2025 Year of Books Reviews
Yearly book challenges are always something I have found fun. Typically, people set a goal to read a certain number of books each year, and sometimes we succeed, sometimes not. I’ve been a psych thriller/mystery reader for as long as I can remember. Started with my love of Goosebumps and moving into R.L. Stine’s teen novels and now some of my favorite writers are B.A. Paris, Ruth Ware, and Lucy Foley.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve decided that my goal needs to be expanding my genre horizon! In the recent years, in December, I’ve asked for book recommendations from others in order to help me expand. 2025 was the second year I’ve done this. I take 12 of these recs, the majority outside of my “comfort zone,” wrap them up and choose one each month! I’ve come to realize I do enjoy all types of genres. I do read other books as well, but this ensures I read at minimum 12 books a year and explore varying genres. This is my year-end-review of the 12 books that I read that were recommended to me for my own personal “suprise” books of 2025.
I will not be giving very detailed review of the books as I do not wanted to give away spoilers and allow others to enjoy as they see fit. So, these will be general thoughts while reading as well as maybe some trigger warnings and basically if I think they are worth the read or not. Overall, these books were all pretty good and deserve a chance!
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The Lies You Wrote - Brianna Labuskes - January
Psychological/Crime Fiction
I started the year off with my fave genre, but just by accident - remember, the books were wrapped! As an English teacher, an avid lover of true crime, and podcasts, this was a great read! An FBI linguist is working to solve a new case that is similar to a case that occured 25 years ago. This is the first book in a series. While I’m ashamed to say, I haven’t, yet, read the remainder of the books in the series, I will. I also enjoyed the format of the book as it swithced P.O.Vs and structures. Some great twists and the ending comes together unexpectedly. I would give this one a must read especially if you enjoy this genre.
Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros - February
Romantasy (Romance Fantasy)
Ok, full disclosure…I picked this one myself! The first one was recommended to me thought in past, so I had to continue the years! 5 STARS!!! This is the third book in the Fourth Wing series. The best to describe it is a mix of Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones meets Hunger Games with a little bit of soft-core “fun!” Humans…and dragons! It does have a bit of slow start, but worth it! Best 800 pages in one sitting! Yay Sundays! Absolutely a must! But, obviously, start with Fourth Wing!
Rebecca has actually become one of my favorite authors. She has several genres she writes in, and you’ll see another by her coming up.
Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt - March
Contemporary Fiction
Who would think an octopus could make such a great impact on human life? Another must read for me! This is very heartwarming and even has a touch of mystery! Very unique in the way an octopus, a 70-year old woman, and a 30-year old man lives intertwine. Fantastical fiction at it’s finest!
The Only One Left - Riley Sager - April
Gothic Thriller
Riley Sager is making his way to my favorites list. Another must read! Full of twists and turns and falls into the Gothic thriller genre. Fast-paced and ghostly! The main character has been accused of murder and now only communicates via typewriter to her caregiver.
In the Likely Event- Rebecca Yarros - May
Contemporary/Military Romance
I wouldn’t read this one while on a plane if planes make you nervous! This was the third book (I’ll count the Fourth Wing series as one) I’ve read by Rebecca Yarros. She turned me to historical fiction fan! This one is more military based fiction in some aspects and is generally a romance read. A sweet story that brings two people together in a unique way. I enjoyed it. Definely should read if you are considering becoming a “romance” reader. Although I have minimal experience in this genre as I tend to find them far-fetched and unrealistic! So for someone who does not like romance, I did enjoy this book and would read it again.
Beartown- Fredrik Backman - June
Contemporary Fiction
A “stereotypical” sports story where the star player finds himself in some hot water for an assult on a female. This tears the town apart where the hockey team is the backbone of their community. It is long and slow-paced; however the story is solid. Several relatable themes are throughout the novel - loyalty, community, morality, love, betrayal, etc. I would say read if you have time and want to! I did purchase the other two books in the series but haven’t jumpted to start them yet! I know several people who did enjoy this book - and I did too, but it’s not one where I was blown away and glad to have read it. Honestly, this one is a take it or leave it.
Daisy Darker - Alice Feeny - July
Thriller/Suspense
This story takes place all in one night while celebrating the matriarch of the Darker family’s 80th birthday. A whodunit with twists and turns along the way. I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t much of fan of Rock, Paper, Scissors of hers, but this one was a win for me! Give this one a read!
The Masterpiece - Francine Rivers - August
Christian Fiction
The Masterpiece story is well-developed and thought-provoking, with characters that are easy to connect with. The book has a positive message but does not feel heavy-handed or preachy, making it a compelling read that stands on its own. Even you are not a Christian or Christain reader, this book is still enjoyable.
The Unhoneymooners - Christina Lauren - September
Romantic Comedy
I really enjoyed The Unhoneymooners, which was a surprise since romance is usually my least favorite genre. It had me laughing more than once and was just fun to read. The story is light and entertaining, making it a perfect beach or vacation read. Not too heavy. Nice, easy, and entertaining!
The Push - Ashley Audrain - October
Psych Thriller/Domestic Suspense
The Push was a decent read, but I have to say it was really hard for me as a mom. The story is gripping and well-written, but some of the things the characters go through hit me hard on a personal level. It is definitely worth reading if you like psychological thrillers, but be warned—it is not an easy or light read.
Dark Matter - Blake Crouch - November
Sciene Fiction
This was a very interesting book to say the least. While I’m not well-versed in quantum physics, which may have made this book a little more understandable, it was still an interesting read. My knowledge on this subject is lacking so it can make for some confusion while reading; however, the overall story was good and really makes you thing about appreciating what you have. If you haven’t taken the leap to Sci-Fi, I’d say this is a good intro read.
The Grace Year - Kim Ligget - December
Young Adult Dystopian Thriller
The Grace Year was a fascinating and often frustrating read. I found myself getting angry at the characters many times, though I recognize it is not really their fault because they were shaped by the society in which they were raised. As a female reader, the lack of value placed on women (and even by women) throughout the novel was particularly upsetting. Overall, I would give it about 3.5 stars. It is not a bad read and is worth exploring if you enjoy this genre or have the time, but it is not a must-read for me.