Here are 100 books that The One I Want fans have personally recommended if you like The One I Want. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of A Girl Named Charlie

Marci Wilson Author Of Turn the Page

From my list on little-known small-town romances series starters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having spent most of my life in the Midwest, I know a little (or a lot) about growing up in a small-town environment. When I was younger, I was annoyed by all the things I now find charming about this genre of romance books. The nosy neighbor, the know-it-all jock, the downtrodden wallflower? Stereotypical but oh-so-real. I have written several series set in small towns and have come to love them all. It’s now my go-to genre when I want to sit and relax. 

Marci's book list on little-known small-town romances series starters

Marci Wilson Why Marci loves this book

I think so many of us can relate to the day-to-day life of Charlie, a single mom just trying to make it one more week. Charlie is charming with the perfect level of quirky.

One of the things I love about small-town romance is how the community comes into play. I love that his book has an amazing balance of that as well as a steamy romance between Charlie and Reid.

If you love The One I Want...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Book cover of Wild Thing

Marci Wilson Author Of Turn the Page

From my list on little-known small-town romances series starters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having spent most of my life in the Midwest, I know a little (or a lot) about growing up in a small-town environment. When I was younger, I was annoyed by all the things I now find charming about this genre of romance books. The nosy neighbor, the know-it-all jock, the downtrodden wallflower? Stereotypical but oh-so-real. I have written several series set in small towns and have come to love them all. It’s now my go-to genre when I want to sit and relax. 

Marci's book list on little-known small-town romances series starters

Marci Wilson Why Marci loves this book

I really enjoy characters who are trying to overcome personal flaws, and Karlie Brighton has plenty of those.

When she decides a one-night stand is just what the doctor ordered, she manages to pick the one man that she shouldn’t, her brother’s best friend.

The fallout is realistic but fun. I found the characters to be irresistible, making this an easy and fun read.

By Cassie-Ann L. Miller ,

Why should I read it?

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


Book cover of Dash of Love

Marci Wilson Author Of Turn the Page

From my list on little-known small-town romances series starters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having spent most of my life in the Midwest, I know a little (or a lot) about growing up in a small-town environment. When I was younger, I was annoyed by all the things I now find charming about this genre of romance books. The nosy neighbor, the know-it-all jock, the downtrodden wallflower? Stereotypical but oh-so-real. I have written several series set in small towns and have come to love them all. It’s now my go-to genre when I want to sit and relax. 

Marci's book list on little-known small-town romances series starters

Marci Wilson Why Marci loves this book

I adore Karice Bolton’s ability to weave romance and women’s fiction—a genre focused on telling the woman’s story.

I loved that these characters are mature and well-developed and found this to be a comfortable world for me to walk into. The emotions run high in this one, and it’s absolutely perfect. I liked the balance of character development mixed with romance. 

If you love Chelle Sloan...

Book cover of Coyote Weather

Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell,

Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.

Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…

Book cover of Unforgettable

Marci Wilson Author Of Turn the Page

From my list on little-known small-town romances series starters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having spent most of my life in the Midwest, I know a little (or a lot) about growing up in a small-town environment. When I was younger, I was annoyed by all the things I now find charming about this genre of romance books. The nosy neighbor, the know-it-all jock, the downtrodden wallflower? Stereotypical but oh-so-real. I have written several series set in small towns and have come to love them all. It’s now my go-to genre when I want to sit and relax. 

Marci's book list on little-known small-town romances series starters

Marci Wilson Why Marci loves this book

I mentioned before that I love how the community becomes part of the story in small-town romance. That has been masterfully achieved in this book.

I enjoyed how the characters were resisting their feelings despite what was obvious to everyone around them. In this Rivals-to-Lovers take on small-town romance, the attraction is strong, the feud heated, and the characters easy to like.

I thought this book had a fantastic balance that kept the story from feeling too heavy.

By Willow Aster ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A Sizzling, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace, Small-Town Romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster.


Jamison Ledger.

The hottest man I've ever seen.

The enemy I never saw coming.


On one of the worst days of my life, the last thing I planned on was falling into bed with a guy who literally charmed the pants right off me.


Little did I know, that hot, gorgeous man would be Jamison Ledger, the man responsible for the very tears I was crying.


A thief. The very sexy thief who took everything I've ever wanted-my legacy, my happiness, and what I've worked…


Book cover of Riley's Journey

Cara Bristol Author Of Blown Away

From my list on sci-fi romances that you won’t be able to forget.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve read romance since I was teenager, and I’ve written all my professional life, first in journalism, then public relations, finally as an author. Being a sci-fi romance author is my dream job! There is nothing on this planet I’d rather do. I love the freedom and creativity of science fiction romance. There are new worlds to explore and fascinating characters to meet. The best books of any genre are those with “legs.” Years after reading them, you still remember the story. My goal is to send my readers on an unforgettable emotional journey to an exciting new world filled with characters they can’t help but fall in love with.

Cara's book list on sci-fi romances that you won’t be able to forget

Cara Bristol Why Cara loves this book

It’s back to the future in Riley’s Journey.

A young woman volunteers for a “research project” unaware she’ll be taking a one-way trip into past—40,000 years. She’s sent to provide companionship for Nathan, a modern man also trapped in the past.

The descriptions of primitive Earth and its dangers were so realistically portrayed the book put me right there with the Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon. I sympathized with Riley’s shock and betrayal and with Nathan’s crushing loneliness and despair.

I’ve recommended this book over and over again.

By P.L. Parker ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Riley's Journey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The research project was only supposed to be for an "extended period." No one said anything about forever! So Riley's journey begins. Unknowingly sent back 40,000 years to be the mate of a man she had never before met, Riley struggles to understand and adjust. Her journey will take her into a world fraught with dangers - a world made more treacherous by savage beasts, primitive Neanderthals, and the incursion of the aggressive Cro-Magnon man. Surviving alone for five years in this vast wilderness, Nathan, along with his enormous dog, Demon, carve out a life in the perilous environment. Though…


Book cover of Educated by the Earl

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Author Of The Lady's Guide to Scandal

From my list on “snowed-in” Christmas historical romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

Historical romance author Emmanuelle lives on the bonny banks of Loch Fyne with her husband and beloved haggis pudding Archie McFloof—connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys. She’ll never tire of dreaming up handsome and mysterious strangers she’d love to be snowed in with.

Emmanuelle's book list on “snowed-in” Christmas historical romances

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Why Emmanuelle loves this book

How can you not gobble up a series entitled Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings? In this installment, everyone has gone away for the Christmas holidays, leaving our heroine all alone in the rambling mansion. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s awoken in the middle of the night by an intruder! This just happens to be Miss Primm’s brother, breaking in to escape a terrible snowstorm, and hurting himself in the process. As Victoria nurses her unwanted guest’s injuries, a little flame begins to warm her heart, but are her feelings reciprocated? I love the chemistry between these two, and the laugh-out-loud banter.

By Annabelle Anders ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Educated by the Earl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A strait-laced schoolteacher and a rakish earl are stranded together at Miss Primm’s School for the holidays. Alone.

The lady follows the rules

Etiquette teacher, Miss Victoria Shipley, isn’t looking for romance. She is moral, proper and takes her position as assistant headmistress quite seriously. But when she’s left alone to fend for herself, she begins to question everything she stands for.

The rake breaks them

Piers Primm, The Earl of Rosewood, goes where he wants, when he wants, and almost always gets his way. As the spare turned heir, the last thing he wants is to give up his…


If you love The One I Want...

Book cover of Temple of Dreams: A Novel of Now and Then

Temple of Dreams by Carolyn Mathews,

Homeless following the death of his adoptive parents in a car crash and the subsequent loss of their farm tenancy, Seb decides to enrol as a residential student at the Asklepios Foundation, a College of Natural Medicine, boasting a sanctuary modelled on an ancient Greek healing temple. Spending a night…

Book cover of Merry Measure

Casey Cox Author Of Got Me Merry

From my list on festive Christmas MM romances to get you merry.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a MM romance author who loves Christmas. Except, living in Australia means my Christmas Day us spent lazing about in a pool in the middle of a summer heatwave. That’s why I love reading all the romance books about holidays where there’s snow, wintry nights, hot cocoa, and of course, all the love and feels we’ve come to expect at this magical time of year. There are too many MM holiday romances to mention, but I hope this list gives you a taste of what you can expect!

Casey's book list on festive Christmas MM romances to get you merry

Casey Cox Why Casey loves this book

Lilly Morton is such an exceptional writer, she’s able to transport readers smack-bang to Christmas in Amsterdam. I loved that. I also loved the two characters, Arlo and Jack. So different in so many ways, and yet utterly perfect together. Expect plenty of laughs, great conversations, and of course, a happily ever after!

By Lily Morton ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Arlo Wright’s introduction to his sexuality came when he saw his older brother’s best friend, Jack Cooper, in his sweaty football kit. Unfortunately, he didn’t have long to enjoy the revelation because he promptly knocked himself out on a table.

Relations between them have never really moved on from that auspicious beginning. Arlo is still clumsy, and Jack is still as handsome and unobtainable as ever.

However, things look like they’re starting to change when Arlo finds himself sharing a room with Jack while on holiday in Amsterdam at Christmas. Will the festive spirit finally move them towards each other,…


Book cover of Who'd Have Thought

Cheyenne Blue Author Of The Number 94 Project

From my list on sapphic romances that have a deeper side.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been writing lesbian and sapphic stories for a couple of decades now, and over time, I’ve gravitated to stories that have something else going on as well as pure romance. Romance doesn’t evolve in a vacuum, and the setting, scenario, and supporting characters can all help shape the main characters’ romance. I love these fun-filled books that also carry a deeper side, whether it’s a subplot or the main story. That’s what I love to write and read, and I hope you enjoy these recommendations as much as I do.

Cheyenne's book list on sapphic romances that have a deeper side

Cheyenne Blue Why Cheyenne loves this book

I love the fake romance trope! Characters pretending to be in a relationship for convoluted reasons get me picking the book up every time. This one is a cracker! Top neurosurgeon Samantha Thomson needs a wife like now and advertises to find one. The ad is answered by Hayden Pérez, an ER nurse in the same hospital. Trouble is, Hayden dislikes the rude and aloof Sam and is only doing this for the generous payment for a year of her time.

Watching Sam and Hayden banter and snark around each other is delicious fun. As their relationship develops, the women start to understand and support each other through their individual problems in a very positive way. Readers who love a longer read will adore this one: the word count clocks in at 122,000.

This book is a delight from start to finish.

By G. Benson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Who'd Have Thought as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Top neurosurgeon Samantha Thomson needs to get married fast and is tightlipped as to why. And with over $200,000 on offer to tie the knot, no questions asked, cash-strapped ER nurse Hayden Pérez isn’t about to demand answers.
The deal is only for a year of marriage, but Hayden’s going into it knowing it will be a nightmare. Sam is complicated, rude, kind of cold, and someone Hayden barely tolerates at work, let alone wants to marry. The hardest part is that Hayden has to convince everyone around them that they’re madly in love and that racing down the aisle…


Book cover of Charmed by the Past

Jessi Gage Author Of Wishing for a Highlander

From my list on time travel romances that leave you feeling light.

Why am I passionate about this?

“We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” Wayne and Garth said it best. This is how I felt when I read my first time-travel romance almost twenty years ago. It was a masterpiece, and it’s since gone on to sell in record numbers and become a Starz network TV series. You know the one. I enjoyed this immense tome full of gritty history and realistic romance, but for my next read, I found myself gravitating toward lighter fare. If, like me, you prefer the literary equivalent of fluffy, buttery popcorn to the steak dinner of heavier stories, you’ll love my bestselling time-travel romance series, starting with Wishing for a Highlander.

Jessi's book list on time travel romances that leave you feeling light

Jessi Gage Why Jessi loves this book

This book had me at, “Don’t worry dishes, no one is doing me, either.” And it just got better from there. This author has a fresh, funny, irreverent voice that flies off the page and made me laugh out loud. This is a fast-paced, romantic, sweet, and spicy story about soul mates connecting despite the barrier of time. Definitely pick it up and start following this talented new author! I’m glad I did!

By Aimee Robinson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Charmed by the Past as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She’s researching her family’s genealogy, but she never expected to become history herself.

Sarah Johansson is planning a family reunion when a photo of a little-known relative sparks her curiosity. A closer look at the post-World War I image causes her to tumble back in time to 1919 and into the hospital room of a brooding, wounded infantry corporal.

Jacob Bellamy is done with war and everything it involves. After risking his life in the trenches, he hopes to finally find peace by retiring to his family’s farm. But when the war’s toll strikes too close to home and lands…


If you love Chelle Sloan...

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS by Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Book cover of Temptation

Ahren Sanders Author Of Pierced Hearts

From my list on romances with heat and heart leave you wanting more.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved getting lost in the literary world of romance and happily ever afters. Family, friends, large casts of characters, laugh-out-loud situations, and sexy thrills—the more the better. After years in the corporate world, I found my passion for writing romance. I have over 18 books published, several Best Seller banners, and am currently finishing the next book in the Men of Action series. 

Ahren's book list on romances with heat and heart leave you wanting more

Ahren Sanders Why Ahren loves this book

I love diving into a book knowing the elusive and powerful hero is about to have his world turned upside down. That’s exactly what happens to Cassian March when Olivia strolls into his life. I was lost in the pages— cheering, screaming, and fanning myself (at times). Oh, and did I mention the brothers?  

By K. M. Scott ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The first book in the scorching hot contemporary romance series about the March brothers by New York Times and USA Today bestseller K.M. Scott! Get all five Club X books and read the complete series today!

Cassian March, the public face of Tampa's most exclusive nightspot, Club X, has a great life. Women and money are his for the taking, and no man indulges his desires more. Life is short, and he plays hard. He lives by only one rule—never let a woman get close.

Olivia Lucas needs a job, and if that means working at a club that specializes…


Book cover of A Girl Named Charlie
Book cover of Wild Thing
Book cover of Dash of Love

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