100 books like Irresistible

By Melanie Harlow,

Here are 100 books that Irresistible fans have personally recommended if you like Irresistible. 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 Protecting You

Lena Hendrix Author Of The Badge

From my list on small town romances that bring the heat.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author who writes hot-as-sin small-town romance. As an avid romance reader, when I found my love of all small-town things combined with high heat of steamy romance, I was hooked! With steamy, small-town romance you get feel-good, heartfelt romances with steamy, open-door scenes. If it can make you blush and warm your heart, I’m all in! In my list, I’ve included a variety of small-town romance authors that will tug at your heartstrings in one scene and have you fanning yourself in the next. 

Lena's book list on small town romances that bring the heat

Lena Hendrix Why did Lena love this book?

In my eyes, Claire Kingsley can do no wrong. Her small-town romances are epic. They include all the fun details that I love about small towns – nosy neighbors, family drama, small-town quirks (like dueling families and a pack of squirrels that are up to no good) – all while delivering some of the hottest scenes you can read. This series does need to be read in order, but you will not regret it! Each of the Bailey Brothers are so swoony and I promise it will be nearly impossible to pick your favorite! 

By Claire Kingsley,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

One night brings them together. Another night tears them apart.

Grace Miles misses her easy friendship with Asher, but growing up means growing apart. And really, how could he fall for her when they spent their childhood getting muddy in the creek and splitting sticks of gum? But this summer, something feels different. If Grace didn’t know better, she’d think Asher was flirting with her. Those dark eyes, hard body, and wicked smile make her insides swirl and her heart dare to hope for things she’s convinced herself she’ll never have.

Falling for your best friend shouldn’t be complicated, but…


Book cover of A Photo Finish

Lena Hendrix Author Of The Badge

From my list on small town romances that bring the heat.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author who writes hot-as-sin small-town romance. As an avid romance reader, when I found my love of all small-town things combined with high heat of steamy romance, I was hooked! With steamy, small-town romance you get feel-good, heartfelt romances with steamy, open-door scenes. If it can make you blush and warm your heart, I’m all in! In my list, I’ve included a variety of small-town romance authors that will tug at your heartstrings in one scene and have you fanning yourself in the next. 

Lena's book list on small town romances that bring the heat

Lena Hendrix Why did Lena love this book?

Elsie Silver was a new-to-me author in 2021 and I’m hooked! A Photo Finish is actually book 2 in the series, but they are interconnected stand-alones. In this book, the female main character is a horse jockey. She’s strong, capable, and determined. The male main character is a veteran with secrets of his own and he is delicious and broody and really, really needs a hug. Those two have a secret, salacious past and it was so fun to see them clash and come together for an amazing, feel-good romance.

By Elsie Silver,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

I’ve seen every square inch of Violet Eaton’s delectable body and she has no idea who I am.

Until now.

What happened between us online, in our chats, was meant to stay anonymous and in the past.

Until it didn’t.

It’s a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller. When I move to the tiny town, the grumpy facade I’ve created slips when we’re forced to live under the same roof.

Every flush of her cheeks, every time her eyes flare with heat, every time she begs me not to stop, the ice I’ve encased myself in melts. She…


Book cover of On the Rocks

Lena Hendrix Author Of The Badge

From my list on small town romances that bring the heat.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author who writes hot-as-sin small-town romance. As an avid romance reader, when I found my love of all small-town things combined with high heat of steamy romance, I was hooked! With steamy, small-town romance you get feel-good, heartfelt romances with steamy, open-door scenes. If it can make you blush and warm your heart, I’m all in! In my list, I’ve included a variety of small-town romance authors that will tug at your heartstrings in one scene and have you fanning yourself in the next. 

Lena's book list on small town romances that bring the heat

Lena Hendrix Why did Lena love this book?

Kandi Steiner has been described as the queen of angst and it is so true! On the Rocks brings the small town tension together with angst that will definitely keep you up at night. I couldn’t put this down as I kept going, page after page, to see how the two main characters were ever going to find a way to be together. I love that she also gives glimpses of side characters that will eventually get their own books. 

By Kandi Steiner,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

I'm the mayor's daughter. He's the town bad boy. I'm engaged to someone else... but my heart belongs to him.

Noah Becker is nothing but trouble.

That’s what Mama told me when I was a kid, kicking his pew in church and giggling at the games we’d play. It’s what the town said when his father died and the Becker brothers went wild. And it’s on repeat in my mind the day I walk into the whiskey distillery where he works to buy a wedding gift for my fiancé.

He's trouble.
Dirty, sweaty, rude trouble.

No matter how many times…


Book cover of Steel King

Lena Hendrix Author Of The Badge

From my list on small town romances that bring the heat.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author who writes hot-as-sin small-town romance. As an avid romance reader, when I found my love of all small-town things combined with high heat of steamy romance, I was hooked! With steamy, small-town romance you get feel-good, heartfelt romances with steamy, open-door scenes. If it can make you blush and warm your heart, I’m all in! In my list, I’ve included a variety of small-town romance authors that will tug at your heartstrings in one scene and have you fanning yourself in the next. 

Lena's book list on small town romances that bring the heat

Lena Hendrix Why did Lena love this book?

This book has less heat than my other recommendations (but still brings the feels!) but it also combines small-town romance with a dash of Motorcycle Club (MC). It’s definitely not a dark romance, as my MC romances are, but it has mystery, suspense, and action! This is the first book in the series (you do have to read them in order) and focuses on a spunky reporter and former MC members as they try to solve a murder mystery.

By Devney Perry,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From USA Today Bestselling Author Devney Perry comes a small town, enemies to lovers romance.

The former Clifton Forge, Montana motorcycle club has everyone in town convinced they’ve locked their clubhouse doors and ripped off their patches. Everyone but Bryce Ryan. There’s more happening at the club’s garage than muscle car restorations and Harley rebuilds. Her instincts are screaming there’s a story—one she’s going to tell.

As the new owner of the small town’s newspaper, Bryce is hungry for more than birth announcements and obituaries. When a woman is brutally killed and all signs point to the club, Bryce is…


Book cover of Glimpses of Wilderness

Anise Eden Author Of Dead Sound

From my list on romances off the beaten path.

Why am I passionate about this?

Maybe it's because I'm an Aquarius, or maybe it's because I ate crayons as a kid. But people who know me well can confirm that I'm an oddball who has never fit neatly into boxes or been easy to categorize. Perhaps that’s why I've always enjoyed reading books that defy rules, break barriers, and cross genres. As an author, while I love grounding my books in reality for maximum authenticity, my stories definitely color outside the lines (see earlier crayon reference). I love reading and writing about the unconventional and the unexpected. If you're looking for romances that will take you off the beaten path, this list is for you.

Anise's book list on romances off the beaten path

Anise Eden Why did Anise love this book?

Glimpses of Wilderness is an absolutely enchanting example of the YA reincarnation/time travel romance genre – wait, there is no such genre, you say? Well, that's why I consider this romance "off the beaten path." It is truly a unique gem that transports you to a spellbinding world with a gripping plot and a beautiful, world-stopping love story. This romance has one hand on the ground and the other reaching out to touch the mysteries of the universe. I'm not usually a reader of young adult fiction, but for Lee Ann Ward's incredible writing, I'll make an exception.

By Lee Ann Ward,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

No nightmares about my dad’s car crashing or my sister’s tiny face vanishing in a window of red. No, not anymore. Now when I sleep I fall into an expanse of frozen wilderness, the other life I’ve lived… The one I’ve lived with him. Anna experiences vivid dreams from a past-life she lived in the 1800s with her husband Robert and their children in the wilderness of the Michigan Territory. Much like her own mother grieving the man and child she lost, Anna can’t simply let go of the memories that haunt her. But when she runs into Robert in…


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 Highlander's Christmas

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Author Of Highland Christmas

From my list on holiday historical romances set in the Highlands.

Why am I passionate about this?

Historical romance author Emmanuelle lives on the bonny banks of Loch Fyne with her husband and beloved haggis pudding Archie McFloof—connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys. She’ll never tire of dreaming up brooding, kilted heroes. 

Emmanuelle's book list on holiday historical romances set in the Highlands

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Why did Emmanuelle love this book?

A heart-tugger ‘secret baby’ medieval romance, featuring a ruthless mercenary assassin and another heroine disguising herself, this time as a widow to protect her illegitimate daughter. When the brooding Scot appears—with the goal of murdering her father no less—our heroine can no longer hide. There’s a whole lot of dark alpha warrior deliciousness going on, and chemistry that had me cheering for a happy ending. 

By Mariah Stone,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

He’s a Highland assassin. She’s the noblewoman he abandoned nine years ago. Can forgiveness give them a second chance at love this Christmas?

The Scottish Highlands, 1308. Infamous mercenary Hamish Dunn betrayed a powerful clan and is now pursued by killers almost as ruthless as himself. Deep in the snowy wilderness, a Highland faerie convinces Hamish to travel to the Border Lands for one last job.

Deidre Maxwell has a dangerous secret. She’s not the widow she claims but a disowned noblewoman with an illegitimate daughter. After being cast aside by Hamish, the man she loved, she’ll never let herself…


Book cover of A Girl Named Charlie

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 think so many of us can relate to the day-to-day life of Charlie, a single mom just trying to make it one more week. Charlie is charming with the perfect level of quirky.

One of the things I love about small-town romance is how the community comes into play. I love that his book has an amazing balance of that as well as a steamy romance between Charlie and Reid.

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 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. 

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