Fall is stacked with powerful stories driven by unforgettable women. My TBR list is…insane and loving all these strong beautiful ladies — from thrillers to YA to fantasy. Whether you’re a BookTok trend chaser or a nail tech designing seasonal collections, these eight books are currently trending on Fall 2025 reading lists — and each one has a perfect nail look to match its vibe.
1) Bad Bad Girl — Gish Jen
Pick up this baddie here.
So this one doesn’t come out until October 1st and I probably won’t read it till after spooky but this book is supposed to be about the life of Agnes Loo Shu-hsin, born into privilege in Shanghai in the 1920’s and yet constantly told she’s “too much” for a girl. Like…what the fuck? So the description of the book essentially says that she goes on to defy expectations and pursues an education in America. She builds a new life and raises a daughter who challenges her at every turn…as daughters should. But I am looking forward to this book because it spans over generations, cultures, and continents, this powerful novel explores family, identity, and the echoes of a mother’s voice across time.
Why this nail look fits: the mix of fragile porcelain and bold oxblood mirrors a heroine who appears delicate but is fierce underneath.
2)We Love You, Bunny — Mona Awad
Hop into this book here and fall down the rabbit hole.
In this second book the unsettling Bunny-verse returns! This books took me down a rabbit hole (pun intended) where former frenemies reclaim the narrative. Blending dark academia, horror, and biting humor, this prequel-sequel unravels the Bunnies’ twisted origins, creative powers, and the monstrous price of belonging.
Why this nail look fits: eerie, whimsical, and a little uncanny — perfect for a darkly imaginative female lead.
Bonus Look:
Pick up this read before We Love You, Bunny.
At Warren University’s elite MFA program, outsider Samantha Mackey feels repulsed by her classmates — a clique of rich girls who call each other “Bunny.” But when she’s lured into their secret “Smut Salon” (Fingers crossed that will happen to me one day) and bizarre off-campus workshops, Samantha is drawn into a twisted world where fantasy and horror collide, and reality itself begins to unravel.
Why this look fits: The design balances pastel innocence with unsettling dark details of the dripping blood — just like the novel’s blend of saccharine cliques and horrific surrealism.
3) The Wilderness — Angela Flournoy
Be a good girl gone wild with this book here.
Five women. One messy decade. I would like to think that my friend group is like these amazing women-but also happy that the drama is kept to a minimum. From surprise pregnancies to viral blog posts, family feuds to career hustle, this book follows Desiree, Danielle, January, Monique, and Nakia as they navigate love, ambition, and chaos in New York and L.A. Growing up isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Why this look fits: nature-forward, resilient, rooted — mirrors heroines who fight to preserve family and land.
4) Heart the Lover — Lily King
Put this on your TBR list today and read it ASAP.
This book is on my TBR list for the next hit YA romance novel. This read is about Jordan, who is given this nickname by her boy besties in her senior year. Jordan is swept into a whirlwind of friendship, love, and ambition—only to face the consequences years later when the past comes back to claim her.
Why this look fits: evokes academic romance and a heroine whose intellect and passions are central.
5) Cursed Daughters — Oyinkan Braithwaite
Reincarnate yourself with this book here.
When Ebun gives birth to her daughter Eniiyi on the day they bury her cousin Monife, the striking resemblance sparks a family belief that the child is Monife reborn…that is right…reincarnation. However, the book summary also says that fate is to repeat her tragic story. Generational curse that promises no man will find peace in their home. But then she falls for a handsome boy she rescues from drowning, she must confront the dark spiritual corners of Lagos and the cycle of heartbreak that has claimed the women before her. Will she repeat the past, or can she finally break the pattern and reclaim her own destiny? Out November 4, 2025, this is one highly anticipated book that’s been on my TBR forever.
Why this look fits: conjures family secrets and mythic lineages — celestial yet intimate.
6) The Queen’s Spade — Sarah Raughley
Read this inspiration here!
In 1862 England, Sarah Bonetta Forbes—once a princess of the Egbado Clan—is consumed by a single goal: revenge. Specifically against the British Crown for stealing her dignity and turning her into royal property. She is a badass that navigates the deadly games of court politics, goes into business with a dangerous London crime lord, and even manipulates Queen Victoria’s own son. YYYAAASSS! But when Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she wields the ultimate Victorian weapon: marriage. As her wedding day approaches, Sally must decide if vengeance is worth risking not only blood but her own heart. Inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter.
Why this look fits: royal motifs and the heroine’s cunning vibe pair perfectly with luxury jewel-toned nails.
7) The Nightingale — Kristin Hannah
Fly into this top selling book with beautiful binding here.
Two sisters. One war-specifically World War II. Endless heartbreak, courage, and secret acts of defiance in Nazi-occupied France. This book is a fierce, unforgettable story of survival, love, and the unstoppable power of women—a must-read for a lifetime.
Why this look fits: nostalgic, resilient, and vintage — honors wartime bravery and sisterhood.
8) The Butcher Game — Alaina Urquhart
Catch the killer here with this amazing book by the Morbid girlies.
This is part two in this cat and mouse game with forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller faces her most personal challenge yet. After surviving two encounters with the notorious serial killer, Bayou Butcher, Wren is forced to confront him once more. As Jeremy targets her directly, Wren must navigate a deadly game, balancing her scientific expertise with the raw emotions of being the hunted.
Why this work looks: Deep matte black base to represent the shadowy undertones of the story. Blood-red accents, to evoke the chilling presence of the Bayou Butcher.
Bonus Look:
The Butcher and the Wren — Alaina Urquhart
Pick up where it all started here.
In this first book, forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller is drawn into a series of murders when bodies start appearing in the Louisiana bayou. Wren, who survived an killer years ago has a few PTSD moments and is now faced with the possibility that he is back. The past she thought she had escaped is now a present threat, and Wren must confront her deepest fears to stop the killer once and for all.
Why this look fits: Deep matte green base to represent the shadowy undertones Louisiana bayou. Blood-red accents, and a wren bird. Finish with a glossy top coat to add a touch of shine.
What look are you going to pick?
Love one of these nail ideas? Try a mini set for your next read — or tag your favorite nail tech and the author on BookTok. Tag your nails to my Instagram or my TikTok. I can’t wait to see your look and read! Until next time…
P.S. I wanna thank my sister for this blog inspo! Thank you Seester!
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