Books Like...
'Finding Ivy' by Claire Kingsley follows the life of Dr. Ivy Nicholls, a college lecturer specializing in literature, who is described as beautiful, intelligent, slightly awkward, and constantly quoting her favorite literary heroes. The story revolves around Ivy's unexpected inheritance following her father's death, her friendship with Jessica, and her blossoming relationship with the mysterious and charming William Cole. As Ivy and William's relationship develops, the readers are taken on a journey filled with emotions, suspense, mystery, and a hint of magic or fate, all narrated from Ivy's first-person point of view until the epilogue.
If you liked Finding Ivy, here are the top 14 books to read next:
- #1
A delightful, feel-good grumpy-sunshine romance with quirky humor and lovable characters - perfect for fans of cozy small-town series. Not breaking new ground, but guaranteed to make you smile.
Evan Bailey, a grumpy and aloof man, finds his world turned upside down when Fiona Gallagher, a cheerful and quirky woman, enters his life. Their journey together includes a road trip, houseplants, and a budding romance amidst a small town feud. As they navigate their feelings and past hurts, Evan and Fiona discover a deep connection that brings out the best in each other, ultimately leading to a heartwarming love story filled with humor, steamy encounters, and unexpected twists.
I’d bought my condo for the view. During the day, I could see all the way to the water. At night, the lights of the city twinkled in the darkness. It had cost me a shit-ton of money, but every night w...August 2020•461 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bailey Brothers ) - #2
An offbeat, steamy, and entertaining romcom with a unique setup and snappy banter - great for a light, fun escape, but may not satisfy if you want depth or a fully grounded story.
Heartbreak For Hire by Sonia Hartl follows Brinkley, an aspiring artist who works as a heartbreaker at Heartbreak for Hire, seeking revenge on men who wronged women. As she questions her job and her life choices, she gets too close to one of her targets, leading to unexpected changes in her career and personal life. The book explores Brinkley's journey of self-discovery, her relationships, and the challenges she faces in balancing her job and her dreams.
Dealing with the male ego was a lot like painting. Both required me to create an image, evoke an emotional response, and find the balance between indifference and trying too hard. They needed gentle s...July 2021•302 pages - #3
A breezy, laughter-filled rom-com with charming characters and flirty fun, but uneven pacing and shallow development may leave some readers wanting more.
Blanche Carter, a feisty matchmaker with a knack for connecting others, finds herself entangled in a complicated love triangle when she starts flirting with a man she once had a one-night stand with. As she helps her client navigate the dating world, Blanche blurs the lines between herself and her client, leading to unexpected feelings for the man. The book follows Blanche's comical journey of self-discovery and love connections, filled with humor, witty banter, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged.
June 2018•304 pages - #4
A heartfelt, slow-burn, fake marriage sapphic romance with sharp character work, great representation, and just the right dose of medical drama - perfect for fans of feel-good, tropey WLW fiction.
Who'd Have Thought by G. Benson is a sapphic romance novel that revolves around a fake marriage between a neurosurgeon, Samantha, and a nurse, Hayden. The story follows their journey from initially disliking each other to becoming friends and then lovers, portraying a slow burn romance. The plot includes themes of enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, age gap romance, and fake relationship, all set in a hospital environment.
The writing style of the book is praised for its well-developed characters, realistic portrayal of relationships, and engaging plot twists. The author, G. Benson, effectively crafts a story that delves into the dynamics of the main characters' personalities, their evolving connection, and the challenges they face in maintaining a fake relationship that gradually turns into something more.
Four hours did not enough sleep make, and her eyes were burning. But after the stressful day she’d had, her brain wouldn’t shut down. At the end of a week of night shifts, her body was taking its time...October 2017•361 pages - #5
A unique, scandalous romantic suspense with a huge twist - polarizing but unforgettable. Go in without spoilers if you love steamy drama and surprises!
'Black Lies' by Alessandra Torre is a captivating story that revolves around Layana and her relationships with two men, Brant and Lee. The plot unfolds as secrets are revealed, leading to unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on edge. The writing style is described as suspenseful, with clever techniques used to maintain reader interest and create a sense of mystery surrounding the characters and their motivations.
Twenty-five candles. It was ridiculous that I was getting a birthday cake; the tradition should stop in the teenage years. Yet, here it was, carried by my mother’s reedy arms. Mother, the perfect imag...August 2014•313 pages - #6
A deliciously angsty alien romance with impeccable world-building and slow-build chemistry - perfect for those who love tormented kings and strong, artistic heroines. Best enjoyed in series order for max feels!
'Ruling Sikthand' in the 'Clecanian' series by Victoria Aveline is a captivating story that follows the damaged King Sikthand and the strong-willed heroine Sophia. The book delves into themes of healing, understanding, and the complexities of relationships. The writing style immerses readers into a world of deep characters, intricate world-building, and emotional journeys. The plot revolves around the introduction of human women to Clecania and the challenges they face, while also exploring the personal growth and development of the main characters.
The book is praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and the unique blend of romance and fantasy elements. Readers appreciate the emotional depth of the characters, the tension-filled interactions between the main leads, and the overall progression of the series' overarching story. The author's writing style is commended for its ability to evoke strong emotions, create vivid imagery, and keep readers invested in the narrative.
- #7
A charming, character-driven romance bursting with heart, humor, and cake - but comes with extra story layers that might overwhelm if you crave a simpler love story.
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker is a contemporary romantic comedy set in Notting Hill, London, revolving around professional bakers Cecilia and Dominic who meet again as judges on a TV show competition. Their attraction to each other, along with a shared opportunity, leads to spending time together and eventually a romance. The plot involves the obstacles they face before reaching their happily ever after, with themes covering humor, easy-to-imagine situations, sexy scenes, and emotionally deep issues. The writing style is described as soothing, with real emotions portrayed in a setting of a baking show rivalry turned romance, showcasing healthy relationships and identifiable life conflicts.
Sunday: For the many of us who grab something deliciously calorific and head to the couch for our weekly fix of Operation Cake, this Sunday night will see our favorite British bakers return to their s...August 2021•416 pages - #8
A spicy, laugh-out-loud, trope-tastic romcom that’s either going to completely charm you or leave you rolling your eyes. If you’re craving big feelings, banter, and chaos, give it a go!
'A Deal with the Bossy Devil' in the 'Bad Billionaire Bosses' series by Kyra Parsi is a romcom centered around the delightful enemies-to-lovers journey of Ria and Adrien. The book is filled with witty banter, spicy scenes, and a charming dynamic between the main characters that keeps the readers engaged. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, making it a delightful and heartwarming read. The writing style is praised for its humor, engaging dialogue, and well-developed characters that add depth to the storyline.
July 2023•408 pages - #9
High drama, big feels, and an epic dose of angst - Drive is for anyone who wants to be emotionally destroyed by a love triangle set to the perfect playlist. If you want low-stakes romance or subtlety, steer clear; but if you love hard choices and heartbreak, buckle up.
'Drive' by Kate Stewart is a gripping tale that revolves around a love triangle involving the main character, Stella, and two charismatic men, Nate and Reid. The story unfolds through flashbacks and present-day events, showcasing Stella's journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The author's writing style intricately weaves together themes of music, love, and emotional turmoil, making it a compelling read that draws readers into the angsty and emotional rollercoaster of Stella's life.
“I’m coming!” I yelled to my sister, Paige, who was making her way down the crushed-shell cement steps toward her car. Locking her front door, I gripped the phone to my ear while it rang as I slowly d...October 2017•425 pages - #10
Hilariously unhinged, spicy, and surprisingly sweet - Hans is a fan-favorite dark romance that’s as fun as it is bonkers. If you like obsessive bad boys with a soft spot, give it a shot!
'Hans' in the series 'Alliance' by S.J. Tilly is a dark romance novel that follows the story of Hans and Cassie, two complex characters who are brought together by fate. The plot revolves around Hans, a possessive and intense man with a devastating backstory, and Cassie, a sweet and relatable woman who is unaware of the dangers lurking around her. As their relationship develops, secrets are revealed, past traumas are confronted, and a thrilling tale of suspense, action, and romance unfolds. S.J. Tilly's writing style is described as intense, suspenseful, and perfectly balanced, with a mix of smutty romance, dark themes, and heart-wrenching moments that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.











