Let’s check out some of the best books like Lessons in Chemistry.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a captivating and heartfelt novel that explores the life of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant young woman striving to find her place in the male-dominated world of science in the 1960s.
Determined to prove her worth, Elizabeth takes on a challenging job as a television cooking show assistant, where she uses her scientific knowledge to create culinary masterpieces.
Along the way, she grapples with personal and professional obstacles, challenging societal norms and 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.
Most people seem to love this book, so here is a list of books like Lessons in Chemistry.
List of Books Like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
- Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
- The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
- The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
- Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
The first book up on the list of books like Lessons in Chemistry is The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
Ali Hazelwood had this book published in 2021. It is around 400 pages long, and became a hit BookTok book.
In The Love Hypothesis, we follow the journey of Olive Smith, a dedicated biology Ph.D. candidate who, despite her disinterest in matters of the heart, finds herself entangled in the relentless pursuit of romance due to her persistent best friend.
Anh’s relentless desire to see Olive explore the world of relationships ignites a spark of rebellion within her. She decides she is going to have a fake boyfriend to get her best friend off her back. In a daring act of desperation, she seals her charade with an impulsive kiss shared with the first stranger she encounters—Adam Carlsen.
As fate would have it, Adam, an esteemed, yet grumpy professor, astonishingly agrees to play the role of Olive’s fake boyfriend.
The dynamics of their make-believe relationship take an unexpected turn when something crazy happens at a scientific conference. In this moment of vulnerability, Adam’s comforting presence reveals a hidden truth to Olive—a realization that shakes the very foundations of her beliefs.
Now faced with the task of navigating her complicated emotions, Olive must confront her own heart before their charade crumbles under the weight of deceit.
If this book has captured your soul then you can check out some other books like The Love Hypothesis.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Kiss Quotient, written by the talented Helen Hoang, is another book like Lessons in Chemistry. This book emerged onto the literary scene in 2018, and is 323 pages long.
In the book, The Kiss Quotient, we meet the extraordinary Stella Lane, a mathematical prodigy beyond compare. With lightning speed, she effortlessly solves any math problem that comes her way, even coming up with an algorithm to foresee her customers’ purchasing patterns.
Yet, despite her professional ability, Stella has a huge problem when it comes to romance. She has no idea what she is doing?
Living with Asperger’s, Stella experiences a sort of phobia to the thought of intertwining tongues with another human. Determined to conquer this fear, she decides she is going to practice.
Enter Michael Phan, an escort hired by Stella, who promises to help her practice. He becomes her guide, showing her all the intricacies of dating, from tender kisses to passionate lovemaking, and every delightful moment in between.
As Stella diligently checks off the items on her romantic syllabus, a peculiar sensation starts to develop within her. She starts to crave the intoxicating emotions that Michael brings out within her.
In the depths of her heart, Stella begins to comprehend that her connection with Michael might be more than just practice. She discovers that the affection she has for the world of numbers is nothing compared to the overwhelming power of love.
A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp
Imogen Crimp wrote A Very Nice Girl in 2022, an emotional novel spanning 336 pages.
This story revolves around Anna’s journey at the prestigious London Conservatory, where she struggles to find her place. Among her classmates, who hail from affluent backgrounds, Anna stands out as the exception, having won her spot at the university.
In truth, Anna feels like a square peg in a round hole everywhere she goes. She doesn’t quite fit in with her own family, and the same goes for the mysterious man she encounters at the bar she sings at.
Max, blessed with wealth, amazing style, and a beautiful flat, remains a mystery to her. Yet, Anna’s infatuation with him blinds her to the red flags that repeatedly emerge.
Nevertheless, Anna stands at a crossroads. She diligently attends singing classes, dedicating herself to rehearsals, as her career appears to blossom. However, no matter what she can’t shake the feeling that she longs for a genuine human connection.
Juggling everything in her life becomes an impossible task. She yearns to shine on stage, to be the triumphant performer, while simultaneously seeking to fit into her role as Max’s partner.
Will Anna stay true to her authentic self or risk sacrificing the very essence that sets her apart?
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Lynn Painter’s debut book, Better Than the Movies, hit the shelves in 2021, spans across 384 pages, and immerses the reader into a world of romance and self-discovery.
The story follows Liz Buxbaum, a determined young woman trying to capture the heart of her long-time crush, Michael. With Michael’s return to town after he moved away years ago, Liz attempts to get his attention just enough so that he will go to prom with her.
Her desire to grab his attention knows no bounds, even if it means teaming up with her frenemy, Wes Bennet. Wes, the attractive yet irritating neighbor who always steals her street parking spot, becomes an unexpected ally in Liz’s pursuit of Michael’s affection. Wes and Michael seems to be pretty decent friends so it gives Liz the idea to convince Wes to help her get closer to Michael.
As prom gets closer, Liz finds herself inexplicably drawn to the company of her annoying neighbor. The more time they spend together, the more Liz questions her preconceived notions of love. Could it be that the countless hours she spent watching romantic comedies misled her about the true nature of love?
Now faced with an internal struggle, Liz must confront her own beliefs and maybe even change her idea of happily ever after. Will she reevaluate her long-held dreams, or will she continue down the path she had envisioned?
In Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies, prepare to be captivated as Liz’s journey unfolds, challenging preconceptions about love and promise.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Another book like Lessons in Chemistry is Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score.
This novel is 570 pages long, inviting readers into a world of tangled emotions and unforeseen twists.
In Things We Never Got Over, we meet Naomi Witt, a woman who seems to have nothing but problems in her life. When her twin sister, Tina, flees her own wedding, leaving her brokenhearted groom at the altar, Naomi seizes the opportunity to support her sister.
Tina, known for her knack for trouble, finds herself in another predicament, and Naomi goes on a journey to find her.
The journey leads Naomi to the quaint Virginia town of Knockemout, where beer flows freely and the only other thing to do is fight. As she arrives, another unexpected problem awaits her—Tina has become a mother, and Naomi is introduced to her newfound niece.
However, some things never change, and Tina’s mischievous nature strikes once again. In a shocking turn of events, she bounces out of town with Naomi’s car, leaving her in charge over her niece.
While in her new life in Knockemout, Naomi crosses paths with Knox Morgan, a very attractive man who absolutely hates drama—a trait Naomi inadvertently possesses, courtesy of her sister. With no money, no means of transportation, and no clear direction, Naomi finds herself at Knox’s mercy. He takes pity on her and wants to assist her, convinced that once he resolves her problems, he can resume his ordinary life.
Yet, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that life rarely cares about our plans. Unpredictable emotions intertwine, steering Naomi and Knox’s lives toward a fate they never anticipated.
In Things We Never Got Over, Lucy Score paints a vivid portrait of resilience, love, and the unraveling of expectations. This book defies convention, leaving readers spellbound as they navigate through the heart.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game, written by Sally Thorne, was published in the year 2016, spanning 384 pages.
The novel follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, a pair of rivals whose disdain for one another knows no bounds. Hate may seem like a strong word, but in this case, it perfectly captures their feelings towards each other.
Lucy and Joshua both occupy prestigious roles as executive assistants in a flourishing publishing company. Like oil and water, they clash incessantly, engaging in a never-ending dance of passive-aggressive antics that seem to annoy them to no end.
Lucy, with her vibrant spirit and love for colorful clothes, cannot fathom Joshua’s joyless demeanor when it comes to his work. On the other hand, Joshua finds himself at odds with Lucy’s idiosyncrasies, her optimism, and the freaking colors!
Then the plot thickens! The flames of animosity reach scorching heights when these two enemies try for the same promotion. This latest bout of passive aggression threatens to strip Lucy of her cherished dream job, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her future.
Yet, in this storm of hatred, a subtle shift occurs. Lucy discovers a glimmer of something unexpected within Joshua. Dare she wonder if there are other feelings Joshua has for her other than hatred?
In this extraordinary turn of events, could it be that Lucy and Joshua find themselves drawn closer together?
The answer lies within the very heart of The Hating Game, where the boundaries of loathing blur, and an intoxicating connection emerges, defying all expectations.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
If you’re looking for books like Lessons in Chemistry, get ready to dive into Book Lovers by Emily Henry. This novel was published in the year 2022, and has a total of 416 pages.
Nora Stephens is an huge lover of books. She really loves reading, devouring every imaginable piece of literature that crosses her path. This appetite for books makes her the perfect fit for her career as a literary agent, where she effortlessly seals deals for her clients day in and day out.
Yet, within her own home, Nora finds herself lacking the same level of confidence. Wanting to be just like the heroines she admires in her beloved books, she wrestles with the reality that she is not like them. However, that doesn’t deter her spirit in the slightest.
In a bold move, Nora embarks on a month-long getaway to Sunshine Falls, nestled in the heart of North Carolina, accompanied by her sister. It is within this idyllic setting that she hopes to encounter someone extraordinary, someone who will sweep her off her feet.
And fate answers…
But hold on a moment! The man she keeps stumbling upon is not the dashing hero of her dreams. Instead, he is Charlie Lastra, a book editor from the bustling city. Nora repeatedly finds herself in chance encounters with Charlie, yet these meetings lack the charm and romance she had envisioned.
Curiously enough, these seemingly random encounters persist, leaving Nora to wonder if they hold a deeper meaning. As she dives further into Charlie’s world, she uncovers hidden facets of his life that might just rewrite her own story in the most unexpected way.
Prepare for Book Lovers to transport you to a world where books and destiny intertwine, proving that sometimes the most memorable stories unfold when we least expect them.
If you loved Book Lovers, you can find similar books!
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
The Proposal is a romance novel written by Jasmine Guillory. It was published in 2018, and is 352 pages long.
What would you do if you got proposed to in front of 45,000 people during the middle of a Los Angeles Dodgers game? You might freak out! And that’s exactly what happens to Nikole Paterson.
Long story short, she met an actor, started dating him, and 5 months into their relationship he takes her to a Dodgers game with his friends. Totally normal, right? Well, not really.
In the middle of the game, he proposes to her. It’s on the scoreboard, so everyone in the stadium is watching, and they’re all holding their breaths to hear her answer. Which, unfortunately for him, is a no. Rejected in front of everyone!
Standing there, Nikole is too embarrassed to do anything, so, a random guy, Carlos Ibarra, comes to rescue her and escort her away from the camera crew.
Of course, this blows up on social media, and it’s not in a good way. And guess who’s there for her again? Carlos Ibarra.
Since he’s an LA doctor, Nikole doesn’t believe that he will want anything serious, so she opts to make this guy her rebound. And it’s amazing! There is tons of food, fun, and oh, the sex is great too!
However, as you know, someone always starts to get feelings. So, who will it be, and who will try to put on the brakes before things get way too serious.
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
The Grace Year was written by Kim Liggett, and published in 2019. The book is 416 pages long.
In Garner County, girls have a seemingly magic power to lure men like a hypnosis, and make women extremely jealous. And it all happens during the grace year. A year where girls are on the cusp of womanhood.
Except no one actually talks about the grace year since it’s forbidden.
In their sixteenth year, women from the county are banished. They must go out and be purified in order to get ready for marriage. The problem is, not every girl who leaves comes back.
The Grace Year follows Tierney James. She dreams of having a better life in a society where the grace year doesn’t exist. Tierney’s grace year will arrive soon, and the closer it gets the more nervous she gets.
Women have a lot to fear on this journey. There are the brutal natural elements, and the poachers in the woods. These men try to take the girls and sell them for a huge profit on the black market.
Most of all, they have to fear themselves.
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
The True Love Experiment is a romance novel by Christina Lauren. This book was published in 2023, and is 416 pages long.
Felicity Chen, who goes by Fizzy, is feeling lost in life, even though she loves her career as a successful romance novelist. Her lost feeling starts when she is asked to give a commencement speech and she realizes she has never felt love before.
How could a romance writer never have felt love? Is her entire career based on lies?
Then we have Connor Prince, a documentary filmmaker, who loves to live near his daughter. For his next job, he is tasked with creating a successful reality TV show. The problem is he knows nothing about filming reality TV.
Connor and Fizzy run into each other in a perfect twist of fate. She believes that if she can go on his show and the whole world can see that she is capable of falling in love then no one would ever question her books. He’s too desperate to say no.
That begins the production of a new reality TV show called The True Love Experiment.
It’s brilliant, funny, cute, and checks all the boxes for the perfect contemporary romance book like Lessons in Chemistry.
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Last on the list of books like Lessons in Chemistry is Honey and Spice.
Bolu Babalola tells the tale of love and friendship in her book, which was released in 2022. This delightful read is 364 pages long, offering a world of excitement and charm.
Meet Kiki Banjo, the vibrant and caring host of Whitewell University’s Brown Sugar radio show. With her sassy yet tender-hearted nature, she dedicates herself to uplifting the women on campus, providing valuable relationship advice.
Kiki is determined to shield her listeners from the perils of “situationships” orchestrated by the cunning “players” lurking within the university walls, inevitably leading to heartbreak.
But wait! In a shocking turn of events, Kiki finds herself at the center of a scandal. Despite publicly denouncing Malakai Korede, the notorious “Wastemen of Whitewell,” she is caught kissing him at a party, right before the watchful eyes of everyone. Naturally, people begin to question the authenticity of her advice. Her show teeters on the edge of being lost.
In a desperate attempt to salvage Brown Sugar, Kiki and Malakai hatch a plan. They enter into a pretend relationship, hoping to fool their audience. Little do they know that this charade will unravel a world of unexpected possibilities. As their fake relationship progresses, fueled by intimate study sessions and late-night conversations over meals at the local diner, a glimmer of hope emerges.
For Kiki, opening her heart has always been a challenge, and she suspects Malakai is just another smooth-talking player. But is their connection deeper than appearances suggest? Can Malakai break free from his womanizing ways, and will Kiki allow herself to create a bond with this enigmatic man?
Honey and Spice seamlessly blends humor and warmth, drawing you into the lives of these wonderfully crafted characters. Prepare to fall head over heels for Kiki and Malakai as their journey unfolds, leaving you with a heart brimming with joy and a smile that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
I loved this book so much, it’s no wonder it has found a special place in my heart as one of Reese Witherspoon’s book club selections.