My Personal Best Books of 2024
I know most people put out the best books of the year type of lists and I started to. I really did. But then I realized that Even though i read a lot of very good books this year, my “best books” weren’t necessarily my “favorite books.”
My favorite books didn’t care about the writing or what awards the book won or what “must read” list it was on this year. This list is about pure enjoyment.
I’ve included 10 books because otherwise, it would just get too busy.
But here are my personal favs for 2025
The Blackbird Oracle By Deborah Harkness
My Thoughts
I tandem read this book meaning i had both the audible version and the hardback and i switched back and forth all day until i finished it.
You know how sometimes, when you wait a long time for the next book in a series, you are disappointed when it finally arrives? NOT SO HERE!
After 6 years of waiting to see if the story of the witch Diana and the vampire Matthew and their bright-born twins and joined families, we have returned!!!
I think that this was the best book since maybe the first one.
I am one of the rare people who loved all three of the original series and elevated my opinion of Times Convert after about 3 re-reads.
The BlackBird Oracle was excellent!
We stayed in the present except for flashbacks and met a whole new cast of characters while visiting with old ones.
There was action, a steady pace, and even after all the years, a spicy scene that had me clutching my pearls just a bit.
I loved every minute of it and CANNOT WAIT to read the next book because it’s obvious…another is coming.
If i could give it more than 5 stars I totally would.
If y ou are looking for the books i considered the best: check out my podcast episode to learn more. Some of the books overlap so that means it was really really good!
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde Tia Williams
My Thoughts:
I have been a fan of Tia Williams since reading the perfect find.
I was so eager to read this book, that I literally went in having no clue what it was really about other than it was a love story set in Harlem and somehow, had something to do with the Harlem Renaissance.
By the end, I was almost mad. Because this is one of those books you wish you could read again for the first time because you want that “OMG HOW WILL THIS END” feeling again and again.
When I tell you I was sucked in? I loved Ricki Wilde. Her brain, her character, her need to prove herself. And when “One evening in February as the heady, curiously off-season scent of night-blooming jasmine fills the air, Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way. “????
And the chemistry between Ricki and Ezra ? So So Good. And so heartbreaking and so joyful all at the same time.
I can’t really say more because I don’t want to give away the plot, because I feel like you need to let it unfold not by being told, but by reading it. But lets just say, I was so intrigued, not only by the love story and the backstory but the question on how on earth would it all end!
But most of all, I loved. it. And i have to give it my first 5 stars of the year.
Buy on Amazon.com or Buy on Bookshop.org or Listen to on Libro.FM
Forget me Not By Karissa Kinwood
My Thoughts
The first thing you need to know is that this book is written in First Person Omniscient. Meaning the narrator is telling you the story from everyone’s point of view.
It was jarring..it was werid..but when i got to the end, it made sense why she wrote it that way.
You will either 1.really love this book and the love story 2. Think that there is way too much sex. and for me to say that means THERE IS WAY TOO MUCH. after a while, you are like wait..again? (I mean this is spicy. like from the first chapter) 3. soldier through to the end and be like WTH did I just read or 4. Get to the end and be like ohhhhhh this makes sense now.
I gave it a 4/5 because of the sheer audacity to write from this point of view and make it work is good writing. It was different. It didn’t fall into any category or troupe that I usually read Bonus for the sci-fi aspect and subtle world-building.
But I also took off BECAUSE of the ending. Cause girl WHAT?
God of Fury By Rina Kent
My Thoughts
I saw this on TikTok and was intrigued.
let me start my review by saying:: THIS BOOK ISN’T FOR EVERYONE!
And that is ok!
I usually hate mafia romances. Too much violence and the dark romance are really not my thing.
BUT I do love a morally ambiguous/shady/ depraved MMC. Nikko is also a golden retriever. That also falls first. Who is also toxic as hell and basically has stalker characteristics, is sadistic, and really f’d up. and really should take his meds all the time. His inner dialogue was chaotic as hell but it served a point even though it confirmed that he is crazy as hell.
I loved this book. ( what earth does that say about me ?🤣) stayed up until 2 am reading this book. I’ll recommend this M/M romance to any and everyone.
Check the trigger warning because damn everyone is a sociopath 🤣 and there are some
Heavy topics that the other MMC( Bran) has to deal with that are just heartbreaking and makes you just want to give him a hug and protect him.
Keep in mind that this is part of a series so there are multiple stories happening at the same time. But it can be read as a standalone. Which was good because I honestly have no desire to read the rest of the series 🤣
So yep, if an unlikely romance is your thing read this. If you like M/M romances , read this. If you like Maria romances: read this. If you just want a good book READ THIS
Buy on Amazon.com or Buy on Bookshop.org
This Summer Will Be Different By Carley Fortune
My Thoughts
I really really really liked this.
The premise:
Each Year, Lucy escapes to Prince Edward’s island with her best friend and secretly to continue an ongoing affair with her besties’ brother. But this year, its different for both of them.
I loved all of the Anne of Green Gables references, quotes, and uses in the book. I loved that Felix was a lover of books. I loved that her greatest love was her best friend.
I just loved this book and even the struggle these two had to be together.
I highly recommend this book for your upcoming beach or pool read. It’s perfect
Buy on Amazon.com or Buy on Bookshop.org or Listen to on Libro.FM
Play Along By Liz Tomforde
My Thoughts
I have been waiting for this one!
I could not wait to read the tale of Kennedy and Isaiah. I’ve loved Isiah’s obsession with Kennedy since the last book. He’s the golden retriever/sunshine, she’s the grumpy.
Since the reverse grumpy sunshine troupes is one of my favorites I loved every minute of their banter! this book was emotional, spicy, and sweet. Plus, Liz Tomforde writes a really good romance novel. With an actual plot AND smut. My favorite combo.
Buy on Amazon.com or Buy on Bookshop.org
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things By Bryn Greenwood
My Thoughts
I have no idea how to review this book.
Wavy, our female main character is just too young for what life has dealt her. And you feel for her through everything that happens to her.
But her view of everything is colored by her trauma and her age.
The trigger warnings that go with this book should determine if you pick it up or not.
But if you decide to, I will say it was emotional, compelling, beautifully written and disturbing all at the same time.
Everyone in this book is broken. Broken people tend to do ..broken things.
NOT to excuse anything that happens in this book.
There were parts of the book where I was disgusted and disturbed and then there were parts of the book where I was like…well this is beautifully sad.
And it’s hard to reconcile those parts and give a rating for this book.
It won’t be and shouldn’t be for everyone.
Please read the trigger warnings if you decide to give this book a chance.
in the end, I think im going to rate this a 4. Because only good writing can make you feel so many emotions in one book.
Buy on Amazon.com or Buy on Bookshop.org
And that concludes my favorite books of the year. I cannot wait to see what next year brings. I have reading goals for next year that I will talk about soon!
What did you read this year? What was your favorite.
