I’m rounding up my favorite books I read in 2025 (I read 24 in total!) Last year, Danny got me a Kindle for Christmas (the battery life on this one is insane), and, although I’ll always feel nostalgic for a good paperback, it’s been a game changer in my reading habits. I check out books through our library on the Libby app (check to see if your local library uses it!) You won’t get any new releases this way, but you can definitely put some on hold for future reading. I send the book through the Libby app to my Kindle, and it’s even connected to my Goodreads account which tracks the books I’m reading. If I have an appointment, a long car ride, or plan to be waiting in line somewhere, I throw the Kindle in my purse. I’ve read so much more this year than in past years. Don’t get me wrong, I will always love a charming bookstore (and I visit our local one often), but having my Libby/Kindle situation has been amazing.
I’m a bit of a genre-hopper and like everything from self-help to cheesy romcoms so you’ll find a variety in this list. I love hearing what books people are enjoying so if you have a recommendation, please leave it in the comments.
The Best Books I Read in 2025
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
For me, this writing duo can do no wrong, and I’ve pretty much been enjoyed every book they’ve written. They always mange to have a perfect mix of plot, witty dialogue, and love (with a little spice, too.) In this one, a starving artist named Anna, pretends to be wed to a wealthy guy to fool his family (and get a big inheritance.)
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Another of my favorite authors, this is a great summer read (or read it now and dream of warm weather.) Just a lovely well written love story.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This might have been my favorite book I read this year. I saw that Netflix was adapting it into a film! In it, three lost souls (one being a giant Pacific octopus) find an unexpected connection while navigating tough circumstances.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
This book was one of the most popular ones this year, so if you’re a reader, you’ve probably heard about it. The protagonist, Phoebe has hit rock bottom. Left by her husband after infertility and in an uninspired career, she goes to her dream hotel to end her life, but instead, becomes part of a wedding party who has taken over the hotel for the weekend. I enjoyed this one!
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
This was my favorite romance book I read this year. It’s a lovers to enemies to lovers again novol with a lot of heart. Another good summer read!
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This book received several awards so even though the plot didn’t really interest me from the description (it’s about two video game designers), I decided to check it out anyway. It was really good – beautifully written with good character development and an interesting story.
A Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
I always love a good romance by Emily Henry, and although this isn’t my favorite book of hers (it’s Book Lovers for me), I was still highly entertained and going to bed early to read it.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
I found this book so insightful and recommend it to those of you working in a knowledge based field. The author explains why you should focus on deep (undistracted) work over shallow work and how to implement the technique in your career. I was so inspired, I added this to my 2026 goals!
I always wanted to give an honorable mention to the Dream Harbor series. They aren’t exactly the most well written works of literature I’ve ever read, but I devoured all five within a span of a couple months. The series is great if you need a sweet and spicy love story to escape the seriousness of the world right now.
Buy the Books
Read More:
Self Help Books That Changed My Life
The Best Books I Read in 2023
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