2024 was a BIG reading year for me—bigger than I originally planned! My goal was to read at least two books a month, but somewhere along the way, that turned into...well, a lot more. Let’s just say, I surpassed my goal and found so much joy in the process.
But before I dive into the details, here’s a little context about why reading became such a big focus for me last year.
Why 2024 Became My Year of Reading
Life as a mom of a toddler is beautifully chaotic. My little girl, now almost three, was still breastfeeding for part of the year, and I found myself craving moments of quiet joy amidst the busyness. Reading—and sometimes listening to audiobooks—became my sanctuary.
I also made a conscious decision to step back from certain habits that weren’t serving me. I unsubscribed from Netflix for most of the year because, for me, TV wasn’t relaxing—it was draining. Instead, I swapped screen time for story time, and wow, did it make a difference. I even scaled back on the constant stream of educational podcasts. While I love learning, I realized it could feel overwhelming, especially with a toddler around 24/7. Books, on the other hand, were easier to pause, and I could immerse myself in the beauty of a story during walks or quiet moments.
The Power of Auditing Your Time
One of the most important lessons I learned last year was how impactful it is to take an honest audit of your time and energy. What activities are truly serving you? What feels draining?
For me, reading wasn’t just entertainment—it was a form of self-care and pleasure. I leaned heavily into fantasy novels because they allowed me to escape into magical worlds and reconnect with a sense of wonder. At the same time, I challenged myself to tackle heavier non-fiction books, which took more time and focus but offered a deeper sense of growth and learning.
By October, my pace slowed as life demanded more of my attention, and I shifted toward reading more non-fiction. These books often required note-taking and reflection, but they were worth the extra effort.
2024 Reading Stats
In total, I read 71 novels and 3 non-fiction books, making my 2024 total a proud 74 books! Many of these were audiobooks, which were perfect for multitasking during my busy mom days.
And now, without further ado, here are my favorite reads from 2024.
Favourite Fiction Reads of 2024
9 Fantasy Romance Novels That Stole My Heart
The Hurricane Wars by Thea GuanzonMy favorite book of the year! The second one just came out, and I can’t wait to dive in.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco (3-book series)I flew through this series—it’s addictive.
The Lair’s Crown by Abigail Owen (Books 1 & 2)All three books are out, but book 3 is on my 2025 list.
Kingdom of Lies Series by Stacia Stark (4 books)Reading book 4 in 2025—can’t wait!
The Serpent and the Wing of Night & The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent (2-book series)
The Halfling Saga by Melissa Blair (Books 1-3) Book 4 is coming out in 2025!
The Last Storm & The Last Drain by J.D. Linton (2 books so far in the series)
Kindred’s Curse Series by Penn Cole (Books 1-3)Waiting eagerly for book 4.
The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa (4 books)I’m currently reading book 4—it’s good, but definitely a slower read compared to the rest.
A Fantasy Romance Wolf Series
Six-Pack Series by C.J. Primer (Books 1-5)
Each book focuses on a different alpha wolf’s love story, like Alpha Gray and Alpha Theo. These were perfect casual reads.
2 Non-Fantasy Reads
It Ends with Us by Colleen HooverAn easy, emotional read.
The Wolf Hotel Series by Nina West (5 books) Heads up: this series is for readers who enjoy erotic novels.
Honourable Mention: My Top 2023 Reads
The Bridge Kingdom Series (4 books)
Still one of my favourite series of all time.
Looking Ahead to 2025
This year, my reading pace will slow down as I prepare to welcome a new baby and adapt to life with two little ones. But that’s the beauty of seasons—each one brings its own rhythm and priorities.
If you’re looking to rekindle your love for reading or want recommendations for your next escape into another world, I hope my list inspires you. Whether it’s a magical romance, an emotional contemporary, or an epic saga, there’s something out there for everyone.
Happy reading,
Rani
Comments