These are some of my favorite books that you can read without having to get involved in a series!
Sections
10
Fantasy/Romantasy
General Fiction
Historical Fiction
Kinda Fantasy, but Set in the Real World
Mystery/Thriller
Romance/Rom Coms
Fantasy/Romantasy
This book is what dark academia dreams are made of.
A Study in Drowning
General Fiction
The best book I've ever read, and my favorite book of all time. Please check trigger warning and take care of yourself.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
If you've ever found yourself easily becoming a keyboard warrior criticizing a celebrity you think isn't worth much…this book is for you. Some may consider this a romance book, but it has a lot more important aspects on top of the romance.
Stars in Your Eyes
A Black teenager is killed by law enforcement. Riley, a TV journalist, is assigned the case, investigating her best friend Jen's husband, who was involved in the shooting.
We Are Not Like Them: A Novel
**BOOK TWO IN A LOOSE SERIES** These books hold up as standalones, but why wouldn't you read both? WHITEOUT is reminiscent of the now infamous (to Georgians) Atlanta Snowpocalypse of 2014, and follows an ensemble cast's experience during a whiteout.
Whiteout: A Novel
**BOOK ONE IN A LOOSE SERIES** These books hold up as standalones, but why wouldn't you read both? BLACKOUT follows an ensemble cast's experience during a heat wave and subsequent blackout.
Blackout: A Novel
Historical Fiction
A lovesick girl in 17th century China becomes both a love story, and a ghost story.
Peony in Love: A Novel
One of the most stunning books that's ever been recommended to me. Several Greek gods recount their involvement in the lives of four humans during WWI.
Lovely War
If THE SONG OF ACHILLES broke you…prepare to be hurt again, bestie. (Something to note: this is a short story.)
Galatea: A Short Story
A stunning Cinderella retelling that will have you falling in love with the “wicked” stepmother.
Lies That Princess Told You: Cinderella Retelling
I'm married to a ghost hunter…of course I think you should read about Victorians hunting ghosts.
The London Séance Society: A Novel
I wrote a paper on the Wives of King Henry VIII in college and I've never gotten over them.
Fatal Throne: The Wives of Henry VIII Tell All
If you like to cry until you might throw up, this is a book for you.
The Song of Achilles (Enhanced Edition),: A Novel
Kinda Fantasy, but Set in the Real World
What would you do if no one could remember you the second they take their eyes off of you?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
If you found doors that could take you across worlds, would you be brave enough to step through them?
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
A freaking stunning debut. An apothecary owner in 1790s London secretly mixes poisons for women to free them from terrible men. In present-day London, an aspiring historian finds an old apothecary vial and begins to investigate this lost apothecary, ...
The Lost Apothecary: A Novel
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Go in blind--don't read anything about it. Then come back and thank me later.
The Unmaking of June Farrow: A Novel
As fantastically Southern Gothic as a book could get. And the MMC is referred to as looking like a “sick crow.” It was perfect.
Starling House: A Reese's Book Club Pick
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Go in blind--don't read anything about it. Then come back and thank me later.
The Unmaking of June Farrow: A Novel
STUNNING debut! Practical Magic meets the camaraderie of Stars Hollow--with RECIPES!
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak & Magic
The tale of the Weyward women that spans three timelines: Altha in 1691, on trial for the murder of a local farmer, Violet in 1942, trapped in her family's estate and dreaming of the education handed to her brother, and Kate in 2019, fleeing from an ...
Weyward: A Novel
A quest leaves three young alchemists into the most dangerous experience of their lives.
Infinity Alchemist
Mystery/Thriller
I never, ever could have predicted that ending.
Behind Her Eyes: A Psychological Thriller
My first foray into the mind of Alex Michaelides, and it did not disappoint. I recommend reading THE SILENT PATIENT first, though, as there are spoilers for TSP towards the end of THE FURY.
The Fury
A famous painter kills her famous photographer husband, then never speaks another word.
The Silent Patient
Helter Skelter, but at an Italian villa.
The Villa: A Novel
Romance/Rom Coms
If you don't fall in love with these cuties I'm not convinced you have a heart.
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
Read this on a beach vacation and 10/10 could not put it down. Augustus Everett is everything.
Beach Read
I can't decide which main character I loved more.
People We Meet on Vacation
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In Five Years: A Novel
A wonderful debut featuring a karaoke king (who also happens to have cerebral palsy) who falls for a feisty dancer.
How to Dance: A Novel
Pro tip: have LOTS of Chinese food available as you fall in love with Red String Girl, her NASA Engineer beau, and the red string theory of Chinese mythology.
Red String Theory
Lana Ferguson doesn't miss. If you've never read paranormal romance, let this be your introduction.
The Fake Mate
It's even better than the movie. <3
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
I'm not saying it's a great idea to accept rides from strangers, but…this was a fun one!
Mrs. Nash's Ashes
I saw this referred to as Heartstopper meets Crazy Rich Asians and I need to add…with FOOD. All the food. You'll be hungry the whole time.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes
Cassie's new boss also used to be her biggest subscriber on 0nlyFans…and he doesn't know. What's a girl to do?
PS: If Lana writes it, I will love it.
The Nanny
Emily Henry doesn't disappoint, and Charlie Lastra is heart eyes.
Book Lovers
I wasn't sure if this book would live up to the hype but MY GOD. READ THIS BOOK.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
The only two members of the bridal party that didn't get food poisoning--the maid of honor and best man that loathe each other--are forced to take the free honeymoon trip so that it isn't wasted.
The Unhoneymooners
This started as a Kylo Ren x Rey fanfic. I don't care about Star Wars, but I absolutely care about Adam Driver.
The Love Hypothesis
Second chance romance set in the Eras Tour.
The Breakup Tour
Cade inherits a sex toy store, Selena is there to keep the store running, and romance things ensue!
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If she writes it, I will love it.
Happy Place
Katrina and Nathan used to be the best cowriters out there…until they mysteriously split for reasons they won't talk about. They have to come together to write the final book they're contractually obligated for--in a tiny house in Florida. Alone.
The Roughest Draft
Lana Ferguson wrote this, DO I NEED TO SAY MORE? Hockey romance, brother's best friend, fake dating, cinnamon roll MMC, this book has it all.
The Game Changer
“Help, I’m fake dating my ex fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex.” Emily Henry is the best of the best.
Funny Story
Could you enemies-to-love someone that was accidentally involved in your life's greatest tragedy?
How to End a Love Story: A Novel
A forbidden affair, science, and Ali Hazelwood's signature flair. I loved every second of this book.
Not in Love
There's just something about a monster man in a kilt…
Under Loch and Key
Teen/YA
Sky's EPIC prom-posal is leaked, and now he and his friends set out to spend the month leading up to prom figuring out who did it.
The Sky Blues
Teenaged Daunis is forced to root out corruption both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. Please check trigger warnings and take care of yourself.
Firekeeper's Daughter
Avery is uprooted from her home in DC and into a home in the south with her mother and terminally ill grandmother, where she is forced to unearth family secrets and deal with the inherent racism of the South.
We Deserve Monuments
Who knew a book about chess could be so riveting? NOT ME!
Check & Mate
A transphobic hater publicly posts Felix's deadname while also sending him hate messages, but will it keep Felix from finding true love?
Felix Ever After
Jess needs “practice” with a boy before she can seduce her crush…and her enemy Benjamin is just the boy to help.
Frenemies with Benefits
Aaron's dad recently killed himself, and Aaron can't forget his grief. His new friend, Thomas, helps, but will Aaron decide to use Leteo Institute's revolutionary memory-alteration procedure to forget everything, or will he try to learn to live aroun...
More Happy Than Not (Deluxe Edition)
A grieving teenager enters a study for teens who are “struggling socially” and uncovers some devastating secrets.
Another First Chance
Memoir/Autobiography
If you were around and aware in the 90s, this one is gonna hurt you.
The Woman in Me
I've followed Trae on social media for years and this book was everything I hoped it would be. 10/10 recommend the audiobook version, read by the authors!
Round Here and Over Yonder: A Travel Guide
I will die a Meghan Markle stan, so this was incredibly enlightening.
Spare
If you were a fangirl in the 90s…this one is for you.
One in a Millennial: Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls
If you don't want to read a book by and about Dolly Parton, you're in the wrong place looking for book recs from me. 10/10 recommend the audio version over anything else!
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones
I freaking love Stassi, okay?
Off with My Head: Basic B*tch Handbook
Nonfiction
EVERYONE should read this book.
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard to Talk Racism
Graphic Novels
A beautiful and heart-wrenching young adult graphic novel takes a look at eating disorders, family dynamics, and ultimately, a journey to self-love.
Hungry Ghost
The memoir that brought an entire slew of people *that didn't read it* to their knees. Maia's account of eir journey of self discovery, coming out, and gender identity.
