Here’s my list of the amazing books of 2025 that I read and why I think you should read them if you haven’t already!
At the end of every year, I make a list of my favorite books from the year. These books below have stayed with me since I finished them. I think about these books from time to time. These 15 amazing books of 2025 are broken down by thrillers, romance, top fiction books, and some fantasy books. I hope these books make your top list at the end of the year.
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Amazing Books of 2025: The Thrillers You’ll Devour!
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney: This was one of my in-person book club choices, and I loved this book. Alice Feeney is one of my favorite thriller writers. She writes in such a way that you’ll never really know what is going to happen next.
Get Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/3Le0Yti
Only One Left by Riley Stager: In the last year, I listened to many thrillers on audiobook. The Only One Left is one that I still think about, and I read it last January. It was dark and twisty. The story gives off Lizzie Borden vibes with the nursery chant, and I wanted to know if Lenora really killed her family. This book will leave you guessing until the end.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4aMVj7S
Grey After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli: This book answers the question for women about whether they would want to see a bear or a man in the woods. This is based on a true story of two men who kidnapped women from the woods and kept them. You root for the main character and her best friend, who comes looking for her. You’ll hold your breath while reading this book.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4staY2l
Deeper Than Dead by Tami Hoag: If you are looking for a psychological thriller that gives Hannibal Lecter vibes, then this book is for you. Yes, the story isn’t new, but Tami Hoag has a beautiful way with words that makes you feel like you are in that small town in 1985. You’ll be on the edge of your seat and won’t be able to put this book down.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/49aN44k
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney: Although this book isn’t officially published until this month, I read it last year, so I’m counting it. You can’t go wrong with an Alice Feeney book. If you want the full review, check out: My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney: A NetGalley Review
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/44XDsY4
Amazing Books of 2025: The Romances that are Swoon Worthy
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams: The Rule Book features college exes who must work together to advance their careers. Nora is a sports agent who has a new client, Derek, who is her ex, whose heart she broke. This is an enemies-to-lovers and great for anyone who loves a good sports romance book.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/49GK0Nk
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan: This book is perfect for anyone who grew up watching Nickelodeon shows with a character who’s the butt of the jokes. This book wonders what happens when those actresses grow up and how these characters shape their lives. My full review is here: It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan NetGalley Book Review
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/49nrCI3
One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune: If you are a fan of summer romance novels and haven’t checked out Carly Fortune’s books, then you need to get on it! One Golden Summer is about Alice, who wants to spend the summer taking care of her grandmother in her favorite place on Earth. The one thing she didn’t expect was Charlie Florek.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/3LzxK8f
Everything’s Coming up Rosie by Courtney Walsh: This book is perfect for anyone who’s a theatre fan. Rosie is offered a job as director of a small production of Cinderella in Wisconsin. Rosie wants to be an actress, but since this is the only job offering, she takes it. As she gets to know the people of the community and makes a life for herself, she must accept that the life you planned might no longer be the life you wants.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/49uvUxt
And Now Back To You by B.K. Borison: This book isn’t released until February 24th, and I received this to review. My full review will be on the blog soon but I absolutely loved this book. This is book two in the Heartstrings series. If you’re looking for a forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers book, then you should read this one this year!
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4jsGBoA
Amazing Books of 2025: Fiction Books that are Worth The Hype
The Favorites by Layne Fargo: If you loved Daisy Jones and The Six, then you’ll love The Favorites. It’s the 10th anniversary of a final skate between the world’s most addicting skating couple. In honor of that, there are a bunch of interviews with people around the couple explaining what happened. This book is amazing on audiobook because each person’s interview feels more intimate.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4qAVyHz
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall: This is on everyone’s top list of books for 2025 for a reason. It’s full of drama and is a compelling story about a woman whose life is turned upside down when her ex-lover comes back with a son. The woman is married but falls in love with the child in a maternal way. There’s a death and dual timelines that leave you wondering who died and how this comes to be.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/3N9L9UW
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This book is another one of those books that make everyone’s amazing books of 2025. If you are a fan of historical fiction books with strong, complex female characters, then you’ll love this book. I listened to this audiobook, and it was superb!
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/45kBaTd
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If You are Looking for Fantasy or Magical Realism Awesome Books
An Unlikely Coven by A.M. Kvita: I’m not a big magical realism fan, but this book felt like reading a great book series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. A book where found family is sometimes better than the family you’re born into. My full review of this book is here: An Unlikely Coven by AM Kvita NetGalley Book Review
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4pxtlAF
Nightweaver by R.M. Gray: Again, this is another book from a genre I don’t typically lean towards, but I really enjoyed this book. Nightweaver is a pirate fantasy book with people who have magical powers. The was R.M. Gray describes the scenes that make you feel like you’re there. A great book if you want to get lost in a different world.
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4qsnaPP
Final Thoughts
These 15 books are all worth reading, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Now it’s your turn. Let me know what your favorite books of 2025 were in the comments below. I love hearing from all of you. If you have read any of these books and want to talk about them you can follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kels.reading/
Lastly, if you enjoyed this post, please share it on your social media. I appreciate all the love and support.
Thanks for reading,
Kel
