Best Books (& Manga) of 2025
It’s happened, I read enough manga that I have to make two separate lists! Sadly, I really didn’t read many chapter books this year, at least not many that blew me away so I only have eight in my list of best books. I didn’t end up getting to 60 books by the end of 2025, but still ended with 58 which is pretty crazy.
My reading goal for 2026 is 60 books. To make myself read my to-be read pile AND finish series I’ve started before I forget all the plot, I made myself punch cards. I roughly have 50 books that are in series I have started to read (four of these punch cards) which I’m definitely not going to finish this year but I want to at least get through the books I own(see photo below). Every time I finish a punch card, my reward is to make a book purchase I’ve been putting off. This could be a series I want to complete owning, a book I’ve already read but don’t have and want to possess, etc.
If you want to see all the books and manga I read in 2025, check out my StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/sierrajwrites
My Best Books of 2025:
The Angel's Kiss by Nicholas Bella
Started the year strong with this story that had an amazing complex world and magic system. I loved how the characters’ relationship progressed and, though it has been long enough I don’t remember examples, I remember it had some powerful quotes. Definitely a book I will reread in the near-ish future.
Prince and Assassin by Tavia Lark
There are not enough words to express how much I love this book. It had everything; hilarious side characters, beautiful hurt/comfort, light D/S relationship, AND the first book in a six book series! Definitely one I plan to finish this year as well as check out more works by the author.
The Golden Raven by Nora Sakavic
I always say this list isn’t in order and I don’t have favorites, but if I don’t say whichever All for the Game book on my list is my favorite, I’ve been possessed. These books are everything. They were right about the more angst but fuck, the slow burn was buuuuurning. Possessive protective Jerejean was everything. Jean and Andrew talking almost made me cry. Just Jean in general, so sassy, so broken but finally healing! And Neil, always Neil, my son, my chaos being. This next book better be even longer. I am planning to reread and annotate these after I read the third one this year.
How to Sell Your Blood and Fall in Love by D.N. Bryn
While I enjoyed the first one, this book touched my heart deeply, showing the accurate journey of a demisexual and autistic person discovering themself. It struck me to my core. There is also steamy slow burn, teasing vampires, and discussions of fan fiction which was incredible. Another series I’m definitely finishing this year, I’m particularly excited about book three.
Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions by Fae Quin
The Queen in here! Fae does it again! I laughed so much with this one, the side characters were fucking hilarious. The smut was also top tier and I enjoyed the exploration of BDSM where the Dom was the one learning. My favorite part was the epilogue, I reread it three times. I didn’t know what to expect from this story and it delivered in every single way. My favorite parts of Snowy Skies and Puppy Eyes was Alex and George’s appearances and I hope to see more of them in the future.
A Bone in His Teeth by Kellen Graves
While it might take me forever to read their series, their standalone books I eat like candy. This is definitely my favorite so far. Graves’s writing is magic and this book was a masterpiece of it. A beautiful, twisted story with high heat and hilarious courting, bickering like an old married couple. The setting was vivid and gave me chills, but also has me longing for the sea. The incredible smut was honestly just a bonus, the cherry on top.
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
An author with an amazing writing style whose entire collection I am excited to devour. This was such an adorable and festive read (more Christmas than Halloween but that’s not surprising). I think Hex is one of my favorite characters of all time. I also love how his magic reacts to him cursing, it’s hilarious! Excited to read the second one coming this March.
An Outstretched Hand: A Tarot Spread of Queer Stories by Various Authors
Did I buy this collection because my favorite author wrote a story for it? Yes. Did I enjoy some of the other stories almost as much as his? Also yes. These were mostly new-to-me authors and I liked seeing their takes on the cards. I am bias though and Sebastian Nothwell’s was my favorite.
My Best Manga of 2025:
How My Daddies Became Mates Vol. 1-2 by Mikkamita
This was so fucking cute! Fated mates, ABO, and a murderous meet-cute. I liked how the second book let us see how they grew together after getting together which you sometimes miss in short series.
Wind Breaker Vol. 9-17 by Satoru Nii
Gods, this series took me on an emotional rollercoaster this year and we are still in the thick of it. I loved the training and Umemiya and Hiragi’s friendship made me crack up in volume 12, but volume 16 almost made me cry three or four times. I just love Kaji so much and it also made me love Hiragi even more as a character. If we get a season 3 of the anime, it is definitely going to have to be a full 24 episodes and boy, it is going to be epic!
The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 5-6 by 945
Finally got to complete this beautiful and hilarious story. I’m going to miss these two, but they are encouraging me to check out more webtoons and the like this year.
How to Deal When Your Intimidating Neighbor is Actually an Omega Vol. 1 by Nikuya Inui
I was really into Omegaverse this year and this one was my favorite. I love an Omega who takes no shits and an Alpha who simps after them. So stoked for volume 2!
10 Things I Want To Do Before I Turn 40 by Mamita
This was honestly so adorable and the first single volume I’ve read that left me satisfied. It also had me feeling inspired to go for things and push myself out of my comfort zone just a bit.
Wet Dream Aquarium by non food
This manga was very silly and a bit weird, but the characters were adorable and it reawakened my love for aquariums. I can’t wait to have a cute date at one with my partner this year.
The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter Vol. 1-5 by Yatsuki Wakatsu & Kazuki Irodori
Hooked from volume one, this series has a cool fantasy world and magic system and I enjoyed the slower pace, slice-of-life but man, the slow burn is buuuuuuurning. We love a possessive protective younger top and his oblivious older bottom and their domestic fluff. The anime just started airing and I am so ready! Also eagerly awaiting volume 6 later this month.
Love on the Horizon Vol 1-2 by Machi Yamashita
These were probably my favorite manga I read this year. Not only are the physical copies themselves pretty and soft, but so is the sweet, slice-of-life story they contain. I reread these when I’m feeling down and they leave me reminded of how beautiful life and love truly are.
Love in the Palm of His Hand Vol. 1-2 by Rinteku
We start volume one with a sweet and insightful story, but I was impressed with the amount of growth and progress that happened in volume two. The art is also just so pretty and expressive. I am excited to see where their story goes.
I’ve already finished my first read of 2026 and excited for all the stories the year ahead holds. I think I am finally working reading into my daily routine after trying for the past few years. I am mainly trying to just be consistent so if I achieve that, I’ll be happy.
If you need some more recommendations, I have three queer cozy books and one unhinged one out right now as well as six novellas and a short story collection on my Patreon.