For all the book lovers reading this, I am excited to announce that I have accumulated a list of my five-star reads for 2025! Before we get into it, I would like to say that this is going to be a short one because while I love reading (it’s one of my favorite hobbies), I will admit this year was not a great reading year for me. I hit some tremendous reading slumps at multiple points this year, which could very well be because I’m a college student and feel like I have no time for anything enjoyable. Nevertheless, I’m definitely hoping for a longer list for 2026.
Starting with a classic, my first five-star read is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I know – a classic. How could I have not read this sooner? But it’s a classic for a reason, and it is safe to say I am utterly obsessed with these characters and find myself unfortunately relating to Elizabeth Bennet far too much. I am also a sucker for a book that takes me back in time, where I get to be immersed in a well-developed and fascinating made-up world. To give you a brief synopsis if you’re not already familiar, Pride and Prejudice is a romance novel that follows Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy as they overcome their initial dislike for one another, while the rest of the Bennett sisters are being offered up for marriage to eligible bachelors. If you like Bridgeton, I promise you will enjoy this book. Jane Austen is a clever and witty writer, and I had a great deal of fun reading this book. Once I finished it, I decided to watch the movie. The movie is also impeccable and made my obsession with these characters even stronger, making it one of my comfort rewatches.
My second five-star read is The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings. I first heard about this book on TikTok, which, from my past experience, has never ended well and so I was a little bit wary about it. However, I am also enthralled by her Magnolia Parks series and her writing style, so I decided to give it a try. This book did not disappoint -the hype was so worth it. To give a brief overview, there are secrets to uncover, found family, and a unique storyline to follow. This book was funny and entertaining, and every time I read one of her books, I feel like I am right there with the characters. It feels like I am watching one of my favorite TV shows, and she does a great job by balancing the vulnerability and relatability of the characters well. I enjoyed the complexity of the romance, and I finished it in under forty-eight hours, so let that speak for itself.
The final five-star read I have for 2025 is Releasing 10 by Chloe Walsh. If you are not familiar with the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh, let this be your introduction to familiarize yourself with it and start the biggest, most captivating series yet. Releasing 10 is the sixth book in this series, which explains the background of Lizzie Young’s traumatic past and how it intertwines with that of her best friend’s older brother, Hugh Biggs. Before picking up this book, I was wary because the last book in the series was, by far, my least favorite and was hard for me to finish. However, I was always curious about Lizzie Young’s character, and I cannot express enough how much I loved this book. A little warning that there are numerous trigger warnings, so please take care of yourself before reading this book. I personally love a heavy book that taps into each emotion, and that is exactly what this book does. This book provides a compelling backstory on how a traumatic past can impact relationships and also explains why the main female character behaves the way she does, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Although I didn’t have a successful reading year, I did enjoy some great reads, and I’m looking forward to seeing what new releases will be on my list next year.