All the Books I Read in 2025, My 5-Star Ratings, & Favorite Book of the Year

If you’ve followed my reading journey, you know books are my comfort, my escape, and sometimes my best sleep aid. Life is still busy (hello, toddlers!), but I’m proud to say I kept up my reading momentum in 2025. This year, I read 26 books—each one offering a little something different, whether it was a twisty thriller, a sweet romance, or a thought-provoking memoir. My genres haven’t changed much: I still gravitate toward stories that help me unwind, and I’m always on the lookout for books that make me feel good. Predictable? Maybe. Comforting? Absolutely.

Below you’ll find my complete list for 2025, along with my honest reviews and ratings. As always, 5 stars means I’ll recommend it to anyone who asks, 4 stars means I enjoyed it but wanted a little more, and anything below 3 stars is a book I probably wouldn’t pick up again. If you’re looking for your next read, I hope you find something here to add to your TBR!

Favorite Book of the Year (5 Stars)

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Evie Porter is a skilled con artist working for a mysterious handler, tasked with infiltrating the life of Ryan Sumner under a fabricated identity. As she grows closer to Ryan, genuine feelings complicate her mission, and her web of lies begins to unravel—especially when her true identity is threatened and secrets from both their pasts surface. With danger closing in and trust in short supply, Evie must decide how far she’ll go to protect herself and those she cares about.

Great book to start 2025! A true page turner! I really loved how the past connected right into the present. I didn’t see the ending coming, but I thought it was perfect.

Other 5-Star Gems

Never Lie by Freida McFadden
This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not predict the twist! I just did not love the ending and felt the book kinda fell off.
Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh
The exact book I want to read. The continuation of a love story that is so sweet and comforting to read. This second book goes deep and gets very intense, but I liked how this sweet love had to tackle real trauma. Only negative is the length, but still want to continue with the series
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Sweet book! Enjoyed start to finish. Would be the perfect summer beach read.

What if YOU are the Answer? And 26 Other Questions that just might change your life by Rachel Hollis
Rachel is one of my favorites and this book did not disappoint! Once I got into it, I flew through the book. I want to reread it with a highlighter and pen to take notes. Funny, relatable stories that really make you think
Misfit by Elle Kennedy
Another book from Kennedy that I loved. Easy read with a great story line. I liked all the characters and I’m eager to read the next book in the series. Classic girl meets boy story with some twists.
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
I was the biggest JS fan growing up and read this book when it first came out. The second read through was just as good. Jessica is so vulnerable and gives so many intimate details. Loved it and read it through so fast
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz
This book started a little slow for me, but once I hit Part 2 I was hooked! I love OTH, so I was intrigued about Bethany’s life behind the show. Learning so much about cults was fascinating.

4-Star Highlights

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
A solid book. I didn’t know at all where the ending was going, but really liked how all the loose ends were tied up at the end. I enjoyed it when reading just wished it was much shorter.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
There is a lot about skating in this book. More details than I needed and for that, I felt the book dragged on a little. However, by the end, I was into it and happy with the ending.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Dark and moody. Quick read with many twists. The type of book I will keep thinking about long after I finished.
How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion or Job by Sally Helgesen
Excellent read for working women especially those that seek to move up in their organizations. I read “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” earlier this year and didn’t understand the hype. This book shows the women’s perspective and is very relatable! A book I will for sure be rereading throughout my career
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
I flew through this book! Love the easy read and short chapters which kept my attention the entire time. The book does turn a little dark and the ending left me wanting a little more but overall recommend
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
Super cute story, but very long book which I never thought I would finish. Eventually it became my comfort book. Only gave 4 stars because I was disappointed that with that many hours of reading, everything still ended unresolved. On the fence if I’m committed enough to read book 2.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
I didn’t read the synopsis before diving in and I was surprised by the direction of the book. While it kept my attention and I liked the ending, it wasn’t my typical type of book.

3-Star Mentions

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
This book was very meh. Classic love story with a twist, but I wasn’t overly invested in them as a couple. I was eager to see how they would navigate their destiny to be together given they were separate relationships and was very underwhelmed. Seemed unrealistic. All and all, wasn’t a waste of a read, but wouldn’t recommend.
1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan
Great overview, but honestly wish I just watched a YouTube video instead of reading the book. This is not a negative reflection on the 1-2-3 method. I was raised on 1-2-3 magic and plan to implement with my kids. It’s easy, but effective.
The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Quick read, but because I read immediately after the first it was easy to compare the two. This book wasn’t as suspenseful or entertaining as the first. I liked that the characters were the same but wish there was never a sequel.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Easy read, but I will a little disappointed by the climax of the book as it was predictable. The ending left a lot to be desired.
One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy
I needed something easy to read in between reading another more dense book and this quick read delivered. However, there was so much smut that it seemed like that was essentially the point of the book. Would have wanted it to be a little longer with more depth.
How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly
As a regular traveler, I found that I knew most of the advice and tips already. I did find some unique nuggets that made me want to finish the book. There was also some guidance around maximizing points that was helpful, yet I felt personally overwhelming.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
I didn’t love this book for what it was hyped to be. The premise was thoughtful and I liked the underlying meaning, but just not enough happened for me. I think it would have enjoyed more if I read it over a shorter period.
She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
I was not sure where this book was going & was not expecting the turn it took. Overall, I think there was a lot of build up to a rushed ending.
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Quick and easy read. I liked the different POVs, but didn’t really understand the point of the book. Didn’t like the ending.

2-Star Mentions

Dead Letters by Caite Leach-Dolan
This was a long book that was hard to get through. While some parts of the book were thrilling, it took a long time to get to the point. I was ultimately disappointed by the ending.
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Nice ending and lots of good tidbits that kept me thinking and even applying some of the strategies in my job. However, not at all a page turner and I felt like I had to force myself to finish. Ultimately think I could have gotten the lessons in another, more enjoyable way.

I’ve set a goal for myself to read 26 more books in 2026. If you want recent updates on my reading adventure, find me on Goodreads at McKenzie Monday. Until then, happy reading! XXX, McKenzie