My Favorite Reads of 2025

 

My Favorites of the Year

I have been working my way through my tbr in 2025 and unfortunately dnf'd quite a few. I have so many books I purchased ages ago and I think my taste might have changed a bit. I'm slowing down on physical book purchases in 2026 so I can get through more of the books I already own before my taste changes again. 

But it wasn't all dreary dnf's. I read quite a few gems in 2025 too! Most of them happened to be newish books. I was mostly into gothic horror novels in 2025 and that doesn't seem to be slowing down. Fortunately, I have a bunch sitting here so 2026 may look similar. In no particular order, these were my favorite reads of 2025.

"Hazelthorn is a gorgeously written tale of a gothic mansion and a terrible garden filled with secrets but it’s so much more. It’s lush and grotesque and imaginative and filled with physical and emotional pain and it all comes together in the loveliest way."

Complete review here.

"I really enjoyed The Ghost Woods and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy an old school feeling gothic. It was creepy, suspenseful and I didn’t feel it ever get bogged down with tedium as so many books do lately."

Complete review here.

"There were surprises and heartbreak and care taken with those experiencing the decline of their minds and bodies. There was even a moment that made me get all bleary eyed as I was cooking dinner. It takes a lot for a book to actually move me to tears, but this damn book got me when I wasn’t expecting it. Five stars just for that moment alone."

Complete review here.

"This book was lunacy and I loved every page! It’s not for the faint of heart, there’s a lot of terrible and gruesome surprises."

Goodreads mini review here. 

"It's a bit heartbreaking and bleak and, of course, some people are disgustingly hateful but somehow the book never feels despairingly heavy. I enjoyed it so much more than expected (I read it for a book group chat) though I don't think "enjoy" is the appropriate word here as it's an upsetting and gory read but I am glad I didn't let it sit around unread for years. It read like a modern-day horror movie that gets the balance of heart and chills just right."

Complete review here.

"Dunn does the slow-paced gothic atmosphere perfectly, setting each scene with careful detail. If you're in the mood to fall into a book like this one, I highly recommend it." 

Complete review here.

"This book was lovely and charming, and I highly recommend it if your feelings need a break."

Complete review here.

"The writing is heartfelt and inspiring and sometimes heart breaking. It’s about a man who gives his all to care for the dogs who give him all of their love in return."

Goodreads mini review here.

"I loved and adored everything about this book. It’s a lovely romance on its surface but there are sinister moments that peek through and the slow burn really pays off in the last few acts."

Complete review here.

"This was adorable and I would read these types of romances all day, every day if I could find more. It's fun, it's sweet, it's super cute and it has the Mulder/Scully dynamic going for it from the first meeting. 

Goodreads mini review here.

I also apparently read 11 of the "most read books" according to Goodreads. Several were very good but only one managed to stick with me. 1984 was a reread and I can't say it's ever been a favorite. I guess my taste is weird. I'm good with that. 

Let me know in the comments if you happened to read any of these and I'd love to read your list of favorites. If you have a list please post the link!