Mariana Zapata’s books really hit the spot for readers who love a good slow burn romance and characters that feel incredibly real. Her stories often feature heroines who are strong and independent.
If you enjoy books with a similar vibe, where you get to know the characters deeply and the romance builds slowly over time, then finding authors like Mariana Zapata is likely something you would be interested in.
If you enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances packed with strong tension and sharp dialogues, Penelope Douglas might be your next favorite author. Douglas explores emotional romance full of intensity and complex chemistry between characters.
A great introduction is “Punk 57,” a novel centered around Misha and Ryen, pen pals since childhood who’ve promised never to meet face-to-face.
But when circumstances unexpectedly place them in each other’s lives, secrets threaten to unravel their carefully built bond, and what they discover about each other surprises them both.
Douglas delivers heartfelt writing and relatable characters whose interactions bring excitement and depth to each page.
If you enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances filled with sharp dialogue and memorable characters, Sally Thorne is a name to explore. Her popular novel, “The Hating Game,” brings readers right into the amusing yet tension-filled office rivalry between Lucy and Joshua.
Working as executive assistants for two co-CEOs, these two are constantly at odds through sarcastic comebacks and hilarious pranks. Beneath all their competition, however, there’s a spark neither can ignore.
Sally Thorne crafts humor and tenderness effortlessly, creating a story that’s both entertaining and satisfying.
Lauren Blakely is a popular author known for crafting fun, heartfelt romances full of chemistry and sharp dialogue. Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-building romance stories might appreciate Blakely’s “Big Rock.”
In this entertaining romance, Spencer Holiday is a confident businessman who pretends to be engaged to his best friend, Charlotte, to close a business deal. The plan is simple—fake it for a week, no emotions involved.
But as the pretend relationship unfolds, sparks start to fly, and real feelings become harder to ignore. It’s funny, filled with charm, and has characters easy to love and relate to.
R.S. Grey is an author known for contemporary romances filled with humor, warmth, and slow-building romances that readers of Mariana Zapata will enjoy.
Her book, “The Beau & the Belle,” is set in New Orleans and follows Lauren, who has always had feelings for Beau, her parents’ tenant. After ten years apart, Lauren returns to the city as an adult. Beau is no longer her parents’ renter but is now a successful lawyer.
Their reunion sparks humor, tension, and romantic chemistry that slowly develops into a satisfying love story. Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s style of slow-burn romance and relatable characters will appreciate Grey’s enjoyable storytelling and sweet, funny dialogue.
Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances and great chemistry should check out Tessa Bailey. Bailey crafts romantic comedies full of witty banter, irresistible tension, and memorable characters.
Her novel “It Happened One Summer” centers around Piper Bellinger, a spirited socialite from LA. After a PR disaster, Piper’s wealthy stepfather sends her to run a rundown bar in a small coastal town.
Piper soon clashes with Brendan, a practical and hardworking sea captain who doubts she’ll last long in town. But beneath their initial conflict, a sparkling romantic connection slowly emerges.
Through playful dialogue and plenty of heartwarming moments, Bailey creates a romance readers will want to savor.
Readers who enjoyed Mariana Zapata’s slow-burning romances may find Helen Hoang’s novels equally charming. Helen Hoang’s storytelling combines warmth, wit, and deeply relatable characters navigating complicated relationships.
Her novel “The Kiss Quotient” features Stella Lane, a successful econometrician on the autism spectrum, who, wanting to overcome her dating anxieties and inexperience, hires an escort named Michael Phan to teach her about romance.
As Stella and Michael spend more time together, their straightforward arrangement leads to genuine connection and heartfelt intimacy. Hoang vividly portrays the challenges Stella faces while thoughtfully exploring what it means to open yourself to love.
Fans of well-crafted, emotionally rich romances will appreciate Hoang’s heartfelt approach.
Lucy Parker writes contemporary romance novels full of witty dialogue, captivating characters, and slow-building relationships that fans of Mariana Zapata will appreciate.
Her book “Act Like It” features two actors, Lainie Graham and Richard Troy, who must fake a romantic relationship to improve Richard’s troubled public image. Lainie is charming and witty, while Richard is talented but comes off as aloof and hard-to-like—at first.
Parker’s engaging storytelling highlights the humor, chemistry, and gradual connection between these two very different people forced into close quarters. If you enjoy romance that takes its time and fully develops that spark between characters, “Act Like It” delivers.
If you enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances and playful dialogue, Christina Lauren might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Christina Lauren is actually a writing duo—Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings—who team up to deliver funny, heartfelt contemporary romances that grab your attention from the very start.
Their book “The Unhoneymooners” centers around Olive Torres, who finds herself forced into a honeymoon trip with Ethan, a guy she can’t stand. It’s a story full of humor, misunderstandings, and sweet moments that will keep you smiling as you turn the pages.
The chemistry between Olive and Ethan builds intriguingly, and the witty back-and-forth will remind you why you love a good romantic comedy.
If you enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances with witty dialogue and relatable characters, Meghan Quinn might quickly become a favorite. Quinn specializes in heartwarming, humorous romantic comedies that blend heartfelt emotion with sharp banter.
Her book “The Locker Room” offers a quirky college romance between Emory, who has sworn off dating athletes, and Knox, a confident baseball player determined to break down her defenses.
Their hilarious interactions, charming chemistry, and emotional push-and-pull create a romantic storyline similar to Zapata’s style. Readers will appreciate Quinn’s skill in crafting characters who feel genuine, funny, and deeply likable.
Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burning romances and heartfelt stories may find Colleen Hoover equally appealing. Hoover crafts emotionally charged, character-driven narratives, often exploring complex relationships and challenging situations.
One standout example is “It Ends with Us,” a powerful novel that follows Lily Bloom as she navigates her past and present relationships. Lily meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, whose charm and intensity quickly capture her attention.
As their relationship deepens, connections to Lily’s past emerge when her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears. Lily confronts difficult choices between love, self-respect, and forgiveness.
Hoover’s storytelling thoughtfully handles sensitive topics, leaving readers invested in Lily’s emotional journey and the outcome of her difficult choices.
Books by Vi Keeland offer a fun blend of romance, humor, and witty banter that fans of Mariana Zapata might enjoy. If slow-burning romance mixed with lively dialogue catches your attention, consider “The Deal.”
This story follows Avery, a hard-working attorney, whose life takes a turn when she meets Carter, a charismatic football star. Their first encounter is tense and full of misunderstandings, but their paths keep crossing, and tension gradually turns into something deeper.
Keeland writes charismatic characters and engaging stories filled with sharp, playful conversations, giving readers plenty to smile about.
Readers who love Mariana Zapata’s heartfelt romance and slow-burn relationships might enjoy K.A. Tucker’s books. Tucker crafts stories that focus on complex characters, emotional connections, and believable relationships.
Her novel “The Simple Wild” introduces readers to Calla Fletcher, a city girl who travels to remote Alaska to reconnect with her estranged father. There she meets Jonah, a rugged, straightforward pilot who tests her patience and assumptions at every turn.
The tension between them grows slowly through humor, moments of conflict, and meaningful conversations, creating a story that’s both emotional and satisfying.
Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances may find Katy Evans an exciting author to explore next. Evans crafts stories filled with intense chemistry and emotional depth, similar to Zapata’s style but with a unique, bold touch.
In her novel “Real,” she introduces readers to Remington “Remy” Tate, a magnetic underground fighter whose fierce persona conceals hidden vulnerability.
Brooke Dumas is hired as his rehabilitation specialist and soon discovers that Remy’s personal battles outside the ring are as challenging as his fights inside of it.
The novel carefully builds tension between Brooke and Remy, taking readers on a heartfelt, passionate journey as the two characters learn to trust each other and confront their pasts.
Sarina Bowen Sarina Bowen writes romance novels that blend heartfelt emotion with relatable characters and smart dialogue. Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s slow-build relationships might connect easily with Bowen’s style.
A good place to start is “The Year We Fell Down,” which tells the story of Corey and Adam, two college athletes facing unexpected setbacks due to injuries.
Although life doesn’t go quite according to their plans, their growing friendship and undeniable chemistry bring warmth and depth to every page. The story explores themes like resilience and new beginnings, giving readers both laughter and emotional moments to enjoy.
If you appreciate realistic romances with characters you can really root for, this book might be worth picking up.
Readers who enjoy Mariana Zapata’s engaging romances with witty banter and relatable characters should take a look at Emma Chase. Chase creates lively contemporary romances filled with humor, charm, and strong chemistry.
Her book “Tangled” introduces readers to Drew Evans, a confident and successful investment banker whose world turns upside down when he unexpectedly falls for his fierce and smart new colleague, Katherine Brooks.
This story is told uniquely from Drew’s refreshingly blunt and hilarious male perspective, offering a fun, smart, and entertaining ride into love and relationships. Fans of Zapata will appreciate “Tangled” for its humor, heartfelt moments, and memorable, believable characters.