Enhance Your Library Collection with Great Big Beautiful Read-Alikes
Emily Henry’s latest novel, Great Big Beautiful Life will be hitting the shelves on April 22 (preorder the ebook and audiobook here), and readers are buzzing with excitement! To keep the bookish joy flowing, we’ve put together a collection of read-alikes that capture the same delightful mix of romance and humor. In this blog, you’ll find some highlights, many more RomCom HEAs are waiting for you in the full collection available in Marketplace. Many of these selections are available in the budget-friendly OverDrive Max lending model, making it easier than ever to keep your patrons happy without breaking the bank!
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer is the first in a spicy and unforgettable rom-com duology. The story follows Piper Bellinger, a fashionable and influential Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town. There, she butts heads with Brendan, a surly and sexy local sea captain who thinks she doesn’t belong. Despite her initial struggles and the shabby apartment with bunk beds, Piper is determined to prove herself.
As she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, she finds herself drawn to Brendan, despite their differences. With its witty banter, undeniable attraction, and heartfelt moments, It Happened One Summer is perfect for fans of Emily Henry’s engaging storytelling. This book has been featured on E!Online, PopSugar, CNN, EliteDaily, Vulture, Buzzfeed, Bustle, and more, making it a must-read.
Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren
Christina Lauren’s Tangled Up In You is a witty and deeply romantic modern reimagining of Disney’s Tangled. Part of the acclaimed and bestselling Meant to Be collection, this novel follows Ren, a young woman raised off the grid, and Fitz, a man with his life meticulously planned out. Ren has never used an iPhone or followed a crush on social media, but she has read countless books, taught herself to paint, and built a wind power system from scratch.
Fitz is focused on graduating at the top of his class, clearing his criminal record, and maintaining his image as a rich, handsome player. When Ren crashes into his life, his carefully laid plans are thrown into jeopardy. A simple assignment in their immunology seminar leads them on an unexpected road trip, where they discover that the key to their dreams might be sitting right next to them. With its blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth, Tangled Up In You is a must-read for fans of Emily Henry’s work.
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
Kate Clayborn’s Georgie, All Along is perfect for fans of the emotional depth in Emily Henry’s writing, as it proves you can go home again. Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy has always put others before herself, but an unexpected upheaval sends her back to her hometown, where she must confront her own wants and needs. Georgie discovers a forgotten “friendfic” diary she wrote as a teenager, filled with possibilities she once imagined.
The diary’s simple ideas become a lifeline for Georgie as she starts on a new path. Her plans hit a snag when she meets Levi Fanning, a former town troublemaker turned hermit. Despite his reputation, Levi offers to help Georgie with her quest, and as they work through her wishlist, Georgie realizes that what she truly wants might be right by her side. Honest and deeply emotional, Georgie, All Along is a smart, tender must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered about the life that got away.
Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
Jenny Holiday’s Earls Trip is a witty, charming, and character-driven story that has been praised as one of the best historical romances in years. Described as “Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton for a 19th century spin on The Hangover,” this laugh-out-loud bromantic comedy features three Regency-era Earls on their annual trip. Archibald Fielding-Burton, the Earl of Harcourt, and his ride-or-die buddies, Simon and Effie, offer each other unconditional support in everything from lady problems to family woes.
This year, their trip takes an unexpected turn when Archie receives an urgent letter from an old family friend, leading to the rescue of his childhood pals, Clementine and Olive Morgan, en route to Gretna Green. Despite her adamant opposition to marriage, Clem makes Archie an indecent and delightful proposal: to show her the pleasures of the marriage bed before she settles into spinsterhood. With its blend of humor, romance, and adventure, Earls Trip is perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore, India Holton, Virginia Heath, Manda Collins, and Suzanne Allain.
10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall
From the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material and Husband Material comes 10 Things That Never Happened, a delightfully fun spinoff about two opposites willfully determined never to attract. Sam Becker manages a bed and bath retailer and gets along well with the quirky team that keeps the store running. Although he likes his job, he finds the owner, Jonathan Forest, infuriating. When Jonathan orders Sam to London for a difficult conversation, Sam panics, trips, bumps his head, and accidentally implies he has amnesia.
Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea to avoid getting sacked, but now Sam must deal with Jonathan’s guilt and the surprising realization that his surly boss might have a softer side. As Sam and Jonathan grow closer, Sam faces the dilemma of whether to reveal the truth or continue building their future on one impulsive lie. With its blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth, 10 Things That Never Happened is a must-read for fans of Emily Henry’s books. This novel has been praised by Christina Lauren, Talia Hibbert, and Sonali Dev, making it a standout in the rom-com genre.
These captivating titles are just a taste of the romps and laughs awaiting your patrons in the read-alikes collection available in Marketplace. Stock up and curate your Libby collection with these must-reads and keep your patrons coming back for more. With the budget-friendly OverDrive Max lending model, it’s easier than ever to share the love.
