Favorite Reads of 2025 2/2
With the new year upon us, it’s mind-boggling looking at all the books I’ve read this year—even more so narrowing down the three faves for the second half of the year. After much deliberation, these three titles stood out to me with its unique plot, themes, and execution. I’m so excited to share with you my thoughts! Let’s dive in!
Bunny by Mona Awad
Literary Fiction: Gothic Horror, Dark Academia, Comedic Surrealism
On campus, the Bunnies can be found huddled in a corner, praising each other’s genius writing and beauty, oblivious to the decrepit world around them. What Samantha would give to destroy every single one of them. But when she receives a dainty invitation to join their workshop soirée, she decides to go and see what makes their avant-garde writing so much better than hers. What she didn’t plan for was to be warmly welcomed, entertained by strong bubbly and elegant recitations, and comforted when she inevitably talks of her past. She was wrong. The Bunnies are. . .amazing. What they do is amazing. Time and space gets distorted as Samantha follows their lead down the rabbit hole to the glittery dreamscape of miniature cupcakes and fluffy bunnies. Soon, things start to feel freakishly real as blood seeps into the sweets, staining the pretty pinks. It’s part of the creative process. After all, this is the power of Workshop.
I cannot STRESS how obsessed I am with this novel! Mona Awad does it again, taking a fairytale favorite and turning it into an occult-filled satire. Fractured identity and dissipating logic? Count me in. The stream of consciousness and obsessive thoughts made me feel like Alice falling down a long and twisty rabbit hole. I enjoyed all the clever nods to the fairytale from the miniature foods at the miniature café, the little drinks and mystery pills, and the Bunny Workshops. Unlike Alice in Lewis Carroll’s story, Samantha travels backwards, away from her harsh adult reality to one where everything is light and soft and “innocent.” Well, at least before the axe falls. There are so many great themes in this novel from creative isolation, art and authenticity, toxic relationships, and elitism in conformity. Absolutely well done. Mona really brings the “dark” in this dark academia thriller.
The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
Historical Romance: Marriage of Convenience, Beauty and the Beast, Gothic Elements
Julia Wychwood just wants to read her books and ride her horse in peace, but even her simplest pleasures remain elusive whilst under her hypochondriac family’s roof. A London heiress with her path in life strictly planned out, Julia knows she will never find the freedom, nor the love, she deeply desires. Unless, she proposes to the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt. It is common knowledge that Captain Blunt is searching for a wealthy wife. Treacherous rumors from the war darkens his every step, making him an unlikely husband and yet, Julia doesn’t find him beastly like the rest of London society does. He understands her in a way that captures her heart, as much as she tries to deny it. She knows what his true intentions are, but despite that, Julia can’t help her growing attraction toward him. When her life takes a life-threatening turn, she makes the decision to secure her safety, her freedom, and her future. In exchange for her dowry, Captain Blunt must allow her to do as she please to which he readily agrees. However, he counters with a condition of his own: to not ask about his past and go into the tower rooms of his estate. For her freedom, Julia promises not to pry. But at the haunted estate, secrets soon unravel, secrets that could break Julia’s fragile heart.
I’m usually quite picky with the Marriage of Convenience trope. However, I was SO pleased with how The Belle of Belgrave Square elegantly executes it without feeling. . . well, silly or unnecessary. The marriage felt urgent and crucial to not only the plot but also for both of the character’s development; it goes beyond budding attraction from forced proximity and reveals what was broken in both of them and how they could mend each other’s emotional wound in order for them to fully love and be loved. The slow-burn meshes with the trope well and had me pining for their happily ever after so bad! The mystery and sub plots that surrounds Captain Blunt and Julia Wychwood makes this Beauty and the Beast-inspired tale an exciting and fulfilling romance to read.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Literary Fiction: Past and Present, Classic Hollywood, Tragic Romance
Hollywood movie and beauty icon Evelyn Hugo is ready to come clean about her life and reveal truths that fans have been waiting for. But when she selects a seemingly random, low-level reporter, Evelyn has the world puzzled. Who is Monique Grant and what is her relation to the legendary star? Shocked to say the least, Monique takes the opportunity. As Monique learns about Evelyn’s rags-to-riches story, her infamous marriages, and the obstacles she faced and overcame with ambitious grace, she realizes the star’s life isn’t at all like it seems. Behind all the glamour and fame lies so much pain, heartache, and sacrifice. When Evelyn’s story comes to a close, Monique discovers the connection she feels toward the star is more irrevocable than she could ever imagine.
Um, WOW. If you love Hollywood glamour, this book DELIVERS. Reid knows how to weave a story that’ll keep you hooked all the way until the end. One of the things I enjoyed most about this story is the parallel between Evelyn and Monique. Both share similar experiences in their struggle with their identity and circumstances. Evelyn was able to overcome it by relying on her own wit and resources, something she encourages Monique to do throughout their collaboration. Evelyn’s brazen attitude toward herself and life seems insensitive and cold at first but it was this unashamed self-respect that propelled her toward the fame she desperately coveted. The interaction with each other not only revealed the acceptance the women needed but also overturned the harmful truths they believed about themselves, thus making this novel much more than a story with unpredictable plot twists and drama—It’s a story about healing, hope, and the transcendence of love.
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Woohoo! We made it! I don’t know about you but I’ve already got books queued up for the new year. 😁 What are books you are looking forward to most in 2026? Share below in the comments! Until next time, I wish everyone happy reading, happy writing, and a happy new year! 🥂✨
