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Love“ White Lotus”, “Yellowjackets” and “You? ”Read These Books After Watching Top 2025 Streaming Shows and Movies

Once you're done marathoning this year's hot shows and movies, pick up these books with similar vibes

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Jan 18, 2025 - 11:02

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Love“ White Lotus”, “Yellowjackets” and “You? ”Read These Books After Watching Top 2025 Streaming Shows and Movies

Once you're done marathoning this year's hot shows and movies, pick up these books with similar vibes

Fabio Lovino/HBO; Courtesy of Scarlet Lek Patravadi stars in season three of White Lotus. 'See How They Fall' by Rachel Paris book cover.

We've got an embarrassment of riches coming down the TV, movie and books pipeline in 2025. From new seasons of marathon-worthy shows like The White Lotus, The Bear, The Last of Us, Yellowjackets and more, to long-awaited adaptations of beloved books like the final season of The Handmaid's Tale and the movie version of Emily Henry's bestseller People We Meet On Vacation, there are plenty of excuses to hunker down and turn on the tube.

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If you're still craving more after the credits roll, don't fret! Your bookshelf is right there waiting for you. We’ve paired the best premieres of the year with a book that has similar vibes to keep your 2025 TBR pile as full as your streaming schedule.

'The White Lotus' Season 3 and 'See How They Fall' by Rachel Paris

Fabio Lovino/HBO; Courtesy of Scarlet Lek Patravadi in 'White Lotus' and 'See How They Fall' by Rachel Paris

If you like mentally traveling to glamorous resort destinations for family and relationship drama with the possibility of murder sprinkled in, a la The White Lotus, you will love See How They Fall by Rachel Paris.

Skye thought she had hit the jackpot when she married a Campbell man. With his family’s enormous wealth, she and her daughter would be set for life. But when the Campbell patriarch dies and an unknown heir comes to claim the fortune, Skye and her family retreat to a seaside estate to sort out the mess. But the mayhem only intensifies when a dead body is found. Sergeant Mei O’Connor will stop at nothing to find the truth, even if it means tearing the family apart.

'The Day of the Jackal' and 'The Ten Worst People in New York' by Matt Plass

Marcell Piti/Carnival Film & Television Limited; Courtesy of Crooked Lane Books Eddie Redmayne as the Jackal; ' and 'The Ten Worst People in New York'

The Day of the Jackal and The Ten Worst People in New York are two gripping thrillers that will leave you breathless. The new TV adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s classic by the same name follows a relentless assassin, played by Eddie Redmayne, who is hired to kill high-profile targets while evading an intelligence officer intent on capturing him.

The Ten Worst People in New York by Matt Plass takes a darkly modern turn, blending psychological suspense with social commentary as a list of the city’s most despised figures becomes a killer’s roadmap. With FBI Agent Alex Bedford racing to unmask the culprit and a British filmmaker tangled in the web of intrigue, this chilling tale will have you questioning justice, revenge — and who’s next.

'The Gilded Age' Season 3 and 'The Queen’s Spade' by Sarah Raughley

HBO/Universal Pictures Television; Courtesy of HarperCollins Christine Baranski in 'The Gilded Age' in 2022 and 'The Queen's Spade'

If you’re obsessed with the glamorous, dramatic world of The Gilded Age, but irritated that there is only a vague fall 2025 release date, we have the perfect book to hold you over.

The Queen’s Spade, introduces us to Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), a 19-year-old princess of the Egbado Clan who was taken from her homeland and forced into upper-class England. Inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, The Queen’s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller perfect for The Gilded Age fans.

'The Handmaid’s Tale' Final Season and 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins

Sophie Giraud/Hulu; Courtesy of Scholastic Press Elisabeth Moss in 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Sunrise on the Reaping'

Two iconic dystopian franchises return this year, bringing fans new chapters of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games. Elizabeth Moss is back for the harrowing conclusion of Hulu’s must-watch adaptation and Suzanne Collins returns with another chapter in her beloved Hunger Games series.

Sunrise on the Reaping will follow a young Haymitch, who later becomes the cantankerous mentor of District 12’s famous tributes. The prequel visits the 50th Hunger Games and gives some insight into one of the most beloved characters in the trilogy.

'You' Final Season and 'The Ghostwriter' by Julie Clark

Courtesy of Netflix; Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg in 'You'. 'The Ghostwriter' by Julie Clark

The final season of You on Netflix is sure to deliver an epic conclusion and if you enjoy thrillers with morally gray characters and lots of twists, add The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark to your 2025 reading list.

When ghostwriter Olivia Dumont agrees to write her estranged father’s final book, she uncovers shocking truths about the night her siblings were murdered. This tragedy has haunted their family for decades and fueled her father’s career as a horror novelist.

'The Traitors' Season 3 and 'One in Four' by Lucinda Berry

Euan Cherry/PEACOCK; Courtesy of Thomas & Mercer Alan Cumming in 'Knives at Dawn' and 'One in Four' by Lucinda Berry

The Traitors and One in Four by Lucinda Berry are the perfect pairing for anyone craving betrayal, deception and plenty of twists.

One in Four dives into the dark side of reality TV as Dr. Laurel Harlow takes on the challenge of treating a group of former child stars battling addiction, only to find herself at the center of a murder investigation. As secrets unravel in a house full of narcissists, Laurel must confront not only a killer but also the haunting truths of her own past.

'Suits: L.A.' and 'Courtroom Drama' by Neely Tubati Alexander

David Astorga/NBC; Courtesy of Harper Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodsen and Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins on Suits: LA and 'Courtroom Drama' by Neely Tubati Alexander

This new L.A-based spinoff is perfect for anyone that couldn’t get enough of the original Suits series, and you’ll undoubtedly fall for Ted Black and his powerful, dangerous clients.

In fact, he would likely represent someone like Margot Kitsch from the upcoming novel Courtroom Drama. In this juror-centered romcom, Sydney is sequestered for a murder case involving the reality star of her favorite show. When she discovers her childhood best friend Damon is also on the jury, she hopes she’ll be able to keep their unfinished business a secret.

'The Studio' and 'Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous' by Christine Stringer

Courtesy of Apple TV+; Courtesy of SparkPress Rebecca Hall and Seth Rogen in "The Studio," and 'Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous' by Christine Stringer

The Studio, a new Apple TV+ original, starring Seth Rogan and Charity Trickett is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer are a pitch-perfect pairing for anyone craving behind-the-scenes drama. The Studio offers a satirical glimpse into the chaos and egos of a Hollywood production house, where ambition and dysfunction collide.

Similarly, Christine Stringer’s debut novel follows a talented costume designer navigating the glittery but cutthroat world of film. As Charity juggles demanding directors, diva actors and her own insecurities, she learns that the glamour of the industry often masks its gritty reality.

'Sweet Magnolias' Season 4 and 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' by Allison Ashley

Courtesy of Netflix; Courtesy of Montlake Heather Headley as Helen Decatur in 'Sweet Magnolias' and 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' by Allison Ashley

If you love the endearing and complex friendships of Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue’s in Sweet Magnolias then you’ll also enjoy If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley.

This emotional novel about second chances follows Elliott Holland who is grappling with a leukemia diagnosis and decides to have one last hurrah before a stem cell transplant. After a magical night with Jamie Sullivan, she expects to never see him again. A year later, with her cancer in remission, she discovers Jamie is dating Carly, the woman who saved her life. As fate brings them together again, Elliott and Jamie are forced to relive the moment they shared a year ago.

'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' and 'Marguerite by the Lake' by Mary Dixie Carter

Rian Johnson/Netflix; Courtesy of Minotaur Books Daniel Craig in 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' and 'Marguerite by the Lake' by Mary Dixie Carter

While much about the plot is still unknown, Wake Up Dead Man will have exciting twists, turns and secrets, much like Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter.

When glamorous garden designer Marguerite Gray dies under mysterious circumstances at her famed Rosecliff estate, her gardener, Phoenix, finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and danger. As a determined detective and Marguerite’s strikingly similar daughter close in, Phoenix struggles to navigate her growing ties to Rosecliff while reckoning with the truth that nothing stays buried forever.

'The Witcher' Season 4 and 'Heir of Storms' by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

Courtesy of Netflix; Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press A still from 'The Witcher' and 'Heir of Storms' by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

As fans await the debut of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt in season 4 of Netflix’s The Witcher they can embark on a new quest with a great new read.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray follows Blaze, a Rain Singer born into a fire-wielding family, who has been in hiding since her birth unleashed a storm that killed thousands. When she and her twin brother are invited to compete for the empire’s throne, Blaze is thrust into a dangerous game of power, forbidden magic and love.

'Too Much' and 'Unlikely Story' by Ali Rosen

Lena Dunham makes her TV return with a new romantic comedy on Netflix that she co-created with her husband, Luis Felber. Too Much follows Jessica, a New Yorker who flees to England for a new job after a painful breakup.

Similarly, Ali Rosen’s Unlikely Story features Nora, a relationship therapist secretly in love with J, the editor of her anonymous advice column. But then Eli, her client’s ex, moves in downstairs. As Eli’s gruffness gives way to vulnerability, Nora must decide if the perfect love story is the one she’s imagined or the one unfolding around her.

'Yellowjackets' Season 3 and 'Riot Act' by Sarah Lariviere

Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME; Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers Christina Ricci as Misty in 'Yellowjackets' and 'Riot Act' by Sarah Lariviere

It has been two years since the jaw-dropping finale of Yellowjackets’ second season and many are anxiously awaiting its return. If you’re looking for another story with a pulse-pounding mix of rebellion and drama, consider Riot Act by Sarah Lariviere.

Riot Act is a rebellious YA novel set in an alternate 1991 following Gigi, a fearless theater kid rallying her classmates to stage Shakespeare in defiance of a totalitarian regime. When her friend is killed by the authorities and her theater teacher goes missing, she decides to put on a banned play at the risk of losing everything.

'The Night Agent' Season 2 and 'The Oligarch’s Daughter' by Joseph Finder

Christopher Saunders/Netfli; Courtesy of Harper Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland in 'The Night Agent' and 'The Oligarch's Daughter' by Joseph Finder

Audiences can’t wait for the season two premiere of The Night Agent that follows AWOL CIA agent Peter Sutherland on a mission to uncover who stole government nuclear weapons information.

Another CIA agent is on the run in The Oligarch’s Daughter by Joseph Finder. Paul Brightman lives on the lam while evading Russian operatives. He flees to New Hampshire to avoid capture because he is close to unraveling a government conspiracy from years before that, if discovered, could change the entire world.

'People We Meet on Vacation' and 'Great Big Beautiful Life' by Emily Henry

JC Olivera/FilmMagic/Getty; Kate Green/Getty; Courtesy of ‎Berkley Tom Blyth on the red carpet, Emily Bader on the red carpet and 'Great Big Beautiful Life' by Emily Henry

While we wait for the official release date of Netflix’s adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, we've got Emily Henry’s upcoming novel Great Big Beautiful Life to keep us busy.

Alice Scott, an optimistic writer chasing her big break, and Hayden Anderson, a Pulitzer-winning curmudgeon, find themselves on Little Crescent Island competing to write the biography of Margaret Ives, a reclusive heiress with a scandalous past. As secrets unfold, their time on the island might change the writers' own stories forever.

'XO, Kitty' Season 2 and 'The Broposal' by Sonora Reyes

Park Young-Sol/Netflix; Courtesy of Forever Gia Kim as Yuri Han in 'XO, Kitty' and 'The Broposal' by Sonora Reyes

Fans of XO, Kitty on Netflix will adore Sonora Reyes’ The Broposal, which brings its own brand of romantic chaos and charm. Just as Kitty juggles love triangles and the ups and downs of young love, Kenny and Alejandro fake their way to a green card marriage, only to find their longstanding friendship complicated by unexpected feelings. As the wedding date looms, Kenny struggles to resist their growing chemistry, while Alejandro wrestles with his own fears of putting down roots.

'High Potential' and 'Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave' by Elle Cosimano

Disney/Pamela Littky; Courtesy of Minotaur Books Kaitlin Olson as Morgan in 'High Potential' and 'Finlay Donovan Digs her own Grave' by Elle Cosimano

High Potential on Hulu and Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave are packed with dark humor, quirky characters and unconventional crime-solving. In High Potential, a messy but brilliant single mom uses her talent for cracking cases to assist the police, often stumbling into hilariously chaotic situations.

Likewise, Finlay Donovan and her nanny-turned-partner-in-crime, Vero, must uncover the truth behind a backyard murder that implicates their nosy neighbor. Both are full of unexpected twists, sharp humor and zany heroines.

'The Bear' Season 4 and 'Hunger Like a Thirst' by Besha Rodell

Matt Dinerstein/FX; Courtesy of Celadon Books Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu in 'The Bear' and 'Hunger Like a Thirst: From Food Stamps to Fine Dining, a Restaurant Critic Finds Her Place at the Table' by Besha Rodell

The Bear is back with its fourth season coming out sometime in mid to late 2025 and audiences are salivating for the culinary chaos of this award-winning show. To tide you over until then, Hunger Like a Thirst: From Food Stamps to Fine Dining, a Restaurant Critic Finds Her Place at the Table, will make the perfect pairing for all the foodies who can’t get enough of the relationships and stories people create through food.

'Last of Us' Season 2 and 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter' by Stephen Graham Jones

FlixPix/Alamy Stock Photo; Courtesy of S&S/Saga Press Pedro Pascal in HBO's 'The Last of Us' and 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter' by Stephen Graham Jones

Both The Last of Us and Stephen Graham Jones’ The Buffalo Hunter Hunter offer gripping, emotional journeys into complex worlds. The HBO series portrays a devastating apocalypse where hope and humanity collide, while Jones’ novel uncovers a chilling historical mystery through a pastor’s transcription of a vampire’s confessions. If you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven stories, don't miss either one.