Here are 100 books that The True Love Experiment fans have personally recommended if you like The True Love Experiment. 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 The Kiss Quotient

Suzannah Weiss Author Of Eve's Blessing

From my list on romance novels with a deeper meaning.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a romantic; I live to love. My books Eve’s Blessing and Subjectified both help women build great sex and love lives. As a therapist and sex educator, I help people connect with their partners and build the relationships of their dreams. I am currently working on a romance novel with spiritual and psychedelic themes. I love books that introduce us to new worlds as we explore the inner world of each character.

Suzannah's book list on romance novels with a deeper meaning

Suzannah Weiss Why Suzannah loves this book

This sweet, sexy love story and the two sequels in the series are a win for neurodiverse representation.

Follow the adventures of an autistic woman who struggles with self-confidence until she hires an escort to help her learn the ins and outs of dating and sex—then unexpectedly falls in love with him.

If you thought neurodiversity and sexiness existed in opposition, think again.

By Helen Hoang ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Kiss Quotient as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Goodread's Romance Book of the Year, 2018

A Washington Post Book of the Year, 2018
An AmazonBook of the Year, 2018
Cosmopolitan's 33 Books to Get Excited About in 2018
Elle Best Summer Reads 2018

__________

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

It's high time for Stella Lane to settle down and find a husband - or so her mother tells her. This is no easy task for a wealthy, successful woman like Stella, who also happens to have Asperger's. Analyzing…


If you love The True Love Experiment...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Book Lovers

Patricia Leavy Author Of Twinkle of Doubt

From my list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

There is a plethora of novels that feature writers, readers, bookstore owners, editors, and publishers. It’s no surprise that bookish themes are so appealing to both writers and readers. After all, writers love to write about writing, and readers love books. Bookish characters allow authors to write about what they know and readers to see themselves in the pages of the stories that captivate their minds and steal their hearts.

As a romance novelist, writing and love are my two greatest passions. From the beginning of my career, I have always tried to combine them. My debut novel was set in the publishing world, and ever since, my novels have favored the bookish.

Patricia's book list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters

Patricia Leavy Why Patricia loves this book

This enemies-to-lovers romance offers so much more than the trope would suggest.

Nora Stephens is a ruthless literary agent, and Charlie Lastra is a reserved editor. When they keep bumping into each other on vacation, the plot thickens. Is it possible for two people who have defined themselves the way they define genre books to rewrite their own stories?

As a romance fan, I thought the meta commentary on the romance genre made this book a standout. If you’re a romance fan who loves bookish characters like I do, you won’t be disappointed.

By Emily Henry ,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked Book Lovers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“One of my favorite authors.”—Colleen Hoover

An insightful, delightful, instant #1 New York Times bestseller from the author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2022 by Oprah Daily ∙ Today ∙ Parade ∙ Marie Claire ∙ Bustle ∙ PopSugar ∙ Katie Couric Media ∙ Book Bub ∙ SheReads ∙ Medium ∙ The Washington Post ∙ and more!

One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming...

Nora Stephens' life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream…


Book cover of The Dead Romantics

Patricia Leavy Author Of Twinkle of Doubt

From my list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

There is a plethora of novels that feature writers, readers, bookstore owners, editors, and publishers. It’s no surprise that bookish themes are so appealing to both writers and readers. After all, writers love to write about writing, and readers love books. Bookish characters allow authors to write about what they know and readers to see themselves in the pages of the stories that captivate their minds and steal their hearts.

As a romance novelist, writing and love are my two greatest passions. From the beginning of my career, I have always tried to combine them. My debut novel was set in the publishing world, and ever since, my novels have favored the bookish.

Patricia's book list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters

Patricia Leavy Why Patricia loves this book

Magical realism meets classic romance tropes in this quirky love story.

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for a romance novelist. When a breakup causes her to stop believing in love, how is she supposed to write about it? As she’s struggling with writer’s block, Florence’s father dies, and she returns home for the funeral. What she never expects is to meet the ghost of her recently deceased editor, Benji. Can this unique romance help Florence come to terms with grief and loss so that she can find hope again?

As a romance writer, I’m always up for reading something a little out there, and this book fits the bill.

By Ashley Poston ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Dead Romantics as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times Notable Book of 2022!

The New York Times Bestseller and Good Morning America Book Club Pick!

"I LOVED this book! ...Funny, breathtaking, hopeful, and dreamy.”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis

A disillusioned millennial ghostwriter who, quite literally, has some ghosts of her own, has to find her way back home in this sparkling adult debut from national bestselling author Ashley Poston.

Florence Day is the ghostwriter for one of the most prolific romance authors in the industry, and she has a problem—after a terrible breakup, she no longer believes in love.…


If you love Christina Lauren...

Book cover of Return to Hope Creek

Return to Hope Creek by Alyssa J. Montgomery,

Awarded First Place in the Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby Award)

Third Place in the Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Awards for Romantic Book of the Year

Runner Up in the Australian Romance Readers Association Awards for Favourite Aussie-set romance

Return to Hope Creek…

Book cover of Yours Truly

Demi Blaize Author Of Apparently, I'm A Bitch

From my list on romantic comedies to keep you swooning.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been the dorky bookworm, the party girl who laughs too loud, the gamer-tomboy, and the doting mother of two kids who is now in a happy, loving marriage. Through all my shifts and changes, the one constant thread in my life was love. But not the rough, I-have-to-hurt-someone-to-get-it kind of love you might find in dark romance novels (although I enjoy those too sometimes). My kind of experience with love is that it’s at its best when it’s fun and when it’s easy. If you can find your most authentic you in the pages of a rom-com, you’re guaranteed an escape from reality that’ll pull you deeper into yourself. 

Demi's book list on romantic comedies to keep you swooning

Demi Blaize Why Demi loves this book

This book broke my heart and stitched it back together. Abby Jimenez's writing style is magnetic, and her characters make me laugh and cry in equal amounts. Every time I need a pick-me-up, I pull out this book.

There are few perfect romantic comedies out there. Some have third-act breakups that don’t make sense. Some are riddled with miscommunication or surprise baby tropes that have a person feeling all the ick. This is not that book. Does it have miscommunication? Yes, in a reasonable, wonderful kind of way. Does it have a surprise baby? Yes! In a way that deepens the two main character’s connection.

The fact that this writer can take my two most disliked tropes and make them entertaining shows just how incredible this author is at her craft. Most importantly, it made me giggle my ass off, and if that is a requirement for you, then this…

By Abby Jimenez ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match from "a true talent" (Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a…


Book cover of Love on the Brain

Marceline Addams Author Of You Can't Fight Molecular Attraction

From my list on workplace romances to give an HR rep nightmares.

Why am I passionate about this?

Due to the inopportune circumstances of my birth (i.e., not being born into generational wealth), I have sadly been forced to join the working world instead of being allowed to live full-time in my imagination. Happily, the situation has allowed me to collect a treasure trove of workplace gossip. Described by my coworkers as “a great listener,” “overly curious,” and “most likely to start a cult,” the things I have heard and seen in a STEM-related office would truly leave an HR rep gagged. However, I have chosen to channel my penchant for mischief and genetic predisposition for drama into writing office romance novels instead of destroying careers.

Marceline's book list on workplace romances to give an HR rep nightmares

Marceline Addams Why Marceline loves this book

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when talking to a stranger online, one immediately hopes that they are seriously good-looking (and also hopefully kind of tall). It is also a truth universally acknowledged that Ali Hazelwood will deliver big, hulking, hot guys who seem grumpy but have hearts of gold in her novels. Love on the Brain combines these two universal truths into a workplace enemies-to-lovers romp that is stuffed with fluffy STEM goodness. 

This book is off the rails in the best way. It delivers secret penpals who don’t realize that they are grad school enemies and current coworkers, a NASA lab setting, an alternative heroine who faints all the time for swoony rescue-me moments, cats, nerdy references, terrible puns, and spicy scenes. But truly, the romance wasn’t even my favorite part.

What I enjoyed most was putting on my HR hat and trying to investigate just who…

By Ali Hazelwood ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Love on the Brain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

A #1 LibraryReads and Indie Next Pick!

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new STEMinist rom-com in which a scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis—with explosive results.

Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project—a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia—Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of…


Book cover of Heartless

Demi Blaize Author Of Apparently, I'm A Bitch

From my list on romantic comedies to keep you swooning.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been the dorky bookworm, the party girl who laughs too loud, the gamer-tomboy, and the doting mother of two kids who is now in a happy, loving marriage. Through all my shifts and changes, the one constant thread in my life was love. But not the rough, I-have-to-hurt-someone-to-get-it kind of love you might find in dark romance novels (although I enjoy those too sometimes). My kind of experience with love is that it’s at its best when it’s fun and when it’s easy. If you can find your most authentic you in the pages of a rom-com, you’re guaranteed an escape from reality that’ll pull you deeper into yourself. 

Demi's book list on romantic comedies to keep you swooning

Demi Blaize Why Demi loves this book

There’s something so inexplicably enticing about forbidden romance. Even these days, when a man knows they can’t have a certain woman for all sorts of reasons, the moment where that man breaks, the moment where he loses control, that’s exactly the kind of magic I want in an all-consuming romance novel.

If you’re looking for that added spice of a hilarious, sexy nanny and older, grumpy cowboy, you’ll find that, as well as unforgettable forbidden romance elements in this spicy cowboy romcom.

If you’re going to read only one Elsie Silver book, make it this one.

By Elsie Silver ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Working as a nanny for the world's grumpiest single dad should be simple…except she can't keep her eyes off him. And he can't keep his hands off her.

Cade Eaton is thirteen years older than Willa Grant, and he barely looks her way, even though she's living in his house for the summer. That is, until she gets him into the hot tub one night for a game of truth or dare. Then, all bets are off―and so are their clothes.

Cade is gruff, a little rough around the edges, but broad-shouldered ranchers with calloused hands and filthy mouths are…


If you love The True Love Experiment...

Book cover of Partner Pursuit

Partner Pursuit by Kathy Strobos,

Take one workaholic lawyer with six months to secure her promotion to law firm partner. Add an attractive, fun-loving neighbor next door who makes her laugh and tempts her with a different life. Is this a recipe for love or disaster?

Partner Pursuit is a vibrant, fun rom-com that…

Book cover of By the Book

Patricia Leavy Author Of Twinkle of Doubt

From my list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

There is a plethora of novels that feature writers, readers, bookstore owners, editors, and publishers. It’s no surprise that bookish themes are so appealing to both writers and readers. After all, writers love to write about writing, and readers love books. Bookish characters allow authors to write about what they know and readers to see themselves in the pages of the stories that captivate their minds and steal their hearts.

As a romance novelist, writing and love are my two greatest passions. From the beginning of my career, I have always tried to combine them. My debut novel was set in the publishing world, and ever since, my novels have favored the bookish.

Patricia's book list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters

Patricia Leavy Why Patricia loves this book

I love a fresh take on a classic story, and this slow burn romance offers a modern spin on the classic Beauty and the Beast story.

Izzy Marlowe is an editorial assistant who aspires to higher levels in publishing. Beau Towers is a reclusive former child star. When Izzy goes to Beau’s mansion to try to get his memoir, she has no idea she’ll end up staying to help him write it.

In the process, the two find love and self-worth in a world that isn’t always kind, and a publishing industry that shatters as many dreams as it fulfills.

By Jasmine Guillory ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From New York Times best-selling author Jasmine Guillory comes the much-anticipated second book in the Meant to Be collection inspired by the classic fairy tale stories we all know and love, perfect for adult readers who crave contemporary, escapist rom-coms.

Sometimes to truly know a person, you have to read between the lines.

Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of the few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself,…


Book cover of Meet Me in the Margins

Patricia Leavy Author Of Twinkle of Doubt

From my list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

There is a plethora of novels that feature writers, readers, bookstore owners, editors, and publishers. It’s no surprise that bookish themes are so appealing to both writers and readers. After all, writers love to write about writing, and readers love books. Bookish characters allow authors to write about what they know and readers to see themselves in the pages of the stories that captivate their minds and steal their hearts.

As a romance novelist, writing and love are my two greatest passions. From the beginning of my career, I have always tried to combine them. My debut novel was set in the publishing world, and ever since, my novels have favored the bookish.

Patricia's book list on contemporary romance novels with bookish characters

Patricia Leavy Why Patricia loves this book

A light-hearted and innocent romantic comedy.

Savannah Cade is an aspiring romance novelist working as a low-level editor at a pretentious publishing house that despises romance. When someone finds her secret manuscript and starts leaving notes in the margins, a lovely back-and-forth develops that soon leads to more.

An emphasis on the struggles of an aspiring writer, the biases of the publishing world, and a love of romance, makes this good, clean fun for the bookish. As a novelist who is all too aware of the biases in the publishing industry, I could relate a lot.

By Melissa Ferguson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Meet Me in the Margins as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

SOON TO BE A STREAMING ORIGINAL MOVIE | OVER 100,000 COPIES SOLD | TRANSLATED INTO FIVE LANGUAGES | An aspiring author and a mysterious editor find love in this blend of humorous and sweet. | Perfect for fans of You've Got Mail and The Proposal.

"Meet Me in the Margins is a delightfully charming jewel of a book that fans of romantic comedy won't be able to put down!" --Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of A Happier Life

Savannah Cade's dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance publishing company in the…


Book cover of Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story

Elizabeth Amber Love Author Of Full Body Manslaughter

From my list on women starting over.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent my life recreating myself as many times as Madonna. If things aren’t working, I move on to something new. I’ll go to classes, learn something else, change careers, and struggle the whole way as I look for pieces of life that fit the puzzle of me. It takes me a lot longer to read so when I try to diversify my bookshelf and don’t always stick to my genre (as the professionals tell an author to do). What I “stick to” is finding female characters who struggle and want to give up, but somehow, something deep inside them makes them move forward one step at a time.

Elizabeth's book list on women starting over

Elizabeth Amber Love Why Elizabeth loves this book

This isn’t a mystery, but Varina Palladino’s Jersey Italian Love Story instantly became my new favorite book.

First of all, it’s close to home for me. I’m a Jersey Girl and my grandmother married into an Italian family. The food, the colloquialisms, the (loud) holiday feasts – it’s all there.

This book has an interesting presentation as well. Each chapter begins with a few words of Jersey-Italian pidgin, traces the origins from Italian, and gives an example of how to use it properly.

Varina is a grandma who has worked herself to the bone running a gourmet food store even after her husband died. All she wants to do is take the little bit of money she’s managed to save and take one vacation to France. Her mother, her kids, the grandkids – everyone always needs her for something. There is a happy ending and a beautiful epilogue.

By Terri-Lynne DeFino ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story is fun and funny, wonderfully exuberant, and incredibly wise. These endearing characters-their voices and stories- will be with me for a long time to come. I didn't want to say good-bye." -Jill McCorkle, New York Times bestselling author of Hieroglyphics

An utterly delightful and surprising family drama-think Moonstruck and My Big Fat Greek Wedding set in New Jersey-about a boisterous, complicated Italian family determined to help their widowed mother find a new boyfriend.

Lively widow Varina Paladino has lived in the same house in Wyldale, New Jersey, her entire life. The town might be…


If you love Christina Lauren...

Book cover of Idol Pursuits: Complete Edition

Idol Pursuits by Robert Rioux,

Think how tough it is to reach adulthood in today's complicated world. Now imagine doing so in front of a global audience. That's what growing up in show business is like. Every youthful mistake laid bare for all to see. Malefactors looking to ensnare the naive at any turn. Each…

Book cover of Well Met

Sam Parks Author Of You've Got Chain Mail

From my list on romance so you can swoon and geek out at once.

Why am I passionate about this?

I wholeheartedly believe that embracing your geeky side is an important part of life and self-discovery. When romance novels incorporate nerdiness, it gives characters (and therefore readers) the ability to understand themselves and what they want on another level, and to gain the courage to pursue what they want. I know that my own forays into TTRPGs, LARPing, Ren Faires, and other such interests have helped shape me as a person. I’m more confident and embodied because I embrace my inner geek, and I want that for my characters and my readers, too. That’s why I want to read and write as many of these stories as possible!

Sam's book list on romance so you can swoon and geek out at once

Sam Parks Why Sam loves this book

I grew up going to Renaissance Faires, and there’s something so romantic and escapist about them. So when I came across this book (and the rest of the series), I knew I had to read it. I had already written my own Ren Faire romance, which made it even sweeter.

It was so immersive, and it expertly toed the line between swoon-worthy escapist romance and realistic story beats and characters. I especially loved the descriptions of the Ren Faire setting, and I still think about the hunky MMC! The rest of the series is fab as well, continuing the Ren Faire focus whilst exploring new stories and romances.

By Jen DeLuca ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

All's faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jen DeLuca.

Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?

The faire is…


Book cover of The Kiss Quotient
Book cover of Book Lovers
Book cover of The Dead Romantics

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