Best Kindle Unlimited Books of 2025
I’ve been thinking about this post since the beginning of the year when I decided to aim to read 200 books in 2025. While that number may seem daunting (it did to me), the thought of discovering new authors and getting lost in incredible narratives ultimately canceled out any doubts or anxiousness about setting such a big goal. Throughout the year, I read quite a few 5-star reads, but I’m narrowing it down to just eight favorites for this post (plus a few worth buying outside of Kindle Unlimited as bonus picks at the end).
Kindle Unlimited is one of the very few subscriptions that I think is worth the monthly fee. I read every evening on my Kindle, but also have the Kindle app downloaded to my phone and credit that with hitting the 200-mark. I stopped spending so much time on social media, and getting in a few extra pages during ‘grey’ time (like waiting in line at the grocery store) is something that feels more aligned with my priorities than aimless scrolling.
Because these types of lists are subjective, I wanted to quickly touch on how I came up with my picks. I did not keep a short list of favorites throughout the year; rather, I waited until the very end of the year to look over my list in full (205 total books) to see what titles stood out to me and what I remembered. Reading retention is not my strongest suit, and sometimes books can fade into the background because I read so much. Throughout this process, what surprised me most is that while thrillers are my go-to genre, my 2025 favorites were much more varied. You’ll find a romance book or two, contemporary fiction, and incredible memoirs here, too. These are the books I remember 365 days later, that I raved about to friends, suggested as book club picks, and plan to reread in 2026 or later on.
Out of 204 books, these are my absolute favorite Kindle Unlimited books of 2025.
the best kindle unlimited books of 2025
night road by kristin hannah
5/5 stars
You may know author Kristin Hannah from her popular books The Nightingale or The Women, but Night Road is underrated and one of the best books available with Kindle Unlimited - it was my favorite read of 2025 by far.
This had me engrossed from start to finish; I was fully emotionally invested and couldn’t finish it fast enough. The author tells the full story, and I loved how it captured different stages of everyone’s lives; it could have easily felt rushed, but this was methodically planned out.
Some of the themes are heavy, and it’s a slow burn, but the author captures the kaleidoscope of grief and the layers of complicated relationships so beautifully that you can’t help but lose yourself in the story. It’s a tearjerker in the best way, one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, and I can’t rave about it enough.
Read it here.
listen for the lie by amy tintera
5/5 stars
Considered a top book of 2024, I was a little late to the party reading this but it was one of my favorite thrillers of 2025. I had seen so many rave reviews about this book, and it definitely lived up to the hype (thankfully). It’s an entertaining, twisty thriller with a hint of comedic relief, but it doesn’t feel cheesy.
The mixed media format (podcast transcripts) makes it a breezy, fast-paced read and while the plot doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s executed well and is one of the more polished Kindle Unlimited reads. The main character, Lucy, is flawed and sassy, but also bold and strong; she’s too much for some people (including those that will read this book), but she really makes the story feel fresh and engaging.
You can maybe guess the ending, and I definitely tried to, but this is one of those books where it’s better to just enjoy things as they unfold. Perfect for a day at the beach or cozy weekend in, I’d be surprised if this isn’t turned into a limited series or movie at some point.
Read it here.
so good they can’t ignore you: why skills trump passion in the quest for work you love by cal newport
5/5 stars
While I’d recommend this mostly for people in their 20s starting their career, it’s also applicable for those considering a passion-driven switch. It’s something I wish I read back in high school/ college, and I’m surprised it isn’t talked about more.
This book provides a clear argument against pursuing your passion as a career, as for most people “working right” is ultimately more beneficial than “finding the right work.” It’s well-written and reminiscent of a persuasive essay because it’s logical, formulaic, and each chapter builds on the previous. The summaries are actually high-quality and beneficial. I also liked how the conclusion of the book showed how the author applied the principles to his own life, and what his results were.
One criticism I have of the book is that the author discusses leveraging your career capital in order to gain freedom, but doesn’t give many examples of what could be considered career capital. This varies widely depending on job responsibilities and industry, but it would’ve been more helpful if this was better expanded upon.
Overall, I loved this book. It made me think about my career choices and what I would’ve (or should’ve) done differently, and I think it should be required reading for high schoolers/ college students who might be unaware of the trade-offs that come with following a passion versus viewing career from a strategic standpoint.
Read it here.
always you and me by dani atkins
5/5 stars
It’s rare a book can connect so deeply that I cry, let alone by the end of the first chapter, but this book really blew me away. Don’t let the emotional depth deter you from adding this to your summer reading list; it’s balanced and the author paces the story perfectly from start to finish.
I’m also not one to gravitate towards romance books, but this was genuine, not cheesy at all. If you liked Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover, I think you’ll really enjoy this, too.
The overall plot might be a little predictable, but there were a few twists I didn’t expect that really made me appreciate this author. And unlike some other books that can be described as “heartfelt,” this one isn’t preachy in the slightest. The ending knocked it out of the park, and I know I’ll be rereading this again in the future.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
the happiest man on earth: the beautiful life of an Auschwitz survivor by eddie jaku
5/5 stars
What a life-changing book; I consider this a must-read, and it’s one of the best books available on Kindle Unlimited. No matter what stage of life you’re in, you’re bound to learn something and be affected by this book.
The author, a Holocaust survivor, lived to be 101 years old and shares indispensable life advice as he shares his story with readers. I picked this up shortly before bed one night, and am embarrassed to say that I was hesitant to start it, because I knew it would be emotional and heavy. I’m so glad I didn’t make an excuse and read it - may we never look away from the hardships of history, as it can be our greatest teacher if we allow.
The book touches on the power of perspective as well as the importance of education, work ethic, and friendship. Even if you’re familiar with the Holocaust and have heard other survivors speak, this book is worth reading and there’s so much we can all learn from Eddie Jaku.
Favorite quotes:
“My father was wise when he told me a life is worth more than a bank account. There are many things in this world that no amount of money will buy you, and some things priceless beyond measure. Family first, family second, and family at the last.” (p. 19)
“If you have the opportunity today, please go home and tell your mother how much you love her. Do this for your mother. And do it for your new friend, Eddie, who cannot tell it to his mother.” (p. 70)
“Here is what I learned. Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands. Happiness comes from inside yourself and from the people you love. And if you are healthy and happy, you are a millionaire.” (p. 154)
“Remember to take time to appreciate every moment of your life - the good, the bad. Sometimes there will be tears. Sometimes there will be laughter. And if you are lucky, there will be friends to share it all with, as I have known throughout my life. Please, every day, remember to be happy, and to make others happy too. Make yourself a friend to the world. Do this for your new friend, Eddie.” (p. 188)
Read it here.
all they ask is everything by hadley leggett
4.5/5 stars
One of my favorite parts of the Kindle Unlimited program is discovering new authors. This is Hadley Leggat’s debut novel, and it was nothing short of amazing.
A true contemporary fiction, this explores a lot of difficult subjects without feeling too heavy. I loved how the author showed how family looks different for everyone, and the beauty in embracing imperfectness and forgiveness.
Not many books are able to explore the complications and grey are of real life in a believable way, but this one hits it out of the park. It reminded me that what’s best isn’t always what’s easy, and I really, really loved this. A true Kindle Unlimited gem, no doubt.
Themes of pride, resiliency, community, and unconditional love make this a great book-club pick, as there’s lots you’d be able to discuss.
Read it here.
you must be new here by katie sise
4.5/5 stars
Another great thriller of 2025. This book is easy to follow even with the switching timelines and multiple POVs, and a few of the twists genuinely surprised me. I think it’s really easy for neighborhood thrillers to seem super Lifetime-y, but this one was more authentic and understated, yet still brought the drama and tension.
That being said, there are a few aspects of this plot that are predictable, especially if you read a lot of thrillers. Nevertheless, I appreciated the complete ending and found it entertaining. If you are a fan of Shari LaPena or want to spend a cozy weekend reading, I highly recommend this book.
Read it here.
the perfect family by anya mora
4/5 stars
Hear me out: this cover does not do the book any favors. It looks cheesy, and I’ve found most Kindle Unlimited books with similar covers end up being over exaggerated, ridiculous stories a la Lifetime. It’s also rare for a domestic thriller to blow me away at this point; I’ve read so many that I can predict the twists, so even though they’re fun, they don’t really stick with me.
I was surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did, but it really is that good. I love when a thriller has a little heart and depth to it, and this was no exception.
The author excelled at characterization; I felt a connection to Bets and her death was harder to accept as the story continued. I also thought the dual timeline was well-done. If you want a singular POV thriller, this is a good one!
Read it here.
While I love Kindle Unlimited, I also bought a few books throughout the year, and wanted to share the top four that I believe are genuinely worth the money.
the best kindle books of 2025
it’s better to be feared: the new england patriots dynasty and the pursuit of greatness by seth wickersham
5/5 stars
Truth be told, I did not think my most time-intensive read of 2025 would be a sports book but this was 100% worth it. Most books take me around 2 to 2.5 hours to read; this took almost 7 but I really enjoyed it.
This is a true behind-the-scenes book that balances rich character studies with vivid sports telling. You don’t have to know football to follow along with the game recaps, and it’s cool how you feel the tension and pressure of those big sports moments as the stories unfold, even though they’ve already played out in real life. The book focuses primarily on Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Robert Kraft; I do think outside characters could have been featured more, but it would have possibly made the book too long. Still, it gives you a lot to think about, especially as the legacies of TB, Belichick, and Kraft continue to evolve today (particularly Belichick at UNC).
At just around 500 pages, it’s insightful yet entertaining, with lots of fun facts sprinkled throughout. For example, “The Patriots had learned from the Panthers Super Bowl a year earlier, when the defense ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, how the game saps energy like no other, how precious it is to hold as much in reserve as possible. Belichick not only corrected his mistake from the prior year by carrying extra defensive linemen for this game, ensuring the pass rush would be fresh late in the fourth quarter.” (p. 156)
If you want to broaden your reading horizons and read something different, I really recommend this - it’s a nice mix of sports, self-improvement, history, and culture.
Read it here.
the night of the crash by jessica irena smith
4/5 stars
This was an impulse purchase when Amazon put it on sale. My track record with lightning book deals isn’t great, but this book was a total winner.
A genuinely captivating thriller, the story is convoluted and keeps you guessing. My biggest complaint is that the dual timeline is confusing at times, but reading it in two longer stretches rather than short 30-minute bursts helped me keep track of the narrative.
The last twist got me; I really enjoyed this and would love to go back and re-read it to see the details come together a little more.
Read it here.
no excuses!: the power of self-discipline by brian tracy
5/5 stars
This is is my top pick if you’re a self-improvement lover. It’s an old-school, no-frills self-improvement book that feels like a pep talk with practical advice sprinkled throughout, as well as a list of action steps/ exercises to complete at the end of each chapter. It’s comprehensive and covers nearly every aspect of life - goals, fears, work, money, exercise, family, etc. - while still being concise, fast-paced, and easy to read. I recommend reading one chapter at a time (like each morning) to ensure you get the most out of the concepts shared.
The book mentions different universal laws, but doesn’t dive deep into psychology or research; it’s much more rooted in the practical than the philosophical. In a way, it reminded me of the “dad advice” version of The Mountain is You, another book on self-sabotage and mastering discipline to improve your life. That being said, not all of the advice “fits” with modern culture (ex: always show up early and stay late to advance at work), but the overall message is to give your goals 110% and not undermine your own growth.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“There is a direct relationship between the acceptance of responsibility and the amount of personal control you feel you have over your life. This means that the more you accept responsibility, the greater sense of control you experience.” (p. 59)
“There are only four ways that you can change your life. First, you can do more of some things. Second, you can do less of other things. Third, you can start something that you have never done before. And fourth, you can stop certain things” (p. 254)
“Setting priorities requires setting posteriorities as well. A priority is something that you do more of and sooner, whereas a posteriority is something you do less of or later. You are probably already overwhelmed with too much to do and too little time. Because of this, for you to embark on a new task, you must discontinue an old task. Getting into something new requires getting out of another activity... Consciously determine the activities that you are going to discontinue so that you have more time to spend on those tasks that can really make a difference to your future.” (p. 192-193)
Read it here.
the let them theory: a life-changing tool that millions of people can't stop talking about by mel and sawyer robbins
4.5/5 stars
Probably on everyone’s favorite 2025 book list, but I did find it to be a quality read and learned a lot. You’ve probably heard about the phrase “let them,” but the real power lies in the second half of the formula, “let me.” This is where I learned the most, and while it requires more practice than “let them,” it’s much more life-changing and worth the effort.
Mel Robbins wrote this with her daughter and I loved the range of perspectives; you can tell the authors are in different life stages and that really enriched the book.
While I’ve seen people say that the book is too long, my main critique is that some of the examples used were too simple (ex: wanting someone to lose weight, being overly invested in a corsage). The theory itself is fantastic; I just wish the examples had more substance to them, especially with multiple writers working on the book.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“When you say Let Them, you are recognizing what's in your control and what isn't. Instead of spiraling, you're choosing to steady yourself and detach. As I said earlier, other people hold no real power over you, unless you give them that power. And every time you say Let Them, you choose to take it back… When you say Let Me, you're tapping into that power by taking responsibility for what you do, think, or say next. Let Me makes you realize that you are in control of what happens next and that life is more fun and fulfilling when you're not sitting alone in your superiority.” (p. 41; 45)
“Instead of expecting other people to change, demand the change of yourself. Hold yourself to a higher standard and stop allowing this type of emotionally immature behavior to be your responsibility to manage.” (p. 117)
Read it here.
becoming bulletproof: protect yourself, read people, influence situations, and live fearlessly by evy poumpouras
5/5 stars
If you’re looking for a book that will directly impact your life, I recommend this. Written by a former secret service agent, her stories are engaging and she shares raw, real wisdom from her time protecting presidents and their families. One of the final sections details some of the lessons she learned from the presidents and First Ladies she served, which I loved as a general fan of American history.
The tone of the book is empowering and emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal competence. Reading this will make you more confident in your ability to navigate different situations and environments, especially as a woman, but I found the practical safety advice to be most important and relevant.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
Get off the X. They keep presidents moving to lessen their vulnerability, and we can apply the same lesson to ourselves: “When it comes to building up your mental fortitude, don't remain in the same place long enough to get hit, hurt, or insulted.” (p. 57)
“When it comes to taking a leap, the first obstacle to push past will always be yourself. First look at the tone and attitude of your thoughts— are they self-limiting? Do you sabotage a goal by convincing yourself there are too many obstacles in your way? Do you focus on all of the reasons why you can't pursue something rather than how you can? There will always be that voice of doubt that crops up when you're considering taking a risk. There will always be an inner critic lurking in the wings, willing to point out all of your flaws and inadequacies. If you turn every obstacle into a wall you can't get over, you let yourself become the cause of your failures. Knowing how to notice and navigate the self-editing process is the difference between trying or not, achieving or not. The first ‘No’ you hear should never come from you.” (p. 270)
Read it here.
