The 24 Must-Read Books On My 2024 Reading List

There are so many new releases and backlist novels that I’m looking forward to reading this year! Here I’m sharing the 24 books I’ll be marking as “high priority” on my 2024 reading list.

At the end of each year, I begin to feel a little spark of excitement ignite beneath my skin as I start thinking about the books I’m going to pick up in the following year. When you read as voraciously as I do, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to ponder the number of books that are going to be released or the books that have been out for years that you haven’t had the chance to read yet. Sometimes I really do hope that ghost-Stephanie of the future has the ability to haunt a library so she can read all the books that weren’t picked up during my lifetime. Does anyone else feel similarly?

In 2021, I started a tradition for myself where I set a priority TBR (to be read) list with the number of books that “match” the year. This looked like 21 books in 2021, 22 books in 2022, and 23 books in 2023. Naturally, that meant that at the end of December, I began drafting my priority list of 24 books to read in 2024. These include a combination of new releases that I’m highly anticipating as well as backlist books that I’ve been meaning to read for ages and just haven’t picked up yet. Looking at my 2024 reading list is already bringing me so much joy. I can’t wait to get started!

related posts

Why You Should Stick to a Planned Monthly Reading List // How to Become a More Efficient Reader // Why You Should Switch to The StoryGraph

24 Books I’m Prioritizing From My 2024 Reading List

You can find each book from my 2024 priority reading list below. If you’re interested in more bookish content, follow my StoryGraph account for live reviews, and take a look at my bookstagram – where I share aesthetic coffee and book photos!

Akarnae (The Medoran Chronicles #1)

by Lynette Noni

Why I Want to Read This

After reading The Prison Healer trilogy, I knew I wanted to pick up everything by Lynette Noni. I’ve heard excellent things about this series and I’m so excited to dive into it soon.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Barnes & Noble

Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #1)

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Why I Want to Read This

I’m a huge fan of magical realism, so the first time I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I’ve been putting it off for far too long, but this is the year. I’m prioritizing it. It’s happening.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Betting On You (Betting On You #1)

by Lynn Painter

Why I Want to Read This

In 2023, I read several of Lynn’s adult romances and really loved the writing style and cute stories. I received a finished copy of this one right after it was released and it’s been taunting me from my bookshelf ever since!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Business Casual (Lovelight Farms #4)

by B.K. Borison

Why I Want to Read This

I have absolutely adored this series (and even reread Lovelight Farms around Christmas), so I’ve been counting down the days until Business Casual is out in the world. I can’t wait for Nova and Charlie’s story.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell

by Abbi Waxman

Why I Want to Read This

Abbi Waxman always seems to heal my soul a little bit with her books. I’ve been anxiously awaiting a new title from her and when she announced this one, I was probably way more excited than would be considered normal. But it sounds so good!!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Down Comes the Night

by Allison Saft

Why I Want to Read This

For the last few years, I’ve been hearing incredible things about this author’s books. I received a copy of this updated cover paperback and knew this would be the year I’d prioritize reading it!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Eragon (Eragon #1)

by Christopher Paolini

Why I Want to Read This

I know, I know, I can’t believe I’ve never read this either. Somehow it was one I missed while growing up. I suppose it’s better late than never, right?

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Funny Story

by Emily Henry

Why I Want to Read This

Hello, most anticipated read of the entire year. Emily Henry has never let me down. Never. Not once. I have all the faith in the world that this is going to be one of my favorite romances in 2024 and I can’t freaking wait to dive into it.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Girls of Paper and Fire (Girls of Paper and Fire #1)

by Natasha Ngan

Why I Want to Read This

If you were to go on my StoryGraph and search my TBR, you’d find that this is the first book I ever added to the list. Not entirely sure how that’s possible, but that’s what it says, which means it must’ve been the first I ever added to Goodreads years ago, before I made the switch. Anyway, I think it’s about dang time that I read it, don’t you?

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Here We Go Again

by Alison Cochrun

Why I Want to Read This

I adore Alison’s books with my whole heart (and at the time I’m writing this post, I have just completed my reread of The Charm Offensive). I have a feeling this is going to be yet another favorite!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Just for the Summer

by Abby Jimenez

Why I Want to Read This

Abby’s books tend to make me sob my eyes out while simultaneously feeling incredibly seen. I’ve worked extra hard to not read the synopsis for this one in full because I want to be mostly surprised by the content and allow it to speak straight to my soul.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Red Rising (Red Rising Saga #1)

by Pierce Brown

Why I Want to Read This

This is another series that I somehow missed during the height of its hype. The time has come to dive in and see if it lives up to all the praise I’ve seen it receive on bookstagram!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Savor It

by Tarah DeWitt

Why I Want to Read This

Hello, spicy fake dating romance, I am so ready for you. Tarah’s Funny Feelings was one of my favorite romances of 2023 and I just have this inkling I’m going to fall in love with Sage and Fisher. A few of my most trusted bookstagram friends have read ARCs and loved it, so I’ve got high hopes!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (Song of the Last Kingdom #1)

by Amélie Wen Zhao

Why I Want to Read This

Okay, call me crazy, but the cover was definitely what first drew me to this book. Now, I’m not a cover buyer–I buy books I’ve read already and want to read again–but the publisher sent me a copy, so it was definitely meant to be!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Spells for Forgetting

by Adrienne Young

Why I Want to Read This

One of my absolute favorite books of 2023 was The Unmaking of June Farrow, which led me to immediately add all of Adrienne’s books to my TBR. I hope to read this one around October, for spooky season!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

The Break-Up Pact

by Emma Lord

Why I Want to Read This

Emma has been my favorite contemporary YA author since the first time I read Tweet Cute and now she’s releasing her first adult romance! I can’t even begin to express how excited I am about this book. Fake dating friends-to-lovers? YES, PLEASE. I’m counting down the days until this is in my hands.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

The Familiar

by Leigh Bardugo

Why I Want to Read This

Two words. You ready? Okay: Leigh Bardugo. Yep, that’s really all it takes for me to want to read this book. Leigh constantly blows me away with her novels. This one looks eerie and incredible and so unlike anything else she’s written. I can’t wait.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

The Grandest Game (The Inheritance Games #5)

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Why I Want to Read This

The Brothers Hawthorne left me on the edge of my seat, so July really can’t come soon enough. This series has easily become one of my favorites. It’s mysterious and creative and so much fun. Plus, each book has the most gorgeous cover ever!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

The Rule Book (The Cheat Sheet #2)

by Sarah Adams

Why I Want to Read This

I really enjoyed reading The Cheat Sheet and I was so excited when Sarah announced this sequel. It’s going to be her first open-door romance and I have a feeling it’s going to be toe-curlingly spectacular.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath & the Dawn #1)

by Renée Ahdieh

Why I Want to Read This

My go-to buddy-reading partner has been recommending this book to me for a couple of years now, so I’m prioritizing it in 2024! She’s read several of my favorites so it’s definitely past time for me to read hers!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Unseelie (The Unseelie Duology #1)

by Ivelisse Housman

Why I Want to Read This

Ivelisse is a local author and at the end of 2023, when I attended a book launch for Emily Thiede’s This Cursed Light, I had the opportunity to also meet Ivelisse and purchase a signed copy of Unseelie. After hearing her talk about it during the event, I knew I needed to read it. It sounds amazing!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Vespertine

by Margaret Rogerson

Why I Want to Read This

So far, I have yet to be disappointed by a single thing Margaret Rogerson has written. I added this to my TBR after enjoying Sorcery of Thorns a few years back, but have yet to actually pick it up. Now I’m definitely going to make it happen ASAP.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

What the River Knows (Secrets of the Nile #1)

by Isabel Ibañez

Why I Want to Read This

The synopsis says “The Mummy meets Death on the Nile” so there’s really not much more I need to say. That sounds incredible. I must read it. It’s happening. I can’t wait!

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

Wisteria (Belladonna #3)

by Adalyn Grace

Why I Want to Read This

Belladonna was my favorite book of 2022, Foxglove made it into my 23 favorites of 2023, so I have this feeling I’m going to fall in love with Wisteria, especially knowing that it’ll follow Blythe! I’m not ready for the series to end, but I’m also looking forward to knowing how Adalyn will conclude the story.

ADD ON STORYGRAPH

Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble

shop the post

coconut wax bookish candle (ESPRESSO10) | woodmark (ESPRESSO15) | scarf | single-serve French press | cappuccino mugs & saucers | similar greenery | similar flocked sprig | wooden cake tray | faux pine cones | cookies | pillow

Have you set a priority reading list for 2024?