11 Top Contemporary Fiction Picks For You
Looking for your next can’t-put-down read? Contemporary fiction is where the magic happens—blending gripping storytelling with characters so real they practically step off the page. Whether you’re after a novel that tugs at your heartstrings, one that makes you question everything you thought you knew, or a book so brilliantly written you find yourself re-reading passages just to soak up the prose, you’re in the right place.
From love stories that feel achingly real to thought-provoking tales tackling life’s biggest questions, contemporary fiction delivers it all. In this list, I’ve rounded up 11 of the best contemporary fiction books that deserve a prime spot on your bookshelf. So, pop the kettle on, get cosy, and prepare to lose yourself in stories that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Now, this is one of those books that sneaks up on you and completely wrecks your emotions—in the best possible way. Think Little Women, but with a modern twist and a whole lot more heartbreak.
The story follows William, a young man with a painful past, who finds solace in the warm embrace of the Padavano sisters—four fiercely loyal, wonderfully complex women. But life, as it often does, throws in a few curveballs, and soon, love, loyalty, and family bonds are put to the ultimate test.
This is contemporary fiction at its finest—beautifully written, deeply moving, and the kind of book that lingers in your heart long after you've turned the last page. So, brace yourself, grab the tissues, and get ready for a novel that will break you and piece you back together all at once.
Are you after a contemporary fiction novel that lures you in with its glittering façade before absolutely wrecking you emotionally.
It follows Cleo, a free-spirited British artist in New York, and Frank, an older, well-established ad exec, whose impulsive marriage is equal parts intoxicating and disastrous. What begins as a whirlwind romance soon spirals into a raw and unflinching exploration of love, loneliness, and self-sabotage.
Mellors’ writing is sharp, stylish, and brimming with flawed, achingly real characters. If you’re a fan of messy, magnetic love stories with serious emotional depth, this one deserves a top spot on your TBR. Just prepare for a bit of heartbreak along the way.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a masterpiece of storytelling that sweeps you through the lives of twelve unforgettable characters, each navigating identity, race, love, and womanhood in Britain.
Following the lives of twelve interconnected characters, this book takes you on a journey through Britain’s past and present, exploring race, gender, identity, and what it truly means to belong. Evaristo’s writing is like nothing else—free-flowing, poetic, and utterly immersive, drawing you into each character’s world with such depth that you feel like you know them.
This novel is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, effortlessly weaving together different voices and experiences to create a rich, multi-layered narrative. It’s bold, it’s brilliant, and it refuses to be boxed into a single genre. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best contemporary fiction books that will challenge your perspective while keeping you utterly engrossed, Girl, Woman, Other is an absolute must-read.
If you’re after a novel that captures the delightful chaos and awkwardness of modern relationships, this should be at the top of your list.
Set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, it follows Ava, an Irish expat trying to figure out what it means to be young, single, and entangled in a love triangle. On one side, there’s Julian, the wealthy, emotionally unavailable banker who offers a life of luxury but little emotional support. On the other, there’s Edith, a sharp, confident lawyer who seems to care about Ava in ways that Julian can’t—or won’t.
Dolan’s prose is razor-sharp, filled with dry humour and biting observations on love, power dynamics, and the quirks of modern relationships. If you’re a fan of witty, thought-provoking reads that leave you reflecting long after you’ve closed the book, Exciting Times is an absolute standout in the best contemporary fiction category.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to get rid of your family (hypothetically, of course), this book will answer all your darkly hilarious questions.
This novel is a wickedly funny rollercoaster that follows Grace Bernard, a woman with a very unique plan to take down her wealthy relatives. A bit like a twisted version of your favourite family reunion—minus the awkward small talk and with a lot more scheming. Grace is as witty as she is ruthless, and the novel delivers a perfect blend of suspense and satire, poking fun at the absurdities of privilege, wealth, and family dynamics.
With its sharp wit and unpredictable plot, it’s one of the best contemporary fiction picks for those who love a good thriller with a side of black humour. You'll be hooked from the first page, and you might just find yourself laughing at all the wrong moments.
This is a deliciously addictive dive into the world of skating, fame, and the kind of love that can both build and destroy.
At the heart of the story is Katarina Shaw, a skater determined to make it to the top despite the odds stacked against her. Enter Heath Rocha, a foster kid with a troubled past, and together, they form a pair that captivates the world—not just with their talent, but with the intense, combustible relationship that comes with it. But when an Olympic Games disaster ends their career, the duo is forced to separate, leaving fans to speculate about what really went wrong.
If you’re a fan of best contemporary fiction that blends fierce ambition with raw, emotional storytelling, this book is a must-read. It’s a whirlwind of love, rivalry, and secrets that will have you hooked from start to finish.
Are you on the hunt for one of those best contemporary fiction reads that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Enter Lessons In Chemistry.
The story follows Elizabeth Zott, an unconventional chemist in the 1960s, who is more interested in changing the world with her scientific mind than playing by the societal rules of the time. When life throws her a curveball and she ends up hosting a cooking show, the result is both hilarious and deeply poignant.
Garmus’s sharp wit, coupled with a fiercely independent lead character, makes this one of those books that’ll leave you grinning, thinking, and maybe even questioning the world around you. It’s a delightful mix of quirky humour, brilliant science, and a dash of social commentary. If you're after a contemporary read that’s a bit different from the norm, the this book is a must.
Now, this is one of those novels that’ll have you both laughing and cringing in equal measure, as it takes a brutally honest look at modern dating, friendship, and the messiness of life.
The story follows Nina, a thirty-something who’s navigating the chaos of her love life, friendships, and career in a world that seems more interested in ghosting than actually communicating. Alderton’s sharp wit and knack for capturing the awkwardness of adulting make this one of the best contemporary fiction reads for anyone who’s ever felt like life is just a bit... out of control.
It’s a refreshing, laugh-out-loud reflection on the mess of growing up, proving that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t the ghost of a past lover, but facing the uncertain future ahead. Perfect for those who like their fiction as real as their own messy lives!
Ah, Normal People – if you haven’t read it yet, where have you been? This book is practically a rite of passage for anyone who claims to be a fan of the best contemporary fiction.
It follows Connell and Marianne, two seemingly ordinary people whose complicated, on-again, off-again relationship will have you questioning the nature of love, friendship, and all that awkward stuff in between.
Rooney’s writing is sharp, witty, and unflinchingly honest, making you feel like you’re right there with these characters as they stumble through life, trying (and often failing) to figure it all out.
It’s a deeply relatable read, with the kind of raw emotion that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Trust me, you’ll be thinking about Connell and Marianne for a while after you finish.
This is a haunting, atmospheric read that will pull you in with its richly layered characters and vivid, desolate setting.
Thea and her family move to the eerie, almost dystopian Bloodless Valley of southern Colorado, hoping to escape the troubles of the outside world—but the land is barren, and so is Thea’s life. With strict parents keeping her isolated, Thea finds herself in a stifling existence, until she starts working at a local café and meets Ray, a deaf man who opens her eyes to a world she never knew existed. As Ray secretly teaches Thea sign language, she begins to find not only her voice but also a sense of connection and the possibility of love.
This story is a masterclass in portraying the inner landscape of a young woman on the verge of discovering her true self. It’s a must-read for fans of the best contemporary fiction that explores identity, isolation, and the unexpected ways in which life can bloom, even in the most arid of places.
If you’re after a book that will keep you up long after you’ve meant to go to bed, American Dirt is your ticket to that wild ride.
Lydia, a mother living a relatively peaceful life in Acapulco, finds everything shattered after her journalist husband publishes an explosive profile of the region’s most dangerous drug lord. Forced to flee with her son, Luca, they embark on a perilous journey to the United States—where safety feels more like a distant dream than a reality. Along the way, Lydia meets others who are running from something, but the question remains: what are they really running to?
With its heart-pounding plot and powerful, thought-provoking themes, this novel is undoubtedly one of the best contemporary fiction books to pick up if you're looking for a book that will both devastate and inspire.
There you have it—11 of the best contemporary fiction books to dive into. Whether you're after a thrilling escape, a poignant journey, or a story that’ll make you see the world differently, these books offer something for every taste. Each one promises to transport you to a world where the characters feel real and the plots impossible to forget. So, pick up one (or more) of these books, get comfortable, and prepare to lose yourself in stories you won’t want to put down.
Also Ladies, don’t forget to check out the links below for even more book recommendations.