Top 5 must-reads of this year

If you haven’t heard about these books this year, where have you been? As a reader and reviewer, I have collected my favourite books this year that have trended social platforms like no other. 

1. House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland 

House of Hollow, a disturbing fantasy/horror, will get your heart racing in this fast pace read. At only 288 pages, we follow three ‘strange’ sisters who went missing when they were children, but can’t remember where they went or what happened to them. This dark and grotesque story is written so lyrically and beautifully, you feel haunted after reading it. When you see the cover alone, you’ll want to pick this one up.

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1. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

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This was my first read of 2021 which got me out of a reading slump and helped me re-birth my love for books again! This book has trended all over TikTok and is a Goodreads Choice Winner from 2016. You find yourself growing so attached the protagonist, Lily, and wanting the best for her. From creating her own small business, to dealing with her abusive boyfriend, Ryle, and High School sweetheart Atlas who comes back into her life at both the right and wrong time. But it does, in fact, end with us, and you won’t know what that means until you read this book. 

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1. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Another TJR! A book I demolished in two days, I dove into a world of four famous siblings who have the biggest party every year to end the summer in Malibu. We’re introduced to famous faces and stories throughout the years of partying, but this unforgettable night changes their lives forever. My favourite element of this book is that there’s link to Seven Husbands, you’ll have to read it to find what it is!

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1. Ghosts by Dolly Alderton

Feeling flirty at thirty, we’re invited into the life of Nina Dean and her online dating experience. A book that made me feel like I was reading about a real person with real experiences in the real world. Her story is relatable and humorous with a perfect mix of emotion due to ex-boyfriends and family issues that really hit home, resulting in a quick and easy read. This won’t be my last read from Alderton!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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My absolute favourite of this year! Reading as a journalist about a journalist or writer is one of my favourite things. In the bookish world, Evelyn Hugo has been debated to be both a good and bad character, giving us insights into the glamourous Hollywood life of a well known celebrity. It’s also been argued that Evelyn Hugo is loosely based on actress, Elisabeth Taylor. The twists in the plot will baffle you. Rated 4.45 stars on Goodreads, TJR is my top author of this year with two books in my top 5.

Listen to Rhiannon and Hannah’s, from @twogirlsonebookpod , Spotify podcast reviewing Seven Husbands here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oSQcyDPuLnL5lZJZUEJK3

Feel free to comment what you’ve been reading and loving this year, or any recommendations for my TBR list would be great!