2025 was a year of stories, romance, fantasy, historical fiction, and more. From surprising discoveries to familiar favourites, my shelves were overflowing and my TBR well-loved. This reading wrap-up captures the numbers, standout authors, and unforgettable reads that made this year one of my best yet.
The Perfect Marriage promised a sharp, twisty thriller but delivered utter chaos. With atrocious characterisation, implausible plotting, and a laughable investigation, this book unravelled fast. Its only mercy was its short length. An easy, unforgettable choice for my worst read of the year, and one I still regret picking up.
I couldn’t resist sharing the worst books I read this year. Ranked by trusty Fable ratings, these titles range from disappointing popular picks to Kindle Unlimited traps that promised intrigue but delivered far less.
Reflections and Resolutions looks back on a year shaped by books, growth, and intentional reading. From surpassing ambitious goals to reading more widely and deeply, this post reflects on how reading evolved, what it taught me, and the resolutions guiding my reading life into 2026.
Sweet Heat took me by surprise. What began with managed expectations quickly became a romance that delivered chemistry, emotional depth, and satisfying growth. Bolu Babalola crafts a second-chance love story that feels lived-in, culturally rich, and deeply rewarding, one that earned its place as my favourite romance of the year.
This year’s best romance top ten captures the stories that swept me away completely — the ones I devoured in hours, that made my heart race, ache, and soar. From indie gems to unforgettable favourites, each book delivered an emotional punch in its own way. These are the romances that truly stayed with me
Taylor Jenkins Reid is my Author of the Year! Discovering her in 2025 has led to five reads, several five-star ratings, and a few instant favourites. Whether it’s her best-known novels or her quieter titles, her work is filled with vivid characters and vibrant storytelling and never fails to stay with me.
Atmosphere has become my favourite book of the year, lingering in my mind long after I finished it. Joan’s quiet strength, her love for the universe, and the fierce, tender connections she builds left me completely undone. It’s raw, breath-taking, and beautifully crafted, a story of ambition, sacrifice, self-discovery, and love in all its forms.
This year’s top ten showcases the best books that challenged me, surprised me, and stayed with me long after I’d finished them. From acclaimed fiction to unexpected gems, each title earned its place by delivering something distinctive, memorable, or thought-provoking. These are the standout reads that truly defined my year.
Historical fiction became an unexpected love this year. These stories let me learn through the lives of others, stepping into different eras while still feeling deeply connected to the present. They lingered long after I finished, reminding me how much the past shapes us — and how powerful storytelling can be.
