5 Books I Recently Read and Recommend 📚

Hey friends,

It’s a new month, and you know what that means — I’m back with five new book recommendations! I’m so excited to share this list with you because it has a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, humor, heartbreak, and even a bit of time travel (yes, really). If you’re into book talk, cozy reading nights, or just looking for something to distract you from endlessly scrolling TikTok (guilty 🙋‍♀️), this one’s for you.

Whether you’re in your twenties trying to figure out adulting or in your thirties still doing the same (hi, it’s me), reading remains one of the most grounding and inspiring habits I’ve held on to — and I love sharing the joy of it with you.

Before we dive into the books, here’s the video version of this list — feel free to watch it if you’re more of a visual person or want to hear me talk about these books in real time:

📺 Watch the full video here:

(PS: Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! I post new videos every single week about content creation, working for yourself, productivity, and, of course, books.)

Now, let’s get into the five books I’ve recently read and have thoughts about 👇

1. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

This one’s like a cozy hug mixed with a little chaos. It’s about a bank robbery gone wrong (but not in the thriller-y kind of way you’d expect). Instead, the “robber” ends up crashing an open house and accidentally holding a group of strangers hostage.

I know it sounds intense, but hear me out — it’s hilarious, emotional, and beautifully written. What I loved the most was how it shifts perspectives between the different hostages, and how the author plays with timelines and memories. It made me laugh, it made me cry (okay, sob), and it made me think about how little we know about what other people are going through. Not my top favorite book of all time, but one I’d definitely recommend.

2. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

So, I really wanted to love this book. Casey McQuiston’s first book Red, White & Royal Blue is one of my favorites, and when I heard she was releasing a sapphic love story set in New York with a subway twist, I was in.

The premise is wild — girl meets girl on the train, only to discover that subway girl is literally stuck in time from the 70s. Cool concept, right? I loved the representation, the nostalgic touches, and the ambition of the story. But… I didn’t connect with the romance the way I hoped to. The plot felt a little too predictable and flat in places, and I just didn’t feel it like I did with her debut. Still, if you’re curious, check it out — it might hit differently for you!

3. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Okay, you probably already know this: I’m obsessed with Taylor Jenkins Reid. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is my forever favorite. Daisy Jones & The Six? Incredible. Malibu Rising? Solid, but not my number one.

This book follows the four Riva siblings, all of whom are lowkey celebrities in their own way, as they prep for their legendary summer party. The story jumps back and forth in time, showing their parents’ messy love story and how that shaped the siblings’ lives. What I loved the most is how her books all connect — you’ll catch little references to characters from her other novels, which is so fun if you’re a TJR fan like me.

It didn’t have the emotional punch or epic twist of her other books, but it’s still a great read. Think beachy, dramatic, and family-centered.

4. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

This was such a fun surprise! I’ve read a few of Karen M. McManus’ books before (One of Us Is Lying, Two Can Keep a Secret, etc.), and I liked them — but The Cousins is definitely my favorite so far.

It’s a YA mystery (yes, I love those — don’t judge), and it follows three cousins who barely know each other but get invited to work at their estranged grandmother’s resort for the summer. Their parents were mysteriously cut off from the family years ago, and of course, secrets start unraveling.

What I loved about this book is how much the author has grown — the writing, the pacing, the twists. It’s a really good mix of suspense and heart without being overly dark. If you’re into quick, twisty mysteries that aren’t too intense, this one’s for you.

5. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

This one was a bit of a rollercoaster. The plot is gripping at first: a woman’s husband disappears, leaving behind only a note that says “Protect her,” referring to his daughter from a previous relationship. The story becomes about uncovering his secrets while navigating a complicated mother-stepdaughter dynamic.

The pacing is good and I was invested, but the ending didn’t land for me. It left me feeling sad — not in a reflective, emotional way but more in a why did I read this whole thing just to feel this bad? kind of way. That said, so many people love this book (Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club picked it!), so maybe it’s just me. If the premise sounds interesting to you, give it a shot and let me know what you think.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for hanging out with me 🥹 These posts and videos are such a joy to make, and I love connecting with fellow book lovers. If you end up reading (or already read) any of these, please let me know what you thought — especially if you totally disagree with me. I love a good book debate 😅

And don’t forget: I’ve shared over 40 book recommendations in my previous videos, so if you want even more titles to add to your TBR, check out the links below or head to my YouTube channel.

As always, you can find me on Instagram @flopereira where we can keep the book talk going 💬

Love,

Flor ✨