Tessa Bailey has perfected the recipe for addictive contemporary romance: a cup of scorching chemistry, a pound of hilarious, fast-paced banter, and a generous dash of grumpy-sunshine goodness. From the seaside charm of It Happened One Summer to the sizzling tension of her sports romances, her books are pure, unadulterated fun.
If you’ve burned through her entire backlist and are desperately searching for your next fix, you’re in the right place. This list features authors who deliver on the key elements that make Bailey’s stories so irresistible: high heat, lovable heroes, witty heroines, and swoon-worthy romance.
If you love the small-town settings and grumpy-but-devoted heroes of Bailey’s Bellinger Sisters series, Lucy Score should be at the top of your list. She excels at creating vibrant communities filled with quirky side characters and focuses on alpha heroes who are brought to their knees by smart, capable women. Her books often have a bit more angst but always deliver a satisfying, heartfelt romance.
For fans of blue-collar heroes and family-centric stories, Elsie Silver is a perfect match. Her Chestnut Springs series is a masterclass in cowboy romance, blending steamy scenes with laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth. Her heroes are possessive, protective, and completely gone for their heroines, much like Bailey's beloved characters.
If Tessa Bailey's sports romances are your jam, you will adore Helena Hunting. Best known for her Pucked series, Hunting writes hilarious, high-heat hockey romances filled with quirky heroines and charmingly clueless jock heroes. The dialogue is sharp, the situations are often absurdly funny, and the chemistry is always off the charts.
Meghan Quinn is another go-to author for funny, steamy sports romance. Her books are characterized by their rapid-fire banter, an abundance of heart, and heroes who are equal parts cocky and sweet. Like Bailey, she knows how to build irresistible tension between her characters, leading to explosive and emotionally rewarding payoffs.
This co-author duo excels at crafting witty, clever romances with unforgettable hooks. Whether it's enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, or forced proximity, Christina Lauren delivers stories with crackling dialogue and characters you can't help but root for. Their writing has the same modern, sharp, and fun feel as Bailey's work.
If you appreciate the emotional depth and well-developed characters in Bailey's stories, you'll fall in love with Talia Hibbert. Her books feature wonderfully diverse characters, sharp and witty banter, and a perfect blend of sweet, funny, and steamy moments. She writes with incredible warmth and intelligence, tackling personal growth alongside the romance.
A queen of the New Adult genre, Elle Kennedy is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Bailey’s blend of humor, heat, and heartfelt moments in a college setting. Her Off-Campus series is legendary for its witty banter, found family dynamics, and lovable hockey players who fall hard for smart, sassy women.
If snappy, workplace banter is what you crave, Sally Thorne is the author for you. Her debut novel is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers trope, packed with the kind of tension and witty dialogue that Bailey's fans live for. The slow burn of the animosity turning into affection is incredibly satisfying.
Vi Keeland crafts contemporary romances with intriguing plots, alpha heroes, and plenty of steam. Her stories often feature workplace settings and confident heroines who aren't afraid to challenge their stubborn, charismatic bosses. This dynamic will feel very familiar and enjoyable to fans of Bailey's work.
Often co-authoring with Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward also writes fantastic standalone romances. Her stories are known for their emotional depth, unexpected twists, and deeply compelling characters. She balances humor and angst perfectly, creating romances that are both fun and emotionally resonant, just like Bailey.
A newer voice in the genre, Hannah Grace took the world by storm with her debut novel. She writes sports romances that hit all the right notes for a Bailey fan: a lovable cast of characters, fantastic banter, a cinnamon-roll hero, and a healthy dose of steam. Her books are pure comfort reads filled with warmth and humor.
R.S. Grey writes lighthearted, funny romances that are quick, breezy, and incredibly entertaining. Her stories are filled with playful dialogue, charmingly awkward situations, and swoon-worthy heroes. If you love the comedic timing in Tessa Bailey's books, Grey’s romantic comedies will be a perfect fit.
Helen Hoang writes beautiful, heartfelt contemporary romances that feature neurodiverse characters. Her books are celebrated for their emotional intelligence, witty dialogue, and steamy scenes that are both hot and incredibly tender. If you love how Bailey’s characters connect on a deep, emotional level, you will appreciate Hoang’s thoughtful and moving love stories.
A note on pacing: Mariana Zapata is the undisputed queen of the "slow burn." Her relationships build gradually over the course of the entire book, with the payoff arriving much later than in a typical Tessa Bailey novel. However, if you have the patience, the emotional depth and incredibly rewarding endings are worth the wait. Her grumpy heroes are some of the best in the genre.
Kristen Ashley is an icon in the romance world, known for her alpha heroes, strong communities, and epic-length stories. Her writing style is distinct and immersive, making you feel like you're part of the character's world. Fans of Bailey's protective heroes and passionate storytelling will find a lot to love here, especially in her contemporary and motorcycle club series.
From the charming small towns of Lucy Score to the hilarious hockey rinks of Helena Hunting, these authors capture the same magic that makes Tessa Bailey's books so addictive. Whether you're here for the laugh-out-loud banter, the scorching chemistry, or the grumpy heroes with hearts of gold, your "to-be-read" list is now officially overflowing. Happy reading!