Best Fiction Books January 2025

Home Front

In “Home Front,” Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale of love, duty, and sacrifice. Jolene, a National Guard helicopter pilot, faces the ultimate test when she’s deployed to Iraq, leaving behind her troubled marriage and two young daughters. As she navigates the horrors of war, her family grapples with her absence and their own demons. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the battlefield and homefront to life, tugging at heartstrings with raw emotion and unflinching honesty. A powerful exploration of family, courage, and the true cost of service.

Magic Hour

As twilight descends on the rugged Olympic Peninsula, a wild child emerges from the forest, captivating a small town. Dr. Julia Cates, a child psychiatrist haunted by her past, sees a chance for redemption in this mysterious girl. With her sister’s help, Julia unravels the child’s secrets, confronting her own demons along the way. Hannah’s poignant tale explores the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love, leaving readers spellbound until the last page.

Beautiful Oblivion

Cami Camlin’s life is a whirlwind of work and family obligations, leaving little room for romance. But when she meets the charming and enigmatic Trenton Maddox, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. As their connection deepens, Cami finds herself torn between her growing feelings and the secrets of her past. With each stolen moment, she discovers that love can be both beautiful and dangerous, forcing her to confront the truths she’s long buried. Will Cami risk it all for a chance at happiness, or will her fears keep her trapped in beautiful oblivion?

Walking Disaster

Abby’s world turned upside down when she met Travis Maddox, the tattooed bad boy with a heart of gold. Now, experience their tumultuous love story through Travis’s eyes. Raw and unfiltered, this companion novel delves deeper into his troubled past, revealing the vulnerabilities beneath his tough exterior. As Travis navigates college life, underground fighting, and his growing feelings for Abby, readers will be captivated by his struggle to overcome his demons and become the man she deserves.

Beautiful Disaster

Abby Abernathy is determined to leave her dark past behind and reinvent herself at college. But her carefully crafted new image is threatened when she meets Travis Maddox, a tattooed bad boy with a reputation for underground fighting. Despite her best efforts to resist, Abby finds herself drawn into Travis’s world of passion and danger. As their relationship intensifies, she must confront her own demons and decide if love is worth the risk of losing everything she’s worked so hard to build.

The Heart Principle

Anna Sun, a talented violinist, finds her world unraveling when her boyfriend suggests an open relationship. Struggling with burnout and a recent autism diagnosis, she seeks solace in a no-strings-attached fling with tattooed motorcyclist Quan. As their connection deepens, Anna grapples with family expectations and her own identity. Hoang’s poignant exploration of self-discovery and love resonated with me, reminding us that sometimes the most unexpected encounters can lead to profound personal growth. I couldn’t put it down!

The Bride Test

Khai Diep’s autism makes romance challenging, but his meddling mother won’t give up. She travels to Vietnam to find him a bride, returning with Esme Tran, a mixed-race girl from the slums of Ho Chi Minh City. Esme seizes this chance for a better life, determined to win Khai’s heart. As they navigate cultural differences and personal struggles, unexpected sparks fly. But can Esme break through Khai’s emotional barriers? A touching tale of love, family, and self-discovery that will leave you rooting for this unlikely pair.

99 Percent Mine

Darcy Barrett has always had a knack for falling in love with the wrong guy, but her twin brother’s best friend, Tom Valeska, was the exception. He’s perfect—except for being off-limits. When Darcy inherits a rundown cottage and Tom shows up to help renovate, old sparks reignite. Amidst sawdust and paint, Darcy must decide if she’s ready to risk her heart for the one man who’s always been just out of reach.

Ugly Love

Tate Collins never expected her life to change when she met airline pilot Miles Archer. Their instant attraction leads to a no-strings-attached arrangement, perfect for Tate’s busy nursing school schedule. But as their passionate encounters intensify, Tate finds herself falling for the mysterious Miles, despite his insistence on keeping things casual. Slowly, she unravels the painful past that haunts him, forcing her to confront the ugly truth about love and the lengths we’ll go to protect our hearts.

It Ends with Us

Lily’s life seems perfect on the surface—a successful business, a charming neurosurgeon boyfriend, and a fresh start in Boston. But her past haunts her, memories of her first love, Atlas, and an abusive father she left behind. When Atlas unexpectedly reappears, Lily’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble. As she grapples with conflicting emotions and painful truths, she must confront the cycle of abuse and make heart-wrenching choices. Hoover’s raw, honest portrayal of love, trauma, and resilience will leave you breathless and forever changed.