Fans pick 100 books like A Girl Named Charlie

By Micki Fredricks,

Here are 100 books that A Girl Named Charlie fans have personally recommended if you like A Girl Named Charlie. Shepherd 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 One I Want

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 did Marci love this book?

One of the things a series starter has to do is build a world readers want to revisit. Chelle Sloan has done an amazing job of that with this book.

I loved the characters and universe, which is crucial for drawing me into the rest of the series. This book is perfect for readers who adore witty characters and swoony romance, which I absolutely do!

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 did Marci love 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 did Marci love 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. 

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 did Marci love 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 The Sinful Scot

Jennifer Trethewey Author Of Saving the Scot

From my list on regency romances featuring hot highlanders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about historical romance and romance readers. My favorite era in history is the Regency, the period during which the Prince of Wales was named Regent. It is also the time during which Jane Austen wrote. Austen readers are particular about details so it’s daunting to write Regency fiction. Still, I love to write it and read it. I’m also passionate about Scotland, its history, the land, the people, the customs, the folklore, the food, and the music. If you’ve never been, put Scotland on your bucket list. They say it’s the oldest rock on earth. There’s magic there, too. Really and truly. Magic.

Jennifer's book list on regency romances featuring hot highlanders

Jennifer Trethewey Why did Jennifer love this book?

In The Sinful Scot, Maddison Michaels combines mystery and romance, two of my favorite kinds of novels. Viewed from the outside, Constance Campbell has the perfect life. The truth is, her husband, the duke, keeps her prisoner in a living hell. When her husband turns up dead in her bed, she is framed for his murder. 

Dr. Alec McGuiness has always known his origins were too humble for the likes of Constance, but he has never stopped loving her, so when she turns to him for help, he has to save her. In my opinion, there is nothing so painful as loving someone who can never love you back. This one has all the feels.

By Maddison Michaels,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask...even from her childhood friend, Alec.

Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered…


Book cover of Marrying Winterborne

Jennifer Trethewey Author Of Saving the Scot

From my list on regency romances featuring hot highlanders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about historical romance and romance readers. My favorite era in history is the Regency, the period during which the Prince of Wales was named Regent. It is also the time during which Jane Austen wrote. Austen readers are particular about details so it’s daunting to write Regency fiction. Still, I love to write it and read it. I’m also passionate about Scotland, its history, the land, the people, the customs, the folklore, the food, and the music. If you’ve never been, put Scotland on your bucket list. They say it’s the oldest rock on earth. There’s magic there, too. Really and truly. Magic.

Jennifer's book list on regency romances featuring hot highlanders

Jennifer Trethewey Why did Jennifer love this book?

Okay, I’m cheating here a bit because Winterbourne isn’t a Scot. He’s Welsh!!!! I didn’t think a book boyfriend could get any sexier than a Scot until I discovered Rhys Winterbourne, a Welshman. Who knew? Imagine a dark hulk of a man, a commoner who clawed his way to unimaginable success. And then he meets Helen Ravenel, a delicate, retiring beauty, an aristocrat, the last person on earth he should want and yet he must have her. My heart breaks for this man. He can easily steamroll right over Helen, but she finds the strength within her to stand up for what she wants. The ending of this novel is so satisfying. I’ve read this book a dozen times and I’ll probably read it another dozen. I hope you do too! 

By Lisa Kleypas,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A ruthless tycoon

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better . . .

A sheltered beauty

Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys's determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen's gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband.…


Book cover of Connected

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 did Ahren love this book?

One Name: River Wilde.

There is so much to say about this book. This is absolutely not your typical rockstar romance. River Wilde is so much greater than that. The connection between River and Dahlia is instant, but untimely. Connected took me on a wild ride and skyrocketed to my favorites. Not to mention, after devouring it, I messaged the author for her permission to have River as a cameo in my series. 

By Kim Karr,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

What if a “Once in a Lifetime” could happen twice?


In Dahlia London’s world, happily ever after is a far cry from reality. Her soul has been left completely shattered by tragedy. But a surprising reunion with someone from her past is about to give her a reason to love again…

When rock star River Wilde comes back into Dahlia’s life, their super-charged connection runs deeper than either of them ever expected. The more time they spend together, the more intense their relationship becomes, and Dahlia believes at last she has found her soul mate.

But as old bonds fade…


Book cover of Captive Heart

Jennifer Ivy Walker Author Of Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle

From my list on medieval romance with feisty female vikings and maids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former high school teacher and college professor of French who discovered a passion for medieval history while earning my MA in French Literature. When I spent a summer studying in Normandy, I was fascinated by the Viking influences and vestiges in that region of France. I researched tales of Valkyrie and Nordic shield maiden warriors who fought alongside their fearsome men, finding inspiration for my own medieval novel. Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle features a fire-hearted French princess descended from Viking Valkyrie who wields a sword to defend her Breton kingdom and forge her own destiny.

Jennifer's book list on medieval romance with feisty female vikings and maids

Jennifer Ivy Walker Why did Jennifer love this book?

Helena of Rivenloch is a feisty, sword-wielding wench who refuses to be tamed by any man.

When an unsuitable suitor wishes to wed her younger sister, Helena attempts to slay the bridegroom, abducts his right-hand man, and demands her sister’s freedom. But her plans go awry when her captive captures her fiery, rebellious heart.

I loved how Helena was as fierce a fighter as any knight, capable of capturing Sir Colin du Lac. I loved her independent, fierce spirit, as she forged her own destiny. And I especially loved the passionate romance that bloomed between Helena and Colin, who respected her as his equal as she won his heart.

By Glynnis Campbell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Helena of Rivenloch refuses to allow a Norman, Pagan Cameliard, to force her little sister into marriage. But when she tries to slay the bridegroom, she's apprehended by his right-hnd man, Colin du Lac. Clever Helena manages to turn the tables, taking Colin hostage and spirits him away to a secluded cottage while she waits for a reply to her ransom demand. But Colin knows there will be no reply. Indeed, his abduction - by a woman - will likely amuse Pagan. So Colin passes the days with Helena, growing curiously beguiled by his beautiful, brazer captor. Despite the growing…


Book cover of Moonshot

Kandi Steiner Author Of The Wrong Game

From my list on sports romances for that fuzzy fall feeling.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a self-published romance author with a hankering for angst and sports romance. As an international bestselling author myself, I’m addicted to finding the next book that will make my pulse race, my eyes red from reading all night, and my stomach ache with the desperation of wanting to dive into the fictional world an author has created. You can follow all my book reviews on Goodreads, and check out my bestselling sports romances on my website. 

Kandi's book list on sports romances for that fuzzy fall feeling

Kandi Steiner Why did Kandi love this book?

I've never read anything with this style of writing. Ever. It was refreshing and poignant while also having the ability to sucker-punch me right in the chest with angsty goodness. I knew I would be walking into a sports romance, I had heard she could write the schmexiness, but what I didn't know was that Moonshot would be so un-put-downable that I would be a worthless human being until I devoured every last page - and devour I did.

By Alessandra Torre,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Baseball wasn't supposed to be a game of life and death...

The summer that Chase Stern entered my life, I was seventeen. The daughter of a legend, the Yankees were my family, their stadium my home, their dugout my workplace. My focus was on the game. Chase ... he started out as a distraction. A distraction with sex appeal poured into every inch of his six foot frame. A distraction who played like a god and partied like a devil.

I tried to stay away. I couldn't.

Then, the team started losing.
Women started dying.
And everything in my perfect…


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 did Kathryn love 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 The One I Want
Book cover of Wild Thing
Book cover of Dash of Love

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