Stop scrolling and start reading! This is the ultimate curated list of the 30 best books I've personally read this year across thriller, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and non-fiction. Whether you need a gripping page-turner or inspiring personal growth b...
Sections
7
Audible
Contemporary Romance
Thriller & Suspense
Literary & Historical Fiction
Non-Fiction & Self-Help
Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Audible
As someone with ADHD I struggle sometimes to sit down and read a book. I love the fact that I can sit down and listen to a book while working on other things which is good for my ADHD brain!
Amazon.com: Audible Books & Originals
Contemporary Romance
Feel good love stories
A delightful academic slow-burn romance with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. This book is hilarious, smart, and gave me all the butterflies.
The Love Hypothesis
My favorite meta-romance! It's about two people in the publishing industry who keep running into each other in a small town. Perfect for bookworms.
Book Lovers
A charming, political romance about the First Son and a Prince. It's funny, heartwarming, and full of hope. Made me believe in love again!
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
An authentic and steamy romance featuring a chronically ill woman determined to 'get a life.' The characters are incredibly real.
Get A Life, Chloe Brown
An enemies-to-lovers story set in the wedding industry. The banter is top-tier and the chemistry is off the charts. Great vacation read.
The Worst Best Man: A Novel
When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy town of Pelion, Maine, she's desperately searching for peace after a trauma. What she finds instead is the mysterious, silent outcast, Archer Hale. He's been living in isolation for years, but Bree sees the de...
Archer's Voice (Paperback)
This book was a page turner for sure! It was a book that made you forget about real life for a bit. Also, you will fall in love with Charlie one of the main characters.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
The first book of the series and if you dont just love these characters in the book. I was so happy to learn this was part of series and it didnt have to end after this book. I was happy to find out there was two more books to go after this one.
Part of Your World: Jimenez, Abby
I loved this series so much! This is the second book in The Part of Your world series and Abby just makes you fall in love with the characters and not want to put the book down.
Yours Truly (Part of Your World, 2)
This witty, slow burn romantic comedy was one I couldn't put down!! It is one that will make you stay up late into the morning to finish reading and dread when its over.
Just for the Summer: Jimenez, Abby
“No one does funny, emotional, life-affirming love stories quite like Abby Jimenez. She just keeps outdoing herself." ―Emily Henry
Say You'll Remember Me
Thriller & Suspense
Best page-turners
A brilliantly meta-twist on the 'stolen idea' trope. The pacing is masterful and the ending will make you gasp. Perfect for a rainy day read.
The Plot: A Novel (The Book Series, 1)
An absolute classic in modern suspense. The short chapters and compelling premise make it impossible to set down. Great for getting out of a reading slump.
The Silent Patient
If you haven't read it, you must. The definitive modern thriller that redefined the genre. A dark, twisted look at a marriage.
Gone Girl
A more emotional and character-driven thriller, focused on a woman protecting her stepdaughter. Highly recommended if you love domestic suspense.
The Last Thing He Told Me: Reese Witherspoon Pick
A classic 'locked room' mystery set on a cruise ship. This one ratcheted up my anxiety in the best way. A quick, fun, and gripping read.
The Woman in Cabin 10
Literary & Historical Fiction
Books that make you think
A devastating yet beautiful story of two sisters in France during World War II. A powerful exploration of sacrifice and resilience.
The Nightingale: A Novel
A beautifully written story that blends a coming-of-age tale with a mystery. The natural world descriptions are mesmerizing.
Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club
A heart-wrenching and essential read about friendship, betrayal, and redemption in Afghanistan. A true modern classic.
The Kite Runner
A captivating novel about a reclusive Hollywood icon ready to tell her life story. It's glamorous, emotional, and deals with complex relationships.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
A mesmerizing novel that reimagines the life of William Shakespeare's family, centered on the death of his son. The writing is utterly stunning.
Hamnet
Non-Fiction & Self-Help
Productivity and growth
The single best guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. Small changes lead to remarkable results. Essential reading for productivity.
Atomic Habits: Easy Way to Build & Break Habits
A powerful book on the importance of vulnerability and courage in leadership. It's not just for managers—it's for anyone looking to live authentically.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Talks
A stunning, unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, despite a difficult childhood, pursued knowledge and earned a PhD. Incredibly inspiring.
Educated: A Memoir
A life-changing book that challenged all my traditional views on work and retirement. Full of actionable steps for modern entrepreneurs.
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5 & Live
A powerful memoir on finding your true voice and breaking free from societal expectations. A deeply moving and empowering book, especially for women.
Untamed
Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Top World-building
An incredible blend of humor, high stakes, and hard science fiction. The most inventive book I've read this year. The ending is deeply moving
Project Hail Mary: A Novel
The ultimate escapist fantasy read. It has the perfect mix of dragons, magic, and romance. A viral sensation for a reason!
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
A beautifully philosophical book that asks 'what if?'—a must-read for anyone who feels stuck or needs a reminder of life's infinite possibilities.
The Midnight Library: A GMA Book Club Novel
A mind-bending, epic-scale sci-fi novel about the evolution of intelligent species. Absolutely brilliant for fans of deep-dive world-building.
Children of Time
If you're new to high fantasy, this is the place to start. A classic tale of a heist in a world where magic is governed by metals. Unputdownable.
Mistborn: The Final Empire (The Mistborn Saga, 1)
Spicy Romance
A sizzling grumpy/ sunshine romance with a secret Identity twist.
The Nanny
Oooo the 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ of this book. It’s one you do not want to put down. Think goodness it’s one of 3 in a series.