So many great things happened in 2025. I started my Bookstagram and really started branching out in the genres I was reading. I met so many new friends on IG and learned about so many more authors out there. 2025 was a year filled with many great books, ARCs, and book reviews. It was really hard to narrow it down, but here were my top 10 reads from 2025!
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All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
Genre: Crime Fiction, Thriller
This was my first ever read by S.A. Cosby, and it definitely will not be my last. This book gripped me from the very first page and never let go. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The pace was great and I never felt like it dragged. The investigation really kept me guessing on who the culprit may be. I think S.A. Cosby did a great job of weaving the message of internalized racism and self-hatred into a compelling suspense novel.
If this sounds like a read you’d like to check out, you can find it here on Bookshop.org.
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
Alyssa Cole was also a new-to-me author this year. My first read from her blew me away! This thriller revolves around the topic of gentrification and how it affects the original inhabitants of the neighborhood.
Sydney’s slow descent into paranoia and fear was expertly done. Even I was struggling to tell what was real and what wasn’t. That, combined with the slow reveal of what was really going on in the neighborhood actually caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting it!
If you want to read a tense thriller with a dose of realism, you can find When No One is Watching here.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
Genre: Romance
I read this one in October, which was the perfect time. This book is a cozy small-town friends-to-lovers romance that takes you through all the -ber months in the year. The setting was idyllic. Think small town in the Hallmark movie where everyone knows everyone. I was really feeling the fall and winter magic, and there was definitely some squealing and foot kicking going on.
I loved every single character in this book – Michelle, Cliff, Brittany, Emily, Rocket, Sara… they were all wonderful in their own unique way. I loved Michelle’s growth and truly felt like Cliff brought out the best in her.
The slow burn romance in this was great. I’m not usually a friends-to-lovers gal, but it worked so well here. If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, I definitely recommend this book!
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
Genre: Dark Fantasy
The complex magic system and the worldbuilding were top notch. Sciona was a head-strong FMC with flaws and appropriate reactions to life-changing events.
Sciona and Thomil were the perfect duo to lead the story – they were able to have adult conversations without fighting, and they pushed each other to think outside of the box.
Finally, this book included so many real-world themes. Religious persecution, colonization, racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and patriarchy were woven through this story in such a great way that it was easy to connect it to real-life, but it wasn’t ham-fisted.
If you are looking for a fantasy that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and weaves a gripping story of a fight against oppression, I highly recommend Blood Over Bright Haven.
You can read my longer review here.
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins
Genre: Literary Fiction
This is a beautiful story about identity and belonging and trying to find who you are when you feel between two identities. When you don’t feel like either race enough to be accepted by either, and you’re stuck in the middle. However, Rafaela, Ruth, and Daisy eventually all discover what home means to them. Such a good book.
Despite the plot of this book being nonlinear, I never felt bored or like the pace was dragging. I was hooked onto every word, reading page after page without wondering when it was going to end. I could probably read even more about these 3 women. You can find it here.
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
I seriously could not put this down! It is labeled as a romance, but I would say that it’s more of a lit fic with romance on the side! The relationship dynamics between all of the storm siblings and their mother stole the show, although Jack and Alice’s relationship development was enjoyable as well. I loved the character growth that each Storm sibling had. The ending was very satisfying and came full circle, with (most) of the secrets coming to light.
I really loved this read and highly, HIGHLY recommend it if you like reading about families that grow closer through drama and fighting.
And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun
Genre: Young Adult, Horror Fantasy
The author did a great job of creating a spooky atmosphere with this book. The slow creep of dread throughout make me unable to put the book down. The pacing was great.
Each character was realistic. Soojin’s selfish desire to have her sister back. Mirae being burnt out due to the caregiver role she had to adopt. The father’s disconnect from his children in the wake of his wife’s death. I think all of these are super realistic things to happen after the death of a family member. I think the conclusion wrapped up the issues nicely and helped each character come to terms with their flaws and begin the healing process.
I feel like a few things could’ve been explained better. However, this book was overall a really enjoyable read, and I look forward to the author’s future works.
Moon Soul by Nathaniel Luscombe
Genre: Science Fiction, Cozy
This is a novella by indie author, Nathaniel Luscombe. It’s set on a distant planet and takes place within The Spire. It’s a great story about dealing with burnout.
I felt like I really connected with the main character. August was so relatable. Moon Soul is a great story about taking care of your peace and growing into the person you want to be. Loved it.
This book was published by Dragon Bone Publishing, an indie publishing company that features many different indie authors. The founder, Effie Joe Stock, has a book called Human Scars on Planet Skin, co-written with Nathaniel Luscombe. I also really enjoyed that one and recommend it as well.
Child of Shivay by J.R. Cathers
Genre: Romantasy
I really enjoyed this read! While fae vs human wars and rivalries are not new to the fantasy genre, the author built a lush setting that gave it a new life. J.R. Cathers weaved together a cast of characters who you couldn’t help but like and root for. The world-building and history was akin to that found in Lord of the Rings, with rich background woven throughout the book.
The romance was *chefs kiss*. I am a huge sucker for longing and fated mates. The relationship was developed at just the right pace where I knew it was coming, but I still found myself giggling and kicking my feet when the time finally arrived for them to kiss. Basically, the author did a wonderful job at building the tension up until the bubble popped in a golden shower of sparkles. At least, that’s how it made my brain feel.
Now, the story. I thought the plot was intriguing and the pacing was great. The more little tidbits of information I received as the reader, the more I wanted to read. Definitely watch out for J.R. Cathers as the up-and-coming romantasy author!
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake
Genre: Romantasy (first book is YA-coded, but may be spicier in future installments)
The magic system is so interesting, and Greymere was so vividly described that I almost felt like I was there with Samara. I felt that the setting could’ve been a bit more fleshed out once Samara and Raphael left Greymere, but that absolutely did not detract from my enjoyment of this book!
The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Samara and Raphael is going to be exquisite in the next installments AND THE SLOW BURN IS GONNA BE BURNING. The ending was super predictable, but it set up for some super interesting relationship dynamics in the sequel. It was originally published as an indie novel, but then it got a trad book deal! So the indie version of the book will be coming down soon and will be republished with a new cover! Grab the indie version while you can!
Want more recommendations? Check out my Books to Read in 2026 list, which includes these books and more!
See my other book recommendation lists here.
