Books Like...
If you liked Look on the Bright Side, here are the top 10 books to read next:
- #1
'Picture Imperfect' by Mary Frame is a romance novel that follows the story of Gwen, an ex-model turned photographer, who gets caught up in a fake relationship with a football player, Brent, to help him with his public image. However, things take a turn when Gwen finds herself falling for Brent's scarred older brother, Marc, who struggles with his self-esteem due to his physical appearance and troubled relationship with his father. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth, showcasing the gradual development of feelings between Gwen and Marc in a believable and heartwarming way. The writing style is described as entertaining, smart, and well-written, with relatable characters and witty dialogue that adds depth to the storyline.
Even with the tears and turds, he’s easier to deal with than his Upper East Side mother, who’s decked out in clothing that costs more than my yearly income. She won’t stop glaring at me as if the cryi... - #2
Old Flames and New Fortunes is a cozy, quirky, and slightly magical romp - perfect for fans of whimsical romance and flower shop shenanigans, but may feel stretched out and low on pizzazz for readers looking for tighter plots or more intense drama.
Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle is a whimsical second chance romance set in the magical town of Moonville, Ohio. The story follows Romina Tempest, a plant witch and florist, who finds herself faking a relationship with her friend Trevor to navigate a wedding where her high school sweetheart Alex unexpectedly resurfaces. As old feelings reignite, the narrative unfolds through lighthearted banter, humorous misunderstandings, and a touch of magic, but it also explores deeper themes of love and personal growth.
The writing style is charming and infused with Hogle's signature humor, capturing the awkwardness of romance while balancing it with moments of warmth and connection. The book is rich with colorful descriptions that bring the small-town setting to life, from Romina's delightful flower shop to the quirky characters that populate Moonville. Readers can expect a cozy, feel-good read filled with playful dialogue and the ups and downs of rekindled love, despite some critiques about pacing and character development.
It is late April, when flowers have begun to swallow up the stone walls, when it’s just warm enough that I can take my coffee in the courtyard at dawn and watch blue chase pink from the sky, stars pop...April 2024•382 pages - #3
A super fun, spicy romcom with fantastic banter, delightful characters, and chaotic-family wedding energy - just don’t judge it by the title!
The Great Dating Fake Off by Livy Hart is a fun and lighthearted romantic comedy. It centers on two main characters, Nora and Sebastian, who end up at the same wedding while each pretending to date someone else. The plot involves a lot of humor, playful banter, and the charming chaos that comes from their fake relationships.
The writing style is witty and engaging, filled with top-tier humor that brings the characters to life. The dynamic between the characters is relatable and inviting, with plenty of spice to keep the readers entertained. Although some readers found the pacing uneven at times, the overall experience is enjoyable, with a range of lovable side characters adding depth to the story.
I’ve been a lot of girls in my life, courtesy of too many moves and forced reinventions—the new girl, the weird girl, the poor girl—but in these last three days of pet sitting for my manager-turned-be...August 2024•352 pages - #4
A charming, funny, and feel-good holiday fake-dating rom-com with plenty of heart, laugh-out-loud moments, and a sweet sapphic pairing - a delightful pick-me-up, especially around the holidays!
'The Wrong McElroy' by K.L. Hughes is a heartwarming holiday romance that follows Fiona Ng and Michael McElroy as they navigate a pretend relationship during Christmas with the McElroy family. The book is filled with banter, humor, and a touch of romance, making it a fun and dynamic read. The author, KL Hughes, expertly portrays the characters and their personalities, drawing readers into the story with realistic struggles and emotions. The plot revolves around the comedic chaos that ensues as Fiona and Michael try to keep up their facade, leading to laughter, chemistry, and unexpected twists.
The Wrong McElroy is praised for its likable and believable main characters, as well as the well-written family dynamic that adds depth to the story. Readers find the book to be adorable, fluffy, and laugh-out-loud funny, with a healthy dose of lesbian romance. Despite some triggering moments, the book is commended for its humor, wit, and the way it elevates the typical fauxmance plot into an immensely enjoyable and pleasurable read. KL Hughes' writing style and sense of humor shine through in this holiday romance, making it a recommended choice for those looking for a lighthearted rom-com with a festive twist.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Fiona Ng watched her reflection in the passenger-side window. Her face glowed bright against the shadowy background of the car’s interior. She could just make out Mic...October 2019•195 pages - #5
Fake-dating, but make it fresh, steamy, and with all the sports romance feels - Jock Wanted is an extra-juicy Rookie Rebels entry, perfect for fans of found families, prickly heroines, and big-hearted alpha heroes.
Jock Wanted by Kate Meader is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Fitz and Tara. Their romance unfolds amidst a fake relationship with a player, showcasing the journey of two older individuals who navigate misunderstandings and hurdles to find an unexpected connection leading to a happy ever after. The book delves into the dynamics within the Chicago Rebels team, highlighting the strong bonds between players, partners, and management, creating a sense of family among them.
Hale Fitzpatrick, the broody GM of the Rebels, is portrayed as an alpha male with a heart of gold. His character development throughout the story, along with the interactions with Tara, reveals a complex yet endearing personality. Tara, initially depicted as a gold digger, surprises readers with her depth and complexity, allowing for a deeper understanding of her motivations and struggles. The plot unfolds with tension and chemistry between the characters, ultimately leading to a satisfying and heartwarming happily ever after.
This wasn’t unusual—as the newly-minted general manager of the Chicago Rebels, problems were to be expected. He’d been brought on to “manage” and part of that was fixing pesky issues as they arose. A...June 2022•355 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rookie Rebels ) - #6
A swoon-worthy, emotional return to Liz and Wes's story - perfect for fans of heartfelt, mature romance, but dialed down on the laughs. You'll want tissues (and maybe a comfort snack) for this one!
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter is a heartfelt sequel that follows Wes and Liz two years after their breakup. The story deals with deeper themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Although it lacks some of the humor present in the first book, it offers rich character development, especially for Wes, whose perspective adds emotional depth. Readers can expect an emotional journey filled with tension and yearning as both characters confront their past mistakes and fight for love.
The writing style blends emotional depth with relatable characters and witty moments. The dual narration enhances the storytelling, capturing the emotions and experiences of both protagonists. While the plot may feel predictable at times, the chemistry between Wes and Liz keeps readers engaged. Overall, it balances heartfelt romance with real-life challenges, making it a satisfying and enjoyable read for fans of the series.
AJ, my roommate, muttered “sadistic assbag” and rolled over in his bed while I climbed out of mine and got dressed. We’d been sent to the same Canadian summer baseball league and stayed with the same...October 2024•452 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Better Than the Movies ) - #7
A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud New Adult romance with standout quirky leads and zero overdone angst - perfect for anyone who wants something a little different and a lot of fun.
'Imperfect Chemistry' by Mary Frame follows the story of Lucy, a genius but socially inexperienced main character who is on the verge of losing her grant due to her inability to understand interpersonal relationships. Lucy meets Jensen, the hot next-door neighbor, who helps her navigate the world of emotions and social interactions. Their relationship blossoms into a sweet and heartwarming love story, filled with humor, wit, and genuine moments of connection. The writing style of Mary Frame is described as beautiful, creating vivid imagery and lovable characters that make the reader fall in love with the story.
There are many theories that attempt toexplain why humans cry in response to heightened emotions. Onestates that weeping serves as a signaling function, letting otherhumans know the emotional conditio...April 2014•244 pages - #8
A funny, heartfelt, and messy Christmas rom-com that's as sweet as a plate of Christmas cookies - especially perfect for anyone craving a queer, feel-good romance with plenty of laughs and big emotions.
In "Kiss Her Once For Me," author Alison Cochrun weaves a sassy tale full of humor and drama that easily draws the reader into Ellie's story as a down and out animator who finds herself in a crazy predicament when she agrees to be in a fake relationship with Andrew Kim Prescott, a wealthy real estate investor, who needs to be married in order to receive his grandfather's inheritance. While at Andrew's family cabin for the Christmas holiday, Ellie discovers that a one night stand she had last Christmas Eve with a woman is Andrew's sister Jack Jacqueline. Follow along as Ellie gets caught up in a hot mess of a situation when the week at the cabin turns into a love trapezoid between Ellie, Andrew, Jack, and Jack's BFF Dylan. What should Ellie do: go through with the fake relationship in order to get ten percent of Andrew's inheritance, or tell the truth and profess her love for Jack.
Since buses are delayed, I tighten the red, hand-knitted scarf around my neck and plow angrily down Belmont Street. Cars are Tetrised bumper to bumper from the arcade all the way to the dispensary bec...November 2022 - #9
A heartfelt, charming, and spicy second chance romance with lovable characters and a soft hero. Not flawless, but utterly worth it for fans of the trope!
Melody, fresh from a toxic relationship, moves back to her small town where she reconnects with her brother's best friend, Zac, with whom she has unresolved history. Stranded in the woods during a storm, they confront their past and work towards a second chance at love. The book beautifully portrays Melody's journey of finding herself again and Zac's unwavering devotion to winning her back after years of missed opportunities.
I snap shut my bedroom door. Then pause to listen for sounds of my parents coming to inquire why their daughter felt the need to sneak into the house, home early from a fully sanctioned final hurrah w...November 2023•435 pages - #10
Classic Hazelwood with extra heart - if you’re in the mood for enemies-to-lovers, lots of nerdy humor, and a romance wrapped in academia, this is a must-read. Fans of her signature style will love it, but those craving something truly different may wish for more variety.
'Love, Theoretically' by Ali Hazelwood tells the story of Elsie, a theoretical physicist who leads a double life as a fake dating girlfriend. When she meets Jack, who is both her fake date's brother and the villain in her physics story, their relationship takes unexpected turns. Through humor and character development, Elsie learns to be her true self, while Jack challenges her perceptions and helps her grow. The book explores their evolving relationship, mixing sweet moments with comedic elements and spicy scenes, creating a light-hearted and engaging read that captures the essence of academia and love.
I made it with a marker, drawing a bunch of circles and zigzag lines all over one of Dad’s white undershirts I’d rescued from the trash can. In hindsight, the production value was so low, not even the...June 2023•384 pages











