Here are 7 books that Murphy's Laws fans have personally recommended if you like Murphy's Laws. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

Kate Berberich Author Of Perfect by Design

From Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2026

Kate Berberich Why Kate loves this book

I adored the tension between Maggie and Ethan and I was cheering them on to get together...and oh, yeah...solve the mystery!

By Ally Carter ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

USA Today Bestseller! "Full of tongue-in-cheek humor, excellent dialogue, and fantastic characters, this expertly crafted story from Carter (The Blonde Identity) is a heart-melting rivals-to-lovers romance combined with a delightful locked-room mystery." — Library Journal (starred review)

Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room two days before Christmas.

Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt:

She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery.

He’s Mr.…


If you love Murphy's Laws...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Wicked Sweet Fall

Kate Berberich Author Of Perfect by Design

From Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2026

Kate Berberich Why Kate loves this book

I loved how this story is sort of the dark reflection of Pumpkin Everything. The Blackwoods, with their quirky-spooky-creepy murder B&B are outsiders in the picture perfect town of Autumnboro. I loved seeing them win over the town just by being themselves. The book is actually paced and structured like a TV movie, so fingers crossed that we get to see it come to death...er...life on screen.

By Beth Labonte ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wicked Sweet Fall as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Evie Blackwood has always felt like an outsider. The fact that her family owns the Delilah Corbett Bed & Breakfast—the creepiest tourist attraction in all of Autumnboro—may have a little something to do with it. Over-the-top theatrics may be her family’s idea of a good time, but to the rest of the town it’s nothing but a dark stain on their picture-perfect image.When travel critic Nate Harris finds himself stranded at the B&B, Autumnboro’s chances of winning the title of New Hampshire’s Hidden Gem seem dead on arrival. But if Evie can show Nate the very best Autumnboro has to…


Book cover of Red, White & Royal Blue

Terry Newman Author Of Hearts on the Rocks

From my list on fake-relationship themed books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am, first and foremost, an avid reader. And romance, especially romantic comedy, is my go-to choice. And if that romantic comedy has a fake-dating theme…YAY! It was only natural that I write that theme. I believe that life throws you love at the most unexpected times and unexpected places. I love writing character-driven stories, and what better way to have them show off their true selves than by pretending to be in a relationship with a stranger? 

Terry's book list on fake-relationship themed books

Terry Newman Why Terry loves this book

I loved that this book’s inciting incident is the toppling of a many-tiered wedding cake of a British royal couple. The cause? The immature tussling of a prince and the U.S. president’s son? (Adults, mind you. They’re adults) And because of that, they have to pretend to be friends, pals, buddies.

And as with most fake-relationship-themed books, the fake friendship soon turns into real love. Even though both Alex and Henry are outrageously advantaged individuals, I saw them as people—people in love—and not as a representation of their class.

Perhaps the thing I love most about McQuiston’s writing is the idealism and hopefulness she brings to the story. The obstacles Alex and Henry must overcome are literally international and yet, she can boil their love down to the simplest of gestures—and make it seem realistic.

By Casey McQuiston ,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Red, White & Royal Blue as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* Instant NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestseller *
* GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER for BEST DEBUT and BEST ROMANCE of 2019 *
* BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR* for VOGUE, NPR, VANITY FAIR, and more! *

What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius--his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when…


If you love Terry Newman...

Book cover of Katie’s Gamble

Katie’s Gamble by Kara O'Neal,

Katie's Gamble is an unexpected, unique story about a young woman who's trying to support her younger siblings by keeping her family's confectionery shop open.

In order to do that, she has to take on her older brother, who's a notorious gambler in Louisiana. Additionally, she has to outsmart Rowdy…

Book cover of Boyfriend Material

Terry Newman Author Of Hearts on the Rocks

From my list on fake-relationship themed books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am, first and foremost, an avid reader. And romance, especially romantic comedy, is my go-to choice. And if that romantic comedy has a fake-dating theme…YAY! It was only natural that I write that theme. I believe that life throws you love at the most unexpected times and unexpected places. I love writing character-driven stories, and what better way to have them show off their true selves than by pretending to be in a relationship with a stranger? 

Terry's book list on fake-relationship themed books

Terry Newman Why Terry loves this book

This was the first book by Alexis Hall I’ve read, and I fell in love with his writing. It’s witty and charming and perhaps a bit ridiculous at times. But that’s what makes it charming. Luc’s job is in danger unless he begins to get his life together. What job? He works for a nonprofit charity whose goal is to save the dung beetle—Coleoptera Research or Protection Project, or CRAPP. The solution? A fake boyfriend.

I love the large supporting cast this book has, each quirky enough to get their own story one day. Hall is a master of comedic writing, but more than that, I love that he can also write poignant moments. This book is one of my all-time favorites.

By Alexis Hall ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Boyfriend Material as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"It's a fun, frothy quintessentially British romcom about a certified chaos demon and a stern brunch daddy with a heart of gold faking a relationship."-New York Times bestselling author Talia Hibbert
AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH
Named a best book of the year by Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Goodreads, The Washington Post, and more!
WANTED:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way
Luc O'Donnell is tangentially-and reluctantly-famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making…


Book cover of The Love Hypothesis

Lauren Grace Author Of Is She Me?

From my list on love after trauma.

Why am I passionate about this?

Too many women experience trauma and a lot of these rely on fiction as a means of escape. The more realistic, flawed, diverse characters we have in books, the more real women feel heard and accepted. Life after trauma can be bumpy and unpredictable, especially when it comes to romance and relationships. Allowing readers to explore this in a safe space is not only great storytelling, but meaningful.

Lauren's book list on love after trauma

Lauren Grace Why Lauren loves this book

This fun story not only showcases a strong female lead navigating grief, but a smart, driven one.

Ali herself is a neuroscientist and her books often feature women in STEM. In this case, Olive (our fmc) is working towards her PHD. Olive’s mum died of pancreatic cancer and the development of this storyline and how it ties into the plot is beautiful and poignant. 

The story follows a fake dating trope as Olive becomes involved with her professor, giving you all the ingredients for a feet-kicking romance, with the character depth all whilst in a fascinating setting.

By Ali Hazelwood ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked The Love Hypothesis as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Instant New York Times Bestseller and TikTok Sensation!

As seen on THE VIEW!

A BuzzFeed Best Summer Read of 2021

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof.…


Book cover of Funny Story

Colleen Greer

From Colleen's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Unknown Author Why Colleen loves this book

I loved how funny the story was. Heavy topics were discussed but it didn't weigh you down.

By Emily Henry ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Funny Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Named a Most Anticipated book of 2024 by TIME ∙ The New York Times ∙ Goodreads ∙ Entertainment Weekly ∙ Today ∙ Paste ∙ SheReads ∙ BookPage ∙ Woman's World ∙ The Nerd Daily and more!

A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown…


If you love Murphy's Laws...

Book cover of The Delphi Agenda

The Delphi Agenda by Rob Swigart,

Papyrologist Lisa Emmer's world flips when the Sûreté detains her at her Metro station with news of the savage murder of the esteemed Paris historian Dr. Raimond Foix, her friend and mentor in the study of ancient documents.

Horrified, Lisa finds clues at the crime scene left behind for her…

Book cover of Just for the Summer

Kris Zeck

From Kris' 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Kris loves this book

A great summertime escape. Abby Jimenez is a great writer, too. I would say Emily Henry esque, but maybe better! I devoured these books (all 3) in about a week.

By Abby Jimenez ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Just for the Summer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Instant #1 New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club Pick!
This witty, slow-burn rom-com is the "ideal beach read." --Elle

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s…


Book cover of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Book cover of Wicked Sweet Fall
Book cover of Red, White & Royal Blue

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