Wattpad shaped me as a reader, and no story captures that nostalgia more than Rachelle Mills’ Clayton and Dallas. What began as late-night chapter drops and heated comment section debates has stayed with me for years. These books aren’t just romance, they’re about resilience, identity, and the courage to choose yourself. Even now, long after my tastes have changed, they remain a solid 5/5 in my heart.
Books are my favourite kind of gift, and putting this list together reminded me just how powerful the right story can be. These five reads span romance, historical fiction, fantasy, and beyond—but what they all share is that they linger long after the last page. Whether you’re looking for something to gift a fellow book lover or simply want to treat yourself, these are stories worth unwrapping.
This month’s Author Spotlight shines on the wonderful Christina C Jones, a woman I would consider my favourite author. The author who introduced me to black contemporary romance and has held my loyalty and love for over 5 years! Readers praise her for skillfully blending the realities of modern life into compelling stories that centre Black characters across nearly every corner of the romance genre. Whether it’s thrilling, action fantasy or the paranormal, CCJ weaves romance beautifully into all genres, and this spotlight tells you why she is an author to explore no matter your tastes.
The Fault in Our Stars was the first book that ever made me cry, and the film only deepened that heartbreak. Both the novel and film adaptation capture the same unforgettable love story, but through different strengths. With faithful storytelling, powerful performances, and a heartfelt tone, the adaptation proves how John Green’s story thrives in both mediums without losing its impact.
My teen era defined me as a reader, and despite transitioning to a Wattpad girly and late-night online reads, I still loved traditional publishing and was exploring books with more adult themes and tropes. The following 5 books are some of my most memorable teenage reads, and I think they still hold up quite well today!
Jacqueline Wilson’s Cookie was my first true book love. Its story of resilience, courage, and hope reflected parts of my own childhood in ways I didn’t fully realise at the time. Revisiting it now, I’m reminded how powerfully books shape us – and why childhood favourites never leave us.
The first post to commemorate my Birthday month is my favourite BookTok sensation, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo! A book I read years ago and thoroughly enjoyed, its scandalous, emotional and heartfelt. transporting us back into The Golden Age of Hollywood and all the salaciousness that comes with. A BookTok fave and mine as well!
