Dear readers, we’ve done it again. Us Weekly took to TikTok and read (almost) everything that was recommended in 2024.
After tirelessly scouring the pages of various fictional novels, a few stood out as the best of the year. Romantasy had its moment, thanks to the continued fixation on Sarah J. Maas and her novels, but those weren’t the only stories that had Us giving five stars on our Goodreads profiles. (Even though Fourth Wing is definitely on this list.)
Some notable names in the publishing world — like Emily Henry and Sally Rooney — released books that kept Us wanting more. From debut novels to the continuation of book universes, there were so many pages to get swept away in this year.
Keep scrolling to see Us Weekly’s picks for 11 of the best BookTok recommendations from 2024:
‘Funny Story’ by Emily Henry
Henry is cranking out books like it’s nobody’s business. The author released Funny Story this past April and already announced that a new novel is on the way. While readers wait for the latest installment in Henry’s extensive book universe, Miles and Daphne are still the names on everybody’s lips.
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“I feel like Funny Story is my most traditional rom-com in a lot of ways,” Henry told Us exclusively. “I think it kind of piggybacks off Book Lovers in that way and Beach Read to an extent.”
‘Intermezzo’ by Sally Rooney
Once again, Rooney knew exactly how to pull on the heartstrings. A journey through grief, Intermezzo tells the story of two brothers following the loss of their father.
While BookTok was divided over how this book holds up to Rooney’s other releases — including Normal People — most social media users did come to the same conclusion: it’s a masterpiece.
‘The Familiar’ by Leigh Bardugo
History, romance and fantasy? Sign Us up. This magic-focused story is set in the Spanish Golden Age and leaves nothing to be desired as main character Luzia gets launched into a world she never imagined.
One TikTok user praised Bardugo for the novel’s “rewarding” ending — a huge compliment.
‘Just for the Summer’ by Abby Jimenez
Jimenez has found the perfect love story formula in the past, and Just for the Summer was no different. Justin’s curse is that every woman he dates finds her husband immediately after they break up. Emma thinks she’s suffering from the same fate. Thanks to a Reddit thread, the two meet and their love starts to blossom.
BookTok couldn’t get enough of this read, with one user thinking, “Holy s—, that might just change my life,” after reading one excerpt from the novel.
‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah
War is hard. Finding lasting love, discovering your purpose and mourning the loss of your brother is even harder. Frankie McGrath makes the brave decision to become a nurse in the Vietnam War, which leads to lifelong friendships, brutal heartbreak and a completely changed woman.
What’s BookTok saying? This novel had most readers in full tears.
‘Bride’ by Ali Hazelwood
Us couldn’t help but sink our teeth into this Vampyre bride and Alpha Werewolf romance novel. Misery Lark is forced to go live with the Weres — and it’s safe to say Lowe Moreland does not trust her, which makes for a gripping novel.
“I cannot get this book out of my mind!!!” one TikTok user declared. And what could be better than main characters who stay in your head rent-free?
‘Fourth Wing’ by Rebecca Yarros
It’s a slow burn romance amid a secret rebellion, but there are also dragons involved. Talk about steamy. Violet Sorrengail is gearing up for her first year at Basgiath War College but had no idea what she was getting herself into when joining the rider quadrant.
TikTok can’t stop talking about this one. Videos fan-casting the mysterious Xaden have been running rampant for months.
‘The Wedding People’ by Alison Espach
The Wedding People was an immediate hit full of female friendships and chance encounters. When Phoebe Stone heads to the Cornwall Inn, she doesn’t realize that she’s about to be the only guest not there for a wedding. In fact, the reason she’s there could not be more different. Much to her surprise, however, she makes some valuable connections throughout her stay.
Some TikTok users referred to this as a “five star read,” with one person declaring that she “never wanted” the book to end.
‘Butcher and Blackbird’ by Brynne Weaver
This first book in Weaver’s The Ruinous Love Trilogy starts off strong, introducing readers to rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, who meet unexpectedly. The pair are forced to lean on each other while faced with some pretty intense circumstances.
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The TikTok girlies cannot get enough of Rowan, giving Us a new fictional male love interest to hyperfixate over.
‘The Seven Year Slip’ by Ashley Poston
Media and PR readers, this one is for you. An overworked book publicist falls in love with her temporary roommate — but he’s living seven years in the past. With this revelation, all of Clementine’s perfectly laid plans go right out the window.
“The Seven Year Slip was f—ing cute,” a BookTok user shared. “This was like putting a warm blanket onto your body.”
‘Housemates’ by Emma Copley Eisenberg
Bernie and Leah meet as housemates, but their relationship quickly starts to blossom into something deeper as they bond over their mutual love of art. A trip to Bernie’s hometown suddenly has them reaching a new level of friendship.
Called one of the “hot girl books” in 2024 by one TikTok user, it’s going to be hard to put this one down.
