2025 was a year of stories, and I dove headfirst into 95 books! Some made me laugh, some made me stare blankly, and a few I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I turned the last page.
I’m sharing my favorites, from romance to twisty mysteries, magical fantasies, and everything in between. These are the stories that stuck with me, and that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
(Book cover photos and Amazon links included so you can grab them too!)
Here we go!
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Curvy Girl Summer —
Danielle Allen
Joyful, affirming, and totally binge-worthy. This book celebrates self-love, confidence, and a love story that feels real without any sugarcoating. A perfect beach read—or anytime read!
FANTASY
The Maggie Grey Series —
Drew Collins
-The Secret World of Maggie Grey (Book 1)
-The First Family (Book 2)
When a Wolf Loves the Moon (Book 3)
(also published as The Three Brothers
-The Mortal Affairs (Book 4)
This series kept me hooked from page one, every book added more depth, drama, and magic.
MYSTERY
The Perfect Sister Duology — Desirée X. Granger
-The Perfect Sister
-The Perfect Sister 2
Twisty, tense, and family secrets, psychological intrigue, and suspense.
NON-FICTION
Black AF:
The Un-Whitewashed Story of America —
Michael Harriot
Learned so much with this one. Thought-provoking. Not an easy read, but a necessary one. Michael Harriot delivers truth with humor, and major insight.
ROMANCE
The Last Man on Earth: A Survival Romance —
Shae Sanders
A story about connection, love, and resilience. This statement is slightly over used, but it’s an absolute page-turner. You won’t put it down, until you’re done!
SUSPENSE/THRILLER
We Don’t Talk About Carol — Kristen L. Berry
This one kept me wondering and drawing scenarios in my head from start to finish. Cleverly paced, emotionally charged, and suspenseful, perfect for mystery/suspense lovers.
URBAN FICTION
The Delgato Family Universe/Inferno Series — Jahquel J.
There are nearly 20 books in this series. Don’t let that stir you, they are attention holding, action packed, you will be apart of the family once you finish and waiting for the next release.
Budget-Savvy Pro Tip
Your library card is a hidden gem. A lot of these books are available on Libby or Hoopla, free e-books and audiobooks included. No card? You can get a digital one online in minutes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Reading 95 books in one year was a ride, and it took me a while to narrow down The Best Books I Read in 2025. It was worth the mental recap. Each one entertained me. If you pick up any of these, I hope you enjoy each and every one. If you’ve read any of them, drop a comment below, telling me which one you enjoyed.
Progress, with presence.
Onward, curious
Sharonda
Sharonda Shariee - Curating a Life Well-Lived 