Reflecting on 2025 and Building Your 2026 TBR List
As 2025 comes to an end, I love looking back on the books I’ve read to see which ones truly stand out. When you read around 80 books in a year, it takes something special to rise above the rest, like an emotional punch, unforgettable characters, or that unputdownable spark.
A quick scroll through my Goodreads 2025 Bookshelf shows that Rina Kent and Abbi Glines were my top authors of the year. No surprise there…both write the kind of bad-ass heroes and emotionally tough, vulnerable heroines I can’t resist (and try to write myself).
Who topped your author list this year? And what was your favorite book of 2025? Drop your recommendations in the comments so we can all add to our 2026 To-Be-Read (TBR) lists.
Why I Use Goodreads to Track My Reading
I’ve been a voracious reader since middle school, but I didn’t seriously track my reading until 2023. The only tool I’ve used is Goodreads, and honestly, I haven’t really searched for any other tools. That year, I joined my first Goodreads Reading Challenge, and it motivated me to keep track of everything I read, without turning it into a competition. It’s simply about knowing how many books I’ve enjoyed (and listened to) each year.
Before I tracked my books, I constantly found myself wanting to reread something but unable to remember the title or author. Now I can easily scroll through my “Read” shelf, recognize a cover, or click directly into the synopsis. It’s made rereading, and recommending books, so much easier.
My Not-So-Official TBR Tracking Method
While Goodreads is fantastic for tracking what I’ve finished, I’ll admit I’m not nearly as organized when it comes to TBR lists. My “method” (and I use that term loosely) is taking screenshots or photos of books I want to read. When it’s time to refill my Kindle, I scroll through my camera roll, reread the synopses, and decide what I’m in the mood for. If I download a book, I delete the picture. Is it ridiculous? Absolutely. Does it work? Also yes.
In my not-so-official TBR tracking method, I figured you wouldn’t enjoy screenshots straight from my phone, so I prettied my TBR list up a bit. (And yes, this is only a partial list.)
How I Find New Books
Probably the same way many of you do:
- Facebook – Groups I’m in, and advertisements
- Bookstagram
- Bargain Booksy emails
- Red Feather emails
- Book Raider emails
- Goodreads Friends Updates
- Random scrolling anytime I have five spare minutes
- Romance Blogs
And speaking of blogs…do you have a favorite romance book blogger you follow? I’m always looking for new voices and recommendations. One of my favorites is She Reads Romance. I also find myself scrolling through Natasha is a Book Junkie‘s newsletter.
Your Turn: How Do You Track Your Books & TBR?
Do you use Goodreads religiously? A notebook? A color-coded spreadsheet? Are you a TBR list lover or a mood reader like me? I’d love to hear how you keep track of your reads—and discover new ones.
Want to Grow Your 2026 TBR? Add a Few T. Christensen Romance Reads
Since we’re on the topic of building reading lists, I’d love to encourage you to check out some of my books if you’re looking to expand your 2026 romance TBR list. If you enjoy emotional slow burns and heroines finding their strength, my stories might be a perfect fit.
Here are a few easy ways to add them to your TBR:
- Search (or click my link) T. Christensen on Goodreads and hit that “Want to Read” button on the titles that catch your eye.
- Browse my website for book descriptions and reading order suggestions—then save your favorites. (I offer free previews for all of my books.)
- Add one or two titles to your Kindle wishlist, (Amazon author page) so you remember to grab them the next time you’re in the mood for a new romance read.
- Share the titles with a fellow romance lover—reader recommendations go a long way.
I love connecting with readers, and would love to hear from you!
Wishing You a Story-Filled 2026!
Tammy
