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Book Recs
56
items I’m no expert - but I do love to read! Any books that I would recommend to a friend will be shared here. After all, friends don’t recommend bad books to one another. My thoughts are included so you can make the best decision for you and your preferen...
Sections
7
Fantasy
Thrillers
Dystopian
Romance
Dark Romance
True Crime
Fantasy
This book is thrilling, captivating, and left me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters made my heart ache and the relationships were PERFECT! Witty banter, edge of your seat trials, fiery romance, everything you could want. This mode...
The Games Gods Play (Standard Edition) by Abigail Owen, Hardcover
I enjoyed every second of this book. It's fantasy without the strong world-building that can often be mentally draining. The spicy scenes didn't dance around the details and the plot was suspenseful, having me on edge until the very end. Fair warning...
Quicksilver (Deluxe Limited Edition)|Special
This was a GREAT origin story. So much character development and the short story styled layout was pretty neat – each section like a new adventure but still a continuation of the entire story. Well written and capivating the entire time.
MY REC: Read this one FIRST in the series! It sets up the FMC so well and gives you context going into Throne of Glass so you won't be confused for the next couple of books.
MY REC: Read this one FIRST in the series! It sets up the FMC so well and gives you context going into Throne of Glass so you won't be confused for the next couple of books.
The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas|Paperback
I loved this book! The relationship building, betrayal, magic, mystery, all of it.
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass Series #1)|Paperback
All I have to say is OH MY GOD……the twist at the end. The character growth. The riddles. The puzzles. The drama. SO GOOD
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Series #2)|Paperback
I feel like this is an essential book to tee up the big things that happen throughout the rest of the series. It was a bit slow but had the typical Maas action packed ending.
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass Series #3)|Paperback
These books get better and better the more you get into the series. Aelin is by far my favorite FMC - the depth of her character and the strength, but also her very real and raw weaknesses. So beautifully written and had me captivated at every page t...
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass Series #4)|Paperback
HOLY COW! The twists and turns in this book were insane. I continued to fall more and more in love with all of the characters. It was action packed, emptional, and gripping. A great build up book.
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass Series #5)|Paperback
As a standalone, I probably would've rated this book a 2 or 3 in comparison to the rest of the series; however, I did it as a tandem read with Empire of Storms and LOVED how it all pieced together! It was like one very long movie and the build up (wh...
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass Series #6)|Paperback
I loved this book SO MUCH. It was thrilling from the first page and kept me on the edge of my seat at all times. I laughed. I cried. All of the emotions in the best way. These characters have become a part of me in a way that I never expected. It's a...
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass Series #7)|Paperback
This series has forever changed me and I will probably reread this every year. If you're looking for an epic fantasy to sink your teeth into, this is it.
Throne of Glass Hardcover Box Set|Hardcover
This series has forever changed me and I will probably reread this every year. If you're looking for an epic fantasy to sink your teeth into, this is it.
Throne of Glass Paperback Box Set|Paperback
I absolutely LOVED this book! Strong FMC, delicious love interest, and a hunger games styled plot line with an underlying mystery. This book was right up my alley and the spice was definitely spicing. Highly recommend!
Phantasma|Paperback
I LOVED this book! I'm a huge fan of books with trials and I felt the FMC wasn't using the fact that she's a human as a weak spot, rather to push herself even harder. I felt for the characters and the twists were great! My only gripe is that the endi...
The Serpent and the Wings of Night: Book 1 of the Nightborn Duet (Crowns of Nyaxia Series #1)|Paperback
This book started out with a strong hook, then had a slow burn (similar to the vibes of A Court of Thornes and Roses). This is very clearly a foundational book with a strong final 100 pages that will keep you on edge and dying for the next book. For ...
The Last One (Deluxe Limited Edition)|Hardcover
Holy cow. This book was a ride 😳 Prepare yourself - this is definitely a VERY IMPORTANT moiddle book. Lots of new info to learn. Digest what you can. Take breaks. Grab tissues. Just like any other Empyrian book - it's a rollercoaster.
Onyx Storm (Standard Edition)|Hardcover
HOLY COW! This book did NOT disappoint. The trials, tension, and mystery elements were perfect and I was constantly finding myself wanting to pick up the book and read more. AND THE ENDING 🤯
Dire Bound|Hardcover
I LOVED this book! Even more so than Phantasma. The spice was better, stakes were higher, and the banter was top tier. Love!
Enchantra (B&N Exclusive Edition)|BN Exclusive
TBH - I read the first 3 books in this series so fast that I couldn't tell you exactly what happens in each. Just know that it's a bully romance in a magical academy and is HIGHLY entertaining. Take the leap and give it a shot.
Zodiac Academy 1: The Awakening|Paperback
I really enjoyed this one - definitely a foundational book to a deeper plot. A very quick and easy fantasy read with trials and a great intro to fantasy for anyone looking to get into the genre.
This is book 1 of a completed series with 4 books.
This is book 1 of a completed series with 4 books.
Trial of the Sun Queen|Paperback
I read this as an ARC and fell in love with it. It was SO GOOD. I love the magical elements, the hierarchy, the camaraderie, the Dain-like character that we wished Dain would have been, the drama. Ugh! Love love love.
If you're a fan of Fourth Wing, Direbound, Quicksilver, or TOG, you'll love this book.
Be warned - the cliffhanger is so good! You'll be itching to read more.
If you're a fan of Fourth Wing, Direbound, Quicksilver, or TOG, you'll love this book.
Be warned - the cliffhanger is so good! You'll be itching to read more.
A Requiem for Fallen Stars|Paperback
TBH - I read the first 3 books in this series so fast that I couldn't tell you exactly what happens in each. Just know that it's a bully romance in a magical academy and is HIGHLY entertaining. Take the leap and give it a shot.
Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae|Paperback
This book was so beautifully written. You have to stay with it for the first half before things start to make sense. There are still a bunch of questions left unanswered that have me excited for the next book in the series. LOVE the FMC and the MMC. ...
When the Moon Hatched: A Novel (B&N Exclusive Edition)|Paperback
TBH - I read the first 3 books in this series so fast that I couldn't tell you exactly what happens in each. Just know that it's a bully romance in a magical academy and is HIGHLY entertaining. Take the leap and give it a shot.
Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning|Paperback
A loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The book overall is a bit slower; however, the last 100 pages will have you in a chokehold and you'll be absolutely sucked in. The rest of the series is a wild ride after this.
ACOTAR #1: A Court of Thorns and Roses
This is a lot of people's favorite books out of the series. It's got some incredible moments that happen throughout the entirety of the book and things that will leave you absolutely shook. Many quotable moments are pulled from this book.
ACOTAR #2: A Court of Mist and Fury
This is one of my faves in the series, personally. I love how action packed it is and it had me so stressed that I had to eat a bowl of my fave comfort food (chips and guac) immediately afterwards. So good!
ACOTAR #3: A Court of Wings and Ruin
This book is really more of a novella. Picture a drunk fairy Christmas movie in book form and that's pretty much what you get here. There are a couple important character development moments, but otherwise it's just a fun Hallmark-styled good time.
ACOTAR #3.5: A Court of Frost and Starlight
This is personally my favorite book in the entire series. The character development that Nesta goes through in this book is one of my top arcs, hands down. It's a hot take though - depending on your personal background. This book did make Cassian my ...
ACOTAR #4: A Court of Silver Flames
War college with dragons and a steamy shadow daddy – what's not to love?
Empyrean Series #1: Fourth Wing
This book wrecked me in the best way. . . such a rollercoaster. Full of wonderful steamy moments, drama, fighting - all the good things that make a Fantasy what we all love it to be. The ending though 🤯
Empyrean Series #2: Iron Flame
This is the first in the Empyrean series where we get some more in-depth world building. It's a lot to take in, so take your time, pay attention, and trust nothing. This book will absolutely shock you and throw you for a loop - guaranteed.
Empyrean Series #3: Onyx Storm
This felt very much like a foundational book. Thrilling but didn’t have as much action as I was expecting. The FMC’s inner monologue is HILARIOUS and had me giggling the entire time.
It’s been called a “trials” book, but I’d beg to differ on that. T...
Blood of Hercules
Thrillers
This is a super quick and easy read. I was totally shocked by the twist and Feida had me totally on edge with thinking one way and then spinning me around. Loved this one!
The Boyfriend|BN Exclusive
I was so excited when I saw this book came out and Freida did NOT disappoint. You think the situation is one thing, but then it's another, and then it ends with twists on twists that don't stop. I read this in one afternoon. Love!
The Crash (B&N Exclusive Edition)|Paperback
The way this book was written was creative and was a great way to unravel the mystery. I wish the ending was more of a shock or twist (it seemed a little anticlimactic IMO), but otherwise it was pretty good!
Listen for the Lie: A Novel|Paperback
Freida does it EVERY TIME. I think I know what the twist is and then she hits me with two completely different twists in the end. This was a SUPER easy read and I was definitely shocked by the ending.
The Locked Door|Paperback
Every time I think I know how the twist is going to go and I'm always so wrong. I devoured this one insanely fast. One of my fave Freida books for sure.
Never Lie|Paperback
I think this had the most shocking final twist of all the Freida books I've read so far. this was a super easy read but kept me hooked the entire time.
I will say though that some of the subject matter had me a little disgusted - but that was kind of the point.
I will say though that some of the subject matter had me a little disgusted - but that was kind of the point.
The Teacher|BN Exclusive
Freida does it again! This woman writes psychopaths in the best way and I'm all here for it. This book had me sucked in from the very beginning and never had a lull. A great addition to the Freida collection for sure.
The Tenant|BN Exclusive
This book started out as a thriller/horror and I was anxious to try and solve the puzzle. Instead of a massive twist, I was left a bit confused until the very end where one small thing happens that answers everything. It was highly entertaining from ...
We Used to Live Here
This book was really good! It had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the reason why everything was happening. If you're a fan of thrillers, definitely check this one out!
Brief Intro (no spoilers):
This book follows the story of Poe, a podcaster who interviews criminals, as she comes face to face with her past. She thinks she's starting her podcast just like any other, when the man on the other end claims to be the man who murdered her mother. ...
Brief Intro (no spoilers):
This book follows the story of Poe, a podcaster who interviews criminals, as she comes face to face with her past. She thinks she's starting her podcast just like any other, when the man on the other end claims to be the man who murdered her mother. ...
Tell Me What You Did
This thriller was SO GOOD. I was not expecting the several twists that happened in this book - jaw on the floor for SURE. There are multiple POVs which can be confusing at first but all add up in the end. An emotional story with a great build up. Lov...
You'll Never Know: A Thriller
What a WILD ride! This book starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. I highly recommend for those who love a good crime thriller. There are so many emotions while reading this book and the characters will drive you mad. Great thriller.
The Perfect Marriage
I liked this book better than the first one! The multiple POVs were fantastic and definitely threw me for a loop. The twists were SO GOOD! I was bamboozled, for sure. You get to dig deeper into the minds of Sarah Morgan, Bob Miller, and the police de...
The Perfect Divorce|BN Exclusive
Dystopian
This book left me thoroughly wrecked. I loved how this gave us more clarity into Haymitch's character as we see him in the original trilogy. I already loved his Character, but this book made me love him even more. Grab the tissues and prepare for som...
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)|BN Exclusive
Romance
If you need a good cry, this is your book. Grab your tissues and get ready for a tale of resilience, heartbreak, romance and more. TW: cancer, military
The Last Letter (Signed Deluxe Edition)|Signed Book
I went into this book blind after someone recommended it for my book club. I was shocked from the beginning and then blown away by the emotional journey it took me on. The trauma, heartbreak, lust, romance - all of it. So raw, real, and beautiful.
TW: rape/SA, CNC, gore, murder, self harm, suicide, abortion
TW: rape/SA, CNC, gore, murder, self harm, suicide, abortion
Still Beating|Paperback
If you have a praise kink - this book will be your holy grail. It's spicy, sexy, steamy with some drama. Absolutely loved this book – and so did my husband 😉
Praise|Paperback
This book had more drama than the rest, but boy did it not let up on the spice! TW for polyamorous relationships, bondage, voyeurism, homosexuality.
Give Me More|Paperback
This book was the perfect example of how the dating scene and life in general can grow and mold you. It’s funny, relatable, heart warming, souls crushing, all wrapped in a pretty orange package. Think Sex in the City. Each chapter has a new boyfriend...
Frolick
Dark Romance
This book is definitely overhyped, but I really enjoyed the story! Think of it as a spicy book version of Dexter. I feel like the plot started dying once the spicy scenes kicked in. It went from a quippy romcom to straight up smut, so I started losin...
Butcher & Blackbird (Ruinous Love Trilogy #1)|Paperback
I LOVED this book! The banter had me giggling the whole time. There was a little bit of suspense to it, which added a fun element to an already entertaining plot. Great read!
Lights Out (Into Darkness Series #1)|Paperback
This book was mysterious, spicy and entertaining! The only reasons it didn’t get 5 stars for me were:
1. I figured out the twist at the beginning of the book
2. The spice came out of NOWHERE and at inappropriate times. Felt like spice for the sake o...
Gothikana
True Crime
This book was WILD. It was my first true crime read and was a great intro to the category. The way it was written kept me engaged and curious as to what was coming next. What this man did was horrific and clearly shows how broken the system is based ...
American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century|Paperback
Horror
The first chapter of this book started super sleepy but the last statement sucked me in and then I was hooked. It follows 3 different POV’s, each essential to the plot: the killer, his family, and an author writing a book about his murders. A very in...
The Butcher