Double the Recommendations: Our Top Picks Across 5 Book Genres

As avid readers, we would love to share our favorite books across four different genres: romance, thriller, fantasy and fiction. We each love reading and getting lost in new stories, and would like to provide the same experience for you. We picked these genres because they’re some of the most popular and beloved among readers (and also our personal favorites). For each genre, we will each recommend three books, to provide a wide range of choices for you. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a thrill-seeker, or a fantasy fanatic, we hope you find a new favorite here.

Genre 1: Fantasy

Esther’s:

1. Heartless – For lovers of dark fantasy and romance, Heartless by Marissa Meyer is the book for you. This is the beautiful retelling of Alice in Wonderland, featuring the tragic story of Cath, who dreams of opening her own bakery and living her true passion. Unfortunately, her dreams are crushed when the King of Hearts wants to marry her, and she is expected to obey. This leads to her spiraling, and ultimately becoming the Queen of Hearts. I loved how the books was able to use Alice in Wonderland as an inspiration, while still having a unique plot and adding a dark twist. If you’re into fairy tale retellings, tragic love, and seeing the softer side of iconic characters before they break, this is a must-read.

2. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue – A unique, heartbreakingly beautiful book set in 18th century France, telling the story of Addie LaRue, who makes a deal to live forever—but in exchange, everyone she meets forgets her the moment she walks away. When she finally meets someone who remembers her, everything changes. With its whimsical writing, the book tells the story of loneliness, and identity. Addie’s story spans over a century, keeping us entertained as she goes through different stages of her life, while still meeting different and unique people. The writing was my favorite part, as it was so quotable and beautiful. Lovers of slow, emotional stories that explore deep themes like time, memory, and love, would eat this book up.

3. The Poppy War – This is a brilliant book, with dark fantasy themes that are intense, while still remaining entertaining, This book follows Rin, who is a war orphan in China, who aces an empire-wide test to get into the best military academy in the land. We are then brought into Rin’s Military school, where she is met with both friends and foes. The Poppy War combines real Chinese history and mythology to create a brutally realistic fantasy world. This book deals with war, an unapologetic main character, and power in a unique way. I’d recommend it if you like epic fantasy with strong female leads, moral complexity, and intense action.

Adaya’s :

1. The Cruel Prince →if you are someone obsessed with the enemies to lovers trope, you are going to love this book. The cruel prince by Holly Black is everything that is right about the fantasy romance genre. This book takes place in the kingdom of Elfhame the Fea Land, a dangerously beautiful place. Jude our main character was kidnapped as a child and brought to Elfhame where she grew up. This book actively deals with power struggles within the kingdom, but also harvest a beautiful love story between Jude and our Cardan prince of Elfhame. This book takes us on an incredible journey where Jude navigates various struggles to find her place in a society she very obviously does not belong in. if you love a slow burn enemies to lovers with a strong female lead that is not afraid to fight this book is for you. 

2. Once Upon a Broken Heart → if you love stories with tension, magic, and complicated relationships, you will definitely enjoy Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. Evangeline, the main character, is brave and smart, and she gets caught up in a risky bargain that changes her life. The story follows her as she faces many challenges and builds a complicated relationship with the mysterious Prince of Hearts. If you want a magical story with strong emotions and a slow-building romance, this book is a great choice.

2. Caraval → If you like stories full of mystery and magic, you’ll really like Caraval by Stephanie Garber. The book follows Scarlett, a girl who has always dreamed of escaping her strict life. When she gets invited to the magical game of Caraval, she hopes to find freedom, and maybe her missing sister. The game is full of surprises, and Scarlett has to be clever to figure out what’s real and what’s just part of the show. I love this book because it’s exciting, with twists that keep you guessing, and it has a beautiful, magical world that feels alive. If you want a story with adventure, magic, and a little bit of romance, Caraval is a great choice.
   

Genre 2: Romance

• Esther’s

1. People We Meet on Vacation – As someone who reads a lot of romance books, this definitely one of my personal favorites, and it is the best friends to lovers stories I’ve heard. It’s about Poppy and Alex, two totally opposite best friends who used to take a summer trip together every year—until something went wrong. Now, years later, Poppy wants to fix things with one last trip.

What I love most about this book is how real and relatable the friendship feels. In most books, it’s hard to tell when the characters shift from friendship to romance. However, in this one, their connection unfolds clearly, and you realize they were always meant for each other. They share so many inside jokes, quiet moments, and emotional understanding it’s hard not to root for them. Emily Henry always hit the mark on her romance books. If you’re into sweet, emotional romances with lots of banter, travel vibes, and characters who feel like your own friends, this is the book for you.

2. Seven Days in June – This is not only a romance, as it also contains more emotional themes.  It’s about Eva and Shane, two writers who had a wild, intense romance in their teens and reunite years later as successful authors—still carrying scars from their past. This book explores trauma, healing, motherhood, and creativity in a way that’s raw and meaningful. I loved how the characters were imperfect as they were real people, with pain and emotional layering. I’d recommend this if you want a romance with emotional depth, poetic writing, and unforgettable characters. 

3. You Deserve Each Other – This is a super fun twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope, but this time with a couple who’s already engaged. Naomi and Nicholas are planning their wedding, but they can’t stand each other anymore. The catch to their relationship is that whoever calls off the wedding has to pay the huge non-refundable deposit. So they start playing games to get the other to quit first and slowly end up falling in love all over again. What I loved most is how funny and clever this story is, but also how it explores the realities of long-term love. It’s about choosing someone even when it’s hard, and remembering why you loved them in the first place.

Adaya’s:

1. Betting on You → If you’re in the mood for a sweet, light romance, Betting on You by Lynn Painter is such a fun read. It’s about Bailey and Charlie, two teens who start off super awkward around each other but end up fake dating, which leads to some really cute and real moments. What I loved most about this book was how funny and genuine their relationship felt, it didn’t try too hard and had a lot of honest emotions. I’d recommend this book if you want something heartwarming, and easy to read.

2. The Inheritance Games  → The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a really interesting book. It’s about Avery, a girl, who suddenly inherits a fortune from a billionaire she doesn’t even know, and has to deal with his complicated family especially the grandsons. What I loved most is how the romance sneaks up on you, you expect it, but it somehow still surprises you. I’d definitely recommend this book if you want a story part romance, part family drama, and full of surprises that keep you hooked.

3. Better than the Movies → if you like a sweet and funny romance, Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a great pick. Its about Liz, a girl whos obsessed with romance. She’s also been crushing on her childhood best friend Michael for years. When he finally comes back to town, Liz tries to make him notice her, with the help of her annoying but charming neighbor, Wes. What I loved most about this book is how real and funny Liz and Wes’s relationship felt, it was full of teasing and honest moments. I’d recommend it if you want a lighthearted story about friendship turning into something more, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Genre 3: Thriller

Esther’s:

1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – For lovers of true crime and solving crime, this book is the one for you. The main character Pip, is a teenager in high school, who decides to solve one of the crimes in her neighborhood, involving a classmate for a class project. The main suspect, Sal, is believed to have committed the crime, but Pip isn’t convinced, and decides to investigate further. With the help of Sal’s brother, Pip uncovers unexpected secrets, and we are then introduced to a new line of suspects. The book is able to immerse us by including text messages, case files, and interviews. It’s a fast-paced, addictive read that keeps you guessing until the end. 
   

2. The Silent Patient –  This book is a psychological thriller masterpiece. It follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shot her husband five times—and hasn’t spoken a word since. Enter Theo, a psychotherapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. As he gets closer to Alicia, he also begins unraveling his own past. I loved how cleverly the story is told. If you love mind games, unreliable narrators, and a chilling mystery, this is a must-read.

3. The Guest List -This book is one that will keep you reading until the last chapter, eager to uncover the mystery, and find who did it. A glamorous wedding is happening on a remote island off the coast of Ireland—complete with secrets, tension, and stormy weather. Each chapter is told from a different guest’s point of view. And as you piece together their secrets, someone ends up dead. Each character could be the murder, so the book constantly leaves you on your toes. What I loved is how atmospheric the book is, and it make you feels like you’re right there on the island.
   

Adaya’s:

In My dreams, I Hold a Knife → If you like dark stories with just the right amount of drama and tension, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead is an amazing read for you. The book follows Jess, a girl who returns to her college reunion hoping to show everyone how much she’s changed. But instead of happy memories, the weekend brings back secrets, old friendships, and an unsolved murder. I love how messy and complicated all the relationships are, also because amidst all the chaos, there was romance mixed into the suspense. I’d recommend this book if you’re into drama and mysteries that keep you guessing, with characters you’ll love, hate, and never fully trust.

Behind Closed Doors → This book is the perfect definition of thriller, those books that mess with your head and keep you turning pages. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris is a book that once you read, you never forget. It’s a story about Grace, who seems to have the perfect marriage, until you start to see what’s really happening behind the scenes. What I liked most about this book is how intense and chilling it is. The tension builds up as you read, and the more you learn, the harder it is to put down. I’d recommend this book if you want a psychological thriller that’s terrifying but in the best way.

Gone Girl → Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a must-read. It follows Nick and Amy, a married couple whose picture-perfect life falls apart when Amy goes missing—and all eyes turn to Nick. What I loved about this book is how twisted and brilliant the characters are, especially Amy. The story constantly keeps you guessing, and the plot twists hit hard. I’d recommend it if you’re into psychological thrillers once again, with excellent writing, toxic love, and a lot of mind games that leave you guessing who is really right.

Genre 4: Fiction (General/Literary)

• Esther’s:
  

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – This widely acclaimed book feels like watching a Hollywood documentary, immersing you in the characters and drama. Telling the story of Evelyn Hugo, a legendary actress, as she finally reveals the truth about her seven marriages, her greatest love, and the sacrifices she made to survive in a cutthroat world. What I loved most is how complex Evelyn is: flawed, brilliant, selfish, and brave. You get entangled in her life, and the writing allows you to visualize the story. It is as if you were truly watching a documentary. For lovers of drama, and celebrity like characters, this is for you.
   

1. And Then There Were None – A classic, but still readable. This book follows ten strangers, who are brought to a remote island, each hiding a dark secret. One by one, they start dying—and it becomes clear that someone among them is a killer. The book is full of tension, and each character’s motive keeps you guessing,. You never know what is what and the end will leave you shocked.  Even though it’s an older book, it still holds up as one of the best mysteries ever written. If you want a gripping, intelligent thriller with a jaw-dropping ending, this is it.
   

3.  On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous – This book has beautiful poetry like writing. Written as letter form a son to his mother, the narrator reflects on his life as a queer Vietnamese American, exploring themes of identity, family trauma, and the power of language. What I loved most is how beautiful and heartbreaking the writing is—it’s raw, lyrical, and unforgettable. The book is emotionally driven, and readers can easily connect.  For lovers of raw and honest writing, this is for you.
   
   

• Adaya’s:

Love Hypothesis →The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is such a cute and fun book. It’s about Olive, a PhD student who fake dates her professor to convince her best friend that she’s over her ex, but things get way more real than she expected. What I loved most is how sweet and awkward their relationship is, with tons of chemistry and very funny moments. I’d recommend this book if you’re into fake dating, slow-burn romance, and characters who feel genuine and are lovable from start to finish.

One Dark Window →If you like dark fantasy with a touch of romance and an amazing world building, One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is perfect. Because not only is this book amazingly written, it is also so captivating and thrilling. It follows Elspeth, a girl with a secret, she carries a monster inside her mind. As she tries to navigate a world of magic and curses without getting caught, she teams up with a mysterious highwayman to save her kingdom. What I loved about this book was the fascinating world building, it was truly so well-developed. Not only that, but the slow-burn romance also brought this story to another level. I’d recommend this book if you want a story that feels magical, and deeply romantic all at once.

Six of Crows → Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is such an exciting book. It follows the journey of Kaz Brekker, a clever criminal in a magical city, who puts together a crew of misfits to pull off an impossible heist. What I loved about this book, besides the amazing characters, was the writing and the world building. While reading the book, everything feels so real and alive. The magic system put in place is also super creative without even being confusing. There’s also just the right amount of slow romance and emotional moments. If you’re into action, clever schemes, and a fantasy world that you can fully get lost in, this book is for you.

Those are some of our picks from fantasy, romance, thriller, and fiction books. We had a lot of fun putting together this list and sharing some of our favorite genres and books. Whether you like fantasy, romance, mystery, thrillers, or even just simple fiction we hope that our recommendations can help you find your next favorite book, or at least extend you to a reading list. 

Of course, there are many more books that are incredible and that we love, but these we thought were worth sharing with you. Happy reading!

If you want to read more about books check out Pedro’s podcast “Books from the Back Shelf.”