Looking for more books like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus? This captivating novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant young woman navigating the male-dominated world of science in the 1960s. Along the way, Elizabeth grapples with personal and professional obstacles, ultimately discovering the true power of resilience, love, and self-acceptance.
Garmus weaves together a tale of ambition, empowerment, and the enduring pursuit of dreams in this beautifully written and inspiring story. If you’re looking for more books that explore similar themes, check out the following list.
1. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
The True Love Experiment is a romance novel by Christina Lauren that was published in 2023. The book is 416 pages long and tells the story of Felicity Chen, a successful romance novelist who is feeling lost in life. Despite her career success, Fizzy has never experienced love, which becomes apparent when she is asked to give a commencement speech.
On the other hand, Connor Prince is a documentary filmmaker who loves to live near his daughter. He is tasked with creating a successful reality TV show, but he has no experience in filming reality TV. In a twist of fate, Fizzy and Connor meet each other, and she proposes that she goes on his show to prove that she is capable of falling in love.
This proposal leads to the production of a new reality TV show called The True Love Experiment. The show is a brilliant, funny, and cute contemporary romance that checks all the boxes for a perfect book, similar to Lessons in Chemistry.
2. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a novel that was published in 2022 and has 416 pages. The story revolves around Nora Stephens, a literary agent who is passionate about books and loves to read. Despite her success in sealing deals for her clients, Nora struggles with her own confidence and desires to be like the heroines in the books she adores.
In an attempt to find someone extraordinary who will sweep her off her feet, Nora embarks on a month-long getaway to Sunshine Falls in North Carolina with her sister. However, fate has different plans, and Nora repeatedly encounters Charlie Lastra, a book editor from the city, during her stay. Although these encounters lack the charm and romance Nora had envisioned, they persist, leaving her wondering if they hold a deeper meaning.
As Nora delves deeper into Charlie’s life, she uncovers hidden facets that may rewrite her own story in the most unexpected way. Book Lovers is a story that transports readers to a world where books and destiny intertwine, proving that sometimes the most memorable stories unfold when we least expect them.
3. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
The Grace Year, written by Kim Liggett and published in 2019, is a 416-page novel that explores the lives of young women in Garner County. In this county, girls possess a seemingly magical power that can attract men like a hypnosis and make women extremely jealous. The power manifests during the grace year, which is a year when girls are on the verge of womanhood. However, the grace year is forbidden, and no one talks about it.
In their sixteenth year, women from the county are banished to be purified for marriage. However, not every girl who leaves comes back. The novel follows the story of Tierney James, a girl who dreams of a life without the grace year. As her grace year approaches, she becomes increasingly nervous.
The journey to purification is fraught with danger. The girls must face harsh natural elements and poachers in the woods who try to capture and sell them on the black market. However, the greatest danger may come from within themselves.
4. The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
The Proposal is a romance novel authored by Jasmine Guillory. The novel was released in 2018 and has a total of 352 pages. The story revolves around Nikole Paterson, who gets proposed to in front of 45,000 people during a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Although she rejects the proposal, the incident goes viral on social media, causing her much embarrassment.
Carlos Ibarra, a random stranger, comes to Nikole’s rescue and escorts her away from the camera crew. He is an LA doctor, and Nikole assumes that he is not looking for anything serious. She decides to make him her rebound, and they both have a great time together, enjoying food, fun, and sex.
As their relationship progresses, Nikole and Carlos develop feelings for each other. However, Nikole is hesitant to take things further, fearing that Carlos might not be interested in a serious relationship. The novel explores the challenges that the couple faces as they navigate their feelings and decide whether to pursue a serious relationship or not.
The Proposal is a well-written novel that captures the complexities of modern-day relationships. It explores themes such as love, commitment, and the fear of vulnerability. The novel’s engaging plot and relatable characters make it a must-read for fans of the romance genre.
5. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a captivating novel that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and romance. The book follows the story of Liz Buxbaum, a determined young woman who is trying to capture the heart of her long-time crush, Michael.
Throughout the book, Liz’s desire to grab Michael’s attention leads her to team up with her frenemy, Wes Bennet. Despite their differences, Wes becomes an unexpected ally in Liz’s pursuit of Michael’s affection. As prom draws closer, Liz finds herself drawn to Wes, and the more time they spend together, the more Liz questions her preconceived notions of love.
The novel challenges preconceptions about love and promises, and the reader is left to wonder whether Liz will reevaluate her long-held dreams or continue down the path she had envisioned. Better Than the Movies spans across 384 pages and immerses the reader in a world of romance and self-discovery.
Lynn Painter’s writing style is clear and neutral, making the story easy to follow and engaging. The book is a perfect blend of romance and self-discovery, with relatable characters that the reader can easily connect with.
6. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a novel that captivates readers with its intricate plot and complex characters. The story revolves around Naomi Witt, who embarks on a journey to find her twin sister after she flees her own wedding. Naomi’s journey takes her to the town of Knockemout, where she meets Knox Morgan, a man who hates drama but takes pity on Naomi and offers to help her.
The novel is 570 pages long and is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Lucy Score paints a vivid portrait of resilience, love, and the unraveling of expectations, defying convention and leaving readers spellbound as they navigate through the heart.
The story is set in the quaint town of Knockemout, where beer flows freely and the only other thing to do is fight. As Naomi arrives, she is introduced to her newfound niece, who she is left in charge of after her sister bounces out of town with Naomi’s car. Naomi must navigate her new life in Knockemout, where she crosses paths with Knox Morgan, a very attractive man who wants to assist her.
Throughout the novel, Naomi and Knox’s lives become intertwined, steering them toward a fate they never anticipated. The story unfolds in unexpected ways, showcasing the unpredictable nature of life and the emotions that drive us.
7. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game, a novel by Sally Thorne, was published in 2016 and spans 384 pages. The book follows the story of Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two executive assistants who are constantly at odds with each other. Lucy, with her colorful clothes and vibrant spirit, clashes with Joshua’s joyless demeanor, while Joshua finds himself at odds with Lucy’s idiosyncrasies and optimism.
Their animosity reaches new heights when they both vie for the same promotion, threatening to strip Lucy of her cherished dream job and casting a shadow of uncertainty over her future. However, amidst this storm of hatred, a subtle shift occurs, and Lucy discovers a glimmer of something unexpected within Joshua. Could it be that Joshua has other feelings for Lucy besides hatred?
The Hating Game explores the boundaries of loathing and the emergence of an intoxicating connection that defies all expectations. The novel is a delightful and witty romantic comedy that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
8. A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp
In 2022, Imogen Crimp published A Very Nice Girl, a 336-page emotional novel that follows Anna’s journey at the prestigious London Conservatory. Despite being a talented singer, Anna struggles to find her place among her affluent classmates who come from privileged backgrounds.
Anna feels like a misfit everywhere she goes, including with her own family and the mysterious man she meets at the bar where she sings. Max, who is wealthy, stylish, and has a beautiful flat, remains a mystery to her. However, Anna’s infatuation with him blinds her to the red flags that repeatedly emerge.
Despite her struggles, Anna remains dedicated to her singing classes and rehearsals, hoping to shine on stage and become a successful performer. However, she also yearns for genuine human connection and finds it difficult to balance her desire for success with her relationship with Max.
As Anna stands at a crossroads, she must decide whether to stay true to herself or risk sacrificing her authenticity to fit into Max’s world. A Very Nice Girl is a poignant tale of self-discovery and the challenges of finding one’s place in a world that often values status over substance.
9. Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Bolu Babalola’s Honey and Spice is a captivating novel that tells the story of Kiki Banjo, a vibrant and caring host of Whitewell University’s Brown Sugar radio show. With her sassy yet tender-hearted nature, Kiki dedicates herself to uplifting the women on campus and providing valuable relationship advice. However, her show is jeopardized when she is caught kissing Malakai Korede, the notorious “Wastemen of Whitewell,” at a party.
To save her show, Kiki and Malakai hatch a plan to enter into a pretend relationship, hoping to fool their audience. As their fake relationship progresses, a glimmer of hope emerges, and they begin to question whether their connection is deeper than appearances suggest. The book seamlessly blends humor and warmth, drawing readers into the lives of these wonderfully crafted characters.
Honey and Spice is a delightful read that offers a world of excitement and charm in its 364 pages. The book’s plot is well-crafted, and the characters are relatable, making it easy to fall in love with Kiki and Malakai’s journey. Bolu Babalola’s writing style is engaging, and her ability to blend humor and warmth is impressive.
The book has found a special place in the hearts of many readers, including Reese Witherspoon, who selected it for her book club. Honey and Spice is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and captivating love story.
10. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
The Love Hypothesis is a novel by Ali Hazelwood that was published in 2021 and quickly became a popular BookTok book. The story follows Olive Smith, a biology Ph.D. candidate who is not interested in romance but finds herself caught up in it due to her best friend’s insistence.
To get her friend off her back, Olive decides to create a fake boyfriend and seals the deal with a kiss from the first stranger she meets, Adam Carlsen. Adam, a grumpy but esteemed professor, surprisingly agrees to play the role of Olive’s fake boyfriend. As their make-believe relationship progresses, something unexpected happens at a scientific conference, leading Olive to confront her complicated emotions and the truth about her beliefs.
The Love Hypothesis is a captivating story that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Hazelwood’s writing style is engaging and draws readers into Olive’s world. The novel is around 400 pages long and is a great choice for fans of romance and contemporary fiction.
If you enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, there are other books like it that you may enjoy as well.
11. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella Lane, a mathematical genius, is the protagonist of Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient. Despite her exceptional abilities in the professional world, Stella struggles with romantic relationships due to her Asperger’s syndrome. In an effort to overcome her fear of intimacy, she hires Michael Phan, an escort, to teach her the art of dating.
As Stella works through her romantic syllabus with Michael, she begins to develop a strong emotional connection to him. She soon realizes that her feelings for Michael go beyond just practice and that she is falling in love with him.
The Kiss Quotient is a heartwarming story that explores the power of love and the challenges faced by individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. Helen Hoang’s writing style is engaging and keeps readers hooked until the very end.
With 323 pages, The Kiss Quotient was published in 2018 and has since become a popular book among readers. The story is filled with tender kisses, passionate lovemaking, and delightful moments that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Summary
Books like Lessons in Chemistry offer readers a unique perspective on science and romance. Through the eyes of the protagonist, readers are able to explore the complexities of relationships and the intricacies of scientific research. The book’s compelling characters and thought-provoking plot make it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and love.