IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL POST OF THE YEAR… almost. One of the most wonderful if we’re dealing with the nitty gritty details here *sighs*

Anyway, love how I say every year that I’m limiting my list to books I only genuinely want to read. But when I looked at what was on last year’s post,,, yeah hah not sure how many I did read.. But I mean it this year. I pinky promise.

Speaking of how I did this post last year, we’ll be chatting all things books and films, and I do think I’ve gathered QUITE the list this year. We’ll call it a comprehensive list, because I think I’ve picked what will be the best of the best. I know, smug much. But I’m only being honest folks. Lol with that, I think we should drive right in!

books

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JANUARY

Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot by Alexis Hall (1 January 2025): have I started this series? No. But do I love this author and want to read all they write? The answer would be yes.

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (7 January 2025): I’ll pose an almost similar question because have I read ANYTHING by this author? Nope. But do I think I’ll fall head over heels? The answer would be yes.

After Life by Gayle Forman (7 January 2025): idk how many books she’s written since the If I Stay series but when I tell you I was OBSESSED?! So you know, I’m here for a new release from Gayle. This is a YA contemporary that deals with grief as per usual slash what I know from her so I shall have the tissues on hand thankq

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese (14 January 2025): not me having this eARC for months now and NOT having read it,,, flog me frfr,,,

Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel Papathanasiou (14 January 2025): yell at me for having her fantasy series on my TBR since like book one launch but hey I can still be excited for her romance debut right? Shameez will forgive me, I’m sure *hides*

The Favourites by Layne Fargot (14 January 2025): heard about this book like a week ago but as soon as it was pitched as From Lukov With Love meets Daisy Jones and The Six, I was immediately SAT and sold both kidneys for an early copy. Hey, if you’re new here I’m obsessed with ice skating and even more so ice skating romance and it’s CHEFS KISS so far xoxo

Don’t Die Alone, Lucas Cook! by George Lester (14 January 2025): I’m here for the title and also the author’s social media alone. Yes, you are invited to my funeral.

The Rival by Emma Lord (21 January 2025): I had managed to catch up with this author at the beginning of this year but that didn’t last long because Emma Lord ruled 2024. And I begged for an early copy of this one. So I’m three books behind again and hate it here. Off into my hole I go. See you again when I’ve caught up.

Better Once Than Never by Nuhaa Bardien (25 January 2025): this cover can legitimately have all of my children in exchange for passing on some of its gloriousness to me. Please and thank you? Yes I am very much ready to get into this Shakespearean-retelling romance series GIVE IT TO ME PLEASE

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young (28 January 2025): doctor, it looks like another case of not having read from this author before but having an inkling Ruby will fall head over heels. Get her to a hospital immediately,,,,,,,,,,

FEBRUARY

The Company of Birds by Nerine Doorman (February 2025): thanks to my job this year, I’ve had the privilege of being introduced to Mirari Press aka a local indie publisher specialising in speculative fiction as well as this cover. Which floored me in a meeting and I still haven’t recovered. Also, this has dark academia vibes and I’m oh so ready *insert heart eyes*

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (4 February 2025): another round of catching up with Ali Hazelwood this year by being behind on her new releases. Even though I haven’t read them, I’ve felt a switch in her books and I am ~intrigued~ to say the least about how I will feel. But I love a sports romance and swimmers could be an interesting dynamic…

Wings of Starlight by Alison Saft (4 February 2025): I’m sorry but you’re telling me an author I already think I’ll be obsessed with (and I’m always right) is writing a book with Tinkerbell on the cover? OH HELL FREAKING YES!!!! I wrote my thesis on Peter Pan btw, thought you might need that tidbit of Ruby history.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray (4 February 2025): honestly no idea what this book is about and I have yet to read from Ms Bray but I know she’s a knockout so this book just had to be here, I don’t make the rules.

Change of Heart by Falon Ballard (4 February 2025): guess what? Haven’t read this author yet. But I do have a ~feeling~ and also this is a rom-com with a magical twist aka my KRYPTONITE SO I MUST READ HER!!!!

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett (11 February 2025): Ruby’s reminder to start this series and be obsessed because the covers are beautiful and she’s here for cosy romantasy!

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison (11 February 2025): I’m honestly just here for this cover. And I’ve liked radio romances in the past. So it should be great!

The Rewrite by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn (13 February 2025): Emily Henry told me she was obsessed with this author’s debut and whilst I have not listened to her rec yet, did you see the exes writing to each other on the cover? That is all you need.

The Ex Effect by Jo Watson (13 February 2025): Let’s play a game of whack-a-mole where Jo is the hammer and I’m the mole. She would most certainly win and I would be annihilated. I promise I will get caught up and apologise profusely. Also, this cover can step on me,,,

Back After This by Linda Holmes (25 February 2025): apparently we’ve got an online-dating podcast producer and I’ll be here for it because Linda Holmes is awesome! Thank you and good night.

The Dark Mirror by Samantha Shannon (25 February 2025): Jokes. I’ll tell you about the huge series I haven’t started yet, had the privilege of meeting the author whilst she was visiting South Africa and am ashamed I am behind on all of her books. You can feel sorry for me, it’s okay,,,

MARCH

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven (4 March 2025):! I have actually read this one! Look at that! It’s great and I’m excited for it to be released hence this feature. Enjoy the pain babes!

I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew (4 March 2025): I’m mostly here for this cover if we’re being honest. But I did read a book from this author for a tour earlier this year and it was a great atmospheric YA read so I’m hoping the vibes will delivered once again.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid (4 March 2025): indeed we are back at the station of Ruby being excited for all of an author’s books but not having read them,,, but hey I’m most definitely here for a YA sapphic dystopian 👀

The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare (4 March 2025): lowkey don’t want to comment at this point but yes I shall ~eventually~ get to Cassie’s adult fantasy series at some point in the future *hides*

Gradchanted by Morgan Matson (4 March 2025): welp I am a few MM books behind but I’m always here for her books and this cover is adorable. Looks like a book about graduating? Just a guess. Wait! Ruby from the future looked at the first sentence lmao and I saw a time loop HELLO YES I AM READY!!!!!!

Murder Most Foul by Guy Jenkin (6 March 2025): yet another book I found because of work from a UK publisher that I adore to shreds and hello to this cover! They do be slaying. All I know is that this involves Shakespeare chaos so I’m already here for it *sighs*

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch (11 March 2025): have I read anything from this author yet? That answer is no? But am I obsessed with her TikToks about the first book in this series and willing to BET I’ll also love this whacky Holiday-themed romance. The answer is now yes. K running away byeeee

The Home of the Damned by Oona Arlo (13 March 2025): okay this date may be wrong but putting her here anyway because I will be supporting everything this author does! And yes you might pick up on the author’s pseudonym change and no I have yet to read book one in this romantic suspense series but I am excited nonetheless <3<3<3

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (18 March 2025): need I say much? No. You may yell at me for obvious reasons though. And I have approximately 3 months to catch up,,,,

Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green (18 March 2025): also not much to comment on here aside from the fact that I am very curious if this book will be what the title says it will be about because we all know how John is at this point…

APRIL

Carbon Dating by Jen Smith (April 2025): I think this is the last of the work books and I am eagerly waiting for an email to hit my inbox with this cover. But I have had the privilege of working with the abovementioned small UK publisher and doing some marketing for their newly launched romance imprint. This brings us to their first 2025 release which is a rival archaologists to lovers romance and I’m so here for it. Just yell at me to read my early copy whoops

Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake (1 April 2025): it’s giving movie poster and lowkey the synopsis of rival families with secrets reflects that and I’m very ready. No further comments your honour.

The Folklore of Forever by Sarah Hogle (8 April 2025): when I say I JUST finished the first book in this series, I really did and I don’t care what this book will be about because I will read everything Sarah Hogle puts out.

The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton (8 April 2025): okay okay okay I have read some of this author’s works by that I mean one and I was excited about the first book already. But then Ms India Holton started comparing this book to Anne of Green Gables and I am currently fearing for my life.

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary (10 April 2025): welp I’m behind again but I’ll do anything for an author I love and bonus points when they bring me a knockout cover. Nearly didn’t know what the book was about but the blurb says she’s a one-night stand turned being stuck on a ship and that sounds like a grand time if you ask me.

A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody & C.L. Herman (11 April 2025): hello to this YA romantasy retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice set to destroy our hearts!!! Goodbye to my butt out the door for reasons you’ve already guessed!!!

Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi (15 April 2025): truly truly TRULY didn’t think we would be here. Honestly, I’m shooketh to my core. May have laughed when I first saw the news. But hey, not complaining here, I was never ready to say goodbye anyway. We’re not following the usual apparently and I am certainly intrigued

Saga Volume 12 by Brian K. Vaughn & Fiona Staples (15 April 2025): I caught up on approximately 4 volumes recently for reasons certainly not pertaining to my reading goal but I’m still not nearly close enough to this volume. I shall be excited anyways!

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (22 April 2025): do I really need to say anything other than I am not emotionally prepared for book about writers from Ms Henry? Methinks not.

MAY

Slaying In Sedgefield by Sally Partridge (May 2025): frick I need to read book one, but I shall be yelling from the rooftops about Sally’s books for a long time and I’m here for her YA thrillers set in different South African locations!

Modern Divination by Isabel Agajanian (6 May 2025): I heard rivals to lovers and suddenly I appeared, no further comments your honour

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams (6 May 2025): i nearly forgot this book was coming out and I do feel bad but then I remembered HOW I NEED THIS BOOK SO BADLY so here we are. Inject Tia’s YA debut with my baby Audre INTO MY VEINS!!!!

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (8 May 2025): reminder that I haven’t read her latest release but I always enjoy Carley’s transportive waterside romances and apparently we’re to follow a familiar face so I’m here for it.

Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane (8 May 2025): I know nothing and I don’t need to know anything because I am guaranteed to be obsessed when it comes to Mhairi!!!!

The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter (13 May 2025): I’m so here for this genre switch-up and this cover is far too adorable

Left of Forever by Tarah Dewitt (20 May 2025): I’m experiencing my usual gut feeling for this author and that’s why this book is here yet my theory remains untested at this particular circumstance

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars (27 May 2025): I don’t know what’s come over me but I  am so very excited for this book it’s not even funny. This title is literally everything. Indeed I begged for an ARC and am blessed to have coerced the publisher *wink wink*

JUNE

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (3 June 2025): there’s a small chance my heart will in fact be broken but this book is pitched as a love story and I am trying to remain optimistic! But yes if you were wondering I do fear for my life,,,

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (3 June 2025): I don’t care what it’s about, I need it RIGHT THIS SECOND!!! But also hello debut adult fantasy steeped in Appalachian magic *insert heart eyes*

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab (10 June 2025): no idea where this book will go but Ms Schwab says it’s everything and there’s a chance of vampires LET’S GOOOOO

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli (10 June 2025): yet another case of I don’t need to know because I will be reading

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (17 June 2025): I also don’t need to know what this book is about, but in this case, I know we have a songwriter and a musician and I’m happy to keep my knowledge at that. Remind me to find another kidney to sell for that early copy,,,

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (25 June 2025): I’m only a teensy bit obsessed with Legend’s classic collection and only a smidge excited for an Austen one and only a bit embarrassed that I haven’t read it yet…

JULY

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (15 July 2025): just go read last year’s post because I tell you all about why I’m excited and definitely not prepared for the cuteness

Maid For Each Other by Lynn Painter (15 July 2025): suspect has been staring at this cover for hours and is still obsessed? Huh, interesting. 1000% here for the rich boy x maid rom-com Ms Lynn Painter has in store for us

Medievally Blonde by Cait Jacobs (17 July 2025): I’ve followed this creator for a while and her recs have never led me wrong so doubt her own book will do so either

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson (22 July 2025): I thought reading the synopsis would give me more of an idea of what this is about but that didn’t happen and I am now even less prepared for Holly’s adult debut *hides*

Silvercloak by Laura Steven (24 July 2025): I almost missed the fact that this author has TWO books coming out next year?! She’s far too cool for school. This one is adult fantasy and idk there’s magic and a detective SIGN ME UP

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes (29 July 2025): another creator I follow, love and want to read their very cool-sounding books <3<3

Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie (31 July 2025): I saw this book on TikTok like 6 months ago and have been itching to read it ever since!!!! Inject this academic rivals to lovers competing at a magical academy for the afterlife fantasy into my veins RIGHT FREAKING NOW WTF!!!!!!

AUGUST TO DECEMBER

A Beautiful Evil by Bea Fitzgerald (August 2025): can’t remember which Greek figure was our protagonist but I’m obsessed with this author and shall be reading it either way

The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel by Maggie Stiefvater (5 August 2025): do I need to give an explanation?

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard (26 August 2025): this cover is far too glorious for any of our sanities and that’s all I needed to be ready. And I shall stay ready. Hope you got that meme.

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang (28 August 2025): academic rivals to lovers travel to HELL? SHOW IT TO ME RACHEL

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover (1 September 2025): I am just a *smidge* excited for Ellen’s debut adult romance. Only a bit. Definitely not on edge. No ways.

Hot Wax by M.L. Rio (9 September 2025): case #123456789 for Ruby but I’m so very here for this 90’s rock n roll group on tour and all their secrets

Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi (11 September 2025): Here for the cover alone. Obviously. Maybe also the fact that our MC wakes up to find her father dead and herself made Pharouh. Did we need anything else?

Among The Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon (11 September 2025): can’t I just copy-paste the previous explanation?

Coldwire by Chloe Gong (Fall 2025): for the rest of time, Ruby will be excited about every release from Chloe Gong. Enough said right?

People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young (1 October 2025): there’s no synopsis, cover, nothing but she’s gotta be here anyways right?

Good Spirits by by B.K. Borison (7 October 2025): this cover was announced like yesterday and I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW PLEASE!!!! If the cover isn’t enough, I’ll give you the tagline: “He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge”

Cinder House by Freya Marske (7 October 2025): sapphic Cinderella retelling where she’s stuck in her father’s house as a ghost and only her stepmother and stepsisters can see her? I NEED IT NOW AND SEND HALP.

Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews (28 October 2025): quick applause for Cait and her enormous success this year I AM SO HAPPY!!! And I do need to get my hands on this next YA gothic horror!!!

The Sacred Space Between by Kalie Reid (November 2025): I think this is the last creator with a book coming next year but certainly not the least. She’s pitched as a slow-burn gothic romantasy AND compared to Divine Rivals? I’m so ready

Fallen City by Adrienne Young (4 November 2025): whoops okay NOW it’s the last case and I should be locked up. But I am most certainly ready for star-crossed lovers stuck between a city under siege fantasy

A Vegan Vampire’s Guide to Faking It by Zayaan Schroeder (2025): idk when this book is coming next year but I will be counting down the unknowable amount of days either way! We all know I am awful but I do just have to say I am VERY excited to read book one ahhhhh

movies & tv shows

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Frankenstein (2025): not sure why Netflix is gatekeeping at which time of year this will be coming out so this is the best we have. And I am not ready for the emotional turmoil this del Torro will bring with this film.

Wildwood (2025): apparently she’ll be creepy and stars Carey Mulligan and I need to know nothing else

Mother Mary (2025): I don’t always vibe with David Lowery and we spent a lot of time together during my thesis. But if Anne Hathway is in it, I will be watching.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (3 January 2025): In theory, this is supposed to release like tomorrow but only on Netflix next year so it counts! I also wanted an excuse to talk about how excited I am that they are BACK AND I AM SO HAPPY!!!

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (12 February 2025): ngl I am very confused about why this is a thing and why Colin Firth is not in it? But I will be watching our favourite frazzled English woman

Suits: L.A. (23 February 2025): I didn’t know this was in the works but apparently the internet forced this show to come back and I’ll be ready for it when it airs

The Legend of Ochi (28 February 2025): here for the cool poster and Finn Wolfhard only

Last Breath (28 February 2025): I usually don’t add these types of films to my list but I’ve been in my crime era recently and this movie sounds CHILLING so here we are. It’s about a deep-sea diving time and stars Woody Harrelson. Sounds great.

Snow White (21 March 2025): I am always excited about the next live-action princess film and this one is no exception. The internet was very wrong for how they treated Rachel Zegler talking about this movie. I said what I said.

The Amateur (11 April 2025): As soon as I read the description, I couldn’t leave this one off the list either. What can I say? I’m a crime film enthusiast. Also a Rami Malek enthusiast?

Mickey 17 (18 April 2025): this is set to be one of the biggest films of next year and indeed I am seated for this sci-fi Robert Pattinson movie

Thunderbolts* (2 May 2025): did I confuse myself with the Thunderbirds for a hot minute? Perhaps. But let’s ignore that and be both sceptical and intrigued by the next Marvel film with this very edgy poster

How to Train Your Dragon (13 June 2025): I hope we are all pleasantly surprised by this movie! The trailer looks great so I have semi-high hopes

Elio (13 June 2025): Pixar said there’s a kid with alien friends and misadventures and suddenly I appeared. What can I say? I’m a child in a 23-year-old body. Sometimes.

Superman (11 July 2025): we’re all here just for David Corenswet right? Can’t just be me.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (25 July 2025): how did I not know they were making a Fantastic Four with Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn until now? I blame all of you personally.

Freakier Friday (8 August 2025): I’m a classic Disney movie lover and I will not be letting this movie slip past. Can you tell I’m excited?

The Bride! (26 September 2025):  if I had a nickel for how many Frankenstein movies were released in 2025, I’d only have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice right?

Wicked: Part 2 (21 November 2025): the internet is right to be obsessed with the first movie and I don’t think I need to tell you why I’m hyped for the next one

Zootopia 2 (26 November 2025): SLY FOX DUMB BUNNY INJECT THIS MOVIE INTO MY VEINS RIGHT NOW!!!

Avatar: Fire and Ash (19 December 2025): there’s a 99% chance this movie will not be coming next year but there is a 1% chance it might?

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 (Summer 2025): Apparently I’m saving the best till last huh? I have never read the books before but according to the girlies, it’s supposed to be Conrad’s moment and there’s a high chance I’ll sob

The Last of Us Season 2 (Spring 2025): here’s to the next instalment of Ruby being both very excited/nervous for an emotionally devastating show,,, wish me luck because I will need it

Stranger Things Season 5 (Winter 2025): and the final part which I don’t think I have the words for PRAY FOR ME FRFRFRFR

And that’s a wrap! I hope. You might see me again on this post, who is to say? But I did tell you it would comprehensive right?

K off into my hole

WHAT BOOKS, MOVIES AND SHOWS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT? ANY I MISSED? DID I ADD TO YOUR LISTS? I’D LOVE TO KNOW!