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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter.

There is nothing better than fall weather, a good book, and transitioning to hot coffee. This list of 10 books (in no particular order) are great additions to anyone looking to expand their TBR (To-Be-Read).

1. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

This series by Lucy Score is a must-read for any romance lover. A Book with over 500 pages may look intimidating, but once you read the first chapter you will be hooked. Small-town romances will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only will you fall in love with the male and female love interests, but the side characters make this story absolutely incredible. This is the first book in the Knockemout Series; the third book, Things We Left Behind, came out early last month and is easily my favorite in the series.

2. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Keeping with the small-town romance theme, this Abby Jimenez novel is a fantastic addition. Be prepared to laugh and cry (maybe even at the same time) when reading this story. Jimenez keeps you on your toes by including subtle nods to Disney movies and stories. This book is also a part of an interconnected standalone series along with the Jimenez favorite, Yours Truly.

3. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

This book was pure sunshine and full of laughter and joy. You may have assumed that the bodyguard is a man, but this story has the woman as the hero. Feminism is at its peak in this book, and it’s fantastic. If you are looking for a fluffy read and something that can be easily adapted into a Netflix romantic comedy, then this book is for you. 

4. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Childhood friends-to-lovers romance is the best romance book trope (argue with the wall). This story was so immersive and humbly beautiful. It is filled with simple love in its truest form; think Noah Kahan meets Olivia Rodrigo. Your heart will be so full after reading this genuine, wholesome romance. This Christina Lauren novel is one of their more emotional reads, but it is 100% worth the tears.

5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This 11-book series is worth all of the hype it gets. I have never been more involved with characters in all of my reading experiences. I recommend this book if you like world-building, action, and an intense plot. I find that dystopian romances are some of the best romance books (take Divergent for example). This series is the epitome of character development and includes a different, yet fantastic, writing style like no other. 

6. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

This story is one that you will not be able to put down. This book got me out of my summer reading slump and I couldn’t be more grateful. Similarly to Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, this is a dual point of view, time jump, childhood friends to lovers story. There are so many layers to these characters and although I have some words to say about some of their choices nearing the end…this book gave me the nostalgia I never had.

7. The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

Obsessed is an understatement when it comes to this story. These characters are some of the most likable characters I have ever read about. This book is the perfect example of “quiet love being the loudest.” It is part of an interconnected standalone series, with the third book, “Caught Up,” coming out Oct. 10 of this year. When I tell you I did not shut up about this book for months when it came out, I’m not lying. Take my word for it, you’ll be hooked.

8. Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Books just don’t get better than this. This young adult romance will have you giddy and smiley the entire time. It combines all my favorite things: rom-coms, romance novels, and music. Just from the cover, you can probably tell that this novel includes connections to the most popular romantic movies ever made (e.g. The Notebook, Dirty Dancing, and La La Land). YA novels can be tricky when it comes to angsty romance, but the writing was fantastic. The main characters are so relatable and the connections between everyone are unmatched.

9. The Playlist by Morgan Elizabeth

If you are a Taylor Swift fan, this book is for you. I love it when authors incorporate music into their writing and Morgan Elizabeth executed this so well. I expected to cringe a little when reading the references because it’s definitely tough to write this way, but I didn’t cringe once. This story is incredibly well-written and deserves so much more recognition.

10. The Brightest Light of Sunshine by Lisina Coney

Slow burns are the best, and this book encapsulates slow burn to a T. The subtlety of their love was unreal, wholesome, and beautifully written. “Wherever life plants you, bloom with Grace” encapsulates the essence of this story. Honesty, trust, and respect were key elements of this love story. This story is hugely underrated and will leave you feeling so full of emotion.

Conclusion

If you are in need of any more book recommendations, Goodreads is your best friend! Feel free to check out my profile; @sophiapirrotta. A tip for reading loads of books on a budget is Kindle Unlimited! You’ll spend less than the cost of one book to read as many as you want each month. It is definitely the best investment for people who read over a book a week!

Sophia Pirrotta is a Sophomore at The University of Connecticut studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She is working to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. When she is not writing articles, she is playing piano, dancing, singing (not very well), watching Formula 1, and reading. She posts on Goodreads every single day without fail (@sophiapirrotta).