The Favorites by Layne Fargo — This figure skating documentary-esque novel had me HOOKED from beginning to end. The characters, the betrayal, the toxicity and gossip!! It was such a fantastic read!

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood — I am a STAN of Ali and all her books but Problematic Summer Romance was the best summer romance I read this year! The setting, the angst and tension, the characters! It all delivered!

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — This story absolutely broke me but then also put me together again. The story was phenomenal, the deeper meaning in the story was so well done. I was in tears at the end of this one!

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson — Jackson’s adult debut novel was a thrill to read. I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but it blew me away. The story and how in unravels will have you on the edge of your seat!

The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose is an emotional and entertaining story that’s perfect for high school or college-age readers. It explores themes of identity, personal growth, and resilience, with relatable characters and a plot that keeps you hooked. It’s the kind of book that encourages reflection and honestly, I wish I could go back in time and read it during my college years.

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak is a 10 out of 10 for me. This is a book that you can read in one sitting, you simply won’t be able to stop turning the pages. It is such an intriguing and fantastic story that leaves a lasting impression. (I read this almost 2 years ago and I still think about how much I loved it nearly every day!)

Wyndclyffe by Joe Hart is a must-read for any thriller fans. It’s a modern take on “creepy isolated mansion with dark family history”. Joe Hart does not rely on his twists to carry you to the end of the story. With a strong cast of characters and a high-stakes plot, the journey is compelling and satisfying long before the final reveal.

You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto — Jesse is the queen of crafting unhinged female characters, and her books are fast-paced, binge-worthy fun. I love stories that explore social media and influencer culture, and this one dives into the world of online fame and obsession in a darkly hilarious, and entertaining way.

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt is a second chance romance between former spouses, unearthing their love story from the past to now. Wren and Ellis go through it in this hopeful, messy perfection of a story that had me captivated from the dedication to the very last word. This time, can they get it right? Perfect for any married person or any person that has a heart beating in their chest.

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover felt like therapy. It’s a story of heartbreak in all shapes and sizes, featuring The Comeback Inn, where the brokenhearted can find peace and comfort. And it’s a story of finding the right person to love you in all of the places your grief has left you broken. I recommend this one for anyone who has experienced a broken heart.

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison is a hauntingly beautiful holiday romance about the ghost of Christmas past and the woman with joy for the season, despite her loneliness. While Nolan takes Harriet into her past, Harriet helps Nolan explore her present, and both find something they’ve been missing along the way. Fun for people who love matching pajamas, candy canes, Christmas tree farms, and finding your person… er… ghost.

The Crimson Moth Duology by Kristen Ciccarelli, starting with Heartless Hunter and ending with Rebel Witch, is an adventure in an incredible dystopian world with witches, rebels, and war, where more than one perspective is the right one. It’s historical and magical and dystopian and romantic. Please note: you’ll be left on a cliffhanger at the end of book one!

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel — this is for the folks who love a celebrity romance. It’s a beautiful story about black love. The feelings are real, deep and so genuine! The celebrity combo is musician and athlete which is different and was a lot of fun!

Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen — this books is great for any one who loves to travel and loves when books has have traveling in it. It’s has everything I need in a romance. A funny meet cute, travel, banter, a steady/dreamy MMC, and characters just messy enough that you fall for them.

Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan ― this is for the girls who are in their thirties/forties, single, no kids and thriving. If that’s you and you’re maybe feeling a bit behind on the marriage/kids train or not sure if you want any of that then Kennedy and Hendrix are here to tell you you’ll be just fine. Hendrix is a successful entrepreneur, good daughter, friend, auntie who just so happens to meet a billionaire who is down bad for her. I love stories featuring strong, independent and successful women and this book has all of that and more.

Good Spirits by B.K Borison — the perfect magical realism holiday book. My favorite thing about Borison’s writing, is how atmospheric it is. I feel like I am always transported to another time and place. I can picture what Crows Nest looks like, what Nolan & Harriet’s homes look like. She kills it with the details where it feels like you can see & feel the setting of her books. This one was cozy and magical.

I’d recommend The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson because it’s the kind of story that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go — blending art, magic, and grief into something breathtakingly original. Jackson builds a world that feels cinematic and strange in the best way, where every painting hides danger and every emotion cuts deep. It’s bold, beautiful, and brimming with queer power — the perfect read when you want fantasy that actually feels.

I’d recommend The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn because it perfectly captures the beautiful chaos of being young, queer, and a little too in your own head. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and full of sharp one-liners that make you both laugh and ache. Patch is the kind of character you root for even when he’s being a disaster — because his heart, and this story, are pure gold.

Here’s why you should check out Louie on the Rocks by Meredith O’Brien: It dives head-first into the chaos of family, politics, and identity in the Trump-era U.S. — a retired MAGA dad, an adult queer daughter who’s had enough, and a ghostly mother watching from “somewhere beyond.” Told from multiple viewpoints, the story hits both the ridiculous and the heartbreaking. If you’re into books that make you squirm, think, and maybe nod in recognition at how messy “home” can be, this one’s for you.

I’d recommend The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends by Jamie D’Amato because it’s the perfect mix of dark humor, queer romance, and undead awkwardness. Brennan’s journey from suicidal college kid to freshly turned vampire is chaotic, funny, and unexpectedly tender. It’s a coming-of-(after)life story with bite, heart, and just enough blood to keep things interesting.

Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley — A book about indigenous foster children that will keep you guessing at what happens next. I learned a ton in this book and it highlights a huge issue in the indigenous foster kid community. The writing is beautiful and I think about this book pretty much every day, even months after I read it.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune — The summer nostalgia in this book gives me so much joy. It’s an ode to childhood but at the same time exploring how you can relive that in your 30s, which hits home for me. It’s one of those books where you feel seen from page one and are truly on the same journey as the main characters and I cannot recommend enough.

Mayluna by Kelley McNeil — This book was an emotional journey of the past colliding with the future and sharing decades old secrets. This love story was heartbreakingly beautiful and epic and tragic. For fans of Daisy Jones and/or Songs in Ursa Major.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson — The main character is trying to solve her own murder before she dies, which is such an interesting premise. The sarcasm and wit had me snorting and laughing out loud at times (yes in a murder book). This book was such an unexpected hit!

One romance series I absolutely recommend is Adriana Herrera’s Las Leonas; a beautiful historical romance that stole my heart!

Kristin Hannah; The Women, The Great Alone & The Nightingale — Each of this book highlights women’s strength and resilience in the face of adversities.

The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman — this book highlights the struggles of immigrants in the US as an immigrant myself I can relate to the challenges they faced. Also speaking English as a second language.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros — this book is a solid adult romantasy. It gave everything it needed to give the world building and the romance plot was solid.

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber — A fun fantasy with an amazing mystery aspect. This has such great atmospheric vibes that are perfect for a cozy day reading inside when it’s too cold to go out! I finished it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. You’ll be glued to the edge of your seat the entire time waiting to see what Holland will do next.

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover — This swoony forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers romance that takes place in snowy Colorado is absolutely perfect for a cozy winter read! A hot landlord who lets you live in his house for free? Say less. This has such an amazing found family aspect which is perfect for those close knit holiday vibes.

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine — A cancelled author needs a getaway to write a book that will get her career back on track so she heads to snowy Alaska to stay at a small hotel where she can recharge. The rugged mountain man bellhop who is super grumpy but has a soft spot for his sick father will be just what Margot needs to get over her fear of returning to the author world. This book feels like a mug of hot cocoa and was one of my favorite reads of the year!

Christmas by Design by Allie Samberts — A hilarious holiday novella about a romance between an interior designer and a project manager coworkers, who haven’t always gotten off on the right foot, who get snowed in together! This was so swoony and perfect for a day where you need a quick but sweet story. Beckett and Gemma were such fun characters who had undeniable chemistry.

Beach Read by Emily Henry is the quintessential bookish romance — and the book that got me back into reading! It is full of heart, wit, and all the banter that we know and love from Emily Henry. I always recommend this book to readers (new or established)!

Normal People by Sally Rooney will break your heart in the best way! This short literary fiction novel packs a punch and leaves a mark (without quotation marks!) — it has stayed with me since my first read into multiple re-reads and watching the Hulu adaption. I love how this love story portrays young love, heartbreak, and coming of age in a relatable yet unique way.

Fake Skating by Lynn Painter has been exactly what I needed to end 2025! This Young Adult hockey romance features a Rory Gilmore-esque female main character navigating family changes, graduating high school, and reconnecting with her childhood best friend turned nemesis — all while fake dating him! It has kept a smile on my face since I read it, and makes me so nostalgic.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman is the perfect book for anyone to enjoy — with a multi-character cast, an emotionally resonant story, and all the small-town drama you could ever want. This story is unforgettable, and will have you grabbing for tissues (along with immediately needing the next book in the series)!

The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso — I was completely enchanted by this book. It’s historical fiction and has a bit of magical realism and mystery, but it’s a star-crossed love story at it’s heart. This novel completely blew me away. So deeply rich, compelling & very quick to envelope you into its enigmatic folds. The kind of book that keeps u reading late into the night.

Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E Smith — I can’t help but be in awe of an author who can create an entire fictional family with such dimension. I soaked up all their bickering & their inside jokes, their trauma and above all their unwavering unconditional love for each other. This one left my heart full and a tear in my eye.

The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie — A literary romance, this is one of my most favorite reads of the year. I love love loved the incredibly smart writing & immersive writing style, and the flawed yet loveable characters. It was extremely rich & probably one of the most gratifying romance novels I’ve ever read.

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff — This read was fantastic in the way that a devastatingly heartbreaking novel can be, one that will stay with you for a while. It explores the realities of having a family member who’s an alcoholic, loving them and hating them in turn, the whole ugly truth of it. While alcoholism was a thick thread throughout the entire novel it wasn’t always necessarily the focus. Yes, it tinged everything and affected lives and outcomes, but the novel broke out beyond it and was ultimately a story of hope.