December is here, which means it’s officially the season for twinkly lights, oversized mugs of tea, and most importantly my favorite time to curl up with a book and a blanket (if my kids let me). It’s also time for Aardvark Book Club’s final picks of the year. There’s something oddly comforting about stacking a fresh pile of books right before the holidays, like you’re preparing a tiny literary hibernation den and honestly if I could I’d do nothing but read all month long. This month’s selection feels like a mix of old favorites, new surprises, and a couple of titles I’m still squinting at from across the room trying to decide if we’re going to be friends.
If you are still looking for something to read be sure to check out some of my Most Anticipated New Releases lists. If you’re looking for add-ons to put into your boxes, be sure to check out other reviews from previous Aardvark picks.
December MOST ANTICIPATED
Fall 2025 Most Anticipated
winter 2026 Most Anticipated
December Picks
My Picks
I do have copies of a few of these already but the lineup this month kicks off with Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito. I heard someone say that The Hounding (which I loved earlier this year) was everything they wanted Victorian Psycho to be kind and wasn’t. Which makes me think that since I loved The Hounding, Victorian Psycho just won’t live up to expectations. Canticle by Janet Rich-Edwards, on the other hand, is already in my possession and I’m genuinely excited to dive into it, right alongside The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty. Then there are the wild cards: Who Wants to Live Forever by Hanna Thomas Vose and Itch! by Gemma Amor. Neither was on my radar, so I’m waiting to see what the buzz looks like before forming any strong feelings.
And for my pick this month? I went with Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon because I’m a complete sucker for a festive read in December. Honestly, it wasn’t even on my Most Anticipated list, but that almost makes it more exciting I get to head in with zero expectations and maximum cozy vibes.
What did you decide on this month? Let me know in the comments below, over on my Instagram HERE, or on my TikTok HERE.