All the books I read in Summer 2025
June
Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde - 5 ⭐
Taming 7 by Chloe Walsh - 4.5 ⭐
I have been putting this one off for a while now. Gibsie is my favourite character and I have been eager for his book. However, I saw so many comments on people finding this book disappointing that I decided to wait until my high expectations had died down. I am so glad I did that because I really enjoyed this one. Sadly it’s not a five star as I do feel like it spent a good portion of the story setting up for Lizzie. However, there was still enough of Gibsie and Claire to keep me happy. I knew Chloe Walsh would put me through the wringer with this one and I wasn’t wrong. Gibsie’s background story/childhood was tragic enough but learning about what happened with Mark came out of nowhere for me. Not many books make me cry but this absolutely got me. There is really no way to explain how the author manages to handle such heavy/traumatic situations the way she does, while also injecting humour into the characters as well. She is masterful. This book made me feel so many emotions, I laughed out loud (the treehouse scene IYKYK), I gasped in surprise and I sobbed. These characters feel so real and my heart breaks every time I read a Tommen book. Yet somehow it’s also filled with hope at the same time.
Releasing 10 by Chloe Walsh - 5 ⭐
After Taming 7 I have to dive straight into this one. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this given how the last one ended but it was definitely not what I got. If possible I think this is her darkest one yet. It is hard to read, upsetting and horrifying all in one book. However, once again Chloe Walsh shows her talent in handling such topics in a raw way. She doesn’t hold back with what is on the page and at times it is really difficult to read but I think it’s so important that it’s done this way. These things happen to people, to children, more than it should and it leaves a mark on them. These are stories that should be told. Survivors should be hear and not have their suffering sugar coated or swept under the rug just because it is difficult to talk about. I was enthralled by Hughie and Lizzie’s story and all they went through. I can’t wait for the next one so they can get the resolution they deserve.
A Torch Against the Night by Saaba Tahir - 4 ⭐
Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas - 4 ⭐
This year marks 10 years since I first read this book, so what better way to celebrate than to re-read the series. Knowing what happens and where the series goes gives me a whole different reading experience. When I first read this, I remember loving it so much. Celeana was such a sassy and compelling character and I also remember that I loved Dorian, but by the end of the book I was team Chaol. The ‘Get Up’ scene gave me goosebumps back then and I still love it now.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4 ⭐
One of my most anticipated reads of the year and it didn’t disappoint. TJR has such a talent for writing characters that feel like real people and this one was no exception. I ate this book up, it was so compulsively readable. TJR done an amazing job highlighting woman’s struggles within a very male dominated environment during a time where attitudes were not what they should have been. I went into this knowing it was a love story, but I got so much more than that. The pressure that Joan and Vanessa are under to be successful at NASA is one thing. But, to also be in love with each other during this really unaccepting and unforgiving point in history really pulled at my heartstrings. While these characters aren’t actually real, what they went through was. To gain insight into the reality of simply attending a social gathering with the person you love and not being able to do something as simple as hold their hand is a travesty. All because of narrow minded people who cannot accept it is ridiculous. I feel this book done a great job in showing how far we have come. However, since things like this still happen in today's society we still have a way to go yet.
The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman - 3.5 ⭐
Fredrik Backman’s writing is so unique and I really enjoy it. His views and commentary on human behaviour is so true and hilariously executed. For a short story at only 68 pages this had me laughing out loud. I found it so enjoyable. He is very quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and at this point is an auto buy. I’d recommend this as a fun little palette cleanser. Lucas is such a relatable character who just wants some peace and quiet. I loved it.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver - 4 ⭐
I read this in a day. That us unheard of for me. I put the audiobook on in the morning thinking I would listen for an hour or so while lounging in bed before getting up for the day and I couldn’t turn it off. It was dark, but also hilariously funny (the accidental cannibalism scene…omg). The narrators done such a great job on this audiobook and I really feel it enhanced my enjoyment. A lot of trigger warnings for this one though, but if you don’t mind them then I would definitely say this is worth the hype it gets. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
Daisy Haites by Jessa Hastings - 4.5 ⭐
There is something about this series. I honestly don’t understand how I get so absorbed with these characters and their world. I enjoyed this one more than Magnolia Parks as I found Daisy a much more interesting character and I liked the grittiness of her life and the characters surrounding her, and it was good to get POV’s from Julian and Christian too. Christian was a little annoying in the beginning with his denial about his feelings for Daisy. I understand that this happens but I did find it dragged out a little. That is just a minor issue though and it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I didn’t realise that the timeline was in sync with book 1 so it was interesting to get Christian’s view of what was going on with Magnolia and BJ as well. Personally for me, I think I am going to love Daisy and Christian’s story more than Magnolia and BJ, but that isn’t saying much since I gave book one 4 stars.
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider - 4 ⭐
I have heard a lot of praise for this book so I was excited to get into it. The premise was so interesting, and the setting of people living over the sea is not something I have read before. It started off really strong for me. The FMC was really interesting and I loved the setting. I do feel it started to lose something as it went on. I feel that the revelation Brynn gets that prompts her to leave with the MMC was a little too easy. When a FMC is always quick to accept facts that should turn their world upside down annoys me. Like where is the shock? Where is the questioning? This always lowers my rating. However, the plot twist…oh my. I did not see that coming at all. In fact when I got to the end of that chapter, I had to re-read it to make sure I had read it right the first time. While it didn’t explain everything it did redeem the book enough for me to finish, bump up the rating from a 3 star and look forward to finding out more in book 2.
July
Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage - 4 ⭐
Last in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. It was a good ending to be honest. I really enjoyed following Cam and Dusty’s story. It’s dual timeline so you get to see them fall in love and then find out the reason why they haven’t spoken in years. To be honest the thing I loved most about this book was the lack of a proper 3rd act break up. In fact I feel like this done the opposite. Cam was naturally angry with the secret Dusty kept from her but there was a level of over-reaction from her. What I loved about it was that it was instantly pointed out to her by Wes. He done it in such a way that highlighted the ridiculous nature of her reaction and I appreciate that. Personally, I don’t like 3rd act break-ups because a lot of them are just ridiculous and unnecessary. I am sad that this series is over, but I do look forward to whatever Lyla Sage writes next, especially since the writing in these books improved as they went.
The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole - 4 ⭐
I was intending to read this anyway but Rachel from Raven Haired Reader on YouTube decided to do a readathon on Patreon. I really liked this book. It is quite different from what I usually read. To have the FMC be the morally grey one was a lot of fun. I liked Dianna’s snarkiness and the banter between her and Liam was entertaining. The world was really interesting and for once I was really glad that the book came with a map. The characters travelled around so much that it was good to look at the map and keep track of where they were. It’s a really good start to the series, the tension between the characters was so good and the ending was a total shock. I am excited to dive into the second book next month.
Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti - 4 ⭐
I enjoyed the first book, but wasn’t sure on the series after finishing it. This one however, totally raised the bar. I really liked that we got the guys POV. It doesn’t necessarily let me understand their actions but it is good to get some of their backstories and see their motivations. Especially Darius. I was really invested in the girls revenge on the heirs, especially since it was done under the radar. When Darcy gave Seth fleas I was laughing so hard. The ending was great, really action packed. I really want to know what their order is. I am so impatient lol. I feel myself getting more invested in the story now.
Zodiac Academy: The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti - 4.5
I feel like this series has me in a chokehold now. I never continue series one after the other, but with this one I had to. It’s just too good. The romance in this was so good. Seeing it come to fruition after building up for 2 books was quite satisfying. I also loved the moments between Darius and Tory. For the first half of the book I was fine and quite happy. The second half of the book made me feel so uncomfortable. When Darius told the other heirs about the twins sabotaging them I was so nervous. I was just waiting for the fall out. At times this series is just so uncomfortable to read because of heir’s back and forth attitudes towards the twins. I am so tempted to go straight into the next one, but I have so many books on my immediate TBR that I’d rather spread this series out a bit.
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan - 3.5 ⭐
This book had such a unique world and magic system. I have never read anything with a setting like this before. The plot was really interesting and showed a distinct class difference. Distinguishing between the two classes however, I found to be a bit clunky. The author made the upper class (Artisans) and the lower class (Craftsman) have different dialects. I understand this difference, but the use of the slang for the Craftsman threw me off quite a bit. Also, the MMC is called Patrick and having his closest friends call him Patty was something that really grated on me. As a Scottish person, this should be Paddy lol. Both of these are reflected in my rating. I also found the FMC annoying at times. I know she was young when she decided to take the alchemist vial, but she constantly felt like an imposter and I found this irritating. While I do understand her feeling this way, I do wish she had just embraced her powerful magic. Hopefully, she will grow into this in the second book. While this was a mid book for me, I will continue into book two as the ending was really good, and ended on a cliff hanger.
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4 ⭐
I have been putting this one off for a while because I want to finish all of TJR’s backlist, but also when I am done, I am up-to-date with her books. This is not my favourite, but it was a lovely book. The way that grief is shown in this is so raw and realistic. What a horrible situation both characters found themselves in. It was devastating. I really enjoyed their journey of healing through the tragedy of losing someone so young, and so suddenly. I feel the author captured this topic so well. If you are in the right head space then it could be really helpful for someone who has went through loss. I believe it would help them feel seen. It was a lovely read and I really enjoyed it.
August
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig - 4 ⭐
This book really surprised me. I have heard really good things about this one, but I wasn’t sure if it would be for me. I really enjoyed it though. It was a little slow to start but I think it was the more Gothic setting and establishing the world building. I am not used to reading this kind of setting. However, I loved the story. The characters are really likeable and I really enjoyed the tension between the two main characters. The romance in this was lovely as well. Especially seeing Rory’s change in attitude towards the FMC. Some parts of this book were a little predictable especially the ending but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment for this. The standout of the book is the gargoyle who calls everyone Bartholomew. He is so funny and unfiltered. I am excited to see where the story goes in book 2.
Silver Elite by Dani Francis - 4 ⭐
This was a fun read. It was not the most unique story I’ve read but it was enjoyable. I liked the setting, the world was interesting and the magic system was intriguing. I liked Wren as a character, and her banter with the other characters. The plot was a little predictable but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all. I will continue with the series when the next book comes out.
The Favourites by Layne Fargo - 4.5 ⭐
This book was messy in the best way. It was so compulsively readable and I read it so quickly. This book is perfect if you like drama. I really enjoyed the format of the book with the documentary aspect. This was especially good as I listened to the audio book along with the physical. The main characters Heath and Katerina were so dislikable but in my opinion it just added to my enjoyment and made the story compelling. Kat is so selfish/self centred and the levels that Heath goes to, to get back at her is unbelievable. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab - 5 ⭐
This is officially now of my favourite books of 2025. I loved every minute of it. I immersive read this one with the audiobook which I would highly recommend. The split timelines was such an interesting way to go. At first I was so invested in Maria/Sabine’s story. The time period was so interesting and the way she was treated at times made me so mad. I was compelled to read this one. It was such a vibe. It was good to see the three characters stories come together at the end. This book gave me the same vibes as Interview with a Vampire but done so much better. I loved how V.E. Schwab explored the realities of being a woman in the past, and the pressures/expectations placed on them. Particularly the struggles with being attracted to women and not men. This was honestly a masterpiece of a book and I truly loved it.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall - 3.5 ⭐
This is a book out of my comfort zone, but I have seen so many people reading it that it made me curious. It was an enjoyable read. I loved the setting and I really enjoyed the characters. It was messy and I enjoyed the pacing of the story progress. The book covered 3 different timelines which I think worked in its favour.
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