This month’s reading recap technically started in December because I shared my December wrap-up a little early so I could take a proper break over the holidays. And what did I do during that break? I read. A lot. Five of these books were technically December reads, but all together I flew through 26 books total, which honestly feels a little wild. Four were re-reads (one of them was meant to prep me for a sequel… except I re-read the wrong book 🙃-oops-still a five-star read though, so no regrets). Three others were part of a series I absolutely love—Chestnut Springs—and since a friend was reading them, I happily read along. So good. Even better? This month brought a record 7 five-star reads. Truly one of those rare, magical reading months where everything just hits. Past reviews here, rating system is at the bottom. Let’s dive in!
The Bright Years 5/5 (library book) -I was completely hooked from the very beginning. This is a heavy read, but it’s so beautifully written—one of those books where the writing alone makes your heart ache in the best way. God, the writing. Truly stunning. I loved the way their last names were combined, such a small detail but so meaningful. And the line “maybe kids straighten your sense of time” absolutely stopped me in my tracks. I teared up more than once, especially at “How many times can I give up on the same person” 😭. I’ll be honest—I was (and maybe still am) mad at Ryan. I could not believe how easily she forgave him after so many years. I was yelling at the pages. And then… part two. OMG. I did not see that coming and I legit cried out loud. Also, I loved her name—Georgette—and how they call her Jet. And “Let’s not measure salvation” 😭😭😭. I truly didn’t think I’d feel sympathy for Ryan by the end, but somehow… I did. I cried at the ending. An emotional, beautifully written book that lingers long after you finish the last page. You might have seen this on everyone’s ‘best of 2025’ lists, and it rightfully deserves a place there. Also, this gave Broken Country vibes for some reason, maybe because they both made me cry and were just so beautifully written.
Outlier 5/5 (library book also on Kindle Unlimited) – I would have given this a 6/5 lol. I loved this book so much. One of the cutest, most unique, best romances I’ve ever read—truly the kind of book that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. I could not put it down. I was actively mad when I had to go to bed. That’s how you know it’s good. Let’s start with the villains, because wow. I really wanted to punch her mother. The absolute worst. How do you say those things to your daughter and not believe her? And Rebecca and stupid Darrell—truly awful. Just the worst people. But then there’s them. Their first hug? I was done for. I couldn’t stop reading. This book is so incredibly cute it should come with a warning—like, you literally need to stop what you’re doing and go read it immediately. Oh, Margot… what a twisty little web you’re weaving. Mike. MIKE. I loved how strong and manly he was with the fireworks (swoon), and how finally someone tells him the truth. And when he “tore out of the driveway”? So sexy. The fact that she finds his driving sexy? Perfection. Their first kiss—actual swoon. “Kissing you silences the noises in my head” 🫠. And then the next morning at his house—when he gets all bossy and sweet with her? I was gone. I loved the little details: his hand on her lower back guiding her, how he calls out her awful family without hesitation. When she says he broke her, I cried. “All I ever wanted was for someone to love me for me”—gut punch. Her mother’s abuse made me furious. How could she?! I also loved how Mike’s size is always referenced—Big Mike energy in the best way. His sister calling him a big oaf, her backing up into his “brick wall” of a chest—gah. The chemistry between Mike and Vicky is unreal. Tender, protective, swoony, emotional, and so deeply satisfying. This book wrecked me in the best way. Cute, emotional, sexy, and unforgettable. Ok, as I went to get the link for the this book, I saw that it was book 3 of 3, so I just had to read the other two. They’re ok/good/rated below, but honestly, I just wish this were a standalone. It did not need to be a series. If I would have read book 1 and/or 2 I never would have made it to book 3.
Daydreamer 4/5 (library book also on Kindle Unlimited) -#1 in Daydreamer series. I love when Felix tells Will to serve the tea when Lucy’s ankle is hurt. Felix putting her in the car when she’s out getting coffee for the aholes lol. Love when Lucy recites Davey’s full name LOL! And Felix tells her she’s the most beautiful girl in the world, swoon. Love how he insists on taking her on a proper date and she’s all resistant lol so cute. Love that she finds his parking style. Love that Hetty makes him put money in the swear jar and he only had 50s lol! Legolas lol! What a character lol! When he buys her all those coats 😭 omg I love the British phrases like “jog on” 😂 his office makeover for her 😭 overall very cute.
Gold Digger 3.5/5 (library book also on Kindle Unlimited)- Man she writes good grumpy guys and tension between the characters where you think the guy is being mean but he’s caring! The scene in the bar where he saves her 😭 omg he buys her the custard creams she eats. Love the friendship he has with Felix and Mike. Omg Lottie’s back story is just so sad! And Hayley! I love that after the police come when Hayley runs to his house and they make up that Margo says “I’ve read enough romances, let’s see how this pans out” about the fake engagement lolz! When Ollie turns off her alarm so she can sleep 😭 love when she tells him his love is conditional and she’d rather be alone. TBH this book had too much plot not enough lovey dovey. The story seemed repetitive in theme to her other books and things that happened, like the man not listening to the woman speak and then finding out she’d been abused.
The Epicenter of Forever 5/5 (Kindle Unlimited) – Their first kiss–oh my god. Instant swoon. Caleb??? His warmth, his steadiness, everything. And “The magic is in the attempt”-that line alone lives rent free in my head. This is one of those romances that so many readers agree just hits: tender, emotionally grounded, and quietly powerful. The connection between them builds so naturally, with so much care, and Caleb is very much a fan-favorite kind of hero—supportive, present, and deeply lovable. It’s sweet without being boring, romantic without being over-the-top, and yes—there’s a little spice in all the right places. A genuinely feel-good love story that leaves you smiling and a little melty by the end. I loved every minute of it. I stayed up super late 2 nights to finish this lol.
My Husband’s Wife 5/5 (Audible) – Such a good audiobook—especially with the sound effects, which really added to the experience and pulled me into the story. And chapter 64… OMG. I truly did not see any of that coming. Jaw on the floor, full shock. One of those moments where you have to pause and just stare into space for a second because WHAT?! A twisty, bingeable listen that completely surprised me and kept me hooked until the very end.
Rewind It Back 4.5/5 ( library book also on Kindle Unlimited) – Second chance romance. Girl next door, twice. I loved their first kiss, so sweet. Love that they grew up together so they didn’t have to pretend. I love how she picks music for memories, so sweet! Omggg the cute note and latte he leaves her before leaving town. I love how much he cares for her and only her. I love that she paints her nails a diff color each nail. I love that Rio doesn’t do casual!!!! Omg the latte art, I just die lol so cute. His tattoo!! I loved this one. This is part of a series and I’ve read others in the series but you don’t need to, this is a great standalone. It’s got spice!
Bourbon & Proof 4.5/5 (Kindle Unlimited)– I needed a light romance and let Nick pick, he picked this one because of bourbon lol. I love that she gets under his skin when she calls him daddy. I love that she owns Midnight Proof. Love how Griz is always there supportive. Omg Ace paid for 5 years worth of what she was selling so she could open Midnight Proof. Oh!My!God when he says “I’m going to ask you a question and you’re going to say yes” swooon! And I love how much of a hard time she always gives him. And the daddy thing!!!! Morally gray MMC, age gap, fake marriage, best friends brother. Most unhinged thing with the panties but I was so curious, like that did he do with 5 years worth, but he explained it in a hot way! Love how she likes her coffee- cream with a bit of honey. I like that she says “you’re so obsessed with me” because he is! I love how he brings her coffee in the mornings! It got verrrry dirty and spicy after about 30% and then stayed that way. I didn’t love the whole foxes den (cute name but gross business I thought). Liked how there was no 3rd act breakup. I just didn’t love the ‘club’ aspect at the very end. This is part of a series I think I’ve read one of the other books, you don’t need to read them in order, this is a great standalone.
Flawless 5/5– These were all re-reads for me. Target had a sale and I bought the books last year. God I love the little texts at the beginning of chapters. I’m actually rating it higher the second time around. A friend was reading and I wanted to know what was going on! I remember the basics but wanted the details! Love how hard Summer works him out! Love that she doesn’t try to get him to stop riding. Love the dad, Harvey! Love his brothers! “The only thing I’m ruining for you is anyone else” omg swoon!!!! I forgot how good these are. I love how he lets her warm her “cold ass feet.” What he does to her freckles. Swooooon. Love how he changes the doctors name in her phone lol. So cute. They had cute banter, some spicy stuff towards the end but not too much. I loved her relationship with her father. Just overall such a cute romance
Heartless 4.5/5– This is a reread for me- omg how they meet “panty guy” lol. Love that Summer says he has different scowls that need to be deciphers. Omg Harvey and the lawn blow job!!! I love how obsessed he is with her, and how sweet she is with Luke! When he makes her more coffee in the morning. I love his dirty mouth! Love that he wears his hat backwards. I loved their conversation at Luke’s party “you don’t want what she’s had, you want more. You deserve more. And I’m going to give it to you.” The group text in the epilogue 😭 but I wanted a little more at the end about their life together with kids.
Hopeless 5/5 – A reread for me – God, this one really pulls at your heartstrings. Watching him struggle—and knowing how unreliable he feels to himself—was quietly devastating in the best way. The tenderness of him drinking chamomile tea with her? So soft. The tier one operator jokes absolutely slayed me, and the shoe shopping scene was so sweet on both their parts—one of those small, intimate moments that says so much. The 2:11 ams, so beautiful. Emotional, gentle, and deeply romantic, this book stayed with me long after I finished. I loved it. I couldn’t believe how she wrote so many good books in 1 series, there’s usually one or two but every book in this series was great!
Witness 8 4/5 (library book)– my dad told my about this book. Can’t believe I’ve never heard about this book, it’s SO GOOD. Very well written. Twisty at the end but it all came together nicely. Really felt sorry for the Jackson family, like they really got the short end of the stick in my opinion. Apparently this is book 8 of 9 lol. I didn’t read any of the others and don’t think I will, it was just a good thriller.
Leave Me Behind 4/5 (Kindle Unlimited) -suuuper spicy and it escalates quickly. It’s dark romance, lots of violence. The animosity!!!! The chemistry!!! Omg the hazing!!! The sparing, omg!!! Hatred and desire and attraction! Did not see that coming in chapter 36!!!! I don’t quite understand how Bradshaw did such a 360 and was so in love with her and Jenkins could tell all that love in his eyes? He’s been watching her from afar – so binoculars?- and never ‘saw her’ say I love you … mmmmk lol. This was a slightly ridiculous dark romance, but a fun read.
American Prince 4/5 (Kindle Unlimited)- very dark and dirty and rough. This is the smuttiest author. This book is filthy-easily one of the dirtiest romances I’ve ever read and it fully commits to that energy. There’s a lot of men with men for the majority of the story, and it’s bold, unapologetic, and definitely not for everyone. What really stood out to me, though, was Embry. I mean this is his book/book about him and his story. I’ve always felt like he gets the short end of the stick, and this book just reinforces that—so many sad moments, so much pining, sacrificing, and yearning. Truly, what is Embry doing constantly? My heart hurt for him. And then that twisted secret he lets out at the end- oh. my. god. I absolutely did not see that coming, and now I have to know what happens next! I loved how much Embry wants to make somber people happier—especially Ash and his nephew—which gave the story some surprising tenderness. I’m a little more eh on Ash overall, but I did love when he snaps, “You want a thank you for breaking my heart?” Honestly… thank you, Ash, for saying it. Why does Embry keep doing stupid stuff in the name of sacrifice? The characters are messy, morally gray, and constantly hurting each other, which makes it compulsively readable. Abilene, however? The worst. Truly. I didn’t give this five stars because at times the shock factor outweighs the emotional depth, but the yearning, the secrets, and that ending absolutely hooked me. Dark, outrageous, and impossible to stop reading—and now I’m fully invested in what comes next. This is a series, and I had already read book 1, I couldn’t help myself, I had to read book 2 (this one) and I’m assuming I’m going to have to read the next ones to know what happens lol.
Bull Rush 3.5/5 (Kindle Unlimited)– Very dirty like spicy times 100. In fact, I’d say this is the dirtiest book I’ve ever read. Ummmm does anyone else get the Ick when her fiancé suggests it would be a “hall pass” and nbd in 10 years? Like what? Omg he wants the hall pass to work both ways, what a creeperton. Omg love how Ramsay called her fiancé a speed bump in his head lol-super cheesy and unhinged at the same time, in the best way. 2nd chance romance.. Also, I’d like to point out that I’m shocked this book didn’t end in a pregnancy? She couldn’t take birth control and they didn’t use protection and she made comments lol and like I said, dirtiest book ever lol. Didn’t love the 3rd act breakup, v. predictable. Funny moment, I was telling Nick about the book and he goes “so rancher, football player, prison, millionaire, still married to the true love of his life through clerical error -so relatable” It’s part of a series aparently but I don’t feel compelled to read more.
Duke 3.5/5 (Kindle Unlimited) – A cheesy cowboy romance. Forced proximity – road trip. He falls first! It’s a little weird the sex parts, like he keeps telling her to use her words and she keeps crying during you know what. Weird. I like how he sticks up for her to her family and how nice he is to her. It was just meh overall. It’s a book in the middle of a series, I didn’t read any other ones and don’t think I will.
The Other Brother 4/5 (audible) – the male voice narrator has such a beautiful voice! It’s v spicy! James is so sweet! A sweet bad boy in a band and with tats but not bad boy. When Lukas found out, I’m surprised she let it go what Lukas had done to James ex, like wouldn’t you wonder if it was payback with James? They just let that all go. Very cute though.
The Night We Lost Him 5/5 (audible) – re listened to this because (I thought) the next book was coming out. Ooooops, wrong book. P.s. I want a tomato sandwich now lol. This book was narrated by my favorite Julia Whalen, does she just pick best books? Lol -I loved it! It’s like a gentle thriller, no, more like mystery with a little bit of romance but not romance, love story, some omg moments!!! It was really good. I liked the siblings getting to know each other Sam and Nora. If you would have asked me a single character name or plot point I would have drawn a blank, but this is so good even the second time around, 5 stars again lol. God, the love their dad shared with you know who, wow! When Nora hears how her dad wanted her to have Windbreak, I teared up.
The First Time I Saw Him 3/5 (audible) – a little confusing at first to know what’s it’s going on. Annnnnd I found out I reread the wrong book before this one. I had never read the first one but oh well. The book was solid, ok, but a little much of ‘the organization’ for me. Maybe if I had read the first one I would have rated it higher, thought it was just ok.
The Suite Secret 3.5/5 (Kindle Unlimited)– forbidden romance -friends brother. It was a little over the top/a little too much for me spice wise, there’s just so much and not in like a cute tasteful was, just imo, wasn’t for me. I love that the girls’ friendship is there from the first book (also love that her friends think she has bad gas at the party when he’s rubbing her leg under the table)! Love that they’re on the same page at the beginning. And the I love you moment, love that they were in it together. I kinda am starting to hate the 3rd act breakup so it was kind of like eye roll. Him running through the rain could have been a hot moment, but she ruined it. It just seemed a little formulaic.
Hat Trick 3.5/5 (Kindle Unlimited) -kindle unlimited – Right at the beginning, omg his accident- heart breaking! I literally woke Nick up at night and had to tell him about it, I’m sure he really appreciated that lol. This book, I literally stayed up way too late saying ‘one more chapter’ and then reading like 10, 3 nights in a row! Love how she makes a plan for him and makes him work! Love how she has hard Pilates classes and how he’s had a long time crush on her. When she gets him the skates and he cries – so sweet. Love how vulnerable he is. I liked after the first time he tried to skate she was saying he was the best part of her day and just seeing his name on her phone made her happy. His constellation tattoo- wow. I wanted to say that escalated quickly with the spice but it was like at 50% and then there was like so much spice. It was also longer than I felt it needed to be. I don’t know, I didn’t love it like I did at the beginning of the book. I guess this was in the middle of a series and I don’t/didn’t feel the need to read any more of the series.
Snowed In 3/5 (audible and on Kindle Unlimited) – Nessa Allen who wrote Lights Out, so I thought it was going to be really fast paced and hot. This one was SO SLOW and slow burn and not a ton of spice. By like 60% they still hadn’t even so much as touched! I liked how protective of his privacy she was. And how handy he was. The mental health stuff was a little much and not quite believable for the characters. It was kinda boring.
Finding Grace 3/5 (Libby)- man, certain books make you cry’s this one did that. I cried at her infertility struggle, and then what happened at the Ritz. And then omg, my husband called the plot when I told him about this!! I was like no way, but yup! It’s crazy! But like real enough you’re like omg is this a true story? Tom is kind of a deceiving dick isn’t he? And ugh even when the narrator is talking about him during their marriage he was a dick, like when she’s pitching her book idea and he shuts it down and she never tells him again. And she’s this like wildly successful author. Tom is the worst I thought. I could not believe the ending, like really? He gets everything? My husband said are you sure this wasn’t written by a guy? Predictable in a bad way! Could not believe the accolades this book got!
Love Letters By Other People 3/5 – for book club- what a unique premise- writing love letters for others, haven’t heard that one before. Love how when she sees him in the grocery store for the first time she says why couldn’t he just have gained weight or lost his hair? The part after they’re together in hs and she goes into the pharmacy and Tanzie is there and she tells her that Nick always does the right thing… and that Tanzie gives her the creeps, I’m assuming to come is that Tanzie is covering her pregnancy and is going to pin it on Nick and he’s going to find out the daughter isn’t his. When Paige asks him to promise he’ll always be her dad, like we knowww he’s not her biological dad, right?!? Ok can we pause for one big second. You don’t have sex and find out you’re pregnant the next day. Big plot hole. Like Aubrey’s gone for 2 weeks. One week in Nick has that conversation with her dad and then gets drunk and then what, 2-3 days later she tells him she’s pregnant?! I love when she’s telling him she has to go back to NY but still wants to be with him an he’s coming up with reasons while it won’t work she says “just shut the f$#k up”. He seems like a good guy with his kid and all, but the part I’m having a hard time with is that he didn’t have or couldn’t conceive of getting $400 together for his daughters camp so he has no money… and it’s literally her high school boyfriend who works at a steel mill and likes to go to a gym, I don’t know, doesn’t seem like a catch to me. Love that Nick punched Gallant at the end! Liked the ending. Wished that his writing service would have taken off or that the actual love letters for other people would have had more of a storyline, that he would have had more than 1 client! Also he was taking care of himself in the shower way too much and that was super off putting lol.
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue 3/5 (library book)- I read this because it was on a long “best of 2025” lists but I have to be honest, I didn’t like this book. I really find it hard to relate to mothers who actively dislike motherhood. It took us a while to get pregnant and I really truly feel beyond lucky to even be a mother. Then layer on her alcoholism, it was a tough and not fun read for me. I didn’t think her mother in law was bad at all. I didn’t feel like like anything was ever resolved, there would just be these major plot things and then it would jump to the next thing.
Female Fantasy 3/5 (library book)- there is a Mer (mermaid) storyline involved lol! Omg Kyle from college, I’d like to punch him. Sad how people dimmed her light. Loved how much the character loved romance novels, that’s how I feel. But I really didn’t like how it switched between the mermaid story and present day and I didn’t like that twist with the kidnapping/mob, it was weird and unnecessary and kinda stupid. V low spice book. Brothers best friend, forced proximity. I’m really not that big of a fan of fantasy novels and this is kinda one? Like there’s a story in a story, it just all fell very flat for me.
My rating system:
- 5 stars – I loved this book and would recommend it to someone looking for their next book to read. This is a book I would re-read and am slightly jealous of anyone who gets to experience it for the first time!!
- 4 stars – I really liked and enjoyed this book, it was solid. Glad I read it.
- 3 stars – I liked this book enough to finish it, but wish there would have been something more – and probably wishing it had changes
- 2 stars – It was hard to finish, but I made it to the end. I don’t understand why people liked this
- 1 star – Really annoyed I finished this book, did not like it
- DNF – Did not finish, just couldn’t do it
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