My Top 10 Books of 2025 (in no particular order)
1.) Midnight Sun
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Movie Adaptation: For now there is no movie adaptation of whats in Edwards head.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s perspective, Midnight Sun dives deeper into his internal conflict, obsessive love, and the weight of immortality. Seeing the story through his mind adds layers of tension and vulnerability that weren’t fully visible the first time around. It’s darker, more introspective, and surprisingly emotional — especially for longtime fans who thought they already knew the whole story.
2.) Curvy Girls Can’t Date Bad Boys
Author: Kelsie Stelting
Adaptation: No adaptation as of yet. I would love to see one!
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a sweet, empowering romance that centers self-worth and body confidence without turning it into a lecture. It’s about learning that love doesn’t come with size restrictions and that the “bad boy” trope can still leave room for softness and growth. Lighthearted but meaningful, it’s the kind of book that feels comforting while still making a statement.
3.) Love Hacked
Author: Penny Reid
Adaptation: ❌ No adaptation
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A clever, nerdy romance between a cybersecurity expert and a psychologist, Love Hacked blends sharp banter with emotional depth. Beneath the humor and slow-burn chemistry is a surprisingly tender exploration of vulnerability and trust. It’s smart, witty, and emotionally satisfying — the kind of romance that balances brains and heart perfectly.
4.) Lights Out
Author: Navessa Allen
Adaptation: ❌ No film or TV adaptation announce
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dark, intense, and emotionally charged, Lights Out leans into obsession, tension, and raw vulnerability. It’s not a soft romance — it’s gripping and immersive, pulling you into the characters’ emotional spiral. If you like stories that sit in the shadows and aren’t afraid to explore complicated desire, this one delivers.
5.) Call Me by Your Name
Author: André Aciman
Adaptation: ✅ Film adaptation
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A lyrical and deeply intimate coming-of-age romance set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Italy, this novel captures longing in its most delicate and consuming form. The story unfolds slowly, allowing desire, uncertainty, and fleeting summer love to simmer beneath every interaction. It’s atmospheric and introspective, the kind of book that lingers in your chest long after you’ve turned the final page.
6.) Dating-ish
Author: Penny Reid
Adaptation: No adaptation
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A modern romance that explores love in the age of algorithms, AI, and dating apps, Dating-ish blends humor with surprisingly sharp commentary on connection in a tech-driven world. It’s witty and fast-paced on the surface, but underneath the banter is a thoughtful look at vulnerability, compatibility, and what it really means to be chosen. Smart, entertaining, and unexpectedly reflective.
7.) Heated Rivalry
Author: Rachel Reid
Adaptation: Yes! This is a new series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An intense enemies-to-lovers hockey romance that delivers tension from the very first page. The chemistry is electric, the rivalry feels real, and the slow-burn dynamic builds in a way that’s both frustrating and deeply satisfying. Beyond the heat, there’s genuine emotional depth and character growth, making it one of the strongest relationship arcs in sports romance.
8.) The Queen’s Gambit
Author: Walter Tevis
Adaptation: Yes! The Queens Gambit on Netflix.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A character-driven story about genius, obsession, and the cost of ambition, this novel follows Beth Harmon as she rises through the competitive world of chess. It’s quiet yet gripping, exploring loneliness, addiction, and determination with subtle power. Beth’s journey is both inspiring and unsettling, making it a compelling study of brilliance and the price that often comes with it.
9.) The Complete Sookie Stackhouse Series
Author: Charlaine Harris
Adaptation: True Blood it was an HBO series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Southern paranormal series that effortlessly blends mystery, romance, and supernatural drama. Set in a small Louisiana town, the series follows Sookie, a telepathic waitress navigating vampires, werewolves, and complicated love interests. Fast-paced, witty, and full of twists, it’s a fun escape that balances danger with charm — and of course, it inspired HBO’s True Blood.
10.) Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake
Author: Mazey Eddings
Adaptation: No adaptation
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming and emotionally layered romance featuring an impulsive heroine navigating love, ADHD, and an unexpected pregnancy. Lizzie’s journey is messy, heartfelt, and refreshingly honest, balancing humor with genuine vulnerability. It’s a story about growth, responsibility, and finding someone who sees you fully — even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Alex’s 5 Star Grading System! If I answer yest to any of these questions the book gets a star.
⭐- Did I enjoy the writing style
⭐- Did I enjoy the plot
⭐- Were the characters enjoyable
⭐- Did I want to Put it Down
⭐- Did it make me contemplate my whole life, possibly cry and then contemplate everything I know about love, marriage, hope and everything else.
