The Tortured Poets Department
Which romance book should you read based on your favorite TTPD song?
Welcome to the second installment of TBR: Romance Edition. My goal is to bring you a variety of romance book recommendations based on your current mood and preferences. This week we are talking about my second favorite topic, Taylor Swift. Since Taylor Swift has so many different albums we are going to focus on her most recent release this week which is The Tortured Poets Department.
Love or hate TTPD, it’s a toxic album. The album's theme circles around some toxic love interests and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Do you know what we don’t do in our reading though? Judge. This is a safe space for any and all books. Let’s get into it.
Guilty as Sin?
Book Recommendation: The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
The Friend Zone is the first in a 3 book series by Abby Jimenez following FMC Kristen. Kristen has baggage with a capital B and also happens to be in a relationship when she meets MMC Josh Copeland. The story follows their dynamic as maid of honor and best man to their two best friends. It’s an incredibly compelling story that will make you want to burn through the whole series. Abby’s magical gift is presenting real characters that you laugh and cry with as they move through their life. Why did we tie it to Guilty as Sin?? Kristen makes some questionable choices while in a relationship that isn’t technically cheating. The line “there's no such thing as bad thoughts” could be considered a theme in the early part of the book. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
But Daddy I love him
Book Recommendation: Twisted Games by Ana Huang
You honestly cannot get a more fitting story with a princess falling in love with her bodyguard. Twisted Games is the second book in the Twisted series by Ana Huang. You might read ‘a Princess and Bodyguard Story’ and think this may be worth a skip, but give me a second to change your mind. Ana took a tired concept and turned it into a sexy version of The Princess Diaries Two (you know, the one with Chris Pine?). Bridget (FMC) and Rhys (MMC) don’t like each other, they’re more different than they are alike, but they also respect the other person. Pair their bickering with Bridget's female friend group and you have yourself a series to read from beginning to end. Although you don’t have to start at the beginning, I’d recommend Twisted Love to get to know the female friendships. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can fix him (no really I can)
Book Recommendation: Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
Devil in Winter is book three in the 4 book Wallflower Series by Lisa Kleypas. It is important to note that you need to read the first two books before you read Devil in Winter. Although each book follows a different couple, there are important setups that will happen in book 2 that give you the context to understand book 3. If committing to the first two books is too much at least read book 2. Devil in Winter follows FMC Evie, a shy wallflower looking to escape her toxic family, and Sebastian, an infamous rake who will do whatever it takes to save himself. Evie and Sebastian agree to a marriage of convenience. If you’ve never tried historical romance, the Wallflower series is an excellent place to start. The series follows 4 best friends and their commitment to help each other ‘off the wallflower wall’ and find a suitor. For anyone who is anxiously waiting for the next Bridgerton series, these books will scratch the same itch. 🌶️🌶️