I’ve done a books in review post for the last two years and, after seeing all the books I read in one place for 2023 and 2024, I knew I wanted to do the same again this year. I really love having a snapshot of what I read, what stuck with me, and what that season of life looked like through books.

Looking back on 2025, I realized the trend I noticed last year continued... I read less than I used to. This year I recorded 42 books and 14,942 pages and, as I scrolled through the list, it felt like there were fewer books jumping out at me, yelling remember me! That part was a little disheartening.

That said, while I do wish I’d read more this past year, I don’t begrudge how I spent my time. As I sit here writing this post, it’s clear that reading was often put off for a lot of very real reasons:

• my brain being tired from the day
• spending time with my family
• working out
• coding just one more feature for my apps
• networking with OBS and iOS Dev Happy Hour
• writing blog posts and creating other content for SimplyKyra

That said, I do miss reading but overall I'm happy with how I've been spending my time... though maybe I could do with less social media.

Looking over my Goodreads 2025 Year in Review I pulled together the books that really stood out to me this year... in no particular order. This isn’t meant to be an in-depth review (there are plenty of those out there already). Instead, it’s simply a curated list of the books I remember loving, grouped into categories that felt right for this year.

Each book title and author is linked to its corresponding Goodreads page if you’d like more details, summaries, or additional reviews.

Also, I wanted to add that many of these books were provided to me electronically through NetGalley to read and review, but whether or not a book appears here, and everything I’ve shared about them, reflects my own thoughts and opinions after reading.

And now… onto the books 📚💕

Devoured: Epic Worlds and Incredible Characters

Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

Series: Iron Widow

I read the first book in this series back in September of 2021 and had the dilemma where you needed to finish it but put it off to savor. When I saw this book I worried it would let me down... it didn't.

The world, the characters, the story... it was all so good and I had so much trouble putting it down for real life. Like before I can't wait for the next one!

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem

Series: The Scorched Throne

I'm not quite sure how I came across this book but I'm so glad I did. This was an incredible world that sucked you in and made you feel for everyone. And then ended in a gasp. I cannot wait to find out what happens next and am currently number 29th in line (from 49th originally) to find out... so don't give it away!

The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg

Series: The Shattered King

I've read many books by Charlie N. Holmberg and they never let me down. Another epically created world that I'm so happy I had the pleasure of joining. Just a heads up it leaves on a point that makes sense but you wish there was more pages so make sure the next one is queued up to go.

The Half-Hearted Queen by Charlie N. Holmberg

Series: The Shattered King

As the second book in this series was just as amazing as the first. It will not let you down. I finished it soo quickly but also wanted to savor it.

Mind-Bending Standalone-ish Reads

Hive by D.L. Orton

Madders of Time #1

I absolutely loved this book when I read it and whole heartedly recommend. That said, there's several spinoffs of this that I jumped into for audio books. Don't want to give too much away but they dealt with alternative reality versions plus I listened to them, audiobook, and the many same, repeating, now different was a bit too much on my tired brain to track all the variations and they became DNF. That said, I do want more.... just of future progression and not alternatives until I can devote more mindspace.

The Graceview Patient by Caitlin Starling

I'm at that point where I start forgetting about how books end... so I guess I can't give this on away. That said I found the book both terrifying and epic while hard to read but also so hard to put down (appreciating my original review right now). At points it reminded me vaguely of The Sourdough trilogy by Robin Sloan I came across last year (but different!) and yet, when looking over Goodreads to remind me, the aptly named psychological horror seems the most apt... could see reading this again just to remember better.

The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao

I read her earlier book Water Moon several years ago and absolutely adored it so I jumped at the chance to read it. This year my mind was more tired and although I did love it and the mind bending-ness it did take a bit for me to get in. That said, I truly love both the books I read and look forward to any future books.

Page-Turners & Thrillers

The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart

Assassins Anonymous #2

So disclaimer I absolutely love all books I've read by Rob Hart. That said, although I loved both this and the first book in his Assassins Anonymous series I do adore the other mind bending just a bit more. That said, this series can't let you down and both were so amazing. Perfect combo and look forward to reading the third when it's available!.

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

Detour #1

This was another great book full of edge-of-your-seat tension, aww moments, and oh-crap twists. Definitely ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one.

Comfort Reads

The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler

This was the first book I read by this author and loved the family interaction and it felt like a happy warm balm after the sci-fi I also read. Was the perfect book and looking forward to reading more by her in the future.

A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner

Adenashire #1

This was an epically adorable book and the perfect feel good feeling I wanted right then. Had trouble putting it down and happy I came across it now so I can put the next book in the series on hold.

The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson

If you want a feel-good romance with just enough science to make it interesting, this is it.

And with that, my personal favorite books from this past year are done. I’ll leave you with a question… what book (or books) have you read that you can’t stop thinking about? And which ones on this list have you already read and loved? I’d love to hear so feel free to share in the comments below. And regardless of anything, I hope you’re having a great day.

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