BookTok has been booming. Whether you’re on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, you’ve seen some form of BookTok. The platform is filled with thousands of book recommendations that everyone loves. Luckily for you, I read some, so you don’t have to, and here’s my review.

1. Better Than The Movies - Lynn Painter

Better Than The Movies is a best-selling romantic comedy, filled with warm-hearted jokes and good feelings. The characters Liz and Wes have chemistry unlike other romance novels. This book was even better than the recommendations and definitely “better than the movies”.

Liz and Wes are two high school students who fake date to make Liz’s crush, Michael, jealous and eventually fall for each other. From being childhood enemies, to fake boyfriend and girlfriend, our lovebirds find their way to each other by the end of the book, making this a reoccurring read for many BookTok users. Definitely worth the hype.

Rating: 10/10

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2. If He Had Been With Me - Laura Nowlin

If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin is a heartbreaking book, even some may say they would “give anything to read it for the first time again”. While the book was well-written, it wasn’t necessarily up my alley, nor did I feel too heartbroken while reading it, unlike the recommendations I heard. Overall, people do say this book was the saddest piece of literature they’ve ever read, but I do not see it this way; I would give it a solid 6.5/10. But it is a really good read for anyone looking to read a sad book.

Rating: 6.5/10

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3. The Naturals - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals, a 4 part series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, is packed with unforeseeable plot twists and romance. The main characters, Cassie, Dean, Michael, Lia, and Sloane, are a group of teenagers who are hired by the FBI for cold cases. Throughout the series, there were so many things I could not have guessed, and the book keeps you waiting until the moment you can read more. For people looking to get into the murder mystery or thriller genre, this book is an amazing recommendation.

Rating: 10/10

4. A Thousand Boy Kisses - Tillie Cole

Now, if you’re looking for a real sad book, A Thousand Boy Kisses will leave you in tears and thinking about it for days after. As someone who is not easily affected by emotion or words on paper, this book had my eyes welling up and kept me invested. It was truly heartbreaking and definitely my top recommendation for anyone wanting to read a sad book or looking for a good cry.

Rating: 8.5/10

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5. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder - Holly Jackson

Lastly, we have A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson, a fan favorite, and rightfully so. This book was the first murder mystery I read, and the most iconic one. This book is famous and for a good reason; it is well-written and every detail is carefully thought out. This was the book that got me into the murder mystery and thriller genre, and it is such a good read for anyone looking for a scarier book that isn’t too over the top.

Rating: 8/10

Overall, reading these BookTok novels was a great way to spend my time. I got my fair share of romance, mystery, thriller, and heartwarming stories! I would recommend all of these novels to people of any age because each book also carries an important lesson, either about yourself, your relations with others, or just overall about life!