It's time to fill your 2025 TBR's. 2024 was a great year for reading with so many amazing releases and buzz books. I had some definite loves this year—books that lingered long after I’d finished. I thought I’d share a few mini book reviews of favorites in case you missed them! These aren't in particular order except for the first two because Salt & Broom and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow were clearly my reads of the year.
Fantasy/Gothic

by Sharon Lynn Fisher
The writing and storytelling of this Jane Eyre retelling blew me away. If Gothic houses and strong intriguing heroines with a glimmer of magical power interest you, this must move to the top of your to be read pile immediately.
Contemporary/Book Club

by Gabrielle Zevin
I loved the gaming nostalgia and the sense that these characters were part of that industry. In the artful way that Taylor Jenkins Reid creates famous-adjacent characters which make the book seem biographical, Zevin really nails it here, creating a fictional but believable world that rolls out tidbits of information keeping the reader engaged right to the end. Beautiful smooth writing takes it over the top.
Historical

by Evie Woods
This genre-bending historical has a glimmer of magic in it and the writing stole my heart. There are some women’s issues dealt with in the book so read the content warnings. Marvelous immersive writing and a strong main character to follow. Lots of secrets to be revealed and some thrills in the wings.
Thriller/Suspense

by Christa Carmen
This one crept up on me. The premise is great, the roll out is slow, but once the plot starts moving, the thrills ramp and I'm clinging to the pages praying for the heroine to make it out alive. If you are an Edgar Allan Poe Fan this one is a must try.
Contemporary Romance

by Abby Jimenez
I can honestly say I didn’t adore the last Abby Jimenez book but I LOVED this one. Was so sad it was over as there was so much life story potential ahead! Perhaps Maddy will get a future book and we can see the next phase through her! Five stars.
Dark Romance

by Brynne Weaver
This first book of a stand-a-lone trilogy of dark romantic comedies with serial killer MCs is not for the feint of heart and definitely read the content warnings before starting - but what a cool fresh take on romance with great chemistry..
Fantasy/Romantasy

by Danielle L. Jensen
Omg you’all were so right. Smooth as silk reading like Fourth Wing and addictive page turning pace. I am not even a big Vikings fan but I was 100% here for this and stayed up way too late to finish it. Easy fantasy to recommend.
Horror

by T. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher again mastered the darkness in this compelling retelling of Grimm’s Goose Girl with memorable characters and a plot that digs into you and lingers on.
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