Books That Will Make You Cry (and Monster Romances to Heal Your Heart)
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Looking for a book that will absolutely wreck you emotionally—and then another that will glue you back together with laughter, swoons, and a touch of chaos? You’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into unforgettable tearjerkers and monster romances that are perfect for your next reading binge.
These titles were recently featured in our What to Read Next podcast episode. If you want even more juicy book talk, be sure to check out the full episode [here] (#).
Books That Will Break Your Heart
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
This emotional YA novel tells the story of two childhood best friends who fall in love but belong to different social circles. It’s tender, tragic, and will leave you sobbing. Fans of John Green and Lurlene McDaniel will feel right at home (and heartbroken) here.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Perfect for readers who enjoy bittersweet, deeply emotional love stories.
- Great pick if you need a reminder that you still have feelings.
Buy If He Had Been with Me on Amazon
A Curse for the Homesick by Laura Robson
This speculative romance is set on a mysterious Scandinavian island cursed with a haunting affliction: women who wake with three scars on their foreheads can turn others into stone with a glance. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking story about love, sacrifice, and wanting to escape the life you know.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Original, imaginative world-building.
- Tragic but not triggering—a perfect “I need to cry but not spiral” read.
Buy A Curse for the Homesick on Amazon
Monster Romance Palate Cleansers
After all those tears, you deserve something light, sexy, and slightly ridiculous in the best way possible. Enter: the Monster Resort series by Elliot Ason.
No, Knot About It by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #1)
Set in a sunny monster resort, this book follows a woman who just wants a casual hookup but ends up falling for the last saber-tooth tiger shifter on Earth. It’s fun, hilarious, and exactly the kind of “feel-good chaos” you need after an emotional read.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hilarious premise with lots of heart.
- Monster shifter hijinks at a resort setting—beach vacation vibes with a twist.
Buy No, Knot About It on Amazon
Bass Desires by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #2)
This installment focuses on two resort workers who finally give into their mutual attraction after lots of tension and stolen glances. Featuring nods to OmegaVerse tropes, it’s steamy, outrageous, and pure escapism.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Workplace monster romance full of heat and humor.
- Perfect for readers who want a total palate cleanser after something heavy.
Why You Need Both: Cry, Laugh, Escape
There’s something powerful about leaning into every part of the emotional spectrum. Tearjerkers remind us that we can still feel, even if it’s messy and heartbreaking. Monster romances give us permission to laugh, swoon, and completely escape reality.
Mixing emotional reads with lighter, more playful ones helps maintain a healthy balance in your reading life—and sometimes, the more dramatic the whiplash, the better the experience!
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