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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Alabama chapter.

I am obsessed with reading and I know these books will make you start spending all your money at Barnes and Noble. Only some of these books are new or commonly known, but they are worth the read. I promise you that the romance and tension you have been seeking are hidden in the pages of these books. Some of these you can read in a day, I guarantee it. Look no further for your next beach read, or something to keep you up until 2 am.  

  1. Every Summer After, Carley Fortune  

I read this in five days. Mrs. Fortune has created relatable and charismatic characters you wish were people in your life. I would befriend them all if I could, especially the boys next door. This summer adventure shows what growing up with a guy best friend is like along with the complications and challenges it brings. There is innocence and youth mixed with lust and curiosity, the best combination ever! This book will leave you feeling happy and sad for so many reasons, that I would describe but that would be spoiling it. Buy this book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. She also has another book called, Meet Me at the Lake which I am currently adding to my Amazon cart.  

  1.  The Things we Never Got Over, Lucy Score  

She is a thick read, but she is so worth it. This book took me two and a half weeks to read. I was reading it before I went to bed and picking it up in the morning before I looked at my phone, that should show how good it is. The characters in this book are so unique and the story screams Hallmark movie mixed with a classic romance film. I am eager to read the rest of Score’s books, and I currently have one waiting on my shelf for me. I think this book would be great for traveling, especially when you do not have the space to fit many books. It will keep you occupied and intrigued the entire time. And, of course, it has a good ending.  

  1.  Verity, Colleen Hoover  

If you have not heard of this book, you’re either 60 or don’t have a TikTok account. This book is by far the best Collen Hoover book. It is so good that when the bonus chapter came out, I went to Barnes and Noble and sat on the ground for 30 minutes to read it. I recommend buying the edition with the bonus chapter, because reading the book all at once will make the biggest impact. Every part of the story is odd, messed up, and so ugly that you cannot stop reading. There is no way to tell you to what to expect; everyone I talked to thought it was going to end a different way than actually it did. If you read anything from this list, it should be Verity.  

  1.  Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah  

This is an oldie but a goodie. You may have seen this on TV, which means you actually have no idea what happens in the book. The TV version of, Firefly Lane, does a poor job of representing  the characters and the plot. This book is another long read, but due to the emotional attachment, you will gain to the characters it is worth it. I finished this book while by the pool, tanning, with my family and I had to put my sunglasses on to hide my sobs. While this story is sad and difficult to read at some points, it is one of the few books I wish I could reread for the first time. I would willingly suffer endless emotional damage from this novel.  

  1.  All Your Perfects, Colleen Hoover  

She has done it again. I took a break from writing to go finish the book and now I’m terribly sad. Finishing a good book is so rewarding yet so tragic. I cannot begin to fathom how important it is to read this book. It shows such a unique perspective on love and the challenges that arise in a relationship. It displays how we cannot focus on what we believe is perfection and instead, create our own. The characters and the plot will leave you wanting more, as well as wanting to receive a love letter. I’d read it again and again.  

Now that you have a few recommendations, I know you’re adding, “Go to Barnes and Noble” to your Google Calendar. Luckily for you Alabama babes, there is one right here in Midtown, and I will gladly accompany you on your trip. Reading is a time for relaxation and creativity, and if you find enjoyment in it, you should make it a part of your daily routine! Whether it is five minutes or three hours, reading is good for you! Give back to yourself in 2023 and buy some really good books.  

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A new writer at the University of Alabama, who loves to talk about fashion and spending money, because I love retail therapy.