Worth the Hype? – 5 Must-Read Book-Tok Books

Book-Tok: A side of TikTok dedicated to sharing all things literary. The best new novels, the best old, and everything in between. But with the amount of books being promoted, it’s hard to figure out which is best for you. Here are five of my must-reads.

Archer’s voice – mia sheridan

Whether you’re a big fan of romance novels or feel that they’re not your thing, Archer’s Voice is a must-read. A beautiful story that will both break and warm your heart, Archer’s Voice details the different paths everyone takes towards healing. This is far more than your run-of-the-mill romance novel, but a pivotal piece of literature that captures the complexity of human relationships and tragedy.

After the unexpected death of her father, Bree Prescott is in desperate need of an escape, which she finds in the small town of Pelion, Maine. Plagued with a constant feeling of danger, Bree searches for safety in the quaint, tight-knit community. However, everything changes when she meets Archer Hale. Archer hasn’t spoken a word since he was seven years old and is viewed as an outsider. After a chance encounter, Bree and Archer gradually form a connection. In the silence, they learn to see each other in ways no one else has before. In a town filled with secrets, their relationship rests on shaky ground, seconds away from breaking them and the town apart. 

Verity – colleen hoover

Not only is Verity an enthralling love story, but a haunting mystery that created a multi-dimensioned plot.

Struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh is offered a once in a lifetime job when Jeremy Crawford, the husband of famous author Verity Crawford, enlists her to finish a book series of Verity’s she wasn’t able to complete due to an accident. The Crawfords, however glamorous they appear, are a family consumed by tragedy.

Upon agreeing to the job, Jeremy invites Lowen to his family’s home to dig through boxes of Verity’s outlines. Lowen finds much more than she bargained for when she discovers a hidden manuscript in Verity’s office – an autobiography filled with sinister secrets. To make matters more complicated, Lowen struggles to hide her feelings for Jeremy, a broken man who may be more disconnected from his wife than the public thinks.

With an ambiguous end that leaves the readers wondering where the truth lies, Verity is impossible to put down. 

The way i used to be – Amber smith

Beautiful and gut-wrenching, this book was poignant and eye opening.

When Eden McCrorey begins high school, she is a quiet, rule-following girl who lives in her brother’s shadow. This all changes one night when she experiences a trauma like no other. Filled with guilt and hatred, Eden feels completely isolated in her emotions, leading her down a dark path that changes who she is at the core. Divided into four parts, each section details a year in Eden’s high school life. With a beautiful love story that will keep you captivated, this novel is a necessary addition to all bookshelves.

The Inheritance games – Jennifer lynn barnes

The Inheritance Games is a three-book series that centers around teenager Avery Grambs, whose only hope of making it in the world is receiving a scholarship to the college of her dreams. However, her entire life is about to change when multibillionaire Tobias Hawthorne leaves the entirety of his fortune to her when he dies. Suddenly, Avery is whisked away to Hawthorne House, where she is faced with millions of questions, an eclectic new group of people with vendettas against her, and a game created by the late Tobias Hawthorne.

To protect herself and answer her burning questions, Avery must play the game. She unveils dark family secrets and joins forces with the four Hawthorne grandsons, who are as charming as they are brilliant. If solving puzzles wasn’t hard enough, Avery finds herself in an intense love triangle with heir-apparent Grayson, and mysterious Jameson.

A thrilling mixture of high stakes games and complex relationships, this series is filled with plot twists and intricate details that sneak up on you when you least expect.

family of liars – e. Lockhart

Family of Liars is the prequel to the wildly popular We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. This novel details the complicated relationships between siblings, parents, and love interests while a suspicious death looms in the background. Set off the coast of Massachusetts, the story is told from the point of view of the oldest Sinclair daughter, Carrie, who struggles to find a sense of belonging in her wealthy family. Through past recollections, she tells the stories of one specific summer filled with traditions, a pill problem, first love, and a scandalous cover up.

What captivated me most with this book was E. Lockhart’s writing style. Her use of vivid details and language makes the scenery and the characters come to life. It made this novel impossible to put down and portrayed so many complex emotions in the most beautiful way.

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