One thing about me is that I am a walking contradiction. I am not an emotional person, and you will rarely find me crying; however, I seek out books that will wreck me. If I cry, the book automatically becomes a five (or even six) star read. Are you looking to become emotionally wrecked? Well, keep reading to discover 8 books that will make you cry.
This post might contain affiliate links i.e. I will get a small commission if you purchase an item through them. Your support means the world to me ♥.
8 Book Recs When You Need An Ugly Cry
1. Still Beating - Jennifer Hartmann
First things first, check the trigger warnings on this one. Still Beating is a dark, high-stakes romance that explores trauma bonding. That being said, this was my first 6 star read, and one of my ultimate favorite books.
What’s it about? When Cora attends her sister’s birthday party, she doesn’t expect her life trajectory to change irrevocably. After being stranded at said birthday party, she is dependent on Dean, her arch nemesis and sister’s fiancé, for a ride home. But what happens when both of them wake up shackled in a madman’s basement? If they want to survive, they have to work together. However, neither of them knows their abductor has a plan that will change the course of their relationship and blur the line between love and hate. He is known as the Cupid Killer. Find out what happens when two people are psychologically tortured and have to navigate severe trauma, PTSD, and guilt.
I couldn’t read this book in one sitting. Not because it was long, but because it includes wrecking scenes. However, this is definitely one of the books that will make you cry, guaranteed.
2. June First - Jennifer Hartmann
Yes, another Jennifer Hartmann book (what gives you the idea that she is one of my favorite authors lol). If you are drawn to slow-burn romance that provides just the right amount of exquisite torture of forbidden love, then this is for you. I am yet to read a book with this amount of ache and yearning.
Take note:
- This is the ultimate slow-burn. If you prefer a fast-paced novel, steer clear. To give you an idea, this story spans over 2 decades.
- June First circles a ‘taboo’ topic – adopted brother and sister. If this isn’t your cup of tea, again, steer clear.
What is it about? Brant moved in with his best friend’s family at the age of 6, after a family tragedy. At the same time, the family was blessed with a newborn girl, June. What happens when he claws out of one tragedy, only to fall for the one girl he could never have? Another tragedy. Brant lives through 3 tragedies that will break your heart. And at the center of all that tragedy is a love story.
I do not overreact when I say I sobbed my eyes out. It got so bad that I had to call my husband in America just to compose myself. 10 out of 10 recommend this emotional rollercoaster.
3. Archer’s Voice - Mia Sheridan
Archer’s voice is an emotional contemporary romance of two broken souls healing together. It is perfect for readers who crave character-driven, small-town, slow-burning love stories. I know people are divided on this book, but it was a 4.25 star read for me. I truly love Archer’s story.
What is it about? Bree wanted to lose herself in a small town after a robbery where she survived, and her father didn’t. It is in this town that she meets the mute and isolated Archer Hale, carrying a painful secret. The story follows their deepened emotional connection through sign language and growing love.
Archer’s Voice comes with plot twists you wouldn’t expect, characters who will make you cry and shout, and small-town vibes.
4. Binding 13 - Chloe Walsh
Okay, I know the next 4 on the list of books that will make you cry are from the same series, but they deserve it. The Boys of Tommen series has my whole heart. If you crave a slow-burn, trauma-heavy, rugby-centered love story, this will hit the sweet spot. Oh, and the Irish vibes are totally immaculate.
What is it about? Johnny Kavanaugh has everything going for him. He is a force on the rugby pitch, a golden boy, and comes from a loving, financially blessed family. He is heading straight for the top, and it requires all his focus. So what happens when all he can focus on is a girl with sad eyes and hidden bruises? Shannon Lynch finds herself in a private school after bullies got the better of her, once again. Not to mention her thunderous family life. Binding 13 follows two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks.
Let me start by saying, Johnny Kavanaugh is a walking green flag, and Shannon Lynch holds a special place in my heart. Buckle up for multiple ugly cries and gasps when picking up the Boys of Tommen.
5. Keeping 13 - Chloe Walsh
Keeping 13 is a continuation of Johnny and Shannon’s story. But just as good and soul-wrecking.
What is it about? Following a devastating injury, Johnny Kavanaugh has been stripped of his number 13 jersey. So, naturally, he sets his sights on unraveling the mystery of the girl with the sad eyes. Shannon returns from Dublin traumatized and is desperate to protect her little brothers because she knows evil men don’t just exist in fairytales. With her walls up, there is only one boy with the ability to climb those walls.
Keeping 13 will shatter your heart, and you will also come face-to-face with the most loathed character to ever exist. Teddy Lynch is by far my most hated book character. You will see when you get there.
6. Saving 6 - Chloe Walsh
Are you craving a slow-burn, angst-soaked romance centered around the hope that love can save someone from self-destruction? Saving 6 is the third instalment of the Boys of Tommen series, following Joey Lynch and Aoife Molloy.
What is it about? Second-born son, Joey Lynch, has spent a lifetime picking up the pieces of his unraveling family. When his older brother skips town, a twelve-year-old Joey finds himself as the protector of his younger siblings and mother against his drunken, evil father. Joey grapples with self-loathing and balancing a life dangerously close to addiction. The only light at the end of the tunnel: his boss’s firecracker daughter who refuses to back down. A girl who just so happens to be his classmate. Aoife Malloy has always been bubbly, forward, and self-assured. So what happens when she collides with a hotheaded boy who sparks a burning interest of curiosity inside her?
Dare I say it? Joey Lynch > Johnny Kavanaugh. You will feel every emotion this man feels while reading Saving 6, and it will gut you.
7. Redeeming 6
Redeeming 6 is a continuation of Saving 6. Both books are 5 star; however, Redeeming 6 is another 6 star read for me. It is raw, emotional, and gritty.
What is it about? With his world unraveling around him and pressure rising at home, Joey Lynch’s life has never been in more turmoil. Desperate to prove himself to the only person he’s ever put his trust in, Joey fights to stay away from a world that threatens to destroy him. But keeping his head above water is becoming increasingly difficult. Aoife Molloy fights to save her best friend in a world she doesn’t understand. But what happens when their love produces another life…
The whole Boys of Tommen series has overlapping timelines. I recommend you read them in order for the full heart-wrenching experience. I have yet to read the other books in the series; however, I am sure they’ll end up on this list at some point.
8. Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing is an honorable mention. Yes, it isn’t a tear-jerker and isn’t at the top of the books that will make you cry; however, there is one single scene that will tear you apart *iykyk*. This is for readers who crave a high-stakes, enemies-to-lovers, romantasy centered on surviving a military academy where dragons test the worth of fragile human bodies.
What is it about? Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a peaceful life amongst history and books. But the commanding general, also known as her mother, has ordered Violet to join hundreds of candidates striving to become dragon riders. The downside: dragons incinerate weak humans, and fragile, small Violet stands little chance of surviving. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would turn on each other to better their chances. The rest would simply kill her for being her mother’s daughter, like Xaden Riorson – the most powerful and dangerous wingleader of the Riders Quadrant.
All I can say is: “It’s been my honor.”
Conclusion
If you are looking for an emotional read, I highly recommend these 8 books that will make you cry. Which one of these will you pick up first?
Stick around, because this list will grow as I discover more books that make me cry. Simply join the newsletter for weekly updates, exclusive access to my free resource library, and a discount code for my entire Etsy shop.
Have a great day wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
