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Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I've read over 100 books so far in 2025 — these are the five I couldn't put down'
I would describe myself as a lifelong reader, but my passion for books really ramped up in 2024, when I went from reading a book a month to devouring several novels a week. As a new mum at the time, I naturally found myself spending a lot more time at home in the evenings, and having exhausted Netflix, I instead turned to my bookshelf for entertainment. Fast-forward 18 months and while I now have a bit more time on my hands, my favourite evening activity is still sitting down and diving into a good book. So far this year, I've read just over 100 books, including short stories, hefty fantasies and eye-opening memoirs, as well as a healthy dose of romance novels. I always tend to have a physical book on the go at the same time as a Kindle read, but a few books have totally stopped me in my tracks, grabbing my attention and refusing to let go until I reached the final page. Here are five such books I simply couldn't put down. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. Open Wide by Jessica Gross A young woman becomes so obsessed with her boyfriend she literally climbs inside of him. That's the wild premise of Jessica Gross' latest novel, Open Wide. Radio host Olive has always struggled to connect with people, secretly recording her conversations to decipher social cues. But when one day surgeon Theo turns up for a shift at the food pantry where she volunteers, she finally feels understood and accepted. As their relationship develops, so too does Olive's fascination with the gap between Theo's front teeth, which is just wide enough for something—or someone—to slip inside. I enjoy a bit of weird girl fiction, the more unconventional and eccentric the better. But I was absolutely obsessed with this book, and took it with me everywhere I went. It's so unique, and unpacks themes of intimacy, consent and love in such an interesting way. You can pre-order Open Wide, publishing on August 7, here. 2. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman If you'd told me a couple of years ago that one of my favourite book series of all time would end up being a story about a man and his cat fighting monsters in a dungeon while being broadcast to billions of alien planets, I'd have laughed at you. But having now spent many hours reading all seven books in the series, I can confirm it's a winning formula even for non-gamers with cat allergies. What starts as Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut simply fighting to survive in a video game-style environment quickly grows into something much bigger. This series is ongoing, with the eighth instalment expected next year. The whole series is available on Kindle Unlimited, or you can buy it from Waterstones. I would also highly recommend listening to the audiobook for a truly immersive experience! 3. Inherited Fate by Noémi Orvos-Tóth Fiction will always be my preference, but I still make an effort to read at least one non-fiction book a month. I usually like to take my time with these, reading or listening over the course of a few weeks, but Inherited Fate proved to be the exception to my self-imposed rule. Psychologist Noémi Orvos-Tóth takes you on a journey of self-awareness, explaining how everything from the circumstances of our conception to birth order shapes who we are. She explains how our anxieties and repeated relationship patterns can be traced back to the experiences of our parents, grandparents and even the ancestors we've never met. This is a topic I find fascinating, and I enjoyed the stories Orvos-Tóth shares about her patients and acquaintances. I really only put this book down to voice note friends every time I came across something especially interesting. If you pick up one new non-fiction book this summer, I would recommend this one. You can buy Inherited Fate here. 4. One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford Scientist Kesta's husband Tim was the final person to be infected during a zombie pandemic. With the government appearing to have rounded up and eradicated all infected individuals, the quest for a cure is now underway. However, with her undead husband concealed in her spare room, Kesta has more incentive than most. The cover had me sold before I even read the blurb. But, beyond the wild science and zombies, I was taken aback by the emotional depth within; the love story between Kesta and Tim will make you both smile and feel real heartache for them. I couldn't stop reading, anxiously waiting for something to go disastrously wrong. You can buy One Yellow Eye here. 5. The Martian by Andy Weir I am a big fan of science fiction, with Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir becoming a particular favourite in the genre earlier this year. But after receiving The Martian as a gift, I was initially reluctant to read it. As anyone who has seen the film adaptation starring Matt Damon will know, the main character spends a lot of time alone, and I was nervous about reading a book with so little dialogue. For the uninitiated, The Martian follows Mark Watney, an astronaut who finds himself stranded on Mars after a fierce storm, who must use his ingenuity as well as his botanical and engineering knowledge to survive and signal Earth for rescue. I needn't have worried about reading this book, as Mark's narration (via the medium of diary entries) is hugely entertaining, and a good chunk of the book is dedicated to the teams working on Earth to bring Mark home, as well as his fellow astronauts.
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a lifelong reader — these are the 5 best books I've read that don't get enough attention'
Life can be a whirlwind of work, socialising, parenting and household tasks, often leaving little room for personal time. And when you do manage to carve out some free moments, picking up a book might not be your first choice. However, there's a wealth of reasons to choose a good read over scrolling through your phone. Whether it's immersing yourself in a captivating story or expanding your knowledge on a subject that fascinates you, reading offers a chance to relax, de-stress, and hopefully be entertained or enlightened. I've been an avid reader forever, but I only truly committed to reading every single day at the start of 2024. Since then, I've consumed a vast array of books, from science fiction and romance to non-fiction and thrillers. You can read some more of my recent recommendations here. I make sure to keep up with the latest releases, but also venture beyond my usual preferences to explore unfamiliar authors and genres. This approach has led me to discover some real underrated treasures that, in my view, deserve more recognition. So, without further ado, here are five standout books I've enjoyed over the past few years that I believe warrant more buzz, as originally reported in the Express. For additional book recommendations, reviews and news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne So Thrilled For You revolves around Nicki, Charlotte, Steffi and Lauren, a group of four university friends in their thirties whose lives have pulled them in all different directions. As they reunite for Nicki's baby shower, tensions rise and disaster strikes after someone starts a fire at the house. This is a tale about motherhood, friendship and the unspoken truths we keep from those closest to us. The characters in this book still linger in my thoughts; they're all so distinct, yet I found myself relating to each one as the story unfolded. I'd recommend this book to anyone, but especially to mothers or expectant mums. It's astonishing that it's only received 7,000 ratings on Goodreads so far! You can purchase So Thrilled For You here. 2. A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering by Andrew Hunter Murray This book follows Al, an "interloper" who lives in wealthy people's homes while the real owners are away, without them ever knowing he was there in the first place. He's getting by just fine until one day he breaks into the wrong house on the wrong day and sets in motion a pretty dramatic chain of events. I'm not typically drawn to thrillers and mystery novels, but when the publisher sent me an advance copy of this book before its UK paperback release, I was intrigued by the premise. To my surprise (and pleasure), I was hooked within just a few chapters. It's slightly lengthy for this genre, but don't be put off by the page count, as it's filled with hilarious moments and I was eager to find out how it concluded. You can purchase A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering here. 3. Goodlord: An Email by Ella Frears Goodlord: An Email was my first read of 2025, and what a way to start the year it was! Taking the form of one long, very poetic email addressed to an estate agent, this is a fictional memoir of habitation focused on the places we call home. We follow the writer of the email, an artist in her thirties, as she takes us through her life, from her teenage years to the present day, via a succession of short-term stays and shared accommodation. At times darkly humorous and at others utterly grim, this book offers a sharp critique of the housing crisis. Its style makes it a breeze to read in one go, and I simply couldn't put it down. With only 504 ratings on Goodreads at the time of writing, it's a true hidden treasure and definitely worth adding to your reading list. You can purchase Goodlord: An Email here. 4. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi Romantasy novels are a big deal at the moment, and it feels like everywhere you turn, there is a new series or standalone book popping up. If you're a fan of romantasy, there's an under-the-radar book that I believe is worth your time. As an avid fantasy reader, I found Faebound, penned by Saara El-Arifi, to be a breath of fresh air in the genre. The story revolves around two sisters - Yeeran, an elven army warrior, and Lettle, a diviner, who are thrust into the fae realm where their loyalty to each other, their kin, and their hearts are put to the test. The world-building is top-notch (and doesn't feel like a slog), the supporting characters are unforgettable, and the romantic tension between the leads surpasses many other popular books I've read. Plus, it boasts some unexpected plot twists, which are a rarity in this genre. Despite being a Goodreads award winner, this gem is criminally underrated with just 24,400 ratings on Goodreads, far fewer than some of the big hitters in romantasy. Faebound can be purchased here. 5. Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley Four Seasons in Japan follows Flo, a translator suffering from a crisis in confidence, who finds a mysterious book on the Tokyo subway and feels compelled to translate it. The novel in question revolves around Ayako, a strict woman who runs a coffee shop and has just taken guardianship of her grandson, aspiring artist Kyo. Flo follows these characters across a year in rural Japan, changing the course of her own life in the process. This is a beautifully gentle, introspective tale brimming with flawed yet endearing characters you'll find yourself rooting for. I initially picked this up due to its cover (yes, I'm one of those people), but was taken aback by how engrossed it made me feel; the author's years living in Japan clearly shine through. With just over 6,800 ratings on Goodreads since its publication two years ago, this is another hidden gem I would strongly recommend giving a go.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Top 10 best new romance books to take on holiday with you this summer
If you're looking for a romance novel to take on holiday with you this summer, look no further There's nothing quite like lounging in the sun on holiday, fresh from a dip in the pool, with a good book in hand. Certain genres naturally lend themselves to this summery setting, and romance is certainly one of them. Whether you're after a simple, feel-good romance or something that tugs at your heartstrings, there's a wealth of options available. To help you out, we've selected 10 of the best romance reads of the year so far, catering to all moods. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston In Sounds Like Love, Ashley Poston's enchanting new romcom, a successful songwriter and a disgruntled musician must collaborate to complete a song that has been plaguing them both. If you're familiar with Ashley Poston's work, you'll be pleased to know that Sounds Like Love has all the charm and small-town appeal of A Novel Love Story, as well as the slow-burn romance of The Seven Year Slip. It's romantic, emotional and incredibly hard to put down! 2. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin embarks on astronaut training at Houston's Johnson Space Center in Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, where she discovers both friendship and love, prompting her to question her place in the universe until a mission changes everything in an instant. Atmosphere is a sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle programme. As with any Taylor Jenkins Reid book, expect to laugh, cry and everything in between. 3. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil follows three queer women—María in 1530s Spain, Charlotte in 1800s London and Alice in modern-day Boston—each grappling with their own forbidden desires and the lengths they'll go to pursue them. This gorgeously gothic novel explores themes of power, loss, trauma and desire, but at its heart is love in all of its various forms, including love between friends and family, as well as self-love. It's a romantic, lyrical read, perfect for immersing yourself in this summer. 4. A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan A Secret Escape follows Milly and Nicole, two once inseparable childhood friends who fell out a few years ago and never resumed contact. But after two years without speaking, film star Nicole suddenly begs for holiday home business owner Milly's help. As the two women reconnect, they revisit old memories, uncover secrets and learn to trust each other once again. While this isn't the most romance-heavy book on this list, there is a potential new love for Milly, and with the beautiful lakeside setting and themes of friendship and second chances, it's definitely one to add to your holiday reading list. 5. Couple Goals by Kit Williams When a fresh manager takes the reins of the Tigresses football squad, introducing star player Kira to the mix, team morale dips as current MVP, Maeve, instantly butts heads with Kira. Meanwhile, the new boss' grumpy son is a familiar face for midfielder Adriana. With a blend of rivals-to-lovers and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes, this makes for a cracking summer read. Even those unacquainted with sports romance will find it hard not to be won over. 6. Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho In the aftermath of a turbulent break up and in search of a clean slate, ambitious solicitor Kriya follows her boss to a new law firm. However, sharing an office with Charles, her long-time work adversary, wasn't quite what she'd envisioned. But when circumstances force them to feign a relationship, the dynamics of their rapport begin to blur. Ideal for fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, this is a brisk workplace romance that tackles some significant issues while also delivering top-notch banter and hilarious supporting characters. You can buy Behind Frenemy Lines here. 7. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst If you're partial to cosy fantasy with a dash of romance, this is your go-to summer read. Set in the same universe as The Spellshop, The Enchanted Greenhouse follows Terlu, a librarian who was transformed into a wooden statue for breaking the law by using magic, but one day awakens on a nearly-deserted island teeming with hundreds of magical greenhouses. However, when she discovers that the magic sustaining the greenhouses is dwindling, Terlu embarks on a mission to save the island and begin a new life, aided by a sentient rose and a grumpy yet attractive gardener. An isolated island brimming with enchanting sights, melodious flowers and limitless honey cake? Sounds like an idyllic summer getaway. Throw in some intrigue and romance along with a generous serving of cosy vibes, and you've got the ingredients for an ideal summer read! You can buy The Enchanted Greenhouse here. 8. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune One Golden Summer is the latest captivating romance novel from bestselling author Carley Fortune. Fans of And Every Summer After are in for a delight, as this book centres around Charlie Florek, Sam's elder brother. Alice's life took a turn when she captured a photo of three teenagers in a yellow speedboat one summer. When she revisits Barry's Bay years later with her grandmother, she sees Charlie, who was one of the subjects of the photo, in a completely different light. With summery weather, stunning sunsets and boat trips, it's impossible not to feel the holiday spirit while reading this book - even if you're just at home. You can buy One Golden Summer here. 9. Use the Words You Have by Kimberly Campanello Use the Words You Have isn't your typical romance novel; this literary romance unfolds over a long, hot summer in France as US student K embarks on a romantic relationship with a local man. The story weaves in and out of different time periods as the protagonist reminisces about her childhood, a summer spent in France, and her subsequent reflections years later. It's a beautifully written, evocative read best savoured under the sun. 10. What Would Dolly Do? by Suzan Holder When Becky Mooney, a Scottish tribute singer for Dolly Parton, ends her relationship with her boyfriend (who also happens to be her Kenny Rogers singing partner), she decides to draw inspiration from her idol and attempt to shine solo. This leads to an unexpected meeting with a dashing country music star and a rocky journey to Nashville. This book offers a delightful summer romance, and many readers will identify with Becky's quest to discover her own voice and identity.
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I read every day — these are 10 of the best books I would recommend to anyone
There's no feeling quite like sitting down after a long day and diving into a good book. But with countless reads to choose from, finishing one book and selecting another isn't always as easy as it sounds. While I do try to make time for the classics, as well as books published in previous years, I do always find myself gravitating towards the new releases, eager to find a new favourite I know I'll return to again and again in the future. If you're in need of some inspiration for your summer reading list, here are 10 of my absolute top reads of 2025 so far, with picks across all kinds of different genres. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. It's officially Love Island season, with both the UK and US versions airing right now. While I don't religiously watch dating shows anymore, I still gravitate towards any fiction inspired by or based on the world of reality TV. The Compound sees 20 contestants trapped in a remote desert compound and filmed 24/7 as they compete for luxury prizes and basic necessities - while also trying to find love. I don't want to give anything away, but this is a brilliant debut, with some unexpected twists, a simmering uneasiness and an ending I've thought about since I finished reading it. It's out on July 3, and I'd definitely recommend adding it to your summer reading list! Some books need to be read in one sitting, and Make Me Famous is one of them. The book revolves around Cléo, an aspiring singer who is obsessed with becoming famous. We see her rise to fame, as well as her present day, where she jets off on holiday to a remote island to focus on writing her fourth album in peace. Cléo is one of the most dislikeable protagonists I've ever read, which can sometimes be a recipe for disaster, but not in this case. The book is so immersive, so addictive and so twisted. Bonus points for an ending that literally made me gasp aloud. You know a book is good when it's over 500 pages long but you get through it in a matter of days. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil tells the story of María, Charlotte and Alice, three very different women from very different worlds. V. E. Schwab's signature atmospheric, lyrical writing style transports you across the centuries, with a perfect mixture of obsession, yearning and Sapphic love. It's another addictive read, and once it sinks its teeth into you, you won't be able to put it down. Park Avenue follows Jia Song, a junior partner at a prestigious law firm who takes on a hush-hush case working for one of the most famous Korean families in the world. As Jia travels the world finding answers, contending with feuding siblings and uncovering dark secrets, she finds herself starting to fall for the family. When I saw Park Avenue described as 'Crazy Rich Asians meets Succession', I knew it had the potential to be a five-star read for me. I was hooked all the way through; it's so messy and brings has elements of mystery, romance and thriller. It's also a perfect travel read. I read this while on a weekend away and felt like I was watching a (very entertaining) film in my head the whole time! Sometimes you know before reading that you're going to love a book. But other times, a book you weren't so sure about just blows you away. I am someone who tends to steer clear of anything even remotely scary, so Make a Home of Me by Vanessa Santos has been one of the biggest revelations of the year for me. This collection of short stories, all set in houses that should provide protection but instead turn on their inhabitants, is unsettling yet inviting. The collection opens with a dinner party with a gruesome twist and goes on to tales of people driven to despair by a neighbour's crying baby, a family torn apart by strange notes and a woman's relationship with her new partner's strangely shy daughter. I ate every single story up, and would recommend this book to anyone, horror fan or otherwise. If you'd told me last year that some of my favourite reads of 2025 would be young adult novels, I wouldn't have believed you. But after falling in love with Rebecca Ross' Divine Rivals duology, I went on to Immortal Consequences, the first book in a new YA dark academia series following students at a boarding school on the fringes of the afterlife. In Immortal Consequences, the students must compete in the Decennial - a series of magical trials held once a decade. We follow six different students, all with their own motivations and hidden agendas. With chapters from so many characters' perspectives, I was initially worried they wouldn't be fleshed out enough, but I needn't have worried. I was so invested in each and every one of the characters, and cannot wait to see where the series goes next. I clearly have a thing for books with chapters from lots of different points of view, because My Other Heart has been another favourite read of the year for me. In 1998, Mimi and her baby daughter Ngan are on the way home from Philadelphia to Vietnam when Ngan suddenly goes missing. Seventeen years later, best friends Kit and Sabrina plan trips to Tokyo and China respectively to find out more about who they are. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story, spanning decades and several different continents. And with universal themes of identity, friendship, love and motherhood, everyone will see a little part of themselves in the characters. Sunstruck follows a working-class Black man as he attempts to navigate the lavish world of his university friend Lily's affluent family. Over the course of a summer spent holidaying in the south of France, the man finds himself drawn to Lily's charming brother Felix. But when they return to London, things shift and the cracks in the Blake family's facade begin to show. As the winner of the #Merky Books' 2022 New Writers' Prize, I knew it was going to be good, but it surpassed all expectations and I can't wait to see what the author does next. Sunstruck is an intoxicating read, and one I finished in one sunny weekend earlier this year. Don't just take my word for it though; it's also one of the shortlisted titles for Waterstones' 2025 Debut Fiction Prize and would be a worthy winner. Saraswati is another of my stand-out reads that has also been nominated for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. Gurnaik Johal's debut novel sees the lives of seven individuals changed as an ancient sacred river springs back to life. Part political satire, part ecological parable, this is a great novel to sink your teeth into if you want something that will both entertain and make you think. As a lover of short stories, I really appreciated the format and pacing of Saraswati; each chapter introduces us to a new character, with each of the seven strangers getting their own moment in the spotlight before everything comes together. I was enthralled, and will definitely be reading We Move, the author's collection of short stories, soon. Atmosphere is a love story set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program. It follows Joan Goodwin, an astrophysics professor who finds love, friendship and rivalry while training to become an astronaut. But then, on a mission in December 1984, everything changes in an instant. As a big fan of both romance and science fiction, I had high expectations going into this. Luckily, it did not disappoint. Joan's relationships are complex, and the side characters are so fleshed out they actually feel like real people. I'm not someone who tends to cry a lot while reading, but this book had me in tears on multiple occasions, and I couldn't stop thinking about the ending for weeks.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island fans need to read new thriller with a big twist perfect for summer
I'm not a big New Year's resolution person, but one of my goals for this year was to stop mindlessly scrolling on my phone while the TV blares in the background and instead read a book (or at least watch TV a bit more intentionally). So while I haven't been watching very much TV, I have been reading a lot of literature inspired by TV shows and trends, which is definitely the next best thing. Enter: People Pleaser. Catriona Stewart's debut novel follows Maggie Lathrop, a woman whose life is transformed overnight when she wins LoveShack, America's most popular reality dating show. But when she is found murdered in a Los Angeles warehouse and the police fail to find any answers, her sister Emma steps in to investigate. Thrillers aren't usually my thing and I probably only read one every other month. But when I saw People Pleaser described as White Lotus meets Love Island, I just couldn't resist. And I'm so glad I didn't, because this story had me hooked from the first few pages. I'm generally a pretty quick reader, but this is such a page-turner and I flew through this in just two sittings. It's so addictive, especially for anyone, like me, who has ever wondered what goes on on shows like Love Island when the cameras stop rolling. The story is told from several different perspectives, including Maggie's, and we get an insight into her time both on and off screen, as well as her experiences after leaving LoveShack. Maggie aside, we also follow other characters throughout the book, and though I wasn't entirely sold on one POV at the start, they all become important in their own ways by the end. All of the characters felt really fleshed out, and you really get to both love and hate them (sometimes simultaneously) throughout. The whodunit element of the story was also executed well, and I was in the dark until the very end. With short chapters and some big twists, this book is an ideal holiday read, though it would also suit commuters too. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
