My Sister's TBR

Spooky season might be over, but apparently we're not quite finished with the horrors. And no, we're not just talking about the state of our TBRs...October was surprisingly productive! Rebecca might FINALLY be escaping her reading slump, Stace discovered that a 26-page story about a wicker husband could actually be one of her favorite reads this month, and somehow we managed to squeeze in everything from heartbreaking romances to parasitic nightmares. We're talking five-star surprises, questionable fictional men, books that left us wanting more, and one audiobook that we're still trying to mentally recover from. Then we're heading straight into haunted real estate for our October Featured Read: The Exorcist's House by Nick Roberts. We start with our spoiler-free thoughts before diving into all the demonic details, plot twists and the decisions that had us yelling at our kindles. Consider this your spoiler warning!So as usual... grab your coffee, get cozy and join us for another month of books, banter, and a handful of unsolicited opinions. Happy listening, and remember: life is too short for a boring TBR! Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

We’re back! Actually back this time. Probably. 👀After what can only be described as a full seasonal migration, we’re finally behind the microphones again—and we have several months’ worth of book opinions, reading slumps, five-star surprises, and grievances to catch up on.Stace somehow managed 18 books while we were gone, Rebecca read two and a half (and may have straight-up forgotten she was 70% through one of them), and we’re beginning to have a serious problem: why can’t we find a horror book that actually scares us?!We’re catching up on everything from The Song of Achilles and The Love Hypothesis to Nicholas Sparks, disappointing horror, the miscommunication trope, and a librarian’s mildly horrifying suggestion that maybe… we need to try nonfiction.Then we’re heading to New Avalon for our September Featured Read: The Unknown by Riley Sager—a creepy island, five missing women, a century-old mystery, and one plot twist that had us questioning EVERYTHING.We start spoiler-free before giving you a warning and diving into the full story, because trust us: this is one you do not want spoiled.☕ Grab your coffee, your current read, and maybe leave a light on.My Sister’s TBR is officially back.Again. 📚 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

April Mid-Month Check-In: Respectfully Wandering Near Our TBRIf you’ve ever opened a book… read two chapters… and then immediately picked up something else—welcome. You are among friends.We’re back with our April mid-month check-in, and this one is very much a “we’re just vibing” episode. Because somehow it’s already mid-April (time is fake, we’ve decided), and our reading habits are… questionable at best.This episode is less of a structured update and more of a where are we at, what are we doing, and why is nothing sticking kind of situation.A Quick Reality CheckWe started April with intentions. (Good intentions. Strong intentions.) And then… nothing grabbed us.Between reading slumps, lack of focus, and just life doing its thing, we’ve both found ourselves in that weird space where you’re technically reading… but not really reading.Or, as we so eloquently put it:we are currently “attempting to read”Release Radar (aka How We Ruin Our Own TBR)This part of the episode remains undefeated.Every single time we sit down to talk about new releases, we:* Add books to our TBR* Get excited about them* …and then never read themAs is tradition.April gave us a mix of:* Romance with all the tropes we love (friends to lovers, slow burn, fake relationships 👀)* Spooky thrillers that might finally give us the “crawl out of your skin” feeling we’re chasing* Sci-fi/fantasy picks that we want to be into (we’re trying, okay)* And a few covers so pretty we didn’t even need the synopsisAnd yes… we absolutely added multiple books while recording.The Ones We’re Actually Excited AboutWithout giving too much away (because that’s what the episode is for 👀), a few stood out:* A fake dating, friends-to-lovers situation that checks way too many boxes* A creepy caretaker job thriller that gave immediate heebie-jeebies* A short dystopian romance about the literal end of the world (casual)* And a dark Wizard of Oz retelling that we will, without question, eat upBecause if it’s a retelling and a little unhinged… we’re in.The Bookish GrapevineSince we accidentally skipped March (life happens, okay), this episode turned into a bit of a news catch-up moment.Some highlights:* More book-to-screen adaptations are coming (we have thoughts)* Some are already out… and we are debating whether to watch or reread first* A few upcoming releases and casting announcements that have us 👀* And one or two things that made us go, “okay wait… I need that immediately”“we’re just casually reshaping our entire TBR again”What’s On Our NightstandsThis is where things get a little chaotic.Between the two of us, we currently have:* Multiple books started* Multiple books paused* Multiple books we want to read* And at least one book actively ruining us emotionallyIt’s very much a “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” situation.One of us is juggling:* fantasy* audiobooks* book club reads* and pure desperation to get out of a slumpThe other is:* battling a nonfiction read* starting and stopping multiple books* and emotionally spiraling over a certain The Last Letter (which… yeah, that tracks)The Plan (If Everything Goes According to Plan…)We are hoping (key word: hoping) to:* Watch and talk about Reminders of Him* Possibly do a book vs movie comparison* And get back into our regularly scheduled chaosNo promises, but the intention is there.Final ThoughtsThis episode is exactly what a mid-month check-in should be, a little messy but a whole lot of honest. Not every reading month is productive. Not every book hits. And sometimes you’re just… respectfully wandering near your TBR.🎧 Listen to the full episode for all the chaotic adds, real-time reactions, and the books that somehow ended up on our TBR against our will. 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

We told ourselves we were going to react calmly. We told ourselves this would be a chill, normal, emotionally stable mini episode. It took approximately seven seconds for that to fall apart.Welcome to this chaotic little bonus episode of My Sister’s TBR, where we finally sat down to watch the new HBO Harry Potter trailer! (and immediately realized we were not prepared for the emotional damage.)First Reactions: Immediate Emotional InstabilityBefore even hitting play, we knew this was dangerous territory.This isn’t just another adaptation, this is our childhood. The kind of story that shaped how we read, how we imagined, and who we are as book people.So yes, the stakes were high.Within seconds we were tearing up.We were overwhelmed.We were already spiraling.Because somehow, impossibly, this didn’t feel like just another reboot, it felt like coming home.The Big Question: Does It Feel Like the Books?Short answer: yes. Immediately.One of the biggest takeaways from the trailer is that this adaptation feels much closer to the source material than the original films ever could.We’re getting more of Harry before Hogwarts, more of the magic, and more of the darker reality of his childhood.And… we have thoughts about that. You’ll want to hear them.The Tone: Darker, Heavier, More HonestOne thing that stood out immediately is how dark this version feels. Harry’s childhood isn’t quirky or comedic. It’s not “haha, cupboard under the stairs.”It’s neglect, isolation and cruelty.This trailer has shifted the entire tone of the series in a way that feels more mature, emotionally grounded and actually more respectful to the story.Hagrid: The Emotional Breaking PointLet’s talk about the moment. Yesss, that moment.When Hagrid appears and we’re done for.Immediate tears.We talk about why that moment hits so hard, and also the one tiny detail that has us just a little bit 👀.Cautiously Optimistic (But Still Nervous)There are things we’re excited about.There are things we’re side-eyeing.And yes… we do talk about Snape.Final Thoughts: Before We Spiral AgainThe biggest takeaway is that this adaptation doesn’t feel like it’s trying to replace the movies. It feels like it’s trying to complete the story.To give us the details we missed.The depth we wanted.The version we imagined while reading.🎧 Listen to the full episode for all of our unfiltered reactions, hot takes, and chaotic emotional breakdowns.Trust us… this is one you don’t want to miss. Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

Welcome back to another My Sister’s TBR wrap-up! Also known as our monthly tradition of lovingly checking in with our reading lives and admitting that sometimes… we simply vibe near our books instead of actually reading them.February was not exactly a productivity queen.Our reading pace could best be described as “two chapters and a dream.”Did we sprint through our TBRs? No.Did we respectfully wander near them while playing video games, traveling, and living our lives? Absolutely.But we still read a few good books, and had some thoughts. This is not the Reading Olympics, and we refuse to pretend otherwise.So let’s talk about what we actually read this month, what worked, what didn’t, and the one book that emotionally took over February.The Reading Slump Strikes AgainFebruary started with a familiar villain: the reading slump.Not because we weren’t trying, but because sometimes you start a book that just doesn’t hit right, and suddenly every page feels heavier than the last.When that happens, it’s easy for the slump spiral to begin. One mediocre book leads to slower reading, slower reading leads to picking up fewer books, and suddenly the entire month feels like you’ve barely touched your TBR.Add in things like travel, schedules, and a certain well-known MMORPG that may or may not be reclaiming some of our free time… and suddenly February is gone.We’re trying to stop framing these months as failures. Life happens. Reading seasons change. And sometimes a slower month is just what it is.The Books We FinishedEven in a quieter reading month, we still managed to finish a few books… with mixed results.The Fix by Mia SheridanThis romantic thriller sounded incredibly promising on paper. A tragic past, a mysterious kidnapping, and a race against time to uncover secrets, the premise had all the ingredients for a gripping story.Unfortunately, this one dragged more than expected. What started as an intriguing concept slowly became cumbersome to get through, and by the end it felt less like a page-turner and more like a marathon.That said, it wasn’t a terrible read! Just one that didn’t quite hit the way it could have.Death to Valentine’s Day by Catherine CowlesThis short romantic suspense story (part of the Amazon Original Valentine’s series) had a lot going for it.A masquerade ball.A mysterious murder.A masked stranger who turns out to be your ex’s older brother.We love the drama.The setting was fun, the romance had strong friends-to-lovers energy, and the overall premise worked well for a short read. The only issue was a plot twist that felt a little too sudden and slightly uncomfortable.If the story had been longer, it might have been a dealbreaker. But at around 100 pages, it was still an enjoyable quick read.I Will Always Love You… Maybe by Dana HawkinsThis sapphic romance delivered cozy cabin vibes, a chaotic pink-haired vet tech, and the classic “snowed in together” trope.Colby, a grieving widow who has built a quiet life in isolation, unexpectedly finds herself stuck in a cabin with Josie — a woman who avoids emotional vulnerability by jumping from hobby to hobby.What unfolds is a sweet, character-driven romance full of awkward tension, slow emotional opening, and a golden retriever that deserves honorary main-character status.It’s charming, heartfelt, and easy to read. Even if it isn’t the most memorable romance.Book Lovers by Emily HenryFive stars. No hesitation.Emily Henry has a talent for writing romances that feel deeply human, and Book Lovers is no exception. What starts as a story about rival publishing professionals slowly unfolds into something much richer. Not just a love story, but a story about family, ambition, identity, and sisterhood.While the romance between Nora and Charlie is fantastic, the emotional core of the novel lies in Nora’s relationship with her sister Libby. That dynamic adds a level of emotional depth that makes the book feel bigger than a typical rom-com.The humor is sharp, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they’re supposed to.For February, this was the standout read… and possibly a contender for favorite book of the year already.The Tournament by Matthew ReillyA historical mystery set in 1546, featuring a massive chess tournament hosted by the Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, was definitely not a book we would normally pick up.But sometimes asking a friend for their favorite book leads you somewhere surprising.This story combines history, politics, chess strategy, and murder mystery, all narrated through the perspective of a young Queen Elizabeth I.It’s smart, fast-paced, and full of twists, and while it sits far outside the usual romance-heavy reading habits, it ended up being a surprisingly entertaining read.Featured Read: Regretting You by Colleen HooverOur February featured read was Regretting You by Colleen Hoover. A contemporary story about grief, secrets, and the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter.The novel follows Morgan and her teenage daughter Clara as they struggle to navigate life after a tragic accident that shatters their family dynamic.While both of us enjoyed the book overall, our reactions landed slightly differently.One of us rated it five stars, praising Hoover’s ability to create emotionally engaging characters and fast-paced storytelling.The other landed closer to four stars, appreciating the story but not quite feeling that unforgettable emotional punch.Still, we both agreed on a few things:* The mother-daughter relationship was compelling and realistically written* The book is incredibly easy to read* It’s a strong entry point for contemporary romance readersBook vs. Movie: Did the Adaptation Work?Since our podcast theme this year includes page-to-screen adaptations, we also looked at how the Regretting You movie compares to the book.Surprisingly, the adaptation stayed very close to the source material. While the film condensed some backstory (particularly around Morgan, Chris, Jenny, and Jonah) the overall tone and character dynamics remained largely intact.One notable difference involved Miller and Clara’s film project. In the book, their short film competition plays a larger role, whereas the movie focuses mainly on the promposal moment instead.Overall verdict? You’ll have to listen to find out!Final Thoughts on FebruaryFebruary may not have been our most productive reading month, but it still gave us:* A five-star Emily Henry moment* A surprisingly good historical mystery* A few solid three-star reads* And a reminder that slower reading months are completely normalNot every month needs to be packed with books to still be a good reading month.Sometimes all it takes is one great story to make the whole thing worth it.Until next time:Read what you want.Pause what you need.And remember that your TBR is not the boss of you. 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

Welcome back to My Sister’s TBR, where today we’re diving deep into People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry! AKA the story that had us staring at the wall and emotionally buffering for a minute.We’re unpacking Poppy + Alex (golden retriever vs black cat vibes), the friendship-to-lovers slow burn, the “no but what if…” tension, and all the moments that live rent-free in our brains. And yes: we’re comparing page vs screen, what the adaptation nailed, what we missed, and why the movie still managed to capture that same giddy-kicking-our-feet feeling.⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode is basically a confetti cannon of spoilers, so if you haven’t read/watched yet, pause us, go do that, and come back emotionally prepared (or as close as humanly possible).What we get into:* Book vs movie vibe check: how faithful it felt and why it still worked* Changes we noticed: missing scenes we would’ve paid money to see (hello, Tinder profile moment), plus some “why did they change that?” choices* The romance moments: what hit harder in the book vs what hit harder on screen (and yes… we discuss the steamy scene)* Side characters + Sarah discourse: what we lost, what we gained, and why certain choices made us tilt our heads like a confused librarian* Final verdict: which one we preferred… and why it’s not as simple as “book always wins”So grab your coffee, wine, or emotional support beverage of choice and come giggle, swoon, and mildly spiral with us.Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram (@mysisterstbr) so you never miss our posts! Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever reached the end of the month, stared at your TBR, and whispered “I swear I read more than this…” welcome. You are among friends.January is finally over (thank god), and it somehow felt like five months long. This episode of My Sister’s TBR is our end-of-month wrap-up, which means full transparency: the hits, the misses, the DNFs, the pauses, and the books that emotionally ruined us for at least three business days.This is a safe space.But also a court of law.And we will be exposing ourselves.A Quick Vibe Check: January Was… A LotInstead of starting with the numbers (because numbers can be rude), we kicked things off with a vibe check. And January reading was a bit of a mess.Some of us came in hot, convinced we were out of our reading ruts… only for life to step in and say “absolutely not.” Others powered through more than expected, proving once again that mood reading has no rules and no shame.The moral of the story: reading slumps are normal, pausing books is allowed, and January should mind its business.The Hits: Books That Carried the MonthLet’s start with the wins! The books that made January worth surviving.* Bluebird Gold by Devney PerryThis one came out swinging and did not miss. A romantic suspense with strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and just enough mystery to keep you glued to the page. It balanced romance and tension beautifully and felt like the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading in the first place.If you’re curious about romantic suspense but don’t know where to start, this is a fantastic entry point.* The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa WingateA short story that had absolutely no right to hit as hard as it did.In under 60 pages, this story managed to deliver heart, depth, and emotional payoff that some full-length novels never achieve. It explores family, memory, aging, and love with such tenderness that it sneaks up on you - in the best way.Proof that you don’t need hundreds of pages to tell a meaningful story.* People We Meet on Vacation by Emily HenryZero surprises here. Still five stars. Still obsessed.This reread only confirmed what we already knew: Emily Henry knows how to write characters that feel real, relationships that feel earned, and stories that make you want to crawl into the pages and live there.Friends-to-lovers supremacy, summer vibes in the dead of winter, and a reminder that some authors truly don’t miss.The Middle Ground: Good, But ComplicatedNot every book was a slam dunk and that’s okay!* 30 Flirty and Forever Alone by Christine RiccioFun, charming, early-2000s rom-com energy with a magical realism twist that caught us a little off guard. The characters felt real and messy, the romance was sweet and well paced, and the overall experience was enjoyable - even if the surprise genre elements were a bit jarring at times.A solid four-star read, especially if you go in knowing what to expect.* Credence by Penelope DouglasThis one landed firmly in “I don’t know how I feel” territory. Yes, it was spicy. Was it memorable? Unfortunately. But absolutely not a reread.Some elements worked, others felt uncomfortable or underdeveloped, and the overall experience was… an experience. A three-star rating felt right for a book that kept us conflicted from start to finish.The Misses: Good Premises, Rough ExecutionsJanuary also delivered some disappointments. Books that should have worked, but just didn’t.Across these reads, the issues were consistent:* Weak emotional buildup* Flat or underdeveloped characters* Short formats that didn’t earn the romance* Missing or incomplete trigger warnings (which matters)One particular standout issue was the lack of transparency around heavy religious themes in a dark romance. A reminder that trigger warnings are important, especially when a topic plays a major role in the story.Not every miss was terrible, but they were reminders that a great premise doesn’t always equal a great reading experience. Be sure to check out our episode to hear about all the books!Featured Read (Spoiler-Free): People We Meet on VacationTo close out the month, we talked about our January Featured Read without spoilers, saving the full chaos for a separate deep-dive episode.This book remains a favorite for great reasons:* Strong dual timelines* Fully realized characters that actually feel real* Emotional payoff that actually pays offPoppy and Alex are proof that friends-to-lovers can be just as devastating (in the best way) as enemies-to-lovers, and Emily Henry continues to be an automatic read author for us.If she writes it, we will read it. No questions asked.Wrapping Up January (Finally)January gave us:⭐ Multiple five-star reads⭐ A few solid “meh”s⭐ At least one why did I do this to myself book⭐ And a renewed appreciation for mood reading without guiltAs we move forward, all of our Featured Reads this year will be Page-to-Screen adaptations, and we’re already very excited (and nervous) to compare books to their on-screen counterparts.Keep an eye on our Instagram to see what February’s pick will be - we’ve already hinted very obviously.Until next time:Read what you want.Pause what you need.And remember that your TBR is not the boss of you. 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

If January had a personality, it would be the friend who says “new year, new you!” while shoving 17 new releases directly onto your already-suffering TBR. Rude. Absolutely rude.Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1 of My Sister’s TBR — where we proudly admit we’ve learned nothing, our anticipated releases lists are lies we tell ourselves for serotonin, and our TBRs are already derailing before February has even had a chance to hurt us.Grab a drink, get comfy, and pretend you’re sitting with us while we aggressively add books we definitely do not have time to read. 💚New Year, Not Really New UsWe’re kicking off Season 4 exactly how you’d expect:✨ overcommitted✨ overly excited✨ and wildly optimistic about what we’ll “definitely” finishThis episode is all about our January anticipated releases, what we’re currently reading (and not reading… and pausing… and emotionally recovering from) and bookish news we’re either thrilled about or side-eyeing heavily. And of course, setting the tone for another year of chaotic reading choices.Spoiler alert: the TBR never stood a chance.Release Radar: What We’re Eyeing This MonthJanuary came in swinging, and we simply did not dodge.From hockey romances (sign us up, we are SAT) to romantasy with trials, tarot magic, and fake fated mates, this month is stacked. We’re talking:* Brother’s best friend + single dad + bakery + hockey = immediate add* Romantasy giving Zodiac Academy energy (we said what we said)* Thrillers that might hit… and some we’ll try anyway because curiosity* Cozy fantasy with major Ghibli vibes that made us weak at the knees* Contemporary romances that scream “just stay in Italy, bestie”Are all of these realistic reading goals?Absolutely not.Are they on the list anyway?Naturally.The Bookish GrapevineIt wouldn’t be a My Sister’s TBR episode without book-to-screen chatter.We’re riding high after People We Meet on Vacation hit Netflix (more on that later 👀), and honestly? If this is the standard moving forward, we are cautiously optimistic. Very cautiously.Other highlights:* Emily Henry adaptations continue to give us hope for the future* Certain characters deserved WAY more screen time and we will never be silent about it* Some announcements had us excited, some had us confused, and some had us yelling “WHY?” into the voidBasically: bookish news remains a rollercoaster, and we are strapped in.What’s On Our NightstandsLet’s normalize something real quick:📚 Reading multiple books at once📚 Pausing books without guilt📚 Not DNFing, just… emotionally stepping awayThis episode is a safe space.Between ARCs, romantasy brain rot, thrillers, dark romance, and a few deeply unhinged reads, our current reading lists are… extensive.Highlights include:* Finally picking up that book we’ve been talking about forever (and loving it)* Discovering some books are best read alone because your face would have subtitles* A dark romance description so feral it made us question our Goodreads reputations* Hockey romance discussions that escalated quickly and unapologeticallyIf you’ve ever said “Is it the book, or am I the problem?” congratulations, you’re one of us.Featured Read: People We Meet on VacationOur January Featured Read is People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, and honestly?What does she put in her books?Because it is more potent than my coffee.This story has:* Best friends to lovers* Dual timelines* Emotional devastation wrapped in sunshine* And a book-to-screen adaptation that somehow managed to feel just as colorful and heartfeltWe are saving the real deep dive (and the book vs movie chaos) for our end-of-month episode, but just know: we are obsessed, emotionally compromised, and already planning what Emily Henry book to tackle next.Welcome to Season 4 💚Season 4 is officially underway, and we couldn’t be more excited to spend another year talking books with you.If you’re still here: Thank you for embracing the chaos, thank you for enabling our TBR habits, and thank you for being part of this very unhinged little bookish corner of the internet.New season, new books, same energy.See you at the end of the month — and until then, happy reading 💚📖 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

Season 4 of My Sister’s TBR dives into book-to-screen adaptations, comparing the original books to their movie and TV versions. Each episode, we read the book, watch the adaptation, and break down the characters, themes, changes, and moments that worked—or didn’t.Expect romance novels, fantasy reads, emotional stories, and honest discussions about adaptations, casting choices, and why the book is usually better. If you love book podcasts, movie adaptations, and cozy, conversational reviews, this season is for you.New episodes drop on the 15th and last day of every month, starting January 15th! Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe

Cheers ☕️ and welcome back to My Sister’s TBR, the podcast where two sisters overshare about books, life, and the emotional damage fictional characters inflict upon us.We’re Stacey and Rebecca, and this is our 2025 Year-End Wrap-Up — a very special episode and post for two reasons:* We’re recapping an entire year of reading* We recorded in person, for the first time in way too longSame room. Same Wi-Fi. Same pot of coffee.It’s giving holiday special. It’s giving Gilmore Girls. It’s giving grab a mug and get comfy.This wrap-up means we’re talking about the books we loved, the books that ruined us, and the books we finished out of pure spiteSo settle in. This is My Sister’s TBR: The Year in Books Edition.📊 Reading Goals: Or, “It’s Fine. Everything’s Fine.”Before we dive into our Top 12s, let’s talk goals — and reality.Stacey* Reading goal: 84 books* Books read: 91 (and possibly one more before the year ends)Unhinged. Powerful. A mood reader with eight books on the go at any given moment.Rebecca* Reading goal: ~35 books* Books read: ~20Life happened. Moving happened. Stress happened. And you know what? That’s okay.Friendly reminder (one we’ll repeat forever): reading goals are optional. They exist for fun, not guilt. You can revise them, ignore them, or throw them directly into the sun.⭐ Our Top 12 Books of the YearImportant note: even our “lowest-ranked” books are still really good. When you read this much, the bottom of the list is still elite.#12Rebecca: Regretting You — Colleen HooverA reread that still hits emotionally, still flows beautifully, and still proves Colleen Hoover writes in a way that just works. Easy to read, heartfelt, and a solid four-star comfort pick.Stacey: The Hunger Games (series) — Suzanne CollinsA full series reread that reminded us why this story still holds up. Dystopian, devastating, and painfully relevant — and yes, Sunrise on the Reaping emotionally wrecked us.#11Rebecca: The Exception to the Rule — Christina LaurenA short, email-based romance that somehow delivered full emotional payoff. Cute, clever, and proof that short reads can still earn five stars.Stacey: If It Makes You Happy — Julie OliviaSmall-town, autumnal, Gilmore-Girls-coded comfort. Cozy, character-driven, and surprisingly immersive.#10Rebecca: The Spanish Love Deception — Elena ArmasEnemies-to-lovers, fake dating, elite banter. Entertaining, easy to sink into, and deeply satisfying.Stacey: Out on a Limb — Hannah Bonam-YoungInclusive, heartfelt, friends-to-lovers romance with zero bad things to say. An auto-read author status unlocked.#9Rebecca: Beach Read — Emily HenryWriters with writer’s block, emotional depth hiding under rom-com energy, and excellent banter. A classic Emily Henry win.Stacey: Quicksilver — Callie HartRomantasy with rich world-building, true enemies-to-lovers tension, and a standout side character we desperately need more of.#8Rebecca: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — J.K. RowlingA reread that felt like coming home. Cozy, nostalgic, and always five stars.Stacey: Every Summer After — Carley FortuneA dual-timeline, deeply nostalgic romance that felt painfully real. Heartbreaking in the best way.#7Rebecca: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — J.K. RowlingStill cozy, but noticeably darker. A reminder of when the series starts to shift.Stacey: Throne of Glass (the series) — Sarah J. MaasA slow start that paid off big time. Trauma, magic, and commitment issues — but worth it.#6Rebecca: The Intruder — Freida McFaddenA thriller that actually surprised us. Strong twists, dual timelines, and a satisfying read.Stacey: The Nightingale — Kristin HannahHistorical fiction that was difficult, devastating, and unforgettable. A five-star read that hurt — respectfully.#5Rebecca: Five Brothers — Penelope DouglasDark romance, why-choose, no notes just vibes. Penelope Douglas doing what they do best.Stacey: One Golden Summer — Carley FortuneLake life, nostalgia, and a helpful man. A standout contemporary romance that felt warm and immersive.#4Rebecca: The Twisted Ones — T. KingfisherUnsettling, creepy, and permanently burned into our brains. Horror that lingers long after you finish.Stacey: The Seven Year Slip — Ashley PostonMagical realism, grief, love, and timing. Possibly our favorite contemporary romance ever.#3Rebecca: How Does It Feel — Jeneane O’RileyFae, trials, obsession, and immediate sequel downloading. Addictive and vivid.Stacey: Rose & Chains — Julie SotoDark romantasy with heavy themes, beautiful writing, and characters that still felt deeply familiar. Absolutely stunning.#2Rebecca: The Only One Left — Riley SagerCreepy, atmospheric, and twisty. A thriller that had us flipping back pages in disbelief.Stacey: House of Flame and Shadow — Sarah J. MaasUrban fantasy perfection. Emotional payoff, unforgettable characters, and exactly why we love this genre.🏆 #1 — Our Shared Top Read of the YearAlchemised — SenLinYuFor the third year in a row, we agree that Dramione wins out.This book is massive. Dark. Brutal. Beautifully written.It destroyed us — and we loved every second.Yes, it’s heavy.Yes, it requires checking content warnings.Yes, it absolutely earned the top spot.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to read it: this is it.🚫 Books That Missed the MarkNot every book works for every reader, and that’s okay.Some of our lowest-rated reads this year included:* The Crash* Dating After the End of the World* He Sees You When You’re SleepingSometimes you finish a book because you love it.Sometimes you finish it out of spite.Both are valid reading experiences.💬 Final ThoughtsThis year reminded us why we love reading:* to escape* to feel deeply* to connect* and occasionally to emotionally devastate ourselves on purposeWhether you read 5 books or 95, you’re doing it right.Thank you for reading with us, listening with us, and screaming about fictional characters with us all year long. We’ll see you next year — with more books, more chaos, and some movie magic!💚 Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe