Books Like...

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi follows the story of Penny, an 18-year-old incoming college freshman, and Sam, a 21-year-old barista going through a difficult breakup. The two meet through a mutual acquaintance and develop a unique friendship that mainly unfolds through text messages. As they navigate their own personal struggles, including college worries and financial restrictions, Penny and Sam find solace in each other's company. Through witty conversations and relatable interactions, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, family issues, identity, and loneliness in the context of modern relationships and social media. The writing style of the book is described as sweet, realistic, and engaging, with a focus on character development and emotional connections.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez is a heartwarming tale that follows the unlikely romance between Alexis, a successful ER doctor, and Daniel, a small-town carpenter. Despite their differences, the two characters find themselves drawn to each other, navigating challenges such as difficult family relationships and emotional abuse. The book expertly weaves together elements of romance, small-town charm, and a touch of magic, creating a story that is both emotional and captivating. Jimenez's writing style is described as visually poetic, with scenes that have an almost ethereal quality, making the story feel cinematic and engaging.

'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez is a slow burn romance with a lot of family drama and personal baggage that keeps the characters from fully committing. The story follows Emma, a travel nurse, who falls for Justin, a software developer, amidst a backdrop of tension, heartfelt moments, and deep emotional exploration. The book delves into themes of complicated love, childhood trauma, and the challenges of forming connections in the face of past struggles. The narrative switches between male and female points of view, offering a well-rounded perspective on the evolving relationship between the characters.

'Smooth Talking Stranger' by Lisa Kleypas is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Ella, a caring woman who takes over the care of her newborn nephew after her sister abandons him. Determined to find the baby's father, Ella meets the hunky and wealthy Jack Travis, who is thought to be the father. As Ella navigates the challenges of caring for her nephew and dealing with her own past, a strong attraction blossoms between her and Jack. The book explores themes of love, family, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, all narrated from the viewpoint of the woman characters. Despite some minor flaws, the book delivers a heartwarming and passionate romance with a satisfying ending.

The plot of 'Smooth Talking Stranger' is filled with action, relevant issues, and heartfelt moments, making it a captivating read for fans of the Travis family series by Lisa Kleypas. The book portrays a strong and independent female protagonist in Ella, who finds herself through the exuberant love she shares with Jack and her nephew, Luke. With vivid scenes, passionate descriptions of sex, and a blend of humor and emotional depth, the novel offers a compelling exploration of love in various forms, alongside a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged till the end.

'Next of Kin' by Hannah Bonam-Young revolves around the story of Chloe and Warren, two individuals who grew up in the foster system and are now fighting to gain custody of their younger siblings. Chloe, after receiving a call from her estranged mother, ends up taking custody of her baby sister, Willow, who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Meanwhile, Warren, a grumpy mechanic, is trying to obtain custody of his deaf fifteen-year-old brother, Luke. The two find themselves living together in a flat, forming an almost chosen family dynamic. The book explores themes of family, love, and overcoming past traumas as Chloe and Warren navigate the challenges of gaining guardianship of their siblings.

The writing style of 'Next of Kin' is praised for its heartfelt portrayal of sensitive topics such as the foster system, the Deaf Community, addiction, and LGBTQ representation. The interactions between the characters, particularly Chloe and Warren, are highlighted as being genuine and engaging, with a slow-burn romance that captivates readers from the start.

'One Percent of You' by Michelle Gross is a heartwarming single parent romance that follows the story of Hadley, a young single mom who is fiercely independent and determined to provide the best life for her daughter Lucy. When Hadley meets her grumpy neighbor, Elijah, who initially dislikes kids, their relationship starts off on the wrong foot. However, as they slowly develop a friendship and bond over their shared experiences, Elijah finds himself drawn to Hadley and her daughter, ultimately leading to a slow burn romance filled with emotional depth and realistic portrayals of parenting and relationships.

The book beautifully explores themes of love, family, second chances, and personal growth. Through dual POVs, readers get to know Elijah and Hadley as they navigate the challenges of past relationships, self-discovery, and learning to trust again. The author weaves a touching tale of healing and finding love in unexpected places, with a mix of humor, emotion, and steamy romance that keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last.

In "The Never Have I Ever Club" by Mary Jayne Baker, the story follows Robyn Bloom as she navigates life after her breakup with Ash, who leaves her for someone younger. Robyn finds solace in Ash's twin brother, Will, and together with their friends, they start a club to tick off items on their bucket lists. The book is a heartwarming romantic comedy with a touch of humor, awkward moments, and a slow-burn romance between Robyn and Will. The writing style is engaging, filled with witty dialogue, pop culture references, and a sense of camaraderie among the characters, making readers feel like they are part of the group of friends.

'Sustained' by Emma Chase is a heartwarming and humorous story that follows the male protagonist, Jake Becker, as he navigates unexpected fatherhood and a budding relationship with Chelsea and her six nieces and nephews. The book is praised for its unique perspective, being solely told from Jake's point of view, and for its portrayal of the genuine and touching interactions between Jake and the children. Readers appreciate the character development of Jake from a successful defense attorney and womanizer to a caring and devoted partner and father figure.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a heartwarming and emotional story set in the small town of Knockemout, Virginia. The book follows Naomi, a runaway bride who finds herself in a strange town with an 11-year-old niece she never knew existed. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she encounters Knox, a grumpy and tattooed man who initially clashes with her but ends up helping her in unexpected ways. The story revolves around their developing relationship, the support they receive from the tight-knit community, and the complexities of family dynamics and romantic entanglements.

The book is praised for its mix of humor, heart, and steamy romance, with readers highlighting the well-developed characters, engaging plot twists, and the small-town charm of Knockemout. The writing style is described as exceptional, with a perfect balance of emotional depth, humor, and heartwarming moments that keep readers gripped from start to finish.

"The Problem with Forever" by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a touching and beautifully written story that follows Mallory and Rider, two abused foster kids who reunite after being separated for four years. The book delves into their past traumas, struggles, and the impact of their upbringing on their lives. It addresses themes of abuse, social anxiety, foster care, and the journey of self-discovery and healing. The plot unfolds with emotional depth, realistic characters, and a sweet romance that gradually develops throughout the story, keeping readers fully invested until the end.