Yeah, 2025 has been my best year yet for all the bookish things! Not only have I read some absolute corkers, but I’ve also attended more book events than I ever have, which makes me so incredibly happy. One of my favourite things ever is seeing my reader and author friends in person, so I’ve come to really look forward to events. And I have some already lined up in 2026! But for now, the books!

As always, I want to highlight my absolute favourite reads of the year. These books are super special for so many reasons. They’re inspirational. They’re written to perfection. They had characters and plots that I adored, I’ve connected with them personally. And about a million other reasons too. Each and every one of them deserve your time and a place on your TBR. Let me know if you’ve enjoyed any of my picks or if you plan on reading them in 2026!

Here goes… 🥁

10. The Daughter by T.M. Logan

My first ever T.M. Logan book and I was obsessed. The Daughter is one of those books where putting it down or taking a break actually feels painful. It’s my favourite type of thriller and it is written to perfection! I was completely hooked from the start and from then on, I couldn’t get enough of this storyline. I was obsessed with finding out the truth about Lauren’s daughter, Evie. I was constantly guessing the plot, only to find myself way off when the twists and reveals were thrown our way. The constant feeling of not knowing what was around every corner was addictive, and the surprises we got were so satisfying. There’s a consistent layer of tension, of fear, of uncertainty throughout the entire book and it felt so damn good to read. The characters are developed so incredibly well and because of that, it felt such a realistic read. Pacy, gripping and all-consuming. A fantastic thriller! Read my full review here.

9. Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Don’t Let Him In is one of the most absorbing and chilling books I’ve ever read, but it’s also one of the most shocking and eye-opening. If you weren’t already wary of toxic, manipulative men, you will be after reading this, and then some. Ash is grieving after losing her dad, Paddy – a happy, fun, larger than life character who will forever leave a hole in her life. But when stranger, Nick Radcliffe, appears, claiming he was a friend of her fathers and sweeping her mother off her feet, Ash starts to get suspicious. Was this lovely, handsome, generous man really who he says he is? Believe me, you are not ready for what happens in this book. The layers upon layers of lies, one man’s many, many horrific secrets. Lisa flawlessly explores ‘love-bombing’, manipulation, narcissism and toxicity in a relationship and really perfects that balance between Mr Nice Guy and real, true psychopathic behaviour. What a bloody incredible book. Honestly one of the best I’ve read! Read my full review here.

8. To Love a Liar by L.V. Matthews

To Love A Liar is a twisty, unpredictable and immersive thriller about love, trust and betrayal, and how living a double life distorts identity, as well as reality. Chris is an undercover cop who is called to an inquest over the nineteen year old case of his dead lover. His wife then disappears, leaving him questioning who he is, just how much he’s involved and what he’s capable of. This book gave me chills and had me completely obsessed with everything Chris had experienced in his life undercover, as well as his ‘other’ life with Sophia. Secrets unravel, lies get bigger and out of control. It’s not only a powerfully gripping, addictive read, but it’s also full of heart and emotion. Liv’s character development is always such a treat, and I loved trying to sus out who these people really were, whether they had anything to hide. A beautifully atmospheric, tense and unforgettable read. Read my full review here.

7. The Cliffhanger by Emily Freud

The Cliffhanger is such a triumph of a thriller, a real edge-of-your-seat, atmospheric, all-consuming read you won’t be able to put down! Thanks to its unique ‘book-within-a-book’ narrative weaved around the lives of two very flawed characters, it really does carve its own path in this genre, building such brilliant tension and a strong sense of curiosity. Felix and Emma are under pressure to deliver the first draft of their ninth novel, but what unravels in their words reveals so much more about the lives they live, the secret buried deep. It’s so beautifully layered, with one of Emily’s most satisfying, most explosive endings yet. Flawlessly written (as always) and completely unpredictable. Read my full review here.

6. Be Mine by Lizzy Barber

Be Mine is such a dark, twisted, intense read and I absolutely inhaled it. From start to finished, I was completely mesmerised by Lizzy’s gorgeous writing as well as a toxic world of a cult-like wellness group striving for perfection. I adored such an unhinged plot, the perfectly crafted characters, the secrets, the lies. It was fascinating yet horrific, gripping and completely unpredictable. Beth’s dream of living well soon becomes a living nightmare. The dual timelines work so brilliantly in exploring her intense whirlwind of an experience, but all isn’t what it seems. And how long can she run for? There is SO much more to this book and you are in for SUCH a treat! I adored every single word of it. A must-read! Read my full review here.

5. Counting Down to You by Sarah J Harris

Counting Down to You has my whole heart. I’m amazed by just how much this book broke me and then managed to fix me back together. How much I felt the need to reflect and prioritise, to make the most of every day. The concept is one of the very best; ever since Sophie was involved in a terrible accident resulting in brain damage, she sees numbers everywhere. And she can see how long people have left to live. It’s one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. It’s a story of a deep love and connection, a story of second chances, of living the best life you can with the time you have given. It’s a roller coaster of emotion, a powerful exploration of the meaning of life, the strength of love and the importance of time. It will break your heart and completely shatter your world, but it will also bring you immense joy, fill you with hope and have you wanting to call everyone you love. The characters in this book are perfectly formed, and Sophie and Adam are clearly my fictional couple of the year. Just you wait until you meet them and learn their story. And don’t forget the tissues! Read my full review here.

4. The Woman in Ward 9 by Naomi Williams

The Woman in Ward 9 is one of the most chilling, compelling and unforgettable books I’ve read this year, with a killer twist that will steal the breath from your lungs! When Laura Winters is admitted to a psychiatric facility after being found covered in blood that wasn’t her own, it’s psychologist Emma Best’s job to extract the truth and her memories through a series of therapy sessions. But what she discovers is so far from what she could have ever imagined. It’s the stuff of nightmares. It’s brilliantly paced, the blend of past and present so clever and engaging, and the characters! If you like them shady, if you like them untrustworthy, you will eat this up. There is something strange going on at Heaton Place, and you just HAVE to read this and find out. It’s gloriously dark and atmospheric, it’s layered to perfection and is as deceptive as they come. We love a gripping, unsettling psychological thriller over here, don’t we?! Bring on the next! Read my full review here.

3. Home Sweet Home by Ruth Irons

Home Sweet Home completely took over my life! It seemed to occupy my every waking thought and is the exact definition of my favourite kind of book. When Jules and Scott take in a lodger to help make a little extra cash, it seemed finding Orla was meant to be. She fitted effortlessly into their lives and their routine, and it seemed she was perfect… until she wasn’t. Dramatic, charismatic and always craving attention, Orla slowly dominates their lives, their space, their friendships, and Jules learns Orla’s stories don’t add up… Oh my god, Orla is genuinely one of my all-time favourite characters, her development so fantastic, her scenes always so unsettling and unpredictable. A character you will love to hate. This book has unease and tension laced through a plot you’ll become utterly obsessed with. Chilling, definitely unhinged and impossible to put down! Read my full review here.

2. Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

Famous Last Words is everything. Gillian McAllister can do no wrong. Is it a thriller? God yes. But it’s also a love story, and I’ve never read anything so different, so striking, so beautiful in all my life. It’s an intense exploration of a how a hostage situation escalates, years without closure or answers for Cam, whose husband is caught up in it in the worst possible way. It’s completely absorbing, so incredibly thought-provoking, forcing us to answer the question, “What would you do?” It’s filled with tension and so fiercely gripping. It really takes your breath away. A truly unmissable book. Read my full review here.

1. Into the Fire by G.D. Wright 👑

If you know me well, you could have probably guessed that Into the Fire would be my Book OTY. 1. It’s exceptional. 2. This book took over bookstagram and together we helped it hit the top ten in Amazon paperbacks (I mean?!) We created so much light for Gaz in such a dark time and it will be forever etched in my brain. One of the best things we have ever done as a community. 3. For anyone who has met get, he is the life and soul, and I’m guessing one of the most fun people you’ve ever met. Book OTY. Author OTY. Easy peasy.

Into The Fire is the perfect example of a tense, captivating, tightly-plotted crime drama with emotion and feeling tucked into every corner. G.D. Wright’s characters are so human, so real, and are created with such heart. Our main character, Steve, quickly goes from being hailed a hero to being a suspect in an old murder case, a case our lovable DS Willmott remembers all too well. And how everything unravels, not only throughout the case, but also as we visit Steve’s childhood and family life, is written in a way that will shock you to your core. The author is a pro at throwing us off the scent which makes those reveals all the more impactful. A true gem of an author and an unforgettable second novel under his belt. I’m not sure how he’ll manage to top this book, but I know he’ll smash it out the park with book three! Read my full review here.

Other noteworthy authors!

As always, I couldn’t end the year without mentioning some other incredible authors whose books I’ve read this year!

• Christopher Bollen
• Linwood Barclay
• Amy Jordan
• Oskar Jensen
• Joe Heap
• Kristin Hannah
• Callie Kazumi
• Claire Douglas
• Fiona Scarlett
• Lucy Roth
• Tess Gerritsen
• Kylie Lee Baker
• Jackie Kabler
• Danielle Valentine
• Matt Coyne
• D.B. Stephens
• Audrey Davis
• C.M. Ewan
• Natasha Bache
• Jo Middleton

Here’s to 2026!

Thank you SO much to every author and publisher who gifted me copies/proofs of their books. It’s always such an incredible honour to be able to do what I do, and this year has genuinely been the best year yet. I can’t wait to read more brilliant books in 2026 and to discover some amazing new authors. And I’m going to meet as many of you as possible!

Happy New Year everyone! Here’s to health, happiness and books 🥂