Hannah Lisa Lohr
You’ll find Hannah, a “semi-profesh bookworm,” on Instagram, sharing her other book recommendations and bookstore adventures. Make sure you give her a follow!
Her Top 3 Picks:
1. Into The Blue by Emma Brodie
One of Hannah’s top book recommendations is Emma Brodie’s Into the Blue.
Released in April 2026, Into the Blue is a contemporary romance novel that follows AJ Graves and Noah Drew in a decades-spanning ‘will they or won’t they’ love story.
Their relationship begins in 2000 as young coworkers at a video store in Massachusetts, where they forge a deep connection, though hints suggest it could be something more. Then, Noah disappears. But fate brings them back together years later in New York City, where they reunite as co-stars on an intergalactic television production. And yes, they are forced to confront what happened years ago.
“[I’m] not a Star Trek girlie BUT it was irrelevant if you’re in the fandom or not, when the book is this much of a BANGER *bows down to Emma Brodie,*” said Hannah.
2. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
#1 New York Times bestseller Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson is also on Hannah’s list. According to Hannah, this is her first Brandon Sanderson book, and she gets the hype now.
“I can’t stop reading this trilogy, already on book 3,” she exclaimed.
So, what is Steelheart about? Steelheart is the first book in The Reckoners series, which is, fun fact, a trilogy. In Steelheart, we get to know the protagonist, David Charleston, who joins the rebel group known as ‘Reckoners’ to take down Steelheart, an invincible High Epic tyrant that turns non-living matter into steel. Steelheart also murdered David’s father.
3. Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft
Last on Hannah’s book recommendation is Allison Saft’s Wings of Starlight, a young adult fantasy romance.
If you are not a YA fan, Hannah said to trust her on this one.
“IT’S REAL GOOD,” she exclaimed.
Even audiobook lovers will love it. “10/10 on audio,” Hannah said.
What makes Wings of Starlight a must-read? Well, it’s like revisiting the world of Tinker Bell but with romance and more maturity.
The story follows young, uncrowned Princess Clarion, heir to the throne of Pixie Hollow. When mysterious creatures and nightmares begin appearing in their realm, she ventures into the Winter Woods. Instead of meeting a vicious monster, she meets Milori, a future lord of the Winter Woods. The problem? Warm-season fairies and winter fairies can’t be together since their extreme temperatures damage their fragile wings.
Colton
Colton is a book lover and content creator centered around his favorite reads, bookish skits, and showing off his collection of special editions. His favorite genres are sci-fi and fantasy, but he also enjoys romantasy, thrillers, and horror. His favorite authors include John Gwynne, James Islington, Rebecca Yarros, and many more. Check out his Instagram, where you can truly find a book for any reader!
His Top 3 Picks:
1. The Shining by Stephen King
Don’t want to read romance novels during fall? Colton suggests Stephen King’s The Shining.
“The perfect classic horror story to kick off the spooky [to be read] TBR,” Colton said.
The Shining follows the Torrance family, trapped in the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado. The antagonist is Jack Torrance, a former teacher and a recovering addict with a temper, slowly descending into psychopathic madness.
As Jack’s grip on reality deteriorates, his wife, Wendy, struggles to protect her family from the growing danger inside the hotel. Meanwhile, Danny, the couple’s 5-year-old son with a psychic gift known as “the shining,” begins experiencing terrifying visions.
2. Kingdom of Ash By Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’ Kingdom of Ash is the epic finale of the Throne of Glass fantasy saga. There are eight books in the series (7 novels and 1 prequel):
- The Assassin’s Blade (prequel)
- Throne of Glass (Book 1)
- Crown of Midnight (Book 2)
- Heir of Fire (Book 3)
- Queen of Shadows (Book 4)
- Empire of Storms (Book 5)
- Tower of Dawn (Book 6)
- Kingdom of Ash (Book 7)
Colton exclaimed that “[Kingdom of Ash is] an incredible conclusion to the TOG series. I hope we see these characters again someday.”
The series follows Celaena Sardothien, an imprisoned teenage assassin, who is given a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament against other criminals and thieves. But as contestants begin dying under mysterious circumstances, she uncovers a web of secrets about the suppression of magic, and who she truly is (the lost Fae queen).
3. Crescent City By Sarah J. Maas
If you already finished TOG and are yearning for more Sarah J. Maas novels, jump straight to the Crescent City series. Released in 2020, this fantasy romance series follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-Fae "party girl" who is actually the daughter of the Autumn King.
Colton rates House of Earth and Blood as a top must-read cozy title for September.
“What an entry to the CC world! Bryce is already one of my FMCs [female main characters],” Colton said.
In the first book, House of Earth and Blood, Bryce’s life is shattered when her closest friends are brutally murdered. Although a suspect is eventually arrested and imprisoned, the killings mysteriously continue. Determined to uncover the truth and avenge her friends, she starts working with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel.
Meagan Carioti
The last set of book recommendations is from Meagan, a digital creator based in New York. You can also follow her on Instagram.
Her Top 3 Picks:
1. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
If you haven’t heard of The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, consider adding it to your TBR list. Released in 2023, the book is a contemporary romance with a magical twist. It follows Clementine, a book publicist who inherits an Upper East Side apartment from her aunt, only to discover the place can connect different points in time (seven years, to be exact) when a man suddenly pops up in the middle of her living room.
Meagan rated this book 5 out of 5. According to Meagan, “A magical, time-bending love story that made me cry in the best way!”
2. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Another book recommendation is Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera.
According to Meagan, it’s a “darkly funny, twisty mystery” she couldn't stop reading.
“THE TWISTS & TURNS!!” she further exclaimed.
So, what is the book all about? Well, this psychological thriller is centered on Lucy Chase, a prickly, complex woman with no memory of how her best friend, Savvy, was murdered. The last thing anyone knows is that Lucy was found wandering the streets, covered in Savvy’s blood.
Although she was eventually cleared of the crime, suspicion never entirely went away, and Lucy left town. Years later, her past comes back to haunt her when Ben Owens, the host of a true-crime podcast called Listen for the Lie, sets out to investigate Savvy’s murder and uncover what really happened.
3. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Meagan also recommends A Court of Mist and Fury, part of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series (fans call it ACOTAR).
“[It is] an interesting fantasy world all mixed in with a love story so beautiful they go down as one of my all-time favorite book couples ever of all time,” Meagan said.
A Court of Mist and Fury is the second book in the series. The story picks up after Feyre Archeron’s escape from Under the Mountain. Although she survived, the trauma leaves her struggling with nightmares and anxiety. Her fiancé, Tamlim, offers little comfort. Instead of giving her room to recover, he tightens his grip on her life, restricting her movements until he eventually locks her away. That’s when Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, calls in the bargain Feyre made with him. Then, she begins to see a different side of the fae world and herself.
“The character transformation was so beautiful to read about a woman finding her power,” Meagan said.
