My Top Ten Gateway Authors In My Reading Journey To Adult Books

When I started this blog, I was reading YA only.  But then somewhere over the course of the last (almost) four years, I've ventured into reading more Adult books, too.  The common thread between my love for YA & Adult books is contemporary fiction.  I love a good romance story, and both of these genres present stories that keep me coming back for more.

I decided to list my top ten authors that opened up the gate from reading YA to Adult.  If you're unsure of where to begin, I hope my list below will be a good starting point for you.  They are each amazing writers, with so much talent to offer!  Be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.

1. Kristan Higgins - My One and Only [add to goodreads]
Believe it or not, this author was my very first leap from YA to Adult contemp fic (all thanks to Jess for the recommendation!).  Higgins has a familiar approach with her storytelling, one that is easy to get consumed by. This was a great starting point for me to make that crossover.

2. Jill Shalvis - Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor series) [add to goodreads]
When someone asks me for a particular author recommendation, Shalvis is the first to come to mind.  I ADORE her Lucky Harbor series and have pushed it onto to so many reader friends.  Another great recommendation from Jess when I was still wading the waters into Adult contemporary romance.

3. Tiffanie DeBartolo - How to Kill a Rock Star [add to goodreads]
Sometimes I like my books with a bit more depth, and so I was recommended this fabulous adult novel by Estelle.  She knew my love for music in books, and my interest in reading more Adult titles.  Tiffanie DeBartolo is an exceptional writer, one I would HIGHLY recommend checking out if you're the type to read a bit deeper than just contemporary fluff.

4. Rainbow Rowell - Attachments [add to goodreads]
Confession: I read this book almost two years ago, before the E+P hype.  I hadn't known a lot about Rainbow Rowell at the time, but was interested in checking out her Adult stuff.  She's a great writer to consider, especially if you're familiar with her YA stuff.

5. Shannon Stacey - Yours to Keep (Kowalski Family series)  [add to goodreads]
When someone has read Higgins and Shalvis and enjoyed both of them, I usually recommend Shannon Stacey next.  She was a fabulous addition to my addiction of Adult contemporary romances.  Her books bridged the gap for me and I found myself comfortably settled in among her novels.

6. Ruthie Knox - Ride with Me  [add to goodreads]
Oh Ruthie, where do I even begin?!  This author has not only become one of my favorites, but she's now that writer I go to when I'm in need of just pure, uninterrupted, addictive reading.  If there ever was a romance writer to speak to my literary soul, it would be this lady.  She gives stories a purpose, but wow can she steam them up too!

7. Lisa Kleypas - Sugar Daddy (Travis series)  [add to goodreads]
Thanks to the gals over at The Book Barbies, I picked up and completely fell head over heels in love with this series by Lisa Kleypas.  Sugar Daddy, in particular, is an EXCELLENT book to bridge the gap between YA and Adult since the characters begin in the story at a young age and as the reader you grow with them.  

8. Jennifer Crusie - Bet Me  [add to goodreads]
This is another well-rounded writer who gives a story full of laughs and plenty of loving.  Jennifer Crusie opened up the gate even wider for me when I discovered this novel, and I haven't looked back since.

9. Renee Carlino - Sweet Thing  [add to goodreads]
Ever finished reading a book and then immediately wanted to pick it back up and read it all over again?  Yup, I felt that exact way upon finishing Sweet Thing.  There's a Tiffanie DeBartolo vibe I got while reading this one.  It's hard to describe, other than the fact that it made my list of all-time favorite books, and I've since bought multiple copies for friends because I NEED them to experience it too.

10. Sarah MacLean - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake  [add to goodreads]
Not only was I interested in Contemporary Romance, but I wanted to venture into Historical Romance as well.  Sarah MacLean is a fantastic writer to dip your toes in.  She writes stories that are truly addicting and oh so romantic.  She paved the way for my want to read more historical romances, that's for sure.