I used to never read, but I made it my goal to read more as an adult. Summer of 2021, I discovered booktok. If you are unfamiliar booktok is the side of TikTok that only talks about books. I have found so many great recommendations. I decided I would share my favorite books I have read so far. So, keep reading if you want some books to read in the new year.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Super obsessed with this book! L.A. party girl is forced to move to a small fishing town where she meets grumpy, fisherman Brendan. It’s a grumpy vs. sunshine romance. Brendan is definitely a man written by a woman. This book is a fun and spicy read! Perfect for anytime of the year.
Overall: 5/5 Spicy: 4.5/5
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The classic enemies to lovers. Two co-workers, Lucy and Joshua, have always had it out for each other, until one day Lucy has a sexy dream about Joshua and things start to heat-up between them. A funny and feel-good read.
Overall: 5/5 Spicy: 3.5/5
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Beautiful book that covers two story lines. One story line takes place during present day, Tate, a nurse who meets her brother’s mysterious and sexy best-friend, Miles. The other story line takes place seven years ago, following the story of Mile’s first love. You see how Tate and miles develop friends-with-benefits relationship and also why Miles refuses to have a girlfriend ever again. This book made me cry, beautifully written.
Overall: 5/5 Spicy: 3.5/5
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
A ten-year slow burn love story between best friends Poppy and Alex. After meeting in college, Poppy and Alex begin to take a vacation year for the past 10 years. Something happens between Poppy and Alex that causes them to stop talking. As an attempt to salvage their friendship Poppy invites Alex on one last trip with her. You follow their present-day vacation as well as every vacation they have taken for the past 10 years. One of my favorite stories.
Overall: 5/5 Spicy: 2/5
Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
This story follows the two perspectives Ryen and Misha, elementary school pen pals that have stayed in contact for 7 years. They have never exchanged photos or social medias until one day Misha stumbles on the Facebook of Ryen. He transfers to her school under a fake persona and learns how she’s nothing like her letters. Badboy vs. Cheerleader, super spicy read. I love this book!
Overall: 5/5. Spicy 4.5/5
The deal by Elle Kennedy
College story that follows the two perspectives of Hanna and Garrett. Garrett is the super-hot, cocky, captain of the hockey team, and Hanna is a smart, music major that agrees to tutor Garrett. One thing leads to another and their friendship leads to something spicier. I wish the plot line was a little different, but still really good
Overall: 4/5 Spicy: 4/5 TW: Rape
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
This book follows Lilly and her two love stories. It follows they story of her and her first love when she was 15, and then her present-day love as an adult. She begins a new whirlwind-relationship with “Mr. Perfect.” Then her first loves appears back in her life. She’s put in some hard positions in her new relationship that give her a new perspective of what love is really all about.
Overall: 4.5/5 Spicy: 2/5 TW: Domestic Abuse and Rape
Beach Read by Emily Henry
This story follows January, a writer who recently discovers her father has been having an affair for years. After his death, he leaves his summer home to her. She moves in for the summer to get closure and write her next novel. She soon meets her neighbor Gus and thus starts their confusing relationship. A feel-good read.
Overall: 4/5 Spicy: 2/5
These books were all amazing! I highly recommend them. I could not put these books down and most of them I finished in a day or two. Hope you like my suggestions!
