I did it!
I completed my goodreads goal a whole month early
I am honestly shocked that I read 25 books this year. I was in a bad, horrible, didn’t think it would even end reading slump for a good 6 months this year. But somehow I managed to complete my goal and I feel so good about it. Here are the 25 books I read this year with mini reviews.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer - I loved this book. It was terrifying at how I could see this happening in real life and maybe we aren’t that far off.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood - This one is a short story about two people who haven’t seen each other in some time and reconnect over the holidays. I don’t remember much about this one, and checking on my rating, it was my lowest rated Ali Halzelwood book. It’s fine if you want to read something quick.
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood - Loved this audiobook and I didn’t want it to end. The perfect banter and my first 5 star book of the year.
A Deal with the Bossy Devil by Kyra Parsi - I don’t normally read billionaire romance books, but this one caught my eye one night when I was looking for something to read at 2 in the morning. It was so funny and the banter was good.
Failure to Match by Kyra Parsi - Low stakes fun. I don’t remember much else about it, haha!
The Situationship by Abby Jimenez - When I read it I did not know that it was a novella for a book series. I googled ‘good novellas’ and read the first suggestion I was given. It was fine. Probably a lot better if you recognize the characters.
The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather - Book club. Beautiful writing. Really enjoyed it.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood - I was not expecting to like this book because of the subject matter, but I loved it.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka - Hated this. Didn’t finish it but got past the 50% point which is why I am counting it towards my goal.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman - Can’t decide if this is my favorite book I read this year, but I can say that I could not stop thinking about it for weeks after I was done reading it. I recommend it to everyone and suggest you read it without knowing too much about the plot.
Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff - This is an okay short story about a political advisor and a pop star. It took me way too long to read it because it felt like a chore.
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli - Amazing book about Palestine. If interested in reading, check trigger warnings as it does deal with sexual abuse.
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood - I loved Eli and was annoyed with some of Rue’s choices.
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio - I was bored out of my mind.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang - It was weird and even now, months later I can’t figure out if I hated it or liked it.
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood - Loved how Ali used the flashback scenes to explain what was happening with the couple in the present timeline.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende - Book club pick. Magical. Beautiful. If you haven’t read it yet, please read it!
Deep Cuts by Holley Brickley - Hated this and I am so sad about it because I was really looking forward to it. It’s being adapted into a movie and I will probably skip. The characters were insufferable.
Pulse and Prejudice by Colette L. Saucier - Fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood - Another short story by Ali and this one would have been better as a full length novel.
A Thin Black Veil by Henrik Sorensen - Mormon Gothic short stories that were so good and scary. Please support my substack friend!
Silent Vows by Jill Ramsower - My first Mafia romance book and I am not proud to admit that I loved it.
Secret Sin by Jill Ramsower - Second Mafia romance book and it was meh.
The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch - Book club pick. This might be my favorite book I read all year.
Bound by Ali Hazelwood - I would have rated it higher if I could have read it instead of being forced to listen to the audiobook. The male narrator voice was annoying.
My reading goal for 2026 is 26 books and I am sure I will be reading even more Ali Hazelwood books :)
What did you read this year? I need recommendations!
Happy to be on the list!