10 Best Book Club Books That Everyone Will Want to Read

1. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Not only was Christina Lauren fun to chat with, the author duo's summer novel The Paradise Problem gave me the best fake relationship-to-real one troupe. You won't know what to expect when the first few pages highlight Anna Green's divorce from Liam "West" Weston, but you'll be drawn in when you realize she didn't thoroughly read the documents he had her sign.

What happens next is a series of mishaps and drama that stem from trying to fit in with a wealthy (and snooty) family. But there's also the realization that Anna and Liam are about to see each other in a new light that stokes the flames of their hidden passion.

Watch a full recap of my interview with Christina Lauren here!

2. Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Also listed on our best romantasy books list, Immortal Dark is another book I couldn't stop devouring. I'm on my third read and I keep finding something new that makes my jaw drop. It's fully of morally gray characters that are hard not to root for, especially the seductive Susenyos Sagad.

Maybe I've watched too many episodes of Vampire Diaries, but there's something intoxicating about a sexy vampire who's as drawn to an heiress — Kidan Adane — as she is to him.

3. Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

I've always wondered what it's like to attend an Ivy League school so the plot of this mystery book kept me on my toes. I couldn't wait to learn what happened to one Princeton alumni's sister and why she worked hard to keep her away from a certain secret society she used to be a part of.

Sadly, the web of lies that connects faculty to students is deeper than Maya knows and she soon realizes danger has been closer than she thought.

4. So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

Again with the vampires? Why, yes! However, So Thirsty is full of themes that aren't just about drinking blood. While it does play a role in Sloane's reawakening, you'll learn more about how easy it is to accept the status quo while letting your hopes and dreams fester. Though I don't think you need to become a vampire in order to change your life, it may help you realize the areas of your life you need to be more intentional in.

5. The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell took our irrational fears and tendency to overthink, packaging them into a non-fiction read that'll nudge the rational part of your brain. It made me realize that we're constantly bombarded with information overload, conspiracy theories, and fan clubs daily.

As someone who works in media, I often have to unplug from the internet when I'm not working because I'm chronically online on purpose. However, The Age of Magical Overthinking reads like a soothing mental balm that's needed — hence why I love it so much.

6. This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

I love spicy romance books because I don't have to sneak to read them anymore. Also, it doesn't hurt that romantic, platonic, and familial relationships are covered in this one. What author Kennedy Ryan has created with her Skyline series is pure magic, especially with This Could Be Us.

You'll learn about Soledad Barnes' journey from being in a marriage lacking intimacy to becoming a single mother who has to care for her children amidst the fallout from her husband's indiscretions. Along the way, she finds support in familiar and unlikely places along with a new love she learns to trust.

7. Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is another read I can't stop thinking about because it's not about the surface level differences of socioeconomic statuses. There's an added layer that begs you as a reader to answer, "How far would you go to make sure your legacy lives on?"

Though you'll learn about how Lily and Matthew fell in love despite differences, you'll also be introduced to characters that shed light on terrible family secrets that have a trickle down effect.

8. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Margo's Got Money Troubleswas the best surprise read of the year because the title alone stands out. All I could when I first held the book in my hands is, "I've got money troubles too Margo! Let's be friends!" It's such a beautifully written modern take on single motherhood because it dares to humanize people who don't fit into society's neat definition of a 'respectable' mom.

Whether it's due to her unconventional upbringing or not, Margo realizes she's grasping for pennies when she decides to keep her unplanned baby. After losing her job and roommates, she comes up with a plan that many wouldn't support. However, all that matters is her taking care of her child by any means necessary and I do mean any.

9. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

I Hope This Finds You Well is peak office culture drama and I loved every minute of it. From Sloane's disinterest in getting to know her co-workers to realizing how much she doesn't know about them, it helps you realize how imperfect everyone is. It doesn't mattered if you're labeled anti-social or not, there's always a reason for why we're willing or hesitant to be vulnerable with other employees.

Ah, don't forget the classic helicopter boss!

10. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellers

I didn't expect to sob as much as I did while reading Blue Sisters, but it's a memorable read that reminds me how grateful I am to have a sister I actually like. Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky loved their sister Nicky so much that the aftermath of her death leads to different levels of processing grief.

Avery has a successful career as a lawyer while Bonnie decides what's next after her boxing dreams are cut short and Lucky? She's trying to fill a void between modeling and partying as much as possible.

They're forced to come to terms with their grief when they're faced with losing their childhood apartment and all the ways some things have followed them until adulthood.

11. Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair was another read I lost myself in because it championed a first time mother's story and identity. It seems like people are starting to realizing moms are still human beings who have desires outside of figuring out how to care for a human for 18 years.

For Hannah, she realizes that her ex-boyfriend Killian isn't the kind of man she should be with long-term. But, she also finds out she's stronger and smarter than she's given herself credit for. The ironic thing is that she discovers this in the mountains of Blue Ridge, GA surrounded by a tight-knit group of people who feel like home.

12. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

How to End a Love Storydoesn't sound like it's a rom-com because it's not meant to, according to author Yulin Kuang. She was more concerned about writing successful and flawed human beings who happen to find their way to each other despite carrying trauma.

Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's feelings for each other are complicated at first, but they eventually realize they're able to have something the more they let their guards down. And when they confront the pain and confusion they've been carrying? The sky's the limit.

13. One Last Summer by Kate Spencer

One Last Summer was a feel-good rom-com that introduced me to another experience I've never had: going to summer camp. It begins with Clara Millen's boss forcing her to take a sabbatical from work because she works too hard and ends with her realizing she's always loved her camp rival Mack.

In between that, she and her childhood friends have to grapple with the fact the camp they made memories at is about to be sold to the highest bidder. Armed with nothing more but a checklist to help her remember her joyful center, Clara will have to make up for everything she's missed out on in order to save the one place she used to love.

14. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

The God of the Woods broke my heart in pieces because it sheds light on how lies and greed can overshadow caring for family. When another Van Laar child goes missing from the camp they own, a search party gives way to an investigation because the incident is too odd. What unfolds is an intricate plan that reveals what happened to the first missing Van Laar child and how the men of the family did everything they could to maintain their wealth.

15. Tell it To Me Singing by Tita Ramirez

According to some of the best books of 2024, every family has secrets they'd rather take with them to their graves. However, Mónica Campo learns more about her mother's misdeeds when the latter has to have an operation. Told through a series of flashbacks, Mónica realizes what she knew about her heritage and love for the father of her unborn child isn't the complete truth.

16. Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda

It goes without saying that author Megan Miranda is a genius, but I'll spell it out if you're not familiar with her work. Daughter of Mine is a masterpiece because it expertly conveys the aftermath of a celebrated detective's death. Ironically, it's timed with an unfortunate drought that's plaguing the area which begins revealing terrible secrets that make the late detective's daughter question what people have been hiding all this time.

17. Annie Bot Sierra Greer

As much as technology can be helpful, sometimes I wonder what will happen if people become too reliant on it to fulfill their every need. Author Sierra Greer explores this in Annie Bot, a novel about a robot who's the "perfect girlfriend" to Doug. She tries to do everything he asks and continuously learns from her mistakes when she doesn't get it right.

However, the more she begins to mold herself to feel more human, the more she begins to wonder if it's possible to stop taking orders and do what she wants.

1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

How many times is too many to mention Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros? Wait, don't answer that question. Instead, let's focus on how genius this body of work is. It's our introduction to Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail, Xander Riorson, dragons, and evil schemes.

If you haven't read this book yet, make sure to start NOW because Onyx Storm releases next month!!! It's the third book in the Empyrean series and it's guaranteed to be a great read.

2. Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Morally gray characters? Check. Intoxicating vampires? Check. Secrets that alter reality? Also, check. Immortal Dark has everything you'd expect in a romantasy except you'll find yourself questioning what you've learned about protagonists and antagonists because even the 'good' people are compelled to commit terrible things.

3. Deep Is The Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Deep Is The Fen scratched an itch I didn't know I had with it's tale of how dark magic and lies can harm everyone. Merry's convinced stopping her best friend Teddy from joining the Toadmen is her only mission, but she'll soon discover there's an ancient evil that's been calling the shots and isn't ready to give up its throne.

4. The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

If you want to laugh and cry, The God and the Gumiho is one of the romantasy books you should read. It trails Kim Hani, a powerful Gumiho, and Seoka, a god full of tricks and bitterness, as they reluctantly work together to stop an evil demon from destroying the city they now reside in. It's the perfect enemies-to-lovers troupe that breaks your heart in the end.

5. The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

It starts off with a semi-botched robbery that leads to a world of magic, except skilled thief Kierse doesn't realize it until she's in the alleged monster's lair. In fact, he'd already sensed her presence long before she knew she was being watched. By then, it's too late and she finds herself immersed in an ancient feud that's about to reach its breaking point.

6. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre might be High Fae now, but her troubles are far from over in A Court of Mist and Fury. For one, she's linked Mr. High Lord of the Night Court although she's supposed to be marrying Tamlin. The issue is that she's not 100% sure if that's the right choice even though she initially lived with the latter after the events of A Court of Thorns and Roses. She'll have to decide where she truly wants to be, but not before making yet another bargain that'll affect more people.

7. Zodiac Rising by Katie Zao

What's not to love about an exclusive boarding school that harbors magical secrets? That's another question I'm not excited to answer because Zodiac Rising shaped up to be an intriguing read that also gives readers a history lesson. Since the loss of the 12 zodiacs, their Descendants they've been living in the shadows to protect their identities.

However, evil appears again when one of the most notable students at the boarding school loses their life. Now, four unlikely students will have to become uneasy allies in order to save the world as they know it.

8. Curse of Shadows and Thornsby LJ Andrews

9. Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

Orphaned Ophelia Hart's passion for reading and making sure no one has to suffer the uneasy fate she has pushes her in the direction of becoming a social worker. She has no idea how that's going to happen, but she's determined to find a way to help other children.

When she's suddenly gifted with the chance to go to Montridge University, she gleefully accepts the offer. It sounds like a dream come true until she meets three of the Ruby Dragon Society's members who want to make her life miserable. They're also vampires which adds to their sinister nature.

She's never believed in fantasy before, but Ophelia changes her tune when the inevitable keeps happening. Also, she's pretty special too and it seems that Professor Alexandros Drakos knew it before she did.

10. Court of Vines and Vipersby Emberly Ash

Iris life changes forever when she meets Arthur in Los Angeles.

The premise of The Holiday movie is pretty simple: Iris and Amanda swap homes for two weeks over Christmas to avoid their disastrous love lives, unknowingly agreeing to an adventure that ultimately changes them — and their love lives — forever. (Oh what I wouldn't give to hop on a plane to Europe to avoid boys. What a dream). When she lands in Los Angeles, Iris is totally overwhelmed by Amanda's gorgeous home, the DVD setup, and gigantic bed, but the aspect of her holiday that really shines is her ability to connect with people.

We see Iris learn all of the gardeners' names (as well as the mailman's) barely a week after arriving, and when she notices Amanda's elderly neighbor Arthur walking alone, she immediately pulls over to help him find his house. (Also, sidebar: this scene always terrifies me because why is Arthur in the middle of the street?! Why aren't you on a side walk, A?!).

Iris helps Arthur home and takes a look around his living room (which boasts at least one Emmy and Academy Award each) before inviting him to have dinner with her and boom! The greatest relationship in the movie is born.

Arthur empowers Iris to be "the leading lady in her own life."

These two become fast friends, as Iris confides in him about her disastrous love life that very same night, and he offers her a beautiful piece of advice about acting like "the leading lady in your own life" (remember folks, this was decades before main character energy). Iris also reminds him just how much of a role he played in Hollywood by helping him prep for his Writers Guild of America gala with strength training so he can climb the stairs without his walker.

So though it's not romantic, Iris and Arthur's relationship is the true love story of The Holiday because of how much love and confidence they offer each other. Neither of them expect anything in return — they just enjoy being together.

And Iris gives Arthur his confidence back too!

Soon, it's time to head off to the WGA gala, and Arthur gives Iris a corsage, apologizing if it's corny or doesn't match her outfit. Iris declares she's "looking for corny," and it's such a small moment that really illustrates that the way they've empowered each other has changed their lives forever.

Iris helps Arthur feel sure of himself again, while Arthur's encouragement helps Iris find her power...and kick her ex Jasper out of her life forever! (Plus Arthur definitely picks up on the vibes between Iris and Miles during their Hanukkah dinner party. The ultimate wingman!).

When Iris and Arthur arrive at the WGA gala, and a sold-out crowd gives Arthur a standing ovation, it's clear he wasn't expecting so many people to care about his work. And in his overwhelming shock, he has Iris to lean on. Iris and Arthur don't only care about each other, they depend on each other, and their trust, love, and understanding is just the cherry on top. And sorry Jude Law, but I'll take that over romance any day.