Have you ever read a book so dramatic and unhinged that you had to stop, stare into space, and wonder what the hell you just read? Some stories are just that chaotic — and sometimes, you need a drink in hand to process it all. If you know the feeling, you’re in the right place. Here are 5 book and wine pairings that will make your next cozy reading night feel complete.
The Teacher by Frieda McFadden
Genre: Thriller
When I tell you, the gasp that I gusped when I heard the twist at the end of this book (audiobook listeners, wya?). I needed a drink just to wrap my head around everything that went down.
The book is narrated by two female characters – Eve, a high school math teacher, and Addie, one of her students. They’re both hiding secrets. The kind that can ruin lives.
If you love unreliable narrators and twists that will leave you shocked, I definitely recommend picking up this book. I think it would pair well with a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Eve’s voice is dry and witty with a splash of something dark and bold.
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
Genre: Fantasy
This is another book that I think would pair well with a glass of red wine – maybe a silky Pinot Noir. It has that earthy, enchanting feel of nature magic that fits perfectly with a cozy night in.
The story follows Marra, who is determined to save her sister from the hands of an abusive prince. With the help of a gravewitch, a fairy godmother, a former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon (yes, you read that right), Marra might have a chance of saving her sister… and maybe even the entire kingdom.
This is the kind of book that demands a glass of your favorite wine, a warm blanket, and a few uninterrupted hours — because once you start, you won’t want to put it down.
Nowhere by Allison Gunn
Genre: Horror
This book has a foreboding feeling of creeping suspense, perfect to pair with a glass of Shiraz. A little wild and untamed, with bold, smoky notes, this wine matches the story’s slow-burn intensity perfectly. It’s a pairing made in heaven (or maybe somewhere a little darker).
Rachel and her husband Finn live in a small Virginia town that isn’t exactly welcoming to outsiders. As cracks in their marriage start to widen, Rachel throws herself into her work as the town’s police chief. But there are darker forces lurking in the woods — and they’re far more dangerous than the disapproving neighbors. One by one, Rachel’s world starts to unravel, and soon, there may be no way out.
Definitely recommend reading this one with the light on!
The Most Famous Girl in the World by Iman Hariri-Kia
Genre: Thriller, Romance
If you love narrators who are a little crazy and unpredictable, The Most Famous Girl in the World should be at the top of your list.
Two years ago, Rose wrote the investigative article that exposed Poppy Hastings as a socialite grifter, sending her to prison. That same article, however, launched Poppy to insane levels of stardom. Now that Poppy’s out of jail, Rose is determined to prove that Poppy’s grifting is just the tip of the iceberg. Because Rose’s article made Poppy the influencer star that she is, she’ll stop at nothing to take Poppy down — and expose her for the monster she believes her to be. But taking down the world’s most famous girl? That’s not going to be easy.
When you pick up this book, buckle up for a wild ride. Pour yourself a glass of Gewürztraminer, known for its bold, unpredictable flavors of lychee, stone fruit, tropical fruit, spice, and floral notes. It’s the perfect match for a narrator who’s as quirky and offbeat as this story.
Bunny by Mona Awad
Genre: Horror, Dark Academia
Oh Bunny, you’re just so delicious.
Samantha Heather Mackey is about as opposite as it gets from the other girls in her highly selective MFA program at New England’s Warren University. The other girls — who call each other Bunny — move as one, all twee aesthetics, trust funds, and inside jokes. Samantha couldn’t care less about being accepted by them.
Until she gets invited to their secret Smut Salon… and suddenly finds herself swept into a sinister, saccharine world of monstrous boy creations and very blurred edges of reality.
If you’re diving into the fever dream that is Bunny, you’re going to need a drink that’s just as unhinged. I recommend a glass of Zinfandel — bold, juicy, and just a little bit untrustworthy. It starts off all sweet and jammy, but before you know it, you’re three glasses deep wondering what the hell just happened. Honestly? Perfect for a book where you can’t tell if you’re hallucinating… or if the Bunnies are about to sacrifice you.
I hope you enjoyed these book and wine pairings as much as I did putting them together! Whether you’re winding down after a long day or looking for a cozy night in, these pairings can elevate your reading experience. Do you have a favorite wine to pair with books?
If you’re looking for something even more cozy, check out my other post, Cozy Reads to Savor With a Mug of Tea.
