I didn’t start liking reading until I was in 8th grade. And, even then, I wasn’t reading what all my peers were, which made reading a lonely and passive activity for me.
Instead, I’ve always been devoted to writing. Every story I learned seemed to inspire me to create a variant of it. I adore stories, and I’m a creative soul, so writing was my perfect combo of the two.
However, when I started selling more books in 2024, I knew I needed to keep up on my reading so I could better understand and recommend the market. This became even more imperative when I started hosting book clubs in my store, too. Admittedly, I entered my reading era under duress, but even so, it helped me so much professionally, socially, and mentally by getting there.
I’m proud to say I read 30 books in 2025
Which is a ton for me as a slow reader, business owner, and mother of three. Audiobooks helped, as well as the pressure of book clubs deadlines! 😅 And, while I know that isn’t a lot to most avid readers, to me, that was such an important shift in my life that added a new layer to my identity.
Now, I’m not going to go over every book I read last year right now. I may do a post of that later, but essentially, I just want to go over my Book of the Year and the ones that were in the running. It was a tough year of selection, but I’m happy with my choice.
Here are my top books from 2025
January
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This was my first romantic fantasy, and I loved it; but I didn’t quite subscribe to the hype that I had heard around it. That may be because it was more fantasy than romance, which wasn’t quite my expectation because I had heard predominantly about Xaden. Nevertheless, it was the best book I read that month.
February
Blackstar by Lukas Ryan
This was actually my first fantasy sci-fi, and first sci-fi outside of dystopians forced upon me in school. I was thoroughly impressed with how well it captured my attention after the initial pages. In all honesty, I think it’s because there is a slow-burn romance subplot, and I found my book boyfriend, even though I don’t think he’s supposed to be!
This actually beat out ACOTAR.
March
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
This was my first cozy romantic fantasy, and I adored it! It was so cute, yet, so witty and relatable; I highlighted so many quotes! The book club for it was so cute because we had jam and gave little spider plants to each other to celebrate the book. It was such a great time and now I love cozy books in general!
April
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Now, I liked this Fourth Wing sequel more than I liked the first; mostly because I liked the redemption arcs and the shift in mood as they move toward war. This is when I started to realize I was invested in the fantasy more than I was the romance–because, I’m over Violet!
May
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
This satirical fantasy came out of left field for me. I happened to come across it randomly, had never heard of it from others, and most others I asked had never heard of either. It got mixed reviews in my book club, but I loved it. The ending was completely unexpected, and at one point, I almost DNF’d it because I was so emotionally invested in a character!
June
Enigma by RuNyx
This was my first dark academia romance and I loved the vibes. It had just come out and I had heard great things about Gothikana by the same author. They’re standalones, so I thought I’d try it. I had actually talked myself into not DNFing it because of the characterization, and I’m glad I didn’t because I liked the plot despite some qualms I had with it. But, overall, it was a better option of the few books I read that month.
July
Crazy Love You by Lisa Unger
I actually reread this psychological thriller that I remember was an absolute favorite when I read it years ago. And, once again, I loved it! Supernatural elements, psychological elements, toxic romance. It’s so good! Then, I found out it’s part of a series–can’t wait to read them all!
August
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
This third installment in the Empyrean series didn’t quite live up to my hype, though it was well-written. It did draw emotions from me, and I did enjoy it. But, it wasn’t what I had wanted–especially that ending!
September
The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis
I really enjoyed this historical fiction book. It’s tense the whole way through, and had my woman-senses tingling the whole time. The physical reaction I had to this book was a first for me and I love that I got to experience it!
October
None
I didn’t get a chance to read this month because it had been a whirlwind of events and such for my bookstore.
November
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
A contemporary romance and cozy mystery. I liked it. Cute, but I probably wouldn’t reread it. Nevertheless, it was one of my better options that month with my limited reading considering the holiday rush.
December
Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
This paranormal Christmas romance was cute, but I didn’t really realize how invested I was in their relationship until I started crying toward the end. Guys, I’ve only ever cried over a book once in my life. So, this, this…I was destroyed and mended again!
I plan to read it every year for Christmas now, and I can’t wait for the next books!
I’m not satisfied with all my picks, but some of them were a compromise. I think next year, I may not base it on the months because some months I read all duds, and other months I read all bangers. I don’t know, I’ll see.
Of those, these made it to Round 2
I love that I have different genres represented and it’s not just all romance-inspired books, which is what I would expect of myself! But, I really tried different things this year and that makes me feel good.
Round 3, let’s see!
Okay, this is closer to the true me with the romance-heavier books! And, while Good Spirits drew the most emotion from me, the other two occupied my mind much more and much longer. So, it’s really between those two that I need to decide for the winner…
And, the winner is…
Now, let me explain.
No one really knows this book, and yet it was the best thing I read in 2025. It’s actually a satirical fantasy with humor, intrigue, plot, conflict, theme, all the things I look for. I would love to teach this book, too. Even more so, I can’t wait to read more of the series with such a diverse cast of characters.
And, to be truthful, what really made this my top book was Key–a golden retriever psychopath. I absolutely fell in love with him, and–as much as I love my Xaden–Key is truly my keeper.
I won’t tell you any more about it because I really want more people to read it! It’s the only book on my shelves that I intentionally bought a duplicate copy just for the special edition–and that’s saying something because I don’t believe in special editions!
Of all the things that I’ve had to decide in my life, picking a favorite book shouldn’t have been that hard–but man was it! I’m satisfied with my answer, though sometimes, I am shocked that I picked it over Fourth Wing. Then, I think about the sequels to come and realize I’m more excited for the next Time of Iron installment than I am the Empyrean–and that’s all I need to consider to know I made the right choice.
I can’t wait to do the whole process again for 2026!
In 2025, I also read
- The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
- Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May
- A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Twisted Love by Ana Huang
- Daughter of Blood and Ember by Jae Nikki
- The Master by Jean Johnson
- A Strangely Wrapped Gift by Emily Juniper
- The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
- Homebody by Rupi Kaur
- The World of Lore: Dreadful Places by Aaron Mahnke
- A Tale of Magic and Mirth by Kristen Vale
- Whisper of War and Storms by C.L. Mecca
- The Curious Case of the Midnight Specter by Moriah Chavis
- The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher
- For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn
- Manifest the Life You Love by Carolyn Boyes
- The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice
- Twisted Games by Ana Huang
- Undimmed: The 8 Awarenesses for Freedom by Cecily Mak
In 2026, I look forward to reading
- Insatiable by Leigh Rivers
- Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
- Book 3 of Twisted series
- Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
- Book 4 of Twisted series
- Blackstar Oblivion by Lukas Ryan
- Book 2 of Blackstar series
- All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan
- Book 2 of Time of Iron series
- North Woods by Daniel Mason
- The Song by Jean Johnson
- Book 4 of Sons of Destiny series
- The Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
- Book 3 of Spellshop series
- Divine Descent by AdriAnne May
- Book 2 of The Labyrinth series
- The World of Lore: Wicked Mortals by Aaron Mahnke
- Book 2 of The World of Lore series
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- Book 2 of The Court of Thorns and Roses series
What was your book of the year for 2025? How do you decide your favorite book?
Let us know in the comments below.
2 Comments
My book of the year from 2025 is hard to choose! If I had to boil it down to a few titles it would be between “The Wolf King” Lauren Palphreyman, “Trial of the Sun Queen” Nisha J. Tuli, and “The Bridge Kindgom” by Danielle Jensen. These were all so great and brought me into their worlds so effortlessly! I have a hard time deciding just one favorite book- I have always been bad at it. I think it changes based on my mood and day of the week! I cannot wait to read “Long Live Evil” this year because of your high praise!
It’s harder for me month to month, but I totally get it. Especially if you’re on a roll with good books. I think I may change up how I pick my books for the year because some months, I have to settle when other months, I couldn’t decide!