01

Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Creatures is the first book in the Caster Chronicles series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. The series takes Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes on a journey of life, love, and self-discovery. The first book in the series follows Lena, who happens to be part of a long line of powerful Casters, and Ethan as they navigate the days leading up to Lena's sixteenth birthday. Taking place in a small town in South Carolina, the book is historical, romantic, and exciting. There is magic in many different forms as well as love, teen angst, and lots of drama. This series is sure to sweep you off your feet. 

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The first time I read these books was in middle school when I saw there was going to be a movie (movie was horrible! Not just because in was in-accurate. It was poorly made). I fell in love that moment and to this day, these remain my favorite books of all time. I have read these books dozens of times. All my friends in high school knew when I was having a bad day because I would be reading Beautiful Creatures again. Nothing brings me more comfort and peace like Beautiful Creatures. 

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02

The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot

I was in middle school when I read The Princess Diaries. I remember reading the entire series in one summer. Which at like twelve/thirteen that seemed like a big deal because there are so many books in this series. This series follows young Mia Thermopolis as she learns her father is the prince of Genovia making her a princess while also trying to navigate growing up in high school. The series is written as if Mia is writing in her diary. We get to hear all about her life. It is super fun and playful and great for young readers and older readers alike. 

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03

The Kissing Booth - Beth Reekles

Ahh, The Kissing Booth. Many people may know this book from its popular Netflix movie, but what many people do not know is that this book originated on Wattpad and Beth Reekles was only fifteen when she wrote it. The book follows Elle Evans during her junior year of high school. Elle has been best friends with Lee Flynn since they day they were both born. Elle has had a crush on Noah Flynn, Lee's older brother, for as long as she can remember. After Noah and Elle kiss at the kissing booth Lee and Elle run for the school carnival, it turns into this whirlwind romanic comedy. 

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The Kissing Booth is an amazing book. It is a coming of age romantic comedy that is well-written and easy to read. You will for sure get caught up in the playful nature of Elle Evans and the romance and great friendship between Elle and Lee. This is a great book for everyone. 

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04

Only a Breath Apart - Katie McGarry

Only a Breath Apart is a star-crossed, second chance, coming of age novel. The book follows Scarlett and Jesse who were best friends growing up. As they grew up, Jesse stopped being friends with Scarlett. Now in their senior year, the two are forced to re-connect. Jesse needs Scarlett's help to keep his grandmother's farm and Scarlett needs Jesse to save her from her difficult family. 

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Katie McGarry is an extremely talented writer. She has captured the difficulties of growing up in a small town with controlling families. McGarry gives each character a unique voice and creates an incredible romance between her characters. I fell in love with this book and the characters it follows. 

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05

Saint Anything - Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite authors and I love pretty much all of her books, but Saint Anything is by far the best. Sydney has always been invisible in her family. It was always about her older brother, Peyton. Until Sydney meets the Chatham family. When Sydney went there, she finally started to feel seen for the first time in her life. This book was emotional and intense but truly a beautiful novel to read. As someone who has felt invisible, I related to Sydney in so many ways. 

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I loved reading Sarah Dessen in high school because her novels were the perfect romantic comedy. You got the love story without all the adult intimacy that I never wanted to read in high school. They are the perfect books for young adult audiences. Especially Saint Anything. Highly recommend. 

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06

The Rest of the Story - Sarah Dessen

The Rest of the Story is my second favorite Sarah Dessen novel. This book follows Emma Saylor on a journey of self-discovery. Emma's parents split up when she was young and her mother died when she was ten. Then, Emma is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother on North Lake. Her parents met at this lake, but had two different experiences there. Her mother was raised there while her father spent time on the rich side of the lake. The family calls Emma Saylor, just like her mother did. While there for the summer, Emma learns the truth about her family history while also stepping out of her comfort zone. Emma Saylor grows a lot that summer and finds new friends and new love. 

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The Rest of the Story is a beautiful coming of age story that I highly recommend for everyone. I fell in love with this book and could read it a dozen times. 

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07

Waiting for Tom Hanks - Kerry Winfrey

Alright, all you romantic comedy movie lovers, this book is for you. Waiting for Tom Hanks follows Annie Cassidy on her own journey of love. Annie has been obsessed with romcoms for her entire life. She sees them as these wonderful hopeful stories, but Annie has yet to find her own Tom Hanks. Annie is working on her own screenplay and studied movies in college. Now she has a chance to work on the set of a movie filming in her own small Ohio town. While working on the movie, Annie meets Drew Danforth, the star, who she never imagined falling for. 

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Waiting for Tom Hanks is full of romantic comedy references while being a romantic comedy in itself. I am obsessed with romcoms so this book was a dream come true for me. The second book following Annie's best friend Chloe is also just as good. 

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08

Once Upon a Con Series - Ashley Poston

This one is for the nerds. The Once Upon a Con series takes old fairytales and rewrites them with a modern twist. The characters in these books are all obsessed with or a part of the Starfield franchise in some way. They are either in the movies, part of the con that they are featured at, or have read the books a dozen times. The series is written like a fairytale but focused on a con. It is full of fandom references and totally amazing. If you love fairytales and are a total nerd, then this series is for you. 

 

It's always fun when books are about people who are fangirls or really into books. It always makes me feel seen and appreciated because I am seeing myself in the characters in such a beautiful way. 

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09

Twice in a Blue Moon - Christina Lauren

Twice in a Blue Moon takes place on a movie set for a good portion of it and that was really fun. I love movies and I think the behind the scenes stuff is interesting and you got to see so much of that in this book. But it is also a second chance love story that was truly perfect. 

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Tate Jones and Sam Brandis met in London while Tate was there with her grandma after high school graduation. The two get separated for fifteen years after falling in love in London. Tate and Sam meet again and at first it is really awkward, but then they are taken back to that same place they were in London and have a second chance to make it all work. 

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Christina Lauren are talented writers and this is by far one of their best novels. Perfect for anyone who loves romance and movies. 

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10

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

I threw this one on here because I figured my list needed a classic and this is the greatest of all the classics. I read The Kite Runner my senior year of high school and it was emotional. This book will wreck you, but it so worth the read. Khaled Hosseini is an incredible writer who wrote an incredible book. It follows a young boy across a great portion of his life. You see him make mistakes and reach for forgiveness for them. The book is intense, but it is truly incredible. If you have not read it, add it to your list. 

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