I wasn’t always as much of a reader — I’d read a bit here and there, but not nearly as much as I do now. It all changed one day as I was scrolling TikTok and found a bunch of book recommendations that peeked my curiosity. I decided to read one…suddenly, I was up all night long, desperate to finish the book in one sitting. After one book, I was hooked and instantly fell in love with reading all over again. I wanted to try and encapsulate that feeling for you, if you’re feeling the same way. So keep reading, to find all my picks that will have you up until 2 A.M. on the edge of your seat, trying to finish a book. You will seriously love these! We’ve got everything from spicy romantasy to captivating memoirs! You won’t want to miss them.
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Funny Story by Emily Henry
I had to start off with my absolute favorite from this roundup! Emily Henry is just one of those feel-good writers that truly creates characters you fall in love with, and this book was no exception. I fell more in love with these characters than any of her previous works! It’s about Daphne and Miles who end up moving in together after their significant others cheat on them and get engaged (yikes, I know). It tells the story of two broken people putting each other back together and forming a deep bond and mutual respect for each other; despite their seemingly many differences. I love these characters, and will most likely be reading this again over the course of the year, because this is my new comfort book!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
The long-awaited sequel to Fourth Wing was another addition that had me sitting at the edge of my seat until the very end. A lot of fans critiqued the writing for seeming too rushed but I didn’t mind because I was eager for the sequel and honestly still really enjoyed the story! It continues with Xaden and Violet as they navigate tension, training, their relationship, family troubles, and of course… their dragons. The humor in this one is a 10/10 from the dragons, and the conflict built up throughout the whole book! I really enjoyed and will be eagerly awaiting the 3rd installment!
Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
I was hesitant about this series but quickly fell in love with the magical world-building, and quick-witted characters. This book tells the story of brokenhearted Evangeline who, after the love of her life being seemingly cursed to marry another woman, tries to find solace and help from the cruel Prince of Hearts. She strikes a deal with him to get back her love, but instead, binds her to the Prince. Will she get back her true love? Or find a new one along the way? You have to read to find out!
Good Girl Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
This book is a sequel to the Holly Jackson series that we saw in our first bout of Booktok love last year. It follows Pip as she is not a detective anymore but after getting close with a true-crime podcaster, Ravi, and a disappearance occurring that the police aren’t doing anything about… Pip might have to step in and save the day once more.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Due to the movie coming out recently, TikTok has been ablaze with the resurgence of the book and it lives up to the hype. Personally, I prefer the book in terms of storyline, but the movie ending was much better. This follows a mom of a teen girl who ends up meeting and falling in love with her daughter’s favorite boyband member. You see Solene as she navigates the relationship with her daughter, herself, and Hayes. Will they be able to make it work despite all odds?
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
This book has taken TikTok by storm given all the love for the romantasy genre. It’s a story of trials and competitions between rivals but in the midst of these competitions that happen on a magical island, what love will unfold in the midst? Read this book for a similar vibe to Hunger Games, but with a twist.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This Kristin Hannah book opens in 1947 Alaska, where Ernst Albright is making his way home after serving and fighting in the Vietnam War. The gruesome realities of war changed him, and now his family is taking the brunt of the frustration and confusion Ernst is dealing with. After too many incidents gone wrong, he moves his wife and daughter to an isolated and lonesome part of Alaska. Though troubling circumstances, the family is comforted by the people in the small town and their kindness. But once the darkness of winter hits, not much can help them face Alaska’s harsh environment. This book shows a family trying to grapple with their own problems in isolation while uncovering truths about survival *and* the outdoors. With over 772,000 ratings on Goodreads and 147,000 on Amazon, we see why this book is a top pick amongst readers!
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
One author that BookTok loves is definitely Abby Jimenez! People can’t get enough of her books, and I completely agree!
After a bad driving instance with a baby goat (it’s a long story), Alexis hightails to a random town’s bar while she awaits a tow truck. A local town legend and much younger man, Daniel Grant, is the man who helps her in her dire time of need. Lucky for her, he knows his way around and happens to be super charming. Not so lucky for him, the town has a lot of single man that also happen to be intrigued by Alexis. But the two have a pull towards each other that they can’t seem to deny. While they share attraction and intrigue, they live complete different lives in completely different cities. How will the two navigate a relationship if it ever came to that? And would they be able to make it work even when it seems like nothing is going their way?
This is such a sweet read that will have you rooting for this adorable couple instantly! This will be sure to have you on the edge of your seat to see if the couple can make it work despite all odds!
Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
This book is a simple romcom that BookTok has obsessed over lately! I’d recommend this and the follow-up sequel!
Hopeful romantic and optimist Liz is in love with Michael (and has been for years), but he is unaware of this crush. When he decides to move back into town, Liz decides she will do anything to get his attention. Even if she has to fool him, by giving attention to Wes, who is her obnoxious next-door-neighbor. Will she win over Michael? Or will Wes win her over? Read to find out!
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy
This is the painfully truthful memoir by Jeanette McCurdy, who grew up as a child start on Nickelodeon. It deals with the hard truths and vulnerable feelings she had towards her mother, who was neglectful and traumatizing in how she raised her. It is an incredible memoir that deals with heartbreaking honesty, with yourself and with others. BookTok (and myself) gives this an A+ rating for sure!
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
I LOVE Annabel Monaghan, and actually her because of BookTok. This story is about an author, Nora, who writes romance like nobody’s business. She knows how it works, and writes it well. But when her husband leaves her and her child while she is in the middle of a movie being made about one of her books, she doesn’t know what she’ll do. That is until movie star, Leo, moves in and shows her a glimpse of romance that she hadn’t yet experienced. But Leo has a big career in Hollywood, and Nora has a life and problems to figure out. Read to see where the story takes them!
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
This is Abby’s newest release, and it’s SO good! Having just read it in preparation for the summer myself, I can say it is such a fun and easy read that you won’t be able to put down.
It tells the story of Justin and Ellie, two people who believe they are curse in relationships with never finding “the one.” The real kicker? Following every breakup, their ex finds their “the one” immediately afterwards and gets to live there happily-ever-after while Justin and Ellie are left single once again. The two find each other on a reddit thread and make plans to jokingly date each other into order to break each other’s curses. But fate has other plans for these two unlucky romantics. Dating each other turns out to be far from a joke and not at all going according to their plan. As love, family tension, and passion arises, will they allow themselves to take a chance on each other? Or will they leave as heartbroken as they came? Read this sweet summer read to find out!
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas
Everyone knows that there’s one reigning author of BookTok at the moment, and that, my friends, is Sarah J Maas. She’s probably the most talked about author right now, and for good reason. She writes suspense-filled, romantasy books that you simply can’t get enough of. I love her Crescent City series, and this particular book is the third installment. It continues the story of Bryce as she navigates an entirely new world, and Hunt as he’s desperate to find her and help her. This series will have you staying up all night, turning pages, and dying to see what happens to the characters. 10/10 absolutely recommend.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The story starts in SoCal in 1965 with leading lady Frances McGrath studying to be a nurse. She grew up with quite a conservative family, but formed her own way as she grew up, stepping step off the path she was raised in. When her brother joins the army, Frankie makes the daring decision to join him as a nurse.
She discovers so much destruction and hardship, but in the face of overwhelming horrors, Frankie forges friendships, overcomes struggles, and fights her way to make it through. This book shows you what it means to be courageous and to make your own destiny.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
This is probably Jimenez’s most popular book, with over 250,000 ratings on Goodreads and over 22,000 reviews on Amazon.Yours Truly tells the story of a woman name Dr. Brianna Ortiz who recently went through a divorce and is feeling painfully stagnant in her life. She’s dealing with so many mixed emotions, family troubles, and the promotion she wants at her job might be going to a doctor that she absolutely does not like. Then…said doctor ends up writing her a note that has her re-thinking her hatred for him. She starts to see a side of him that she hadn’t before and she begins to even….look forward to his letters. To top it all off, he ends up doing about the biggest favor a person could ever do. He gives her brother a kidney he’s been needing for surgery. Which leaves her no choice but to owe him big time. What will happen when the doctor wants to cash in on that favor? And how will their relationship change?
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
This book is my current obsession. It’s like if Twilight and Hunger Games had a baby, and that’s exactly what it would be.
Oraya was adopted by an evil vampire King who had her compete in a competition for survival. The winner gets one wish from the Queen; anything and it will be granted. Except she’s only human so she forms and alliance with the cruel vampire Raihn who may not be as awful as he seems. Follow Oriya’s journey as she competes to the death and may discover some intersting truths about her past along the way. This book has fantasy, romance, adventure, and fighting all in one!
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
The sequel in this series has me in just as much of a chokehold as the first did, and dare I say…it may be BETTER than the first. The storytelling and writing is just phenomenal, and I’m so happy I found this one on BookTok! It continues the story of Raihn and Oraya as the try to survive in a new kingdom and overcome their past demons. Will they make it out alive? And will they still have each other at the end of it?
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney is 100% a BookTok fave at any given moment, especially with the amp up to her newest release, Intermezzo! This story follows two complex individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate their feelings and friendship toward one another over the years. The plot shows them from school all the way past college. You see them grow into their own lives while trying to stay connected and figure out their feelings for another.
The heart of this story is about the complexity of what it means to be human and how that affects our day-to-day relationships with one another, especially when we’re fighting our own demons and misunderstandings. You’ll see these two characters explore intimacy, friendship, love, jealousy, and conflict all interwoven together.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is a newer author that I was introduced to via Tiktok (obvi), and I’m so glad I did because this really is what women’s fiction is all about. She tells stories about beautifully strong women where the romance just happens to be a backstory. This particular story follows a woman, Soledad, who’s dealing with a divorce and trying to find herself, only for an unexpected man comes into the picture and makes her question everything. Read through Soledad’s journey where you will uncover self-discovery and most of all self-acceptance!
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
This incredibly vulnerable Dolly Alderton book is a relatable memoir that explores what it’s like to be a young woman navigating life in the current world. Dolly Alderton writes about her experience in life, love, dating, men, and food. You name it, she talks about it. She candidly depicts her pits and peaks managing whatever life threw at her. The book is also deeply rooted in friendship, specifically Dolly’s relationship with an old childhood friend named Carly. I guarantee that you will laugh, cry, and feel every emotion with this booktok fave!
Twisted Series by Ana Huang
This BookTok series has been all over my FYP because apparently each book is better than the last! They depict vastly different romances, and I guarantee you that you will be anxiously turning the page to see what happens next! Definitely a 10/10 easy and fun romance read to add to your TBR pile!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This Kristin Hannah bestseller is set in 1939 France during World War II, and uncovers what it means to find love in tragedy. It follows Vianne Mauriac, who’s sending her husband off to the war against the Nazis. Shortly after, a German captain invades her home, jeopardizing her and her daughter’s safety.
Meanwhile, Vianne’s sister falls in love with a Frenchman. But when he betrays her, she joins the Resistance, leaving trouble and worry in her path. This book will take you through the ups and downs of love, the chaos of wartime, and the strength of family.
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney
Another Sally Rooney fave! I’ve seen sooo many TikTok edits of this one, further showcasing it as a BookTok staple. This popular best-seller depicts two young college friends, Bobbi and Frances, as they befriend married couple Melissa and Nick. The book shows the challenging and changing dynamic of the relationship when the characters realize feelings are shared between Melissa and Bobbi, and Frances and Nick. Now, they have to This navigate the tangled web of confusion, love, and attraction.
While not necessarily a romance book, it does explore themes of love and how we react when we become overwhelmed by the reality of it. As readers, we slowly get to uncover Frances’ real feelings and how complicated it can be to navigate them as a young adult.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
This amazing Emily Henry book is probably one of my favorites of all time! I genuinely can’t describe how much it will make you feel. It’s the perfect summer read, and BookTok definitely agrees.
Augustus writes literary fiction and January writes romance, the two couldn’t have less in common… or so they think. They end up being neighbors and forming somewhat of a mild friendship/enemy-ship that challenges each other to try writing in each other’s genre. But little do they know, that a love story is writing itself between the two of them as they share memories, feelings, and sweet moments. They might just find out that they have more in common than they think.
(PS: They’re working on a movie for Beach Readas we speak!)
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
Oh my goodness, this book seriously got me out of my reading funk! I felt so much throughout this story, and genuinely thought my heart explode from everything that goes down. It follows Bree, our FMC, who wants to explore a small town. As she explores more, she realizes there’s a man who was shunned from the town, constantly treated so badly by everyone. Bree can’t help but want to know more, and she learns that man, Archer, suffered a bad accident that left him unable to speak afterwards. Slowly but surely, Archer lets Bree in, and she starts to develop feelings. What will this mean for the two? And can they stand the pressure of the town’s dismay?
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Good Material is the latest Dolly Alderton book, which debuted in November 2023. It offers quite a different feel from her previous works as it’s written from a male’s perspective. The book follows the story of couple Andy and Jen, who have recently ended their relationship. Andy is gutted by the breakup and hopes to win back his now ex-girlfriend all the while trying to launch his standup career. Throughout most of the book, we see the story from Andy’s side. Once you think you have the whole story, a surprising perspective shift will help illuminate what the true downfall of the relationship was, and shed light on Jen’s point-of-view. If you’re looking for a book to help you cope with a recent breakup, this one’s definitely for you. After tearing through this read, we can’t wait to see what Dolly Alderton cooks up next.
Magnolia Parks Series by Jesse Hastings
I had to highlight this series because it’s quite literally what I would imagine Gossip Girl to be if it took place in England. It has drama, romance, tension, self-discovery and so much more! Read this for a drama-filled treat with so many ups and downs, you won’t be able to put the book down!
Dear Dolly by Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton is a former columnist for The Sunday Times, and she’s now an author of four incredible, best-selling books. She’s definitely well-loved by TikTok given her honest and vulnerable storytelling. This book follows her as she answers questions in the classic Dolly way: with wit, honesty, and vulnerability.
Caught Up by Liz Tomforde
This whole series is constantly reposted on TikTok, and I’m definitely one of the girls hyping it up for how charming the storytelling and characters are. This one, specifically, depicts a single dad baseball player who is trying to raise his son while having a career when he finally hires a nanny — his coach’s daughter. She’s a spitfire and has a successful career that she’s bent on getting back to after the summer. But will she get charmed by the two Rhodes boys?
I recommend this entire series, but make sure to read it in order! The varying characters pop up all throughout the series!
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
Another read that’s just in time for the summer! Make sure to add this BookTok book to your packing list for vacation.
This story follows Sam who has a perfect life, perfect career, and perfect doctor fiancée. She thinks she has it all together… that is, until she loses her job and goes back home only to see her ex who broke her heart. Being back home causes her to reminisce on her childhood, and more specifically, her childhood love. Will Sam find out who she really is and who her heart wants?
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All images via Amazon.
