So you’ve watched Anyone But You. Then, you watched it again when The Valentine Encore dropped, and now you’re patiently (or not-so-patiently) waiting for any more news of a sequel.
What now? Sure, you could keep re-watching the movie, or, you could try watching other classics of the genre. But we have a better plan – one that involves reading.
As any aficionado of rom-coms knows, Anyone But You’s success relies heavily on its use of traditional romantic comedy tropes.
We’re talking fake dating. Enemies to Lovers. Trainwreck destination weddings.
Sure, many movies also hit these plots, but books thrive on the fake dating enemies-to-lovers shenanigans.
Which is why we’re rounding up the best books to read to fill that Anyone-But-You-sized hole in your hearts.
The best books like Anyone But You to read in 2024
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
It’s Complicated by Camilla Isley
Lori finds herself torn between her past and present when her best friend’s wedding necessitates a date. With Aiden, her lost love, out of reach, she turns to her brooding best friend Jace, whose wild nature has always kept her at arm’s length. As they embark on a charade that blurs the lines between friendship and romance, Lori discovers that pretending to be in love may just unearth genuine feelings she never expected.
Available at:
- $5.99 from Amazon
Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Liz Buxbaum is determined to finally catch the attention of her longtime crush, Michael, with the help of her irritating yet endearing neighbour, Wes. As Liz navigates schemes to win Michael’s affection, she unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Wes in ways she never imagined. With humour and heart, Liz learns that love may not always follow the script she imagined, leading her to question her own ideas of Happily Ever After in this delightful tale of teenage romance.
Available at:
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary
In the midst of chaos at Forest Manor Hotel, sworn enemies Izzy and Lucas find themselves forced to work together to save the failing establishment. As they set aside their differences to retrieve lost wedding rings and restore the hotel’s reputation, their bitter rivalry evolves into something unexpected. As they navigate the challenges of the busiest season, Izzy and Lucas must confront their growing feelings and decide if love is worth risking their hard-won truce and the future of the hotel.
Available at:
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive finds herself reluctantly paired with her sworn enemy, Ethan, for an unexpected Hawaiian honeymoon. As they navigate their pretend marital bliss to capitalize on the free trip, Olive’s luck takes a turn when she discovers unexpected feelings blossoming between them.
Available at:
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic son of the American President, finds himself embroiled in a tabloid scandal involving Prince Henry of Britain. To salvage U.S./British relations, they’re forced to fake a friendship, but as they spend more time together, their animosity turns into a secret romance. As their love deepens, Alex and Henry must navigate the complexities of their positions and decide whether their relationship is worth risking everything for.
Available at:
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Shay Goldstein and Dominic Yun, colleagues at a Seattle radio station, clash over their differing approaches to broadcasting. When the station needs a new concept, they propose “The Ex Talk,” where they pretend to be former lovers offering relationship advice. As their on-air chemistry sparks listeners’ interest, Shay and Dominic must navigate their growing feelings for each other while facing the potential consequences for their careers, in a story that blends humour, romance, and the challenges of professional and personal boundaries.
Available at:
Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones find themselves entangled in a fake relationship after a disastrous blind date orchestrated by Darcy’s well-meaning brother. Despite their differences—Darcy’s analytical nature clashes with Elle’s free-spirited personality—they agree to play along to save face. However, as they navigate family dynamics and holiday chaos together, their fake relationship begins to feel all too real, leading them to confront their true feelings amidst the magic of the holiday season.
Read Next: In a Reading Slump? Here are 5 New Books to Read in February 2024
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