What Books Are Similar To 'Like Real People Do'?

Heartbreaking fanfics featuring dramatic love triangles and secret affairs absolutely wreck me after finishing Like Real People Do. What other emotional M/M novels capture that forbidden pining?
2026-03-10 18:51:26
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9 Answers

Best Answer
ReadOak
ReadOak
Detail Spotter Consultant
For that emotionally complex, slice-of-life romance with flawed characters, I'd check out 'What We Pretended To Be'. It also deals with the gap between the persona someone shows the world and their private self, focusing on two people who start a fake relationship for their own reasons, only for genuine feelings to slowly unravel the act. The quiet, character-driven tension really captures that same feeling of people trying to connect through their defenses.
2026-07-21 15:35:10
19
Gemma
Gemma
Plot Explainer Electrician
I’d recommend 'Exciting Times' by Naoise Dolan if you’re after something with the same sharp wit and emotional depth as 'Like Real People Do'. It’s got that same tension between characters who are terrible at communicating but impossible to look away from. Dolan’s writing is crisp and darkly funny, perfect for fans of relatable yet flawed protagonists.

For a darker twist, 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh might hit the spot. It’s not as warm as 'Like Real People Do', but the protagonist’s brutal honesty and self-destructive tendencies create a similarly immersive reading experience. Both books excel at making you cringe while also nodding along in recognition.
2026-03-12 12:06:50
3
Yara
Yara
Honest Reviewer Accountant
If you loved 'Like Real People Do' for its raw, intimate exploration of human relationships, you might find 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney equally gripping. Both books dive deep into the messy, beautiful complexities of love and friendship, with characters that feel so real you half expect to bump into them at a coffee shop. Rooney’s knack for dialogue and emotional nuance mirrors the authenticity that makes 'Like Real People Do' so special.

Another gem is 'Conversations with Friends', also by Rooney. It’s got that same vibe of young adults navigating love and life with all their flaws on display. For something a bit more poetic, 'On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous' by Ocean Vuong captures a similar tenderness and vulnerability, though with a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality. These books all share that uncanny ability to make you feel like you’re peeking into someone’s private diary.
2026-03-15 13:51:41
8
Evelyn
Evelyn
Helpful Reader Student
Check out 'The Pisces' by Melissa Broder if you enjoyed the surreal, almost dreamy elements of 'Like Real People Do'. It’s weird in the best way—blending mundane heartbreak with fantastical twists. Broder’s humor and emotional honesty make it a great companion read. Another pick is 'Sweetbitter' by Stephanie Danler, which captures the same intensity of young adulthood, though with a focus on the chaotic world of New York restaurants. Both books have that addictive quality where you can’t stop reading, even when the characters are making terrible decisions.
2026-03-15 19:33:32
12
LeoHale
LeoHale
Helpful Reader Worker
Is it weird that I find cooking while listening to an audiobook of this type of novel to be the perfect combo? The quiet, introspective tone pairs well with the methodical nature of chopping vegetables. It's my happy place. So, my recommendation is less about a title and more about an experience. Pair your next contemplative read with a mundane, hands-on task. It lets the story sink in on a different level. Maybe that's the real secret to enjoying slow-burn character studies.
2026-08-01 12:39:07
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