2025 Reads | Tawni’s Book Nook
2025 was an incredible year for reading. In this 2025 books I read recap, I’m sharing all 23 of the books I read in 2025, including romance favorites, thrillers, and a few surprises.
By the end of the year, I finished 23 books. As a result, this became my most successful reading year yet since starting my reading journey again in 2024.
Along the way, this year also marked a big milestone for me personally. I explored new genres, discovered several new authors, and even read my first thriller novel. At first, it started as a casual reading goal. However, it quickly turned into a full-blown obsession with getting lost in stories.
According to Goodreads, I read 7,798 pages in 2025. In fact, that is apparently enough pages to cross the Golden Gate Bridge with pages to spare, which honestly feels pretty fitting for someone living in the Bay Area.
Looking back at the 2025 books I read, I’m surprised by how many different genres I explored this year. For example, I discovered that I love psychological thrillers just as much as romance novels.
Even more exciting, Goodreads recognized me as a Top 25% reader and a Top 10% reviewer. Because of that, it made me smile knowing that my reviews are helping other readers discover new books.
Genres I Discovered From the Books I Read in 2025
This year, two genres clearly stole my heart:
- Romance
- Mystery & Thriller
Romance will always be my comfort genre, but thrillers surprised me the most this year. I went into my first one not knowing what to expect and ended up loving the suspense, twists, and constant guessing.
The 2025 Books I Read This Year
Here is the complete list of the 2025 books I read, along with my ratings and thoughts on each one.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Omg. I loved this story so much.
There are moments where you want to root for the main characters, but then life unexpectedly takes another turn and you end up happy for the changes that happen instead. This book takes readers through friendship, love, relationships, grief, and loss.
It really makes you think about fate and trusting your instincts when life throws unexpected moments your way.
I cried, smiled, laughed, and admired the characters throughout the entire read. Highly recommend.
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Omg, I loved this book. I truly could not put it down.
This was absolutely a magical Cinderella story set within the Bridgerton world. The banter between Benedict and Sophie was delightful, and the family bond between the Bridgertons and Sophie was incredibly heartwarming.
This book had me laughing, crying, and smiling from start to finish.
Side note: the Colin scenes referencing Penelope had me emotional. I was already preparing myself to read my favorite couple next.
Team Polin forever.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
POLIN FOREVER.
This is easily my favorite book in the Bridgerton series so far. I watched Season 3 before reading the book, and honestly, I love how both versions tell the same story in different ways.
The show allowed Penelope to step fully into herself as a woman, while the book gave Colin deeper personal growth beyond simply being “a Bridgerton.”
Comparing the two has been such a joy because each version captures the same story in unique ways. Both are beautiful in their own right.
Colin “My Wife” Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington will forever have my heart.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Icebreaker was a fun and sexy sports romance that I really enjoyed overall.
The middle of the book dragged a bit with some repetitive moments, which slowed the pacing for me. However, once the romance began building again, the character development really started to shine.
Anastasia’s decision to attend therapy and pursue her dreams even when relationships were holding her back was incredibly inspiring.
What really stood out in this story was the friendships. They were warm, supportive, and beautifully written.
You can read my full review here:
https://tawnijanine.com/icebreaker-book-review-hannah-grace/
That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Whoa. This book was a twisted, mind-bending ride.
As my first thriller novel, I was not sure what to expect, but it completely hooked me. The story constantly made me question what was actually happening.
The story alternates between two perspectives: Mary, the girl found in a ditch with no memory, and Drew, whose girlfriend Lola is missing.
Just when you think you know the answer, the story twists again.
If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one is definitely worth the read.
You can read my full review here:
https://tawnijanine.com/blog/thats-not-my-name-by-megan-lally/
Housebroke by Jaci Burton
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Housebroke was such a cozy and heartwarming romance.
I absolutely loved all the foster dogs Hazel cared for throughout the story. Each one added charm and personality to the book.
Hazel herself is strong, independent, and inspiring. Watching her grow into the woman she chooses to become was incredibly empowering.
And Linc? Total catch.
If you love romance novels with adorable dogs and cozy vibes, this one is for you.
You can read my full review here:
https://tawnijanine.com/blog/housebroke-by-jaci-burton/
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
This one took me a long time to finish.
Unfortunately, the romance just did not click for me the way I hoped it would. The story jumps frequently between past summer trips and the present timeline, which made the pacing feel confusing.
While there were some cute moments, I struggled to believe the chemistry between the main characters.
Maybe the movie adaptation will change my mind.
You can read my full review here:
https://tawnijanine.com/blog/people-we-meet-on-vacation-review/
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
What a beautiful love story.
My Oxford Year explores love, grief, banter, and self discovery in such a meaningful way. I found myself completely absorbed in the emotional journey of the characters.
I am incredibly excited to see this story adapted on screen starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest.
Breakaway by Grace Reilly
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Grace Reilly did it again.
Breakaway delivered everything I love about a friends-with-benefits-to-lovers story. Penny and Cooper had incredible chemistry, and the emotional depth of the story made it even stronger.
Penny’s healing journey was powerful, and Cooper was the ultimate supportive partner.
I am completely obsessed with this book.
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This was such a fun mystery read.
I watched the Netflix series before reading the book, so it was fascinating to see how different the two versions actually are.
The shifting perspectives kept the story interesting and helped build the mystery surrounding Merritt’s death.
Even knowing parts of the story already, the book still kept me guessing.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
This book definitely reads as a younger YA story.
Compared to the show, the book feels more immature at times, especially with Belly’s character. Conrad also comes across much harsher than in the show.
Still, since I love the TV adaptation, I decided to continue the series.
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Book two felt similar to the first, but the emotional moments hit harder.
Susannah’s death added a deeper emotional weight to the story, and it made the characters feel more vulnerable.
While I still had frustrations with Belly and Conrad, I did enjoy the story more than the show adaptation.
We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Team Conrad forever.
This final book in the trilogy was miles better than the first two. It felt more mature, emotional, and satisfying.
I laughed, cried, and absolutely loved how the story concluded.
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
This book completely wrecked me in the best way.
At its core, this story is about the complicated bond between a mother and daughter navigating grief and rebuilding their lives.
The emotional growth of the characters was beautiful, and the ending felt both healing and hopeful.
Stealing Home by Grace Reilly
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
While I enjoyed this installment in the Callahan series, it did not quite hit the same emotional highs as the earlier books.
Sebastian remains a lovable character, and I appreciated seeing him follow his passion for cooking.
Even though it was not my favorite in the series, it was still a very enjoyable read.
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
This one had the potential to be a cozy fall romance, but unfortunately it did not fully deliver.
There were a few cute moments, especially during the fall festival scenes, but overall the story felt slow and lacked depth in the romance.
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Holy shit. What did I just read?
This book is not just a thriller. It is a psychological thriller that keeps you questioning everything until the very end. There were so many moving parts to this story, and I genuinely was not sure if we were going to get answers before the book ended.
Without giving away any spoilers, I will just say that the twists kept coming. Just when I thought I understood what happened to Kelly Summers, another layer of the story revealed itself.
This book was impossible to put down, and I absolutely devoured it. I cannot wait to continue the series with The Perfect Divorce.
The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Wow. Just wow.
The Perfect Divorce was every bit as gripping as The Perfect Marriage. I loved finally getting answers to some of the lingering questions from the first book, even though the story still leaves you wondering about a few things.
Sarah Morgan is truly one of the most fascinating characters I have ever read. She is brilliant, ruthless, and completely unpredictable. Watching the way her mind works and how carefully she protects her life was both terrifying and impressive.
This book is full of twists, shocking moments, and jaw dropping reveals. I flew through it and loved every second.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Wow. What a ride.
The Housemaid was such a gripping read from start to finish. It is one of those books where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly you are halfway through the book.
Millie’s mysterious past, Nina’s unpredictable behavior, and Andrew’s questionable choices kept me guessing the entire time. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, the story twisted again.
If you love fast paced thrillers that keep you hooked, this one is an easy recommendation.
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Wow. Another wild ride.
This book delivered twist after twist, and I was hooked from the first chapter. Millie continues to prove that she is an absolute badass heroine who always shows up for the women around her.
The cast of characters made this story even more entertaining. Wendy might be the gold digger of the century, and Enzo quickly became one of my favorite characters in the series.
This book had drama, suspense, and a lot of satisfying moments of justice.
The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Holy shit. What a ride.
This final installment in the trilogy felt like a full circle moment for Millie’s story. Seeing her life with Enzo and their family added an entirely new emotional layer to the series.
The time jumps worked really well here because they showed just how far Millie has come since the beginning of the story.
The twists were darker and more unsettling than the previous books, but that is exactly what made this installment so compelling.
The Housemaid’s Wedding by Freida McFadden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
This short story was the perfect ending to Millie and Enzo’s journey.
It was emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully written. I found myself really connecting with Millie’s struggles and the life she fought so hard to build.
And Enzo? I absolutely adore him. The way he loves and supports Millie is everything you hope for in a partner.
Sweet, emotional, and completely satisfying.
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Evidence of the Affair was such an intriguing short story.
The entire story unfolds through letters exchanged between Carrie and David after they discover their spouses are having an affair with each other. What begins as a shocking discovery slowly evolves into a deeply emotional connection between them.
The format of the story makes you question intentions, loyalties, and what emotional fidelity really means.
The ending adds a fascinating twist that made the story feel layered and complex.
After reading this, I am incredibly excited to finally dive into The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Out of all the 2025 books I read, a few stood out as my absolute favorites.
My Favorite 2025 Books I Read
Some books stood out above the rest this year:
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton
- Breakaway
- My Oxford Year
- The Housemaid series
- The Perfect Marriage
These were the books that completely pulled me in and made me forget the world around me.
My Thriller Era Begins for 2025 Books I Read
Another major highlight of 2025 was discovering my love for psychological thrillers.
Books like:
- The Perfect Marriage
- The Perfect Divorce
- The Housemaid
- The Housemaid’s Secret
- The Housemaid Is Watching
had me flying through chapters and constantly guessing what would happen next.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If 2025 proved anything, it is that I truly love getting lost in books again.
Next on my reading list is:
📚 Up next in Tawni’s Book Nook, I’ll be reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I have heard incredible things about this book, and after reading Evidence of the Affair this year, I am excited to dive deeper into Taylor Jenkins Reid’s storytelling.
Let’s Talk Books
Have you read any of the 2025 books I read this year?
Which book was your favorite read of 2025?
Drop your recommendations in the comments. I am always looking for new books to add to my reading list.
You can also follow along with my reading journey on Goodreads.