Didn’t you hear? Reading is cool again and I’ve been carrying books around with me from a young age. Therefore, I know books that will be glued to your hand till the epilogue. So if you’re looking to get out of your reading slump or get into reading in general, here’s a list of my ultimate favorites, from romance to mystery.
“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas:
I was never into fantasy or as the avid readers call it, “romantasy.” Who wants to read about magical kingdoms and faeries? Turns out, I do! If you truly want the most mind blowing reading experience, pick up “Throne of Glass.” Maas has created such relatable characters and themes. It follows teenage assassin Celaena Sardothien and her journey to become the King’s Champion. Even though the world is fictional, you’ll grow attached, so much so that you’ll miss it when it comes to its conclusion.
“The Deal” by Elle Kennedy:
Welcome to the world of sports romance! “The Deal” is a part of the “Off Campus” series featuring stories of four college hockey players and their love interests. I know, it sounds cheesy and ever so boring. But not if you enjoy slow burns, love at first sight, and even a little spice. This is another series that will have you falling in love with the characters. While it’s mainly a romance series, it’s got found-family aspects, as well as personal growth and friendship. And if you get invested enough, you might want to buckle up for the Amazon Prime adaptation releasing this May.
“We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart:
Secrets, mystery, lost time, all featured on a Martha’s Vineyard-esque private island. The story is the tale of Cadance, her cousins, and their best friend Gat, during their fifteenth summer on their grandfather’s island. One accident changes their dynamic forever resulting in Cadance losing her memory of it even happening. This prompts her to go back to the island two years later, searching for the truth. Now if you’ve seen the Amazon Prime adaptation then the plot twists obviously won’t be as impactful. However the book is ten times more shocking and heartbreaking. If you’re a fan of mystery and suspense with a hint of romance, then this book is for you.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson:
Sticking with the theme of mystery, but adding a chilling murder is this next trilogy by Jackson. Ever thought about solving your local town murder for a school project? Well Pip Fitz-Amobi decides to put her investigative skills to the test. Along the way she forms relationships, uncovers dark secrets and even confronts danger itself. Jackson’s writing is so simple yet jaw dropping. The twists will literally make shivers run down your spine. The best thing about this book is that there’s two more to go along with it, plus a novella!
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros:
In the many worlds of fantasy novels, this has to be one of my favorites. “Fourth Wing” is the first of five novels soon to be released for what is called “The Empyrean” series. Welcome to Basgiath War College, where future dragon riders are dared to defy all the odds against their survival. It’s action packed, almost like a movie and has the craziest cliffhangers at the end of each novel. Currently three books are out with another on the way, hopefully by mid-2027. And don’t worry, there’s a ton of war and political plots as well as a steamy romance. You gotta give the girls something to look forward to in between the heavy battles.
“The True Love Experiment” by Christina Lauren:
This best friend writer duo have not created a book I’ve hated. “The True Love Experiment” is about a romance novelist, Felicity Chen and filmmaker, Connor Prince who creates a reality TV show centered around her. Can a romance novelist find love? Not only is this book so quick and easy, but the banter is endless. I read this book on the beach during the summer and it quickly became one of my rom-com favorites.
“Slammed” by Colleen Hoover:
While Hoover is surrounded by many controversies these days, “Slammed” is one of her original novels so its integrity remains intact. In fact, I will definitely be rereading this book when I get the chance. This romance is set in a small town featuring the main female character, Layken Cohen who has just recently moved there. She quickly meets neighbor Will Cooper who introduces her to slam poetry. Their relationship is not without its obstacles and is truly so beautiful once you read all three books, including one from Will’s point-of-view.
“Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid:
If you love Fleetwood Mac and the drama of the 70s, then “Daisy Jones & The Six” will be your kind of page turner. What I love about this book is that while it’s fiction, it’s written in an oral history transcript format. So you’ll read the character’s first-hand accounts as if they’re being interviewed (which they are). The story itself is about the band, Daisy Jones & The Six, their rise to fame and dramatic breakup. Reid’s flawed and troubled, yet talented characters will have you wishing this band is real. Luckily for us readers, the TV version of the book is out on Amazon Prime Video, including the fabulous original music. I suggest you play the songs, as you listen for the full effect.
“Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter:
This wholesome, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story is genuinely the most wholesome tale you’ll read. It’s quirky enough to make you silently scream and kick your feet. It’s also full of cultural references to music, movies, and even books. It is perfect for the girls who love love, Taylor Swift and when the main characters are each other’s missing rib. Liz Buxbaum is our main lead and with the help of Wes Bennett she’ll try to win over her childhood crush. Or will she? And once you finish this one and ultimately become obsessed, “Nothing Like The Movies,” is an adorable sequel set in college.
“The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden:
While I can’t say for certain since I haven’t read this one for myself, as it currently sits on my To-Be-Read (TBR) shelf at the behest of my aunt, I’ve gotten this book recommended to me about 1,000 times. It’s also no secret that this book became so popular due to the movie adaptation starring Sydney Sweeny and Amanda Seyfried. In short, the series is about a maid who goes to work for a wealthy family, seemingly falling into their drama and dark secrets. That is how it has been described to me and once I finish my current series, “Powerless,” I will be conquering McFadden’s infamously twisting series.
