What I Read: December 2025

December 27, 2025 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

This was the fastest year of my life.

I don’t really know how to explain it, but one moment it was January, then it was October, and now I find myself only days away from 2026. As I think about the new year, I want to set resolutions that allow me to be more present, less distracted, and slow down.

Of course, one of my favorite ways to slow is down is with a good book! December’s reads included quite a few series, along with a few non-fiction picks:

Brimstone by Callie Hart
107 Days by Kamala Harris
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
Wayward by Blake Crouch
Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano
The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins

Let’s get into the reviews!

Brimstone by Callie Hart

This is the second book in the Fae & Alchemy series (my review for Quicksilver is here), so spoilers may be ahead. Proceed with caution.

Continuing right where Quicksilver left off, Saeris Fane is trying to adapt to her role as Queen of the Blood Court, while grappling with her alchemist powers. If that weren’t enough to handle, a mysterious rot is taking over the realm and killing everything in its path. But at least she has Kingfisher at her side.

The ending of this book was exciting, but other parts felt a bit slow. (Though I did enjoy Carrion’s character!) I’m curious to see where the next book takes the story.

Rating: 7.5/10

107 Days by Kamala Harris

What a whirlwind!

Former Vice President Kamala Harris shares the wild story of having 107 days to campaign for President after then-President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign.

I thought this was a fascinating and honest look at the behind-the-scenes of this historic time. I have to say debate prep sounds horrible!

Rating: 9/10

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

This is the second book in the Poppy War series (my review for The Poppy War is here), so spoilers may be ahead. Proceed with caution.

It took me a while to get into this one (it was tough to watch Rin in meltdown mode), but by the end, I couldn’t put it down!

After the end of the third Poppy War, Rin and her soldiers end up aligning with the Dragon Warlord, who hopes to establish a Republic in Nikan. That means another war, this time, against the Empress. But thinking it will create a better future for everyone, Rin tries to use her powers for good. However, war is long and brutal, and you learn everyone has something to hide.

The ending of this one was… a lot.

Rating: 10/10

Wayward by Blake Crouch

This is the second book in the Wayward Pines series (my review for Pines is here), so spoilers may be ahead. Proceed with caution.

After all of the big reveals in the first book, I was worried this book would feel anti-climatic. I was wrong.

Ethan Burke has reluctantly taken over as sheriff of Wayward Pines. But it’s not long before a murder in the town throws him for another loop. As he launches an investigation into the death, Ethan finds himself pulled in all directions: His wife knows he’s keeping secrets and wants the truth about the town, his ex-partner, Kate, is seemingly the prime suspect and may be dangerous, and Dr. Pilcher, who wants him to wrap this whole thing up quickly. Ethan’s search for the truth uncovers more than he bargained for.

I’ve already put book #3 on hold at the library!

Rating: 8/10

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

This is a prequel short story in the Finlay Donovan series, so spoilers may be ahead. Proceed with caution.

After absolutely devouring the first three books in the Finlay Donovan series, I decided to check out the prequel short story focused entirely on Finlay’s babysitter/accountant/best friend, Vero. In this quick read, you learn a bit more about why Vero dropped out of school and how she ended up meeting Finlay.

For me, this short story did provide a bit more insight into Vero’s life, but I’m not sure there’s anything new that wasn’t already revealed in Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. That said, if you’re a fan of the series, it’s a very quick read!

Rating: 7/10

The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins

I know personal finance books aren’t always the most exciting thing to read, but I really enjoyed this one!

I like how J.L. Collins keeps things very simple with his three main rules:

Spend less than you earn
Invest the surplus
Avoid debt

Obviously, he goes into more detail on each topic, but still keeps it very approachable and to the point.

I think reading this book at the end of the year or at the very start of a new year is a great way to remind yourself of your long-term financial goals and inspire a few resolutions. I could see myself reading this one again in the future along with I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi.