TikTok has proven itself as a platform where viral trends can take many forms. While it may have gained notoriety for its dance challenges and comedic sketches, one of the most influential and unexpected movements is BookTok.
BookTok is a vibrant community on TikTok where readers share their latest obsessions, book recommendations, and passionate reviews. With short, engaging videos, this platform has turned ordinary readers into literary influencers, sparking viral trends and making books go from shelves to sellouts.
Let’s explore some of the most talked-about books this year and why they’re worth adding to your shelf.
Top 5 TikTok Sensation Books of 2025
1. King of Envy by Ana Huang
If you’re a fan of high-stakes drama, intense emotions, and characters who make morally questionable decisions, then King of Envy by Ana Huang is a must-read. This book, the latest addition to Huang’s Kings of Sin series, is already making waves in 2025.
- Why It’s Viral:
King of Envy has earned its viral status for a variety of reasons. Huang’s skill in crafting morally gray characters stands out. Readers are enamored by the complexity of the protagonists, whose actions may be hard to justify but are incredibly relatable.
In King of Envy, the story follows two characters battling their desires and flaws, making them more human and fascinating to readers. The characters’ chemistry is undeniable, and TikTok lovers love to discuss, dissect, and celebrate the raw emotions that unfold.
The book’s themes of passion, rivalry, and ambition also hit the mark. The high tension between the leads and a plot full of twists and turns offer readers an exhilarating experience.
Many TikTok creators are creating viral videos dissecting the book’s pivotal moments, focusing on the book’s character development, plot twists, and morally ambiguous characters. This continues to draw in new readers. Everything makes it one of the year’s hottest books on BookTok.
- Why You Should Read It:
If you enjoy romance with a complex twist and characters that aren’t afraid to make bold, sometimes questionable decisions, King of Envy offers a gripping and thought-provoking narrative that will leave you reflecting on the characters’ actions long after you turn the last page.
Grab your copy from here and start reading today!
2. The Defender by Ana Huang
Ana Huang returns to the BookTok spotlight with The Defender, part of her Gods of the Game series. This book brings a fresh take to the sports romance genre. It blends intense competition with sizzling chemistry that readers can’t get enough of.
- Why It’s Viral:
The Defender captures the attention of readers who crave sports romance with a strong romantic subplot. The premise offers an intriguing combination of competitive sports and love.
The book is filled with banter between the two leads, and this dynamic is a significant draw for TikTokers, who love sharing their favorite witty exchanges and moments between the characters.
Readers are engaging with the book through creative edits and soundtracks. The book transforms the most heart-pounding scenes into emotionally charged videos that resonate with the community. TikTok fans enjoy sharing snippets of their favorite quotes, resulting in an influx of attention that makes the book more desirable.
- Why You Should Read It:
If you’re a fan of sports romances that balance action and emotional depth well, The Defender is a perfect pick. The witty banter between the leads adds a lighthearted layer to the intense moments, making it a fun and romantic read for anyone who enjoys high-stakes drama paired with heart-pounding chemistry.
Don’t wait any longer, buy it now!
3. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
Set to release in late 2025, The Pumpkin Spice Café has already become a BookTok favorite. There’s a certain magic to cozy romances, especially with a sprinkle of spice. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore fits the bill, offering readers a perfect blend of small-town charm and spicy romance.
- Why It’s Viral:
One of the main reasons The Pumpkin Spice Café is taking TikTok by storm is its connection to the “cosy kink” trend. Readers love the mix of comfort and heat, and the book has become synonymous with autumn vibes.
TikTok creators frequently pair the book with aesthetic videos showcasing pumpkin patches, warm beverages, and cozy fall activities, adding to its appeal.
The novel’s small-town setting offers a sense of warmth and nostalgia, which resonates with readers seeking an escape into a world where life feels simpler and love can bloom unexpectedly.
The characters and setting feel like a warm hug, especially in the colder months, and TikTok has embraced this feeling with videos that showcase the book as a perfect autumn read.
Additionally, the spicy romance in The Pumpkin Spice Café adds a daring twist to the cozy formula. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and TikTok users love to share their favorite moments from the book, sparking more interest from potential readers.
- Why You Should Read It:
If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good read with extra spice, The Pumpkin Spice Café will give you all the autumn vibes you crave. It’s a delightful escape that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it ideal for readers looking to immerse themselves in a small-town romance with a spicy twist.
If this book piqued your interest, you can find it here.
4. White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
While TikTok has become a hub for contemporary books, it’s also helping to bring classic literature to new audiences. The novella “White Nights” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky isn’t a new release, but it has been gaining renewed attention thanks to TikTok in 2025.
- Why It’s Viral:
The emotional depth of White Nights is one of the primary reasons it’s gaining traction on TikTok. The novella follows a young man who experiences a profound sense of loneliness, yearning for connection, and ultimately finding solace in a brief encounter with a woman he falls in love with.
The story’s exploration of hope, dreams, and human connection resonates with readers who feel the same emotions, making it easy for TikTok creators to spark meaningful conversations about these universal themes.
TikTok users also use the novella to generate discussions about love, longing, and what it means to connect with another person truly. The short yet powerful narrative offers ample room for interpretation, and TikTokers are embracing this opportunity to share their reflections and engage with the community.
- Why You Should Read It:
White Nights is an excellent introduction to Dostoyevsky’s work. It offers an accessible, emotionally rich story that speaks to universal human experiences. If you’re new to classics or looking for a beautifully poignant exploration of loneliness and love, this novella is a perfect place to start.
5. I’ll Look for You, Everywhere by Cameron Capello
Set to release in 2025, I’ll Look for You, Everywhere has captured the hearts of the #spicytok community. Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy, this masterpiece is an emotionally charged romance that explores love, passion, and complicated relationships.
- Why It’s Viral:
The setting of I’ll Look for You, Everywhere plays a significant role in its viral success. The beautiful Italian landscapes create a dreamy atmosphere that feels like a vacation, and readers are captivated by the vivid descriptions of the country’s romantic charm. TikTok videos featuring scenic visuals of Italy and snippets from the book have only heightened the allure of this romance.
The enemies-to-lovers storyline adds extra intensity to the plot, and TikTok fans love sharing their favorite moments between the leads. The passion between the characters is palpable, making this book a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- Why You Should Read It:
If you enjoy emotionally charged romance novels with high stakes and a beautiful setting, I’ll Look for You, Everywhere offers all that and more. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic and the picturesque Italian backdrop make this a perfect read for anyone looking for a passionate and unforgettable love story.
How to Choose Your Next Read?
With so many viral books making waves on TikTok, it can be hard to decide which one to pick up next. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
Romance Lover? Go for King of Envy or The Pumpkin Spice Café for sizzling chemistry and complex love stories.
Classic Fan? Try White Nights for a timeless exploration of loneliness and connection.
Love Drama? I’ll Look for You, Everywhere will give you all the emotional highs and lows you crave.
Sports Enthusiast? Pick up The Defender. It brings together the best of sports, action, and romance.
Conclusion
TikTok’s influence on the book world shows no signs of slowing down. These viral picks set the book world on fire—don’t miss out on the next big literary trend!
So, why not explore these viral hits and find your next favorite read? The BookTok community is waiting, and your next literary adventure might just be a scroll away!
