Some people remember a year by milestones or events. I remember mine by the books I loved the most each month.
Every month usually comes with multiple reads with some of them good, some forgettable, and some comforting. But there’s always that one book that stands out.
Here’s my favourite book from each month of 2025, a little literary recap of the year gone by.
January – The City of Pillars (Heaven #1) by Bhavini K. Desai
January always feels like a fresh start, and this book fit that mood perfectly. The City of Pillars pulled me into a new world right when I was ready to escape into something immersive.
February – Twisted Lies (Twisted #4) by Ana Huang
February and romance go hand in hand, and Twisted Lies delivered all the intensity I expected. Dark, addictive, and emotionally charged, this one had me hooked from start to finish.
March – Managed (VIP #2) by Kristen Callihan
March felt like it was made for Managed, and gave me exactly that. The banter, the slow emotional unfolding, and the characters felt warm and familiar.
April – Dream Man by Linda Howard
April brought mystery and thriller with it. Dream Man is one of those books that reminds me why I love romance in the first place; protective heroes, emotional depth, and that old-school charm that Linda Howard does so well.
May – King of Wrath (Kings of Sin #1) by Ana Huang
May bought with it King of Wrath which matched the energy. Powerful characters, intense emotions, and undeniable chemistry. This book was bold, fast-paced, and impossible to ignore.
June – Simply the Best (Chicago Stars #10) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
June called for something lighter and what better than a Susan Elizabeth Phillips which never disappoints. Simply the Best was comforting, charming, and full of those little moments that make you smile while reading.
July – The Pucking Wrong Number (Pucking Wrong #1) by C.R. Jane
July was all about being half way to the year and with it came this fun, chaos, and addictive storytelling. This book was unexpected in the best way. It was entertaining, fast, and unapologetically dramatic.
August – Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island #3) by Nora Roberts
August got me with Face the Fire and brought that calm, grounded energy. With its blend of emotional depth, healing, and strength, it was a story that felt steady and reassuring.
September – First Star I See Tonight (Chicago Stars #8) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
September always feels transitional, and this book mirrored that beautifully. Emotional, mature, and layered, First Star I See Tonight explored growth, second chances, and vulnerability in a way that felt deeply satisfying.
October – The Will (Magdalene #1) by Kristen Ashley
October got me The Will. Emotional, dramatic, and heavy in the best way, this book wasn’t just a read; it was an experience.
November – Kulti by Mariana Zapata
November was slow-burn season, and Kulti owned it. This book reminded me why Mariana Zapata’s storytelling works so well; patience, emotional payoff, and characters that feel incredibly real. Worth every page.
December – Wild Side (Rose Hill #3) by Elsie Silver
December ended the year on a warm, comforting note. Wild Side felt cozy yet emotional, the perfect balance for the end of the year.
Looking back, this list feels like a snapshot of my year. Books don’t just fill time; they shape it. And these twelve stories did exactly that for me. If you’re someone who tracks time through pages and chapters too, maybe this inspires you to do the same.
Here’s to another year of stories waiting to be read.
With love and lots of stories,
The Reading Lane
Liked this post? Come say hi on Instagram and Goodreads — I share recs, rambles, and way too many romance reads.
Discover more from The Reading Lane
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
