If your idea of self-care involves shouting at the TV during a rose ceremony or crying over a dance-off finale, then this book list was curated just for you. These novels channel the adrenaline of a competition and the emotional rollercoaster of a real and not-so-real dating show. Whether you’re into cooking challenges, home renos, viral first loves, or juicy behind-the-scenes drama, these stories deliver every ounce of unscripted magic, minus the confessional cams.

Courtroom Drama by Neely Tubati Alexander

This book will give you two reality shows for the price of one. Described as Jury Duty meets The Real Housewives, Courtroom Drama is a romcom with a murder trial twist. When Sydney is selected to serve on a jury where her favorite reality start is on trial for allegedly killing here husband, she thought the biggest twist would be the verdict. But when her childhood sweetheart is also sequestered, the drama is turned up to ten.

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Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

In a dystopian near-future where prisoners fight to the death for their freedom on a reality TV-style circuit, Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker are the reigning stars and secret lovers of the CAPE program. With only a few matches left before Thurwar can win her release, she begins to question the cost of survival in a system built on spectacle, violence, and profit.

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Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

If you live for Dancing with the Stars chemistry that crosses the line into real life, Gina and Stone’s story is for you. She’s a professional dancer chasing her first big win and he’s a wilderness show celeb reluctantly catapulted into the spotlight. When producers push a fake romance, the duo’s real attraction starts to steal the show.

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The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Two coworkers who can’t stand each other pretend to be exes for a hit radio show and then catch real feelings? The Ex Talk is your classic enemies-to-lovers with a reality-podcast twist, complete with passive-aggressive banter and late-night studio tension. Shay and Dominic’s on-air chemistry is electric, but the lies and palpable chemistry are hard to manage off-mic.

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Mr. Fixer Upper by Lucy Score

It’s grumpy-sunshine romance on set when Gannon, the brooding home reno hunk with dimples and a toolbelt, is forced to work closely with Paige, his tough-as-nails producer. Sparks fly between renovation disasters, road trips, and sizzling glances caught on camera. But Paige has a career to protect and Gannon has a heart he’s guarded too tightly. Think HGTV with unresolved sexual tension and emotional baggage.

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Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

A second-chance romance is put on blast when chef Ashna is paired with her ex, soccer star Rico Silva, on a cooking competition show. Their unresolved heartbreak simmers beneath every spicy dish, with a side of viral mishaps and a garnish of public awkwardness. Sonali Dev brings Jane Austen’s Persuasion to life with a high-stakes setting, mouthwatering tension and emotional depth.

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Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Welcome to Chef’s Special, where the fish tacos fly and the flirting is hotter than the ovens. Dahlia, newly divorced and clumsily trying to turn her life around, meets London, the first openly nonbinary contestant on the show and sparks start flying. Between wedding crashing, beachside dips, and simmering intimacy, Love & Other Disasters balances tender queerness with kitchen chaos.

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The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir

The Book of Essie is a gripping look at fame, faith, and freedom, peeling back the performative perfection of reality TV to reveal something darker and deeply empowering. Essie has spent her life starring in a Duggar-esque reality show built on conservative values and secrets. But when a hidden pregnancy threatens the family brand, Essie takes control. Cue the fake fiancé, calculated media campaign, and a quiet rebellion.

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Real Love by Rachel Lindsay

For Maya, the plan was career, marriage, success not surprise soul-searching when her BFF finds love on national TV. But when Maya’s vibrant sister shows up with a handsome traveler in tow, Maya’s carefully planned life starts to unravel in the best way. Written by a real-life Bachelorette, this is a joyful and reflective take on love, ambition, and rewriting your own ending.

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One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

What happens when a plus-size fashion blogger becomes the lead on a Bachelor-style show? Bea is here to slay stereotypes, wear the hell out of every outfit, and definitely not fall in love. One to Watch is a smart, body-positive, media-savvy romance that deconstructs reality TV tropes while serving up couture, chaos, and real emotion.

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Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Elliot

Sadie’s culinary career is going up in flames. Literally. A public breakup and professional scandal until she lands a dream spot on Chef Supreme, the hottest cooking competition on TV. Things are finally looking up, especially after a flirty, food-filled night with a charming stranger on her flight to New York. But plot twist: said stranger is actually a judge on the show.

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