Picked by A Series of Standalone Novels fans

Here are 9 books that A Series of Standalone Novels fans have personally recommended once you finish the A Series of Standalone Novels series. Book DNA is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of After Innocence

Kathryn C. Kelly Author Of Savage Suit

From my list on billionaire romances on my keeper shelf.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading romance since I was a teenager and writing them just as long. I have given workshops and panels, written a chapter on romance novels in a Kathryn Falk book, and was once the VP of SOLA. I have read thousands of books but few are memorable enough to become my favorites.

Kathryn's book list on billionaire romances on my keeper shelf

Kathryn C. Kelly Why Kathryn loves this book

Edward DeLanza and Sofie O’Neil are star-crossed from the moment they meet in 1901 Newport Beach. He’s older, wealthy, and jaded. She’s young, wealthy, and idealistic.

Edward offers her the protection and concern she has lacked her entire life. It was powerful to see his change and how she became the most important person in the world to him. However, at the heart of After Innocence is Sofie’s coming-of-age. She learns to stand on her own two feet and rely on herself.

The infatuation she has for Edward turns into mature love as she comes into her own. After Innocence remains in my top 10 all-time favorite romances.

By Brenda Joyce ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked After Innocence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A dreamweaver spinning spells that entice and enchant, a masterful creator of unforgettable characters and incomparable romance , bestselling author Brenda Joyce works magic -- From her award-winning American saga of the lusty remarkable Bragg family to the spellbinding medieval passion ofPromise of the Rose

Estranged from society, wealthy and beautiful artist Sofie O'Neil finds solace in her private world, She longs just once to taste a forbidden love -- to follow the dangerous diamond muggler Edward Delanza to paradise. But Edward wants far more from the innocent young heiress than a brief and passing encounter. For he is determined…


Book cover of Real

Sarah Curtis Author Of Fire

From my list on swoon-worthy Alpha Male romance books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a confession to make. I’m a collector of book boyfriends (BBFs). Alpha males, to be precise. The more confident, successful, and assertive they are, the harder they fall for their heroine. It’s the “fall” that gets me every time. There is nothing more satisfying than falling in love right alongside the heroine. As not only a writer of romance but also an avid reader, I can go on and on about all the books I love, so it was hard to choose only five. This list is a small taste of some of my favorites. If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy BBF, reading these books is a must.  

Sarah's book list on swoon-worthy Alpha Male romance books

Sarah Curtis Why Sarah loves this book

Remy captured my heart and never let go. Caring, generous, passionate, sexy, brooding, Remington “Riptide” Tate swept me away.

I fell just as hard as his heroine, Brooke, did, and I sighed like a love-sick fool throughout their story. When I learned of Remy’s struggle, my heart broke. But like all good romances, it was stitched back together by the end.

By Katy Evans ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Real as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Brooke Dumas has reinvented herself after a shattered Olympic dream and is now a sports rehab specialist. Dragged to watch an underground fight by her best friend, Melanie, she never expected her life would change when she met Remington Tate "Riptide" - a famous underground fighter who has danger written all over him. Given his reputation, she's convinced he's only interested in a one night stand when he summons her backstage but he hires her as his sports rehab specialist instead. Traveling together, Brooke's physical and emotional attraction to the enigmatic Remy tests her boundaries. She wants him more than…


Book cover of Only You

Kathryn C. Kelly Author Of Savage Suit

From my list on billionaire romances on my keeper shelf.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading romance since I was a teenager and writing them just as long. I have given workshops and panels, written a chapter on romance novels in a Kathryn Falk book, and was once the VP of SOLA. I have read thousands of books but few are memorable enough to become my favorites.

Kathryn's book list on billionaire romances on my keeper shelf

Kathryn C. Kelly Why Kathryn loves this book

This is the fifth and final book in the Grayson Family series and it tells the story of the youngest member, Sierra, and business rival, Blade Navarone.

I enjoyed this billionaire romance because both the hero and the heroine were wealthy. Blade couldn’t use his wealth to impress or intimidate Sierra. They were both stubborn and willful. Maybe, Sierra was doubly so as the baby and only girl in her family. To take a stance against her overprotective brothers, she developed an iron will.

Winning Sierra’s heart saw Blade look deep into himself and show his vulnerable side. This made the story even more powerful than if it had been about a handsome wealthy man who threw money at an underprivileged heroine.

By Francis Ray ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Only You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sierra Grayson is next in line for love. If her four older brothers managed to get married off, surely Sierra can't be far behind. At least that's the outcome her matchmaking mother, Ruth, is hoping for…whether Sierra―smart, too sexy for her own good, and stubborn to a fault―wants it or not. But little does Ruth know what else fate has in store.

After a chance meeting billionaire real estate mogul Blade Navarone 'wins' Sierra at an auction. Both are stunned by the intense sexual attraction and fight it for different reasons. A legend in the industry, Blade is known to…


Book cover of Fifty Shades of Grey

Kathryn C. Kelly Author Of Savage Suit

From my list on billionaire romances on my keeper shelf.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading romance since I was a teenager and writing them just as long. I have given workshops and panels, written a chapter on romance novels in a Kathryn Falk book, and was once the VP of SOLA. I have read thousands of books but few are memorable enough to become my favorites.

Kathryn's book list on billionaire romances on my keeper shelf

Kathryn C. Kelly Why Kathryn loves this book

Fifty Shades of Grey was recommended to me on Amazon. It took me a full year before I finally gave in and bought Fifty Shades. And this happened because I was taking part in a radio show discussing the books because of one of my recent releases.

It took me 30 hours to read all three books. It was compelling with Ana, her Inner Goddess, and Christian Grey. I personally have always found the books great escapism from daily pressures.

The book is incredibly polarizing and the vitriol directed at its fans can get exhausting. But in my reading life, Christian’s over-the-top existence and manic living epitomizes rich boys and their toys.

By E L James ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Fifty Shades of Grey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"And in this quiet moment as I close my eyes, spent and sated, I think I'm in the eye of the storm. And in spite of all he's said, and what he hasn't said, I don't think I have ever been so happy."
When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana's quiet beauty, wit, and independent…


Book cover of A Thousand Boy Kisses

Elle Nicoll Author Of Drawn to Mr. King

From my list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt.

Why am I passionate about this?

I worked for years as a long-haul flight attendant, and met a lot of people. Some travelling for love, honeymoons, anniversaries, some for medical care, to say goodbye to someone. And some for that bucket list item, because they knew it was their last chance. I’ve always been amazed by the human spirit and its ability to love deeply. And I love romance stories! I have read so many. My favourites are the ones about people and the emotional journeys they go on. So combine the two, and you’ve got heart-wrenching stories that make you realise what’s important, even if they do break your heart in the process.

Elle's book list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt

Elle Nicoll Why Elle loves this book

Prepare to cry! That’s my advice.

It is a beautiful story about childhood friends, Poppy and Rune, who are fated to be together. But circumstances break them apart, and when teenager Rune returns, Poppy has a secret – she has a terminal diagnosis.

This isn’t strictly a romance because the ending isn’t a traditional happy ever after. But it is bursting with love and all the strength that a gripping love story brings. I loved it.

It’s a book that makes you look at life and feel grateful again. To really remember how powerful we all are and can be when we harness our true meaning of loving ourselves and each other.

It is breathtakingly beautiful and will stay with you a long time after turning the final page.

By Tillie Cole ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Thousand Boy Kisses as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

DISCOVER THE UNFORGETTABLE TIKTOK SENSATION THAT HAS CAPTURED MILLIONS OF HEARTS

'This book is breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful. You will cry ugly tears' 5***** READER REVIEW

'So moving that it left me sobbing but at the same time filled my heart. Beautiful, tragic, heartbreakingly wonderful' 5***** READER REVIEW

'It is without a doubt the biggest ugly cry I have ever had from a book' 5***** READER REVIEW
________

Two hearts. One love story. An ending you will never forget . . .

Rune Kristiansen and Poppy Litchfield met as children and swore to be friends forever.

As teenagers, their friendship grew…


Book cover of Beyond The Roses

Elle Nicoll Author Of Drawn to Mr. King

From my list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt.

Why am I passionate about this?

I worked for years as a long-haul flight attendant, and met a lot of people. Some travelling for love, honeymoons, anniversaries, some for medical care, to say goodbye to someone. And some for that bucket list item, because they knew it was their last chance. I’ve always been amazed by the human spirit and its ability to love deeply. And I love romance stories! I have read so many. My favourites are the ones about people and the emotional journeys they go on. So combine the two, and you’ve got heart-wrenching stories that make you realise what’s important, even if they do break your heart in the process.

Elle's book list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt

Elle Nicoll Why Elle loves this book

A woman who is coming to terms with her own mortality. And the man who is determined to save her.

I did not see the twists and turns coming in this book. Not strictly a romance as the happy ever after is not one in the traditional sense. But yet the main theme running through this book is love and what happens when you experience a love so strong that it changes multiple lives.

It made me cry. But it also made me feel proud of just how much impact love can have. Not just on one person, but a whole community. Beautiful.

By Monica James ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Beyond The Roses as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

To the outside world, my life is perfect.


I'm young and rich, and some may even say I'm beautiful. But I would give anything to be somebody else because after being extraordinary all my life, all I wish for is...silence.


My name is Lola Van Allen, and there's no easy way to say it, but...I'm dying.


When my doctors reveal all hope is lost, I decide to spend the time I have left sharing my experience at Strawberry Fields, a summer camp for terminally ill children. No matter my fate, I yearn to make a difference.


Things are quiet and…


Book cover of Hate Notes

Elle Nicoll Author Of Drawn to Mr. King

From my list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt.

Why am I passionate about this?

I worked for years as a long-haul flight attendant, and met a lot of people. Some travelling for love, honeymoons, anniversaries, some for medical care, to say goodbye to someone. And some for that bucket list item, because they knew it was their last chance. I’ve always been amazed by the human spirit and its ability to love deeply. And I love romance stories! I have read so many. My favourites are the ones about people and the emotional journeys they go on. So combine the two, and you’ve got heart-wrenching stories that make you realise what’s important, even if they do break your heart in the process.

Elle's book list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt

Elle Nicoll Why Elle loves this book

I love Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's way of weaving a beautiful story that makes you say, 'just one more chapter'.

They always pull you into the story and make you feel like you are there. I often read their books in a day because I can’t put them down.

I love the grumpy-sunshine trope in this book. It was fun and sexy and emotional. There is a hidden and very well-portrayed medical issue for one of the characters, which I felt added so much depth to the book and touched on very real, relatable issues.

By Vi Keeland , Penelope Ward ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hate Notes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Amazon's #1 Most Unputdownable Book of the Year.

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

A Wall Street Journal bestseller.

A Washington Post bestseller.

From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes an unexpected love story of secondhand hearts and second chances...

It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.

Something blue.

I'd gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That's when I found another bride's "something old."

Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I'd ever read: Thank you for making…


Book cover of Hunting Eden

Elle Nicoll Author Of Drawn to Mr. King

From my list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt.

Why am I passionate about this?

I worked for years as a long-haul flight attendant, and met a lot of people. Some travelling for love, honeymoons, anniversaries, some for medical care, to say goodbye to someone. And some for that bucket list item, because they knew it was their last chance. I’ve always been amazed by the human spirit and its ability to love deeply. And I love romance stories! I have read so many. My favourites are the ones about people and the emotional journeys they go on. So combine the two, and you’ve got heart-wrenching stories that make you realise what’s important, even if they do break your heart in the process.

Elle's book list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt

Elle Nicoll Why Elle loves this book

This book is funny. But it is also sweet and touches on some heavy subjects, such as miscarriage and the butterfly effect it can have on an entire family and the way in which the main character, Eden, a dance instructor, is led very much by her past and the deep hurt it holds. 

Eden meets Hunter King, a pro-golfer, and this is where the fun and steam come in! V H Nicolson is Scottish, and the book is based in Scotland and uses local terminology, with a fun glossary at the beginning of each chapter.

By VH Nicolson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hunting Eden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The Bitter Rival

Elle Nicoll Author Of Drawn to Mr. King

From my list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt.

Why am I passionate about this?

I worked for years as a long-haul flight attendant, and met a lot of people. Some travelling for love, honeymoons, anniversaries, some for medical care, to say goodbye to someone. And some for that bucket list item, because they knew it was their last chance. I’ve always been amazed by the human spirit and its ability to love deeply. And I love romance stories! I have read so many. My favourites are the ones about people and the emotional journeys they go on. So combine the two, and you’ve got heart-wrenching stories that make you realise what’s important, even if they do break your heart in the process.

Elle's book list on love with heavy topics to make your heart hurt

Elle Nicoll Why Elle loves this book

What I love about LM Fox’s books are that she has spent her life working in the medical profession, and so her stories are accurate and true to life in her depiction of certain topics and issues, and the strength of the human spirit in facing them.

The Bitter Rival follows playboy surgeon, Sebastian Lee, and Isabella, who is a single Mom to Austin, who has autism. 

There are beautiful depictions of the relationship between Isabella and Austin in this book, and also the introduction of Sebastian into their lives. As always with LM Fox, there is emotion, steam, drama, and twists and turns on the way to their HEA.

By LM Fox ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Bitter Rival as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.