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Books that made me forget I was reading

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A collection of my absolute favorite books—the ones that made me feel everything. From soft, cozy romance to dark, intense fantasy and unforgettable characters, each book here left a mark on me. If you love stories that pull you in, break your heart ...
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

Romance

 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
Divine Rivals absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. I went into this expecting a cute rivals-to-lovers fantasy, and I got so much more. The prose is soft and lyrical without being heavy, the romance is slow-burn and aching, and the letters...
Divine Rivals: A Novel by Rebecca Ross, Hardcover
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book felt like a warm hug and a quiet ache at the same time. It’s soft, magical, whimsical, and deeply emotional without trying too hard. The time slip element isn’t confusing or gimmicky—it actually makes the love story feel more meaningful and...
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book felt like being understood. The anxiety representation is so gentle and accurate, and Jacob is one of the most emotionally safe male leads I’ve ever read. The letters, the slow burn, the softness—it all made my heart feel full. Bri’s strugg...
Yours Truly (Part of Your World, #2) by Abby Jimenez
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book completely surprised me. It starts off chaotic and almost frustrating, but that’s what makes the emotional payoff so satisfying. Naomi and Nicholas feel like a real couple that’s fallen out of love without actually being over. The petty mom...
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle, Paperback
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book felt like sunshine with an emotional undercurrent. It’s funny, sharp, and light on the surface, but there’s so much depth underneath. January and Gus are opposites in the best way, and their banter made the romance feel natural and alive. I...
Beach Read by Emily Henry, Paperback
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book felt like sunlight after a long, heavy season. It’s soft, funny, and romantic but in a grounded, adult way. The main character feels real in that messy, rebuilding-her-life kind of way, and the romance isn’t rushed or over-the-top. It’s ten...
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan, Paperback
 
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This one felt SO easy to sink into. I love romances where the relationship doesn't feel like it exists in a vacuum and the characters actually have a life, history, friendships, awkwardness, and baggage outside of the romance. The whole “we used to b...
The Ex Vows

Fantasy

 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book made me fall in love with characters before I even realized it. The found family, the morally grey chaos, the banter, the trauma—everything just works. Kaz is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever read: cold, broken, brilliant. A...
Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
Reading this felt like stepping into a dream you’re not sure you can trust. The atmosphere is magical, whimsical, and slightly unsettling, where nothing is exactly what it seems. Scarlett’s emotional journey—between fear, hope, and longing—made the s...
Caraval (Caraval Series #1) by Stephanie Garber, Paperback
 
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This book grabbed me by the throat and then proceeded to emotionally destroy me. 😭 I went in expecting fantasy/military academy vibes and got something SO much darker and more complicated. The world-building, the history-inspired elements, the war, ...
The Poppy War (Poppy War Series #1)

Thrillers

 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book had me hooked from the start. It’s fast-paced, smart, and full of tension, but what really stood out was the psychology behind everything. The characters are sharp, damaged, and fascinating, each with their own secrets and strengths. The fo...
The Naturals (Naturals Series #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Paperback
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This book stressed me out in the best way possible. The tension is nonstop, claustrophobic, and intense, with every chapter ending on a mini cliffhanger. Watching friendships crack under pressure was just as gripping as the mystery itself. No one fee...
Five Survive by Holly Jackson, Paperback
 
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This book pulled me in from page one. It’s smart, addictive, and incredibly well-paced, with a mystery that keeps unfolding in unexpected ways. Pip is such a compelling main character—curious, determined, and brave without being unrealistic. I loved ...
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder #1)
 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
This was pure “wait… WHAT?” energy. 😂 I went into it knowing basically nothing and honestly think that's the best way to read it. Something about the atmosphere, the isolated setting, the weirdness between the characters, and the constant feeling th...
Rock Paper Scissors: A Novel

Sci-Fi

 
Mariam Unfiltered profile picture
I did NOT expect to get this attached to a book about space science, but here we are. This was one of those books where I kept thinking “okay, I'll read a little more” and then completely lost track of time. It's clever without feeling like homework,...
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