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Books you need to read at least once

Purple Star emoji 15 items
These books surprised the hell out of me. Most of these I only picked up because someone else suggested I read them and I ended up loving them!
 
Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
This book will destroy you, but you need to read it!
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
This book was so surprising. My Mum begged me to read it and I was so sure it was only going to be like 1 or 2 stars at best. This was hands down a 5 star read. Mara is one of the most amazing FMCs I have ever read and even if you never read the rest...
Daughter of the Empire by Raymond E. Fiest and Janny Wurts
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
Legit, I picked up this book at random from the library because I loved the cover. I devoured this within a day. It is a Rumplestilskin retelling and I absolutely loved the dark gothic elements that were woven into this book!
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
The sequal and conclusion to Gilded. Highly recommend!
Cursed by Marissa Meyer
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
This was a dabble into dark romance and then just like that I dove headfirst into the genre.
Scarred (Never After, #2) by Emily McIntire
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
Was I angry that book 2 got pushed back to February next year? Yes. Will I be reading it? ABSOLUTELY
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
This is a dark retelling of Peter Pan and Wendy but if Wendy fell in love with Captain Hook. A must read if you're into mafia romance! Check your triggers <3
Hooked (Never After, #1) by Emily McIntire
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
This is such a great commentary on men's mental health in particular. It showcases how depression in men can manifest with some really scary emotional symptoms. This is a reverse harem, but not a why choose, with plenty of spice scenes!
Five Brothers
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
If you really love Hades and Persephone retellings, you HAVE to read this book! This is probably the most original story I have ever read that is based of the story of Hades and Persephone. It's got games and trials and one of the most interesting ma...
The Games Gods Play
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
Another Hades and Persephone retelling, but a deliciously spicy one. This goes through so many kinks, it's hard to not have a good time with this book. This book is considered a standalone but there are other books that are tied to this Universe.
Neon Gods
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
Yes, another Wendy and Peter Pan retelling, but this one is my absolutely favourite. It's so dark, a reverse harem and I absolutely fell in love with the found family in this book.
The Never King
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
If you are a Hunger Games fan, it is absolutely vital that you read this book. It will destroy you, but it's about my absolute favourite Hunger Games character, Haymitch.
Sunrise on the Reaping
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
You need to read this book for the plot twist alone. Never have I finished a book and wanted to go back and reread immediately to look for clues on that plot twist. This book was so addictive. I polished it off within 24 hours!
Metal Slinger
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
Never have I been more invested in a games and trials story. Not only that but it contains some of the most delicious spice I have ever read. I'm not kidding when I say that so many lines just live rent free in my mind.
If you love being called a good girl, this book is for you!
Phantasma
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Ashleigh McDonald profile picture
This book is a great introduction if you are just delving into a werewolf romance. It's a story about a vampire and werewolf entering into an arranged marriage. This book was a surprisingly good time and the sequal for this just dropped last month!
Bride
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