Entertainment

16 Books That Every Reality TV Fan will Love

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4m ago

Jul 10, 2024 / 7866 Views

Evan Walker

Admit it, reality TV is like that bag of crisps you know you shouldn’t devour, but you just can’t stop. From the endless drama of The Bachelor and the downright bizarre meet-cutes of Love Is Blind to the nail-biting tension of Survivor, reality TV has solidified its grip on us and on the television industry, inspiring numerous books within the annals of pop culture.

The unpredictable plot twists, the raw, unfiltered look into other people’s lives, and the sexual tension-soaked narratives make for some unforgettable content. Whatever your reason for viewing, reality TV undoubtedly serves up a cocktail of emotions that keeps us glued to our screens. And if you’re a die-hard fan, the fun doesn’t have to end when the TV is turned off. Dive into these books for reality TV lovers that bring the same drama, romance, and excitement in between your binge-watching sessions.

Top books to read for reality TV fans

1. Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang

reality TV books — (Image: Alcove Press)

Think The Bachelor, but with a twist. In the novel, Lauren joins a dating show, Hopeless Romantic, to boost her social media game and walk away, not with the handsome man in front of her, but, with the clout that’ll allow her to build her proverbial walk-in closet. Krystin, on the other hand, has her husband wish list ready on standby. Cue all the drama, awkward encounters, and a lot of behind-the-scenes chaos. If you’re looking for a queer, laugh-out-loud-worthy read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it!

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2. One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Five couples on a deserted island, comPeting in a reality show; sounds fun, right? Not when a storm hits and things take a deadly turn. This one’s for the thriller fans who love a good plot twist. The contestants’ alliances are tested as survival instincts kick in, and what was meant to be a Game of love and strategy turns into a fight for their lives. Ruth Ware delivers a gripping story that keeps you guessing until the last page. A cross between Survivor and The Traitors, this 2024 release is an homage to Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None.

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3. The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia

Two family-run chicken restaurants go head-to-head in a reality TV showdown. As family secrets unravel, you’ll find yourself rooting for both sides. It’s got food, family drama, and a sprinkle of romance. A New York Times bestseller, this book is perfect for fans of reality TV classics like Top Chef and Family Feud.

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4. The Villain Edit by Olivia Ford

Jac is a struggling author who knows the tropes of a good romance novel. Figuring she could use a bigger social media following, she decides to apply her expertise to the reality show, the 1. Made for the fans of UnREAL, this newly-released novel dives into the cutthroat world of reality TV production, where one-night stands with producers and on-screen drama are just part of the game.

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5. Take The Lead by Alexis Daria

Pro dancer Gina Morales gets paired with Stone Nielson from an Alaskan wilderness show. Sparks fly both on and off the dance floor, but their romance might cost them their careers. This book for reality TV fans will remind you of Dancing with the Stars, but with a spicy twist.

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6. Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Dahlia Woodson comPetes on Chef’s Special and finds herself falling for the show’s first nonbinary contestant, London Parker. Their budding romance amidst high-stakes culinary drama is as sweet as it is intense. Kelly’s narrative delicately explores themes of identity and acceptance, making it a standout in the genre of romance books crafted for reality TV fans.

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7. Watch Me by Lauren Barnholdt

Ally moves into a house with strangers for a Big Brother-esque show. As her every move is filmed, she grapples with maintaining her long-distance relationship while developing feelings for a housemate. Barnholdt’s novel captures the complexities of life under constant surveillance, exploring themes of privacy, trust, and the impact of reality TV on personal relationships.

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8. The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

A reality show about self-made millionaire women takes a dark turn when one of the contestants is murdered. The novel delves into the chaotic world of reality TV fame and the dark secrets behind the glamorous façade. Knoll’s sharp and suspenseful writing keeps readers guessing until the very end and exposes the ruthless ambition, jealousy, and lengths people will go to for fame.

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9. Managing the Matthews by Haleigh Wenger

Kell Simmons manages three Hollywood star brothers and finds herself tangled in both real and fake drama. As their reality show skyrockets in popularity, Kell must decide how much of the spotlight she really wants. Wenger’s novel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of unscripted dramas, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by those in the spotlight. The plot is a compelling and emotional story about love, loyalty, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. If Keeping Up With The Kardashians is your reality TV vibe, this 2024 IPPY Award Gold Medal Winner is the one for you!

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10. Beneath the Marigolds by Emily C. Whitson

Ann Stone infiltrates an exclusive singles’ retreat to find her missing friend Reese. As she delves deeper, she suspects the retreat is a front for a reality dating show with sinister undertones that stretch from extravagant clothes and never-ending interviews to even more bizarre first dates. Whitson’s gripping thriller explores friendship and trust with a Truman Show-esque backdrop.

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11. Death Warrant by Bryan Johnston

Frankie Percival agrees to be killed on a reality TV show to save her brother from financial ruin. Her memory is wiped, leaving her unaware that her life is at stake in this dark, thrilling read. This novel by Bryan Johnston is a chilling debrief of the extremes people will go to for money and fame. Reminiscent of The Squid Games, this novel is a thought-provoking and intense read that raises questions about the ethics of reality TV and the value of human life. Adding to his credentials, author Johnson was a television and video producer for nearly three decades, during which he received a whopping 11 Emmys along with several other national awards.

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12. For Real by Alison Cherry

reality TV book — (Image: Alison Cherry)

Sisters Claire and Miranda join an Amazing Race-style competition to defeat Miranda’s cheating ex. Their plans are upended when the show takes an unexpected romantic turn, fusing adventure with personal vendettas. Cherry’s novel is a fun and fast-paced read, filled with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The story is a delightful mix of adventure, romance, and sibling rivalry, set against the backdrop of a high-stakes reality competition.

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13. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

A plane crash leaves teen beauty pageant contestants stranded on a deserted island, where they must use their wits to survive. This thrilling novel combines elements of Survivor with a powerful message about empowerment. Bray’s sharp and witty writing brings the characters to life, making the story, a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of feminism, identity, and survival.

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14. Warcross by Marie Lu

In a world dominated by virtual reality, hacker Emika Chen accidentally becomes part of the Warcross games. She must uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of this high-stakes competition. Presenting that ultimate merger of science fiction and reality TV, the narrative is set in a near-future world where technology dominates everyday life. Emika’s journey from hacker to celebrity within the Warcross games is filled with danger, intrigue, and unexpected alliances. The book makes an interesting case for the ethical implications of technology and is an excellent read for fans of reality TV. A second part titled Wildcard has also been released by the New York Times bestselling author.

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15. Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente

Imagine an intergalactic talent show where Earth must prove its worth by comPeting. This quirky, humorous novel is America’s Got Talent on a cosmic scale, with lots of laughs and heart. The characters must sing their hearts out to secure humanity’s place in the universe, facing bizarre and often hilarious challenges along the way. The novel’s satirical take on reality TV and its commentary on human nature make it an excellent one-time read.

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16. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

In this reimagining of the iconic Cinderella, girls must compete to be chosen by suitors at a royal ball. Sophia, disinterested in marriage, seeks to overthrow the oppressive system and find her true love. Bayron’s Cinderella is Dead offers a fresh and feminist perspective on the classic fairy tale, set in a dystopian world where tradition and rebellion collide. Sophia’s quest for freedom and love is both empowering and inspiring, making this book a must-read for fans of both reality TV and fairy tale retellings.

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Which of these books for reality TV fans have you read?