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

Of the 52 books I set out to read this year, I am happy to announce that I finished the year having read 45. While 45 books in a year may not be a record-setting number, I think it certainly qualifies me to make a recommendation or two — or in this case, 22. As an avid mood reader, this list has everything from light sports romances to stories that deal with heavier topics. 

I’ll keep each recommendation short and sweet so as to avoid boring you into oblivion. However, if you’re interested in learning more about these books, I would suggest heading over to Goodreads to read reviews from other readers to really get a feel for the book.

1.Addicted to You (Addicted/Calloway Series) by Krista and Becca Ritchie 

We’re starting off strong with my favourite read of the year. There are no words in the English language – or any language for that matter – that can properly convey how much I love this book. Childhood best friends to lovers. Fake dating. Found family. Need I say more? 

Oh, and, there are 10 books in the entire series. All 10 books made this list. For your ease, I put all 10 books in the recommended reading order (no excuses, read this series ASAP).

2. Ricochet 

3. Addicted for Now 

4. Kiss the Sky 

5. Hothouse Flower

6. Thrive

7. Addicted After All 

8. Fuel the Fire

9. Long Way Down 

10. Some Kind of Perfect 

11. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle 

You Deserve Each Other is what people mean when they say ‘hidden gem’. It answers the question “what happens after happily ever after?”The story follows Nick and Naomi, an engaged couple who no longer want to get married. While they each try to get the other to call off the wedding, they realize maybe they’re more in love than they thought. 

12. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey 

Tessa Bailey is the queen of romance, and It Happened One Summer is no exception. Grumpy x Sunshine. Small-town romance. Enough said. 

13. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake 

Another criminally underrated book. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is a queer romance that puts a unique spin on classic tropes – did someone say sister’s best friend?

14. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

If you read Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and just can’t get enough, you’re in luck. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail follows Delilah’s sister Astrid as she falls for her coworker/mortal enemy/reality TV costar. 

15. Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

If you haven’t heard of DJ&TS, I’m forced to assume that you’ve been living under a rock. It took the internet by storm and earned Reese Witherspoon’s stamp of approval. I would give you a list of reasons why you should read it, but it’s most enjoyable when you go in blind, so instead, I’ll leave you with this: 70’s band and scandalous love affairs. 

16. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell 

I cannot stress this enough, look up trigger warnings for this book. My Dark Vanessa has been described by many as a modern-day Lolita. With that being said, My Dark Vanessa was one of the most gut-wrenching, tear-jerking, thought-provoking stories that I’ve read. 

17. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 

Psychological thriller. Major plot twist. That’s all the information you get. Go forth and prepare to be shocked by this masterpiece of a story. 

18. The Deal by Elle Kennedy 

The Deal is the epitome of a college romance. If you like sports romance and couples that are so clearly made for each other, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

19. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune 

If there is one thing I love, it is a Tim Horton’s reference in books. If there’s something I love even more, it’s seeing books reference my very own university. Every Summer After is the perfect summer romance set right here in Ontario. 

20. The Mistake by Elle Kennedy 

Circling back to the college romances, you should absolutely read The Mistake after you finish reading The Deal. It’s fluffy, witty and absolutely hilarious. 

21. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover 

Colleen Hoover is pretty much a household name. However, Maybe Someday remains disappointingly untalked about. Of the 14 Colleen Hoover books that I’ve read, Maybe Someday remains my favourite, and that says a lot. 

The story follows Sydney, who moves in with Ridge after her longtime boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend (ouch). 

22. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon 

The Ex Talk is like The Hating Game but with double the representation. Did I mention it involves a radio show? 

Emily is a third-year Health Studies student with a minor in creative writing at Western Univeristy. When she's not writing, she can be found with a romance book in hand, probably drinking a vanilla oat milk latte.