Fans pick 100 books like American Royalty

By Tracey Livesay,

Here are 100 books that American Royalty fans have personally recommended if you like American Royalty. 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 Heated

LaQuette Author Of Vanessa Jared's Got a Man

From my list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. That means I write sentimental and steamy stories (like Hallmark movies, but with a lot of sex) featuring at least one main character who always keeps it cute. I’m a Brooklyn native who writes unapologetically bold, character-driven stories. My novels feature diverse ensemble casts who are confident in their right to appear on the page. My work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, O-Magazine, and the Library Journal. If I’m not writing, I am probably trying on or looking for my next great makeup find.

LaQuette's book list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives

LaQuette Why did LaQuette love this book?

Cyrus is a man who has planned his success down to the most minute detail, including the type of girlfriend he should have. College, law school, career, and companionship have all been carefully orchestrated to contribute to Cyrus’ preconceived notions of what wealth and success look like. It isn’t until his girlfriend hires an unmatchmaker company to break up with him, and he meets Zora (an owner of that unmatchmaker company) that he realizes he’s had the wrong idea about success all along, especially with the type of woman he should want in his life.

I love this book because it upholds the notion that happiness can’t be bought. No matter how much money and prestige you have, unless you know how to love and be loved, success can end up being a hollow victory. Besides the running commentary on what happiness truly is, this book is equal parts steamy…

By Naima Simone,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone comes Heated, a sizzling novel about a breakup professional who embarks on a fake relationship with a client's ex-the one person she wasn't supposed to fall for.

Zora

I'm Denver's unmatchmaker. Every city needs one.

Why? Because people break up-and sometimes they should. But when I learn that entertainment attorney Cyrus Hart is someone else's mistake, I can't believe it. He's smart, successful, and sexy as hell.

When a chance encounter with Cyrus turns into something more, I can't help but fall for him. Our chemistry is undeniable. But his ex used my…


Book cover of The Worst Best Man

LaQuette Author Of Vanessa Jared's Got a Man

From my list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. That means I write sentimental and steamy stories (like Hallmark movies, but with a lot of sex) featuring at least one main character who always keeps it cute. I’m a Brooklyn native who writes unapologetically bold, character-driven stories. My novels feature diverse ensemble casts who are confident in their right to appear on the page. My work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, O-Magazine, and the Library Journal. If I’m not writing, I am probably trying on or looking for my next great makeup find.

LaQuette's book list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives

LaQuette Why did LaQuette love this book?

Max and Lina have a complicated history, to say the least. He’s the brother of her ex-fiancé, the former best man at Lina’s wedding, and he’s also the reason her intended groom left her standing at the altar. As she makes a bid for a prominent hotel’s business, she’s paired with Max on a marketing project that forces her to deal with the man that ruined her life. Determined to keep him from ruining everything again while indulging in a bit of petty revenge, Lina seeks to get Max to drop out of the marketing campaign. But as they spend more time together, she realizes that Max, who was the worst best man ever, might be the greatest love of her life.

I love this book because it’s rich with humor, heart, and culture. Mia Sosa does a terrific job of making us laugh, while still making us aware of…

By Mia Sosa,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

"A romantic comedy that's fun and flirty, young and fresh." - PopSugar

Named one of the Best Romances of 2020 by EW, Cosmo, OprahMag, Buzzfeed, Insider, and NPR!

Mia Sosa delivers a sassy, steamy #ownvoices enemies-to-lovers novel, perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Sally Thorne!

A wedding planner left at the altar? Yeah, the irony isn't lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina's offered an opportunity that could change her life. There's just one hitch... she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from…


Book cover of The Geek Who Saved Christmas

LaQuette Author Of Vanessa Jared's Got a Man

From my list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. That means I write sentimental and steamy stories (like Hallmark movies, but with a lot of sex) featuring at least one main character who always keeps it cute. I’m a Brooklyn native who writes unapologetically bold, character-driven stories. My novels feature diverse ensemble casts who are confident in their right to appear on the page. My work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, O-Magazine, and the Library Journal. If I’m not writing, I am probably trying on or looking for my next great makeup find.

LaQuette's book list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives

LaQuette Why did LaQuette love this book?

Gideon Holiday loves Christmas. He’s literally dripping with holiday cheer. Unfortunately, his grumpy next-door neighbor, Paul, the man Gideon is crushing on something fierce, hasn’t a drop of appreciation for the holiday or the accompanying festivities. That holds true until Paul finds out the younger brother he raised plans to visit for the holidays. Just like when they were kids, Paul seeks to give his brother a joyous holiday to make up for the tough times they had when his brother was a kid. But since he knows nothing about getting into the holiday spirit, he’ll need Gideon’s fabulous Christmas powers to make this the best holiday his younger brother has ever had.

This story is filled with humor and heat. While Gideon is teaching Paul how to loosen up and join in on the neighborhood holiday fun, Paul also teaches Gideon that he doesn’t have to be lonely. It’s…

By Annabeth Albert,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Geek Who Saved Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

His grumpy neighbor needs some holiday sunshine…Gideon Holiday is the perfect neighbor. Need a cup of sugar? Spare folding chair? Extra batteries? He’s always ready to help. And he’s waited years for his hot, grumpy, silver fox neighbor, Paul, to need him. For anything. But this December, Gideon would be happy if he could just get the Scrooge-like Paul on board with the neighborhood holiday lights fundraiser.

Paul Frost has no intention of decking his halls or blazing any Yule logs. Even if his spunky bowtie-clad neighbor does look perfect for unwrapping, Paul would prefer to hide away until December…


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Book cover of Not in the Plan

Not in the Plan By Dana Hawkins,

Crushed under writer’s block and a looming deadline, Mack escapes from New York to Seattle. She meets Charlie, a beautiful, generous, nearly bankrupt coffee shop owner recovering from heartbreak. For the first time, Mack has a muse. And then Mack starts using Charlie’s private stories in her novel…

When a…

Book cover of Jolly Rancher

LaQuette Author Of Vanessa Jared's Got a Man

From my list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. That means I write sentimental and steamy stories (like Hallmark movies, but with a lot of sex) featuring at least one main character who always keeps it cute. I’m a Brooklyn native who writes unapologetically bold, character-driven stories. My novels feature diverse ensemble casts who are confident in their right to appear on the page. My work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, O-Magazine, and the Library Journal. If I’m not writing, I am probably trying on or looking for my next great makeup find.

LaQuette's book list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives

LaQuette Why did LaQuette love this book?

Even before he loses his memory, Diesel is a man who says what he means and doesn’t take foolishness from anyone. That usually works to keep people in line. Except when it comes to Mandy, it seems to generate the exact opposite reaction. Before his loss of memory, her stubbornness irritates him to no end. Once he’s lost his memory, however, that annoyance turns to outright attraction and lust. The humor in this story comes as Mandy tries to keep things platonic between them because of Diesel’s memory loss, and the fact that she’s convinced herself she can’t stand him. But as they spend time together at his snowy cabin, Diesel is intent on wearing her defenses down.

This is the funniest, amnesiac love story I have ever read. It’s emotionally messy and yet so adorable and sexy at the same time. The two leads are both alphas, which leads…

By S. London,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

We might be enemies, but I’ll convince her she’s mine by Christmas.

Diesel Conrad

Amanda says we’re enemies—I call bull.

My mind is a bit tangled after my fall, but my gut tells me this woman is mine.

Granted, I’ve forgotten some insignificant shit, like my name, but I’m certain of two things.

She wants to get naughty with me, and I have the equipment to give her a very merry sleigh ride.

Amanda “Messy Mandy” Murphy

All I want for Christmas is my winter white vacation, but my twin sister’s grinch of an ex-boyfriend roped me into selling his…


Book cover of A Ruin of Roses

Stephanie Storm Author Of The Witch Clans: The Heritage

From my list on YA fantasy with strong female characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Stephanie Storm is a talented young adult fantasy author whose writing is reminiscent of classic fantasy novels with a modern twist. Her imaginative storytelling and richly developed characters draw readers into immersive worlds filled with magic, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Her writing style is enchanting, capturing the hearts of readers of all ages and leaving them eagerly turning pages late into the night. Growing up with her nose buried in a book, she found solace and inspiration in the escapism and limitless possibilities of the genre. Her imagination was sparked by the enchanting stories she devoured, which fuelled her passion for writing and creating her own fantastical tales.

Stephanie's book list on YA fantasy with strong female characters

Stephanie Storm Why did Stephanie love this book?

This is a refreshingly unique take on a classic fairy tale that we all know and love with some very dark themes.

This is my first book series with this author and she got me to laugh, cry and root for these characters that she’s created. I was so sad when I finished this series!

By K.F. Breene,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

I could save him, but he would ruin me.

The beast.
The creature that stalks the forbidden wood.
The dragon prince.

He has suffered a fate worse than death. We all have. A curse put upon us by the mad king.

We are a kingdom locked in time. Shifters unable to feel our animals. Stuck here by a deal between the late king and a demon who seeks our destruction.

The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter.

He’s our hope.
He’s my nightmare.

When he catches me…


Book cover of House of Beating Wings

Brittany Gossin Author Of Dream Walker

From my list on strong female main character.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an only child, until I was 10, books were a constant companion. I loved entering new worlds and making friends with the characters in them. I always admired the strong female characters who could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, which is also a notion I share with my own children. With an active imagination, reading and creating stories was a way for me to escape boredom or anxiety, and it has flourished into a need to share the world with others. 

Brittany's book list on strong female main character

Brittany Gossin Why did Brittany love this book?

I loved this book by Olivia Wildenstein mainly because of the strong female main character. She’s tough, determined, and incredibly relatable. Her journey and growth throughout the story kept me hooked. It was inspiring to see her face challenges head-on and evolve.

She made the book a fantastic read. The chemistry between her and the MMC is one of my favorites, and I recommend this book to everyone!

By Olivia Wildenstein,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"A fantastical delight of a book, rich with its imagination and lush with its storytelling." - RUNYX, author of Gothikana

FREE THE CROWS, FALLON, AND THEY WILL MAKE YOU QUEEN.

Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well . . . by all but one.


Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help…


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Book cover of Henderson House

Henderson House By Caren Simpson McVicker,

In May 1941, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, hums with talk of spring flowers, fishing derbies, and the growing war in Europe. And for the residents of a quiet neighborhood boarding house, the winds of change are blowing.

Self-proclaimed spinster, Bessie Blackwell, is the reluctant owner of a new pair of glasses. The…

Book cover of The Royal We

Nancy Herkness Author Of Royal Caleva: Gabriel

From my list on modern-day royalty.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of twenty romance books, but I started as a reader. I have read thousands of romance novels in my life, which I humbly submit makes me something of an authority. In fact, I started writing romance novels because I wanted to offer readers the elements that I loved about my favorite books: sympathetic, fully-realized characters, sharp dialogue, deep emotion, and good writing. I have focused on modern-day royals because I am writing a series featuring a royal family. I have been reading extensively to see what other authors are doing in that subgenre…and because it’s fun to don an imaginary tiara!

Nancy's book list on modern-day royalty

Nancy Herkness Why did Nancy love this book?

I fell in love with all the characters, not just Bex and Prince Nicholas, but their delightful, quirky friends and family members. The ensemble cast reminded me strongly of Notting Hill, a favorite movie of mine.

The snappy dialogue and dry, British wit made me laugh out loud, while the real emotional struggles occasionally brought me to tears. The details about how difficult life is when you fall in love with the heir to the British throne were well-drawn, authentic, and painful.

found myself sneaking extra time to read this book because I enjoyed hanging out with the profoundly human characters and was deeply invested in their lives.

By Heather Cocks, Jessica Morgan,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An American girl finds her prince in this "fun and dishy" (People) royal romance inspired by Prince William and Kate Middleton.

American Bex Porter was never one for fairy tales. Her twin sister Lacey was always the romantic, the one who daydreamed of being a princess. But it's adventure-seeking Bex who goes to Oxford and meets dreamy Nick across the hall - and Bex who finds herself accidentally in love with the heir to the British throne.

Nick is wonderful, but he comes with unimaginable baggage: a complicated family, hysterical tabloids tracking his every move, and a public that expected…


Book cover of A Princess in Theory

Nancy Herkness Author Of Royal Caleva: Gabriel

From my list on modern-day royalty.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of twenty romance books, but I started as a reader. I have read thousands of romance novels in my life, which I humbly submit makes me something of an authority. In fact, I started writing romance novels because I wanted to offer readers the elements that I loved about my favorite books: sympathetic, fully-realized characters, sharp dialogue, deep emotion, and good writing. I have focused on modern-day royals because I am writing a series featuring a royal family. I have been reading extensively to see what other authors are doing in that subgenre…and because it’s fun to don an imaginary tiara!

Nancy's book list on modern-day royalty

Nancy Herkness Why did Nancy love this book?

How can you not get hooked by a story that kicks off with a Nigerian prince email? Except it really is from an African prince! I rooted for heroine Naledi right from the start because, as a graduate student in epidemiology, she is forced to battle the sexism that women in STEM so often experience. She is no pushover, but she has to be careful not to sabotage her career.

Fish-out-of-water tropes always delight me, so when Prince Thabiso masquerades as a waiter to meet Naledi, I got a kick out of the fact that he was so terrible that she fired him. His first trip on a New York City subway is hilarious. When Thabiso convinced Naledi to return to Thesolo with him, I enjoyed experiencing royal life in an African country. Just the music of the names enchanted me.

By Alyssa Cole,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Princess in Theory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn't have time for fairy tales...or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she's betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she's learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won't convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At…


Book cover of To Kill a Kingdom

K.J. Cloutier Author Of Beyond The Horizon

From my list on young adult fantasy with pirates and magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved magic and pirates. As I kid, I made up games incorporating the two. As a teenager, I wanted to read about them. But at the time, I couldn’t find anything that had both pirates and magic, so I decided to write one myself. As the years blurred past and the young adult book scene exploded, more and more books with pirates and magic have been published and of course, I try to read them all! I read them not only to study books similar to my own, but because I love them and I can’t get enough. 

K.J.'s book list on young adult fantasy with pirates and magic

K.J. Cloutier Why did K.J. love this book?

Imagine The Little Mermaid but the mermaid is actually a killer siren and the prince is actually a siren hunter/pirate, and you’ve got To Kill A Kingdom.

If you’re not sold by that alone (because I certainly was) well, this standalone fantasy also has seafaring action, a variety of vibrant kingdoms, strong character arcs, morally grey characters, dashing pirates, siren magic, and of course, a slow burn enemies to lovers romance (you may have noticed I’m a sucker for those.)

I only wish this was a series and not a standalone.

By Alexandra Christo,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked To Kill a Kingdom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

A TIKTOK sensation!

An unforgettable dark romantic YA fantasy about the siren with a taste for royal blood and the prince who has sworn to destroy her.

"Stellar world building and nonstop action will keep readers hooked on this twisted reimagining of 'The Little Mermaid'." Booklist Online

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing…


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Book cover of Always Orchid

Always Orchid By Carol Van Den Hende,

Always Orchid is the moving, award-winning finale to the Goodbye Orchid series that Glamour Magazine called "a modern, important take on the power of love." With themes of identity, disability, and the redemptive power of love, Always Orchid is perfect for fans of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle…

Book cover of The Princes of the Golden Cage

Rachanee Lumayno Author Of Heir of Amber and Fire

From my list on awesome fantasy you may not have heard of.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy is my favorite genre, and honestly, I’m pretty deep in it. Not only do I read a lot of fantasy, I also write fantasy novels. I’ve been an active TTRPG player for the last few years, even creating and running a few campaigns. In addition, I wrote a one-shot campaign set in the world of my fantasy series, the Gifted Lands, which people can get for free when they sign up for my newsletter on my website. So it’s safe to say, I like fantasy. :) If you check out any of these books, let me know what you think of them! 

Rachanee's book list on awesome fantasy you may not have heard of

Rachanee Lumayno Why did Rachanee love this book?

This one is just a good, fun read, great if you’re on vacation or want to read something entertaining.

Amir is one of many princes who lives with his myriad of royal brothers to basically be a spare. He and his brothers are given whatever they want, except their freedom.

Depending on who’s alive at any given time, the potential heir to the throne can change, so it’s not uncommon for factions to form and blood to be shed. But when this happens a little too often, Amir must figure out who’s killing off everyone.

With a great story and intriguing mystery, this one’s definitely worth a read.

By Nathalie Mallet,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Princes of the Golden Cage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Prince Amir lives in a lavish and beautiful cage. He shares a palace with over a hundred of his brothers, all barred from ever leaving until he, or one of his brothers, becomes the next Sultan. Living under constant threat of death at the hands of his scheming brothers, Amir has chosen a life of solitude and study. But his scholarly and alchemical pursuits bring him under suspicion when, one by one, his brothers are struck down by darkest sorcery.

Amir's monastic existence is also turned upside-down when he falls passionately in love with the beautiful Princess Eva, an exotic…


Book cover of Heated
Book cover of The Worst Best Man
Book cover of The Geek Who Saved Christmas

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