I can hardly believe how fast 2025 went! It was a good year for me, but I am looking forward to seeing what good happens in 2026 as well. I managed to read 60 books last year. In order of date read, here are ten of the best books I read.

1. The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery

LM Montgomery is one of my favorite authors and I think The Blue Castle is now one of my favorite books by her, right up there next to Anne of Green Gables. There is so much humor and wit in this book but it’s also quite heartfelt. Valancy is such a memorable main character, too.

2. Betting on You by Lynn Painter

I don’t typically read YA as much as I used to, but I will never say no to a Lynn Painter YA book. Betting on You is so fun! The character development, the banter, the humor – all of it is so well done. This book is so honest and emotional and just a joy.

3. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

I loved this book!! Annie Walker feels so personal to me. I love her. I am her, lol. This, quite possibly, is one of my all-time favorite romance novels. Sarah Adams is a queen and I will forever read everything she writes!

4. The Favorites by Layne Fargo

If you mix Daisy Jones and the Six with ice dancing, you will get The Favorites! With so many twists, gripping characters, and an up-and-down romance, I was unable to put this book down. This one brought me out of a book slump and I haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since.

5. Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

This book is so unique!! It’s funny. Its adventurous. It’s almost like a medieval version of The Office. I cannot recommend this one enough! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series this year.

6. Funny Story by Emily Henry

I will read everything that EmHen writes, but Funny Story just might be my new favorite from hers?? The romance in this one is absolutely top tier. It also features my favorite trope, fake dating! Not only that, but it’s written in a way that feels so fresh. Funny Story is so much more than a romance novel full of tropes. It’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and the type of book that will leave you with a big grin and a heart full of love.

7. Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

I have discovered Abby Jimenez’s books within the past few years, and she has quickly become a favorite author of mine! I loved Xavier and Samantha so much! Their relationship was so sweet and genuine. Also Xavier being a vet was something else I loved, personally! Say You’ll Remember Me is a romance, but it’s also so much more than that. It explores family dynamics in a honest way. Grief, growth, and authenticity are some of the themes in this one and it really touched me.

8. Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Book 2 in the Caraval series was such a great continuation. This series is so unique and inventive. Book 1 focused mostly on Scarlett, whereas book 2 focuses mostly on her sister, Tella. Legendary kept me guessing until the very end. I cannot wait to read Finale and i cannot recommend this series enough!

9. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

This book is like a soothing, hot cup of tea on a cold day. It is the epitome of a cozy read but also there is magic and a mystery. It’s eccentric and heartfelt and I just adored this one.

10. If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

This is a cozy, romance set in the ‘90’s in the fall and it perfectly encapsulates the warmth of the time period. It’s a slow burn and this whole novel just feels calm in the best way. Also, Michelle and her dog inexplicably talk to each other and I’ve seen people find that odd or are confused by that, but as an animal person, I 100% get it. I support the whimsy and I understand the vibes completely. 😌

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Let me know what books were your top reads of the year.

Thanks for reading!

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