Books like Hook, Line, and Sinker: 100 fan favorites

By Tessa Bailey,

Here are 100 books that Hook, Line, and Sinker fans have personally recommended if you like Hook, Line, and Sinker. 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 Inheritance Games

T.K. Ambers Author Of Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair

From my list on bring fame, immerse you, and hook you.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m drawn to stories about human nature and the many lifestyles people choose to live. My mother often tells me Iā€™m like my great aunt Freda, who has a love for beautiful and fantastic things. Freda was famous in my mind, and I believe I was further drawn to reading about fame because I wanted to know what that world looked like. Is too much money stressful? Are social events unwanted obligations? Are famous marriages bound to fail? This list is a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous and both the curses and blessings of their daily lives. 

T.K.'s book list on bring fame, immerse you, and hook you

T.K. Ambers Why did T.K. love this book?

This entire series has me hooked. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a master when it comes to creating mystery and puzzles, of which I both love. Kylie is an ordinary schoolgirl who becomes famous overnight, and itā€™s thrilling to be a part of her world. She encounters a bit of everything.

Romance, money, power, fame, danger, and crazy adrenaline racing fun. I love fast-paced stories that consistently throw new puzzles my way. I canā€™t say enough great things about this story. I'm hooked from the start and want more after itā€™s ended.

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked The Inheritance Games as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THE #1 BESTSELLING SERIES!

Don't miss this New York Times bestselling "impossible to put down" (Buzzfeed) novel with deadly stakes, thrilling twists, and juicy secrets -- perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why -- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is.

To receive her inheritance, Avery mustā€¦


Book cover of Maggie Moves On

Cat Johnson Author Of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

From my list on feel-good romance when the world is a dumpster-fire.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a romance reader long before becoming an author. 89 published books later, including 2 New York Times and 9 USA Today bestsellers, I feel justified in claiming some knowledge on the subject. I believe you must be a book lover, an avid reader, to be a successful writer. That said, everyone has diverse tastes, and I think taste and what a person needs in a book, changes with time and circumstances. Luckily there have never been more books available. You just have to find them. Whether you read my recommendations and said, ā€œYes!ā€ or ā€œHell, no!ā€, I hope you're one step closer to your next best read.

Cat's book list on feel-good romance when the world is a dumpster-fire

Cat Johnson Why did Cat love this book?

Did you ever read a book so immersive that you were sad when it was over because it felt as if you were saying goodbye forever to your new best friends? Thatā€™s how I felt at the final page of Maggie Moves On

With a reluctant down-on-love heroine and a hot hero who falls hard and fast and refuses to give up on her, the romance was both steamy and swoon-worthy. Add in the laugh-out-loud moments with a comical but ill-trained dog, an old house under renovation and full of secrets, a small town, and a large cast of characters and this book hit all my hot buttons.

By Lucy Score,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Can these opposites turn up the heatā€¦ without burning down the house?

House-flipping sensation and YouTube star Maggie Nichols canā€™t wait to dig into her next challenge. Arriving in tiny Kinship, Idaho, with only a cot and a coffeemaker, Maggie is prepared to restore a crumbling Victorian mansion in four months or less. She has her to-do lists, her blueprints, and her team. What she doesnā€™t have is time for sexy, laid-back landscaper Silas Wright.

The man takes flirtation to a whole new level. And he does it shirtlessā€¦sometimes pants-less. He and his service school-dropout dog are impressively persistent. Butā€¦


Book cover of Big Pickle

Cat Johnson Author Of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

From my list on feel-good romance when the world is a dumpster-fire.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a romance reader long before becoming an author. 89 published books later, including 2 New York Times and 9 USA Today bestsellers, I feel justified in claiming some knowledge on the subject. I believe you must be a book lover, an avid reader, to be a successful writer. That said, everyone has diverse tastes, and I think taste and what a person needs in a book, changes with time and circumstances. Luckily there have never been more books available. You just have to find them. Whether you read my recommendations and said, ā€œYes!ā€ or ā€œHell, no!ā€, I hope you're one step closer to your next best read.

Cat's book list on feel-good romance when the world is a dumpster-fire

Cat Johnson Why did Cat love this book?

The hero, who is a really big ā€˜dillā€™ (see what I did there? LOL) is the heir to a deli dynasty famous for their pickles. The heroine is an overworked deli manager tested by her new employee (who she doesnā€™t realize is actually the big boss undercover). Itā€™s a comedy of errors punctuated by steamy moments. Donā€™t think too hard about it. Big Pickle is a pure escapist romp.

By JJ Knight,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A Top 100 Book on Amazon!
I've got a picklish problem.
I own a family deli. All my brothers do.

But even though I'm the oldest and most experienced Pickle, my restaurant is the one that's failing.

I hightail it to Texas to see what the hell is going on at Austin Pickle, only to find a sassy little spitfire named Nova Strong in charge.

Sheā€™s amazing. She's funny. She runs our deli like she owns it.

But despite the way we nearly melt the permafrost in the industrial freezer, I have to control myself. Nova thinks I'm a newā€¦


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Book cover of Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story

Bailey and the CEO by Amy Q. Barker,

A contemporary romance novel about second chances, love in the workplace, and balancing single parenthood with a career. Bailey Grant and Fox Goodman have given up on love. Theyā€™re working hard, theyā€™re raising kidsā€”romance is the last thing on their minds. Until they get seated next to each other onā€¦

Book cover of Hosed

Cat Johnson Author Of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

From my list on feel-good romance when the world is a dumpster-fire.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a romance reader long before becoming an author. 89 published books later, including 2 New York Times and 9 USA Today bestsellers, I feel justified in claiming some knowledge on the subject. I believe you must be a book lover, an avid reader, to be a successful writer. That said, everyone has diverse tastes, and I think taste and what a person needs in a book, changes with time and circumstances. Luckily there have never been more books available. You just have to find them. Whether you read my recommendations and said, ā€œYes!ā€ or ā€œHell, no!ā€, I hope you're one step closer to your next best read.

Cat's book list on feel-good romance when the world is a dumpster-fire

Cat Johnson Why did Cat love this book?

This is the book, and the fictional small town, that first inspired me to write my own small town Rom Com series and I have never looked back.

A hot firefighter who has a comically ill-behaved racoon as his pet, the small town of Happy Cat centered around the townā€™s sex-toy factory, and a heroine confounded by both the factory and the town as she struggles to save them bothā€”with the help of the hot fireman, of course. Laugh-out-loud moments, steamy moments, tender moments, and more dildos than any book should containā€”Hosed is what a feel-good romance should be.

By Pippa Grant, Lili Valente,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The worldā€™s sexiest firefighter is about to get a second chance with the virgin next doorā€¦

Heā€™s bossy, arrogant, and so ridiculously hot he should come with a warning label and a pair of flame retardant coveralls.

Heā€™s also the boy who broke my heart when we were in high school.

I want to move in next door to Ryan Oā€™Dell the way I want to be the virgin gamer geek suddenly in charge of running my sisterā€™s sex toy factory. Too bad both are written in my stars.

Yeah, Iā€™m the worldā€™s oldest virgin code-writing nerd.

And heā€™s theā€¦


Book cover of Marian's Christmas Wish

Elisabeth Fairchild Author Of The Holly and the Ivy

From my list on film worthy regency era Christmas.

Why am I passionate about this?

A Jane Austen devotee since third grade, inspired by subtlety, wit, and clever banter, neck deep in richly evocative Regency research and sensory detail, I've authored 17 Jane Austen-style novels, (3 Christmas) and 4 novellas (3 Christmas) published by NAL/Penguin. Fascinated by lyrical language, budding love matches, and honorable, moral, and ethical themes, I'm particularly fond of historically accurate warm-hearted Christmas novels. I'd love to see a Christmas Regency Classic added to the ranks of beloved Holiday films, so I was thrilled to come up with a list of favorites! Awards: Golden Quill, Holt Medallion, Booksellerā€™s Best, Waldensbook Bestseller of the Year, Romantic Times Top Pick, Reviewers Choice, Best Regency Novel, a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elisabeth's book list on film worthy regency era Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did Elisabeth love this book?

A RITA Award winner, this sweet, character-driven Regency comes alive with playful Hepburn/Tracy style banter in a May/December romance. An impertinent younger sister, who takes in strays and the wounded, wins the attention of a scarred, slightly singed diplomat. She decides he must be reunited with his family for the holidays. With her rascal brotherā€™s dubious assistance, the three embark on a surprisingly dangerous quest to fulfill heartfelt Christmas wishes.

By Carla Kelly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Marian's Christmas Wish as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And sheā€™s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpectedā€”a young and handsome English lord.


Book cover of It Starts with a Kiss

Skye McDonald Author Of The Not So Nice Girl

From my list on making you laugh, cry, and swoon.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a woman. Laughing, crying, and swooning are all things I know intimatelyā€”sometimes heart-achingly. Iā€™m living my life with my heart open, learning to be unashamedly me. That means I love, sometimes recklessly. That meant I hurt, sometimes more than anyone could know. And that means I swoon, not only for romance but also for the beauty of this ā€œwild and precious life.ā€ My recommended novels take you through all the feels. My own novels use my roots in Nashville, TN. Family and music are key. But more than that, my books are about learning to love yourself. Iā€™ve learned personally that thatā€™s the true happily ever after.

Skye's book list on making you laugh, cry, and swoon

Skye McDonald Why did Skye love this book?

It Starts With A Kiss is a cyber romance novella. JL Peridotā€™s prose is lyrical and beautiful. This book has steam and spaceships. Whatā€™s not to love for a romantic geek like me? 

Peridot's style fascinates me. Her voice is unique, almost like sheā€™s casting a spell. The story may unfold on a spaceship, but she paints with words in a way that keeps the cold darkness of space anything but detached. And, come on: itā€™s not every author who can make a pair of coveralls sexy like Peridot does in this book!  

If you enjoy It Starts With A Kiss, I highly recommend following Peridotā€™s newsletter. She often writes short fiction and anthology contributions. All of her stories are beautifully told. Even when sheā€™s writing chilling romantic horror, youā€™ll still be mesmerized.

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Book cover of Return to Hope Creek

Return to Hope Creek by Alyssa J. Montgomery,

Return to Hope Creek is a second-chance rural romance set in Australia.

Stella Simpson's career and engagement are over. She returns to the rural community of Hope Creek to heal, unaware her high school and college sweetheart, Mitchell Scott, has also moved back to town to do some healing ofā€¦

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?

Iā€™m an indie romance author obsessed with all things romance, the spicier the better! Iā€™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. Itā€™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 couldnā€™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 couldnā€™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 heā€™s not giving up so easily. Tarah will finally be his.ā€¦


Book cover of Even Robots Aren't Perfect!

Linda Zajac Author Of Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals

From my list on robots for little kids with big-tech taste.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m fascinated by robots. As a former computer programmer, systems analyst, and consultant, Iā€™ve had an interest in technology since my first programming class in high school. Iā€™ve been to robotics labs in Boston, Massachusetts, and Lausanne, Switzerland. My husband is a mechanical/software engineer, so STEM is a big part of our lives. In addition to Robo-Motion, Iā€™m the author of a number of Minecraft books with STEM and coding sidebars. Iā€™ve also published many magazine articles, one of which was the inspiration for this book. I wrote about the CRAM cockroach robot for the March 2017 issue of MUSE.

Linda's book list on robots for little kids with big-tech taste

Linda Zajac Why did Linda love this book?

The robots in this book are cute and funny. In comic book format, a red robot and a blue robot get upset with each other but still maintain their friendship. In each of the three stories, the robots deal with misunderstandings, bad advice, hurt feelings, and apologies. The book made me laugh, which is never a bad thing.

By Jan Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Even Robots Aren't Perfect! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Meet two robots who are best friends and learn through their mistakes and make-ups that even robots aren't perfect in this silly and sweet three-part picture book.

Red Robot and Blue Robot are very good friends. But sometimes friends say the wrong thing. And sometimes friends don't understand. And, very often, friends make mistakes. In three hilarious and heartwarming stories, Red Robot and Blue Robot find out that even robots aren't perfect but that doesn't mean they aren't perfectly best friends.


Book cover of Little Miss Sunshine: The Shooting Script

Alistair Owen Author Of The Art of Screen Adaptation: Top Writers Reveal Their Craft

From my list on writing for the big screen.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of four books of interviews with filmmakers: Smoking in Bed: Conversations with Bruce Robinson (a Guardian Book of the Year), Story and Character: Interviews with British Screenwriters, Hampton on Hampton (an Observer Book of the Year), and The Art of Screen Adaptation: Top Writers Reveal Their Craft. I have written original and adapted screenplays and stageplays, on spec and to commission; contributed film interviews and reviews to UK magazines and newspapers; chaired Q&A events at book and screenwriting festivals; and recently published my first novel, The Vetting Officer. My next nonfiction project is a book of conversations with bestselling author and screenwriter William Boyd, for Penguin.

Alistair's book list on writing for the big screen

Alistair Owen Why did Alistair love this book?

Once upon a time, in a small apartment in Brooklyn, an unemployed, unproduced, unagented writer sat down to start a script. Three days later he finished it. Twelve months of rewrites and he sold it. Four years later it was made. And a year after that it won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. But, Michael Arndt notes in his modest introduction to the shooting script, this isnā€™t ā€œa rewards-of-virtue narrativeā€; itā€™s a story about the razor-thin line between success and failure ā€“ and how, as Dwayne says in the movie, you should ā€œdo what you love and fuck the restā€. Words to live ā€“ and write ā€“ by.

By Michael Arndt, Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Here is the official screenplay book tie-in to the uproarious American family road comedy. Brazenly satirical yet deeply human, Little Miss Sunshine introduces audiences to one of the most endearingly fractured families in recent cinema history. Meet the Hoovers, a motley six-member family who treks from Albuquerque to Redondo Beach, California, to fulfill the deepest wish of seven-year-old Olive, an ordinary little girl with big dreams.

Starring Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, and Alan Arkin, the film strikes a nerve with everyone who's ever been awestruck by how their muddled families seem to make itā€¦


Book cover of Forbidden Hollywood: The Pre-Code Era (1930-1934): When Sin Ruled the Movies

Robert Matzen Author Of Season of the Gods

From my list on old Hollywood in general (and Warner Brothers in particular).

Why am I passionate about this?

My dad instilled in me a love of, and respect for, history and an avid interest in golden-era Hollywood. In my adult life as a professional writer, that paternal guidance has translated into eight books about various aspects of old Hollywood, with a growing focus on the intersection of Hollywood and World War II. My career to date was punctuated by the international success of Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, which detailed the future starā€™s very hard life in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation. Dad didnā€™t live long enough to know Iā€™d written anything, let alone a number of books he would have enjoyed reading. 

Robert's book list on old Hollywood in general (and Warner Brothers in particular)

Robert Matzen Why did Robert love this book?

The year before Errol Flynn blew into Hollywood, the ā€œpre-Codeā€ era ended. What was the ā€œpre-Codeā€ era? It was the period in the early 1930s when Hollywood rode the cliff, making movies about sensational topics like adultery, pay-for-play, drug use, and more. Many of the pictures included a scene or two with leading ladies scantily clad and even braless. Leading men were often scoundrels.

This book entertainingly details both the point of view of studios struggling to remain relevant in the depths of the Great Depression by creating salacious products and the outcry from alarmed parents who took their kids to the movies only to cover their eyes and rush them back out again.

The author backs up his narrative with eye-popping photos illustrating just what was so shocking about the pre-Code era. This interesting period of Hollywood history ended abruptly and, unfortunately, with the puritanical ā€œProduction Codeā€ that usheredā€¦

By Mark Vieira,

Why should I read it?

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


Book cover of The Inheritance Games
Book cover of Maggie Moves On
Book cover of Big Pickle

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