The Best BookTok Books to Read on Your Honeymoon and Beyond
There's no better time than your honeymoon to dive into a fabulous new book—and if you're looking for your next read, we highly suggest turning to #BookTok to add to your ever-growing TBR pile. With billions of views on the hashtag and a never-ending flow of buzzy new releases hitting stores, there's no shortage of incredible BookTok book recommendations for every genre.
Of course, we know how daunting it is to comb through all of those titles. (Too many books, so little time.) Whether you're in search of a spicy rom-com to throw in your carry-on or a gripping thriller to take your mind off wedding planning stress, we've done the work (read: reading!) to curate the ultimate guide to the best BookTok books to read on your honeymoon and beyond.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
If you're looking for a swoon-worthy romance to read on your honeymoon, allow us to introduce you to This Summer Will Be Different. Like its predecessors, Carley Fortune's third book is rich in vivid imagery that'll transport you to the coastal Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. This summery story begins with a flashback to Lucy's first vacation on PEI, where her best friend Bridget grew up. On her first solo day in town, she finds herself entangled with Felix, a handsome local and master oyster shucker…only to find out the next morning that he's Bridget's younger brother. They vow to keep their tryst a secret, but can't seem to stop finding their way back to each other year after year. When Lucy unexpectedly finds herself on the island consoling Bridget, who skipped town just days before her wedding, she vows that this time, she'll stay away from the one boy she knows she can't have.
With themes of love and friendship, we guarantee this BookTok book will touch your heart (and make you want to call your bestie right away). "I see this as having two love stories, because it's very much about best friends and how their relationship evolves over time," Fortune told The Knot ahead of its 2024 release. "This is certainly the deepest kind of friendship storyline I've written, and I think a lot of people will relate to it."
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Fact: Everything Emily Henry writes turns to gold. BookTok's reining romance guru is back with a new novel full of heart, humor, and her signature banter that's so good, it'll have you giggling and kicking your feet like a kid. Funny Story begins with Daphne remembering how much she loves the story of her meet-cute with her fiancé, Peter. Until she finds out Peter was cheating on her with his childhood sweetheart, Petra, that is.
Thanks to their broken engagement, Daphne needs a new place to stay until she can leave her job at the local library and high-tail it out of their small town. The only feasible place she finds just happens to be with Petra's ex-boyfriend, Miles. After all, shacking up with your ex's ex is quite the funny story, isn't it?
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez has quickly taken over BookTok as one of the internet's favorite romance authors. Perfect for readers who like subtle spice with substance, Jimenez's writing beautifully encapsulates real love, highlighting raw topics like mental health, childhood trauma, and family dynamics in a way that authentically humanizes her characters. Her 2024 release Just For the Summer centers around Justin, who goes viral on Reddit for posting about his particularly unfortunate curse: every woman he dates goes on to find her soulmate immediately after they break up. He commiserates with Emma, a travel nurse, who slides into his DMs to share that she has the same problem.
After exchanging flirty banter, they decide the only way to break the curse is to date each other—but they never consider what might happen if they fall head over heels in the process. While you can enjoy Just For the Summer as a standalone, we recommend reading Part of Your World first followed by Yours, Truly to get the biggest emotional impact. Thank us later!
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
Elin Hilderbrand made a name for herself as the unrivaled queen of the beach read—so considering Swan Song her final Nantucket-based novel, it deserves a spot on your TBR. In her 27th book, recurring character Ed Kapenash is finally ready to retire from his position as police chief. But with three days left of his 35-year tenure, he learns that a $22 million house has suspiciously burned down. Although one of the staff members is missing, the town can't help but notice the elusive owners are off enjoying a lavish yacht party, seemingly without a care in the world.
In typical Hilderbrand fashion, this novel is chock-full of small-town gossip, larger-than-life personalities, and stunning scenery descriptions that'll have you looking up flights to Nantucket. To enhance your experience, we recommend reading The Castaways and The Rumor first, as some characters appear in this book.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
When you're in the mood for a contemporary romance that focuses heavily on a relationship, not just spice, grab Kennedy Ryan's This Could Be Us. Second in the "Skyland" series (behind Before I Let Go), this poignant novel features Soledad, a woman whose life couldn't be more organized. But despite her meticulous attention to detail, nothing can stop her soulmate—or who she thought was her soulmate—from walking out the door. In doing everything she can to keep life for her kids as they know it, Soledad embarks on a journey of self re-discovery. Along the way, she finds herself falling for the one person she knows she can't be with. On this new path, though, nothing seems too far out of reach.
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
If you, like the rest of the internet, found yourself obsessing over The Masters golf tournament this spring, do yourself a favor and grab Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey. In this spicy BookTok romance, resident bad boy golfer Wells Whitaker spectacularly throws his once-shiny career in the trash by quitting in a moment of rage. He even loses his number one fangirl, Josephine, who stood by his side through his biggest wins and his most embarrassing losses. She couldn't be more surprised, then, when Wells shows up at her family's golf store begging her to be his caddy on his redemption arc. Given the mess of her own life, she won't say no to some extra money. But what she doesn't expect is that after weeks spent on the tour together, she finds herself falling for her sports crush.
Once dubbed the "Michaelangelo of Dirty Talk," Bailey's romances are brimming with flirty banter and spice so good, you might feel like you need to get a room to enjoy the book in peace. The best part? This is the first of multiple stories in Bailey's "Big Shots" sports romance series, so be sure to grab The Au Pair Affair when it goes on sale in July 2024.
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
You know the name Freida McFadden thanks to her buzzy titles like The Housemaid and Never Lie. With her new thriller, The Teacher, comes the shocking tale of a high school math educator who finds herself in the middle of a scandal involving a student who she knows can't be trusted. As is typical with McFadden books, you'll fly through this one before your plane even touches down on the tarmac. We recommend not researching too much about the plot before starting this popular BookTok book—just let the twists and turns take you on the most unexpected ride of your life.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
If you take any of our BookTok recommendations, let it be The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren. This dynamic best-friend writing duo is responsible for some of BookTok's biggest bangers, and their 2024 release does not disappoint. With a gorgeous island setting and laugh-out-loud humor, this is the book to throw in your honeymoon luggage.
The story begins with college acquaintances Anna Green and Liam "West" Weston. He's the heir to a nationwide grocery store conglomerate, and she's an art student struggling to get by. She agrees to marry him under false pretenses so she can get family housing at school, while he begins the fast track to his $100 million inheritance (which he can only receive after being married for five years). Anna believes she signed divorce papers on graduation day, but when West shows up at her doorstep three years later, she learns two things: First, they never officially got divorced; Second, West needs her to accompany him to his sister's destination wedding so his family can finally meet his ~secretive~ wife. What ensues is a hilarious journey of self-acceptance and love (with, of course, Grade-A banter sprinkled throughout).
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
From the outside, Evie Porter's life is perfect. She has a gorgeous home, a handsome fiancé, and a group of friends integrated into Southern high society. The only catch is that Evie Porter isn't real. In this twisty thriller by Ashley Elston, you'll quickly learn that Evie Porter is a fake identity created by the protagonist's boss, Mr. Smith. She doesn't know anything about this shadow of a man, other than the fact that he gives her assignments and expects them to be executed to perfection.
After fumbling her last job, "Evie" suspects she's on thin ice with Mr. Smith. So when a woman shows up in town with her real identity, she knows that she's embarking on a dangerous journey—and it's up to her to figure out what game Mr. Smith is playing before it's too late.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
From the mastermind of some of the most popular BookTok books like Red, White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop comes The Pairing. Releasing on August 4, 2024, Casey McQuiston's latest queer romance is ideal for foodies and fans of second-chance romances. It follows Theo and Kit: childhood friends, lovers, exes, and now, mortal enemies. After a heart-wrenching breakup mid-flight to Europe, they go their separate ways for good…that is, until they both book their unused European tour voucher for the exact same time. What can go wrong when you're spending three weeks with your ex indulging in great food and fine wine in three of the most romantic cities in the world?
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
Searching for a BookTok thriller that'll actually leave you speechless? Try adding Home Is Where the Bodies Are to your TBR. Estranged siblings Beth, Nicole and Michael find themselves back together again after their mother passes to clean out her estate. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the trio decides to watch old home movies to transport them back to happier times as a family before their mother fell ill—and before their father ran away. What they never expect to find is footage from the 1990s showing their dad covered in blood, a dead body, and their parents agreeing to bury the problem. You won't believe what happens next.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Annabel Monaghan's books are meant to be enjoyed on a porch with an ice-cold glass of sweet tea by your side. (Bonus points if there's a beautiful beach or a sunset in your line of vision.) Like her previous titles Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer, Summer Romance is a delicious, feel-good rom-com that you'll devour in one sitting. Her latest novel follows Ali, a down-on-her-luck mom of three whose life is as messy as her cabinets. (And she's a professional organizer.) When a new love interest fatefully appears in her life just off the heels of her divorce, no one is more surprised than she is when she willingly throws herself into a summer fling.
A Love Song For Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
If you loved Tia Williams' Seven Days In June, it's time to get A Love Song For Ricki Wilde on your bookshelf. Fans of historical fiction and magical realism will adore this genre-bending tale of Ricki, an artist who's always been the odd one out in her family. She jumps at the chance to rent the bottom of a Brownstone in New York, giving her a one-way ticket out of Atlanta. As she immerses herself in the rich culture of Harlem, she's swept off her feet one Leap Year when a handsome stranger mysteriously appears, completely altering life as she knows it.
The Match by Sarah Adams
When in Rome. Practice Makes Perfect. The Cheat Sheet. The Rule Book. If you love these sparkling comedies by Sarah Adams, you'll be thrilled to know this BookTok mainstay has a new duology coming out this summer. Available beginning July 2, The Match follows Evie, a woman with epilepsy who dedicates her time to the company that provided her beloved service animal. Despite getting off to a rocky start with one of her new clients, Jacob, Evie quickly finds herself falling for the hunky single dad, even though it breaks all of her rules.
That's not all! Be sure to also grab a copy of its buddy book, The Enemy, when it releases the following month. A true enemies-to-lovers, this closed-door romance finds June wrangling her feelings for her longtime nemesis (and low-key crush) Ryan when they reconnect at a friend's wedding. We may be biased, but it's one of our favorite tropes.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
If you're honeymooning in Greece, there's no better destination to pick up The Fury by Alex Michaelides. This popular BookTok author has penned buzzy titles like The Silent Patient and The Maidens—and his latest release showcases his talent for mysteries that'll keep you guessing until the very last page. In this addictive novel, Elliot Chase shares the story of how a vacation with renowned movie star Lana Farrar ended with a gruesome murder on a private Greek island. Written in the first person, it feels like Elliot is recounting the unbelievable tale as if you're old friends grabbing drinks at a cozy pub…but it won't take long for you to start questioning just how reliable your narrator is.
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
We know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but can you blame us? On the outside, The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin offers to transport you to the colorful Italian coastline—but the inside is even better, if you can believe it. This heartfelt novel is so much more than a typical summer romance. After meeting in college, a group of four best friends make a pact following a devastating tragedy that brings them back into each other's lives 10 years after graduation. Brimming with emotional prose and detailed imagery that'll make you feel like you're reading in Capri, The Summer Pact explores the many forms of love we experience in life.
Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun
We named Alison Cochrun's seasonal stunner Kiss Her Once For Me as one of the best fall romance books, so it'll come as no surprise that her latest novel Here We Go Again earned a spot on this list too. Despite having a falling out years ago, former childhood besties-turned-enemies Rosemary and Logan find themselves in close quarters when they agree to fulfill their favorite teacher's dying wish to embark on a cross-country trip…by car, that is. With wit, whimsy, and a whole lot of heart, Cochrun's queer rom-coms are always a delight. And if you're planning a road trip honeymoon, this read is a no-brainer.
The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas
What can we say? We're suckers for any BookTok book that involves weddings and engagements—even if they're fake! Elena Armas, who you know from her internet sensations The Spanish Love Deception and The American Roommate Experiment, is back with The Fiancé Dilemma, available in July 2024. After four failed engagements, Josie is ready to throw in the towel on love entirely. Unfortunately for her, her past relationships cast a less-than-ideal shadow on her family's legacy, and she needs a solution, pronto. When Matthew shows up out of the blue, Josie unwittingly wrangles him to be part of her master PR plan. The fifth time's got to be the charm…right? (Psst: This is the sequel to The Long Game, so be sure to read that first!)
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Ready to enter the mythical world of Basgiath War College? If you haven't seen this fantasy BookTok book all over your FYP, your TikTok might be broken. At this point, there isn't much to say about Fourth Wing that hasn't been said—other than if you're looking for a whimsical story you won't want to put down, this is it.
Written by Rebecca Yarros, this bestseller follows Violet Sorrengail as she enrolls in training to become a dragon rider, the most elite (and dangerous) position in all of Navarre. What ensues is a captivating tale of adventure, peril, and, of course, romance. Even if you aren't a typical fantasy reader, don't let that deter you from diving headfirst into this BookTok phenomenon. Take it from this editor: Stepping outside of your comfort zone is worth it, especially for this book. Once you've finished, be sure to get Iron Flame before the series' third installment, Onyx Storm, releases in January 2025.
Daydream by Hannah Grace
Spend about five minutes on the BookTok hashtag and we guarantee you'll stumble across Hannah Grace's hits Icebreaker and Wildfire. Readers can't get enough of the Maple Hills series, so if you've anxiously been awaiting the third release, we're happy to report you can get your hands on it in August 2024.
In the latest installment, UCMH ice hockey captain Henry needs all the help he can get to keep his grades up and stay on the team. In an act of desperation, he turns to his new friend Halle, an academic prodigy he accidentally met at her book club. Even though she's busy enough trying to write her own novel, tutoring Henry might give her the real-life ~inspiration~ her romance book so desperately needs.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
If you're looking for a book that reads like a movie, consider How to End a Love Story, written by real-life screenwriter Yulin Kuang. (Psst: Kuang is set to direct Emily Henry's big-screen adaptation of Beach Read, so you know she has taste.) In her debut novel, TV writers Helen and Grant unexpectedly find their way back into each other's lives years after a devastating tragedy linked them forever. While Grant knows he shouldn't accept the job writing for Helen's show, he can't pass up the exposure. Even as they find themselves growing closer, memories of their past offer a painful reminder that their connection may be doomed forever.
The Most Famous Girl in the World by Iman Hariri-Kia
Take one look at this cover and try to tell us it doesn't ooze cool-girl energy. Following the release of her debut, A Hundred Other Girls, Iman Hariri-Kia is back with a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek novel that fans of Inventing Anna will devour. The Most Famous Girl in the World centers around Rose, a journalist whose viral exposé of a glitzy conwoman landed her in jail. Despite her white-collar crimes, Poppy's social grifting turned her into an internet starlet—so when Rose hears that Poppy will be released from her sentence, she knows she needs another shot at proving to the world that Poppy really is a terrible person, not the pop culture icon people make her out to be.
The Heirloom by Jessie Rosen
Every engagement ring has a story—but some are more complicated than others. That's why Shea's beloved Nonna insists that heirloom engagement rings should be avoided at all costs...especially if it didn't come from a happy ending. (Who wants that bad karma sitting on your hand, anyway?) Of course, things get complicated when Shea's longtime love John pops the question with—what else?—a vintage bauble. While Shea couldn't have said yes faster, she can't shake Nonna's warning from the back of her mind. To ensure her ring will deliver a true happily ever after, she embarks on a dazzling journey to uncover its secret past from Los Angeles to New York, Portugal and Italy.
With a colorful cast of characters and vivid imagery that'll take you on a mental vacation, you'll fall in love with Shea as she investigates the truth about her ring. (Might we suggest enjoying this honeymoon book with an Aperol spritz in hand?) What we love most is that this tale is so much more than a romantic love story. The Heirloom explores themes of family dynamics, friendship, and self-love, and it's the most appropriate book to bring with you on a European holiday.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Ever dreamt of putting all your favorite romantic comedies together in one book? That's exactly what Lynn Painter set out to do with Better Than The Movies. This nostalgic YA story centers around high schooler Liz, who has a serious crush on her ultra-cool classmate Michael. The only problem? He has no idea who she is. Liz enlists the help of her cute (albeit annoying) neighbor Wes to create a grand scheme that'll end with Michael asking Liz to prom.
Amid their crazy antics, Wes and Michael end up becoming friends, giving Liz the opportunity she needs to swoop in and make a move on Michael. But after spending so much time with Wes, she may have a change of heart. Take our word: This popular BookTok book is best enjoyed with a 2000s rom-com playlist in the background.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Frequent #BookTok readers are likely familiar with Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. Blending fantasy, action and a whole lot of spice, it's easily one of the most recognizable titles to pop off on TikTok. The first book features huntress Feyre, who finds herself in a terrifying mythological realm after she kills a creature in the woods and meets a beast seeking revenge.
Everything she's been told about Prythian is put into question the moment she starts falling for her captor, Tamlin. As an ancient shadow threatens to end Tamlin and his world, Feyre learns she may be the only one who can save everything she's come to love. If you enjoy the first book in the ACOTAR series, there are four others you can add to your stack of must-reads—and we'll bet you have no idea where this series will take you.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
You've probably seen this pretty blue book cover on your FYP before, because it's a top BookTok recommendation. Written by Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over is full of beloved tropes. (Small-town romance? Check. Grumpy/sunshine? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check. Family drama? Check.) After fleeing her own wedding, Naomi finds herself in Knockemout, Virginia, where she plans on helping her sister in a time of need. As soon as her twin gets what she needs, though, she flees town, leaving a jobless Naomi with her 11-year-old niece.
Longtime resident Knox sees Naomi's trouble unfold, and while he tends to stay away from drama, he can't help but offer her a helping hand. He swears that once Naomi is on her feet, he'll leave her alone, but things don't quite go according to plan in this beloved BookTok pick.
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
Looking for a fantasy that's not ACOTAR or Fourth Wing? Try diving into the Powerless trilogy, written by Lauren Roberts. This series is a true BookTok success story, as many readers have followed Roberts' career ever since she began documenting her writing journey on the app. Following the Powerless release in 2023, its sequel Reckless will hit stands in July 2024. Geared towards fans of The Hunger Games and Red Queen, these steamy romantasies are packed with action, adventure, and magic that'll sweep you off your feet.
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
Given his tumultuous past, Alex Volkov doesn't open himself up to love. That is, until, he has to take care of his best friend's sister, Ava. Ava herself has her own internal demons to confront, though she can't help but develop feelings for Alex—a person she knows she shouldn't love. This is a relationship that, in theory, can't work. After all, they're both harboring secrets of their own that could threaten everything. With a steamy grumpy/sunshine trope, Twisted Love is a BookTok hit you're guaranteed to enjoy.