BookTok has been going wild lately with some seriously binge-worthy reads, and if you’re a fan of romance and thrillers, this list is about to make your TBR stack overflow. From dark academia to spicy contemporary romance, these books are heating up the BookTok charts, and you’ll want to get your hands on them immediately. Grab your cozy blanket and a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into these bookish gems!
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1. Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
Where have you been if you haven’t heard of Binding 13 yet? This book will absolutely wreck you in the best way possible. In the Boys of Tommen series, Chloe Walsh brings us a tortured bad-boy romance full of emotional depth and tension. This story is about healing, love, and the ups and downs of life. The raw intensity of the characters will leave you rooting for them to the end. And if you love emotional rollercoasters (who doesn’t?), this is the perfect pick to keep you up all night.
Read the whole Boys of Tommen series:
- Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
- Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh
- Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh
- Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh
- Taming 7 by Chloe Walsh
2. Hate by Tate James (and the whole Madison Kate series)
Prepare yourself for serious drama with Tate James’ Hate. It’s got everything—mystery, betrayal, and a touch of reverse harem romance. The series follows Madison Kate as she navigates danger, complicated love interests, and shocking plot twists. It’s dark, dangerous, and incredibly addictive. Trust me, once you pick it up, you’ll be binging the entire series in one sitting. Plus, Tate James’ writing style is fast-paced and full of moments that will have you gasping out loud.
Read the whole Madison Kate Series:
3. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Do you love mythology? How about a twist on the Greek gods? In Half-Blood, Armentrout kicks off the Covenant series with a bang. There’s forbidden love, intense action, and just the right amount of angst. The tension between Alex and Aiden will have you fanning yourself, and the world-building is so rich you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. This book feels like a warm hug wrapped in a whirlwind of supernatural chaos, and it’s no wonder BookTok is obsessed!
Read the whole Covenant Series:
- Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout
- Pure by Jennifer Armentrout
- Deity by Jennifer Armentrout
- Apollyon by Jennifer Armentrout
- Sentinel by Jennifer Armentrout
4. Vicious by L.J. Shen
If morally gray characters and toxic romance are your jam, Vicious by L.J. Shen is your next must-read. Vicious is an anti-hero you’ll love to hate and hate to love. Shen’s ability to craft dark, sexy romances with twisted characters. Vicious is part of the Sinners of Saint series, so you’re not only getting a seriously addictive story but there’s more where that came from. This series is all about power, revenge, and love that’s as gritty as it is passionate.
Read the whole Sinners of Saint Series:
5. Neon Gods by Katee Robert (and the entire Dark Olympus series)
You might have heard about Neon Gods because it’s everywhere on BookTok. This retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth is sexy, thrilling, and impossible to put down. Katee Robert delivers scorching chemistry and a fresh take on Greek mythology that will leave you wanting more. Bonus: the rest of the Dark Olympus series continues to explore the world of the gods in the most seductive way possible. Buckle up because this one is spicy with a capital S.
Read the whole Dark Olympus Series:
- Neon Gods by Katee Robert
- Electric Idol by Katee Robert
- Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
- Radiant Sin by Katee Robert
- Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert
- Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert
- Dark Restraint by Katee Robert
- Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert
6. In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
Switching gears to the thriller side, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife gives us dark academic vibes with a chilling murder mystery. Winstead creates a gripping narrative that explores college friendships, betrayal, and the consequences of secrets buried too deep. This book will have you turning pages fast as you try to piece together the mystery before the big reveal. It’s intense, emotional, and the kind of thriller you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished.
7. King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
Vampires, anyone? King of Battle and Blood delivers on all fronts if you’re into dark fantasy with a dash of steamy romance. This book makes your heart race as you follow Isolde and Adrian in a passionate love story set against the backdrop of war and betrayal. Scarlett St. Clair’s writing is lush and atmospheric, making you feel right in the action. The rest of the series promises even more blood-pumping drama and smoldering romance.
8. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair (and the Hades x Persephone series)
We’re back to the Hades and Persephone retellings, but this time with Scarlett St. Clair’s wildly popular A Touch of Darkness. The dynamic between Hades and Persephone in this series is intoxicating, blending dark romance with ancient myth in a way that has BookTok completely obsessed. Each book delves deeper into their relationship, and the stakes keep getting higher. This series is a must-read if you love your romance with a touch of darkness (pun intended).
Read the rest of the Hades x Persephone series:
- Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
- A Game of Faith by Scarlett St. Clair
- A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair
- A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair
9. Twisted Love by Ana Huang (and the Twisted series)
Ana Huang’s Twisted series has taken BookTok by storm, and it all starts with Twisted Love. This contemporary romance is packed with tension, steam, and characters that will have you swooning and screaming simultaneously. Alex and Ava’s story is heartwarming and heartbreaking, and the entire series will leave you with a serious book hangover. It’s the perfect mix of slow-burn romance and high-stakes drama.
Read the Rest of the Twisted Series:
- Twisted Love by Ana Huang
- Twisted Games by Ana Huang
- Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
- Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
10. Forever, Never by Lucy Score
Lucy Score is no stranger to crafting swoon-worthy romances, and Forever, Never is no exception. This book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, quirky characters, and a romance that feels so authentic and real. You’ll devour this one if you’re into small-town romance with a big heart. Score’s writing makes you feel like you’re with the characters, living through every funny, steamy, and emotional moment.
11. Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark (and the Brutal Birthright series)
Dark mafia romance fans, this one’s for you. Brutal Prince kicks off Sophie Lark’s Brutal Birthright series, and it’s exactly what you want from a mafia romance: strong characters, intense chemistry, and plenty of danger. Aiden and Callum’s enemies-to-lovers story is fiery from the start, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat as their relationship unfolds. The series just gets better, and each book delivers high-stakes drama that will keep you hooked.
Read the rest of the Brutal Birthright series:
- Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
- Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark
- Savage Lover by Sophie Lark
- Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark
- Broken Vow by Sophie Lark
- Heavy Crown by Sophie Lark
12. A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
If you’re looking for something lighter and full of laughs, Meghan Quinn’s A Not So Meet Cute is the perfect rom-com to add to your list. This fake-dating romance has all the fun tropes you love, paired with Quinn’s trademark humor and heartfelt moments. It’s a feel-good read that will have you grinning from ear to ear while falling head over heels for the characters.
13. Flawless by Elsie Silver (and the Chestnut Springs series)
Flawless is perfect if you love small-town settings, cowboys, and sizzling romance. Elsie Silver knows how to write chemistry that jumps off the page, and Rhett and Summer’s story is no exception. The Chestnut Springs series delivers a heartwarming, steamy read with charm, making it a BookTok favorite for those craving comfort with a side of heat.
Read the rest of the Chesnut Springs series:
- Flawless by Elise Silver
- Heartless by Elise Silver
- Powerless by Elise Silver
- Reckless by Elise Silver
- Hopeless by Elise Silver
14. The Fine Print by Lauren Asher (and the Dreamland Billionaires series)
Billionaire romances are always a hit, and The Fine Print by Lauren Asher leads the pack. This book is about workplace tension, hidden desires, and second chances. If you love stories about flawed characters who find love despite their differences, this is one to dive into. The Dreamland Billionaires series continues with more billionaire bad boys and equally captivating romances.
Read the rest of the Dreamland Billionaires series:
15. The Deal by Elle Kennedy (and the Off-Campus series)
Elle Kennedy’s The Deal has become a classic BookTok recommendation for a reason. This college romance has the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat. Garrett and Hannah’s story will give you all the feels as they navigate friendship, love, and self-discovery. The rest of the Off-Campus series delivers just as much swoon-worthy romance and laughter, making it impossible to stop at just one book.
Read the Rest of the Off-Campus Series:
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- The Mistake by Elle Kennedy
- The Score by Elle Kennedy
- The Goal by Elle Kennedy
- The Legacy by Elle Kennedy
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into dark and dangerous romances or light and flirty rom-coms, BookTok has something for everyone. These are just some of the hottest romance and thriller books making waves in the bookish community, but trust me, they’re all worth the hype. So grab one (or all) of these books and prepare to lose yourself in some seriously addictive reads!
Other Books to Read:
From internationally bestselling author and TikTok phenom Raven Kennedy comes the first book in a stunning fantasy series inspired by the myth of King Midas, perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout.
The reviews are in! This Is Where It Ends, the #1 New York Times bestseller and one of the Best Books of the Decade (Buzzfeed, Paste Magazine, BookRiot), "could break you." "I am speechless." "The saddest book I have ever read." "Literally tore my heart out."
Go inside a heartbreaking fictional school shooting, minute-by-terrifying-minute. Everyone has a reason to fear the boy with the gun...
An achingly authentic and raw portrait of love, regret, and the life-altering impact of the relationships we hold closest to us, this YA romance bestseller is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Jenny Han, and Lynn Painter.
"The Last Flight is thoroughly absorbing—not only because of its tantalizing plot and deft pacing, but also because of its unexpected poignancy and its satisfying, if bittersweet, resolution. The characters get under your skin."—The New York Times Book Review
Two women. Two flights. One last chance to disappear.
The Lies I Tell is a twisted domestic thriller that dives deep into the psyches and motivations of two women and their unwavering quest to seek justice for the past and rewrite the future.
The Lies I Tell is a twisted domestic thriller that dives deep into the psyches and motivations of two women and their unwavering quest to seek justice for the past and rewrite the future.
An addictive fantasy romance from TikTok sensation Piper CJ, now newly revised and edited. Two orphans grow into powerful young women as they face countless threats to find their way back to each other.
From BookTok sensation Emily McIntire comes a dark and delicious fractured fairy tale reimagining of Aladdin.
They came to earth―Pestilence, War, Famine, Death―four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity.
They came to earth, and they came to end us all.
Broken down by her emotionally neglectful ex, all Charlie Underwood wants is someone to tell her she's good enough. Then she stumbles into a new job with a boss who brings her to her knees―literally.
An arranged marriage billionaire romance standalone from New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Ana Huang.
Fast-paced and sizzling with a forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance, My Fault is the first book in Mercedes Ron's Culpable trilogy. This suspenseful YA series untangles the threads of love, trauma, and secrets, perfect for fans of Ugly Love and After.
Penn Scully has had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to him, and now his heart is completely iced over. He took her first kiss, and she took away the only person he ever loved. He asked her to save the rest of her firsts for him, and she walked all over his heart in stiletto heels and left it bleeding out on a bright summer day.
