to date Asher to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, leading to a rollercoaster of events that challenge their dynamic. The writing style is described as cute, quick-paced, and engaging, with a good balance of light-hearted moments and serious themes such as workplace harassment and assault.

In "It Happened One Summer," Piper Bellinger, an Instagram influencer accustomed to a glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, is sent to her hometown to look after a bar left to her by her father. In Westport, Washington, she meets Brendan Taggart, a crab fisherman, and the two navigate their differences and attractions. The book explores themes of self-discovery, change, and romance, with characters evolving and finding common ground amidst initial animosity. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of steamy romance, character development, and a small-town setting reminiscent of the TV show Schitt's Creek.

A Merry Little Meet Cute is a festive rom-com novel that follows the story of Bee Hobbes, a plus-sized adult film star who gets cast in a PG holiday movie opposite her teenage crush, Nolan Shaw, a former boy band member looking to reform his image for the sake of his family. The book is set in a small Vermont Christmas town where lives change, sexual chemistry sizzles, and love blossoms amidst whacky shenanigans. The plot revolves around Bee keeping her identity as a sex worker a secret for the sake of the movie's squeaky clean brand, while navigating her growing feelings for Nolan and the challenges that come with their unconventional relationship.

The writing style of A Merry Little Meet Cute combines humor, romance, and festive cheer, offering a unique blend of body positivity, diverse representation, and exploration of real-life issues such as mental health and sexuality. The story is filled with funny one-liners, steamy scenes, and heartwarming moments that celebrate empowerment, love, and acceptance in a Christmas-themed setting.

'The Wedding Night' by Kati Wilde is a contemporary romance novel that follows the unconventional love story between Audrey, a wealthy businesswoman who is neurodiverse, and Caleb, a blue-collar mechanic. The plot revolves around their quickie marriage, which is a business arrangement to help Caleb inherit money from his deceased father's family. Throughout the roughly two-week period of their relationship, readers witness the exploration of their individual personalities, the development of their chemistry, and the challenges they face as they navigate their unusual situation. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of humor, emotional depth, and steamy romance that keeps readers invested in the characters and their journey.

'Hook, Line, and Sinker' in the 'Bellinger Sisters' series by Tessa Bailey revolves around the evolving relationship between the characters Hannah and Fox. The story delves into their friendship turning into something more, with themes of self-discovery, overcoming fears, and navigating the blurred lines between friendship and romance. The writing style captures the emotional depth and vulnerability of the characters, creating a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that is both heartfelt and intense.

The Boss Who Stole Christmas is a Christmas-themed novella from the Reindeer Falls series by Jana Aston. The story follows Holly, who works at a toy store and loves all things Christmas, but doesn't have a great boss in Nick Saint Croix, whom she initially sees as a Grinch. The book explores their relationship as it evolves from enemies to lovers, with a mix of humor, steaminess, and holiday cheer. The plot includes a trip to Germany, where Holly and Nick's dynamic starts to shift, leading to a heartwarming ending that captures the spirit of the season.