There’s nothing like reading a wonderful book that keeps you up all night, fills you with warm fuzzies, or even makes you shed a tear or two. But when the story is finally over, you’re left with an empty feeling that just won’t go away. If you’re lucky, the author will write a sequel and you’ll get to hang out with your favorite characters for a little while longer. But more often than not, one book is all we get, leaving us to imagine, speculate and pray for that sequel that will probably never come.
There’s not much I wouldn’t do to get a sequel to my favorite novels. These are the stories that consume my thoughts, that I read again and again, that I pour over late at night. If I finally got that long awaited sequel, I would die happy.
Here they are – in no particular order – 10 books that need a sequel ASAP!:
One With You, Sylvia Day (St. Martin’s Griffin, April 5, 2016)
I realize this is already the fifth novel in Day’s popular Crossfire series, and that maybe I should be content with all the Gideon and Eva drama I’ve already received over the past few years. But I want mooooooorrreee (cue end of whining). These two have one of the sexiest and most tortured relationships ever, which is why fans like me will never be content with only five books.
Kicked, Celia Aaron (July 26, 2016)
I recently read this charming sports-themed romance, and I’m already desperate for a sequel. Trent and Cordy have a complicated history made all the more complicated when she joins their college football team as the only female player. With Trent as the star quarterback, their romance kicks (Haha, sorry) into high gear again. These two are dripping with chemistry, which is why I’m hoping Aaron will keep giving us sequel after sequel.
Lola and the Boy Next Door, Stephanie Perkins (Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2011)
All of Perkins’ contemporary young adult romances are wonderful reads, but quirky Lola and her awkward, heart-wrenchingly sweet love story with the boy next door will always hold a special place in my heart. Let’s hear about Lola and Cricket in college, finding their first apartment, and putting their babies in weird outfits. Regardless, more adorable nerdy love, please!
First Star I See Tonight, Susan Elizabeth Phillips (William Morrow, August 23, 2016)
I adore Phillips and will read anything she writes. This is the latest in her Chicago Stars series, which means we’ll probably hear from detective Piper and former-quarterback Cooper again. But with so much chemistry and all that witty banter, I’d love to see another book focused just on them.
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn (Crown Publishing, 2012)
The movie is great, the book is even better, and both of them leave us wanting more. I don’t want to give anything away as this story relies on it’s all-consuming mystery, but let’s just say that I could definitely read about these characters for another book. Or two. Or 12.
Say You’ll Stay, Corinne Michaels (EverAfter Romance, June 20, 2016)
I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, and as soon as I read Michaels’ novel about Presley and Zach, first loves who find each other after 17 years apart, I was hooked. I could read about these two rediscovering their love (and themselves!) all day long, which is why I’m dying for a steamy sequel to this passionate love story.
Bet Me, Jennifer Crusie (St. Martin’s Press, 2004)
I don’t think I’m being dramatic when I say I would literally stab someone in the face to get a sequel to Crusie’s addictive contemporary romance. Over ten years since it came out, Min and Cal are still two of my favorite characters, and their unconventional love story (filled with misunderstandings, body acceptance, and sexy kisses between Krispy Kreme donuts) is just as compelling today. Read this story immediately and then help me pester Crusie into finally writing a sequel.
Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit, Jaye Robin Brown (HarperTeen, August 30, 2016)
It’s rare to meet a young adult character who’s as self-possessed as Jo, the openly gay teen at the heart of Brown’s latest novel. But as the daughter of a preacher, she hides her true desires in order to keep the peace. All that changes when she falls hard for the girl next door. This story is cute and sweet, while still being heartfelt and moving. I’m going to need a sequel by tomorrow.
The Host, Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown & Company, 2008)
When Meyers’ adult paranormal romance came out, readers were promised two eventual sequels. Eight years later, plus a movie version that came out in 2013, and we’re still waiting to see how things work out for Melanie, Jared, and the Wanderer alien who takes over Melanie’s body (it’s a long story – but a good one!). I’d like some answers and hopefully a happy ending for a world invaded by hostile aliens.
How I Live Now, Meg Rosoff (Wendy Lamb Books, 2006)
This book killed me. Seriously, I’m dead. Teen Daisy is sent to stay with her cousins on their idyllic farm in the English countryside, only to have their dreamy, pastoral world torn apart by an unnamed war. It’s haunting, romantic and just plain amazing. The 2013 movie version, starring Saoirse Ronan, is also unbelievably good. Even though I’m satisfied with the ending we get, I just want more and more of these characters and how they cope in the aftermath of extreme violence.
