3.14. The Reads, the Regrets, and the Re-Reads

Cheers ☕️ and welcome back to My Sister’s TBR, the podcast where two sisters overshare about books, life, and the emotional damage fictional characters inflict upon us.We’re Stacey and Rebecca, and this is our 2025 Year-End Wrap-Up — a very special episode and post for two reasons:* We’re recapping an entire year of reading* We recorded in person, for the first time in way too longSame room. Same Wi-Fi. Same pot of coffee.It’s giving holiday special. It’s giving Gilmore Girls. It’s giving grab a mug and get comfy.This wrap-up means we’re talking about the books we loved, the books that ruined us, and the books we finished out of pure spiteSo settle in. This is My Sister’s TBR: The Year in Books Edition.📊 Reading Goals: Or, “It’s Fine. Everything’s Fine.”Before we dive into our Top 12s, let’s talk goals — and reality.Stacey* Reading goal: 84 books* Books read: 91 (and possibly one more before the year ends)Unhinged. Powerful. A mood reader with eight books on the go at any given moment.Rebecca* Reading goal: ~35 books* Books read: ~20Life happened. Moving happened. Stress happened. And you know what? That’s okay.Friendly reminder (one we’ll repeat forever): reading goals are optional. They exist for fun, not guilt. You can revise them, ignore them, or throw them directly into the sun.⭐ Our Top 12 Books of the YearImportant note: even our “lowest-ranked” books are still really good. When you read this much, the bottom of the list is still elite.#12Rebecca: Regretting You — Colleen HooverA reread that still hits emotionally, still flows beautifully, and still proves Colleen Hoover writes in a way that just works. Easy to read, heartfelt, and a solid four-star comfort pick.Stacey: The Hunger Games (series) — Suzanne CollinsA full series reread that reminded us why this story still holds up. Dystopian, devastating, and painfully relevant — and yes, Sunrise on the Reaping emotionally wrecked us.#11Rebecca: The Exception to the Rule — Christina LaurenA short, email-based romance that somehow delivered full emotional payoff. Cute, clever, and proof that short reads can still earn five stars.Stacey: If It Makes You Happy — Julie OliviaSmall-town, autumnal, Gilmore-Girls-coded comfort. Cozy, character-driven, and surprisingly immersive.#10Rebecca: The Spanish Love Deception — Elena ArmasEnemies-to-lovers, fake dating, elite banter. Entertaining, easy to sink into, and deeply satisfying.Stacey: Out on a Limb — Hannah Bonam-YoungInclusive, heartfelt, friends-to-lovers romance with zero bad things to say. An auto-read author status unlocked.#9Rebecca: Beach Read — Emily HenryWriters with writer’s block, emotional depth hiding under rom-com energy, and excellent banter. A classic Emily Henry win.Stacey: Quicksilver — Callie HartRomantasy with rich world-building, true enemies-to-lovers tension, and a standout side character we desperately need more of.#8Rebecca: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — J.K. RowlingA reread that felt like coming home. Cozy, nostalgic, and always five stars.Stacey: Every Summer After — Carley FortuneA dual-timeline, deeply nostalgic romance that felt painfully real. Heartbreaking in the best way.#7Rebecca: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — J.K. RowlingStill cozy, but noticeably darker. A reminder of when the series starts to shift.Stacey: Throne of Glass (the series) — Sarah J. MaasA slow start that paid off big time. Trauma, magic, and commitment issues — but worth it.#6Rebecca: The Intruder — Freida McFaddenA thriller that actually surprised us. Strong twists, dual timelines, and a satisfying read.Stacey: The Nightingale — Kristin HannahHistorical fiction that was difficult, devastating, and unforgettable. A five-star read that hurt — respectfully.#5Rebecca: Five Brothers — Penelope DouglasDark romance, why-choose, no notes just vibes. Penelope Douglas doing what they do best.Stacey: One Golden Summer — Carley FortuneLake life, nostalgia, and a helpful man. A standout contemporary romance that felt warm and immersive.#4Rebecca: The Twisted Ones — T. KingfisherUnsettling, creepy, and permanently burned into our brains. Horror that lingers long after you finish.Stacey: The Seven Year Slip — Ashley PostonMagical realism, grief, love, and timing. Possibly our favorite contemporary romance ever.#3Rebecca: How Does It Feel — Jeneane O’RileyFae, trials, obsession, and immediate sequel downloading. Addictive and vivid.Stacey: Rose & Chains — Julie SotoDark romantasy with heavy themes, beautiful writing, and characters that still felt deeply familiar. Absolutely stunning.#2Rebecca: The Only One Left — Riley SagerCreepy, atmospheric, and twisty. A thriller that had us flipping back pages in disbelief.Stacey: House of Flame and Shadow — Sarah J. MaasUrban fantasy perfection. Emotional payoff, unforgettable characters, and exactly why we love this genre.🏆 #1 — Our Shared Top Read of the YearAlchemised — SenLinYuFor the third year in a row, we agree that Dramione wins out.This book is massive. Dark. Brutal. Beautifully written.It destroyed us — and we loved every second.Yes, it’s heavy.Yes, it requires checking content warnings.Yes, it absolutely earned the top spot.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to read it: this is it.🚫 Books That Missed the MarkNot every book works for every reader, and that’s okay.Some of our lowest-rated reads this year included:* The Crash* Dating After the End of the World* He Sees You When You’re SleepingSometimes you finish a book because you love it.Sometimes you finish it out of spite.Both are valid reading experiences.💬 Final ThoughtsThis year reminded us why we love reading:* to escape* to feel deeply* to connect* and occasionally to emotionally devastate ourselves on purposeWhether you read 5 books or 95, you’re doing it right.Thank you for reading with us, listening with us, and screaming about fictional characters with us all year long. We’ll see you next year — with more books, more chaos, and some movie magic!💚 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe