The year 2025 has gone by super fast for anyone else, or is it just me? June is even flying by! My debut novel releases in six days, and I’ve been trying to get into editing book two while simultaneously marketing for book one. In between editing, writing, marketing, parenting, and trying to survive with some kind of social life, I’ve also been reading everything I can get my hands on.
At Christmas, I was blessed with several of the books on my wish list, and I’ve been working my way through them. So what am I enjoying? What books could I have done without? Well, the good news is, this has been a five-star year so far, with only a couple of books coming in at four stars or below. Granted, it is pretty easy to get a five-star review from me. Still, I take that as it means I’ve been blessed to read some pretty fantastic books this year.
So, which books have stolen my breath? Which ones made me want to read them again or drove me insane waiting for the next book? Check it out below!
My Favorite Reads So Far & What I’m Looking Forward To
In total, I have read or listened to 23 books since January, most of them belonging to series, so if I recommend one, I’m likely going to recommend the others just because of… series.
This Year: Favorites
The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
The Plated Prisoner series is a six-book series that follows a golden woman named Auren through a grand adventure of strife, love found, and love lost as she accepts her place in the world. As with most longer series, The Plated Prisoner series starts out a little bit slow as the author establishes relationships, describes customs and locations, and builds an entire society in readers’ minds. That being said, by the time I made it to book three, there was no stopping me as I rushed through the rest of the series (good thing my loving husband got me the entire series for Christmas, so I didn’t have to wait). Goldfinch, the final book in the series, took my heart, stomped on it, and then returned it to its rightful place, a little more damaged, but for the better. This series earned its place on my bookshelf for sure!
The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
Ok, I’m a basic Maas girlie, I cannot deny that, and while Rhysand will always be my Maas male of choice, Sarah J. Maas knows how to write men that steal your heart and run away with it. The thought of Bryce, Aelin, and Rhysand in the same room, on the same team, makes me feel a little bad for their enemies. Though different from her other series, as it has a stronger Urban Fantasy vibe, Crescent City holds its own against Throne of Glass and ACOTAR. Crescent City is just different enough from the other series that it is a bit more difficult to follow, but once you catch on, you quickly become invested in the characters and their stories.
Hades x Persephone Saga by Scarlett St. Clair
This is one of the only series I’ve “read” on audio. Fortunately, I invested in a pair of earbuds because, wowza, the Lord of the Dead sure has a way with words. I’d originally heard this was a YA series, and NO THE HECK IT IS NOT! Still, it’s a really good series, especially the Hades POV books. With seven books in total, three from each perspective and one with dual narration, the reader receives a unique view into each of the main characters’ thoughts. Persephone is a bit harder to follow, perhaps due to her age, her naivety, or something else I’m not sure, but the Hades books are engaging and the Lord of the Dead has a much stronger sense of humor than I would have expected. Still, if you’re looking for “touch her and die” with some serious chili peppers, this is a series worth checking out.
What’s Next
The Prince of Sin Series by Kerri Maniscalco
I can speak a little bit on this one since I’ve already finished Throne of Secrets, which is book one, and started on book two, Throne of the Fallen. This series is intriguing so far, where a mixed world building that takes the reader on a wild ride. With a mixture of regency era mannerisms and manners, seven circles of debauchery, and other creatures like Fae and Vamps, and shifters, it’s a conglomeration of multiple mythologies that submerge the reader in the world of Waverly Green and in the Houses of Sin.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
I believe this will be my next read. I have yet to hear anything negative about the book itself, and I’ve heard Kingfisher is quite dreamy. Some have even replaced Rhysand and Xaden with Kingfisher, now claiming the top book boyfriend spot. I’d have to say that sounds like a mighty tall order, so I guess we’ll see.
What books are you enjoying this year? Are you looking forward to any new titles during the second half of 2025?
As always, happy reading!
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