I’ve got way too many reviews sitting in my drafts, so it’s time to share a few of the standouts! For this week’s Five Star Friday, I’m highlighting the books that completely swept me away. The ones that made me feel all the emotions, kept me up way too late, and reminded me exactly why I love reading. Here are some of my recent five star favorites.
The Martian by Andy Weir was an absolute blast to read. I loved this one! Weir’s mix of science, humor, and survival kept me hooked from start to finish. Mark Watney’s voice is sharp, witty, and resilient, making his struggle to survive on Mars feel both thrilling and oddly relatable. The balance between technical detail and fast paced storytelling was spot on, and I found myself laughing just as often as I was holding my breath. A smart, funny, and unforgettable sci fi adventure.





I’m not sure what took me so long to read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but I absolutely loved it! The mix of court intrigue, rebellion, and electric powers hooked me from the start. Aveyard’s world feels rich and dangerous, and Mare’s journey kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, politics, and heart. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.






I never thought this would be a topic I’d get into, but I couldn’t put this book down. It’s not Green’s typical kind of read, but it’s still so goo. Thoughtful, engaging, and unexpectedly moving. The way he approaches such a heavy subject made me stop and think long after I finished.







Silver Elite by Dani Francis was such a wonderful surprise. I loved this book. It struck the perfect balance of being familiar enough to sink into comfortably while still offering a fresh, unique spin that kept me hooked. The characters felt alive, the story carried just the right mix of intrigue and heart, and the writing had a flow that made it hard to put down. Dani Francis has a way of making a world feel exciting, and this one absolutely delivered.





Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is another absolutely wonderful read from an author who never misses. I loved it from start to finish. The intensity, the drive, and the vulnerability of Carrie’s story pulled me in completely. Jenkins Reid captures ambition, aging, and redemption with such emotional depth that it’s impossible not to root for Carrie every step of the way.