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I've had the great pleasure of reading so many incredible books this year and out of the 73 books I've read so far, I've found so many new favourites that I can see myself revisiting again and again.
The way I rate books is purely on vibes. I'm not looking for a literary masterpiece, I'm looking for a book that will make me forget that I'm reading. So if you're expecting a list of thought provoking literary fiction then I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place.
What you can expect from this list is a combination of tension filled, sometimes corny, definitely over-dramatic, contemporary romance, fantasy, and fantasy romance. So if you enjoy those genres, then definitely check out these books.
Powerless, Lauren Roberts
I read this book early on in the year and it completely swept me up. It's definitely not the most complex plot, but the characters are compelling and have great banter. This book has been described as Red Queen meets Hunger Games and I would say that's pretty accurate.
In this world, anyone born without power is banished from the Kingdom and shunned from society. Paedyn Gray was born powerless but has managed to conceal her lack of power by using her skills of perception to pose as a Psychic. When she saves the life of one of the Kingdom's prince's, Kai Azer, she is thrust into the world of the Elites and entered into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition showcasing the Elite's powers.
The banter in this book is delicious and it's one of those mindless books that you can immerse yourself in.I also really enjoyed the trial element in this book and found myself flipping through pages, desperate to know who was going to win.
Book Lovers, Emily Henry
This was the first book I ever read by Emily Henry and it definitely didn't disappoint. This book follows Nora Stephens, literary agent and the opposite of the romantic heroines from the books her clients publish. She's a prickly, uptight, workaholic who dedicates herself wholy to her clients and is even nicknamed 'the shark'.
When her sister Libby, begs her to visit the idyllic backdrop for a small town romance, Sunshine Falls, Nora reluctantly agrees. She decides it's time for her to have her small town transformation and finally become the heroine of her own story that meets a burly small town man to sweep her off her feet.
What Nora doesn't expect is to run into her literary rival, Charlie Lastra, a bookish, brooding editor from the city.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Heather Fawcett
I really didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. As a romance heavy reader, I'd been told that this book was light on the romance and heavy on the whimsy; and while they were right, I absolutely loved this book.
Emily Wilde, an eccentric professor and faerie scholar, travels to a remote northern village to document elusive fae lore. Immersed in her research, she uncovers dangerous magic, the secrets of her charming rival Wendell Bambleby, and an unexpected bond with the locals. As her work progresses, Emily must navigate the enchanting and perilous world of the Fair Folk while discovering the transformative power of friendship, love, and opening her heart.
Although the romance is secondary to the plot, this whole story is thoroughly enjoyable. Emily feels like such a well rounded and interesting character and even though she's definitely different to the heroine's I usually read about, I absolutely adore her.
Bride, Ali Hazelwood
Now I don't know what Ali Hazelwood is putting into her books to make them so addictive to me, but Bride has to be my favourite book she's ever written. It was her first time dipping her toe into the world of paranormal romance and I absolutely ate this up. Who doesn't love a good arranged marriage for the good of the people plot?
In this fresh take on paranormal romance, Misery Lark, the outcast daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, enters a marriage of convenience with Lowe Moreland, a commanding Alpha Werewolf, to preserve peace between their factions. Misery’s hidden motives clash with Lowe’s fierce sense of justice, leading to a relationship fraught with mistrust and simmering tension. As they navigate dangerous alliances and personal agendas, they uncover a connection that challenges their perceptions of loyalty, power, and love.
Is this the most complex, well written novel in the world? No, but I don't need it to be. It has the perfect mix of paranormal romance tropes and Ali Hazelwood pulls it off in a way that is so addictive and enjoyable to read. I couldn't get enough of this book and every time I glanced down and saw how much I had left, I was hoping it was longer which I feel is the sign of a great book.
Just for the Summer, Abby Jimenez
I'd heard a lot of hype around Abby Jimenez this year so I finally gave in and picked up one of her books and I was cursing myself for not doing so sooner. These books are such easy rom-com reads with characters that have real problems but such incredible chemistry.
This book is the third book in the 'Part of Your World' series and although they are all fantastic reads, this one has to be my favourite thus far.
Justin is cursed: every woman he dates finds true love—just not with him. When Emma, sharing a similar curse, proposes they date and break up to cancel out their bad luck, it seems like a perfect plan. Renting a cozy island cottage, their summer fling gets complicated with unexpected family challenges, Emma’s past, and undeniable feelings. What if their crazy scheme isn’t about ending curses but finding love with each other?
The Fake Out, Stephanie Archer
I read this book on a whim because it kept being recommended in my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I assumed it was just going to be a knock-off version of 'Icebreaker', given it's virality and the massive increase in hockey romances following its success, but thankfully, I was completely mistaken.
Although this book isn't groundbreaking and it follows the tried and true fake dating trope, there was something about it that was so delicious to read. This book completely captured my attention and I couldn't put it down, the chemistry between Rory and Hazel was so fun to read.
To get revenge on her awful ex, the Hazel fake dates Rory Miller, a charming pro hockey star and her ex’s rival. What starts as a playful scheme grows complicated as Rory’s sweet, protective side emerges. Between skating lessons, rule-breaking hookups, and stolen kisses, lines blur. As their connection deepens, she begins to question if Rory was ever pretending—or if their fake relationship might be the real deal.
Hopeless, Elsie Silver
This one took me completely by surprise if I'm being honest. I had read Elsie Silver's Off to the Races series, and while I enjoyed it, they weren't five star reads. Going into this book, I had low expectations. I was looking for a fluffy, happily ever after romance that would occupy my commute. I didn't expect to be completely swept up in the story and read the whole book in under twelve hours.
In Hopeless by Elsie Silver, Beau Eaton, a gruff war hero with a complicated past, proposes a fake engagement to bartender Sloane Bishop, a young woman eager to escape her family’s tarnished reputation. What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement to deflect judgment and familial pressure evolves into an intense connection. As boundaries blur and genuine emotions emerge, both must confront their fears and decide if love can rewrite their futures.
The age difference between these two would horrify me in real life (she's 19, he's 35), but I was able to look past it while reading just enjoy it for what it was. The chemistry between these characters was great and I was really rooting for both of them.
Throne of the Fallen, Kerri Maniscalco
If you're a romantasy girlie and you haven't read this book, drop everything right now and pick it up. This series is set in the same world as the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy, however I don't feel like you need to read that series and in all honestly I would advise against it.
In Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco, the cunning Prince of Envy, driven by a deadly game threatening his demon court, crosses paths with Camilla Antonius, a virtuous artist drawn into his schemes to save herself from scandal. As they navigate treacherous realms of the Underworld, battling riddles and danger, their alliance sparks an unexpected and forbidden passion that could be their salvation—or their undoing. A tale of sin, secrets, and seduction unfolds.
The world in this book feels immersive and magical with hexed objects, scheming courtiers and the seven deadly princes of Hell. The playful banter and games between Envy and Camilla will also have flipping through pages, desperate to know what happens next.
Honourable mentions
Although these books aren't my top books of the year, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading them and would recommend checking them out.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
A thoughtful letter sparks an unexpected connection between two doctors, leading to a relationship that blurs the lines between friendship and something more. Together, they navigate personal struggles and learn how love can heal even the deepest wounds.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
A gifted artist’s craft draws her into the dangerous and beautiful world of the fae, where creating emotion is forbidden. As she journeys through their treacherous realm, her connection to an enigmatic fae prince is tested.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
A magical apartment brings two people together across time, challenging their perceptions of love and destiny. Their fleeting connection offers a bittersweet exploration of timing, fate, and second chances.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
A mysterious killer crosses paths with a professional assassin, igniting a deadly, unconventional bond. In a world of violence and chaos, they find an unexpected connection that defies the rules.
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine’s complicated relationship unfolds amidst glamorous London high society. Their connection is both intoxicating and tumultuous, marked by love, heartbreak, and unresolved tension.
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