Book Reading Recap: First Half Of 2025
- Meg Marshall
- Jul 1, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
Growing up, you would often find me at my local library, participating in the Summer Reading Program. I was wholeheartedly committed to getting the most books read at the fastest rate possible. It was basically my version of the Olympics. Alas, I've retired my Summer Reading Program ways to let the new blood stand a chance.
If I could get paid to read all day, every day? Honestly, I'd consider it a dream job. But because I have an actual job (feel free to get in touch with me for writing and editing services!), I try to squeeze in reading-for-fun time whenever I can. It's my go-to hobby, my happy place, and my favorite form of escape.
So today, I want to show off some of the novels I've had the pleasure of reading over the past six months. I hope something on this list catches your eye. And if you've already read one, or decide to try one, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Keep an eye out for a manga edition, coming soon.
Five-Star Adult Romance Reads
Adult romance has been, hands-down, my favorite genre for the past few years and has accounted for a crazy number of pages. Give me yearning, banter, and a happy ending, and I am IN! Which is precisely why I rated the following books like I did.
Momcom Vacation by Brittanee Nicole, Jenni Bara, Swati M.H., and Daphne Elliot
In the final installment of the Momcom series, a group of moms goes on a much-needed vacation... and ends up with a little more romance than they bargained for. If you're looking for a sweet and spicy read with multiple love stories and lots of laughs, check this out! (But be sure to meet all the characters in their original novels first.)
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Thanks to her daughter, a woman gets roped into chatting with the host of a small-town radio show and ultimately spills her heart out. Follow along on the story of a hopeless romantic who swears she's personally fine without love, and the aforementioned host who is all too jaded despite giving romance advice. I'm already looking forward to book two in this universe because this was written so beautifully!
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
What can go wrong when two exes are thrust together to save the big day for their best friends? And what can go wrong when they realize their spark is still undoubtedly there? This second-chance romance is full of chemistry and emotional payoff—and so many wedding mishaps that would stress me out like crazy in real life.
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
Two high school sweethearts, one struggling marriage, too many days spent in the wilderness in hopes of saving what they once had. It all adds up to a heartfelt story that emphasizes how lost love doesn't have to stay lost. This one's for you if you appreciate seeing long-term relationships go through their ebbs and flows (and if you read the previous book that they camoed in!).
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
In a competition to tell the story of an infamous woman who vanished to a small town decades ago, two writers come together first as adversaries and then as love interests. Despite their budding relationship, they have to keep everything they learn about that woman under wraps. If you want something with a helping dose of scandals, mistruths, and mysteries, this is your next read.
Fun Young Adult Romance Reads
YA romance was my first introduction to the romance genre, so it will forever have a piece of my heart. In fact, some of my longtime favorite books are YA (and now I'm thinking about reading them for the millionth time). There's something so magical about experiencing first loves.
Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
The new girl at school decides to join a Dungeons & Dragons group—one that just so happens to include the charming guy she met on the first day, and just so happens to have a "no dating" rule. Things get complicated fast, especially when that charming guy decides to... completely turn off the charm. This is such a delightful read, whether or not you know the ins and outs of D&D.
All Over the Map by Lanie Jacobs
Going on a road trip to find her biological father was not built into the main character's life plans. And the only people who know what she's after are the two hitting the road with her, aka her best friend and said best friend's infuriating older brother. Check this out if you love the notion of a wild ride full of detours, self-discovery, and forcing-yourself-not-to-acknowledge-the-male-in-the-car.
Better Than Revenge by Kasie West
Picture this: You have a dream, you share that dream with your boyfriend, and he pulls the rug out from under you by taking the position you've been gunning for. That's what happens to our protagonist, who then decides: What better way to get back at your now-ex than to take what he loves most, with the help of the guy he hates most? Perfect for fans of sporty rom-coms that are, admittedly, more rom-com than sports.
Most Interesting Concepts
There are some books out there that just blow my mind with their creativity. They make me think, "That... quite literally would've never even come to mind." So, naturally, I want to praise some romance authors who crushed it by breaking out of the formulaic Hallmark box.
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
After the passing of her father, a woman packs her bags and heads all the way to Scotland, in search of grandparents she's never met. But she doesn't bank on uncovering secrets about a curse, hidden powers, and a brooding Scotsman who wants nothing to do with her. And yes, this is, indeed, a Loch Ness Monster romance, because what's more unputdownable than that?
All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens
Years ago, beings from another world landed on Earth, bringing with them supernatural abilities. Today, they are split between being villains and heroes, and one man in particular is in desperate need of a cleaned-up image as he joins the hero side. Get ready for a fresh, exciting take on PR relationships with superhero shenanigans and action (and book two, which is right around the corner).
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
How does one respond when they are suddenly unable to recognize faces, following a surgery? And, oh yeah, how much worse does it become when they're a portrait artist who has a tight deadline for a major competition? Find out about the battle between the main character's instincts and heart in this hopeful novel, featuring the man she can't fully remember down the hall.
Recent Publications From Clients I'm Proud Of
I love being an editor for indie authors. My clients are some of the coolest people ever (no, I'm not biased), and I am always excited to see their latest and greatest creations. It only makes sense that I highlight a few of their 2025 releases!
Unexpectedly Bookish by Elise Kennedy
Calling all lovers of the golden retriever X black cat trope! This golden retriever just so happens to be her brother's best friend, her unexpected roommate, her new boss—and the guy she's been anonymously messaging about all things bookish. I was thrilled when Elise said she was creating another addition to her Fairwick Falls universe, and she definitely did this cozy, steamy, opposites-attract romance justice.
I Can Love You Better by Simone Sims
When a rising rap star finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her (from intel courtesy of his own brother, no less), she doesn't expect to fall for the one who exposed the truth. In fact, she just hoped to give her ex a little taste of his own medicine. But Simone's newest novella shows what it means to fall for the right guy and enjoy a happy, healthy, swoon-worthy relationship to the fullest extent.
Seeds of Justice by Kay Freeman
Book two of the Flower Queen series has arrived, and with it comes an infiltration into a brutal Mexican cartel. After being arrested for growing marijuana, a woman who's just trying to sustain her family finds herself teaming up with the drug lord's son (who got her into this mess) and her undercover FBI boyfriend. Read along with Kay's most recent story to experience trauma confrontation, corruption, and redemption.
Happy reading!
~Meg
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