If I had to use one word to describe this entire post it’s ‘chokehold’ (I’m sorry for the amount of times I said it in this blog). I’ll read just about anything, but my favorite books are the ones where I really feel pulled into a story and inspired. These are not only my top five favorite authors to read but authors I admire from a writing standpoint. And as hard as it was, I managed to choose a favorite book from each author, but I want to be clear every book by these authors is equally fantastic. Keep reading to see why these are my favorite authors because, honestly, you’ll see a lot of them and their books here in The Writer’s Room!
Sarah J. Maas
In April of 2023, I had seen A Court of Thorns and Roses all over my TikTok, and I hadn’t sat down and read a book in years. For some reason, I decided I wanted to give the ACOTAR series a try, and SJM has had me in a chokehold ever since. But it was reading the Throne of Glass series that quite literally changed my life. Reading this series is what gave me the courage to follow my own dream of writing. It motivated me to change my path and attend SNHU for Creative Writing. This series lit a spark in me, and I will forever see Sarah J. Maas as my idol. Her books have realistic characters, swoon-worthy romances, and heart-pumping plots. I’ll never agree that SJM is overhyped because I think she deserves every ounce of hype surrounding her books, and if you haven’t already, it’s about time you dove into the world of SJM!
Eden Finley & Saxon James
Eden and Saxon’s books had me hyper-fixated for a solid month; it was only a month because I managed to read through all of their collab books in that amount of time. There’s just something about the way these two write together that turns out beautifully. They’re incredible writers separately and breathtaking together. I’m pretty sure I’m emotionally attached to every single one of their characters across each and every series. Their talent truly shines in the characters they write, and the fact that most of what they write is hockey/sports romance is just the cherry on top!
Andi Jaxon
Andi Jaxon knows how to tear my soul apart and put it together like a professional. I’ve really only read the Darby U Hockey Boys, but it’s a series I sit and wait for the next release because it’s just that good. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll scream, you’ll sweat (her spice is *chef’s kiss*), and you’ll want to chuck your book against the wall and immediately run to read it in the corner like the book goblin you are (I’m not speaking from experience or anything…) If you have any trigger warnings you’ll definitely want to check each book because she covers some dark topics.
Brynne Weaver
Brynne Weaver, can we please be best friends (pretty please, with a cherry on top of the cookies ‘n cream)? I never knew Dark Rom-Coms were a thing until I read Butcher & Blackbird, but now I’m obsessed and can’t find nearly enough, let alone one that compares to Brynne’s. The Ruinous Love Trilogy takes some of the darkest, grossest stuff and makes it brutally hilarious and romantic. And if you like banter (I’m such a sucker for some good banter), then look no further because she is a master at writing witty and spicy banter! Again, you’ll want to check for trigger warnings because while it’s presented lightheartedly, the topics can still be dark.
Onley James
Listen, I don’t want to be in love with a psychopath, but if I could be in love with Onley James’ psychopaths, then I’d be down! If you wanted a clear definition of morally grey, you’ll find it in the Necessary Evils series. I’ve read the majority of what Onley James has written, and I loved each and every story. Even if you’re not a fan of the insta-love trope, I highly recommend giving these a try because it’s possessive, primal insta-love (which is the best kind). Also, her age-gap stories are some of the best (and dirtiest) I’ve ever read. Once again, with any of Onley’s books, you’re going to want to check for triggers because some of the topics can be on the darker side.
BONUS: Stephen King
This one is a bonus for my fellow writers. I know I said five, but I haven’t really read much Stephen King (it’s a crime, honestly). But there isn’t a book I’ve re-read more than this. My copy is beat, dog-eared, and has all the notes. Anytime I feel myself slipping into writer’s block, a constant occurrence for me, I turn to this book. The way he approaches writing and explains the craft of writing always helps me to find that drive and spark again. Every writer needs this book the same way I need to actually read some of his fiction.
This was such a hard blog because I love so many different authors and genres, but if I gave you an unlimited list I would never get the post done! Are any of these on your top five favorite authors list? Who else is on your list? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to find me on social media A.M. Williams Writes (@amwilliams_writes)!
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