We’re officially halfway through the year (OMG, HOW?!), and I’m somehow sixty-three books deep into 2025 already. It felt like the perfect time to hit pause, brew a cosy cuppa and reflect on some of the reads that have made me laugh, cry and/or stay up way too late 😴

Psst… Pls excuse the slightly wonky AI books in the basket above… she’s trying her best! 📚💐

My Shelf Care journey this year has taken me through wild thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, feminist powerhouses and a few lemons (don’t worry, those didn’t make the list). So here are my standout reads of 2025 so far (mostly 2025 releases, along with a few curveballs) – these are the reads I haven’t stopped thinking about, messaging friends about, or aggressively forcing into people’s hands like some kind of bookish maniac.

You’re welcome!

My Top Shelf Picks of 2025 (January – July) 📚

1. Atmosphere: A Love Story – Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We waited three loooong years, and wow, did TJR deliver. This space-era saga was everything: bold, immersive, emotional and quietly revolutionary. A powerful exploration of ambition, love and what it meant to be a woman in the 1980s fighting gravity – both literal and metaphorical.

2. So Thrilled For You – Holly Bourne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book hit me hard. Raw, relatable and guttingly accurate, STFY gave voice to all the things so many women struggle to say out loud. Charlotte’s quiet unraveling is beautifully done – and if you’ve ever felt stuck between joy for others and grief for yourself, this one will crack you open.

3. The Women – Kristin Hannah ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An emotional gut-punch in the best possible way. Historical fiction that felt heartbreakingly relevant. I laughed, cried, and ugly-sobbed. TW isn’t just a book – it’s a full-body experience.

4. The Tenant – Freida McFadden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Freida strikes again. Gripping, twisty and delightfully creepy, this thriller had me absolutely glued from the start. McFadden’s pacing is razor-sharp and the final twist..? Wow. Let’s just say I won’t be Airbnb-ing anytime soon.

5. The Bad Bridesmaid – Rachael Johns ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Funny, flirty and full of Aussie charm – TBB romcom was pure serotonin. Chaotic weddings, unexpected reunions, spicy moments and characters you wish were your mates? Yes, please.

6. Stuck Up and Stupid – Angourie and Kate Rice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Aussie spin on Pride and Prejudice was equal parts sharp satire and sun-drenched fun. Think Byron Bay meets Mr. Darcy with influencer chaos, vino and a whole lotta heart.

7. Do You Remember? – Freida McFadden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Memory, manipulation and McFadden mayhem. While it sagged a little in the middle, the overall ride was worth it – and the payoff satisfying.

8. Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An emotional balm. Beautifully messy, painfully honest and full of the kind of joy and grief that live side-by-side IRL. This is the Henry I was waiting for.

9. The Last Letter – Rebecca Yarros ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A heart-wrenching story about grief, love and second chances that had me in an absolute puddle. Loved it.

10. Self-Portrait with Boy – Rachel Lyon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dark, thoughtful and quietly gripping. A razor-sharp look at art, ambition and the blurry lines we cross in pursuit of success. One for fans of introspective, character-driven fiction.

Yep, 2025 has already been an incredible reading year – with more twists, turns and tears than I could’ve imagined. As always, if you’ve read something that has rocked your world this year – slide into my Instagram DMs or drop a comment below. I’m always down for bulking out my #TBR list!

Here’s to the second half of 2025 being just as unputdownable! 📖✨