Recommendations: So, I'm thinking about trying adult fiction…
Good evening bookworms!
So, most of you are probably thinking ‘What the hell, Meegs? WE READ YA!’ Don’t get me wrong – I’m totally with you. But sometimes I like to change things up. (Not very often though… I am a creature of comfort.)
I was, weirdly, reading adult books before there was a defined YA age group. Uh-huh, that’s how old I am kids, Old enough to remember pre-internet, pre-mobile phones, and pre-YA. It truly was the dark ages. However, in those years BYA (before YA), I read some pretty great books and found some really talented authors. So, this will be my recommendations list of what to try if you’re thinking about trying adult fiction!
So here’s my first rec for you all: If you really enjoyed the “completely out of my depth” light-heartedness and the “I shouldn’t like him, but I really do” factor in Stephanie Perkins’ Anna and the French Kiss, then I recommend you give Melissa Nathan’s The Nanny a go.
The Nanny tells the story of Jo, a 23 year old who is ready to take a break from her current life (aren’t we all?), and so takes off to London to become a nanny for the Fitzgerald’s three kids (all adorably challenging in their own ways). Except then Mr Fitzgerald’s two kids from his first marriage arrive, and Jo not only has to deal with a teen, but also Josh, who is super hot and very age appropriate for Jo – and surprisingly may still need looking after by the nanny.
The Nanny was published in 2003, before smartphones were really a thing, but I think it holds its own just with the cute factor.
If you are after a twisty-turny “what the f*ck is going on right now” story about people with ‘special abilities’ (mutant is such an ugly word), and you liked Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, then I think you should try The Rook by Daniel O’Malley. You think Kaz has an issue with hands touching him? You ain’t seen nothing yet.
Myfanwy Thomas (pronounced Miffany) wakes up in a London park surrounded by dead bodies all wearing latex gloves. She not only has no idea how she got there, she has no idea who the hell she is. The Rook is a story all about subterfuge, lies and secrets, set in a government organisation that no one even knows exists. Myfanwy’s boss can walk through your dreams, there might be a vampire on staff, and then there’s Gestalt… *shudder*
The Rook was picked up by Starz network and will be premiering on 30 June this year, so NOW is your opportunity to read the first book in this amazing paranormal / urban fantasy / *slight* thrillery / mystery. There’s literally something for everyone in this book.
Ok, this one is a little bit different, but if you’re keen for a contemporary, blood-free version of enemies to lovers trope, with metaphorical back-stabbing, set in a ruthless hospitality setting, and you enjoyed (or even if you didn’t) The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, then you should check out Do Not Disturb by Tilly Bagshawe.
Honor Palmer is fighting to save her family’s legacy, Palmers, a hotel in the Hamptons. She’s never felt like she had her father’s love or approval, so she’s getting the next best thing – his respect. Honor is aiming to bring back that old-school Hollywood charm in restoring Palmers to its former glory; however, she is fighting an uphill battle against a conglomerate hotel with its fancy decor and slick manager, Lucas Ruiz. No trick is too dirty for these two when they prepare for battle over the rich and famous clienteles, including scandals, adultery and blackmail. But how does that saying go? You make your bed, now you have to lie in it…
I hope you guys really liked this! If you did, I have so many ideas for more (and not just YA to adult).
Until next time, happy reading ??
19 Comments
Lea | Zwischen Worten
I always love recommendation posts and The nanny sounds exactly like my cup of tea!
Meeghan reads
Yay!! I hope you enjoy it!! ?
Amber
The Rook is so so funny – great recommendation. I’m not 100% sure I would compare it to Six of Crows since it’s urban, BUT. Still a great rec and a hilarious book.
And Gestalt? *shivers* Creepy hive mind is creepy.
Meeghan reads
Creepy hive mind IS CREEPY!!! Haha, none of them are perfect recommendations, but it’s more the feeling I get when reading them, and there are a few little similarities ?
Amber
That makes complete sense! Either way, The Rook is definitely worth reading and the YA audience would enjoy it. ? Have you read the sequel? I haven’t yet, but I hear good things about that, too.
Meeghan reads
I have!! I actually got an ARC of Stiletto (it was my first ever ARC) and I loved it. It’s not quite as good, but still great.
What's She Reading?
I just added The Rook to my tbr for sure!
Meeghan reads
Yay!! I hope you enjoy it!! ?
theorangutanlibrarian
Hehe love the term BYA. the nanny sounds so good. Really Great list!
Meeghan reads
Thank you!! I hope you pick up The Nanny. Melissa Nathan has some really great books.
Sofii @ A Book. A Thought.
This is exactly the kind of post I was needing ? I love your recommendations ?✨
Meeghan reads
Thank you Sofii!! ??
Rachael
Ooooh Do Not Disturb sounds like the last season of Gossip Girl ? I already like it
Meeghan reads
That’s actually a pretty apt comparison, but this is much sweeter in the end!! (and TBH I’m hoping The Queen of Nothing gets a slightly nice ending too!! ?)
Rachael
Haha one can only hope
Keira
I love me some good adult books… in fact, I’ve been reading more adult books than YA recently. And I love these kinds of recs… super useful for people wanting to branch into something new!
Meeghan reads
Thank you!! This makes me so happy!! ?
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