There will always be too many books to read – too many novels recommended to us, added to our TBR, purchased and left to sit idle in stacks adorning our shelves. And the best books of 2025 – so far – make this endurance test even greater. Because how on earth are we meant to find the time to read everything we want and everything we feel oddly obligated to tackle?
2025 has already been a tremendous year for books, from epic high-fantasy to somber reflections on modern life to spooky YA. The book staff has compiled their ten favorites of the year so far, which should help, at the very least, guide you if you’re looking for one book in particular to restart your reading journey.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping Sangu Mandana
If you’re in your grandma hobby era, or just love to surround yourself with cozy books, Sangu Mandana’s A Witch’s Guide is the perfect warm-hearted read. A dash of magic, found family, and hilarity make this book one of the best you’ll read all year. [Brianna Robinson]
Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett
As enchanting as the other books in the series, Heather Fawcett continues to blend spectacular world-building with her charming characters in this cozy and perfect third book. Also, it deserves a million stars for the best fictional grim dog in the world, Shadow. [BR]
Fan Service by Rosie Danan
Fangirls will feel seen by this delightful romance about a down-on-his-luck actor and the vet tech who used to run the fan site for his hit show. The chemistry and banter between these two characters, along with the fanfic-esque premise, make this one of the most fun reads you’ll enjoy all year. And if you’re an audio reader, don’t miss out on the excellent dual narration of the audiobook. [BR]
Paradise Logic by Sophie Kemp
A combination of a weird trip and a dreamy nightmare, Paradise Logic by Sophie Kemp is a book I entered not knowing whether I would like it, and I ended up loving it. All Reality Khan wants is to be the best girlfriend in the world, as that’s the quest given to her by the universe — aka the mysterious Dr. Zweig Altmann. Sitting in the passenger’s seat while Reality was on her quest was absolutely bonkers. I wanted to take her by the shoulders and give her a good shake, so she’d find some sense, but I knew that it wouldn’t sway her. And if I’m being honest, watching her stumble and be messy was the best part of the book. I wanted to see what she would do next because I knew she wouldn’t disappoint me in the slightest. [Kayla Chu]
She’s A Lamb! by Meredith Hambrock
She’s A Lamb! by Meredith Hambrock has the most sane theater kid as its main character. Jessamyn St. Germain is a going to be a star no matter what—or who—gets in her way. The deep, dark turns this book takes you on will make you question not only Jessamyn’s reality, but your own. She’s the gaslight, gatekeep, girl boss you never expected, and it made me love her even more. Her running inner dialogue made the book much more enjoyable than I initially thought it would, and the brief moments of breakthrough thoughts in her delusion made the entire book come together in a special way. Even as her mental state deteriorates, you can’t help but want Jessamyn to succeed as the leading lady. [KC]
Sky Daddy by Kate Folk
Hear me out: Sky Daddy by Kate Folk is one of the greatest books I’ve read in a long time. Don’t let the Goodreads description scare you because underneath the sexual attraction to planes, is a woman who just wants to experience love. Linda is a protagonist that a lot of people can relate to, even without the attraction to planes. Even though she’s unable to tell others about it, she’s someone who permits herself to enjoy planes in whatever way she can. It’s a super fun read with the best possible take off and landing. This is one of the weird girl lit poster books that you don’t want to miss out on just because you thought the description was a little cringey. [KC]
The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune
TJ Klune delivers yet another fantastical epic with The Bones Beneath My Skin. Marking the novel’s traditional release after the author was forced to self-publish in 2018, the book is the perfect entry into his work, as it brings together and showcases his most potent themes. Working with a tender heart, empathetic characters, and the fundamental saving power that comes from found families, the book explores the lives of two lonely men, a girl who isn’t quite a girl, and their quest to find solace and peace.
Set in 1995, the novel is an action film in book format, leaving us breathless as the three characters face mysterious government forces, possessive cults, and their own inner demons. The novel finds Klune’s familiar tone and exacting pacing let loose, creating an immersive adventure that will have you spilling your heart and tears into the confines of its pages.
The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K Ancrum
K Ancrum understands the significance of a coming-of-age story and, even more so, the profound effects our friends have on us in our teenage years. Between her novels, she clearly – and rightly – believes that it’s other kids who first notice the signs of something going wrong. That theme is clear in her latest, The Corruption of Hollis Brown, a deliciously off-kilter novel about a teenager who begins to fall in love with the ghost possessing him.
A story about the devastation of being seen clearly for who you are – all of the very worst bits, the softest vulnerabilities, the most tender sparks of rage – Ancrum demonstrates her control of flow and character. As Hollis and Walt grow closer than any two beings can imagine, we, too, grow attached to them, wishing for what seems like an improbably happy ending.
The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig
Talking gargoyles and devilish knights make up this enchanting and addictive romance. Atmospheric, charmingly mysterious, this is a book you’ll want to savor. You might even want to buy a copy for everyone you know. [BR]
The Trouble With Anna by Rachel Griffiths
Another amazing romance with an incredible premise. Lady Anna’s grandfather’s will stipulates that she must marry to inherit the one thing she wants most in the world: his horse stables. Unfortunately for her, the will states that she can only marry the insufferable Lord Julian Ramsey, or the stables and all property will be forfeit to her undeserving retch of a cousin. Even if you weren’t a horse girl when you were a pre-teen, you’ll find this sexy, hilarious book to be one of the best you read all year. I also highly recommend the audio. [BR]
Let us know what your favorite books of the year are at @inbetweendrafts.bsky.social.
Based in New England, Allyson is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of InBetweenDrafts. Former Editor-in-Chief at TheYoungFolks, she is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Her writing has also appeared at CambridgeDay, ThePlaylist, Pajiba, VagueVisages, RogerEbert, TheBostonGlobe, Inverse, Bustle, her Substack, and every scrap of paper within her reach.
