Who could ever put a price on love? Well, it turns out a lot of people can. Even though Valentine’s Day is that special time of year when we’re especially free to open our hearts and show our spouses, partners, crushes (gulp!), and even friends and pets how we feel, there’s still a lot of pressure to do it with our wallets. But, as the Beatles once said, “money can’t buy me love” — and luckily for us financially challenged people out there, we can still give our loved ones a sweet little gift without shelling out tons of dough.
Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris caused quite a stir at Elton John's Oscars afterparty, but for good reason! After dodging dating rumors for quite awhile, they dressed to impress and made their first public debut as a couple! Sophia even wore her best accessory — a mega-watt smile — that further confirms this blissful pair.
While some people love to know whencelebrity couples fell in love, the details about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris' relationship have people wondering when this couple actually got together. Well, our wait is over because Sophia decided to open about what led to her romance with Ashlyn Harris and why certain rumors hold no merit!
Since we're clearly tuned in to this love story, here's everything you need to know about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris's relationship!
Who is Sophia Bush?
Image via Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
Sophia Bush has had a lengthy career as an actress, and she's most recognized for her portrayal of Brooke Davis in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. She's also appeared in Nip/Tuck, Chicago Fire, Incredibles 2, and John Tucker Must Die. When she's not showing off her acting chops, she hosts the Drama Queens podcast alongside former One Tree Hill castmates Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz!
Who is Ashlyn Harris?
Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for W Magazine
Ashlyn Harris is a former U.S. soccer player who had a successful run — no pun intended — as a goalkeeper during the career. She also won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada and continued making an impressionable mark. However, she announced her retirementin 2022 and — per her Instagrampage — has gone on to become the Global Creative Advisor for Gotham FC and Adidas Football.
When did the dating rumors about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris start?
Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
June 2023
Rumors about a possible connection between Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris swirled last summer when Cosmopolitanreported they were on a panel at Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity. Sophia shared a pic of the two at the festival on Instagramand wrote, "Love you @ashlynharris24 and @sophieannkelly" towards the end of her caption.
A source told Page Six, "It’s very new...They are definitely a couple.” But, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris didn't confirm or deny anything at that time.
When did Sophia Bush file for divorce from Grant Hughes?
Image via Leigh Vogel/Getty Images
August 2023
A couple of months after Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were seen getting cozy together, Sophia filed for divorce from her former husband Grant Hughes. Peopleshared that they were only married for a little over a year — 13 months — but didn't end on a bad terms. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, "Grant and Sophia are better off as friends and they weren’t getting enough time with each other before their breakup."
When did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger file for divorce?
Image via Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
October 2023
While things seemed to quiet down, Ashlyn Harris soon filed for divorce from Ali Krieger after getting married towards the end of 2019. What's interesting is that a source told Peoplethis decision wasn't surprising. "Although it’s new information to the public, Ashlyn and Ali’s divorce began months ago and they have been living apart since the summer,” the source said.
This is also around the time it was speculated Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris had their first official date. A rep told People, "Grant will always want the best for Sophia, and is supportive of all that makes her happy and fulfilled." We guess it helps he and Sophia had a solid friendship before getting married!
As for Ali Krieger, she basically let the world know things were business as usual with an Instagrampost. She captioned a pic of her playing soccer with, "Preparing for playoffs while in my Beyoncé lemonade era." A comment from user @lgbtlfg said, "the fact that a lot of players in these comment’s usually mind their business and stay out of drama but are supporting ali should tell everyone all they need to know."
The only thing Ashlyn said about it on Instagramis that she never intended for her and Ali's divorce to be made a public matter. A portion of her note says, "This process is never easy, but we were making our way through."
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris publicly talked about their relationship?
Image via Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
March 2024
Besides showing up to Elton John's Oscars afterparty together, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were previously tight-lipped about their relationship. The only hint Sophia offered was much more of a reflective post about 2023 on Instagramat the beginning of January. She said, "This year taught me to listen to myself and no one else. To let go of expectation that wounds and grasp possibility that frees. To not care about optics and instead invest in honesty."
But, she's since chosen to own where she is in life.
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
Sophia Bush on the cover of Glamour Magazine
April 2024
Sophia Bush has now reached a point where she's publicly ready to stand in her truth regarding her life and her relationship status so much that she penned her own cover story for Glamour. The first thing she did was open up about how she really felt about her marriage and fertility struggles.
She wrote, "But after the wedding I found myself in the depths and heartbreak of the fertility process, which was the most clarifying experience of my life. It feels like society is finally making space for brutally honest conversations about how hard and painful any fertility journey is, but I kept mine private. I was trying to get through months of endless ultrasounds, hormone shots, so many blood draws that I have scar tissue in my veins, and retrieval after retrieval, while simultaneously realizing the person I had chosen to be my partner didn’t necessarily speak the same emotional language I did.”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
As far as her relationship with Ashlyn Harris is concerned, the star is enjoying the love that exists between them. Contrary to alleged rumors, their initial relationship was a platonic one that stemmed from a place of understanding and support.
She told Glamour,“I didn’t expect to find love in this support system. I don’t know how else to say it other than: I didn’t see it until I saw it. And I think it’s very easy not to see something that’s been in front of your face for a long time when you’d never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option. What I saw was a friend with her big, happy life. And now I know she thought the same thing about me.”
She also added, "A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people’s processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker. The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women—my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!).”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
It's safe to say that Sophia Bush is thoroughly comfortable with her love life and identity as a queer woman. She said, "I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”
And this is what it looks like to reclaim your narrative when so many people are looking at a brief glimpse of the lives of celebrities. We love that Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are loving each other on their terms without feeling pressured to share anything before they were ready to. Our hope is that their love story continues to unfold beautifully.
Be sure to watch Sophia Bush's interview with Glamour's Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry here!
Full Credits From Glamour Magazine:
Writer: Sophia Bush
Photographer: Lauren Dukoff
Stylist: Deborah Afshani
Hair: Matthew Collins
Makeup: Afton Williams
Manicure: Brittney Boyce
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris made their official red carpet debut?
Image via Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Kimball Stroud & Associates
April 27, 2024
Per Glamour, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn made their official red carpet debut as a couple on Friday. They attended the White House Correspondent's dinner where they were dressed to impress in complementing black ensembles.
It's easy to see the glowing couple couldn't stop laughing and smiling as they posed for pictures that seemed to capture every good angle of their faces and style.
Image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images
After the dinner, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris posed for more pictures on the red carpet leading to the Correspondent's after-party. Now that we're able to see their full faces, we have to talk about how well their hair and makeup complements their outfits. It's clear that Ashlyn's contour and bronzer were expertly applied to her face while Sophia's blush gave her a natural flush.
*Sigh* Their smiles are the only confirmation we need that they're enjoying the bliss of being a couple.
October 2024
Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are packing on the PDA in Sophia's latest Instagram pic! In celebration of Ashlyn's birthday, Sophia shared an intimate photo of the two with a heartfelt message to celebrate the love of her life. Honestly, this is probably the happiest I've ever seen both of them and that makes my inner romantic giddy. Plus, they're such a good-looking couple! One of my favorite comments left on their picture is "if living her best life was a person" because it sums up how I feel about Sophia's growing romance with Ashlyn.
November 2024
Ashlyn Harris is finally telling her side of what led to her divorce and it has nothing to do with Sophia Bush. During her appearance on Naked Sports with Cari Champion, she talked about trying to save what she and ex-wife Ali Krieger had. "I started trying all these things, like, let’s do an open marriage." For Ashlyn, it was her "last attempt of" salvaging what they had.
Not only did that go against who she was, but Ashlyn dropped another bombshell about why she suggested it in the first place. "I felt so embarrassed and I felt so much shame that I didn’t know how to tell people that, like, oh, ‘My wife doesn’t want to touch me or doesn’t want to be intimate or doesn’t want this.'" Uh, no intimacy? Yikes.
She also admitted it felt like she fell last on the list of priorities in her and Krieger's marriage. "I didn’t feel that sense of connection, whether emotional or physical. It was soccer, job, kids, and then somewhere down the line it was like, ‘OK, what about me?'"
As far as her being the villain in the relationship, Ashlyn says it's completely untrue. "I’m constantly pegged as a cheater, which that is so far from the truth and she knows it." The image that Krieger's allowed to be painted of Ashlyn "torched" her, but it seems like she's chosen to focus on the happy relationship she's building with Sophia.
Follow us on Facebookfor more entertainment news!
This article has been updated.
Sydney Sweeney just went viral for clapping back at internet trolls trying to body shame her, but the comments are just as incredible. ICYMI, after some bikini pics of Syd leaked (of the actress in her own backyard, BTW. Creepy!!), an unfortunate slew of hate comments decided to comment on her body. And like the true boss she is, Sydney responded, not with a notes app commentary, but by posting a video of herself training for the new Christy Martin movie.
From Glen Powell to Madelyn Cline, here are the best celebrity comments on Sydney Sweeney's latest Instagram video.
Sydney Sweeney's video of training for her Christy Martin biopic totally speaks for itself.
Sydney Sweeney's new Instagram video features the actress boxing and training for her new role, and it doesn't even have a caption — she doesn't need it! The video and photo montage speaks for itself, but that didn't stop her friends from showing her major support in the comments.
"You’re such a bad—ss. This movie is gonna be 🔥," Sydney's Anyone But You costar Glen Powell commented, while Outer Banks' Madelyn Cline simply said, "I truly love it here."
"The thing is these people would never say it in person," Isabela Merced, who starred with Sydney in Madame Web, said. "Too scared. But if they ever did? best believe it’s hands 😘" while Lili Reinhart commented, "It’s always wild to see people publicly out-themselves as pieces of sh—t with comments like that. You look incredible and your dedication to your project is very inspiring 💪🏻❤️."
Quinta Brunson simply left a fire emoji in the comments. (Which, TBH, is exactly how I feel about this whole scenario.)
And Sydney can't wait for fans to see the movie.
Sydney Sweeney has already teased what to expect from the Christy Martin biopic, and can't wait for movie lovers to see how she rose to the self-proclaimed "challenge."
“I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old," Sydney told Deadlinein May. "I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”
That challenge definitely includes physical workouts (did you SEE the video above?!) but it also expands to emotional work too. “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman — a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring," Sydney writes in another Instagram post. "Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all. more to come soon."
We can't wait to see you kick butt Syd! In the Christy Martin movie AND in The Housemaid ;).
Read up on Sydney Sweeney, Jude Law, and Ana de Armas Fight For Survival In Their New Insane Thriller to hear more about Syd's upcoming projects.
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are at the top of my personal #relationshipgoals list because they're my real life Jim and Pam from The Office. I'm sure that sounds cheesy, but I'm willing to flex my hopeless romantic muscles when it comes to their love story. It's not like they make it hard for me to gush over them.
Whether it's thinking about the way they first met, or the epic way they made A Quiet Place together in spite of 'advice' that tried to spell their demise, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski have a unified relationship that gives me butterflies. Here's a definitive timeline of these two love birds' relationship!
Scroll down to get all the adorable details on Emily Blunt & John Krasinski!
How many children do Emily Blunt and John Krasinski have?
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
The couple has two daughters together — Hazel, 10, and Violet, 7. They confirmed their first pregnancy with Hazel in 2013 and only announced the arrival of Violet after she was born in 2016.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
On September 7, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt and their daughters showed up to the US Open. Hazel wore a white US Open cap while Emily and John opted for black hats. Violet stood out with her hair in a ponytail & bow.
What have Emily Blunt and John Krasinski said about their daughters?
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
John told Peoplein 2020 that becoming a father has been one of the biggest changes in his life. He said, "“I went through some really serious stuff...There is a mirror that is held up to me now. You have someone watching you. You have to lead by example.” He also said he's been able to see his parents' perspectives now that he's raising children.
Emily told Harper's Bazaar UK last year that their daughters are a top priority for her. It's why she carves out time to be with them as much as possible when working. She said, "...even though they’re...used to this strange life, it’s still rough on them when I have to go away." As a working mom, I can only imagine how difficult it is for actors and actresses to explain to their kids why they have to go away for periods of time.
She went on to say, "There are cornerstones of the girls’ day that I don’t want to compromise on – like, will you wake me up, take me to school...It’s such an exhale for me to be able to do that."
When Did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski meet?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Emily appeared on A Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2018 and admitted their first meeting was fairly casual. She said, "...it's just kind of lame. I mean, I was in a restaurant. He was in the restaurant." She then says something that made me giggle. "This is our romantic comedy! This is it. Write it," said Emily.
From there, she talks about how their mutual friend spotted John and the way her future husband made her laugh when he came to the table. As simple as that sounds, I think the best love stories don't always have an overly dazzling beginning. Sometimes it's really the small interactions that touch the heart.
And as for John's perspective on the meeting? Well, he told PEOPLE for the Sexiest Man Alive issue that he fell for Emily "the second he met her." The star said, "I don't know what happened, but I remember someone introduced us, and it was across a room in a restaurant, and I walked over to her, and as soon as I shook her hand, I just knew." OKAY, BRB SOBBING. 😭❤️
When did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski start dating?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
They've never shared an official timeline for their first date, but we're pretty sure it didn't take long for Emily Blunt and John Krasinski to have their first date after meeting in 2008. They don't agree on who asked who out first, but the couple told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018 that they basically hung out at John's apartment and ate pizza. I always say the best way to know if you really like someone is if you enjoy being around them doing something that's considered mundane — like eating pizza and watching movies.
When did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski get married?
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Less than a year after dating, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski got engaged! A rep told People, "We can confirm that John and Emily are engaged."
They were engaged for almost a year before "jumping the broom" in 2010 and had an exclusive wedding at fellow actor George Clooney's house! Funny enough, John was hesitant about having their wedding there and told Elle, "Only on the fourth ask did I say yes. Because the first three times I thought, There's no way he is serious. But I started to see his feelings get hurt."
What have Emily Blunt and John Krasinski said about their relationship?
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
John admitted to Glamour in 2018 that he'd watched The Devil Wears Prada over 50 times. "I’m lucky enough that she stayed with me and didn’t realize that she had really married her stalker," he said.
Emily gushed about her husband by telling InStylein 2021, "When I feel the support that I have from him, I feel invincible. There's someone behind you on your good days and someone in front of you on your bad days."
Why did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski decide to work on "A Quiet Place" together?
John Phillips/Getty Images
When it was announced that Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were working on their first film together, A Quiet Place, I was beyond excited. Of their experience on set together, John admitted to Peoplein 2018 that he had a lot of fun working with Emily. He said, “I’ve never have loved my wife more than after we did this movie...We were really honest with each other from the beginning."
And when Emily won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 25th Annual SAG Awards in 2019, she had nothing but positive things to say about John. She said, "I am going to share this completely with my husband, John Krasinski, because the entire experience of doing this with you has completely pierced my heart directly...You are a stunning filmmaker..."
How have Emily Blunt and John Krasinski supported each other's careers?
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Now that Emily is getting ready for the debut of The Fall Guy alongside Ryan Gosling, she can't help but to talk about how John influenced her to lean into her latest role. She recently told People, "I am married to a director, I know what it's like to hold the tempest of the movie in your head and the pressures and being pulled in a million directions."
John's also grateful that he has a wife like Emily. He told Paradein 2022, "On a daily basis, but certainly in a career-wise, as a dad, she pushes me to be better every single day at everything I do. So I look forward to the next day cause I know it'll be better than the one before."
Sigh. Excuse me — I'll be somewhere crying about the way these two have shown up for each other over the years.
Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity couple updates!
Lead image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images
This post has been updated.
These $4 Trader Joe’s Holiday Cookies Have An Insane Cult Following: “I look forward to these every year!”
Dec 17, 2024
If you’re into all things Trader Joe’s, you probably already know what Joe-Joe’s are. Even if you’ve never heard of ‘em, you do know ‘em: they’re essentially TJ’s very own dupe for Oreos. They feature a classic layer of sweet cream sandwiched between two crisp cookies. In years past, they’ve come in all sorts of flavors like Vanilla Creme, Peanut Butter, and Pumpkin Spice.
Right now, the Joe-Joe’s flavor of the moment is centered around the holiday season, and its return has Trader Joe’s shoppers going bonkers, whether they’ve been enjoying it for years or have only just discovered it.
Read on to learn more about this highly-coveted, must-try Trader Joe’s holiday item!
Trader Joe's
The Joe-Joe’s in question are none other than the Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s. They are currently sold in two iterations: regular and gluten-free. According to the Trader Joe’s website, a box of the gluten-free ones go for $4.49. The regular version isn’t currently listed online, but has been available in stores for $4 for a hot minute.
The Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s feature two chocolate sandwich cookies and a peppermint-flavored creme that hosts tons of tiny candy cane pieces for a bit more crunch. Trader Joe’s calls them the “perfect seasonal variation” on classic sandwich cookies.Seasoned Trader Joe’s shoppers truly don’t play around with their Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s. There are plenty of people who’ve truly granted this product cult status!
One super fan recently took to Reddit to share their love for the holiday cookies – they’ve been enjoying them for a whopping 16 years!
“My FB memories just showed me that 16 years ago today I fell in love with my favorite TJ's product, Candy Cane Joe Joe's,” they wrote in the thread. “Every year I buy at least 5 boxes, eat 1 during the holidays, and stash the rest for the rest of the year. I only have one box so far this year and I need to get more!”
“I've consumed at least 2 boxes of these every year since 2007,” another Reddit user wrote in a separate thread. I’m sold.
“I gain 3 lb every December because of these,” one more Redditor said.
Trader Joe's
The Candy Cane Joe Joe's are everything I love about the holidays. They have plenty of chocolate, but enough peppermint to balance out the bite. Plus, desserts are just huge in my household this time of year.
Whether I’m enjoying them solo with a cold glass of milk or adding them to my Christmas charcuterie board to share with the fam, I just know they’re going to be a hit.
As another Reddit user put it: ““They are so good. [It's] impossible to enjoy regular Oreos now.”
Trader Joe's
Cravings going crazy? Trader Joe’s most recent seasonal drop for the holidays includes so many more candy cane-themed items. Catch the Candy Cane Joe-Joe's Ice Cream (!), Candy Cane Green Tea,Candy Cane Baton Wafer Cookies, Dark Chocolate-Covered Peppermint Joe Joe’s, Dark Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Marshmallows, and even the Candy Cane Body Scrub (and more!) in stores for a limited time.
Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Trader Joe's items!
I read countless phenomenal new books in 2024, so I took great care (and honestly a little bit of anxiety) to write this definitive list of the best books I picked up this year. I cried and cheered with likable characters while fuming at those who took villainy to a new level (I'm side-eyeing you A Court of Thorns and Roses). Yet through it all, I reclaimed my love for reading and spending time in imaginary worlds. I even learned about how unhealthy parasocial relationships are in my favorite non-fiction pick!
Instead of keeping you waiting, let's talk about which books kept me in my feelings — and turning pages — and why.
The 17 best books that I absolutely couldn't put down in 2024
Amazon
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!
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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!
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Which books from the list did you read this year? For more of our favorite reads, be sure to check out our storefront!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.