Alphabet Soup & Snowflakes: My 2025 A–Z Reading List

Welcome back, booklovers, to The Chapter Café—where the cocoa is hot, the snow is falling, and every story feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. I’m Kristen, your host, and today’s episode is a special one. We’re curling up with a literary tradition I’ve come to adore: the A to Z reading challenge.

Each year, I pick 26 books—one for every letter of the alphabet—and read my way from A to Z. This year’s list is a blend of cozy, creepy, romantic, and riveting. So grab your favorite mug, settle into your softest chair, and let’s take a stroll through my 2025 A–Z lineup.

☕ A is for The Accidental Boyfriend by Lori Freeland

A YA romance about a shy debut author and a TV heartthrob who fakes a relationship to dodge paparazzi. Jess and Gabe’s accidental kiss sparks a heartfelt story about grief, healing, and unexpected love.

❄️ B is for The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold by Ally Carter

In this second-chance spy rom-com, two ex-CIA operatives wake up handcuffed together with no memory of how they got there. With enemies closing in, they must trust each other to survive—and maybe rekindle their old flame.

🕊️ C is for Church Girl by Naima Simone

Aaliyah, a runaway bride and preacher’s daughter, flees her small town for Chicago and becomes a nanny for a grumpy, tattooed single dad. A spicy, opposites-attract romance about finding freedom and love.

🧣 D is for The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Hannah tutors hockey star Garrett in exchange for help getting her crush’s attention. But their fake relationship turns real in this beloved college sports romance full of banter, heat, and heart.

✈️ E is for Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

Bestselling author Eleanor Dash’s Italian book tour turns deadly when her real-life ex—who inspired her fictional detective—is nearly murdered. A meta-mystery full of satire, secrets, and literary mayhem.

🗺️ F is for Fifty States of Murder by Harold Schechter

A true crime atlas that explores lesser-known murders from each U.S. state. Schechter blends chilling storytelling with historical insight in this compulsively readable compendium.

🎮 G is for Game On by Ki Stephens

British cheerleader Ella and American quarterback Hudson agree to a no-strings fling—but their chemistry proves hard to ignore. A spicy, slow-burning college sports romance with heart and heat.

💍 H is for Honeymoon Phase by Amy Daws

Addison needs to marry to inherit her family’s lumberyard. Her best friend Luke steps in with a fake proposal—but his feelings are very real. A friends-to-lovers romance with lumberjack charm.

🐾 I is for If Animals Could Talk: Embarrassing Dads by Frank Hopkinson

A hilarious gift book featuring animal dads caught in classic dad behavior—bad jokes, awkward moments, and lovable goofiness. Perfect for a laugh and a cuddle.

🍀 J is for Just Our Luck by Denise Williams

Sybil and Kieran fake a relationship after a viral lottery ticket mix-up. With donuts, neurodivergent rep, and emotional depth, this rom-com explores love, luck, and second chances.

🔥 K is for Keep Me by Sara Cate

Sylvie agrees to a one-year marriage of convenience with reclusive Scotsman Killian for ten million dollars. A dark, emotional romance about healing, trust, and unexpected love.

🌃 L is for Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Aly, a trauma nurse, connects online with Josh, a masked man hiding a dark past. Their twisted, passionate relationship explores obsession, trauma, and the blurred line between fantasy and reality.

🧠 M is for Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner

A fascinating nonfiction dive into why we’re drawn to the macabre. Scrivner explores the psychology behind our love of true crime, horror, and all things spooky.

👶 N is for Nine-Month Contract by Amy Daws

Mountain man Wyatt wants to be a dad. Trista agrees to be his surrogate—but their bond grows deeper than expected. A heartfelt, funny romance about chosen family.

💋 O is for The One With the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel

Nora and Duke share a kiss on a Jumbotron and fake a relationship to keep up appearances. But their chemistry is anything but pretend in this sweet, swoony rom-com.

🧨 P is for The Payback Girls by Alex Travis

Three girls discover they’ve been dating the same guy—and when he ends up in a coma, they’re the prime suspects. A YA thriller with revenge, secrets, and sisterhood.

🧹 Q is for Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling

A whimsical in-universe guide to the history, rules, and lore of Quidditch. Written by Kennilworthy Whisp, it’s a must-read for any Harry Potter fan.

💘 R is for Rules for Fake Girlfriends by Raegan Revord

Avery defers college to follow a scavenger hunt left by her late mother in Brighton. She agrees to fake-date Charlie, a local girl trying to win back her ex—but real feelings soon complicate the plan.

🔁 S is for Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws

Calder needs a plus-one for his brother’s wedding. Dakota, his longtime nemesis, is newly divorced and unexpectedly available. An enemies-to-lovers romance with tropical heat and mountain heart.

🕵️ T is for Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

True crime podcaster Poe Webb receives a chilling call from a man claiming to be her mother’s killer—a man she thought she already killed. A twisty thriller about secrets, guilt, and justice.

🎤 U is for Up Close and Personal by Ana Holguin

Spin instructor Jo and skeptical journalist Silas clash when he tries to expose her job as a scam. A sizzling, opposites-attract romance with heart, humor, and healing.

💌 V is for Valentine vol. 1 by Vanyda

A graphic novel about Valentine, a shy teen navigating high school, friendships, and first love. A quiet, introspective coming-of-age story with delicate art and emotional resonance.

⚰️ W is for We Carry Their Bones by Erin Kimmerle

Forensic anthropologist Kimmerle investigates the Dozier School for Boys, uncovering abuse, unmarked graves, and the fight for justice. A powerful true story behind The Nickel Boys.

💕 X is for XOXO by Axie Oh

Cellist Jenny meets Jaewoo, a mysterious boy who turns out to be a K-pop idol. When she transfers to his school in Seoul, their secret romance blooms in this sweet YA love story.

🖼️ Y is for The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

A gothic short story about a woman’s descent into madness under the guise of medical treatment. A chilling feminist classic that still resonates today.

⚡ Z is for Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes by Cory O’Brien

A hilariously irreverent retelling of world mythology. From Zeus’s thigh-baby to Odin’s bizarre bargains, this book is rude, crude, and wildly entertaining.

And there you have it—my 2025 A to Z list. A little romance, a little murder, a little mythology, and a whole lot of heart. I’ll be starting my 2026 list soon, and I’d love for you to join me. Maybe pick a few from the list—or make your own alphabet of adventure.

Until next time, stay warm, stay curious, and keep turning those pages.