30 Romance Books BookTok Has Gone Wild Over
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Reading a book can be a great way to take a much-needed break from reality. However, actually finding a book that you're willing to commit hours of investment into can sometimes be challenging. Some plotlines and character tropes are just not for us, and diving into a new book at random can lead to disappointment.
This problem is all the more so within the most varied genre of them all: romance. From enemies-to-lovers renaissance romance to cozy coffee shop meet-cutes, the world of literary romance can be overwhelmingly vast. Fortunately, the rise of online book communities — like BookTok — has made it much easier to find romance recommendations without spending hours in a bookshop.
BookTok, the dedicated book-focused community on TikTok, is a space that loves all things romance. Known for videos of cozy reading spaces and cutting analysis of the (let's face it) often predictable tropes of romance, such as the BookTok door frame lean, this corner of TikTok can be an excellent place to start if you want to know what books are popular with your fellow rom-com lovers.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
"The Flatshare" is a 2019 romance novel written by Beth O'Leary. This unique rom-com read details the slow-burn romance between Tiffy and Leon, two roommates who, despite sharing a flat, have never met. A plot device that takes the traditional roommates-to-lovers dynamic and turns it on its head, O'Leary's debut novel focuses on situational comedy.
Soon after its release, this book became a favorite for its fleshed-out characterization of the main pairing, with a review of "The Flatshare" by BookToker @literarylola_ attracting hundreds of thousands of views.
"As annoying as it is, I'm always pleased when a character starts acting out," O'Leary discussed in an interview with Writer's Digest. "For me, that's how I can tell they're starting to feel real." If you love a good domestic romance with a unique setting, chances are that "The Flatshare" could be the BookTok-certified recommendation for you.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
A book popular with readers and aspiring writers alike, "Beach Read" by Emily Henry is a literal BookTok beach read favorite. On TikTok alone, the hashtag #beachreadbyemilyhenry boasts over 155,000 views, with dozens of videos discussing the ins and outs of this novel.
"Beach Read" focuses on the rivalry-to-love relationship between beachside writers Augustus Everett and January Andrews. When the pair find themselves both struggling with writer's block, they agree to switch genres in an attempt to get their creative juices flowing. This is a bargain that eventually leads to a love affair happening off the page for the writers themselves.
"Beach Read" and its slow-build romance embodies all the classic tropes we love to see in a good romance novel, from the opposites-attract dynamic of writers Augustus and January to the beachside houses that their romance begins to blossom from.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
A celebration of fan culture and everything fanfic, "Spoiler Alert" is the perfect romance novel for anyone who has ever wanted more from their favorite fictional pairing. Dade's novel pairs Hollywood heartthrob Marcus Caster-Rupp and secret cosplayer, April Whittier.
The couple first hit it off on Twitter thanks to April's costume creations going viral, and a troll-shaming publicity stunt turns into actual romance. Things quickly become more complicated in this novel, as unbeknownst to the couple, they already know each other via their fandom alter egos.
A novel that deals with the excitement and pitfalls of online culture, "Spoiler Alert" caught BookTok's eye as a funny and emotional novel that understands and embraces the world of fandoms, with videos discussing the novel collectively racking up millions of views. If you've ever wondered if an A-Lister runs your favorite stan account, "Spoiler Alert"s unique premise might appeal to you as much as it has to BookTok.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood's "The Love Hypothesis" is one of BookTok's most beloved novels, with #thelovehypothesis garnering over 600 million views on the app. It's known to be spicy on BookTok, so if you're in the mood for a steamy read, this one's got you covered.
Following the story of Stanford Ph.D. student Olive and notoriously grumpy professor Adam, "The Love Hypothesis" has received a lot of praise from avid readers for its subversion of a standard romance trope. Yes, this novel does include a pretend dating scenario, with Olive concocting a seemingly perfect relationship between her and Adam to get interfering friends off her back, but the plot quickly becomes so much more than that when true sparks begin to fly.
This novel is more than just simple romance, however. "The Love Hypothesis" deals with topics such as the awkwardness of first intimacy and sexual harassment in the workplace in a way that seems realistic and authentic.
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
"When in Rome" garnered attention from BookTok for its contemporary spin on Audrey Hepburn's classic film, "Roman Holiday." The definition of the meet-cute, this romance novel gives the retro film a contemporary twist as we follow the slow-burning love of small-town boy Noah and popstar in disguise, Amelia.
Over time, this odd couple falls for each other and opens their hearts to fun, intimacy, and companionship along the way. While the pair's bond takes a while to get going, their adventures in the quaint town of Rome, Kentucky, are entertaining to watch, as proven by the novel's popularity on TikTok.
Reactions to the book by BookTokers regularly garner thousands of views and likes from readers. The first of two books in Adams's "When in Rome" series, this novel is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to escape the daily grind and fall in love in the process.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Rachel Lynne Solomon's "Weather Girl" is the kind of tempestuous romance often recommended by BookTok fans. While this novel does feature the reunion of a divorced couple, the main draw is the unconventional pairing that happens as a result of this.
In "Weather Girl," meteorologist Ari Abrams and shy sports reporter Russell Barringer are co-workers on a mission. Frustrated with their bosses' messy divorce, the pair team up to get them back together and save their workplace. In the process, they inevitably end up falling for one another instead.
Like sunshine and rain, readers get to watch the pair complement and work alongside each other. Together, they blossom into more confident, self-assured versions of themselves in a romance tale that strives to fully flesh out its characters. A popular book to react to and discuss on TikTok, Solomon's "Weather Girl" is often reviewed on BookTok in videos that go on to receive thousands of views.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
A New York Times Bestseller, "Icebreaker" is the first book in author Hannah Grace's "Maple Hill" series and the perfect read for anyone who loves a sporting romance. This TikTok favorite is centered around competitive figure skater Anastasia, who is forced to share an ice rink with collegiate hockey star Nate. A classic enemies-to-lovers, the pair begin to develop affection for one another after Anastasia finds herself suddenly without a skating partner and must turn to Nate for help.
The literary debut for Grace, "Icebreaker" takes a fairly simple plot and gives it new life via the couple's electric chemistry and banter. While figure skating and ice hockey are key to the plot, rest assured that you don't need extra sporting knowledge to enjoy "Icebreaker" in all its romantic glory. One of the most popular BookTok recommendations, videos reacting to and discussing "Icebreaker" have collectively earned over 80 million views on the app.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
"It Happened One Summer" is a romance book penned by Tessa Bailey that is all about being a big fish in a small pond and the surprising romance that can come with it. When Beverly Hills socialite Piper Bellinger is exiled to a small beach town, she meets fisherman Brendan and a steamy romance begins to bloom.
Slowly, living the life of a small-town girl alongside Brendan begins to melt the heart of A-Lister Piper, and she must choose between the lights of LA and her newfound love. The opposites-attract dynamic of the couple is a lot of fun, while Piper and her determination to prove herself to the townsfolk give the plot some much-needed extra spice.
Another New York Times Bestseller and the first in Bailey's "Bellinger Sisters" series, it's not hard to see why this romance became wildly popular on BookTok, with #Ithappenedonesummer collecting over 225 million views.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Another Ali Hazelwood adventure, "Love, Theoretically" takes us back to the world of STEM with a secret identity romance. Elsie Hannaway is a struggling professor who moonlights as a pretend girlfriend to pay her bills. This double life becomes all the more complicated when the brother of one of her clients turns out to be Jack Smith, the attractive but seemingly villainous head of physics at MIT, the location of Elsie's dream job.
Furious to have encountered the man responsible for the downfall of her former mentor, Elsie plans to sabotage Jack in any way that she can. However, this baggage doesn't stand in the way of the sparks that begin to fly between the couple whenever they find themselves together.
A true enemies-to-lovers in its purest form, "Love, Theoretically" is a smart and funny take on the workplace romance trope. This book is hard to miss on TikTok, with videos loving and discussing this romance racking up almost two million views.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
"The Worst Best Man" is a BookTok favorite that runs with the much-adored enemies-to-lovers trope. Carolina (Lina) Santos should be the expert in all things wedding, as she plans them for a living. But when her own wedding falls apart thanks to a runaway groom, she vows to put this behind her and focus on her career.
This proves difficult when it falls to her and Max Hartley, a marketing pro and the brother of Lina's ex-fiancé, to work on a project together. Max quickly becomes Lina's worst enemy when it's revealed that he was the one to encourage her fiancé to leave her.
However, there may be more between them than past embarrassment when they begin to connect on a deeper level. A novel with a plot straight out of a rom-com movie, "The Worst Best Man" has it all, with reviews by BookTokers receiving millions of views from fans. "Stop what you're doing, shut up, and read this book," BookToker @aymansbooks said in a video.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
"The Hating Game" embodies all the best parts of a workplace romance, and BookTok loves it. As the title suggests, executive assistants and workmates Lucy and Joshua hate each other. An upbeat sunshine and a perfectionist grump, the pair are polar opposites.
When stuck together in the workplace, they both love to make cohabitation as difficult as possible with mind games and bitter rivalry. But when a promotion appears on the horizon, and their banter may make or break their careers, something shifts in their dynamic. Is this passionate hate actually just a mask for equally passionate love?
Funny and romantic, watching this pair battle with one another and their sudden feelings is truly entertaining and relatable for anyone who has ever had a co-worker they just love to hate. A common BookTok recommendation, the hashtag #thehatinggamebook has collected over 13 million views.
The Duke & I by Julia Quinn
The inspiration for Netflix's iconic "Bridgerton" series, Julia Quinn's "The Duke & I" is a breath of fresh air in the period-romance genre. Set in the early 19th century, the world of Regency London is one of social status. For Daphne Bridgerton, finding the right suitor and proving herself to be a lady of value is especially hard in a sea of scheming and snobbish gentlemen.
When she encounters the emotionally absent Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, he seems to be the solution to all of her problems. Resolving to forge a courtship, Daphne acts as a deterrent for the overly zealous socialites pursuing Simon, while his social status begins to boost hers in high society.
But when true feelings blossom, can this false pairing become a reality? Fun, flirty, and dramatic, the first novel in the "Bridgerton" series is just as glittering as its on-screen counterpart. TikTok videos discussing Quinn's books often receive thousands of likes from BookTokers and "Bridgerton" stans alike.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
A New York Times bestseller, "Better Than the Movies" is the BookTok recommendation for anyone who has ever wanted their own fairytale happy ever after. Hopeless romantic Liz has a crush for the ages on childhood friend Michael and is saddened when his family moves away from town.
Years later, she is overjoyed when he moves back just before their senior prom. Wanting to get back in touch with him, Liz is ready to do anything. This includes befriending her childhood friend-slash-frenemy and annoying next-door neighbor Wes, a close friend of Michael's.
Spending more time together, feelings begin to bloom with Wes rather than Michael, and Liz discovers that love doesn't always run as straight as it does in the movies. Popular for its friends-to-lovers trope, BookTok goes wild over Painter's novel, with the hashtag #betterthanthemovies garnering over 96 million views.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
As the first part of a fantasy young adult series, "Shatter Me" is an unconventional addition to this list. However, TikTok has labeled this novel fantasy romance due to its romantic parts. Centered around Juliette Ferrars, a teenage girl with the power to kill anything she touches, "Shatter Me" follows her growth from a scared and lonely girl to a powerful rebel fighting against a shady government called The Reestablishment.
Along the way, she develops a strong bond with fellow inmate Adam and uncovers the hidden secrets they both share. Their romance is made more complicated by the introduction of Aaron Warner, a leader for The Reestablishment who develops an obsession with Juliette and her power.
Of course, this book is wildly popular on BookTok. "I just finished "Shatter Me," and you guys were right," content creator @jaclynscorner said in a TikTok video. "I really enjoyed reading this ... I immediately need to buy the rest of the series."
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Straightforward romance novels in all their enemies-to-lovers glory can be fun, but it's easy to feel bored with the genre. If you're currently stuck in a reading rut, Madeline Miller's novel "The Song of Achilles" could be the book for you. A spin on Homer's "The Iliad," this novel is both mythologically fantastical and tenderly romantic.
"The Song of Achilles" focuses on the mythological relationship between heroes Achilles and Patroclus, this time from a romantic perspective. Their story together is one of love and bloodshed as they fight to reunite against the backdrop of prophecy, battle, and the Trojan War.
A novel that moves at a fast pace, Miller's focus on Patroclus as the main character is a unique take and one that does this classic story justice. BookTok seems to agree with this, as the hashtag #thesongofachilles has received almost 400 million views on the app.
Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy
"Good Girl Complex" is the BookTok favorite for anyone who has ever struggled with being a people pleaser, with #thegoodgirlcomplex attracting attention from over 20 million fans. Never one to put a foot wrong, Mackenzie "Mac" Cabot is a caring daughter, girlfriend, and friend. Then she goes off to college, and her "good girl" disposition and everything she feels responsible for is shaken by bad boy Cooper.
As the pair fall for each other and an illicit affair begins, a true bond between this prep school girl and the rugged working-class boy begins to form. But unbeknownst to her, Cooper is hiding an earth-shattering secret that may ruin their relationship for good. The first edition of Kennedy's "Avalon Bay" series, "Good Girl Complex" creates a romance between Mac and Cooper that is as deliciously turbulent as it is steamy and romantic.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a romance book almost synonymous with BookTok. TikTok videos celebrating the novel and discussing the plot and characters often receive thousands of likes and views.
Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid of "Daisy Jones & the Six" fame, this book follows struggling reporter Monique who was given the opportunity to interview Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive star who was once the face of Hollywood. Over time, a simple article becomes more complicated as the story of Evelyn's life and the connection it holds to Monique herself is revealed.
While still a romance novel, this book is less about the seven husbands and more about Evelyn and the long-time forbidden love she felt for fellow Hollywood star Celia St. James. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is the perfect BookTok romance for lovers of Old Hollywood and the starlets of the past.
A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker
Another fantasy novel with a tender twist, "A Fate of Wrath and Flame" is a romance set in fantastical circumstances. Protagonist Romeria's life is more than complicated — not only is she a jewel thief, but her latest heist has resulted in her becoming transported to a new dimension. Filled with elves, magic, and warring royalty, Romeria finds herself trapped in the body of an elven princess.
Surrounded by danger — and grappling with a loveless marriage to an elven king, Zander — Romeria faces a dangerous and unpredictable new world while developing feelings for the king she once despised. The perfect mix of magic, fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a whole lot of tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this first edition of the "Fate and Flame" series has become a BookTok favorite, with #afateofwrathandflame collecting almost 3 million views.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
As its title suggests, "Red, White & Royal Blue" is all about secret love against the backdrop of royalty and obligation. The life of Alex Claremont-Diaz becomes suddenly extra complicated when his mother not only becomes president, but he finds himself at the center of a scandal with royalty.
After the media catches wind of his feud with British Prince Henry, the pair are forced to enter a pretend friendship to avoid an international crisis. This friendship quickly develops into something more, and the two are forced to consider what their love may mean on an international scale.
Filled with plenty of drama, political and romantic alike, the unfolding love story between these two is another one of BookTok's all-time bests. Glowing reviews by BookTokers, such as user @bookishalice, rave about the book. "Did not expect to fall in love with this story like I did!" she captioned her video.
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
Like "Icebreaker," Mariana Zapata's romance novel "From Lukov With Love" takes us back to the sporting world and the ice rink as the setting for unexpected, passionate romance. At a turning point in her life, figure skater Jasmine is struggling to advance in her professional career. Thanks to injuries and cut-throat competition, she decides to turn towards pair skating — without a partner.
Enter rival skater Ivan Lukov with the promise of partnership and the chance for Jasmine to finally prove herself and earn the success she deserves. A classic enemies-to-lovers, Jasmine and Ivan begin to peel down each other's walls and find that there's more to their relationship than just competition on the ice.
This novel is perfect for anyone who loves a pair whose sparks fly the most when they're up against each other. A favorite amongst sport-loving BookTokers, TikTok videos reviewing, reacting to, and even drawing Zapata's characters collect thousands of likes.
Lockdown on London Lane by Beth Reekles
A romance book born from the pandemic, Beth Reekles's "Lockdown on London Lane" has won love from BookTok for both its eclectic mix of stories from several different POVs and its incorporation of current events. The hashtag #lockdownonlondonlane has attracted over 1 million views and dozens of videos discussing this unique romance book.
When an apartment building is forced into a seven-day quarantine, its inhabitants are left with nothing to do but reconsider and re-evaluate their respective romances. This proves harder than it seems, especially when physically locked into their apartments on London Lane.
From one-night-stand lovers Imogen and Nate forced to spend an unintended awkward week together to a bridesmaid's party going from zero to 100 in seclusion, "Lockdown on London Lane" takes well-loved romance dynamics and amps them up in a way that will make you giggle and go "aww," all by the end.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
One of the most well-loved novels for romance fans on BookTok, "The Unhoneymooners" is a great book to reignite the inner reader of anyone who loves a summer romance novel. Permanently unlucky, Olive Torres had resigned herself to an awkward time at her twin sister's wedding. Stuck next to nemesis and best man Ethan Thomas, things are made even worse when the rest of the wedding party gets food poisoning before the happy couple's honeymoon can even begin.
As the only pair left standing, Olive puts aside her hatred for Ethan for the sake of a free trip to Maui, and the pair find themselves on a pretend honeymoon in paradise. As the self-described "unlucky twin," Olive's fate may change as she falls for Ethan against the backdrop of beautiful Hawaii. A summertime BookTok classic, TikTok videos celebrating, annotating, and discussing "The Unhoneymooners" commonly see thousands of likes and views.
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
A young adult romance book, Tillie Cole's "A Thousand Boy Kisses" has won a place in BookTok's heart for being as tragically beautiful as it is romantic. When they were children, Poppy promised her childhood sweetheart Rune that she would wait for him to return from his native Norway so they could reunite as adults.
Many years later, a now seventeen-year-old Rune returns to their childhood home with many questions: Where is Poppy now, and why did she suddenly cut all contact with him? Although the pair are eventually reunited, Rune must discover a truth about his childhood love that is more painful than he could imagine.
A novel that treats us to the beauty of love and all its emotions, "A Thousand Boy Kisses" has earned a reputation on BookTok as a tearjerker and is included in many TikTok lists of books guaranteed to make you sob.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Another must-read from Emily Henry, "Book Lovers" is a romance that centers its love around the literary world and the tropes we know all too well. Protagonist Nora Stephens is as much an expert in books as any BookTok devotee. A New York City literary agent, she finds herself on an impromptu holiday with her sister Libby. It's the perfect time for some escapism — or so she thought.
Enter Charlie Lastra, editor and former associate of Nora from the city. The pair share no love for each other, but after spending more time together ... you know where this is going. The kind of sparks that they only know from the page begins to fly.
"Book Lovers" is a great read if you love a self-aware romance and a small-town lovers dynamic. A review by BookToker @miss_ipkiss_reads, which collected over 17,000 likes, details it perfectly. "This is definitely my favorite Emily Henry so far," she says in the review. "I will say that with certainty."
The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
BookTok loves a good pretend relationship scenario in a romance book, and Sara Desai's "The Dating Plan" is no exception. We follow an "engagement" between software engineer Daisy and venture capitalist Liam.
Facing pressure from family and a pending inheritance to tie the knot, a dating scheme is created to help both Daisy and Liam get what they want. Together, the pair grapple with the expectations of their meddling families and renegotiate the terms of their relationship after a few "dates" turn into natural chemistry and emotion.
A romance set in the world of STEM, Desai's "The Dating Plan" takes the classic dynamic of a pretend relationship to another level with a fleshed-out, realistic characterization of Daisy and Liam. While their relationship may initially be all for show, the chemistry and adventures shared between the pair are definitely real — much like the love between BookTok and romance novels.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
TikTok is rabid about Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" book series — and for good reason. Feyre, a skilled huntress, finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of magic and intrigue as she embarks on a journey that will test her courage and unveil her true potential. When Feyre mistakenly slays a magical creature, she triggers a chain of events in the world of the Fae, and without spoiling too much, let's just say that USA Today described the book as "passionate, violent, sexy, and daring," making it the perfect adult fantasy romance book for anyone who grew up loving the YA fantasy genre.
Booktok has gone wild over the New York Times bestselling series as #acotar has over 1.2 million posts on TikTok. The fun and spellbinding narrative and richly crafted characters have propelled it to the forefront of the literary world, earning it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. In fact, the series caught the attention of the streaming service Hulu, and in March 2021, a TV adaptation was announced. Unfortunately, while some sources claim that the show is still under development, fans have become pessimistic. Regardless of whether the story ends up coming to small screens, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" will undoubtedly continue captivating audiences on the page.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Once you enter the world of "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, where the stakes are high and dragons reign supreme — you will not be able to put the book down. In this gripping tale, 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail finds herself thrust into the cutthroat environment of Basgiath War College, where aspiring dragon riders compete for supremacy in a world on the brink of war. Violet's fate takes a dramatic turn when her mother, the commanding general, demands her presence among the ranks of dragon-riding cadets. But as a smaller and more fragile candidate, Violet seemingly doesn't stand much of a chance. And, of course, there's romance, as Violet finds herself entangled with wingleader Xaden Riorson. Now, what more can you really ask for from a fantasy romance than dragons, college, and steamy love?
"Fourth Wing" is the first installment in the captivating "Empyrean" series, which provides a fusion of fantasy and romance. In an interview with The New York Times, Yarros revealed her inspiration behind the novel, stating, "I wanted to tell a story about a girl who should not succeed and who should not be able to endure an overly brutal environment." With its viral success on BookTok catapulting it to the top of The New York Times bestseller list (#fourthwing has over 1.5 billion views), Yarros' novel has become a big deal in the genre of fantasy romance, also known as "romantasy."
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
In the world of Lucy Score's "Things We Never Got Over," romance meets suspense in a thrilling tale that has captured the hearts of millions of readers — plenty of whom have raved about the book on TikTok. In fact, the book is so popular that Amazon MGM Studios is working on a television adaptation.
In the first book of the series (yup — there are two more books if you like this one), runaway bride Naomi Witt finds herself thrust into an adventure when her estranged twin sister, Tina, pulls her into the tumultuous town of Knockemout, Virginia. What begins as a journey for her sister quickly transforms into a high-stakes drama as Naomi navigates the challenges of small-town life. And, of course, there's an enigmatic and brooding character whose path crosses with Naomi's, and sparks fly all over. With its seamless blend of steamy romance and pulse-pounding suspense, "Things We Never Got Over" promises an exciting journey that will keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats until the very end. And if you don't trust us, you can trust TikToker Mady Maio, who says that "Things We Never Got Over" is "one of the spiciest books" she has ever read.
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert
BookTok wants you to embark on a thrilling journey across the high seas and beyond in "Hunt on Dark Waters," the captivating debut fantasy novel in the "Crimson Sails" series by Katee Robert. The main stars are a witch named Evelyn and a pirate captain called Bowen. After falling into another realm, Evelyn gets caught by a crew of pirates and is given the choice of dying or joining them. Now, as you can guess, the witch and the captain are attracted to each other, resulting in a fantastic and spicy romance book. And if this didn't convince you, may we add that there are also vampires?
With its lush world-building, captivating characters, and sizzling romance, "Hunt on Dark Waters" is a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy, paranormal romance, and LGBTQ+ literature. The hashtag #huntondarkwaters has over 1.2 million views on TikTok, proving that romance and fantasy are a match made in heaven. So, hoist the sails and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness, where love and magic rule.
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
"A Broken Blade" by Melissa Blair invites readers into a gripping fantasy world brimming with intrigue, magic, and complex characters. Set in a realm where political tensions simmer and ancient secrets lurk, this debut novel offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre, blending elements of romance, adventure, and LGBTQ+ representation. At the heart of the story is the spy Keera, also known as the King's Blade. Her allegiance to the crown is unwavering, and as the kingdom faces threats from shadowy forces, she is tasked with hunting down the Shadow. But as she delves deeper into her mission, she discovers unsettling truths that challenge everything she thought she knew.
According to TikTok user Bumblebeezus, this is a great enemies-to-lovers fantasy story, so if you're into that trend that is all over BookTok, this is a perfect choice. Blair — a BookToker herself — wrote and self-published the book, which eventually blew up on the popular social media platform. As a token of gratitude to the BookTok community, Blair penned a heartfelt dedication in her novel by writing, "This book is dedicated to BookTok, creators and viewers alike. It wouldn't exist without you. Love, one of your own." A book by a BookToker that blew up on BookTok is the perfect example of just how powerful social media is in the world of literature!