With spring break rapidly approaching, the two week long reprieve from school is the perfect time to catch up on those books you’ve been waiting to read. The following are some of our favorite tropes, and some book recommendations to accompany. 

Enemies to Lovers

Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Human Jude Durante and Elfin royalty Cardan Greenbriar share a tumultuous relationship that goes through many twists and turns throughout the three part series known as the Folk of Air series. Starting with the Cruel Prince, the two are long time rivals, with each secretly desiring what the other takes for granted, whether it is family, power, or success. The two teeter between killing each other and being mildly okay with one another, and the slow-burn nature of their relationship is to die for. 

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

The first book in the Sands of Arawiya duology follows Zafira the Hunter and Nasir the Prince of Death as they journey in Arz, a cursed forest. Forced to work together, Zafira and Nasir must discover and fight an ancient evil. Make sure to keep Google Translate handy while reading this book, because Faizal uses Arabic words to authenticize the Arabic nature of the novel. 

Mystery

Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alicia Berenson used to be a well-known painter married to a well-known fashion photographer. But one day, Alicia shoots her husband five times after he comes home late from a photo shoot. Alicia, the silent patient, is locked away at the Grove, a mental facility after the incident, which only made her more popular. Cue Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist who wishes to figure out the mystery behind his silent patient. 

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

Sarah Morgan has the perfect life as one of the most successful defense attorneys in Washington D.C. at only 33 years old. She also has the perfect marriage to her husband Adam; or so she thinks, until her husband is charged with the murder of his mistress, Kelly Summers, after she is found dead at the Morgan’s lake house. Sarah makes the choice to defend Adam during his trial while wrestling with whether Adam is guilty or innocent. 

Short Reads

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

Ella Minnow Pea lives on Nollop, a (fictional) island off the coast of South Carolina. The island was named after Nevin Nollop, who penned the pangram, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” The island and it’s council is dedicated to preserving the memory of Nollop. As the letters of the alphabet fall from the memorial statue of Nollop, the council bans the use of the letter. The story told in letters depicts Ella with her family and friends as they try to save the use of each letter. 

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. 

While this story is quite short, it does leave an impact. This dystopian tale depicts the year 2081, in which everyone is equal. Following character Harrison Bergeron and his rejection of this ideology, the story leaves readers agape and contemplative to this alternate reality provided. The fact this story was written 1961 only adds to its creepiness and unsettling ambiance. 

Dual POV

Lovely War by Julie Berry

Lovely War takes dual POV to the next level. The story is of two couples, Hazel and James in London and Aubrey and Colette in New York, who are fighting for their countries during World War I. The catch? The story is told by the Greek Gods. The novel is exquisitely written in that it follows the warming tales of the two young couples trying to make their love work during a raging war. 

Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn

Fans of historical romance and beloved tropes should look into the Brdigerton family series. Each book corresponds with a different sibling and their romantic tale, as well as giving both perspectives of the story.  The first book,  The Duke and I, was adapted into a Netflix show in 2020, with the second book receiving its season in late March. The first book follows the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon. Their love story contains tropes of enemies to lovers/fake dating, and is impossible to put down. 

LGBTQ+ Rep

If This Gets Out by Cale Dietrich and Sophie Gonzales

Ruben Montez and Zach Night are two members of the boy-band Saturday, one of the biggest bands in America. With their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, they perform in a whirlwind tour across Europe. As Ruben and Zach’s relationship takes a turn from friendship into something more, they struggle with their management and how they want to come out to their fans, and their bandmates struggle with management with other issues. 

One Last Stop by Casey Msquiton

The love story of August and Jane is not as simple as it may seem. This novel includes sci-fi elements that tell the story of queer characters who have to overcome extreme obstacles to be with one another.  While also allowing for organic friendships and dynamic to develop, the romance between the main characters gives much needed representation, specifically of a lesbian androgynous character and a bisexual woman. 

Girlboss Main Character

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Kya Clark a.k.a. “Marsh Girl” grew up and made a home out of Barkley Cove. Growing up the youngest of her family, one-by-one, all her family members leave her at home with her abusive father, until one day, her father dies too. But Kya lives off the land that surrounds her, making few connections to the nearby town. When Chase Andrews, a popular in town, is found, Kya is immediately investigated. However, over the years, Kya has made a name for herself that allows her and her partner to defend her. 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass

This multi-part fantasy series covers everything from dragons to magical powers. The women character in this, however, constantly exude girlboss traits and power. From Calaena, Lysandra, Manon, Nesryn, Nehemia, Elide, and Yrene, this series does not shy away from strong, independent women. The series is addicting, and the characters become beloved and esteemed over the span of the eight books. 

Morally Grey Protagonist

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is an unlikely candidate for Yale’s freshman class, having grown up with drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and no parents. However, Alex has a mysterious gift that allows her access to Yale’s secret societies as she monitors their activities. As a part of the “police” force for these secret societies, Alex has to work essentially alone to keep the societies from tearing each other apart all while trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her predecessor. 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six unusual people with unique abilities come together to pull off heists, and perfectly encapsulate the beloved “found family” trope. However, each of these characters, despite their friendly interactions and devotion to one another, have committed crimes and are perceived as felons. The main ring leader, Kaz Brekker, is perhaps the most morally gray with his nickname “Dirty Hands”, and ability to always end up on top. The troupe is also made up of Inej, a stealthy and flexible acrobat, Jesper, the charming sharpshooter, Wesper, the seemingly innocent merchant’s son, Nina, a magic-wielder, and Mattias, a soldier from his region.