Fans pick 80 books like Unlikely Match

By Laura Bradbury,

Here are 80 books that Unlikely Match fans have personally recommended if you like Unlikely Match. 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 Paris Connection

Alana Oxford Author Of Scotsman in the Stacks

From my list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to tell people that I found my passion in life and it's books. I write them, read them, review them and I’ve been a librarian for 17 years. (I’ve worked in libraries for longer than that. Over 25 years!) It’s been dark times recently and romance has become my happy place. I’m a sucker for romances with pretty covers, quirky characters, and not so much of the on-page spice. If there’s some travel involved, even better!

Alana's book list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes

Alana Oxford Why did Alana love this book?

I fell in love with this book so hard that I read it all in one sitting. (Yes, that means I spent one, entire, luxurious day reading it! That day was an absolute gift.) I loved the writing style, the chance to armchair travel to Paris on the back of Leo’s moped alongside Hannah. It had just enough intrigue but was quiet and charming overall. Reading this book was like taking my mind to a spa to be pampered and rejuvenated. 

By Lorraine Brown,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Winner of the Launch Pad Writing Competition 2022
 
In this witty and heartfelt debut love story for fans of Josie Silver's One Day in December, a woman stranded in Paris for the day discovers that the wrong road can sometimes lead us in the right direction.

When Hannah and her boyfriend, Simon, set out to Amsterdam, they’re confident that they’ll make it to his sister’s wedding in time. However, unbeknownst to them, their train is scheduled to divide in the middle of the night. And when it does, half of it continues the route to Amsterdam. And the other half—the…


Book cover of Christmas at Frozen Falls

Alana Oxford Author Of Scotsman in the Stacks

From my list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to tell people that I found my passion in life and it's books. I write them, read them, review them and I’ve been a librarian for 17 years. (I’ve worked in libraries for longer than that. Over 25 years!) It’s been dark times recently and romance has become my happy place. I’m a sucker for romances with pretty covers, quirky characters, and not so much of the on-page spice. If there’s some travel involved, even better!

Alana's book list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes

Alana Oxford Why did Alana love this book?

I read this book after going through the hardest year of my life. I’d celebrated a milestone birthday followed shortly thereafter by the death of my dad. I was trying to cope with my grief and figure out how to be me again. This was the first book I picked up that year that I was able to read. It made me smile again and it filled my heart with joy. It was so well-written. The unusual setting of Finnish Lapland was a real treat. It just made me so happy that it’ll always be a special book to me. 

By Kiley Dunbar,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Christmas at Frozen Falls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Wow!!...This is a must read, heartwarming Christmas story. I would easily give this book hundreds of stars' Little Miss Book Lover 87

Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her honeymoon, she's freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess that's what happens when your fiance dumps you a week before your wedding...

Sylvie's best friend, Nari, plans a trip to see the Northern Lights and get Sylvie's mojo back. But as their Lapland getaway approaches, Sylvie realises that Frozen Falls is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her dreamy Finnish ex-boyfriend, the one that got…


Book cover of A Holly Jolly Diwali

Alana Oxford Author Of Scotsman in the Stacks

From my list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to tell people that I found my passion in life and it's books. I write them, read them, review them and I’ve been a librarian for 17 years. (I’ve worked in libraries for longer than that. Over 25 years!) It’s been dark times recently and romance has become my happy place. I’m a sucker for romances with pretty covers, quirky characters, and not so much of the on-page spice. If there’s some travel involved, even better!

Alana's book list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes

Alana Oxford Why did Alana love this book?

I loved this book! I was especially fond of taking the tour of India with the main character, Niki, who had never been to India before, despite the fact that her family is Indian and she’s 29 years old. She unexpectedly finds herself with the opportunity to go to India for her best friend’s wedding. While she’s there, she gets to celebrate Diwali at a big party when who should she meet but a handsome musician. The setting is fantastic, the characters are so lovable. This was just an excellent feel-good book. 

By Sonya Lalli,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Lalli's prose is deft, her characters are delightful and her book is the just-right holiday romance."--USA Today

One type-A data analyst discovers her free-spirited side on an impulsive journey from bustling Mumbai to the gorgeous beaches of Goa and finds love waiting for her on Christmas morning.

Twenty-nine-year-old Niki Randhawa has always made practical decisions. Despite her love for music and art, she became an analyst for the stability. She's always stuck close to home, in case her family needed her. And she's always dated guys that seem good on paper, rather than the ones who give her butterflies. When…


Book cover of Love Songs for Sceptics

Alana Oxford Author Of Scotsman in the Stacks

From my list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to tell people that I found my passion in life and it's books. I write them, read them, review them and I’ve been a librarian for 17 years. (I’ve worked in libraries for longer than that. Over 25 years!) It’s been dark times recently and romance has become my happy place. I’m a sucker for romances with pretty covers, quirky characters, and not so much of the on-page spice. If there’s some travel involved, even better!

Alana's book list on romances with G to PG rated love scenes

Alana Oxford Why did Alana love this book?

This was one of those books that I just held in my hands quietly for a few moments after I finished reading it because I felt like I’d just finished a masterpiece. (Does anyone say that about a romance novel? I do, because this book has it all.) 

I’ve always loved writing and what this author pulled off in the writing of this book is worthy of a standing ovation. The layers of the plot, those tidbits of information in the beginning that end up having a lot of meaning at the end. Ah! It was so beautifully and skillfully done! This is one of those books that makes me want to be a better writer. It’s an inspiration, and a really great story too!

By Christina Pishiris,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Love Songs for Sceptics as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A fantastic debut from a hilarious and brilliantly original new voice in women’s fiction. 

Love is for suckers...isn’t it?

My brother’s getting married in a few weeks and asked for help picking a song for his first dance. I suggested Kiss’ ‘Love’s a Slap in the Face’. It didn’t go down well.

When she was a teenager, Zoë Frixos fell in love with Simon Baxter, her best friend and the boy next door. But his family moved to America before she could tell him how she felt and, like a scratched record, she’s never quite moved on. Now, almost 20…


Book cover of Angel Investing: Start to Finish

Paul A. Swegle Author Of Startup Law and Fundraising for Entrepreneurs and Startup Advisors

From my list on startup success from someone with startup wins.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have worked with startups since 2000, when I joined ShareBuilder, ultimately sold to Capital One in a $9.5 billion deal – one of my five successful startup exits to date. I am currently an officer of seven startups. Startups drive global job creation and problem-solving innovation. But 90% fail, often for preventable reasons. I am helping entrepreneurs beat those odds. I wrote Startup Law and Fundraising to help entrepreneurs build on a solid foundation, avoid common legal and regulatory mistakes, and fund their vision. My books are used globally in law and MBA schools, and I speak constantly on entrepreneurship-related topics, including recently to groups in Istanbul, Ramallah, and Tehran. 

Paul's book list on startup success from someone with startup wins

Paul A. Swegle Why did Paul love this book?

The second most common reason startups fail is that they run out of money. Sometimes this is because startups misjudge demand for their products, but equally often it’s due to unsuccessful fundraising. Angel Investing: Start to Finish provides critical insights into the thinking of sophisticated angel investors – key sources of early-stage fundraising dollars for many startups. This book is co-authored by Joe Wallin, one of the top startup and venture capital attorneys in the U.S. Few attorneys are capable of providing better fundraising counsel to startups than Wallin, and this book clearly reflects Joe’s deep experience on both sides of fundraising – representing investors and representing startups. 

Entrepreneurs should read this book carefully to understand the guidance angel investors receive from attorneys like Wallin and from their fellow angel investors or angel groups. Doing so will help entrepreneurs anticipate angel investors’ tough questions, negotiate term sheets, and maintain strong…

By Joe Wallin, Pete Baltaxe,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Angel Investing: Start to Finish is the most comprehensive practical and legal guide written to help investors and entrepreneurs avoid making expensive mistakes.

Angel investing can be fun, financially rewarding, and socially impactful. But it can also be a costly endeavor in terms of money, time, and missed opportunities. Through the successes, failures, and collective experience of the authors you’ll learn how to navigate the angel investment process to maximize your chances of success and manage downside risks as an investor or entrepreneur.

You’ll learn how:

Lead investors evaluate deals Lawyers think through term sheets To keep perspective through losses…


Book cover of Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals

Theo Prodromitis Author Of The Balance Between Hustle & Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen

From my list on get you to take bold actions to improve your life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a Greek mom and entrepreneur at heart. Growing up, we cherished spirited conversations, ideas, and researching topics we loved. The whole goal was to really push each other to higher states of intellectual rigor that would improve the quality of life. Ideas and communication rival great food and Greek dancing fun. I share my passion for Philotimo (Greek imperative of love of honor and working for the greater good) through my books, brands, and marketing agency. I'm a fierce advocate for women and small businesses and have been featured in USA Today, Small Business Journal, Amazon Entrepreneurs, and enjoy being a weekly guest on national radio shows. 

Theo's book list on get you to take bold actions to improve your life

Theo Prodromitis Why did Theo love this book?

Skip the Line literally changed my perception of human potential. His deep dive into the path to achieving any goal exposes his secrets of success and failure. He has been a multi-millionaire and broke. James leaves nothing to chance or imagination in giving his step-by-step ideas and examples of how he broke through the commonly accepted limitations on steps to bold change. His style is self-effacing and so real that the story drags you in and you absolutely can not put it down.

By James Altucher,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The 10,000-hour rule isn't the only way to achieve mastery. Entrepreneur, angel investor and bestselling author James Altucher reveals a new mindset and proven toolkit that will empower anybody to quickly acquire the skills they need to succeed and achieve their dreams.

We live in a hierarchical world where experience has traditionally been the key to promotion. But that period is over! Straight, clear-cut career trajectories no longer exist. Industries disappear, job descriptions change, and people's interests and passions evolve. The key to riding this wave is to constantly be curious about what's next, to be comfortable with uncertainty so…


Book cover of Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups--Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $100,000,000

Janine Firpo Author Of Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World

From my list on women want more money investments.

Why am I passionate about this?

Almost 20 years ago, I committed to investing all of my money–starting with my cash–in ways that align with my values. It’s been a long and arduous journey, even with the help of financial advisors. When I retired, I took control of my money and realized investing this way does not have to be that hard. Moreover, most women want to invest in their values, but no one is helping them. So, I wrote a book to share the knowledge I’ve gained over 40 years as an investor. Later, I co-founded Invest for Better, a non-profit that puts women into investment clubs to help them become confident, values-aligned investors.   

Janine's book list on women want more money investments

Janine Firpo Why did Janine love this book?

As women, we have been primarily taught to save. Investment advice, when given, is usually focused on the stock market. But there are so many other options!

I was in my 50s before I realized I could be an angel investor. When I learned that only 2% of all venture capital invested in the United States goes to female teams, I wanted some of my money to support those women. So, I started educating myself.

Of all the books I read about angel investing, this was my absolute favorite. It was laid out well and introduced me to all the concepts I needed to know to get started as an angel.  

By Jason Calacanis,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

One of Silicon Valley's most successful angel investors shares his rules for investing in startups. There are two ways to make money in startups: create something valuable-or invest in the people that are creating valuable things. Over the past twenty-five years, Jason Calacanis has made a fortune investing in creators, spotting and helping build and fund a number of successful technology startups-investments that have earned him tens of millions of dollars. Now, in this enlightening guide that is sure to become the bible for twenty-first century investors, Calacanis takes potential angels step-by-step through his proven method of creating massive wealth:…


Book cover of Seven Seconds or Less: My Season on the Bench with the Runnin' and Gunnin' Phoenix Suns

Alex Squadron Author Of Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA

From my list on engrossing sports books that take you behind the scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was introduced to sports, specifically basketball, at a very young age and have been obsessed ever since. My first dream was to make it to the NBA, but I realized fairly early on that 1) I’m of average height, which means I’m very small for basketball, and, more importantly, 2) I’m not good enough to play in the NBA. So, I pivoted to writing and have been extremely fortunate to carve out a career that combines my two greatest passions. I’ve worked for SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, the New York Post, and the NBA. I don’t know much, but I know sports books. Really hope you enjoy these!

Alex's book list on engrossing sports books that take you behind the scenes

Alex Squadron Why did Alex love this book?

In a lot of ways, this book provided the blueprint for my own book as McCallum brilliantly captures an NBA season from the inside, detailing coaches’ meetings, film sessions, locker-room interactions, and more.

As a kid watching the NBA (I specifically remember watching the Phoenix Suns team McCallum covers!), I always wondered what was going on behind the scenes. This book answered all of my questions. 

By Jack McCallum,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Seven Seconds or Less as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sports Illustrated's chief NBA writer, Jack McCallum, only planned to spend the preseason with the Phoenix Suns as an "assistant coach" -- and then write a story about his experiences. Instead, he stayed on with the Suns throughout their exciting and controversial 2005-2006 season. Gaining access to everything from locker-room chats with superstar point guard Steve Nash, to coaches' meetings with maverick coach Mike D'Antoni, McCallum learned what makes this wildly popular, innovative, and international assemblage of talented players and brilliant coaches tick -- making Seven Seconds or Less an all-access look at one of the greatest shows in sports.


Book cover of The Artist

Samantha SoRelle Author Of The Gentleman's Gentleman

From my list on gay historical romances you haven’t read yet.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been writing queer historical romances/murder mysteries since the third grade when I accidentally wrote a pretty homoerotic Sherlock Holmes fanfiction despite being too young to know what any of those words meant. I’m now both a writer and reader of the genre and while I’m delighted that so many other people love gay historical romance as much as I do, I feel like I always see the same few books recommended. I wanted to share some of my lesser-known favorites so that they can get the love they richly deserve and so that there are more people who can geek-out about them with me!

Samantha's book list on gay historical romances you haven’t read yet

Samantha SoRelle Why did Samantha love this book?

Honestly, I could recommend all of Bonnie Dee’s back catalog, but this one in particular has always stuck with me. I think what I love most is that the setup seems like a standard Beauty and the Beast type tale, but instead, a thoughtful (and incredibly hot!) novel that doesn’t shy away from the fact that one of the characters is far from traditionally handsome, but embraces it.

I really cheered him on as he began to see himself in a new light, the way the man who loves him sees him.   

By Bonnie Dee,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Creating love from darkness is the greatest art…Living a bohemian lifestyle in Paris is wonderful for Teddy Dandridge, but disastrous for his finances. His unconventional artistic creations find few buyers. After a year of failure, he returns to England to fulfill a portrait commission for a wealthy family, but he finds a different, source of inspiration secreted away in their sprawling house. Isolated and rejected by his family, Phineas Abernathy haunts the west wing like a ghost. A physical deformity has locked him away from society for all his life. Filling his days with reading and drawing, he dreams of…


Book cover of The Paris Connection
Book cover of Christmas at Frozen Falls
Book cover of A Holly Jolly Diwali

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Interested in Bohemianism, foster care, and Paris?

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