PJ's Favorite Books of 2025 & Giveaway

  

I tried to list a Top Ten for this year but nope, couldn't do it. There were just too many good books that took me on unforgettable journeys in 2025. Some made me laugh out loud. Some left me in tears. A few took me on emotional roller coaster rides. There were surprises with twists that left me stunned. There were exquisitely written, deeply romantic tales that I felt deep in my soul. And...there were more than a few characters who are still living rent-free in my mind and probably will for some time to come. 

Here are my seventeen favorite books of 2025, in no particular order. 

ONE GOLDEN SUMMER 

by Carley Fortune

You know those special books that transport you to a specific time and place, speak to all your emotions, evoke memories of times gone by, and hold you spellbound from start to finish? One Golden Summer, for me, is that book. I read it in one day and once I finished all I wanted to do was go back to page one and read it again, only slowly this time, savoring every perfectly placed word designed to elicit laughter, tears, and swoony sighs.

SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE 

by Olivia Dade

Second chances, banter for days, emotional depth, laugh-out-loud humor, body positivity, slow-burn romance, a terrific supporting cast, and a lead couple who stole my heart and had me cheering them on every step of the way. Second Chance Romance is a funny, endearing, warm hug of a book that kept me engaged and entertained from beginning to end. 

PITCHER PERFECT 

by Tessa Bailey

Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey is one of those unicorn books that flowed like hot maple syrup over a stack of yummy pancake perfection. It grabbed my attention from the first page, never lagged, never wavered, and kept me happily flipping pages until the final word. There's enemies-to-lovers romance, fake dating, forced proximity, unexpected vulnerability, family wilderness games (with accompanying snort laughter...and tears), banter for days, thought-provoking family dysfunction (but also love and humor), self discovery, surprising twists, delicious steam, adorable nicknames, and sigh-worthy words - and actions - of growing respect, admiration, and love. Basically, everything that makes my reader's heart happy.

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MIRA 

by Sonali Dev

There's something special about There's Something About Mira. It's my favorite of all the books Sonali Dev has written. I usually enjoy her stories but this is the first one that has kept me reading until 3:00 in the morning and still thinking about the characters many days later. There's Something About Mira is a beautifully nuanced story about parental expectations, social issues, fate, finding yourself, and opening your heart to both love for yourself and the love others choose for themselves.

WHEN WE HAD FOREVER 

by Shaylin Gandhi 

I read this book in January. In one day. Turned the last page around 1:00 AM then was awake at least another hour thinking about these characters, their journey, the unexpected revelations. Fell asleep and dreamed about them. Woke up thinking about them. It is now December, almost a full year later and I'm still thinking about them, about their journey. That is the impact of Shaylin Gandhi's writing. 

CAN'T GET ENOUGH 

by Kennedy Ryan

Kennedy Ryan is a force. While a book written by her is always a reading adventure, it is also an emotional, all-consuming, visceral experience. In Can't Get Enough, I didn't just read about these complex characters, I lived their journeys with them. They filled me with hope, anguish, accomplishment, fear, solid supportive friendship, chosen family, and soul-deep, enduring, hard-won love.  

CRUEL SUMMER 

by Maisey Yates

Raw. Real. Heartbreaking. Healing. Empowering. Romantic. Unforgettable. This is an immersive story of heartbreak, growth, healing, and forgiveness. It's also a heart-tugging journey of learning to value your needs, your worth, and your right to love and be loved for your complete, authentic self. I couldn't put it down.  

ALONG CAME AMOR

by Alexis Daria

This one was worth the wait. Not only is Along Came Amor my favorite book of Alexis Daria's exceptional Primas of Power trilogy, Roman and Ava are one of my favorite couples this year. Complex characters, rich Puerto Rican representation, dysfunctional family, a super swoony hero, a sympathetic heroine, funny, steamy, poignant, and deeply emotional. I loved it.  

SUMMER IN THE CITY 

by Alex Aster

This book. What an absolute delight. I couldn't put it down. No, really. I read it in one day with a smile on my face the entire time. It's incredibly immersive. The chemistry, the sparkling banter, the swoony, slow-burn romance. Summer in the City is a fun, steamy, can't-put-it-down story that kept me flipping pages late into the night while dreaming of New York City pizza, champagne galas, early mornings in Central Park, found friendships, heroes who cook (yay!), cozy coffee shops, and hard-won happy endings. It has my highest, joyful recommendation.  

THESE SUMMER STORMS 

by Sarah MacLean

There's a reason readers and media outlets worldwide raved about this book all summer. I read the entire book in one day. Could not put it down. This flawed, fractured family reeled me in and absolutely refused to let me turn away until I turned the final page. I'm still thinking about them months later. These Summer Storms is immersive, superbly written, emotionally driven, frequently messy, and ultimately hopeful. I loved it. 

GOOD SPIRITS 

by B.K. Borison 

Oh, my heart. This is one of those books that leaves an indelible mark on my soul. So incredibly romantic. So immersive. I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to read faster to discover what would ultimately happen (because my heart was crying out for something that felt impossible) while also wanting to slow down to savor every single word, action, and emotion. Good Spirits is one of those special stories that I will be turning to again and again in the future whenever I feel the need for a comforting, warm hug of a book. Straight to the keeper shelf!

THE AMALFI CURSE 

by Sarah Penner

This book has it all. Italy's Amalfi Coast (If you've visited, this will take you right back. If not, you'll be aching to go.). Sea witches (I believe). Dual timeline (I was equally invested in the stories and characters from both). Intrigue. Betrayal (I did not see some of those twists coming!). Forbidden love (in one timeline). Maybe fated love in the other? Complex, well-developed characters who tugged at my heart. Shipwrecks...sunken treasure...twists...turns...and OMG, what just happened??? I gasped. I cheered. I turned the final page with a big ole happy smile, wanting nothing more than to go back to page one and read it all again.

 

THUS WITH A KISS I DIE 

by Christina Dodd

I highlighted so many brilliantly witty and downright hilarious passages in this book it would be easier to tell you what I didn't highlight than what I did. Hijinks, hilarity, danger, and a bit of romance had me gasping one second, laughing out loud the next, and begging for the next book in this series the second I turned the final page of this one. I'll travel back to fair Verona any - and every - time Christina Dodd wants to take me there. 

A NEW YEAR IN THE KEYS 

by Hope Holloway

I have so much love for these characters, for this family. I sighed, I cried, I cheered. I don't think it's possible for Hope Holloway to write a book that does not touch me emotionally but even among the many heart-tugging stories from her various book series, this one stands out. It celebrates life, love, and multiple generations of family. It's achingly romantic and, to my delight, it features soul-stirring romance for a vibrant character in her seventies.

It is never too late to fall in love. 

EARL CRUSH 

by Alexandra Vasti

So many feelings. How could I not fall in love with these beautifully depicted characters and their hard-won happy ending. In addition to emotional depth, this book has impeccably placed humor, witty banter, zebras (yes, zebras), a mystery, a bit of danger, chemistry, meddling family (bio and chosen), road romance (Yay!), and did I mention yearning? So much yearning. I laughed, sobbed, and held my breath as Lydia and Arthur navigated the ups and downs of mistaken identity, espionage, kidnapping, and falling in love. I was with them every step of the way, right up to - and through - one of the most swoon-worthy, deeply romantic, heart-tugging epilogues I've read.

SPILLING THE TEA 

by Brenda Jackson

Brenda Jackson has written 150 books, hitting both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists in the process. Spilling the Tea, in my opinion, is one of her best and one of my all-time Jackson favorites. This author has a way of luring readers into her stories with intriguing characters, relatable circumstances, and emotional engagement. In this book she seamlessly interweaves the stories of two couples using flashbacks of the past with unfolding events of the present and the unlikely twists that bond them together. The end result is an emotional dual-timeline story with strong family dynamics, heart-wrenching emotion, sensual romance, closely-held secrets, and another Madaris HEA.

A TROPICAL REBEL GETS THE DUKE 

by Adriana Herrera

Adriana Herrera saved the best for last. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, book three in Herrera's Las Leonas trilogy, is a steamy, compelling, endearing, action-packed story that I did not want to put down. A Caribbean woman in Paris, fighting for her independence and right to care for other women. A Caribbean man determined to avenge his father and honor his mother's memory by claiming his rightful place in the peerage (fiery Black duke for the win). Adversaries to lovers. Danger around every corner. Found family of the heart. Hard-won happily ever after. This book has everything I love...and then some. 

Those are my favorites. What books had you jumping for joy this year? 

Two people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, December 26 will each receive a surprise package of books from my stash. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - Love Letters for Other People

Love Letters for Other People

by Shaylin Gandhi

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: December 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

When mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career implodes, she has no choice but to return to her rural Indiana hometown, at least temporarily. But small towns have long memories, and so does she, especially when it comes to Nick Thacker, the boy who broke her heart.

Nick’s life is routine: long shifts at the steel mill, plus a side business writing love letters for other people. It’s enough to numb his regrets—until his first love returns, stirring up a past he thought he’d buried.

Aubrey is focused on rebuilding her career, until she falls for a man whose love letters feel achingly familiar. But as their connection deepens, so does her sense that she’s been here before. The similarities must be a coincidence, right? Because if not, Aubrey may have to choose between the life she’s built and the love she left behind…

PJ's Thoughts:

After reading Love Letters for Other People and When We Had Forever by Shaylin Gandhi, what I've come to expect from her books is beautiful writing, complicated relationships, deeply emotional stories, boy-howdy-I-did-not-see-that-coming twists, and layered characters who linger in my mind long after I turn the final page.  

Love Letters for Other People takes us to rural Indiana and a story that pulled me in and refused to let go. Gandhi expertly crafts a tale of heartache, betrayal, long-overdue reckoning, forgiveness, and second chances but nothing on this journey will be easy. There are so many twists in this book, some I sniffed out in advance while others took me by surprise. 

Many characters are layered, with flaws that I could understand even if I didn't agree with their actions. There's a Cyrano de Bergerac plotline that had me worried but works out without going too far (for me). While some of the secondary characters had me ready to do some cliff tossing, Nick and Aubrey (and Nick's daughter) are characters who won my affection and support. My heart hurt so hard for what they had been/were going through but celebrated the joy of their hard-won second-chance happiness. 

If you enjoy an emotional roller coaster ride with complex characters, a hard-won happy ending and a few surprises along the way, I recommend picking up a copy of Love Letters for Other People. It's another winner from one of my favorite new authors, Shaylin Gandhi. 

Review & Giveaway - - The E.M.M.A. Effect

The E.M.M.A. Effect

by Lia Riley

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: December 2, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Harriet Smythe’s AI was supposed to create sports legends—not encourage her crush on her best friend’s totally off-limits, hot younger brother. But when funding runs dry, she has no choice but to enlist Gale Knight as her test subject. The same Gale she’s been secretly crushing on for years. The player who follows her every instruction with a knowing smirk that threatens to short-circuit her carefully maintained system.

Everything changes when The E.M.M.A. determines that finding Gale’s perfect match is essential to his peak performance. Even worse? According to its data, that match is Harriet.

Determined to keep things professional, Harriet makes it search for new candidates. But as Gale dutifully endures awkward outings with pop stars and athletes, the chemistry between them only intensifies. And his willing cooperation during their sessions definitely isn’t helping her stay focused.

With her deadline approaching and The E.M.M.A. still playing cupid, Harriet must choose: trust in pure logic, or admit that sometimes taking control means letting go.

Maybe The E.M.M.A. knows something they don’t—even if they’re not ready to compute it yet.

PJ's Thoughts:

Part STEM, part hockey, and full-on best-friend's-younger-brother romance, Lia Riley has crafted a funny and emotionally complex romcom that kept me entertained throughout. 

I love the best friend's brother/sister trope. This one gave me the tried and true plus interesting twists that made it original. It was fun to watch Gale and Harriet dance around the attraction between them. Their interactions are endearing, sometimes awkward, sparkling with chemistry and at times, a bit frustrating. 

Nobody is more frustrated than E.M.M.A, the AI creation of Harriett and her team. E.M.M.A. is a shining star of this story. I loved how she gradually evolved throughout the book, gaining surprising insight and capabilities not only into Gale, the subject of Harriet's testing but into Harriet as well. She may be AI but she's a pivotal character in her own right and surprisingly believable. 

Harriet is brilliant, accomplished, and totally lacking in relationship self-confidence. She also has control tendencies, in and out of the bedroom, which have not been appreciated by past boyfriends. Hence, her current rock-bottom dating self-worth issues. But, then there's Gale, her best friend's younger brother, her secret crush, a man who, unbeknownst to Harriet, is more than willing to relinquish bedroom control to the woman he's been half in love with since middle school. Bring on the spice. And the kittens. Can't forget the kittens. 

If you enjoy STEM, hot hockey players, younger men, adorable kittens, spicy romance, humor, emotional depth, and sassy, know-it-all AI computers, check out Lia Riley's The E.M.M.A Effect. 

Have you read Lia Riley yet? 

Do you enjoy take-charge heroines in the books you read?

What are your favorite animals in books? Kittens? Puppies? Something else?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 15, 2025 will receive a print ARC of The E.M.M.A. Effect.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Love Audit

The Love Audit

by Lucy Eden

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: December 2, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

  There are three things that PR strategist Jasmine Morgan knows for sure: One, she’s damn good at her job. Two, she’ll do whatever it takes to save her team from looming layoffs. And three, Derek Carter will always be her archnemesis—even if the man is ridiculously fine. Unfortunately, she and Derek end up on competing projects in Miller’s Cove, a small town highly suspicious of corporate outsiders. To gain the trust of the locals, she’ll have to ditch her blazer and pose as a “honeymooning couple” with her mortal enemy.

Derek isn’t about to let Jasmine best him on the venture that will seal their fate during this company audit. But wherever he goes, she’s there—in his hotel suite, digging for the same research, and even stealing the loyalty of his dog (traitor). Worse, her tempting performance as his fiancée has him torn between killing her career or kissing her senseless. But as the two get deeper into their charade, they discover little Miller’s Cove has a lot of big secrets. Secrets that could save their careers . . . but at what cost?

PJ's Thoughts:

This was my first book by Lucy Eden. It won't be my last. 

So many of my favorite tropes have center stage in this story. Derek and Jasmine were childhood friends who parted amidst bad feelings and haven't spoken in years until they are reunited only to discover they are workplace rivals for the same position at a newly merged company. Enemies to lovers: one of my favorites. But it doesn't stop there. We have fake newlyweds, forced proximity, small-town romance, spicy chemistry, one bed, and...oops...one gets sick and the other nurses them back to health. Not to mention a heart-stealing, matchmaking dog (you won't convince me otherwise). 

There's more to savor in this book than just Derek and Jasmine. Eden also dips into the multiple layers of the town of Miller's Cove, its citizens, and its origin story. Rising from the grief of an actual historic event in Tulsa, OK, this small Florida town is zealously guarded by the people who call it home, especially those descended from the founding families. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story and the hope rising from the ashes of an attack not enough people know about. 

Then there's the dynamics stemming from Derek's and Jasmine's families, once best friends and business partners, now bitter enemies. Their history has played a significant role in Derek's and Jasmine's feelings over the years as well as their currently deepening emotions for one another. I was surprised by the truths that were revealed. I also hope we'll get to see more of Derek's brother and a certain doctor. 

If you enjoy a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance with heart-tugging emotion, humor, multi-layered characters, spicy romance, a dog who steals not only scenes but also hearts, and a happy ending, not only for our main couple but the town as well, pick up a copy of The Love Audit. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review - - Mistletoe in Park City

Mistletoe in Park City

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Christmas in the Canyons - Book 3

Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Release Date: December 5, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Gracie McBride is up to her elbows in Christmas cookie dough at her beloved bakery, Sugarfall, when a health-conscious rival opens a sleek new shop across the street—serving kale cupcakes and protein-packed pastries that threaten to steal her customers. But when a holiday project throws them together, Gracie discovers that sometimes the sweetest treats in life come from the most unexpected ingredients.

At Snowberry Lodge, the season sparkles with love as Cindy and Nicole prepare for a double Christmas wedding. But MJ can’t stop thinking about Matt Walker, the mysterious guest who came and went last year, leaving her to wonder...will he keep his promise to return?

With weddings, wishes, and a sprinkle of mistletoe—will this be the sweetest Snowberry Christmas yet?

PJ's Thoughts:

Scott and Holloway continue to bring the humor, heart, and holiday goodness in this third book of their Christmas in the Canyons quartet. 

By now, these characters feel like good friends and each new book, a much anticipated visit to their beautiful, snowy corner of the world. That speaks to the authors' ability to develop characters to the point that they feel like real people in whom my heart is invested. 

When we rejoin the family, one year has passed since the end of book two. A lot has happened but as I read I never felt as though I was missing anything. It felt like we picked right back up with everyone during an annual visit to the mountains. Romance is in the air for multiple couples with wedding planning in the works, matchmaking kids, and a surprise arrival. I loved every word. 

This heartwarming series has my enthusiastic recommendation. Because each book builds on the previous one, I strongly encourage readers to read them in order. The fourth and final book will be published later this month. 

 

Review & Giveaway - - Christmas Wishes of Love

Christmas Wishes of Love

by Julie Johnstone

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing, LLC

Release Date: December 1, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Her first mistake was not killing the brute when she met him. Her second was falling in love with him.

Highlander Rory Matheson knows what he wants—a biddable wife. So when an edict from the king demands Rory choose a bride by Winter Solstice from the twin daughters of his clan’s greatest enemies—The MacLeods, he knows the moment he meets the sharp-tongued, headstrong Lillith that he’ll definitely not be picking her. Not only is she far from the docile wife he craves for peace, she’s unpredictable and dangerous—she put an arrow in his shoulder! Yet, he cannot keep away from the oddly enticing lass who stirs his desire. She’s brave and cunning, and she challenges him at every turn. And as the king’s deadline draws near, Rory comes to realize that he no longer wishes to win his battle of wills with Lillith—he’s determined to claim her heart.

Lillith MacLeod wants to be a warrior, not a wife. She’s seen the havoc love creates, and she’ll pass—thank you very much. She’s determined to defy both king and clan rather than become the bride of Rory bloody Matheson, so she hatches a scheme to drive Rory away and leave her clan blame-free. But she soon finds herself entangled in fiery exchanges with the irritatingly handsome Scot that spark her interest, kisses that ignite her desire, and a competition that reveals an honorable, caring side of the Hammer of the Highlands that she never expected. As tensions rise between the women and men of her clan over the edict and the king’s deadline looms, her family’s future—and her own—hangs in the balance, and she must decide: is love her greatest enemy or is it herself?

PJ's Thoughts:

Whether  you're already a fan of Julie Johnstone's Highlander Vows - Entangled Hearts series or new to these books, Christmas Wishes of Love is a story that should be on your holiday reading list.

This new novella highlights all the reasons why Johnstone is one of my favorite authors writing romance in the Medieval era. The setting, language, and characters all feel authentic to place and time. The family dynamics are an absolute delight. The characters are well developed, eliciting a range of emotions that made me smile, laugh, shed a tear or two, and cheer well-deserved happy endings. 

The banter between Rory and Lillith is terrific, as are the chemistry and deepening feelings. I love a romance where both parties are against the match then slowly, over time, come to realize there really couldn't be anyone else for them but the one they were against. I adored Rory's wooing of Lillith, the care he used as well as his emotional support.  especially appreciated his respect and support of her wishes for her life. I also enjoyed Lillith's evolution from fear of opening her heart to acceptance and celebration of a deep, abiding love. She touched my heart and was easy to cheer for. Also, the advice from older generations to both Lillith and Rory was a delight. So much fun to see Iain and Marion (When a Laird Loves a Lady - Book 1) as grandparents! 

While I love and recommend all of the books in this series, Christmas Wishes of Love can easily be enjoyed as a standalone story. Don't hesitate to make this heart-tugging novella your first visit to Julie Johnstone's unforgettable Highlanders. 

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval romances?

What do you think about next generation stories?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 6 will receive a signed print copy of Highland Hope (the story of Royce and Eve, Lillith's widowed father and stepmother) by Julie Johnstone.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - Second Chance Romance

Second Chance Romance

by Olivia Dade

Harlot's Bay - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Karl and Molly were never together. There was a time, right after high school, where it seemed like they might finally cross the line from friends to lovers…but instead, a foolish misunderstanding meant they never spoke again. Molly went to LA and got married. Karl stayed in Harlot’s Bay and bought a bakery.

The only connection the pair has shared over the years is painfully one-sided: Now divorced, Molly narrates monster romance audiobooks, and Karl is an ever-diligent listener, clinging to his only piece of the one that got away.

Still, Molly hasn’t totally left Harlot’s Bay behind. When she hears that Karl’s obituary has run in the local paper, unexpected grief prompts her to hop on the next flight to Maryland…where she finds Karl very much alive, the victim of nothing but an accidental obituary.

As the pair reunite, they finally hash out their missed connection. True, Molly isn’t quite ready to trust again, but Karl is determined to prove himself worthy of her faith and devotion. And as her remaining time in Harlot’s Bay ticks down, Molly, the habitual cynic, just might find that Karl, the cranky town curmudgeon, is impossible to leave behind a second time.

PJ's Thoughts:

If you've read my Top Dish review of last year's At First Spite (Harlot's Bay - Book 1), you know that I fell hard for this historic coastal town and her citizens. Book two, Second Chance Romance, has only reinforced those feelings. I first read an ARC of Second Chance Romance four months ago after which I posted the following: "Snort laughs, ugly tears, and swoony romance. This one's going straight to my list of 2025 favorites." I read the book again this week and those feelings have not changed. Olivia Dade has tapped a gold mine with these characters and I am here for every single word and emotion. 

Karl is everything I could have hoped for...and more. With his crusty exterior, marshmallow center, aversion to using his words (who needs to when actions work just as well?), baking expertise (A man who bakes? Yes, please!), creative murder mind (not that he'd hurt a fly but whoa, that's one creative imagination), kindness, salty mutter yells (the man has no volume control), and nurturing soul, he's not your typical romance hero but he's one of my all-time favorites...and he's absolutely perfect for Molly. 

Molly? OMG, I love every bit of her nerdy, fact-spouting, wary-heart self. If anyone deserves a happy ending after being betrayed, first by her father then her jerk of an ex-husband, it's Molly. No wonder she doesn't trust easily. Watching her gradually open herself not only to Karl but to others in Harlot's Bay was a delight. Watching her regain her confidence and stand up to those trying to run roughshod over her was even better. Watching her open her heart and claim her happiness? Cue happy tears and swoony delight. 

If you enjoy second chances, banter for days, emotional depth, laugh-out-loud humor, body positivity, slow-burn romance, a terrific supporting cast, and a lead couple who will steal your heart and have you cheering them on every step of the way, pick up a copy of Olivia Dade's Second Chance Romance. It's a funny, endearing, warm hug of a book that kept me engaged and entertained from beginning to end. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Olivia Dade's books? Do you have a favorite?

Karl's a master at creating mouth-watering treats at his bakery. What's your go-to order when you visit a bakery or donut shop?

Molly narrates monster romance books. Do you listen to audiobooks? What's your favorite format for reading: print, e-book, or audio?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 30 will receive a print copy of Second Chance Romance. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18