“How can we appreciate the sun every morning if we don’t live through the dark?”
Suppose you loved The Fine Print by Lauren Asher. In that case, you’re in for a treat with these romance novels that offer the most tantalising blend of steamy chemistry, emotional depth and intriguing storylines. The Fine Print became a global bestseller on the back of its forbidden romance, complex characters and delicate dance between love and power. Whether you’re drawn to grumpy/sunshine tropes, rivals-to-lovers dynamics or slow-burning relationships, we here at What We Reading have you covered with the best books like The Fine Print! Each recommendation delves into themes of personal growth, complicated relationships and irresistible attraction, all set against captivating backdrops that add to the allure. From high-stakes business settings to unexpected connections, these are all the must-reads if you loved Lauren Asher’s work!
The Deal (Off-Campus #1) – Elle Kennedy
Kicking off our list of books like The Fine Print is Elle Kennedy’s steamy sports romance read, The Deal. Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But, whilst she may be confident in every other part of her life, sex and seduction are not her strong suit. If she wants to secure her crush’s attention, she knows she has to step outside of her comfort zone and force him to take notice.
All Garrett Graham ever wanted is to play hockey after graduation; however, his plummeting GPA is threatening to upend everything he has worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous is what it takes to help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to a passionate night together, it doesn’t take long for Garrett and Hannah to realise that pretending may not be as straightforward as they first thought.
The Wall Of Winnipeg And Me – Mariana Zapata
Vanessa Mazur is adamant she is doing the right thing. She shouldn’t feel guilty about quitting. After all, being the assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organisation was always supposed to be a temporary affair. She has big plans, none of which include washing extra-large underwear for any longer than is necessary.
Yet, when Aiden Graves suddenly wins up at her door wanting her to come back, she’s beyond shocked. For over two years the man dubbed ‘The Wall of Winnipeg’ had never found the time nor the effort to bid her a good morning. Now, he’s asking for the unthinkable. Like The Fine Print, Mariana Zapata’s The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is a slow-burn romance featuring a loveable grumpy hero and a relationship built on contract and shared growth.
Twisted Love (Twisted #1) – Ana Huang
One of the best enemies-to-lovers books like The Fine Print, Twisted Love follows Alex Volkov, an affluent and brooding billionaire, and Ava Chen, the sweet, innocent sister of his best friend. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Alex has always maintained a distance from Ava, believing that his dark past makes him unworthy of her.
But, when tragedy strikes, Alex becomes her protector, and their relationship soon takes a sudden and intense turn. Filled with tension, heated moments and a deep, passionate connection, Twisted Love explores themes of family, loyalty and the struggle between desires and self-control.
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Mister Romance (Masters Of Love #1) – Leisa Rayven
As his alter-ego, Mister Romance, Max is a drop-dead-gorgeous escort who makes all romantic fantasies a reality. Whether they want a dominating billionaire, a bad boy with a heart of gold, a hot geek or a best friend who loves them from afar, Max is able to make it all happen, all whilst keeping his true identity hidden. Which is where investigative journalist Eden Tate comes in.
Having caught wind of the urban legend that is Mister Romance, Eden is determined to publish a scathing expose on the swoon-worthy socialite. Desperate to protect his anonymity, Max challenges Eden to give him three dates. If she doesn’t fall for him, she will be free to run her story with his blessing. But, if she falls victim to his charms, the story dies. Eden is convinced she can resist his fake romance personas; but, when the real Max confesses something shocking, she has to decide whether this professional liar may just be telling the truth.
The Mister (Mister & Missus #1) – E.L. James
Life has been easy for Maxim Trevelyan. With his good looks, aristocratic connections and money, he has never had to work and has rarely been without company in bed. But, all that changes when tragedy strikes and Maxim inherits his family’s titles, estates and all the responsibilities that come with such wealth. Nevertheless, his biggest struggle of all is reserved for the desire for an enigmatic woman who has recently arrived in England.
Reticent, beautiful and musically gifted, she’s an alluring mystery, and Maxim’s longing for her soon deepens to depths he isn’t able to explain. Just who is Alessia Demachi? Can Maxim protect her from the malevolence that threatens her? From the heart of London and the rugged Cornwall landscape to the forbidding beauty of the Balkans, E.L. James’ The Mister is the perfect follow-up to The Fine Print for anyone looking for another deliciously dark unexpected love story.
Ruthless People (Ruthless People #1) – J.J. McAvoy
From the outside, Melody Nicci Giovanni and Liam Callahan appear the perfect couple: giving to charities, helping the homeless, and rebuilding the city. But, behind closed doors, there is a constant battle for dominance between two bosses, cultures and hearts.
Melody has achieved more than any man could ever dream of, killing anyone who dared step in her way. She knows exactly what sort of man Liam is, and would rather die than give up the power she has spent her whole life acquiring. But, with no other family left, she must learn to not only work with him but the entire Callahan clan as a whole. Set in the gripping backdrop of mafia-dominated Boston, Ruthless People features a strong independent heroine and a dangerous but captivating hero, perfect for any fans of The Fine Print.
The Professional (The Game Maker #1) – Kresley Cole
Another one of the best books like The Fine Print featuring power dynamics and complex emotions, Kresley Cole introduces readers to mafia enforcer Aleksei ‘The Siberian’ Sevastyan in The Professional. Aleksei’s loyalty to his boss is unquestionable; right up until the point he meets the boss’ long-lost daughter, a curvy, feisty, redhead. Ordered to protect her, Aleksei is prepared to do anything to possess her – on his own wicked terms.
Grad student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the dark and breathtaking Sevastyan before he whisked her away to Russia. Every day under his protection enthrals her further under his masterful spell. Yet, all is not as it seems. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the uber-rich in Paris, these two lovers will soon discover that even their darkest – and most forbidden – fantasies can become a reality.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
