THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
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When was the last time you were stuck in a book slump?
I don’t get stuck in book slumps as much any more, because I figured out a way to prevent the biggest book slumps. But if you are stuck more often, check out my foolproof ways to get out of a book slump.
And one of the ways that helps me getting out of a book slump is re-reading favorite books. And although most of my re-reads are romance books, a fantasy book works just as well.
Below you can find the books that I pick up when ever I feel down, not know what to read next, or just don’t care about any other books on my tbr.
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
MM ROMANCE
I’m a big fan of MM romance, and it’s no surprise that some of my favorite books are part of this genre. I actually have noticed that if I’m in a slump, I usually start with one MM series, and move on to the next until I feel like reading a different genre. Here are my go to series/books, in no particular order, I’ve read them all multiple times.
All for the Game Series by Nora Sakavic
Epic story, original, one of my favorite. It’s a slow burn romance. But honestly, I’m there for the guys, and the girls – for the all of the Foxes. And just saying, but there is no other series out there. This is IT!!!
I’m so obsessed with this series that I actually bought fan-art. Never happened before. But here is my lengthy review of the entire series with photos.
Trilogy – finished
Like Us Series by KB Ritchie
This series is epic, two generations of amazing characters. But the books I read the most, are about Farrow and Maximoff, bodyguard and client. It’s all about forbidden romance and passion. Books 1-3 & 6 are about my favorite couple.
The overall series is not finished yet
Marshals Series by Mary Calmes
Another series I love above all else. The relationship between Miro and Ian is amazing. Banter. Chemistry. They have it all. Two alpha marshals, doing their job, and making a relationship work. I swoon every time I read these two.
4 book series – finished
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
This is probably the most epic enemies to lovers romance EVER!!!
Love this book to pieces!! The tension. The connection. It all works for me. I’m in LOVE!! Major love. And I can’t wait to get more about them. There are only a few couples that are as epic as Ilya and Shane. An epic love story like theirs is hard to top. No wonder, I’ve read this book at least three times since last December – that’s just unheard of. But what can I say – this love story is one of a kind.
The overall series is not finished yet, but this book can be read as a standalone. Second book about the couple is coming next year.
Captive Prince Series by CS Pacat
Boy, this series ALWAYS gives me a book hangover. I finish them and I’m lost of words. I usually google fan-art. Anything that will help me to get over this amazing story.
EPIC!!! Just epic!!
But please don’t read this series if you have any triggers. The world this story is set in is very different to ours. It’s fantasy. And I would hate for you to be disappointed.
Trilogy – Finished
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
(URBAN) FANTASY
My fantasy obsession started with Ilona Andrews, and they are still my favorite author couple. You’ll find four of their series below, I’ve read them multiple times, some I lost count how often.
Hidden Legacy Series by Ilona Andrews
This series is perfect for any romance reader, especially anyone loving PNR and fantasy romance. I can guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the Baylor family. And Nevada and Mad Rogan are an amazing couple. Both powerful in their own rights – her kick ass, him dangerous. The books are full of banter, action and magic. Incredibly enjoyable and entertaining. You won’t regret picking them up.
6 book series – not finished
Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews
This series started it all!!! If you love UF, kick ass women. Magic. Shifter. Action. Amazing characters. Epic love story. And a book hangover inducing series. You need to pick up this series.
There is nobody quite like Kate Daniels.
Also the writing is fantastic, the world building phenomenal and the banter will make you laugh.
10 book series – finished
Innkeeper Chronicles Series by Ilona Andrews
This started out as a freebie weekly fan installment, and turned into one of my favorite series. Full of magic and creatures from other planets. A house that is unlike any other. Characters that you will fall in love with. And fantastic world building. Again, the writing is what makes this series so unputdownable.
4 book series – not finished
The Others Series by Anne Bishop
Anne Bishop’s The Others are next to anything by Ilona Andrews my top UF series. I’ve fallen in love with Meg and Simon and there is no going back. I listened to the audiobooks and read the books the regular way and I know I’ll be picking them up again. There is just something about the characters that pull me in. I feel good reading about the Lakeside community and how they all band around Meg. All the stars!!!!
5 book series – finished
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Romance has always been a genre I loved to read. And many of my go-to books are romances. Just because they are feel good novels. Stories that end with a HEA. And that are full of amazing love stories.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Loved this book so much!! It was one of the most perfect romance I read in a long time, and it deserves all the hype. Loved the couple so much. Their banter, chemistry, and the way they understood each other so well. Love a grump and a sunshine couple, and this one checked all my boxes. All my love for this book!!!!
Rock Hard by Nalini Singh
Rock Hard is the second book in this series, but can be read as a standalone. The reason why this one is on my re-read list, is because of the relationship between the Mouse and T-Rex. Gabriel, alpha male, former rugby player now CEO falls in love with one of his employees, shy and sweet Charlotte. Love office romances, and even more the banter and chemistry between those two.
Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
If you ever watched a Cirque du Soleil show and have been fascinated by the talent and wondered how it must be to work in one. This is the book for you. The story blew my mind!! It’s set in Las Vegas, has an amazing cast. It’s sexy. Original. One of a kind!!
Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey
I just love this NA novel about two soccer player. It combines so many of my favorite tropes, sports romance, forbidden (coach & student) and it’s a NA college romance. I’ve read it multiple times, and it never gets old. It was my first novel by RS Grey and so far it’s still my most favorite.
Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor
This is probably one of my all time favorite romances. On vacation an expecting mother of FOUR meets a solider at the beach in Florida, and from there on my heart is GOO. I just can’t help myself. It always hits me where it counts. I swoon pretty much for the entire first 3/4 of the book. I’m heads over heels in love with Matt, and the kids. And it deserves all the stars – since I’ve read it probably the most of all the books I own.
The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson
This book was emotional but also SO GOOD!! I’m a big fan of the single parent trope. See above book. And this one just speaks to me. A widow with three kids struggling to hold it all together, until her new neighbor is lending her hand. I loved the connection between the couple. It’s raw at times. But also so beautiful. Real. And endearing. All the stars for this one!!
Wait for It by Mariana Zapata
My most favorite slow burn romance. And without a doubt the one MZ book I always pick up when I’m in a book slump. Again, it fits the single parent trope. The heroine takes care of her brother’s two adorable boys. And hilarity ensues. Also I fell head over heels in love with the grumpy neighbor across the street. Dallas is my kind of guy. I don’t need a billionaire CEO or rockstar, the guy next door does it just fine if he is anything like Dallas.
Surviving Raine by Shay Savage
If you love a major JERK you need to read this book. Because the hero is definitely a jerk, but he also has a very sweet core when it comes to his woman. And the survival skills that he exhibits were AMAZING!!! The research that went into this book – I was blown away by the details. So GOOD!!!
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
My most favorite Christina Lauren book. Loved the story. Loved the couple. Their story is epic in a way. Soulmates. A love story that starts as teenagers, and concludes as adults. My heart weeped for them, but also rejoiced. I gave it all the stars, and it’s still, after so many other CL books, my most favorite book by this author duo.
Standalone
Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann
The only romance I gave SIX stars. The book is brilliant. Amazing. Heartfelt. Funny. And emotional. Again, a single parent trope, but also some enemies to lovers. And the connection and chemistry between the couple ROCKS!!! I laughed, smiled and teared up. It’s all around one of the best romances I’ve ever read. And I’ve read it quite a few times already. SO GOOD!!!! The one romance I recommend all the time.
Standalone
The Simple Wild Series by KA Tucker
Ok, here we go!! The Simple Wild was a wonderful book, and I fell immediately in love with Calla and Jonah BUT Wild at Heart (the second book) stole my heart. It’s a continuation of The Simple Wild, they are finally settling in Alaska, and it’s EVERYTHING I love about a romance. It’s PERFECTION!! But to get there, you NEED to read The Simple Wild first. And don’t worry, you won’t regret it!!
2.5 books series – finished
Family Man by Jayne Ann Krentz
This book is a classic, written in 1992, and the combination of grumpy hero and guardian angel just worked for me. I loved the couples banter, the back and forth between them. Again, it’s kinda a single parent trope, since the heroine takes care of her teenage brother. It also has an adorable dog. And it’s set in Oregon, foggy beach and all.
Standalone
Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
This is another oldie. I read it many years ago, and then finally bought the ebook in 2013. It’s set in Italy – my favorite country. And the chemistry and banter between the heroine who was freshly divorced and the hero, a Hollywood A-lister who was hiding out in Italy was just excellent. It’s a book perfect for summer! Sexy, fun and entertaining – can’t go wrong with either.
Standalone
Dirty Headlines by L.J. Shen
I love this book!!! It’s definitely my favorite by LJ Shen, and the only one of her books I re-read. Again, it’s a favorite trope, office romance, and a little forbidden too, and the banter is so good!! Also I do love a little bit of jerk in my heroes, so this one is extra delicious.
Standalone
The Worst Best Man by Lucy Score
I must admit, Lucy Score is an author that does rom-coms very well. And that comes from someone who doesn’t usually read rom-coms, but hers are right up my alley. Also this one was a LOT of fun and it’s enemies to lovers – so yay! If I want to laugh – this is one of the books I pick up. Love the chemistry and the connection between the couple, and the banter is fabulous. You really can’t go wrong with this one if you are a rom-com fan.
Standalone
Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score
And this one is my favorite rom-com of all. Again, it’s a Lucy Score book, and it’s also a sports romance!! I’m a hug fan of sports romances, and especially if it’s an underdog story. Honestly I love everything about this book. The down to earth heroine, the swoony former high school bad boy now HS coach. The soccer team. And the many laugh out loud situations. SO GOOD!!!!
Standalone
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
I would say this is one of the best romantic suspense out there. The mystery is not holding any punches. And the couple is amazing, the banter and connection through the roof. I especially love the couple. The grumpy neighbor, the back and forth, and the witty dialogues make this book one for a best of list.
Standalone
Open Season by Linda Howard
Another book by Linda Howard that is on my re-read list. A librarian and a grumpy, pushy chief of police – perfect couple. The opposites makes their connection even better. The banter is GOLD!!! Also loved the mystery, and the supporting cast. You can’t go wrong with a Linda Howard book. They are classics!
Standalone
Under Currents by Nora Roberts
I loved this book so much. The small town vibe. The amazing cast. And most of all the couple. I love a strong heroine and a hero who is understanding and supportive but not a pushover either. The balance of it all just works for me. I also love reading about people gardening, don’t ask me why because I have a black thumb, but it’s so obvious that the author knows what she is writing about. Because the descriptions are so vibrant and easy to imagine.
Standalone
The Search by Nora Roberts
My most favorite NR book of all times, and that says something, because I read ALL of her books!!! I love the couple the most, she a strong heroine and dog trainer extraordinaire and him a grumpy artist, who is not at all interested in falling in love, lol. Also the book is full of dogs, and dog owners, and search and rescue cases. Just fascinating, especially for someone who always wanted a dog. All the stars!!!
Standalone
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
NEW ADULT ROMANCE
The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen
This is one of my most favorite NA romances. Two co-eds falling in love. Both on crutches when they met. And the slow burn was just so well done. It gave me all the fell good vibes I love in a great romance. No drama. Great characters. Wonderful writing. There is nothing that I didn’t enjoy about this novel.
(The Ivy Years #1)
The Studying Hours by Sara Ney
My favorite jerk book!!! If you love a hero who is sometimes a jerk, don’t look any further. A new adult college sports romance – it can’t get any better. Love the banter between them. Love the couple. I’m a huge fan of college romances, but rarely read one that was so well done – so up my alley.
(How to Date a Douchebag #1)
The Failing Hours by Sara Ney
This is the second book in the Douchebag series. And because I have a hard time deciding which one is better, book 1 or 2, I usually re-read them back to back.
(How to Date a Douchebag #2)
Rich Prick by Tijan
I’m a big Tijan fan, and the one book I re-read the most by her is Rich Prick. I’m a big fan of college and high school romances. But need to be in the mood for the drama that usually comes with it. But this one is one of my most favorite of all, and the one I always gravitate too. A rich (Tijan does them best) prick hero falling in love with a shy heroine – perfection!! Love how passive he is, and how he gets wrapped around her fingers almost from the very beginning. There is some instant lust/love, which doesn’t always work for me but definitely does in RICK PRICK.
Standalone, loosely connected to a series.
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston
Oh boy, I lost count how often I read this book. Love the hilarity of it. The combination of kick ass heroine and grumpy grump bear. Also, the author gives her shifters the most authentic animal traits. And her shifters are CRAZY!!! Her books guaranteed laugh out loud moments. And they are full of recurring characters – one big shifter family.
(Pride #7)
Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh
Nalini Singh was probably the first PNR author I ever read. And she is still my favorite. Her Guild Hunter series blew my mind!!! Raphael and Elena are one power couple that never disappoints. One archangel and one vampire hunter. Epic love story!!! And the supporting cast is one you’ll fall in love with – no questions asked.
(Guild Hunter Series)
Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
My favorite PNR couple, Hawke, alpha wolf, and Sienna. The sexual tension and attraction between them is through the roof. The forbidden aspect of her being too young for him only added to the attraction. And although the entire series is amazing, I always come back to these two. Epic love story, amazing characters, wonderful writing.
(Psy-Changeling #10)
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O’Connell
Best western historical romance EVER!!!
My favorite historical romance author. I devour her books. The writing is incredibly, the stories are memorable, the characters are amazing. I was blown away the first time I read this book. Just amazed by it all. And since then I’ve read all of her books multiple times, and when I feel like a re-read I often read a couple of her books back to back and lament that she hasn’t written anything new in years.
(Sutton Family #1)
THE BOOKS THAT GET ME OUT OF A READING SLUMP
I’ve always found Shoujo Mangas and fast paced books mostly thrillers pull me out of a reading slump and I’m glad that books like that exist
Exactly, you just need to find the right books, format or genres. I tend to grab mostly romance, but honestly, any genre works.
I agree about IA, definitely help escape a slump!
they are always my go to authors – and as you can see, I would re-read three series, and Hugh too :d
Love love love love the foxhole court series!! I had THE BIGGEST book hangover after finishing it, I could literally not move on! Have you looked at Nora Sakavic’s tumblr account where she answers loads of questions about the series, Neil and Andrew’s relationship and what happens after the books? I spent a whole day on it because i couldn’t not lol. I also read this amazing fanfic (which I never really do but as I said I was just not ready to move on) about Neil and Andrew (‘Lessons in Cartography’ by crazy_like_a) which many fans basically consider as the unofficial fourth book and it was SO good as well! Would definitely also recommend reading that!
Tumblr is like a rabbit hole, I can easily spend hours on Foxhole Court tumblr – lol. OMG – I need to read this fanfic. Is it only available on Tumblr?
These are all great recommendations!
Thank you 😊, I dusted up all my favorites for this post
Hm I’m in a bit of a slump right now and The Simple Wild has been setting on by Kindle for ages… Maybe it’s fate and I should finally give it a go? Thanks for the tips!
Oh Gemma, I hope you love Calla and Jonah! I just recommended it to a friend of mine and she said it was the best series she read in a long time. Maybe you’ll feel the same 😊
I think re reading has been a life saver for me especially for most of the year, where I had some of the worst slumps I have ever had due to the anxiety I was going through this year. Love seeing you share your rereads –Rock Hard is delicious.
I feel you!! This year has been especially rough, and a re-read is always something that lifts my spirit!! Also, so happy you are a Mouse and T-Rex fan too 😀
Now you’re making me want to reread the aftg trilogy! I love how the books have such a cult following on tumblr. If it wasn’t for me trying to find some raven cycle fanart on tumblr I never would’ve heard of the series!
Ilona Andrews is one of my go to reread authors. I usually choose Hidden Legacy to reread just because the series is shorter than Kate Daniels but I love them both!
Another go to reread author for me is JLA. Her books are pretty formulaic so I always know what to expect and sooooo nostalgic since I read many of them back in high school.
lol – it’s so worth a re-read!!! Someone just recommended a AFTG fanfic, Lessons in Cartography by crazy_like_a, it’s supposed to be the unofficial fourth book, I’m looking forward to it.
I love Hidden Legacy, but I think I’ve read Hugh and Kate the most, and then Innkeeper and HL equal in re-reads. I usually start with one series, and work my way through, and because Kate takes the longest, I only read it when I know I have the time for it.
I have only read one JLA book so far, and maybe hoped for something more. But I know what you mean with nostalgic. And I know so many bloggers and readers who love her books and have read them for years. And her covers have become so pretty these last few years.
Oh I might have to check it out! Is it on AO3 or another fanfic site?
Did you ever read their The Edge series?
I wouldn’t say most of JLA books are great. They are basically just published fanfiction (the Half-Blood series is a copy of Vampire Academy but made gods and Lux is hardcore inspired by Roswell) or spin-offs. They are cheesy and nostalgic. I think her best series to-date is the From Blood and Ash series. It is super trope-y but in the best way. So if you ever want to try her stuff I would recommend starting there. Her earlier work was a product of the time with lots of slut shaming and not great rep and most of her event work is spin-offs of her earlier series. Basically while other people’s go-to nostalgia read is Harry Potter mine is JLA 😅
the first link I saw was from AO3, I actually didn’t look any further.
I have, long time ago, probably around the time I found them. And it’s the only series that didn’t hook me. Don’t ask me why. I couldn’t put my finger on what was missing.
lol – love how you broke down JLA’s work. And I totally agree with being nostalgic when it comes to certain books 😀
The Edge series is such an odd blend of genres that it’s hard to fit. Maybe that’s why?
And yessss the nostalgia. What’s your nostalgia go to book/series?
I often pick historical romances I read 15 years ago. And definitely Harry Potter.
Re-reads are the best remedy to get out of a slump. I tend to stick with the emotional/angsty reads that I love, no idea why. But that’s what works for me haha
I agree, there is nothing like a beloved re-read! When you say emotional/angsty, what books do you pick?
Re-reading is my go-to method for getting out of a book slump and usually I go for my favourite authors/series. Romances come in handy for those quick and easy reads to get you back in the flow of reading so Sarina Bowen is usually a go-to. However, I also find fantasy favourites do the trick like Six of Crows and the Shades of Magic series.
It’s interesting that although I love to read all genres, when it comes to re-reads I tend to read mostly romance, or the few MM fantasy series I adore and of course anything by the queen of UF :D.
I’m a creature of habit – lol.
I’ve only read about a quarter of these books, but I agree with your choices. The Like Us books will definitely get you out of a slump and since it’s a series, you can keep on enjoying the characters.
It’s such an amazing series! Unique, different, addictive! We definitely need more like it.