Hello and welcome, fellow reader, to one of the hottest book lists! Feeling the thrill yet? You sure will when we start going through the best titles discussed in BookTok that—in our humble opinion—are worth the hype. If you are new to this, take a quick look at our article about BookTok and see for yourself how the platform has affected the book community over the years. Now, without further ado, here is a preview of the trending book titles featured in the article:
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
2. The Fourth Wing
3. It Ends with Us
4. Once Upon a Broken Heart
5. The Love Hypothesis
6. Icebreaker
7. Verity
8. A Little Life
9. The Song of Achilles
10. The Spanish Love Deception
11. A Touch of Darkness
12. Red, White and Royal Blue
13. Book Lovers
14. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
15. Mexican Gothic
16. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
17. Daughter of The Moon Goddess
18. Shatter Me
19. They Both Die at the End
20. Twisted Love
So let’s take a breath and dive deeper. Make sure to take notes or prepare your Amazon cart because by the end of the article you will be reaching for your next read!
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Published: May 5, 2015
Number of pages: 419, Paperback
A Court of Thorns and Roses, written by Sarah J. Maas, is a must-read beauty and the beast retelling, that has captured the readers’ attention in BookTok over the later years. After her mother’s death, Feyre feels responsible for protecting her family. She taught herself how to hunt and at her nineteenth year her aim is unforgiving. However, when her arrow takes down a wolf, Feyre will have to face the consequences of this kill, for she has to pay with her own life. She must travel to the terrifying lands of the Faeries and serve under one of their lords. There she will find that a horrible curse has plagued the beautiful lands. Will she risk everything to save a world that she doesn’t belong to?
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Published: May 2, 2023
Number of pages: 500, Hardcover
In Fourth Wing, written by Rebecca Yarros, the reader follows young Violet applying to a college of dragon riders. Forced to join the Riders Quadrant by her mother, who is actually a general, Violet must find a way to survive in her new environment ‘till her graduation. With her only weapon her sharp wits, her biggest enemy is Xaden Riorson, the fiercest wingleader. Soon she will realize that the hell she lives in is about to get even worse, as the kingdom’s defenses are getting weaker and vicious enemies are waiting in every corner. A thrilling, enemies to lovers story that would take your breath away—surely after Xaden is introduced.
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Romance
Published: August 2, 2016
Number of pages: 386 pages, Kindle Edition
Lily moved to Boston and started her own business in hopes she would find peace and happiness. But more importantly, she needed to get away from her past. Lily is a fighter, and will not let anything hold her back. Meeting Ryle Kincaid seems the best turning point in her life; he is well-off, sensitive and cares about Lily a lot. While being in a relationship is not really his “thing” he is willing to try dating Lily. Too easy, right? Well, Lily’s life is about to get significantly more complicated when her first love reappears. Atlas Corrigan carries painful and happy memories of her past, something that starts to unravel Lily’s quiet life. Finding herself between two men who love her in their own way, will she face a great heartbreak, or will she have her happy ending?
Author: Stephanie Garber
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Published: September 28, 2021
Number of pages: 403, Hardcover
Once Upon a Broken Heart, by Stephanie Garber, is the first book of a spin-off series (Caraval), following the story of the young and romantic Evangeline Fox. Evangeline has an idealistic view of love, until her world shatters crumbles completely due to her beloved’s engagement to another. She will do anything to prevent that, even striking a deal with an immortal, vicious being. Evangeline does not think twice when the King of Hearts asks her for three kisses in return—innocent enough, one would think. However, as the story unfolds, Evangeline will learn the hard way that trusting an undying creature is foolish—to say the least! Now, her chances to get her happy ending are the same as meeting her doom.
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 14, 2021
Number of pages: 383 pages, Paperback
Ali Hazelwood in The Love Hypothesis introduces a very interesting female character that resembles a lot the image of a contemporary woman working surrounded by men. Olivia is a third year Ph.D. candidate, as we expect, a scientist doesn’t believe in arbitrary notions—like love. So, in an attempt to prove a point to her friend, Olivia finds herself tangled in a fake-dating situation with Dr. Adam Carlsen, aka the professor everyone hates. However, one lie leads to the other and Olivia ends up spending more time with Adam. Having two nerds in the same space may sound boring, but Olivia will excite you with her witty remarks and hardworking spirit. The Love Hypothesis is a sweet, feel-good rom-com!
Author: Hannah Grace
Genre: Sports Romance
Published: August 23, 2022
Number of pages: 435 pages, Kindle Edition
Icebreaker, written by Hannah Grace, offers a heartwarming college-romance, between a figure-skater and a hockey player. If you are not convinced to give this book a chance just by the mention of a hockey player, then let us tell you that Nate Hawkins is worth all the hype. He will even wear a pair of tights—can’t miss this image. Anastasia and Nate will have to work together after Anastasia’s partner gets injured. The funny part is that Anastasia believes she has everything under control and will not fall in love with Nate… but we all know how romance books work, and Icebreaker will not let anyone down!
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genres: Thriller, Romance
Published: December 7, 2018
Number of pages: 336 pages, e-book
Colleen Hoover in Verity, explores a rather shadowy atmosphere with a lot of suspense and a forbidden love trope. Lowen Ashleigh accepts a job offer to continue the successful series of the renowned author, Verity Crawford, due to the author’s unfortunate injury. However, Lowen finds herself in a cobweb of dangerous secrets when the hidden autobiography of Verity’s falls into her hands. Lowen is torn apart between her unexpected feelings toward Jeremy, Verity’s husband, and the truth of his daughter’s death. Should she spare him the torment and ignore her feelings for him, or should she reveal the dark truth, hoping he will return her feelings?
Author: Hanya Yanagihara
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary
Published: March 10, 2015
Number of pages: 720 pages, Hardcover
A Little Life, written by Hanya Yanagihara, is a story about human relationships, with a rather bone-breaking and realistic point of view. The narrative follows four friends after their graduation from a prestigious Massachusetts college and moving to New York. As they struggle to deal with their lives and ambition, their relationships are challenged and the dynamics between them must be redefined. The readers dive into the past of Jude, a rather mysterious but brilliant figure. As we learn more about his tragic past and watch as his trauma consumes him, we are moved by how his three friends, Willem, JB, and Malcolm try their best to keep him together. By the end of the book, we are both conflicted by society’s cruelness and relieved by humanity’s kindness.
Author: Madeline Miller
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Published: September 20, 2011
Number of pages: 408, Paperback
A new take on Homer’s Iliad, The Song of Achilles, written by Madeline Miller, develops the story of the two young Greek warriors, Achilles and Patroclus. We experience first-hand how they met each other, bonded, and then were called to fight under the command of King Agamemnon at Troy. We get the chance to understand the characters profoundly, their motifs and the love that eventually drove Achilles to madness. If you are interested in the historical context of the great war of Troy, then this the best book for you!
Author: Elena Armas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 23, 2021
Number of pages: 487 pages, e-book
The Spanish Love Deception, written by Elena Armas, is a contemporary romance, that follows one of our favorite plots—fake dating. Catalina Martín is currently searching for an American boyfriend to escort her to her sister’s wedding in Spain. There is no way out of it, as she has already woven her fake story so masterfully that even her ex-boyfriend and his fiancé are looking forward to meeting this mysterious American man. However, as the date of the wedding approaches, Catalina has to make a difficult decision; either she will accept her insufferable colleague’s offer to accompany her, or face the consequence of her lies.
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Genre: Fantasy
Published: May 23, 2019
Number of pages: 379 pages, Kindle Edition
A Touch of Darkness, by Scarlet St. Clair is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, and Hades, the God of the Underworld. Persephone moves to New Athens in order to start a new life as a mortal journalist. Determined to enjoy the city’s nightlife, she enters in one of Hades’ clubs and ends up striking a dangerous deal with the King of the Underworld. Her only way out now is to comply with his impossible terms; she must create life in the underworld. As difficult as this sounds, she will find herself in another challenging situation; resisting Hades’ charm.
Author: Casey McQuiston
Genres: Romance, LGBTQ
Published: May 14, 2019
Number of pages: 423 pages, Paperback
Casey McQuiston in her book titled Red, White & Royal Blue, creates a beautiful love story that the consequences of it will have a “cataclysmic, international, terrible” impact. The First Mexican-American Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, is forced to pretend he is close to his all-time nemesis, Henry, the Prince of England. As they work on their friendship out of mere obligation towards their nations, they find themselves incapable of stopping their growing emotions. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that their connection is only getting stronger, and the attraction between them is undeniable. A rivals to lovers story that will fill any reader’s stomach with butterflies!
Author: Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Published: May 3, 2022
Number of pages: 377 pages, Hardcover
Book Lovers, written by Emily Henry, introduces a strong female character, who loves books, but claims she is no heroine, Nora Stephens. Norah is goal-oriented, hardworking and a woman who knows what she wants. Not the ideal match for men her age, someone could assume. Her sister insists Norah needs to take her chances for a small-town romance, by visiting Sunshine Falls, North Carolina in August. But once she goes, she will have no charming first encounter with a handsome man, but rather bump into Charlie Lastra, an editor from back in the city. Fate will continually bring them together, until they are sick of each other and finally start kissing!
Author: Holly Jackson
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult
Published: 433, Paperback
Number of pages: May 2, 2019
Holly Jackson, in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, develops an all-too-intriguing story following the murder of a school girl in a small town. Our protagonist, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, is not content with the police investigations, neither does she believe Sal Singh—the victim’s boyfriend—is the real murderer. When she decides to dig more into the story, making this whole mystery part of her final year project, Pippa will find incriminating evidence and dangerous secrets leading to a person desperate to keep the truth hidden. However, a town so small cannot conceal a secret that big.
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Genres: Horror, Fantasy
Published: June 30, 2020
Number of pages: 320, Hardcover
Mexican Gothic, written by Silvia Moreno Garcia, is an alluring post-colonial gothic novel. The story follows Noemí Taboada as she rushes to High Place, in the Mexican countryside, after receiving a mysterious letter from her cousin. Once there, she is called to face a couple of intimidating figures, such as her cousin’s husband and his father, but Noemí is fearless. The dark aura of the High Place, calls to her soul, and she finds herself incapable of resisting its intoxicating whispers of the past. Noemí will find out more about the family who resides in this house with the help of the family’s youngest son. However, no one could ever guess what kind of history the walls of High Place have hidden for so many years.
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genres: Historical fiction, Romance
Published: June 13, 2017
Number of pages: 389 pages, Hardcover
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, is the story of Monique Grant, a magazine reporter, who accepted to write the autobiography of the Hollywood movie icon, Evelyn Hugo. As Monique listens to Evelyn revealing everything about her glorious and scandalous life—and of course, her seven husbands—Monique develops an uncanny connection with Evelyn. Why a star like Evelyn would want an unknown reporter like Monique to write her story? As Monique tries to get to the bottom of it, she realizes that Evelyn always has a secret agenda.
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Published: January 11, 2022
Number of pages: 503 pages, Hardcover
Sue Lynn Tan’s Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a wonderful retelling of the Chinese legend of the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. Xingyin lives with her mother on the moon, hiding away from the wrath of the Celestial Emperor. However, Xingyin’s powers manifest themselves, and she has to run away, leaving her mother behind. Hiding her identity, she finds herself in the Celestial Kingdom, training alongside the emperor’s son. When Xingyin is ready, she must return for her mother, but she will instead step into an epic quest, fighting enemies dangerous enough to threaten to eliminate the whole kingdom.
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Published: November 15, 2011
Number of pages: 338 pages, Hardcover
Shatter Me, written by Tahereh Mafi, is a dystopian fantasy following a 17-year-old girl who is thrown in jail, accused of murder. The truth behind Juliette Ferrars is that her touch is lethal. She is more than human; she is a weapon for the Reestablishment. Juliette, though, is sick of others making decisions for her. The curse that plagues her body is her only way out. Juliette will use her power to fight for herself and the one person who never stopped caring about her.
Author: Adam Silvera
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Published: September 5, 2017
Number of pages: 389 pages, Hardcover
They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera, is a young adult science fiction novel about two boys who are going to die in 24 hours. In a world that resembles ours but a little different, a service called “Death-Cast” informs the person who is about to die 24 hours ahead. Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio are total strangers. They both received a call at midnight on the 5th of September. Through an app called Last Friend, they will find each other and spend their last moments together, doing things they would never have the courage to do. The moral behind these boys’ adventure is the undying Latin saying carpe diem.
Author: Ana Huang
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 21, 2021
Number of pages: 360 pages, Kindle edition
Ana Huang’s Twisted Love is the love story of a morally gray character and his best friend’s sister. Alex Volkov and Ava Chen share one thing in common; they both carry scars from their pasts. The different way they process their trauma is what sparks their attraction and brings them together. Ava is a beacon of light and kindness. Despite her dark past, she has never stopped believing in the good in people. On the other hand, Alex is restless and will not stop until he’s had his revenge. Twisted Love is an opposites attract love story that will keep every—adult—reader on edge!
And with that, we have reached the bottom line of this list, inspired by BookTok’s vibrant community. It has been a craze, right? We believe that anyone who would call themselves an avid reader, should at least hear about these titles. And if you are new to this, we are certain that some of these bestsellers will definitely catch your eye. We know they got ours!
Nikki Sheryee insists that she’s “up to no good” whenever she’s in the company of books. Armed with a degree in English Language and Literature, she wields the power of words like a mischievous wizard. Her lifelong dream? To be the editor who sprinkles magic dust on manuscripts! To Nikki, a book is more alive than a caffeinated squirrel on roller skates. Readers nurture it, cuddle it, scold it, and occasionally challenge it to a duel! But in the end, a book does its own thing, pulling at our heartstrings and revealing our inner human-ness. Nikki’s favorite pastime? Well, it’s none other than the noble art of daydreaming! And she wears her daydreamer’s badge with pride, sharing this delightful delusion with the crème de la crème of her friends.
