Explore our guide with the top authors like Ali Hazelwood with a unique spin on modern new adult, and contemporary romance novels.
Ali Hazelwood has carved out a unique and incredibly successful literary niche in the romance world: Smart, flirty love stories about women who work in STEM fields and higher academia. It’s no huge surprise – Hazelwood herself is a neuroscience professor – but the approach resonated with readers worldwide thanks to books like The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.
Suppose you’ve snapped up some romance author best sellers (don’t forget Hazelwood’s collection of novellas called Loathe to Love You). In that case, you may be desperate to find something similar until Hazelwood can release her next work. The romance aisle at your local – or digital – bookstore probably isn’t much help here. But this list has you covered with other writers to try while waiting.
Must-Read Authors Like Ali Hazelwood
1. Lynn Painter
Painter is a bestselling author who specializes in romantic comedies that are accessible to both teens and adults. She approaches stories with a quirky style that fans of Hazelwood may appreciate. Her books are friendly enough to a wide range of readers that you can easily share them with others or nominate them for an accessible, comforting book club read. Painter lives with her husband and children in Nebraska and writes for the Omaha World-Herald. But you’re probably more interested in reading novels like Mr. Wrong Number, The Do-Over, or Betting on You.
In 2025, Painter continues to build her reputation as a master of contemporary rom-com, with her books consistently hitting bestseller lists and gaining devoted followings on BookTok.
“You aren’t a hot mess at all, Livvie. You’re just this … this … human tornado who is so alive, so filled with the energy of the moment, that there occasionally is a little collateral damage.”
Lynn Painter, The Do-Over
2. Nisha Sharma
Sharma’s contemporary romances offer an excellent alternative to Hazelwood, that are likely to scratch the same itch. Indian family dynamics and culture inspire her books, but this Pennsylvanian writer and professor have an approachable style for everyone. Readers have a few options for diving in. Big Hazelwood fans will want to begin with Dating Dr. Dil, the first book in an upcoming series (so there’s plenty to wait for, including the second book, Tastes Like Shakkar). If you want a more reliable series, the Singh Family Trilogy is complete and begins with The Takeover Effect.
Sharma’s exploration of South Asian culture in contemporary romance has found particularly strong resonance in 2025, as readers increasingly seek diverse voices and authentic cultural representation.
“Prem called out to his smart home device. ‘Google, play Dudes’ Night playlist.’ ‘Playing Dudes’ Night,’ Google replied. Taylor Swift’s album Reputation slipped through his wall speakers.”
Nisha Sharma, Dating Dr. Dil
3. Christina Lauren
Christina Lauren may have appeared on bestseller lists frequently, but it is the pen name of two talented authors, Christina Hobbs, and Lauren Billings. Together they create powerful contemporary fiction, romances, and YA work, and their books have been translated into over 30 languages. Like a surprising number of authors on our list, they got their start in writing fan fiction before eventually meeting and pairing up to write professionally.
Readers have many choices here, especially if they like casual romances and young adult relationships. The Unhoneymooners may be a good starting place and will likely become a movie, as is Roomies. The Wild Seasons series follows a group of friends after college and is another pick for those who want to dive into an entire series.
The writing duo continues to dominate contemporary romance in 2025, with several of their books optioned for streaming adaptations, cementing their place as pioneers of modern romantic fiction.
“Rumor has it your dad brought her flowers and she pulled off every petal and used them to spell PUTA in the snow.”
Christina Lauren, The Unhoneymooners
4. Katherine Center, 1972 -
For a more traditional take on romances, Center is an excellent pick for comfort reads that are still a notable step above what you may call the Harlequin romances. Center earned her Masters in fiction from the University of Houston and has written numerous bestsellers, essays, and video talks. Readers can pick from various reads, but her most popular titles include the bestseller How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, and The Bodyguard. Not only are her books getting made into movies, but they’re also great picks for book clubs and other groups.
Center’s focus on emotional healing and second chances has found renewed relevance in 2025, as readers seek stories that address resilience and personal growth in challenging times.
“Yes, the world is full of unspeakable cruelty. But the answer wasn’t to never feel hope, or bliss, or love-but to savor every fleeting, precious second of those feelings when they came.”
Katherine Center, Things You Save in a Fire
5. Tessa Bailey
Bailey is often described as a character-focused author, writing steamy romances prioritizing interesting female leads and often, gruff male love interests. She’s also been praised for her ear for dirty talk and her comedic plot points. As a prolific author, Bailey offers several starting points for new readers. You may want to start with Fix Her Up, a story of a party planner who concocts a fake relationship with a house flipper to improve both their standings, but it starts to turn into something genuine – it’s the first book in the Hot & Hammered series, each following a different couple in pursuit of zany love.
Bailey’s ability to balance steamy romance with genuine emotional depth has made her one of the most consistently popular authors in contemporary romance throughout 2025.
“We’re not about cutting people out of our lives. We’re about refusing to accept anything less than what we deserve. About realizing that we’re all important here despite mistakes or bad relationships or lackluster careers.”
Tessa Bailey, Fix Her Up
6. Elena Armas
Armas finally did what many writers wanted during COVID: Use the lockdown as a time to write her first novel. That book, The Spanish Love Deception (another tale about a fake romance that turns into real feelings), immediately became a bestseller. While Armas is a Spanish writer instead of an Italian like Hazelwood, readers will still find lots to appreciate.
For example, Armas has a degree in chemical engineering and writes with a similar, smart style. Her books offer plenty of exciting plot work as well as steamy sex and seduction – it’s understandable if readers sense a certain amount of inspiration from telenovelas mixed with clever contemporary wit. Readers who enjoy her first book can also pick up The American Roommate Experiment. Unfortunately, like Hazelwood, Armas is a new author, and her third book, The Long Game, is still coming.
Armas has become a social media sensation in 2025, with her STEM background and bilingual storytelling approach inspiring countless readers who see themselves reflected in her intelligent, culturally rich narratives.
” ‘Do I have your attention?’ ‘You don’t need to do any of that.’ He lowered the large black-and-white-colored pages with a swift motion. ‘You always have my undivided attention, Catalina.’”
Elena Armas, The Spanish Love Deception
7. Amy Lea
Canadian writer Amy Lea specializes in springy, feminist-forward romances that make great reads for teens and adults alike. Like many on our list, she’s a relatively new writer who has seen a burst of popularity and even has books optioned for film. Currently, Lea lives in Ottawa with her husband and Goldendoodles. Readers can choose between books Set on You and Exes & O’s, which deal with contemporary romance situations like fitness influences vs. gym nerds and the perils of modern dating apps. Lea’s third book, Woke Up Like This, is on the way, too.
Lea’s focus on body positivity and social media culture has made her particularly relevant in 2025, as her stories tackle contemporary issues with humor and authenticity.
“When I was growing up, there was only one Disney princess who looked like me. And Mulan was great, don’t get me wrong. But just because I didn’t have blond hair like the other princesses didn’t mean I couldn’t be who I wanted to be.”
Amy Lea, Exes & O’s
8. Six de los Reyes
Another win for scientists-turned-romance-writers, Six de los Reyes is a scientist by the sea with an intelligent eye for summer flings, beach romances, and crushes turning into something serious. Hazelwood fans will have no trouble finding popular titles from Reyes like Beginner’s Guide: Love and Other Chemical Reactions, which is not a textbook but a clever romance about a molecular genetics graduate student who takes a scientific approach to her dating life with unexpected test results. Field Guide: Love and Other Natural Disaster is also a favorite, or you may want to try her Summer series, sultry collections of short story summer flings like Summer Crush.
Reyes continues to be a hidden gem in the STEM romance subgenre, with her scientifically accurate storytelling and tropical settings providing perfect escapist reading for 2025 audiences.
“I don’t want to change me,” I answered. “That’s why I set up the parameters of the Boyfriend Experiment the way I did. Because this is who I am. And I really like my brain, and I just want someone who understands it. Someone whose brain I can also understand.”
Six de los Reyes, Beginner’s Guide: Love and Other Chemical Reactions
9. Colleen Hoover, 1979 -
Hoover is now a well-known romance and young adult fiction writer – if you don’t know her name, there’s still a good chance you’d recognize the titles of some of her books, such as It Ends With Us. She didn’t start writing until later, starting her first book in 2011. Since then, she has written regularly and amassed an impressive catalog with plenty to choose from. It Ends With Us is a popular recommendation but can be challenging for some people because of its focus on domestic violence. Her other books are generally lighter, including Losing Hope and This Girl, which have both won Goodreads Choice Awards.
Hoover’s phenomenon continued to dominate BookTok and reading culture through 2025, with her emotional storytelling and willingness to tackle difficult subjects maintaining her position as one of the most influential voices in contemporary romance.
“All humans make mistakes. What determine a person’s character aren’t the mistakes we make. It is how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”
Colleen Hoover, It Ends With Us
10. Elle Kennedy
Another author from Canada, Elle Kennedy, writes contemporary and suspenseful romance books. After earning a degree in English from York University, Kennedy began pursuing her goal of writing and soon authored a wide variety of novels. One of the most prolific writers on our list, readers can choose all kinds of romantic adventures from Kennedy, from very casual young adult romance to steamy bodice rippers. The Off-Campus series, focusing on college sex and relationships, is an excellent place to start. While each book can be read as a standalone, the first is The Deal, about a highly competent student tutoring the hockey team captain.
Kennedy’s Off-Campus series has found a new generation of readers in 2025, with college-aged audiences discovering her books through social media recommendations and finding her portrayal of academic life and relationships incredibly relatable.
“Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”
Elle Kennedy, The Deal
11. Helen Hoang
Hoang’s innovative approach to romance with an eye on the woman in unique, often challenging positions will remind many readers of Hazelwood’s work. Daughter of a Vietnamese immigrant, Hoang grew up struggling with anxiety and related problems that eventually helped inspire her books about women working on the difference between their inner emotional landscape and outward impressions. The Kiss Quotient, Hoang’s first novel, is an excellent starting place, covering the journey of an autistic woman, Stella, who sets to work on her romantic life while dealing with her problems with intimacy and love. Related titles, including The Bride Test and The Heart Principle, follow it.
Hoang’s authentic representation of neurodivergent characters has made her a particularly important voice in 2025, as the romance genre increasingly embraces diverse neurological experiences and mental health awareness.
“If you can’t stand being with a woman who’s more successful than you, then leave her alone. She’s better off without you. If you actually love her, then know the value of that love and make it a promise.”
Helen Hoang, The Kiss Quotient
12. Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s bold take on adult romances quickly won attention and earned her places on book lists created by Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, and many others. She’s considered one of the best modern romance writers, which embraces the quirks, moods, and wonder (and humiliation) of real relationships. Readers of Hazelwood may want to start with Book Lovers to get a taste of what Henry can do. However, her other romance titles, like Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, are famous works and easy standalone novels to enjoy.
Henry’s literary approach to romance has elevated the entire genre in 2025, with her books being discussed in book clubs, academic settings, and literary circles as examples of how romance can be both entertaining and profound.
“‘Nora.’ He just barely smiles. ‘You’re in books. Of course you don’t have a life. None of us do. There’s always something too good to read.’”
Emily Henry, Book Lovers
13. Talia Hibbert
Let’s head to Britain for Hibbert’s tantalizing romance work, which includes sharp, contemporary novels and paranormal romance for those who like a little otherworldly spice. Hibbert, who used an inheritance from her great-grandmother to start self-publishing before finding success, is acclaimed for her habit of writing very diverse main characters with various perspectives on life.
From women struggling with chronic pain and autism, to characters with many different body types, readers will love the representation in Hibbert’s books. There are different series readers can choose from, from The Brown Sisters series to a new trilogy that just began with Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Hibbert’s commitment to authentic representation of disability, mental health, and diverse body types has made her a leading voice in inclusive romance, with her influence growing significantly throughout 2025.
“‘Red,’ she whispered. ‘You don’t always have to be okay.’ She leaned closer and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He was still for a moment. But then he looked at her, and smiled, and murmured, ‘I know. But I am okay, with you.’”
Talia Hibbert, Get a Life, Chloe Brown
14. Chloe Liese
Liese claims to focus on the three H’s – heat, heart, and humor. As a neurodivergent writer, like some of our other picks, she incorporates some of her own experiences in her work, and various characters also fall along the spectrum. Those interested in Liese can start with books like Better Hate than Never or Two Wrongs Make a Right, called contemporary Shakespeare retellings following sisters searching for love.
Liese’s neurodivergent representation and Shakespeare retellings have found a devoted audience in 2025, particularly among readers seeking both classic literary elements and contemporary authenticity.
“I have a strict moral code. I don’t share penises with friends.”
Chloe Liese, Two Wrongs Make a Right
15. Sally Thorne
USA Today bestselling author Australian Sally Thorne writes a sharp, humorous romance with exciting twists and a feel for finding love in another person’s unique outlook on life. The Hating Game was listed in the top 20 romance novels of 2016 by the Washington Post and landed a spot in the finalist list in the Goodreads Choice Awards romance category. Thorne lives in Canberra, Australia, and spends her time writing, reading, drinking tea, and hanging out with her Pug - Delia. Interested readers have several books, including The Hating Game, 99 Percent Mine, and Second First Impressions.
The movie adaptation of The Hating Game introduced Thorne to new audiences in recent years, and her enemies-to-lovers expertise continues to attract readers in 2025 who love slow-burn tension and witty banter.
“‘How You Doing, Little Lucy?’ His bright tone and mild expression indicates we’re playing a game we almost never play. It’s a game called How You Doing? and it basically starts off like we don’t hate each other.”
Sally Thorne, The Hating Game
16. Lauren Asher
Has a common pattern emerged yet? Lauren Asher is another talented romance writer, a young millennial often writing with other millennials in mind, preferring to keep to a quiet life and letting her words do all the talking (she also offers mixtape playlists designed to play while reading certain books). One of her best titles is The Fine Print, the first of the Dreamland Billionaires series. It follows a brilliant fixer who works to make billionaire dream projects come true – and the rich man she starts to fall in love with despite his outward demeanor. Others may prefer the slightly more down-to-earth Throttled, about an up-and-coming Formula 1 racer.
Asher’s multimedia approach to storytelling, including curated playlists and social media engagement, has made her particularly popular with younger readers in 2025 who appreciate the complete immersive experience she creates around her books.
“You know how the saying goes. Act like a dick, lose said dick.”
Lauren Asher, The Fine Print
17. Jessi Kirby
When she isn’t writing, Jessi Kirby works as a middle school librarian with her family in California. But when writing, Kirby creates incredible YA romances that combine elements of mystery, drama, love, and suspense into addictive reads. Kirby’s first book, Moonglass, won awards for its take on the teen mystery as high schooler Anna moves to the beach with her father and falls in love while also exploring the mysteries behind her mother’s tragic death in the exact location many years ago. Golden and In Honor offer similar fascinating reads.
Kirby’s background as a librarian gives her unique insight into what young readers want, and her books continue to be discovered by new generations of teens in 2025 through library programs and educator recommendations.
“I knew that meant we were done and that we’d smooth over the surface I’d just tossed a rock into, but even the waves that crash down on the beach start out as tiny ripples, far out at sea.”
Jessi Kirby, Moonglass
18. Rachel Lynn Solomon
Solomon writes about everyday people falling in love with a romantic comedy take that’s enjoyable to read and friendly for teens and ages well above. As an American expat living in Amsterdam with her husband, Solomon writes with empathy and fun, with an eye on struggling professionals trying to navigate a realistic world of love and money. Solomon’s popular books include Business or Pleasure (about a ghostwriter and struggling actor who pair up in more ways than one) and Weather Girl (where a meteorologist schemes with a sports reporter to save their bosses’ relationship).
Solomon’s international perspective and focus on workplace romance has found particular resonance in 2025’s post-pandemic working world, where readers appreciate stories about finding love while navigating career challenges.
“It’s still scary as fuck, though,” Alex continues. “Putting your heart out there and not knowing whether the other person will be careful with it.”
Rachel Lynn Solomon, Weather Girl
19. Mariana Zapata
Bestseller Mariana Zapata writes traditional romance novels with a twist, sometimes called the new adult genre. Her main characters tend to find themselves at key turning points in their lives, like desperately landing a job at a motorcycle club (which happens to have a cute guy) or running away to the countryside to escape a past life (with a new landlord who is also a cute guy).
With nearly a dozen books, readers have many choices here depending on what romantic circumstances they prefer and their particular flavor of a cute guy. Common recommendations include All Rhodes Lead Here, Luna and the Lie, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, and her latest book, When Gracie Met the Grump (this one has superheroes).
Zapata’s slow-burn approach and character development have earned her a devoted following, with readers in 2025 particularly appreciating her patient storytelling style in an era of instant gratification.
“I didn’t want to like you. I didn’t plan on feeling this protective of you and your smile and your heart. Definitely didn’t want to fall in love with you and your secrets. But then you had to go off and say, ‘You snooze you lose, motherfucker,’ and I knew my life was never going to be the same after that.”
Mariana Zapata, When Gracie Met the Grump
20. Abby Jimenez
American writer and bestseller Abby Jimenez is a cake master. No, she founded her cake company Nadia Cakes and now owns multiple cake shops in California and Minnesota. She even won a Cupcake Wars on Food Network in 2013. But fortunately for all the readers, Jimenez is also a talented writer who enjoys acerbic commentary and unexpected meet-cutes with heartwarming results.
For readers who want to start reading Jimenez, Yours Truly follows a doctor who starts crushing on her workplace rival. At the same time, The Happy Ever After Playlist focuses on an adrift young woman who happens to fall in love – with a sexy musician’s dog. Meanwhile, Friend Zone explores the world of a tough woman facing a difficult medical decision and a sudden whirlwind romance simultaneously.
Jimenez’s unique background in both the culinary and literary worlds, combined with her honest portrayal of life’s challenges, has made her books particularly beloved by readers seeking authentic emotional experiences in 2025.
“I was a ghost, wandering the rooms of a museum of the person I used to be, and Jason was like one of the living who could somehow see me and decided to wander the place with me.”
Abby Jimenez, The Happy Ever After Playlist
