100 books like Drive Me Wild

By Melanie Harlow,

Here are 100 books that Drive Me Wild fans have personally recommended if you like Drive Me Wild. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Red, White & Royal Blue

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?

American snark meets cutting British wit: I loved the texts/emails/calls between Alex, the American president’s son, and Henry, the British prince. The contrast between the two characters was riveting: the brash, ambitious young politico versus the cultured, smooth, royal prince with decades of tradition bred into his bones. Let’s face it: power is seductive, and these two enemies-to-lovers move in the highest-powered circles on Earth.

What gives this love story extra depth is the struggle of these highly visible men to deal with being gay/bisexual both in private and on the public stage. Prince Henry’s pain at having to suppress his true sexuality almost broke my heart. Thank goodness it’s a romance, so they find a way to be happy together in the end! 

By Casey McQuiston,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked Red, White & Royal Blue as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* Instant NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestseller *
* GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER for BEST DEBUT and BEST ROMANCE of 2019 *
* BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR* for VOGUE, NPR, VANITY FAIR, and more! *

What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius--his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when…


Book cover of The Flatshare

Amy Ewing Author Of The Irish Goodbye

From my list on romance that made me fall in love with romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started my journey as an author writing YA fantasy books—then the pandemic came, publishing collapsed for a moment, and I found myself at a loss of what sort of author I wanted to be. YA didn’t call to me as it once did—and I was struggling as many of us were then. Then I found romance—it healed me, brought joy and hope back into my life, and made me love writing in a new and powerful way. The Irish Goodbye is my debut adult romance, and I hope to keep writing in this genre for many years! 

Amy's book list on romance that made me fall in love with romance

Amy Ewing Why did Amy love this book?

This book has one of the most unique premises I’ve ever come across in any book, much less a romance—Tiffy is just out of a toxic relationship and needs a cheap apartment fast. Leon is a palliative care nurse who is working graveyard shifts and needs extra money to help his brother. They come to an agreement—without ever actually meeting each other—to split the flat: Tiffy is there while Leon works and vice versa. 

They begin to communicate through Post-it notes, and it’s honestly the most beautiful development of a relationship I’ve ever read. I was tearing through the pages to eagerly find the moment when they finally—finally!—meet in real life. An exceptional book from start to finish! 

By Beth O'Leary,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

*NOW A MAJOR TV SERIES*

'Beth O'Leary crafts novels with such wit, heart and truth' Sophie Kinsella

'Beth O'Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry and ache all in the same book' Emily Henry

**********

Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met...

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they're crazy, but it's the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy's at work in the day, and she has the…


Book cover of Ready or Not

Amy Ewing Author Of The Irish Goodbye

From my list on romance that made me fall in love with romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started my journey as an author writing YA fantasy books—then the pandemic came, publishing collapsed for a moment, and I found myself at a loss of what sort of author I wanted to be. YA didn’t call to me as it once did—and I was struggling as many of us were then. Then I found romance—it healed me, brought joy and hope back into my life, and made me love writing in a new and powerful way. The Irish Goodbye is my debut adult romance, and I hope to keep writing in this genre for many years! 

Amy's book list on romance that made me fall in love with romance

Amy Ewing Why did Amy love this book?

Cara Bastone is one of my auto-buy authors; any of her books would make this list. Her magnetic prose and fully realized characters always draw me in. In this book, Eve discovers she’s pregnant after a one-night stand.

I’m not usually a fan of pregnancy romance, but this story captured my heart and made me sob by the end. And the hero, Shep, is one of my favorite romance heroes ever! I love how Cara writes about men with big hearts who aren’t afraid to show their feelings, and Shep fits that description to a T. 

By Cara Bastone,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ready or Not as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this “absolutely buoyant read” (Elle, The Best and Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2024, So Far).

“Bastone delivers on this truly heartwarming, funny, and real story. Come for the dog bar, stay for the special, slow-burn romcom.”—Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author

Eve Hatch lives for surprises! Just kidding. She expects every tomorrow to be pretty much the same as today. She loves her cozy apartment in Brooklyn that’s close to her childhood best friend Willa, and far from her midwestern, traditional family who has never really understood her.…


Book cover of Part of Your World

Amy Ewing Author Of The Irish Goodbye

From my list on romance that made me fall in love with romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started my journey as an author writing YA fantasy books—then the pandemic came, publishing collapsed for a moment, and I found myself at a loss of what sort of author I wanted to be. YA didn’t call to me as it once did—and I was struggling as many of us were then. Then I found romance—it healed me, brought joy and hope back into my life, and made me love writing in a new and powerful way. The Irish Goodbye is my debut adult romance, and I hope to keep writing in this genre for many years! 

Amy's book list on romance that made me fall in love with romance

Amy Ewing Why did Amy love this book?

This was the first book of Abby’s I read, and it was certainly not the last! I love how she creates worlds you just want to live in—I wished I could step into the pages and hang out in the quaint Minnesotan town of Wakan with Daniel and Alexis. And the banter is seriously next level—I don’t know how Abby writes dialogue so well, but this book had me cracking up and aww-ing from the first page to the last.

It’s a perfect summer read and a great small-town, age-gap romance with tons of heart! 

By Abby Jimenez,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A refreshingly modern fairy tale and instant New York Times bestseller that Love Hypothesis author Ali Hazelwood hails as "an uplifting, feel-good, romantic read." 

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s…


Book cover of Mexican Gothic

D.L. (Destiny) Soria Author Of Thief Liar Lady

From my list on fantasy by Latine authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a half-Mexican author who grew up in a tiny Alabama town, where I spent my summers playing with sticks in the woods and exploring such distinguished careers as Forest Bandit, Wayward Orphan, and Woodland Fairy Princess. After college, I ran away to New Zealand for seven months and only pretended to be a character from Lord of the Rings on special occasions. Nowadays, I live and work in South Carolina with my clingy (and, unfortunately, non-magical) cat. 

D.L.'s book list on fantasy by Latine authors

D.L. (Destiny) Soria Why did D.L. love this book?

I’ve always loved a good Gothic novel, but Moreno-Garcia raised the bar with this book.

Part mystery, part romance, part haunted house story—this novel runs the gamut from eerie to enchanting. The menacing secrets of High Place, set against the backdrop of glamorous 1950s Mexico, drew me into an intriguing plot that was as captivating as it was frightening. 

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Mexican Gothic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The award-winning author of Gods of Jade and Shadow (one of the 100 best fantasy novels of all time, TIME magazine) returns with a mesmerising feminist Gothic fantasy, in which a glamorous young socialite discovers the haunting secrets of a beautiful old mansion in 1950s Mexico.

He is trying to poison me. You must come for me, Noemi. You have to save me.

When glamorous socialite Noemi Taboada receives a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin begging to be rescued from a mysterious doom, it's clear something is desperately amiss. Catalina has always had a flair for the dramatic, but…


Book cover of The Refusal

Lucy Pussett Author Of Diary of a Contemporary Woman

From my list on bold, sexy, sassy, and inspiring female MC.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was raised by my Grandmother who escaped Nazi-occupied Germany. A strong, proud, capable woman who eventually, despite arriving in the UK as a refugee, ended up working for Winston Churchill as a war secretary. Not a feminist but rather a true champion of women. I believe a woman's body, her mind, her essence is her own! I write about strong females, sex positive not under the control of an Alpha male. I have a rare gift for writing Erotica with a real story, which will transport you as if in the room with my characters. More than this, I create characters you'll care about and take with you on your own journey path.

Lucy's book list on bold, sexy, sassy, and inspiring female MC

Lucy Pussett Why did Lucy love this book?

Eve is a debut novelist just as I am and did a fantastic job in creating a feel for her cast of characters even if the notion of a tech billionaire playboy is perhaps not so original, this did not matter to me at all as well written and the MC was total girl power, in her own unique way. Jo is not your killer blonde, your "stop traffic" beauty but rather a tech geek, with freckles, and ginger. Aces! I like authors which create less obvious heroines. It massively appeals to me. It was refreshingly written showing the real insecurities of both Jo and Janus upon entering a new relationship. Funny, suspenseful, and very steamy yet also real as about sincere emotions, friendships, and public perception.  

By Eve M. Riley,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

SHORTLISTED FOR 29 ROMANCE BOOK AWARDS!

WINNER: The Pinnacle Book Award

WINNER: Los Angeles Book Festival

WINNER: Global Book Award

WINNER: Beach Book Festival

WINNER: National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE: Independent Press Awards

"Have you ever found yourself reading a really exceptional book and you find that you’re forcing yourself to slow down on your reading because you simply don’t want the book to end?” Shannon Kuhn, Author and ARC reviewer

Quiet boyfriends. An organised life. It’s all about to be upended.

Driven, workaholic Janus Phillips has glamorous tastes. Tech billionaire, red carpet events, a new model…


Book cover of The Unlocked Path

Linda Rosen Author Of The Emerald Necklace

From my list on women who reinvent themselves despite obstacles.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a woman who started writing later in life, I know about reinventing oneself and overcoming obstacles along the way. At any age, there are many hurdles to climb in getting a novel published, though probably more for an older woman. Marketing is a whole other aspect of being an author and that’s where technology comes in. It can be daunting. I had to learn a whole new vocabulary, programs, and social media I never dreamed I’d use. It all seems easy now, yet in the beginning, it definitely created a lot of angst. My life has blossomed from it all and I’m proud I’ve climbed those hurdles. I want the same for my characters. 

Linda's book list on women who reinvent themselves despite obstacles

Linda Rosen Why did Linda love this book?

Daly’s protagonist, Eliza, represents the “New Woman” of the early 20th century: educated, career-minded, and independent. Though she faces monumental struggles forced upon her to become a physician when there were so few females in the field.

This is a story about the eternal struggle to live one’s best life. It’s also a story about family, those we are born to, and those we create. I am drawn to novels of sisterhood and enjoy exploring the theme that blood is not all that makes a family in my own writing.

Daly has done this beautifully with the women she created, the friends and colleagues who become family.

By Janis Robinson Daly,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Flawlessly researched with characters that come alive on the page, debut author Janis Robinson Daly writes with a fresh voice that brings her readers instantly into a story that, in many ways, is shockingly similar to today's world." –Barbara Conrey, USA Today bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye

"An often riveting fictional testament of a doctor's life at the turn of the 20th century." –Kirkus Reviews

The Unlocked Path presents and embraces a "New Woman" of the early 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent. In 1897 Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt's suicide, Eliza Edwards vows to find ways to help and…


Book cover of Tattooed Heart

Stacy Kristen Author Of Jax: An Age Gap, Second Chance at Love MC Romance

From my list on unforgettable spicy romance reads.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an indie romance author obsessed with all things romance, the spicier the better! I’m all about the happy ending, so all my books feature a happy ever after (HEA) or happy for now (HFN).

Stacy's book list on unforgettable spicy romance reads

Stacy Kristen Why did Stacy love this book?

I loved this book because it has heat and heart. It’s a second chance at love romance with a well-developed plot and extremely likable characters. And did I mention the main character, Bull, is a tattoo artist who owns his tattoo studio? Swoon! I couldn’t put the book down and rooted for Bull and Tarah to get their happy ever after (HEA).

By Mica Rae,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Sometimes love is the only way to heal a broken heart.

Bull and Tarah were best friends until they couldn’t deny their feelings any longer. Just when Bull was about to make his move, fate ripped them apart. They were finished before they ever started.

Years later, Bull has given up on the idea of true love, settling for good times only. After waking up in the hospital after his heart attack, he realizes he has another chance at life, and with that, another chance at love. This time he’s not giving up so easily. Tarah will finally be his.…


Book cover of Come Back

Deanna Grey Author Of Outdrawn

From my list on sapphic romance with characters finding their place.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved writing that explores mental health and its effect on finding love. I love characters who are their worst enemies and conflicts stemming from internal battles. Depression and anxiety have been something I’ve struggled with since childhood. My mental health issues made looking to the future with hope feel impossible sometimes. When I picked up a romance book where an anxious character found a happily ever after, it gave me hope. Seeing characters who don’t have everything figured out and aren’t always confident in themselves find their happy endings is a light at the end of a tunnel—peace in the middle of a storm. 

Deanna's book list on sapphic romance with characters finding their place

Deanna Grey Why did Deanna love this book?

Sometimes, I crave a super sweet, short romance. Something that’ll be like a dopamine hit straight to the veins. This one was the perfect bite-size escape.

It is a second-chance romance set in a tattoo parlor after closing hours. The couple’s flaws and reasons for their breakup were realistic. They were nowhere near perfect, and that makes their happy-ever-after more beautiful. 

By Terri Ronald,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Two exes, an accidental run in, and one night in a tattoo shop.

It's been almost seven years since Nalo and Cori have last seen each other. Their untimely breakup sent them on their separate ways, and fear has kept them apart.

Now, with both women being in the same room with each other after so long, and after a loved one being lost, they must rehash the past and discuss what caused the rift in their relationship. But what both women have realized through it all, one thing remained the same: the love they shared.

Can their relationship make…


Book cover of Y: The Last Man

Jean Louise Author Of Waking Fire

From my list on transporting you to another time and place.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe worldbuilding is as important as realistic dialogue, engaging characters, and a well-paced plot. Worldbuilding is a key component of stories that take place in a contemporary high school, in the court of Henry VIII, or in some far-off land that only exists in the author’s imagination. I worldbuild in layers: 1. What happens in the characters’ daily lives; 2. Environment: religion, culture, social hierarchies, setting; and 3. Relevant historical events/figures/details. Worlds should be so well thought out that there’s no room for the reader to be distracted or confused. When the worldbuilding is good, you’ll be so engrossed that the only distraction you’ll have is wondering what happens next.

Jean's book list on transporting you to another time and place

Jean Louise Why did Jean love this book?

Y takes place on 20th-century Earth, but with a twist: all men have been exterminated by a mysterious virus except one. You’d think setting the story on Earth in the current time period would be easy, but I think that kind of setting is even harder because we know what that world should feel like and if things deviate, we’ll be quick to notice. And yet, although the premise of Y has not happened on Earth, the worldbuilding makes it plausible that it could. Y dives into the past and jumps into the future, it travels from one end of the U.S. to the other, it tangles international conspiracies with a lovelorn hero and a monkey that won’t stop flinging its poop—and you accept it because the foundation—the worldbuilding—is secure.

By Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra (illustrator), Jose Marzan Jr. (arist)

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Pia Guerra & Jose Marzan, Jr. Cover by Massimo Carnevale The first ten issues of the award-winning series written by Brian K. Vaughan (EX MACHINA, Lost) are collected in an oversized hardcover with a new cover! Don't miss the amazing SF epic that Stephen King called "The best graphic novel I've ever read." Advance-solicited; on sale October 15 * 256 pg, FC, $29.99 US 7.0625" x 10.875" * MATURE READERS


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