My Top 25 Reads of 2025

This year has been a little different for me as I've really struggled at times to enjoy reading. I've found myself reading a lot slower and I admit that I did not finish more than a few books this year. I did enjoy reading 100 books though and I met my Goodreads goal! In no particular order, these are my Top 25 of 2025. I knew that some of these books would be top contenders before I'd even finished them. Others surprised me. Not every one of these books were among my 5-star reads, but every single one of these books stayed with me long after I turned the final page.

THE APPLE TREE

by JEWEL E. ANN

I'll just start off by saying that this is the year of Jewel E. Ann. She has a few amazing books in my top 25 this year and I honestly don't know how she does it. With every single book, this author has me falling so fast and hard for the hero. She has me envying the heroine. She breaks my heart with the angst and puts it all back together in a way that will leave a permanent mark.

Kyle is a 28 year old single dad who moves next door to his brother's best friend who also happens to be the small town preacher and father to Eve, an 18 year old free spirit. Eve starts babysitting for Kyle and she not only falls for 5 year old Josh, but the connection between Kyle and Eve is almost instant. In her, he sees his younger self. In him, she feels truly understood for the first time in her young life.

The Apple Tree had me swooning so hard over Kyle, and I wanted to be Eve...to relive being 18 and falling in love for the first time all over again. As with most of this author's characters, the banter and flirting between these two made this story all the better, and little Josh was a true scene stealer. While there were so many times in this book that I found myself laughing or smiling until my face hurt, it wouldn't be a Jewel E. Ann book without some tears. The drama, angst and heartbreak are all here, and while I didn't find this book to be as heart wrenching as the first book in this series, it still had me reading through tears more than once.

I was beyond excited to get a glimpse of Sarah and Isaac (from Sunday Morning). Their story was one of my top reads last year and it was no surprise that Kyle and Eve's story made this year's list.

WE BECOME RAVENS

by MARIA DEAN

Sometimes, I'll pick up a book on a whim, and that's what I did here. Maria Dean was a new-to-me author and a fantasy book typically isn't my go-to genre, but something about this book's blurb just called to me. So, I picked it up, and once I did, I didn't want to put it down.

When the man who killed Evangeline's twin brother asks her to meet him in prison, what could he possibly want other than her forgiveness? That's the one thing that she can never give Valdemar Montresor, but as he starts to reveal the secrets of the Raven Hands and the night that her brother died, Evangeline is caught between dreams and reality and she must seek the truth.

This story consumed me right from the start and it's hold on me only got stronger with every twist and turn. Valdemar had me in his grip from the moment that we swaggered into the visiting room. This is one of the sexiest stories that I read this year. That says a lot about this author considering that for much of this story, Evangeline and Valdemar are in a prison, separated by a table and overseen by guards.

Mystery, danger, suspense. This haunting story has all of that and more, all tied together with echoes of Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Raven'. This story surprised me again and again, and I found myself fascinated by these characters and their connection to each other. The way that this story played out had me turning the pages so fast, wanting to get to the end without wanting the story to be over.

FROM NOWHERE

by JEWEL E. ANN

This is the second book from Jewel E. Ann that made my list, and this one broke my heart, then put it back together in the most spectacular way.

I had been anxious to read Maren's story since I first started this series, and while you could totally read this as a standalone book, I highly recommend that you read From Air first. That's where you'll first meet Maren. She's an air tanker pilot who loves her job and is perfectly content living with her firefighter roommates.

Ozzy is a single dad who lost his wife in a car accident, so now, he and his daughter travel by bicycle only. He doesn't have room for anyone in his life except for his daughter, but then he meets Maren.

Maren and Ozzy have one of the funniest (and most awkward) meet cutes that I've ever read. As with all of this author's books, there are plenty of laughs to break up the drama and heartbreak. I'd find myself laughing one moment and tearing up the next. A couple of times, I may have even been laughing and crying simultaneously.

As much as I loved Maren and Ozzy (seriously, Jewel writes THE best leading men!), it was little Lola who stole the show and my heart. This is such a good series and I sure hope that we get Will's story next. I can't wait for it!

THE DRUMMER

by ALY STILES

Night Shifts Black came out over ten years ago. I first read it in 2018, and all of these years later, it's still one of those books that I've never truly forgotten. The story of a tormented, fallen rock star and a chair. That's how I've described it all of these years.

Luke and The Chair weren't the only stars of that story. It became Callie and Casey's story too, and now, we get to relive NSB but from Casey's POV. By the way, in case you don't already know, Casey is The Drummer of Night Shifts Black.

Since it's been so long since I read NSB, I'll admit that some of the details were a little faded. Man, did they all come rushing back to me though. Seeing this story told from Casey's perspective gave it a whole new layer, and although I knew how the story would end, it still took me on one seriously emotional roller coaster. It had been a little while since I'd cried so much while reading a book, and the fact that I already knew where the story was headed just shows the talent of this author.

I say it with every book that I read by Aly Stiles, but I'll keep on saying it: This woman can WRITE. Her writing is raw and so beautiful, poetic at times, and it draws you in and doesn't let go until you've turned the last page. Even then, I know that I'll be left thinking of her stories for days, months, years to come.

Aly Stiles is a musician as well as an author, and I encourage you to listen to the original track, Greetings From The Inside, when you're prompted to do so in this book. And if you haven't yet read Night Shifts Black, I encourage you to do that too before diving into The Drummer. While you could read this as a standalone, trust me when I tell you that you don't want to. This story is worth reading from two points of view.

ELEVEN LETTERS: A WORLD BEYOND SHORT STORY

by JARED MORRISON

This may be the first time that a short story has made my list of top reads, but this one just touched me in a way that is difficult to explain.

I loved writing letters and had several pen pals when I was young. Maybe that's why I'm drawn to books featuring letters, emails, texts, etc. So, it was the title of this short story that caught my attention. Having never read anything by this author before, I had no idea what to expect with this book.

It's a simple plot: Boxes of letters are found in a closet and eleven of them are published here. These love letters span decades and the story that they portray is heartbreaking.

This is a very short story that can be read in less than an hour, but wow, what an emotional journey. I never expected to find myself crying over these letters, but my heart absolutely broke for William and Ellie. The life that these letters portray is hopeful, frustrating, heartbreaking and beautiful.

A GOOD BOOK

by JEWEL E. ANN

Here's another Jewel E. Ann book on my list...

The Sunday Morning series has become an instant favorite, and Gabriella may be my new favorite Jacobson sister.

Gabby has her future all planned out. She's followed her crush (and sister's ex), Matt, to college and now she just has to patiently wait for him to fall in love with her so they can get married and live her dream together. Luckily, her best friend, Ben, is attending the same college. He has experience that Gabby doesn't so he can help her by teaching her to kiss, etc., but one of their kisses changes everything. Then, the unexpected changes everything again.

The thing that I love most about this author's books is that she adds an original spin to every single book. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. No matter the trope or storyline, each book has some aspect that is unique and this story is no different. There were twists and turns that I never saw coming, and just like real life, the twists are life changing and don't just miraculously get cleaned up by the last chapter. The journey that these characters find themselves on had my heart breaking, but I found myself smiling and laughing at times too, even through some of the toughest chapters.

I loved the relationships between Gabby and Ben, and Gabby and Matt too. The banter and chemistry is on point (as usual with this author's books). I loved seeing Gabby's sisters again too, and I honestly just never want this series to end.

If you're a fan of young adult, coming of age romance, this is one series that you definitely want to add to your TBR. It is absolutely one of the best.

LIAM

by JAY MCLEAN

This is a book that I didn't know that I needed. I've loved this series, loved these Preston brothers, and I didn't really expect to get a book for one of the twins. Now that I have? I need more!

Liam and Lincoln are identical twins, but their personalities are not the same. Liam is anxious and uncertain and is content to hide in his brother's shadow. He has Adelaide Baker to thank for that. Liam's childhood crush turned tormenter is back now and she's working for his family. To make matters worse, Liam and Addie are working in close quarters. Liam should want nothing to do with her, but he's still drawn to her. Once he understands Addie's childhood and the reason for her actions, he might be able to forgive her too.

I love the banter and antics between Liam and Linc (and all of the Preston family). This book is just so much FUN at times, but it is still quite an emotional read. Addie has been through so much in her young life, and because of that, Liam has also not had the childhood that he should have had. My heart broke for both of them. This story really is a journey. It's a journey of redemption, forgiveness and healing, and my broken heart was healed right along with these characters.

If you've read this series, Liam is a must read. If you haven't yet read this series, Liam is still a must read and could be read as a standalone (but trust me when I say that you'll want to start at the beginning). In my humble opinion, Jay McLean is one of the very best young adult romance authors. Every single book is an emotional ride that you never want to get off of. I was so happy to visit this world again, and the ending of this book? Oh my! I cannot wait to read Lincoln's story!!!

DID THEY BREAK YOU

by K.V. ROSE

I may have squealed a little when I realized that this book had been published, because when it comes to dark romance, K.V. Rose is my Queen and there is absolutely no one who can take her crown. I've been waiting five years for this book and it is an absolute page-turner.

Now, let me start off by saying one thing: Read the trigger warnings. Some readers will want to skip this one, but if you decide to proceed...

"Something bad happened to Remi."

West River High was pack territory, and Remi Ocean was made part of the wolf pack in one of the cruelest ways. "Nice boys do bad things" and Remi thought that Cortland was a nice boy. She felt safe with him until 'that day'. Now, a year later, Remi is trying to move on, but Cortland is back. He's back and he can't seem to let her go.

Between black and white, there is a lot of gray, and Remi and Cortland's story definitely falls in that area. I disliked quite a few characters in this book. At first, I thought that I'd dislike Cort too, but I just couldn't. Mistakes were made by everyone involved here and most of the characters do show regrets, especially Cortland. Remi and Cort's relationship doesn't make sense to anyone but them, and honestly, it doesn't make sense to them either half of the time.

As with all of this author's books, this story is dark and it's addictive. There were times when I was almost afraid to keep reading, but at the same time, I couldn't stop. Remi and Cort's story is one of hurt, healing, regret, redemption and forgiveness. It's one wild ride and my only complaint is that it had to end.

SEVERED HEART

by KATE STEWART

Severed Heart is the perfect title for this book, because it left me feeling like my heart had been sliced, diced and shredded. I knew that this one would hurt, but boy, it was a lot.

Before you can read this book, you must first read the Ravenhood series and then book one of the Ravenhood Legacy series. Seriously. You have to read them all and in order before getting to Tyler's story. Trust me on this.

That being said, this is Tyler's story and it's a doozy. I've loved Tyler ever since the beginning of the Ravenhood series, and I love him even more now. Tyler is a strong, loyal soldier, but he does have one weakness and her name is Delphine. Now, I will say that I haven't always been Delphine's biggest fan, but this book totally changed my opinion of her. She too is a strong and loyal soldier and her story totally broke me.

This one is a tearjerker. I'm talking swollen eyes, couldn't breathe, sobbing, ugly crying...I was a mess. I can't remember the last time that I cried this much over a book...maybe it was back when I read Exodus (Don't get me started on that one...)

This is a long book and it's only half of Tyler's story. It doesn't necessarily end with a 'happy for now' ending, but it doesn't end in a cliffhanger either. I can't wait to see where Tyler's story is headed. While I'd love to have the rest of his story now, I honestly think that I need the time before the next book just to recover from this one.

CRASHING WAVES

by KELSEY KINGSLEY

This is book one in the Lighthouse Duology and both books made my list of top reads this year.

It's my personal opinion that the difference between a good author and a great author is the ability to make me FEEL the story, and Kelsey Kingsley is one of the best. I don't just read her books, I feel every single emotion right along with the characters, and I definitely felt every moment with Max in this first half of his story.

I was intrigued by Max from the moment that I met him in The Spider & The Storm (but you don't have to read that book before this one). I knew that his story was going to break my heart, but I was not prepared for this level of heartache. Max's story starts as a child and things just go from bad to worse as he grows up. I couldn't even remember the last time that I'd been so angry on behalf of a character. I was angry, sad, heartbroken, and utterly devastated throughout this book. I felt it all.

EBBING TIDES

by KELSEY KINGSLEY

This is book two of the Lighthouse Duology and the conclusion of Max's story.

Oh. My. Heart.

You must read Crashing Waves before this book, and in it, you'll get to know Max. Your heart will break for him, you can trust me on that. Max has suffered far more cruelty and heartbreak than one man should have to endure, but now - ten years later, fate may be giving him a second chance.

I was so anxious and ready for the conclusion of Max's story, but at the same time, I didn't want to let him go after I turned the final page. I loved so many of the characters here, some that I met in previous books. I continued to dislike Max's dad with a fiery passion, but I will admit that he also brought about some of my heaviest tears. I cried A LOT throughout Max's story, which once again proves the raw talent of this author.

I've said it before, and I will continue to say it with every single book: Kelsey Kingsley is one of the best. This woman can write! She is one of a handful of authors that makes me feel it ALL. I leave her stories feeling like I've lived through them right along with these characters, and those are the books that I will remember. This is definitely one that I'll never forget.

SAVE YOUR BREATH

by KANDI STEINER

Save Your Breath is the fourth book in the Kings of the Ice series. You can totally read this as a standalone novel, but this is one of my favorite hockey series, so I'll go ahead and recommend that you start at the beginning if you haven't already.

Aleks and Mia have been friends since teenage Aleks left Switzerland to live with Mia's family and pursue his dream of joining the NHL. Young Mia had dreams of her own, and now, both of their dreams have come true. Mia is one of the hottest pop stars in the world and Aleks is part of a winning NHL team, but Aleks has a reputation for trouble and Mia needs to fix her image thanks to her ex. Their publicists come up with a way to solve both of their PR problems...a fake engagement. It's the perfect plan until they find themselves trapped together in a hurricane and they let their real feelings take over.

Let me just tell you now that I had not felt this level of angst from a Kandi Steiner book since The Best Kept Secrets series. I became so invested in Aleks and Mia's story that my heart physically ached for these two. At one point in this story, I was frantically turning the pages while simultaneously wanting to just close the book, because I was afraid of what I was going to read. I was seriously on the brink of an anxiety attack with this one!

I loved the banter and the friendship between these two. I loved the slow burn...and it is slooooow...but once it heats up, it gets HOT in here! This wasn't an ugly cry for me, but I definitely cried a few tears, and I just felt so much. All. The. Feels.

TRUST ME ALWAYS

by MEAGAN BRANDY

I always thought that those Brayshaw boys would be my favorite Meagan Brandy characters, but these Avix boys have definitely taken the throne. Oh, how I love these guys.

This is Cameron's story, and while you could read this as a standalone, I highly recommend that you start at the beginning of this series. I seriously want to go back and start over now to see what I may have missed the first time around.

Cameron's family of friends is seriously friendship goals. They look after each other and love each other unconditionally. Brady and Cam have been friends for as long as they can remember, and Brady would do anything for her. So, when Cam needs some space from her ex, Alister, Brady doesn't hesitate to come to her rescue. They'll just pretend to date until Cam can decide if she should give Alister another chance. Sounds simple enough, right?

Well, as with all of this author's books, there is nothing simple about this story. I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to play out. As I typically do, I had a clear favorite guy right from the start, but I really wasn't sure if I was cheering on the right one.

I love going back to this world and catching up with all of the characters. If you're a fan of sports romance, this is one that you don't want to miss.

DREAM ON

by JENNIFER HARTMANN

Hollywood romance isn't one of my go-to tropes, but Jennifer Hartmann is one of my go-to authors, and as with all of the books that she writes, this one is pure magic.

Stevie and Lex meet in high school. She's a small town farm girl with Hollywood dreams and he's a Hollywood star looking to step out of the spotlight. When they're cast together in a school performance, they form a bond that seems unbreakable but is quickly shattered.

Four years later, Lex has turned their story into a TV series leaving Stevie broken and betrayed. Then, he shows up with a proposal: a fake relationship that could be just the opportunity that Stevie has been dreaming of.

This story digs a lot deeper than I was first expecting, and I disliked some of these characters as much as I loved Stevie, Lex and several others. I thought that I might actually make it through the book without crying, but no, the tears definitely fell more than once.

This book is just another example of this author's exemplary storytelling. I was fully drawn into this world, and while I couldn't have asked for a better ending, I still wasn't ready to leave it. Now, I can only hope that we'll get Stevie's sister's story someday.

THE CASUALTY OF US

by R. PHILLIPS

What did I get myself into?! This book consumed me, then left me with a cliffhanger that gave me no clue as to where this story is headed!

If you've read this author before, then you know that she writes some pretty intricate and intriguing storylines. This story took some twists and turns, and I'll admit that I had to read a few passages more than once to keep up. Every time that I thought that I had the plot figured out, it would go off in another direction to keep me guessing.

I loved so many of these characters, and the friend group dynamics is strong (although I still had moments of distrust for just about everyone here!) I will be anxiously waiting to see how this story ends.

THE HOMEMAKER

by JEWEL E. ANN

And another one...I'm sure that I sound like a broken record, but I'm going to keep saying it anyway: Jewel E. Ann is one of the BEST romance authors out there today. Every. Single. Book. Every book is top notch. This one just might be my favorite of her books this year.

As with all of Jewel's books, The Homemaker is an original and unique story. This one is based on a TS song, Fortnight, but you don't have to be a Swiftie to love this book.

Alice Yates is hired to be the "homemaker" to a very affluent couple. It's a dream job until the couple's daughter comes home with her fiance, Murphy Paddon. Eight years ago, Alice rented a vacation home from Murphy and they had a fortnight affair. It ended tragically, and they've both seemingly moved on, but coming face-to-face again could upend both of their perfectly happy lives.

This is a forbidden romance and there will undoubtedly be readers who will have issues with the story, but I absolutely loved it. So much angst! My anxiety almost couldn't take the last hour and a half or so of this book! At one point, my heart felt like it hit the floor, and I honestly wasn't sure how this story might end. I loved both Alice and Murphy (this author seriously writes THE most swoony men), but I truly liked every single character in this story which only increased the angst and anxiety for me.

I laughed. I cried. I fell in love. My heart broke and it was pieced back together. I couldn't wait to get to the end, but I didn't want it to be over. I wanted more. I'm always left wanting more.

LITTLE PIECES OF LIGHT

by EMMA SCOTT

I absolutely love reading the words of Emma Scott. Once again, she left me with tears drying on my cheeks, but with a smile on my face and so much love in my heart for this book.

This is a young adult, coming of age romance, but please don't let that stop you if that doesn't seem like your cup of tea. This story is so much more than that, and if you're a fan of romance...true romance...then you're going to love this one.

Emery and Xander met at just 10 years old and it was one of the best and worst days of both of their young lives. They departed with a promise, but they both thought it was broken. Now, seven years later, Xander is back. His world is falling apart while Emery's life looks perfect from the outside, but looks can be deceiving.

I loved both Emery and Xander and so many of the secondary characters in their story. I also had a great deal of dislike for a couple of them too. This story was a page turner for me. I couldn't read fast enough, although there were times that I wanted to close the book for fear of what was coming.

I felt so much while reading these pages, and while this wasn't an ugly cry for me, I'd find myself with tears just flowing down my face. Then, I'd find myself smiling like a fool while my tears were still drying. That's the power of this author's writing. You don't just read this book. You feel it. You live it right along with these characters.

I hated to say goodbye to Emery and Xander, and I truly hope that we'll meet them again and get their friends' stories next.

THE OLDER BROTHER

by GINGER SCOTT

I've never been disappointed in any of Ginger Scott's books, but she's outdone herself with The Older Brother. This book is possibly the steamiest that she's written and it just has an edge that is new for her, and let me just say, I'm craving more of it.

Rowan is the older brother. He's Saylor's ex-boyfriend's older brother to be exact. He's only 6 years older than Saylor, but he used to babysit her and looked at her as a little sister. Until he didn't. Saylor is very much a woman now and Rowan has definitely taken notice.

Let's talk about Rowan. It's like this author peeked inside my head and wrote about the guy that I would have totally fallen for at Saylor's age. He's hot. He's the black sheep of the family. He's been in a little bit of trouble and he's got that bad boy vibe. Really though? Rowan is one of the good ones. What is not to love?

And Saylor. Well, I just love this girl. She's tired of being the good girl and living up to everyone else's expectations. She's ready to be a little wild and to live her own life, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her take what she wanted.

There is some pretty heavy family drama in this story, and it definitely went in a direction that I didn't see coming. I found this book to be a total page turner, and as much as I loved the ending, it still left me wanting even more.

KEEP ME NEVER

by MEAGAN BRANDY

I'm sad to say that we've come to the end of this series and this is Chase's story. There was a time, in the beginning of this series, when I liked Chase. Then, there came a time when I wished for Chase to get a never-ending case of jock itch. If there is one thing that I love though, it's a great redemption story, and oh boy, has Chase been redeemed.

Chase and his friends welcomed Paige into their group with open arms, and what an amazing friend group it is. We all should be so lucky as to have a found family like this one. Chase and Paige have seemed to crush on each other for a while, but Chase has broken enough hearts and lost so much already that he just feels undeserving of anyone's love. Add on a world of problems that no one seems to know about, and my heart broke for this guy.

As with all of this author's books, there are so many twists and turns, and just all of these things going on. It's sometimes hard to keep it all straight, and just when I start to like and trust a character, I'm given a reason not to. There were parts of this book that had me biting my nails and frantically flipping the pages, just hoping that I wasn't going to read what I was afraid was coming up. I felt it all. Frustration, anger, hope, despair, regret, betrayal, relief and love. So much love. I felt it all right along with these characters and I smiled, I laughed and I cried (a lot).

I couldn't have hoped for a better goodbye to this series and to these characters that I've loved so much, but I still didn't want it to end. So, I'll be sitting back now, hoping to meet the next generation of the Boys of Avix.

CATCHER'S LOCK

by A.K. BLYTHE

Welcome back to the circus. The author warns that "This is going to hurt," and it does. It hurts so good.

I've been anxious for Josha and Gem's story since I first glimpsed them in Unlocked Dive, and while you don't necessarily have to read that book (or the first book in the series) before this one, they're all so good that I recommend you do.

As for Josha and Gem, this is a childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance MM romance. Their friendship started as young teens and this story shows us parts of their past scattered throughout the present. They were each other's person, but Josha fell in love with Gem while Gem broke Josha's heart. Now, Josha wants to move on, but when Gem calls, Josha answers. Always.

This book deals with addiction, and just like in real life, that's not something that you can just tidy up and put away for a HEA. No, Josha and Gem have to put in the work to rebuild their friendship and their trust. They both have to accept the past if they have any hope of a future together.

As with all of the books in this series, there is plenty of family drama and angst. There is also plenty of steam (seriously, is it hot in here?) Even with all of the drama and darker themes, it's still fun to go back to the circus and seeing Echo again is definitely a highlight (IYKYK).

I absolutely love these broken boys, and if you are a fan of MM romance, I can't recommend this one enough.

TO CATCH A FIREFLY

by EMMY SANDERS

I saw this book recommended on social media. It was the cover that caught my attention first, and I must say that this cover is one of the most perfect representations of a character that I've seen. It's a beautiful image for a beautiful story and I'm not still not over it.

Ellis and Lucky meet when they're both in fifth grade. Lucky isn't happy about leaving the city to live in a small country town, but living next door to Ellis might make it tolerable. These boys couldn't be more different, but they form an inseparable bond that will follow them into adulthood. While Ellis is content with small town life, Lucky's dreams are much bigger. Ellis loves his best friend and can't stand the thought of ever losing him, which is exactly why he has to let him go.

This story drew me in right from the beginning. I loved silent Ellis and carefree Lucky, and although I found myself getting repeatedly frustrated with both of them, they kept me turning the pages at a frantic pace. These best friends couldn't have been more perfect for each other. Lucky never tried to "fix" Ellis or make him be someone that he wasn't, and although Ellis dreamed of keeping Lucky close by, he never wanted to clip his wings. There were so many secondary characters that I adored, especially Ellis's mom. Seriously, everyone deserves a mother like her.

The author did an excellent job of portraying Ellis as neurodivergent and selectively mute, and I appreciated how being diagnosed with ASD did not define his character. While Ellis was the strong silent type, Lucky was the "firefly" (as Ellis would call him) that just couldn't be contained. His sense of adventure and his zest for life made him a character that you'd want to know and see the world with, and like Ellis, I just couldn't help but fall in love with him.

This story is just so emotional and beautifully told. It's a slow burn that heats up in all of the best ways and it's the true definition of a LOVE story.

MY FAVORITE FAKE ROMANCE

by ELIZABETH O'ROARK

With every new book in this series, I claimed a new favorite couple and I did it again with Easton and Elijah.

Elijah is Easton's best friend's older brother. Easton grew up thinking that she'd marry Elijah someday, but then he broke her heart in the most devastating way. She's now moved on and was supposed to be marrying another man, but instead of proposing, he dumped her. Now, she'll be showing up to her best friend's wedding without a plus one. It's OK though, because Easton has a plan to win her man back. She'll just pretend to be dating Elijah as she helps him drive his grandmother across several states to the wedding. But what happens when fake starts to feel a little too real?

Before we get to Elijah and Easton, I have to mention Elijah's Grandma Cabot and her friend Betty. Oh my, these ladies were so much fun! They definitely brought the humor to this story even when it was getting a little angsty and slowly breaking my heart.

The chemistry between Elijah and Easton was top notch (as with all of this author's couples), but Elijah was giving me a bit of whiplash. There were some definite surprises thrown into this storyline and there were parts of this story where I was really dreading where it could be heading.

I found this book to be a real page-turner, and while I totally loved the ending, I still didn't want to say good-bye to this couple.

THE HOLY GRAIL

by D.E. DANIEL

The Moments duet was one of my top reads of last year, so I was beyond excited to learn that there was a spinoff book in the works. You really should read the duet before this one, and that's where you'll meet Jules.

Jules is the somewhat crazy best friend who is perfectly content to see her bestie happy and in love. Jules never really cared enough to be in a relationship, but she somehow finds herself falling in love with not one man, but two.

This is a poly relationship between Jules, Malcom and Evan, and everyone is together here, no cheating involved. It's a very slow burn, and since I was a big fan of Evan from the previous books, I was anxiously waiting for him to enter the relationship. What a revelation when he does!

I loved the banter, the group chat and the playfulness in this relationship, but it's not all fun and games. There are some heavy moments and more serious themes throughout this story as well. While I didn't find this book to be as emotional as the first two books set in this world, it still tugged at my heartstrings more than once.

D.E. Daniel has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

WHISKEY BARGAIN

by WALKER ROSE

If this book is any indication, the Foster House series is going to be one of my new favorites. Seriously, this story is so, so good! I really didn't want it to end.

Campbell's ex is marrying her cousin and they expect Campbell to plan their wedding. At first, Durban seems annoyed by Campbell's presence, but he soon wants to help her get through this wedding. Offering his services to give her a little stress relief is a win-win situation for them both and it's only meant to be temporary. Once the wedding is over, they'll move on. At least that's their agreement.

I loved this entire storyline, but I was honestly surprised at how emotional I became at times. My heart really did break for Campbell and the unfairness of this whole situation. Watching her dreams be stolen right out from under her had me fuming on her behalf and wanting to cry at the same time.

I adored Durban. He's a bit of a grump at first, but he definitely has a soft side and I loved seeing it come out, especially for his girl. Durban and Cameron definitely heat things up and they have an amazing chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. I loved how their relationship continued to grow stronger throughout their story.

This author is great at world building and this Foster House world and the families within it are sure to keep me coming back for more. I'm already looking forward to the next book.

BLOODTHIRSTY BELOVED

by ELLA FIELDS

I shouldn't be surprised that Ella Fields would sneak this book in right at year end and that it would be one of my top reads of the year.

I've found myself in a bit of a book funk over the past couple of months and this was the perfect book to get me out of it. I absolutely adored Brey and Ethel and this pair has totally rekindled my love of vampire romance.

King Breyron is looking for a wife. Ethel has no intention of ever getting married. Unfortunately for her, Ethel's father has made a deal with the King. It seems as though the King's search for a bride has brought him to her palace and he wants no other. The King is determined to make Ethel love him, and he does just that. Until they get married. Since breaking Brey's heart, the Queen and King have lived as enemies in their palace, but it's time that they put their feelings aside to feed the wards that protect vampirekind.

While this romantasy does have some darker elements, it's not really what I'd consider a dark romance. The banter and and bickering between Brey and Ethel kept me entertained and flipping the pages. I smiled and laughed so much throughout this story and I didn't want to see it end. I have definitely found myself a new favorite vampire couple with these two.

It's not all fun and games though. There was some nail biting angst and a little bit of heartbreak throughout these pages too. Second chance romance is my absolute favorite, and at the heart of the story, that's truly what this is and I could not get enough of it.

That's it, 2025 is a wrap! Looking ahead to 2026, I want to take the stress out of reading again. For me, that means fewer ARCs, fewer Street Teams, and a lower reading goal. It does not mean that I'll stop supporting indie authors or that I won't be reading every day. I still hope to discover some amazing debut and new-to-me authors in the New Year, and I really hope that I'll get out of this funk that I've been in for the last few months of 2025. Here's to a Happy New Year filled with good books!