Books Like...
If you liked Play It Safe, here are the top 25 books to read next:
- #1
Dirty talk, steamy scenes, and a quick, forbidden love story make this a hot pick for spicy romance fans - just be ready for the heat (and maybe some déjà vu).
In "His Risk to Take" by Tessa Bailey, readers are introduced to an intense and explosive romance between a hot, dirty-talking alpha male homicide detective new to New York and a streetwise and daring pool hustler named Ruby. Their chemistry is described as intense and the story is filled with exciting and steamy moments. The book delves into themes of control, independence, and overcoming past traumas, creating a narrative that captivates readers with its fast-paced plot and well-developed characters.
The author, Tessa Bailey, skillfully weaves together a story of passion and desire as the NYPD officer with dom-like tendencies falls for the smart-mouthed Brooklyn babe with ties to the mob. The writing style is praised for its ability to create explicit scenes that not only raise the temperature but also contribute to the character development and relationship building, making it a compelling read for fans of steamy romances.
From the darkest corner of O’Hanlon’s bar, Troy Bennett took a long pull of his draft beer and watched men and women start to pair off, retreating to their own dark corners together. The bitter snow s... - #2
A warm, comforting, and beautifully told small-town romance about finding love and home after heartbreak - perfect for when you need a story to lift your spirits.
'Runaway Road' by Devney Perry follows the story of Londyn McCormack, a woman who embarks on a road trip across the country after a divorce, only to have her journey interrupted by a flat tire in a small town. There, she meets Brooks Cohen, a kind and caring man who turns her life upside down in unexpected ways. As their relationship deepens, the tension between them grows amidst the backdrop of a cozy small town in West Virginia. The author, Devney Perry, weaves a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery, capturing the emotions and experiences of the main characters with vivid descriptions and relatable dialogue.
The plot unfolds with Londyn's past struggles and her journey towards finding happiness and stability, intertwined with Brooks' role as a single dad and mechanic in Summers. Through dual perspectives, the readers witness the blossoming connection between Londyn and Brooks, highlighting themes of family, love, and overcoming past traumas. Perry's writing style immerses the readers in the small town setting, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia, while also delivering a blend of romance, steamy moments, and emotional depth that keeps the readers engaged till the end.
“Goodbye, Thomas.” I ended the call. Since he usually called back five seconds after I hung up on him, I turned the damn thing off and tossed it across the bed to my best friend, who stood on the othe...March 2020•257 pages - #3
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... - #4
A gripping, unflinching cowboy romance that’s both painful and beautiful. Knotted grabs your heart and doesn’t let go - just make sure you check content warnings and bring tissues. A must for fans of dark, emotional romance!
'Knotted' in the series 'Trails of Sin' by Pam Godwin follows the story of childhood friends turned high school sweethearts, Jake and Conor. Their epic love is shattered by a tragic event, leaving them emotionally broken and separated. When Conor returns to their small town years later, she finds Jake changed but still deeply connected to her. Together, they navigate past traumas, secrets, and dark mysteries while fighting for their love and a chance at a happy ever after. The book is a dark romance with elements of second chance, friends to lovers, and childhood sweethearts tropes, set in a contemporary western cowboy backdrop.
The writing style in 'Knotted' is described as captivating, emotional, and intense. The author, Pam Godwin, intricately weaves a tale of love, betrayal, healing, and redemption that keeps readers glued to the pages. The characters, especially Conor and Jake, are portrayed as resilient, passionate, and deeply connected, making their journey towards healing and love a poignant and heartwrenching experience for the readers.
Now I’m twitching, too, restless and hungry. That’s what she does to me. One touch and I feel like an ungelded horse, a beast with fire in his veins, bucking and panting at the whiff of a mare in heat...April 2018•308 pages - #5
A rollercoaster romance that tackles tough issues with raw emotion, humor, and heart. For fans of intense romantic suspense and found-family dynamics, this Rock Chick doesn’t disappoint - just keep the tissues handy!
In "Rock Chick Regret" by Kristen Ashley, the story revolves around Sadie, known as the ice princess, who seeks protection from Nightingale's agency after being attacked and raped. Hector, a former DEA agent who put Sadie's father in jail, steps in to ensure her safety. The book delves into their complicated relationship, emotional struggles, and Hector's protective nature. The plot includes themes of trauma, trust, and healing, with a mix of intense and heartwarming moments that keep readers engaged. Kristen Ashley's writing style is praised for evoking strong emotions, creating relatable characters, and delivering an impactful narrative that resonates with readers.
I turned my black, convertible Mercedes SLK into the parking garage under the Nightingale Investigations offices and swiped again at my eyes thus swerving again and barely missing the wall before I ri...December 2011•540 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rock Chick ) - #6
A heartfelt, steamy small-town romance full of healing and second chances. Not too high on drama but brimming with emotion - perfect for KA fans or anyone craving a relationship-focused love story.
The Hookup by Kristen Ashley is the first book in the Moonlight and Motor Oil series, set in Matlock, Kentucky, USA. The story follows the main characters, 34-year-old Johnny Gamble and 31-year-old Eliza Izzy Forrester, who wake up together after a hookup. The book is written in non-alternating, dual POV, with Izzy's POV in first person and Johnny's in third person. The narrative explores their evolving relationship, struggles with intimacy, and personal growth as they navigate their pasts and build a future together.
I still had the same alarm clock that my mom bought me when I went to college. It was square, pale pink and had a mirrored face. Even though it was over a decade old and it had been super cheap, it wa...December 2017•359 pages - #7
A twisty Southern suspense with plenty of heart - perfect if you love atmospheric settings and zippy banter. Not Roberts’ most modern or balanced, but an enjoyable escape for fans of cozy mysteries and slow-burn romance.
"Carnal Innocence" by Nora Roberts is a romantic suspense story set in Innocence, Mississippi, following world-class violinist Caroline as she returns to her late grandmother's house. The plot revolves around a series of murders in the town, with Caroline finding herself entangled in the investigation and forming a connection with Tucker Longstreet, a charming neighbor who is a suspect in the killings. The writing style is described as having witty dialogue, small-town charm, and a mix of romance and suspense, though some readers felt the balance between the two aspects was off.
Summer, that vicious green bitch, flexed her sweaty muscles and flattened Innocence, Mississippi. It didn’t take much. Even before the War Between the States, Innocence had been nothing but a dusty fl...December 1991•530 pages - #8
Sweet, funny, and full of heart - "That Second Chance" is a cozy, slow-burn romance perfect for anyone craving a feel-good escape (with lovable characters and a touch of Maine magic).
Ren moved from her busy Cali life to a small town in Maine ready for a big change and to be on her own. Before even officially moving in, she swerves away from a moose on the road and is rescued by Griffin, a man who is too afraid to love because of a curse and a past heart break. That Second Chance is Ren and Griffin's story of how they overcome the battle that is Griffin's curse. Ren was trying to find her independence and her fresh start meant that she didn't know Griffin's history, meaning they could have a clean slate for the start of their relationship. Griffin had been hurt greatly, and blamed himself for the event, and almost had promised himself that he would never love again to keep people safe. He bought into the curse, and let it impact his daily life, but when Ren arrives, he begins to question whether his actions have been right. She showed him how to open his heart again and heal, allowing him to lean on her and find happiness again.
“Ughhhhhh,” I groan into my pillow. The blaring sound of my alarm went off just as my dream was getting good. Why does it always seem to go off when I’m about to win an unspecified major award? I’ve a...May 2019•334 pages - #9
Fascinating, tense, and deeply emotional - Shelter in Place is a memorable suspense novel that shows Nora Roberts can deliver way more than just romance. Not for the faint of heart, but highly recommended for those who appreciate thought-provoking thrillers.
"Shelter in Place" by Nora Roberts opens with a mass shooting at a mall, which has long-lasting repercussions on the survivors' lives. The story follows the intertwining lives of characters like Simone, Reed, and CiCi, who navigate the aftermath of the tragedy while facing a new threat from a vengeful individual seeking retribution. With a mix of romance, suspense, and thriller elements, the book delves into the immediate and long-term effects of a mass shooting incident, portraying the resilience and struggles of the survivors as they rebuild their lives amidst looming danger.
The narrative of "Shelter in Place" by Nora Roberts is characterized by gripping storytelling that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Through intricate character development and a well-crafted plot, the book explores themes of courage, love, trauma, and resilience, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the impact of tragedy and the strength found in human connections. Roberts skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a compelling blend of mystery, romance, and suspense that culminates in a climactic and satisfying conclusion.
On Friday, July 22, 2005, Simone Knox ordered a large Fanta—orange—to go with her popcorn and Swedish Fish. The choice, her standard night-at-the-movies fare, changed her life, and very likely saved i...2018•478 pages - #10
A moody Southern romantic suspense with a paranormal twist - great for fans of Nora Roberts and readers who love character-driven mysteries, but the old-fashioned romance and loose ends may not appeal to everyone.
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts is a romantic suspense novel that follows Tory Bodeen, who returns to her hometown to face her childhood fears and open a boutique after the brutal murder of her best friend, Hope. The story unfolds as Tory forges a bond with Cade Lavelle, Hope's brother, while dealing with the unresolved trauma from her past. The book delves into themes of grief, abuse, strength, and psychic abilities, weaving together a tale of mystery, romance, and family dynamics. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
She woke in the body of a dead friend. She was eight, tall for her age, fragile of bone, delicate of feature. Her hair was the color of corn silk, and slid prettily down her narrow back. Her mother lo...2000•492 pages











