Fans pick 100 books like Bad for You

By Abbi Glines,

Here are 100 books that Bad for You fans have personally recommended if you like Bad for You. 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 Beard Science

Gloria Joynt-Lang Author Of Beyond Circumstances

From my list on atypical characters you will love.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a retired correctional officer and parole officer who writes contemporary romance. I'm partial to law-abiding yet atypical heroes who rise above perceived limitations. In other words, no biker dudes or trust fund babies in my novels. I love kayaking, boating, and biking when I'm not hunched over the laptop straining my neck. As a Canadian, I'm crazy about hockey, poutine, and apologizing. I live in rural Alberta with my husband and our crazy Yorkie. My love of dogs ensures every story I write includes a furry friend.

Gloria's book list on atypical characters you will love

Gloria Joynt-Lang Why did Gloria love this book?

I have read all the Winston Brother novels this author wrote, but Beard Science is my favorite. Cletus is an oddball hillbilly who meets his match in Jennifer Sylvester. Thanks to Reid's compelling storytelling, this bearded self-professed weirdo is my favorite romantic character. As a fan of hilarious romance novels with atypical heroes, this book was up my alley. And because Cletus is part of a new series, I didn't have to say goodbye to the character for some time.

By Penny Reid,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

*Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Best Romance *
*Amazon Top 10 Romances of 2016*
*AAR Top 10 Romances of All Time*

From the NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, & USA TODAY bestselling series.

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer…


Book cover of Lucca

Liz Ashlee Author Of Moving Forward

From my list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile.

Why am I passionate about this?

Pet names in romance can make or break a book, in my opinion. Sometimes, they can be offputting, but other times, pet names make me smile. They elevate the chemistry between characters–turn the heat up a notch on a steam scene, make you blush, and make you fall in love with the characters. When I read a pet name I can imagine the tone, level, and timbre. It makes me feel like I'm there in the pages with the characters. I think it's because a pet name or nickname is special. A person assigns it to you because they care–or, better yet, within the pages of a romance, they love.

Liz's book list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile

Liz Ashlee Why did Liz love this book?

This was the first book I've read in a long time that I finished and immediately re-read. Lucca and Chloe's romance was gradual but star-crossed, safe but challenging. I ate up every word of it and melted whenever Lucca referred to Chloe as Darlin’.

What I loved most is that in previous books in the series, Lucca called other women Darlin’, but in Lucca he promises Chloe that she'll be the only he calls that. That heightened the importance of the nickname, but also proved the lengths Lucca would go to for Chloe, even if it was something that might not matter to anyone else.

By Sarah Brianne,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Lucca was made the underboss, being what nightmares are made of.Chloe was scarred by her past, learning too young that nightmares are real.He has waited long enough to claim her soul, but he must take it from the devil first.Her soul might have been better off claimed by the devil.The only way to save her from her past is to delve into his.The world as she knows it will come crashing down.I'm the fu**ing boogieman.I'm just a fu**ing freak.


Book cover of Torn

Liz Ashlee Author Of Moving Forward

From my list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile.

Why am I passionate about this?

Pet names in romance can make or break a book, in my opinion. Sometimes, they can be offputting, but other times, pet names make me smile. They elevate the chemistry between characters–turn the heat up a notch on a steam scene, make you blush, and make you fall in love with the characters. When I read a pet name I can imagine the tone, level, and timbre. It makes me feel like I'm there in the pages with the characters. I think it's because a pet name or nickname is special. A person assigns it to you because they care–or, better yet, within the pages of a romance, they love.

Liz's book list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile

Liz Ashlee Why did Liz love this book?

This book sparked my love for Carian Cole's books, and I've one clicked on her books ever since.

This age-gap romance between Toren and Kenzi happened organically, and I loved watching their platonic love morph into romantic love. Tor’s pet name for Kenzi was Angel, which was fitting for the kind-hearted, strong heroine.

I think what most impacted me about the nickname was how it transformed throughout the book. At first, Angel was just a sweet endearment, but it matured as Kenzi did. Every time she worried about animals or showed concern for her dad, the nickname felt more and more fitting. 

By Carian Cole,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When I was five years old, I told Toren Grace we were going to get married someday. He'd been my closest friend, my protector, and my rock since the day I was born. But during my senior year, our relationship slowly changed. Silly conversations morphed into serious heart-to-hearts. Innocent friendship turned to stolen glances.

Then one day, an unexpected kiss changed everything.

While that kiss was all I'd ever dreamed of, it knocked Tor clear off his axis. His strong moral compass makes it impossible for him to accept our feelings for each other. Because, not only am I eighteen…


Book cover of God of Fury

Liz Ashlee Author Of Moving Forward

From my list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile.

Why am I passionate about this?

Pet names in romance can make or break a book, in my opinion. Sometimes, they can be offputting, but other times, pet names make me smile. They elevate the chemistry between characters–turn the heat up a notch on a steam scene, make you blush, and make you fall in love with the characters. When I read a pet name I can imagine the tone, level, and timbre. It makes me feel like I'm there in the pages with the characters. I think it's because a pet name or nickname is special. A person assigns it to you because they care–or, better yet, within the pages of a romance, they love.

Liz's book list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile

Liz Ashlee Why did Liz love this book?

This book was my most anticipated read of 2023, and not just because of all the TikTok videos and reels I devoured.

Niko and Brandon's relationship had been hinted at during the previous books, and I was salivating for all of those pieces to be linked together so I would have their full love story. Even more so, I needed to know why Niko called Bran his Lotus Flower.

That nickname and romance had a chokehold on me before I even read the book, and the book did not disappoint. Niko and Bran’s relationship, trials, tribulations and that nickname are going to stay with me for a long time. 

By Rina Kent,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a new STANDALONE MM college romance.

I’m not attracted to men.
Or so I thought before I slammed into Nikolai Sokolov.
A mafia heir, a notorious bastard, and a violent monster.
An ill-fated meeting puts me in his path.
And just like that, he has his sights set on me.
A quiet artist, a golden boy, and his enemy’s twin brother.
He doesn’t seem to care that the odds are stacked against us.
In fact, he sets out to break my steel-like control and blur my limits.
I thought my biggest worry…


Book cover of Stinger

Liz Ashlee Author Of Moving Forward

From my list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile.

Why am I passionate about this?

Pet names in romance can make or break a book, in my opinion. Sometimes, they can be offputting, but other times, pet names make me smile. They elevate the chemistry between characters–turn the heat up a notch on a steam scene, make you blush, and make you fall in love with the characters. When I read a pet name I can imagine the tone, level, and timbre. It makes me feel like I'm there in the pages with the characters. I think it's because a pet name or nickname is special. A person assigns it to you because they care–or, better yet, within the pages of a romance, they love.

Liz's book list on romance novels with pet names that will make you smile

Liz Ashlee Why did Liz love this book?

Stinger is one of the most original love stories I've ever read, and it's written in Mia's characteristic, heartfelt way.

Carson and Grace were both so easy to like, and they felt real. I'll never forget the scene where they're trapped in the elevator because I felt like an interloper trapped with them. Carson called Grace “Buttercup,” which is, of course, one of the romantic names out there, thanks to The Princess Bride.

When you read Mia Sheridan’s books, it feels like a possible wish–she doesn't write just happy ever afters; she writes dreams come true. 

By Mia Sheridan,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A spicy second-chance standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Archer's Voice.

Sometimes, you don't even realize anything is wrong until someone comes along and changes you, and makes you want more.

Grace Hamilton is the girl with a plan. She knows exactly where her life is going, and prides herself on always achieving her goals. She's never stepped outside the lines she draws for herself, and never considered what her heart truly wants. That is, until him.

Carson Stinger doesn't play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he doesn't care…


Book cover of The Idea of You

Jessica Saunders Author Of Love, Me

From my list on books that feature a celebrity falling for a “normal” person.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I loved singing and acting and fantasized about what it might be like to be a famous movie star. Though the practical side of my brain led me to become a lawyer instead, my fascination with Hollywood never waned. When I set out to write my first novel, I finally had the opportunity to explore celebrity culture. But I'm just a regular person, living a very normal life. The books I’m recommending lift the curtain on fame and explore the ultimate fantasy: what if a beloved, uber-famous actor or actress actually fell in love with you? 

Jessica's book list on books that feature a celebrity falling for a “normal” person

Jessica Saunders Why did Jessica love this book?

The very opposite of my last recommendation, this book was wildly spicy!

The main character is a mom who has a love affair with a famous and very young pop star, and rumor has it it’s based on the author’s crush on Harry Styles. It was really easy to lose myself in the fantasy; I, too, am a mom in her forties who finds pop stars attractive and certainly wouldn’t mind taking a little vacation from reality.

I got so sucked into this one that I stayed up for hours past my bedtime reading it multiple nights in a row!

By Robinne Lee,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Idea of You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Solene Marchand, the thirty-nine-year-old owner of a prestigious art gallery in Los Angeles, takes her daughter, Isabelle, to meet her favourite boy band, she does so reluctantly and at her ex-husband's request. The last thing she expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes Campbell is clever, winning, confident, and posh, and the attraction is immediate. That he is all of twenty years old further complicates things. What begins as a series of clandestine trysts quickly evolves into a passionate relationship. It is a journey that spans continents as…


Book cover of The Happy Ever After Playlist

DK Marie Author Of Taste of Passion

From my list on summer romance beach reads.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a romance writer. I've written four contemporary romances with heat, heart, and humor and have a new series coming out in early 2023. I'm also an avid reader of romanceall genres from rom-com to historical to paranormal. I've been reading them since college and have devoured thousands of romance stories since my loved bloomed for them. I'm a firm believer I need to read stories to be able to write them—or maybe it's just an excuse to read more fantastic books and claim it's part of my writing process. Lol. Either way, it has allowed me to recommend romance stories to you with pleasure and ease.

DK's book list on summer romance beach reads

DK Marie Why did DK love this book?

This is such a great book! I loved it even more than the author's first (which was also very good). Though be warned you might get some side eyes if you read this one on the actual beach as it will have you laughing out loud one minute and swallowing back tears the next. I adore it when books are able to give me a wide range of emotions. This one might be a little heavier than the other books on my list, but the author does a fantastic job balancing humor and heartbreak. I recommend this book to those who love romance mixed with laughter and lots of heart.

By Abby Jimenez,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Happy Ever After Playlist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the New York Times bestselling author of Part of Your World comes a romantic comedy full of "fierce humor and fiercer heart" about how one adorable puppy brings together two perfect strangers (Casey McQuiston, NYT bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue).

Artist Sloan Monroe just can't seem to get her life on track. But one trouble-making pup who randomly jumps into her car with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With Tucker by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's…


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 A Crazy Kind of Love

DK Marie Author Of Taste of Passion

From my list on summer romance beach reads.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a romance writer. I've written four contemporary romances with heat, heart, and humor and have a new series coming out in early 2023. I'm also an avid reader of romanceall genres from rom-com to historical to paranormal. I've been reading them since college and have devoured thousands of romance stories since my loved bloomed for them. I'm a firm believer I need to read stories to be able to write them—or maybe it's just an excuse to read more fantastic books and claim it's part of my writing process. Lol. Either way, it has allowed me to recommend romance stories to you with pleasure and ease.

DK's book list on summer romance beach reads

DK Marie Why did DK love this book?

This is a book that you’ll love to read pool or beachside. Just bring lots of sunscreen as this story is hard to put down. I adore the characters; Jo and Micah were fun and interesting, but so were the secondary characters. I’m also a fan of books dealing with serious issues. This one touched on type 1 diabetes, multi-cultural upbringing, and transgender identity. Marlowe manages to keep it light and even funny while never losing sight of these important topics. Oh, and it had rock stars in it, always a treat for me!

By Mary Ann Marlowe,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In this irresistible new novel by Mary Ann Marlowe, one woman's up-close and sexy encounter with a tabloid sensation reveals the dizzying--and delicious--dilemma of dating in the spotlight . . .
 
Celebrities hold zero interest for photographer Jo Wilder. That's a problem, since snapping pics of the stars is how the pretty paparazza pays the rent. So when Jo attempts to catch a money shot atop the broad shoulders of a helpful bystander, the only thing she notices about the stranger she straddles is that he's seriously hot. Only later does Jo learn that he's also Micah Sinclair--one of rock's…


Book cover of Freefall

Jay Crownover Author Of Rule

From my list on read if you love the Warped Tour.

Why am I passionate about this?

My two passions in life have always been music and reading. I was a punk rock girl, with wildly colored hair and a plethora of tattoos, who has never missed a chance to lose herself in a romance novel. I love it when my two favorite things collide in wonderful ways. I still read whatever I can get my hands on, but now I write some of those beloved books as well. Several of them have been bestsellers and many are published in various languages. My mosh-pit days are long gone, but you can still find me at a Social Distortion concert whenever they come to town. If you’ve got a rebellious heart and an ear for music that isn’t as mainstream, I’m sure you will love these books I recommended as much as I do.

Jay's book list on read if you love the Warped Tour

Jay Crownover Why did Jay love this book?

Freefall deals with some really heavy issues facing a lot of young adults, and because this is one of the few books I’ve ever picked up where the hero is into rockabilly and physcobilly. He even plays a standup bass in a garage band. This book is also very age-appropriate, so it can be enjoyed by a wider audience than my books and some of my more grown-up recommendations.

I loved it because I felt like it dealt with the subject of depression and self-harm in a really relatable and compassionate way. I could feel the struggle of these kids through the pages. I also liked how it relayed that music can be healing no matter what genre the music may be.

I read this book as an adult and remember thinking that I wish I had something similar to read when I was younger. And as an adult, I…

By Mindi Scott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Freefall as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn't wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend's death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever…


Book cover of Beard Science
Book cover of Lucca
Book cover of Torn

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