100 books like Torn

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.

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. 

I cannot explain why, but this book is the book I will always find some reason to recommend. Krit is my original book boyfriend, and Blythe is, if I had to pick, the character I would bring to life to be friends with. Krit calls Blythe “Love,” which always makes me smile.

I loved how simple it was to call her that, but it's not necessarily something we hear often in the United States. It was an endearment that wasn't overtly sexual–sometimes, he would call her that, and it was only to calm or comfort her. I also think it was perfect for the character of Blythe, who unfortunately hadn't felt loved by anyone before Krit. 

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. 

What’s better than a figure skating pair romance? One where the newly formed team are enemies! Jasmine has never reached the same elite level as Ivan, but now that she’s temporarily paired with him for one season, she’s determined to make the most of it, even if they spend their ice time bickering.

Jasmine has a supportive, close-knit family, but she’s not getting younger, and her divorced father pressures her to finally give up her skating aspirations and go to college. Jasmine is scrappy, snarky, and impossible not to root for. This slow-burn romance builds organically as Ivan’s arrogance quietly shifts to admiration for and loyalty to his new partner.

This book also has one of the swooniest micro trope moments: Ivan’s hidden feelings come out in an achingly sweet slip as he cares for Jasmine and calls her “baby.”

This book broke my heart and stitched it back together. Abby Jimenez's writing style is magnetic, and her characters make me laugh and cry in equal amounts. Every time I need a pick-me-up, I pull out this book.

There are few perfect romantic comedies out there. Some have third-act breakups that don’t make sense. Some are riddled with miscommunication or surprise baby tropes that have a person feeling all the ick. This is not that book. Does it have miscommunication? Yes, in a reasonable, wonderful kind of way. Does it have a surprise baby? Yes! In a way that deepens the two main character’s connection.

The fact that this writer can take my two most disliked tropes and make them entertaining shows just how incredible this author is at her craft. Most importantly, it made me giggle my ass off, and if that is a requirement for you, then this… show more.

This book is on many folks’ Best of 2023 list, and for good reason. It’s romantic, funny, and irreverent. And Maehrer birthed it from a TikTok series of short videos. There’s nothing not to like here. 

Evie Sage needs a job badly. Her family needs the money to eat, so it doesn’t matter what employment she finds, just as long as they pay her. A chance run-in with the town’s most Evil Villain ends in a job offer, and she takes it. It doesn’t hurt that he’s attractive, even if he runs a nefarious crime empire. (Insert evil laugh here.)

While drooling over her boss isn’t required, it’s sure fun. However, it all turns very serious when someone turns against the Villain and puts her job in jeopardy. Besides, she’s not certain who the real bad guys are. 

The joy here is how the author turns the hero/villain trope on… show more.

Sometimes a woman can get herself into a situation that she doesn’t see coming and is nervous about telling anyone.

In this book, the protagonist, Lily, is one of those women. I’m drawn to stories where you go on a journey with the main character as she finds her voice and begins to stand up for herself and realizes she’s worth much better in life, than the way she’s being treated.

Many women feel shame around getting themselves into these kinds of situations, but we are all human, and it can happen subtly, so subtly that you don’t see it coming. Lily becomes a strong woman, and that strength is something I admire.

This book was THE book that made me want to write a marriage in trouble.

It features characters to absolutely hate in the first few chapters, but then they turn it around and become lovable by the end of the book. I love the idea of a married couple (or engaged one) sleeping in separate rooms because of their distance and then they slowly move back into the same room.

This book also features a terrible mom who gets owned by her kid who’s finally had enough of them, which is always my favorite part of any book. This is a novel to get hooked on, and the ending scene where she finds their wedding invitations in the trash had my jaw on the FLOOR!

Abbi Glines is the best at writing fun, steamy, New Adult summer romances.

You can’t help but be immediately immersed into the story, especially with all of the angst and drama and tension that leaves you needing to see how it’ll all work out. This book has got all those fun tropes that make a great poolside read: bad boy/good girl, enemies to lovers, step-siblings, forced proximity, and a coastal beach town.