In the quest for my 5-star reads of 2026, I decided to look back at my 2025 books—and the reasons why they earned so many stars.

Let’s start with the facts: I read 62 new books and re-read 3 in 2025. The target was 52 (one per week), so yes—I went a bit over. A situation my husband never stops reminding me of.

For me, one book per week is the bare minimum. I make a daily effort to go to sleep instead of reading, and more often than not, I fail. Miserably.

Unfortunately, my efforts are not praised. More so, some people believe I am a crazy, delusional person for thinking that one book per week is not a lot.

But for me, it isn’t. Sorry. Not sorry.

Looking back at my 2025 reads, I noticed not only my favourites, but also that some books needed to be downgraded. If I can’t remember the plot—or why I gave it five stars beyond a pretty cover—then a downgrade is necessary.

So, let’s start from the end and work our way backwards, looking at why these books were five-star reads (with minimal spoilers… but proceed with caution).

December: The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson

The FMC was truly unique. The plot plotted and kept me guessing until the very end. And the enemies-that-never-were-to-lovers dynamic was beautifully written. They strategised. There was no betrayal—only expected betrayal. Zero clichés. I loved it.

September: Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen

This will require a re-read (with audiobook) once Book 2 is out. The FMC’s story squeezed my heart—I related deeply to the things we do for the people we love, even when we wish we didn’t have to.
The romance was annoying at first, slowly revealing itself until the end.
Slow. Slow. Slow burn.

August: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

The best plot twist in the story of all plot twists. So much so that I almost felt betrayed and had to mentally rewind everything I thought I knew. Another definite re-read (with audiobook) once Book 2 is available.

July: Drive by Kate Stewart

The things we do for the people we love, even when they aren’t ready to love us back. The music element was a huge plus. This is one of those books I’ll keep close to my heart forever. Together with the playlist.

June: The Lies of Lena by Kelie Snow

Completely unexpected—how something that starts so sweet can break you so thoroughly. The anguish. The fantasy world. The slow build. Incredible. I’ll re-read them all (with audiobook) in 2027 when Book 3 is out.

I still can’t believe this was the author’s debut—and how young she is.

May: Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde

Honestly, all Liz Tomforde books I’ve read are amazing, but this one hit deeper. I clearly have a weakness for the “first love that breaks and comes back to haunt you later in life” trope.

March: The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman

Scottish accents. Wolves. Montains. Politics. A romance where you don’t really know who to root for. And a MMC that is misterious (no known intentions), dark and cautiously obsessed with her.

February: Feathers So Vicious (#1) and Shadows So Cruel (#2) by Liv Zander

I keep trying to understand why these were five-star reads, and the truth is—it’s a feeling that can’t be put into words.

It started like any other fantasy… and then, halfway through Book 1, everything changed. Visceral. Dark in an indescribable way. It ripped my heart out and didn’t stop until the final sentence.

January: Manacled by SenLinYu

No last sentence has ever broken me like this one. This book changed my relationship with something I loved deeply: Harry Potter.
The perspective. The pain. The love. The hope. And the proof that not all happily-ever-afters look the same.

I could never read it again—but I’m endlessly grateful that I did read it once.

Nocticadia by Kery Lake

The mix of science, mystery, and romance completely worked for me—far beyond the teacher-student trope. Give me a solid mystery rooted in science and dark laboratories, and I’m sold.

(Yes, I am a proud Robin Cook fan.)

Five-star reads aren’t about perfection. They’re about impact. About the way a story lingers in you, reshapes your thoughts, or quietly rewires something inside you. It is not explainable, it is what it is.