2025 Reading Review Part 2

    A while back, I shared a roundup of the books I’ve read so far in 2025. If you’re new to my blog, welcome! I absolutely adore reading and the journey each story can take you on. Every year I set a reading goal—usually 80 books—but this year I’m reaching for 85. I enjoy a variety of genres, but you’ll definitely notice a strong leaning toward romance. With the stress of schoolwork, there’s nothing like a sweet love story to give me the serotonin boost I need. Here’s a look at some of my most recent reads.

Cross the Line by Simone Soltani ☆☆☆☆

This romance stood out with its Formula 1 setting, offering a fresh backdrop that added excitement. I really enjoyed the tension and playful banter between the main characters. While it might not be a book I return to often, it was a fun and lighthearted read that delivered the kind of fluff I love.

The Wrong Mr. Right by Stephanie Archer ☆☆☆☆

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this book nailed it—especially with the added opposites attract angle. The chemistry was sweet and the humor landed just right. I felt such warmth for these characters and found myself rooting for their happily ever after the whole way through.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood ☆☆☆☆☆

Yes, this was a reread—but how could I not? The fake relationship trope gets me every time, and I’ll never get tired of watching Adam fall for Olive first (and harder). It’s the perfect mix of smart, sweet and swoon-worthy. This one stays on my forever shelf.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood ☆☆☆☆☆

I clearly love Ali Hazelwood’s work, and the interconnected universe between her books is a major draw. I adored Jack and Elsie’s dynamic—even though the miscommunication trope can be frustrating, it felt authentic here. Their constant pull toward each other reminded me of the invisible string theory, and I couldn’t get enough.

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood ☆☆☆☆

Eli and Rue had undeniable chemistry, and I loved the workplace rivalry element. That said, I listened to part of this one as an audiobook, which may have affected how much I connected with it. While I liked it, I didn’t feel the same desire to reread it as I did with Hazelwood’s other books.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood ☆☆☆☆☆

Despite the controversy this book sparked on TikTok, I absolutely loved it. The relationship between a diver and a swimmer brought fresh tension and emotional depth. Their clashing yet complementary personalities created a beautiful balance, and I know I’ll be revisiting this one.

Tease by Melanie Harlow ☆☆☆☆☆

This book was the definition of adorable. Best friends to lovers? Check. Billionaire book boyfriend? Check. A fake engagement that leads to real love? Absolutely. Hutton wasn’t your typical love interest—he was a recluse and an awkward genius, which made him even more endearing. This story felt like a warm hug.

The Match by Sarah Adams ☆☆☆☆

Romance and dogs? Say no more. The couple’s sweet connection was made even more touching by the inclusion of service dogs and a found family element. One of the standout moments was him staying with her after a seizure—a gesture that melted my heart. Still, it didn’t quite have that reread-worthy spark for me.

Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven ☆☆☆☆

As the second half of a duology, this book delivered the emotional payoff I needed. The first book left me wanting closure, and Broken Juliet finally gave it to me. It balanced heavy emotional moments with joyful ones, although the happy ending took its time to arrive.

Swan Song by Katy Regnery ☆☆☆☆

A unique retelling of The Ugly Duckling, this story featured a ballerina and a love interest who goes a bit off the rails. I appreciated the slow path to forgiveness and the heartfelt groveling. While Ivan’s descent felt a bit extreme, the satisfying ending made up for it.

Merit by Devney Perry ☆☆☆☆☆

This book hit me hard emotionally in all the right ways. The progression from best friends to enemies to lovers, with a football player MMC, was a touchdown. The cancer subplot was handled with care and gave both characters room to grow. Maverick’s grief and transformation felt genuine, and I truly felt every beat of this story.

    Those are my reads so far, but many more are on the horizon. It’s clear that I love a romance that makes me squeal, kick my feet and live vicariously through the characters. Deep down, I’m just a hopeless romantic, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.