This list of 12 authors similar to Susan Elizabeth Phillips is for anyone who’s ever finished one of her heartfelt novels and thought, “I need more of this.”
Whether it’s the sharp banter, strong heroines or the kind of romance that makes you laugh and swoon all at once, these writers capture that same spirit in their own unique ways.
From lighthearted romantic comedies to stories with a touch of sports or suspense, each author brings something fresh yet familiar, perfect for fans who want to stay in that Phillips-style groove just a little longer.
12 Authors Similar to Susan Elizabeth Phillips
1. Jennifer Crusie
Writing Style & Themes:
Jennifer Crusie is celebrated for her witty and humorous contemporary romance novels.
Her stories often feature strong female protagonists and clever engaging dialogue.
Themes of self-discovery, love and personal growth are prevalent throughout her work.
Notable Books/Series:
- Bet Me
- Welcome to Temptation
- Faking It
- Agnes and the Hitman (co-authored with Bob Mayer)
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Crusie’s novels blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, creating relatable characters and situations that resonate with readers.
Her sharp wit and engaging plots make her books both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Jennifer Crusie’s Website: http://www.jennycrusie.com/
2. Rachel Gibson
Writing Style & Themes:
Rachel Gibson crafts contemporary romances infused with humor and relatable characters.
Often set against sports backdrops, her stories explore themes of love, self-discovery and personal growth.
Notable Books/Series:
- Simply Irresistible (Chinooks Hockey Team series)
- See Jane Score (Chinooks Hockey Team series)
- The Trouble with Valentine’s Day (Chinooks Hockey Team series)
- True Confessions
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Gibson’s novels blend humor with heartfelt romance, featuring strong witty heroines and charming settings that captivate readers.
Rachel Gibson’s Website: http://www.rachelgibson.com
3. Jill Shalvis
Writing Style & Themes:
Jill Shalvis is renowned for her contemporary romances filled with humor, warmth and engaging characters.
Her stories often revolve around small-town settings and themes of friendship, love and second chances.
Notable Books/Series:
- Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor series)
- The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor series)
- It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor series)
- Animal Magnetism (Animal Magnetism series)
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Shalvis’s novels offer a delightful mix of humor and romance with relatable characters and charming small-town settings.
Jill Shalvis’s Website: https://www.jillshalvis.com
4. Kristan Higgins
Writing Style & Themes:
Kristan Higgins blends humor with emotional depth in her contemporary romances.
Her stories often feature strong family dynamics, self-discovery and love set in charming small towns.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Best Man (Blue Heron series)
- Catch of the Day
- Now That You Mention It
- Good Luck with That
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Higgins’s novels offer a heartfelt blend of humor and emotion with relatable characters navigating love and life’s challenges.
Kristan Higgins’s Website: https://www.kristanhiggins.com/
5. Susan Andersen
Writing Style & Themes:
Susan Andersen writes contemporary romances known for their sassy humor, strong heroines and suspenseful elements.
Her stories often explore themes of love, trust and personal growth.
Notable Books/Series:
- Head Over Heels (Marine series)
- Getting Lucky (Marine series)
- Baby, I’m Yours (Baby series)
- Playing Dirty (Sisterhood Diaries series)
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Andersen’s novels combine humor, romance and suspense featuring dynamic characters and engaging plots.
Susan Andersen’s Website: https://www.susanandersen.com/
6. Elizabeth Bevarly
Writing Style & Themes:
Elizabeth Bevarly is known for her witty and humorous romantic comedies.
Her stories often feature engaging characters, lighthearted plots and themes of love and self-discovery.
Notable Books/Series:
- Beauty and the Brain (Blame it on Bob series)
- The Temptation of Rory Monahan (Marigold, Indiana series)
- Her Good-Luck Charm (Lucky Stars series)
- The Ring on Her Finger
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Bevarly’s novels offer a delightful mix of humor and romance with charming characters and engaging storylines.
Elizabeth Bevarly’s Website: http://www.elizabethbevarly.com
7. Susan Donovan
Writing Style & Themes:
Susan Donovan crafts contemporary romances that blend witty humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Her novels often feature strong relatable heroines and explore themes of love, personal growth and self-discovery.
Notable Books/Series:
- He Loves Lucy
- Take a Chance on Me
- The Night She Got Lucky
- Not That Kind of Girl
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Donovan’s novels offer a delightful mix of humor and emotion, featuring engaging characters and compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
Susan Donovan’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17293.Susan_Donovan
8. Jane Graves
Writing Style & Themes:
Jane Graves is known for her contemporary romances filled with humor, warmth and emotional depth.
Her stories often revolve around themes of love, redemption and second chances set against engaging backdrops.
Notable Books/Series:
- Tall Tales and Wedding Veils
- Black Ties and Lullabies
- Heartstrings and Diamond Rings
- Cowboy Take Me Away
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Graves’s novels combine humor and heartfelt emotion featuring well-drawn characters and engaging plots that captivate readers.
Jane Graves’ Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/132509.Jane_Graves
9. Jennifer Greene
Writing Style & Themes:
Jennifer Greene is celebrated for her contemporary romances that blend humor, emotional depth and strong character development.
Her stories often explore themes of love, self-discovery and women’s issues.
Notable Books/Series:
- Hideaway at Silver Lake
- Blame It on Cupid
- Where Is He Now?
- The Baby Chase
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Greene’s novels offer a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling with relatable characters and themes that resonate with readers.
Jennifer Greene’s Website: https://jennifergreene.com/
10. Christie Ridgway
Writing Style & Themes:
Christie Ridgway writes contemporary romances known for their emotional depth, humor and engaging characters.
Her stories often explore themes of love, family and self-discovery, set in picturesque California settings.
Notable Books/Series:
- Beach House No. 9
- Bungalow Nights
- The Love Shack
- Can’t Hurry Love
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Ridgway’s novels offer a heartfelt blend of humor and romance featuring relatable characters and captivating settings that draw readers in.
Christie Ridgway’s Website: https://christieridgway.net/
11. Julie James
Writing Style & Themes:
Julie James is known for her contemporary romances featuring smart professional protagonists and witty engaging dialogue.
Her stories often explore themes of love, career and personal growth set against urban backdrops.
Notable Books/Series:
- Something About You
- Practice Makes Perfect
- It Happened One Wedding
- The Thing About Love
Why Readers Will Love Her:
James’s novels combine sharp wit and romance featuring intelligent characters and realistic relationships that resonate with readers.
Julie James’s Website: https://juliejames.com/
12. Carly Phillips
Writing Style & Themes:
Carly Phillips writes contemporary romances known for their emotional narratives and strong character development.
Her stories often explore themes of love, family and personal transformation.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Bachelor
- The Playboy
- The Heartbreaker
- Dare to Love (series)
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Phillips’s novels offer a compelling mix of passion and emotion featuring dynamic characters and engaging plots that keep readers hooked.
Carly Phillips’s Website: https://www.carlyphillips.com/
Last Word on the Authors Like Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The above 12 writers like Susan Elizabeth Phillips each bring their own charm, humor and heart to the world of contemporary romance.
Whether you’re drawn to Jennifer Crusie’s razor-sharp wit, Jill Shalvis’s cozy small-town stories or Julie James’s whip-smart banter, there’s something here to keep your bookshelf full and your heart happy.
Authors like Kristan Higgins and Rachel Gibson also know how to balance emotional depth with laugh-out-loud moments, making them excellent picks for Phillips fans.
So if you’re in the mood for more feel-good romance with unforgettable characters, these authors similar to Susan Elizabeth Phillips are sure to deliver stories you’ll fall in love with again and again.