Brothers of the Vine
Forever Evermore
Women of W.A.R.
Charli? Sabrina? Chappell? If you’re a fan of these pop girl icons, you’ll love these reading recommendations inspired by their unique styles and vibes!
Charli XCX
Are you in your Brat era? Charli XCX’s new album Brat has been a cultural phenomenon over the past few months. Her brand of Indie Sleaze combines a rebellious spirit, Club Kid energy, techno-pop sounds and genuinely catchy hooks.
If you’d like some gritty, sexy, rebellious romance with Brat Girl Summer vibes we recommend…
Everyone I Know Is Dying by Emily Slapper
When she’s having sex with her boss, Iris likes to have the lights on so he can see how much younger she is than his wife. She likes watching her colleagues eat unhealthy lunches at their desk while her stomach aches with emptiness. She likes coasting at work knowing she’s going to land a big promotion anyway.
So why when it arrives does she find herself sprawled on her hallway floor, crying uncontrollably? Why, instead of a sense of triumph, does a crippling depression threaten to overwhelm her? Why does the support and stability of her family and friends feel so suffocating? And why, torn between her flatmate George – good, kind, reliable George – and cold, indifferent Patrick, does she only seem capable of making choices that cause her pain?
A razor-sharp, bleakly funny exploration of mental health crises, the societal pressures on young women, and toxic sexual and romantic relationships from one of the most exciting new literary voices. Perfect for fans of Sorrow and Bliss or Cleopatra and Frankenstein.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan has been EVERYWHERE recently. Her brand of 80’s synth sounds, Sapphic love songs, blunt sexiness and Drag Queen performance art has found her a huge cult following, and who isn’t obsessed with her Kate Bushesque song ‘Good Luck Babe’?
If you’d like some sexy Sapphic love read…
All The Painted Stars by Emma Denny
To win her heart, she’ll have to fight…
Oxfordshire 1362
When Lily Barden discovers her best friend Johanna’s hand in marriage is being awarded as the main prize at a tournament, she is determined to stop it. Disguised as a knight, she infiltrates the contest, preparing to fight for Jo’s hand. But her conduct ruffles feathers, and when a dangerous incident escalates out of Lily’s control, Jo must help her escape.
Finding safety with a local brewster, Lily and Jo soon settle into their new freedom, and amongst blackberry bushes and lakeside walks an unexpected relationship blossoms. But when Jo’s past catches up with her and Lily’s reckless behaviour threatens their newfound happiness, both women realise that choices must always come at a cost. The question they need to ask is if the cost is worth the price of love…
Perfect for fans of Freya Marske, Alexis Hall and Casey McQuiston
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter dropped her new album Short ‘n Sweet just a week ago, but her brand of 50’s styling, pop/country energy, flirty sexy songs and feel good energy has made it a number one hit. We actually matched every song on the album to romance reads here – but if you’re looking for a rom-com with ‘Slim Pickins’ or ‘Bed Chem’ vibes check out…
The Devil in Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy
A sharp, emotional novel about a tough-minded bar owner who makes a deal with a devil of a cowboy — and might just get burned…
Moving to Montana to buy a dive bar with her two best friends sounds like a can’t-miss idea to Charly Henwood. The scenery is breathtaking, and the cowboys even more so. Not that Charly’s interested. Her heart is as unmovable as the surrounding mountains, thanks to her cheating ex.
Making her bar, The Naked Moose, a success is Charly’s only priority. But it turns out the regulars don’t take kindly to outsiders swapping their craft beer for an extensive cocktail menu. One regular in particular is not happy — The Naked Moose’s previous owner, Jaxon Reed. The last thing Charly needs is a cocky cowboy telling her how to run her bar, or her life. But maybe she can use Jaxon to her advantage. If he’ll agree to be the prize in a charity auction, Charly will make the bar a little more cowboy-friendly.
When that plan backfires, Charly finds herself doing battle with the biggest temptation in Timber Falls. A man who has made it his mission to win her, using every infernal means at his disposal. And if her resolve goes up in flames, her heart is sure to follow.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia dropped her latest album Guts last year, but with her tour across Europe (and soon Australia) plastered over TikTok in the past few months she has remained one of the main pop girls. Olivia’s blend of grungy 90’s style rock with beautiful balladic lyrics, and the fact that she’s ‘So American’, means she’s the perfect accompaniment to …
I See London by Chanel Cleeton
Maggie Carpenter is a small-town Southern girl who’s never been kissed. She’s ready for a change – and to leave her ordinary life and a failed attempt to get into Harvard behind. She accepts a scholarship to the International School in London, where she’s suddenly mingling with the privileged offspring of diplomats and world leaders.
When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she has always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? There’s someone else, someone she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.
Half French, half Lebanese and impossibly rich, Samir Khouri has made it clear to Maggie that despite their intense attraction, he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything she thought she wanted – a player with no interest in commitments – but she just can’t keep away. Torn between her dream guy and the one haunting her thoughts, Maggie must fight for her own happy ending. But in a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
Taylor Swift
Although Taylor’s new album The Tortured Poet’s Department is mostly an angsty reflection on a series of bad relationships (see our recs for that here) the vibe we want to focus on is ‘So High School’ and ‘The Alchemy’. Looking for a read that captures the rom-com energy of your football boyfriend running up to you amidst a crowd of people and spinning you around in a romantic kiss? We have the perfect read for you in…
The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan
The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone and above all…no falling in love.
Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is most definitely not on her to-do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy, right?
Too bad he’s committed to breaking all of the rules…
Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humour and blatant disregard for his fame turn him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she’s shut him down. Completely.
That is…until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more: more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It’s a good thing Drew knows all about winning.
All’s fair in love and football…game on.
Billie Eilish
The vibe of Billie Eilish’s new album can be described as dark and melancholic, with hauntingly beautiful vocals and lyrics. It explores themes of mental health, relationships, and self-discovery in a raw and introspective manner.
For readers who enjoy this type of moody and atmospheric music, the following book rec may be a perfect match…
The Summer of Perfect Mistakes by Cynthia St. Aubin
An achingly authentic, emotional summer romance about learning to colour outside the lines.
You can’t have the breakthrough without the breakdown…
No one in Spring Valley recognises Lark Hockney anymore. They only remember who she used to be. Homecoming queen. Valedictorian. And one half of Spring Valley High’s golden couple. But Lark knows that her once-perfect life wasn’t really perfect. Hell, it wasn’t even her. And in one evening, she lost it…and that perfect girl is gone forever.
Now Lark’s trying to put the fragile pieces back together, with no idea of where to start. She’s only a faint sketch of the person she was, with blurry, tentative lines — and under the constant scrutiny of her overbearing parents. The only bright spot in her life is a community art class taught by Nick Hoffman, the esoteric and unreasonably hot guy from high school. And he’s not interested in a ‘perfect’ Lark at all…
Suddenly Lark’s world is taking shape and the colours are growing more vibrant, from afternoon margaritas with Southern-fried divorcées to late-night apple pie with chocolate ice cream and an increasingly spicy situationship with Nick.
But what she’s found comes with a ‘best before summer’s end’ expiration date. And Lark doesn’t know if she can ever truly let go of aiming for perfect…
Dua Lipa
The vibe of Dua Lipa’s new album ‘Radical Optimism’ is one of positivity, empowerment, and boldness. The songs on the album are all about self-love, perseverance, and embracing change. Dua Lipa’s powerful vocals combined with upbeat and energetic beats create an overall feel-good atmosphere. For a fun positive, adventurous vibe recommend…
Romancing Miss Stone by M.C. Vaughan
His perfectly planned life is about to go wild.
By-the-numbers Bo Ferguson has his future all planned. Then his archaeologist fiancée dumps him. Via text. From Belize. Navigating the rainforest to win her back is way out of Bo’s comfort zone, but so is the idea of starting over. Fortunately, he’s secured a tour guide willing to lead him into the unmapped jungle. Unfortunately, she’s annoying, impulsive — and attractive as hell.
Jungle expert Alexandra Stone is in no position to turn down a job after her regrettable ex stole everything from her family business and ran. Sure, Bo might be frustratingly uptight, but Alex needs the money. And besides, there’s something…fun about pushing the guy’s adorably rigid buttons, especially when it clearly gets a rise out of him.
But the close confines of their shared camp make it hard to ignore the tension beneath the bickering, prompting the sweltering heat between them to erupt into sweaty, wild passion. Bo can’t deny his brief time with Alex has been the most exciting of his life. But the journey they’re on still leads to one place — his ex-fiancée — forcing Bo and Alex to confront their pasts, their fears and the question of just where this adventure will take them…
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