“The possibility of you is better than the reality of anyone else.”
If you love Ana Huang’s captivating blend of romance, strong chemistry and emotionally charged relationships, you’re certainly not alone! Ana Huang’s books, such as her Twisted series, have gained a massive following for their slow-burning romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics and the intense emotional connections at stake. Whether you’re drawn to the angsty tension, complex characters or the sizzling chemistry between the leads, there are plenty of other great books out there that offer a similar feel. Today at What We Reading, we’ve rounded up the best books like Ana Huang, featuring strong female leads, romantic suspense and passionate stories that will keep you hooked. From slow-burn romance to books with plenty of angst and spice, these picks are perfect for readers craving the same kind of intense, heart-pounding relationships Huang is renowned for.
The Deal (Off-Campus #1) – Elle Kennedy
First up on our list of books similar to Ana Huang is the viral BookTok sensation, The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Featuring a slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers tension and complex characters, this new adult romance is sure to captivate readers craving the same chemistry and emotional depth found in Huang’s Twisted series.
The story follows Garrett, a hockey player who is in desperate need of help passing his classes, and Hannah, a smart, strong-willed student with a personal stake in ensuring Garrett stays in school. What starts out as a fake relationship soon blossoms into something more, filled with heated chemistry, emotional growth and plenty of angst. The Deal is jam-packed full of heartwarming moments and sizzling tension, perfect for anyone who loves books with emotional connections and romantic suspense.
A Court Of Thorns And Roses (A Court Of Thorns And Roses #1) – Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses is a must-read romantasy series that is perfect for any fans of Ana Huang’s works. The plot follows Feyre, a huntress who unknowingly slays a faerie and is taken to the magical realm she has been warned about her whole life. There, she encounters Tamlin, a powerful fae who initially presents himself as her captor but who soon becomes the object of her complicated feelings.
With its mix of romance, magic and suspense, A Court of Thorns and Roses offers fans of slow-building romance and angst-fuelled chemistry and truly unforgettable ride. Blending slow-burning romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics and emotional intensity it is still one of the best go-tos for anyone who loves Huang’s character-driven stories.
Check Out The Best Books Like A Court This Cruel And Lovely
Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove #1) – Shelby Mahurin
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is another captivating fantasy romance perfect for fans of Ana Huang’s emotionally charged love stories. The first entry in the Serpent & Dove series is filled with enemies-to-lovers dynamics, romantic tension and a strong heroine, making it the perfect follow-up for anyone who enjoys Huang’s complex characters. Readers follow Lou, a witch who has fled her coven and is hiding her powers, and Reid, a witch hunter sworn to eliminate individuals like her.
When they are forced into an unlikely marriage, their already volatile relationship intensifies, and their undeniable chemistry grows stronger with each passing day. As Lou and Reid navigate their way through their forbidden attraction, they are pulled into a world of magic, secrets and that challenge their beliefs and force them to face their pasts.
Wait For You (Wait For You #1) – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Avery is a young woman with a traumatic past who is attempting to rebuild her life and find peace at a new college. Enter Cam, a charming and persistent guy who is determined to break down her many emotional walls. As their relationship develops, their chemistry grows; but Avery continues to struggle with letting go of her past and truly open up to Cam.
With plenty of angst, slow-building tension and a strong emotional connection, Wait for You mirrors many of the themes in Ana Huang’s books, including layered characters, vulnerability and deep emotional growth. Like Huang’s novels, this intense slow-burning series features a strong heroine and a romantic hero who is willing to fight for their future, no matter the obstacles stacked against them.
Kingdom Of The Wicked (Kingdom Of The Wicked #1) – Kerri Maniscalco
Kerri Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked is a dark, thrilling romantasy series similar to Ana Huang’s intense, slow-burning love stories. The story follows Emilia, a young witch determined to uncover the truth behind her twin sister’s murder. Her quest leads her to the wicked world of the Princes of Hell, where she forms a dangerous and forbidden alliance with Wrath, one of the seven princes.
Despite their undeniable attraction, Emilia and Wrath are enemies, and their relationship soon begins to boil with tension, passion and emotional conflict. Similar to Anna Huang’s books, Kingdom of the Wicked features dark magic, forbidden love and simmering tension, perfect for readers who love strong female protagonists, emotional turmoil and the sort of romantic suspense guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Broken Knight (All Saints High #2) – L.J. Shen
The second entry in the All Saints High new adult series, L.J. Shen’s Broken Knight follows Knight, a brooding and damaged young man, and Luna, a girl who has always maintained a distance from him. When Luna is forced to confront Knight’s troubled past, she finds herself drawn to him, despite their obvious differences. As their relationship evolves, they navigate the complexities of trauma, trust and undeniable chemistry.
Much like Ana Huang’s novels, Broken Knight is brimming with intense emotional depth, slow-building romance, and a passionate enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Knight’s journey is one of healing and discovery and paired with Luna’s strength and vulnerability, it conjures a compelling mix of passion, angst, and emotional growth that any fan of Huang is sure to recognise.
A Love Letter To Whiskey (A Love Letter To Whiskey #1) – Kandi Steiner
Faye is a woman caught between her love for Jamie, a man who has always been a part of her life, and the complicated, often painful connection they share. As they navigate through their tumultuous relationship, Faye is forced to grapple with her feelings and the undeniable chemistry between them.
Kandi Steiner’s A Love Letter to Whiskey is similar to Ana Huang’s books on the back of its longing, angst and tantalising slow-burning romance that keeps readers hooked. The characters’ emotional growth echoes the themes of vulnerability and complexity found in Huang’s bestsellers. With its raw and real portrayal of love, the heartbreaking tension between Faye and Jamie is perfect for any reader looking for another tale of depth, suspense and plenty of passion.
The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom #1) – Danielle L. Jensen
The Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen opens with Lara, a skilled assassin, sent to marry the ruler of a rival kingdom in a political alliance. However, as she starts to form a connection with her new husband, Aren, the kingdom’s mysterious and powerful ruler, she finds herself questioning everything she has been taught.
Torn between duty and the inescapable chemistry she feels with Aren, Lara faces impossible choices that could change the course of her life and her kingdom. The deep connection between Lara and Aren evolves over time, making their relationship compelling and full of heartache and longing. With its blend of political intrigue, forbidden love and simmering passion, The Bridge Kingdom is one of the best romantasy books like Ana Huang for readers looking for another story of strong female leads and complex, character-driven plots.
Check Out These Tantalising Forced Proximity Books
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).
