It’s that wonderful time of the year again when I look back at the last year and think about all the amazing books I read in 2025
Setting A Goal For 2025
After slowly increasing my reading goals each year, I’ve now started to slowly decrease the goal. I love reading and the last thing I need to do is make reading a chore. And since I’m not a fan of listening to audio books while I get stuff done, my only choice is stopping everything so I can delve into a world of literature. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining at all, I’m just showing why it’s not realistic for me to keep increasing the goal. I needed to find a better balance.
So that’s why I reduced my 2025 reading goal to 35 books. And that turned out to be a very good decision as I seem to have only just been able to reach that target this year. But the good thing about setting a smaller goal is you don’t try and pick small books just to get your number up quicker.
Oh and before the eagle eyed readers try and tell me I miscounted, let me take this opportunity to say yes the list only features 34 books because one of them was read twice. Yes, I am the sort of person who reads books again. Have never quite understood why some people act like that’s a sin but hey, each to their own.
2025 Reading Stats
Books Read: 35
Pages Read: 11,161
Shortest Book: 126 Pages
Longest Book: 594 Pages
Average Book Length: 318 Pages
The Books I Read in 2025
For the last few years I’ve been trying to expand what I read so I don’t just read the same style books each time. Looking at the books I read in 2025 I’m happy to see I did indeed read a wide variety of books.
Non-Fiction: Travel Memoirs
It really shouldn’t come as any surprise that I like travel memoirs seeing as I love both travel and books. Although this year I only read a couple.
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding is a laugh-out-loud memoir filled with travel tales, awkward encounters and the author’s signature irreverent humour. Kristin Newman recounts her adventures around the globe, from bizarre jobs to ridiculous dates, all while observing friends settling down and having kids. It’s a refreshingly candid and entertaining look at life on your own terms, perfect for anyone who loves stories that are funny, self-aware and endlessly relatable.
Why We Travel by Ash Bhardwaj
Why We Travel explores the deeper reasons people set off on journeys, weaving together stories from far-flung places with thoughtful insights into the emotional and psychological pull of travel. Ash Bhardwaj reflects on adventure, curiosity and the human desire to connect with other cultures, landscapes and ways of life. It’s thoughtful and evocative, perfect for anyone who has felt restless for somewhere new or wondered what travel really teaches us about ourselves.
Non-Fiction: Beer
It’s not just the taste of beer I like, I’m also interested in it’s history and the stories of people who make it.
The Meaning of Beer by Johnny Garrett
The Meaning of Beer is a spirited and surprisingly thoughtful exploration of beer culture, history and the role beer plays in our lives. Johnny Garrett takes readers on a journey through styles, flavours and traditions, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights that make the subject feel warm and welcoming rather than technical.
The Devil’s In The Draught Lines by Christina Wade
A lot of beer lovers don’t realise the important role women once played in the creation of beer. For centuries women were key participants of the brew trade until the industrial revolution as well as societal constraints conspired to push them out. The Devil’s in the Draught Lines takes readers inside the spirited world of beer and brewing scandals, spotlighting fascinating characters, bizarre controversies and the strange twists that make the beer industry so compelling.
The Story of Craft Beer by Pete Brown
If you want to understand a bit more about the history of beer but don’t have much time, this quick read is exactly what you need. Pete Brown dives into the history, personalities and creativity that have shaped the world of independent brewing, weaving together tales of innovation, community and the sheer joy of making and enjoying great beer. It’s informative without being overly technical, making this a brilliant read for beer lovers and curious drinkers alike who want to understand why craft beer means so much to so many.
Beer: Taste The Evolution in 50 Styles by Natalya Watson
If you’ve ever been curious about how beer style developed, this is a book for you. Natalya takes readers on a journey through the history of beer by exploring fifty distinctive styles and the stories behind them. This fascinating book shows how changes in key ingredients such as malt, water, hops and yeast have shaped the flavour profiles and development of beers across centuries and continents. Each chapter brings together historical insight, cultural context and suggestions for beers to try that exemplify the evolution of a particular style.
Non-Fiction: Feminism
I’m a big believer in women’s rights and that it’s a subject we shouldn’t be quiet about so I enjoy finding new books about this topic.
Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates
Everyday Sexism is a powerful collection of testimonies and reflections on the many ways sexism still shows up in daily life. Laura Bates mixes personal experiences with broader cultural analysis, shedding light on how common and persistent gender bias can be across workplaces, public spaces and media. It is eye-opening, articulate and deeply persuasive, encouraging readers to recognise and challenge the small and big ways sexism shows up in the world today.
The New Age of Sexism by Laura Bates
The latest book from Laura Bates, The New Age of Sexism is a thoughtful and persuasive examination of how sexist attitudes and behaviours have evolved in the modern world with AI becoming smarter and more common. Drawing on research, interviews and cultural commentary to expose how inequality is woven into workplaces, media and everyday life. With clarity and intelligence Laura challenges readers to recognise and confront the subtle and not so subtle ways that sexism persists. This book is engaging, eye opening and essential reading for anyone interested in equality and social change.
Non-Fiction: Science & Technology
Having made a career as a tech geek in TV it shouldn’t surprise you to know I love techy things and science.
The Beginner’s Guide to Electrical Engineering by Mary Ellen Latschar
Like everyone, I spend my life surrounded by technology and all things electronic. I even have a techy job but then one day it occurred to me that I know nothing about how electricity works. In this accessible and friendly introduction to the principles of electrical engineering, Mary Ellen Latschar breaks down concepts like circuits, voltage and current into clear, engaging explanations.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
A book for those with a uniquely curious mind, Stiff takes readers on an unexpectedly fascinating and often hilarious journey into what happens to the human body after death. Mary Roach combines rigorous research with engaging storytelling as she explores everything from medical research using donated bodies to historical burial practices and cutting-edge forensic science. This book is profoundly informative yet approachable, making a subject that could easily feel morbid both enlightening and genuinely entertaining.
Non-Fiction: Neurodiversity
A new category of books for me, but with the rise in neurodiversity awareness I wanted to make sure I understood it better.
Odd Girl Out by Laura James
Odd Girl Out is the deeply personal memoir in which Laura James recounts the year of her life after receiving a diagnosis of autism in her mid-forties. Having already built a successful career, raised children and navigated adulthood without realising why she often felt different from those around her, Laura reflects on how the diagnosis helped her make sense of her past and embrace her new identity.
Dirty Laundry by Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery
I fell in love with Rox and Richard on TikTok so when they released a book, I just had to get a copy. Dirty Laundry is a warm, honest and often funny look at life with ADHD, told from both sides of a relationship. Richard shares what it feels like to live with a brain that does not always cooperate, while Roxanne explains what it is like to love someone who struggles in ways that are often invisible. Together, they unpack everyday frustrations, misunderstandings and small victories with openness and humour. It is reassuring, relatable and focused on understanding rather than fixing, making it feel like a supportive conversation rather than a self help manual.
Non-Fiction: Sports Autobiography
Not only do I enjoy watching sports, I also enjoy reading autobiographies written by my favourite sport stars.
Keep Smashing It by Jodie Ounsley
Keep Smashing It is an inspiring and honest account from Jodie Ounsley, known for her role as Fury in the popular BBC show Gladiators as well as being a former professional female rugby player. Born deaf and growing up with a cochlear implant, Jodie wants to inspire kids to overcome challenges and so wrote this book aimed at kids. Blending personal stories, sports challenges and candid reflections on confidence and identity, Jodie offers readers a mix of motivation, resilience and practical insight. It’s uplifting without being preachy, showing how passion and determination can help you push past obstacles and redefine what success means on your own terms.
Loose Head by Joe Marler
This is the hilariously candid memoir of rugby player Joe Marler who has recently become more known outside of the rugby world thanks to appearing on The Celebrity Traitors. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the behind the scenes world of rugby, this hilarious memoir is for you! Marler shares his experiences on and off the pitch, from the intensity of professional rugby matches, to behind the scenes antics and the friendships that have shaped his career. Along the way he also touches on personal struggles with mental health, as he is a strong advocate for moving this once closed off topic into the open.
Fiction: Travel Romance
It should be no surprise to see this category on the list seeing as I love travel and books so much!
The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary
Addie is on her way to a friend’s wedding with her sister and is already feeling anxious knowing her ex, Dylan, will also be attending. Things get worse for Addie when a car crash forces them to have to share a car with no other than Dylan and his friend. With no easy way out, they end up continuing the journey side by side, despite not having spoken properly since their painful break up. As the road trip unfolds, the story moves between past and present, gradually revealing what went wrong between them and whether there is any chance of forgiveness or closure.
You Are Here by David Nicholls
Still reeling from his wife’s departure, Michael Bradshaw is becoming increasingly reclusive. When friends start to worry, he reluctantly agrees to a group walking holiday but only so he can continue the journey alone. One member of the group is Marnie Walsh, a divorced Londoner who works from home and doesn’t get out much. But can two people who would rather spend time alone, learn to enjoy the company of someone else?
Fiction: Crime / Thriller
Even though I’ve been enjoying expanding the types of books I read, of course I’m going to return to my favourite book genre throughout the year.
Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie
Hercule Poirot is invited to a seemingly charming country house fête where the grand local mystery writer has arranged a staged murder for fun. But when a real body turns up in place of the pretend corpse, the festivities take a dark turn. With a house full of suspects and plenty of secrets to go around, Poirot must untangle fiction from reality to uncover the truth. This is classic Christie at her finest, full of clever twists, eccentric characters and a beautifully plotted puzzle.
Evil Under The Sun by Agatha Christie
While staying at a seemingly peaceful seaside hotel, Hercule Poirot finds himself surrounded by jealousy, gossip and simmering resentment. The beautiful and provocative Arlena Marshall quickly becomes the centre of attention and not for good reasons. So when she is found murdered on a secluded beach, every guest becomes a suspect as everyone has something to hide. As Poirot pieces together alibis and motives, the sunny holiday setting proves to be the perfect cover for dark intentions and carefully planned deceit.
This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter
The latest book in the Will Trent series and after finally tying the knot, Will and Sara head off on their honeymoon. What was supposed to be a relaxing escape from their work at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), quickly turns dark when a brutal attack occurs at the remote mountain lodge where they are staying. Cut off by bad weather, the guests are trapped together as Will and Sara begin to uncover long buried secrets, rivalries and lies among those staying at the lodge. As tensions rise and the truth slowly comes out, it becomes clear that the violence is rooted in events from the past that someone is desperate to keep hidden.
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
When Brooke Sullivan takes a job at a high-security psychiatric hospital, she is told she must treat all inmates with respect but warned not to reveal any personal information and not to become too friendly with any of them. But when she took the job, no one knew that her high school sweetheart, Shane Nelson, was an inmate at the prison. Or that it was actually her testament that got him locked up for murder. Can Shane use his charm in their limited interactions to convince Brooke that she got it wrong all those years ago?
Fiction: Dark Romance
I loved the first book in the Ruinous Love Trilogy so much I was keen to read the rest. This year I read the final book but all 3 stories are intertwined which made me want to go back and read them all again, including the 3rd book again!
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
A love story with a twist. Sloane and Rowan are both serial killers who share one important rule.Tthey only kill other killers. When their paths cross, they strike up an unusual connection that turns into a yearly competition to hunt the worst criminals they can find. As the games continue, their bond deepens into something far more complicated and dangerous than either expected. Dark, violent and surprisingly romantic, this is a story that blends twisted humour with genuine emotional connection.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
The second book in the series and this time we follow the love story of Rowan’s brother, Lachlan Kane, a professional contract killer and Lark Montague, a sharp witted singer songwriter with secrets of her own. When Lark becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving Lachlan’s work, the two are forced into close proximity, blurring the lines between protection, obsession and genuine connection. As threats close in and loyalties are tested, their relationship grows darker and more intense, mixing humour, danger and unexpected tenderness. It is a twisted romance that leans fully into morally grey characters while still delivering emotional depth and high stakes.
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
The third and final instalment in the Ruinous Love trilogy, following small town doctor Fionn Kane as he tries to put his past behind him in rural Nebraska. When motorcycle performer Rose Evans, part of a travelling circus, injures herself and ends up needing his help, their lives collide in ways neither expected. As they spend time together, old ghosts resurface and their attraction grows, forcing both of them to face wounds they have been trying to bury while navigating a relationship that is as chaotic as it is irresistible
Fiction: TV Shows That Were Books
I do love that more books are becoming TV shows rather than movies. It gives us a chance to really get to see the details from the books come alive.
Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
The sequel to You continues the chilling tale of Joe Goldberg, a charming yet dangerously obsessive man whose idea of love is anything but ordinary. When Joe moves to Hollywood in search of a fresh start, what he finds instead are new obsessions, fresh dangers and a twisted cycle of secrets that keep spiralling out of control. If you’ve seen series 2 of the show you’ll be familiar with the storyline but there are some differences of course, including popular characters in the show not being in the book.
You Love Me by Caroline Kepnes
This is the book that series 3 is based on and picks up where Joe Goldberg’s story left off. It’s worth noting that this is where the books and TV show really start to differentiate. As Joe navigates relationships, old ghosts and unexpected consequences, his blend of charm and menace only deepens. Caroline Kepnes keeps the tension tight and the narrative unpredictable, delivering a story that is as darkly funny as it is deeply disturbing.
Fiction: Sports Romance
I never knew sports romance was a genre of books until a colleague mentioned it. As a girl who loves sports I couldn’t resist checking out some romance books based on sports I enjoy.
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Not your typical sports romance book, Pucking Around follows a group of characters whose lives collide on and off the ice rink. Emily Rath’s life suddenly changes when she gets a last minute fellowship at Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new hockey team. She first meets Caleb, the team’s equipment manager and there’s an instant connection. But later when she meets Jake, the star player, she realises he’s the ‘perfect guy’ she had a one night stand with months earlier. And then when she has to work closely with Mars, the team’s goalie, there’s a connection that can’t be ignored. How can a girl pick between 3 great guys who are all so different. Maybe the real answer is a life outside of normal conventions.
Retrograde by Emilee Carter
Retrograde is a steamy motorsport romance that follows Lucie Carolan, social media manager for Revolution Racing and her best friend Brett Anderson, the team’s star driver, who have shared a decade of fast cars, global travel and unspoken chemistry. When Brett is forced to take a step back from the racing world and recover off the track, the pair find themselves back in each other’s orbit in a slower, quieter setting that forces them to confront what they’ve been denying for years. As the glamour of the racing circuit gives way to heartfelt moments and honest conversations, Lucie and Brett must decide if taking a foot off the gas might finally allow them to give in to something real.
Fiction: Linked Short Stories
A new category for me and one I didn’t know was a thing but I did enjoy reading these books where all the short stories are linked in some way. It was an interesting way of writing a book of short stories.
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town follows a group of teenagers growing up in small towns across the American West, where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The stories are all connected in surprising ways, showing how rumours, secrets, and tough choices ripple through their lives. It’s a mix of heartbreak, hope, and the messy bits of growing up, told with warmth and a real feel for what it’s like to live in a place where you can’t stay hidden for long.
Olive Ketteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Olive Ketteridge is a collection of linked stories about life in a small coastal town in Maine seen through the eyes of the blunt but deeply human Olive. Each chapter offers a glimpse into the joys and struggles of ordinary people as they navigate love, loss, ageing and connection. Elizabeth Strout writes with compassion and sharp insight, creating a cast of characters who are flawed but unforgettable and weaving a portrait of community that is both tender and true.
Fiction: Historical Fiction
I’ve been enjoying reading more historical non-fiction books over the last few years so it was interesting to read some fiction books either based on historical events or a certain period in history.
The Hunger by Alma Katsu
The Hunger blends historical fiction and supernatural horror in an eerie reimagining of the ill-fated Donner Party expedition. As the group of pioneers battle starvation, extreme weather and rising tensions, something far darker and possibly otherworldly begins to stalk them. Richly atmospheric and deeply unsettling, this novel combines real historical tragedy with creeping dread and psychological terror, making it ideal for readers who like their history with a chill.
Small Things Like Me by Claire Keegan
Set in a small Irish town in 1985, it’s the run up to Christmas and Bill Furlong is a hard working coal merchant and family man. While he is busy with deliveries and providing for his wife and five daughters, Bill makes a startling discovery at the local convent that forces him to face the moral cost of looking the other way. As he reflects on his own past and the quiet complicity of the community around him, Bill’s story becomes a powerful exploration of conscience, kindness and the courage it sometimes takes to do what is right in a world that would rather stay silent.
Fiction: Book Club Reads
This year a few of us work girlies decided to start a book club. Unfortunately with us all being self employed freelancers who work all around the world, getting all of us together regularly proved to be quite difficult. I actually only ended up going to one meeting in the end. Maybe next year I can attend more!
Jaded by Ela Lee
Jade is a young British-Korean lawyer trying to make her mark in a high-powered London law firm. On the surface, she’s got everything sorted. She has a good job, a sharp mind, and a clear path ahead. But underneath, she’s exhausted by the subtle racism, sexism and endless pressure to prove herself. When a serious accusation shakes her workplace, Jade is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and what it really costs to fit in.
Setting A Goal For 2026
Since I only just hit my goal for 2025 I think I’ll set myself the same reading goal for 2026 of 35 books. It’s nice when you don’t see reading as a chore and having a lower goal means I won’t be afraid to pick up books that are around 500/600 pages.
There you have it, the books I read in 2025. Do you have any recommendations for good books to read in 2026? Let me know in the comments below!
More Book Posts
Like to read? Maybe there’s a few books in these posts for you!
- 40 Books Read in 2024
- 52 Books Read in 2023
- 35 Books Set in France
- 40 Books Set in New York
- 50 Books Set in Italy
- 25 Books Set in Bali
- 40 Books Set in Spain
- 40 Books Set in Ireland
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I absolutely loved your list! So many great books I hadn’t heard of yet — adding these to my TBR right away