9 Romances to Read if You Enjoyed THE WEDDING DATE
Jasmine Guillory’s The Wedding Date is the newest romance darling, so it’s likely that its readers—whether romance veterans or newcomers—will be looking for more. While there’s nothing that I can think of that has all the same tropes as this book, there are plenty of wonderful (or at least very enjoyable) novels that give us the same feeling as readers, or have similar plot lines and tropes.
The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton
A one-night stand leads to something more between an event planner and an NFL player. Our heroine, a single mother not looking for a relationship, lets the hero pursue something more, but they have their ups and downs. There are also elements of long distance relationship, which plays a key role in The Wedding Date.
Under His Kilt by Melissa Blue
Two people installing a museum exhibit have plenty of sexual tension, but both have firm rules about sleeping with colleagues. When Jocelyn informs Ian of her birthday plans, which include some hot birthday sex, Ian offers his services. A fling follows, even though Ian’s circumstances mean their relationship is finite. (I don’t think the Ian in the story is quite as pale as the cover would convey, if you’re worried about that. I think he’s getting his Vitamin D.) (Heh.) (I’m a child.)
Rumor Has It by Cheris Hodges
If you want some competence porn to the Nth degree, this is your book. If you loved watching Drew and Alexa being amazing people and doing their work, you’ll love Liza and Jackson. They both care about their community, and we get to watch them do what they do best.
Wrapped by Rebekah Weatherspoon
One thing I love about Alexa is how much she loves donuts. Well, I’m not sure what Shae’s position is regarding donuts, but she is a baker and loves to eat, whether she creates it or not. If the brief descriptions of food in The Wedding Date made you hungry, you had better have a seven course meal before you start reading this one. Also, Shae and Aidan are just adorable together. (P.S. this presents itself as a Christmas novella but it can totally be read anytime.)
One True Pairing by Cathy Yardley
If “I need you to be my girlfriend this weekend” is what you really enjoyed about The Wedding Date, OTP is definitely a good place for you. Hailey is a barista in a smallish town that is currently hosting a convention for the hottest Supernatural-esque new show. The third lead in the show, Jake is well-loved by the fans, but doesn’t seem to have the same faith from the network. Something that could help his Q score? A twu wuv encounter with a local. Their arrangement is just until the end of the convention, but when does that ever happen?
First and First by Santino Hassell
Two very competent human beings with very different personalities lock horns in this mid-series (but totally readable even if you haven’t read the others) book. This is another one of those good for people who are down for forced-proximity. People stuck together in a snowstorm falling in love? Yes, this is for you. (Actually, if forced proximity is your thing, you just want to read Santino Hassell’s entire ouvre. He’s super good at that. Snowstorms? Blackouts? He’s got you covered.)
Shacking Up by Helena Hunting
If the long-distance thing with lots of love by phone (okay, not that way, sorry) is what you enjoyed about The Wedding Date, try this one on for size. Ruby gets kissed by a random dude with a cold right before an audition that is the only possibility of her covering her rent. When they meet again, she lightly manipulates him into letting her stay at his apartment while he’s out of town for several weeks. He has exotic pets and it’s very cute.
Thaw by ElYse Springer
Want more public servant romance? Abigail is a librarian (yay, librarians!) fighting to keep her library open. Her work at the library and for her community is nicely woven into the story of her budding romance with a supermodel she dances with at a swanky gala, expecting to never see again. But Gabrielle is very interested in her, and while Abby is hesitant in part because of her asexuality, the two can’t really stay away from each other, even with Gabrielle’s reputation and exes getting in the way all the time.
Acute Reactions by Ruby Lang
Here is another pair of professionals for whom work gets in the way, but they figure it out. Allergist Petra and restauranteur Ian meet at Petra’s practice, where he’s gone for treatment. Petra finds her new patient attractive, but can’t risk the ethical setbacks of dating a patient and can’t lose a patient in her budding practice. But she really likes Ian. And Ian likes her. What’s a pair to do?
***
I could really keep telling you more. Since first compiling this list, I have read A Princess in Theory, which has some amazing competence porn and also high emotions in a short period of time. Or maybe you want something more like Love On My Mind, which, alongside its companion books, has strong commentary on the contemporary issues of interracial coupledom. (One thing I’ll admit none of these has is that fade to black sexy times element. If that was what drew you to The Wedding Date, I will unfortunately have to direct you somewhere else. I know where my limitations are :sob emoji:)
Do you have recs for someone who loved The Wedding Date? Share them in the comments!
