Naija Girl Book List: Reads for 2025
Before I became the fine babe you see today, I was that quirky Naija girl who stayed buried in books. I wasn’t “ugly,” o—just a peculiar duckling with her head in the clouds and a story in her hands. I was that girl who could tell you all about Junie B. Jones, the mess in Gossip Girl, and the dystopian drama in Uglies.
Then high school came along, and ya girl got social. I found myself rolling with the popular kids, and books? They fell way down the priority list.
But in 2023, something shifted. I remembered the joy of flipping pages (yes, physical books—don’t play), and I fell back in love with reading.
Fast forward to 2024: I read 14 books. And now? 2025 is the year of big energy. I’m challenging myself to read 25 books. Yes, TWENTY-FIVE. And because I believe in community, I’m sharing a few titles I’m hyped to dive into. Let’s get into it!
📚 A Season of Light by Julie Iromuanya
Expected on: February 4, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
📚 The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Expected on: February 13, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
Y’all. Let me tell you how Lizzie’s first book, Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? snatched my edges and my peace. That story? Whew. It hit too close to home. She really captured the chaos of being a single Nigerian daughter dealing with your overbearing mom and aunties who won’t mind their business. I had to pause the book so many times to breathe. If you’re Naija or you know the vibes, this one will have you screaming, “Why is this my life?” Lizzie did the thing, and I can’t wait to see what she serves next.
📚 The Manual for Good Wives by Lola Jaye
Expected on: February 20, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
📚 No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel
Expected on: April 1, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
I read Myah’s other book, When I Think of You, in 2024, and let me tell you—it was a chef’s kiss. A second-chance romance that didn’t feel cheesy or forced. Myah has the pen game locked down, and I’m already hyped for her next one.
📚 Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone
Expected on: April 29, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
📚 Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Expected on: May 13, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
📚 Sweet Heat by Bola Babalola
Expected on: July 3, 2025
Synopsis | Order here
Let’s talk about Spice and Honey, the prequel to this. I’ve read it more times than I’ll ever admit. The Naija romance, the witty banter, the shakara, the ginger—everything about it had me smiling like a Jollof thief. If the sequel is even half as good, Bola’s about to have me in my feels again.
Now, I’ve still got more books to add to hit that magic 25, so help a sister out! What’s on your reading list for 2025? Drop your recs in the comments because I need to make my goal and discover some gems. Let’s read our way through this year, one story at a time.
ps: I got a Kindle for my Birthday!
