My Favorite Reads of 2025 (So Far) + A Few Past Favorites
If you follow me on Instagram or are signed up for the Elegance & Elevated monthly newsletter, then you already know just how much I love to read. It’s wild to think how far this passion has come. Back in 2020, I made a simple goal to “read more” and finished just 4 books that year. In 2021, it was 6. And now, a little more than halfway through 2025, I’ve already read 21 books—and I’m definitely not stopping anytime soon.
Reading has become one of my favorite pastimes, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. The more you read, the more you learn about what you like, and once you find your groove, it’s like this beautiful momentum that keeps building.
This year has been a transformative reading year for me, largely because I discovered a genre I now adore: romantasy. Yes, I know it’s trending right now, but for me, it’s more than the romance that draws me in. I love the immersive world-building, the intricate character arcs, the tension of war and battle scenes, and plots that transport me into whole new universes. It’s truly elevated my creativity and sparked a joy I didn’t even realize I was missing.
Last year, I leaned into contemporary romance and what I like to call “beach reads”—fun, light, heartwarming stories that are perfect for a weekend unwind. But this year, I made it a goal to read across genres, and I’m so glad I did. From psychological thrillers to health and wellness nonfiction, to epic fantasy and historical fiction—it’s been such a fulfilling mix. Reading different genres opens your mind, expands your perspective, and reminds you how many incredible stories are still out there waiting to be discovered.
Below, I’m sharing my standout reads of 2025 (so far), along with a few all-time faves from recent years. At the end, you’ll find my current TBR list—aka the books I can’t wait to dive into next.
⭐️ My Favorite Fiction Reads
1. The Fourth Wing (Empyrean) Series by Rebecca Yarros
This might just be my favorite series ever. The storytelling gets better with each book, and Onyx Storm truly wrecked me—in the best way. It was mind-blowing and devastating all at once. The complexity of the world and the layers of each character hit differently the more you sit with it. I adored the banter, the romance, and the character development... and of course, Xaden. He’s officially my favorite fictional man lol.
Books in the series:
Fourth Wing
Iron Flame
Onyx Storm
*My favorite section of the series is the 2nd half of Iron Flame and the 1st half of Onyx Storm.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
This series is the one that pulled me into the romantasy world. It's lush, dramatic, magical—and has some of the most beautiful writing I’ve read. I absolutely loved the character arcs. My favorite of the series is A Court of Silver Flames, which felt so emotionally rich and empowering. A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Wings and Ruin are tied for second—they’re both so immersive and filled with tension, grit, and heart.
Books in the series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Wings and Ruin
A Court of Frost and Starlight
A Court of Silver Flames
3. The Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts
I was hooked on this series from the beginning. Kai is literally the sweetest—his lines are poetic and romantic in a way that makes you melt. He gives off the ultimate “gentle but lethal” energy, and his words? Pure magic. One of the things I loved most about this trilogy is that it’s YA, so the romance is clean (zero smut) but still emotionally intense. Honestly, it was refreshing. Sometimes books lean a little too heavy on spice, and while I don’t mind a sprinkle here and there, it’s not what keeps me turning the page. I prefer books that are built around plot, depth, and character growth—and Powerless does exactly that.
Books in the series:
Powerless
Reckless
Fearless
(Still on my list: Powerful and Fearful novellas)
4. The Knockemout Series by Lucy Score
I absolutely loved this series—and looking back, it was hands-down my favorite series of 2024. Set in a charming small town, each of the three books follows the story of one of the core characters, and together they create this perfect blend of whirlwind romance, suspenseful drama, and heartfelt resolution. The writing is engaging, the characters are lovable and real, and the emotional arcs feel so satisfying.
Each book brings its own magic, but Lucian’s story in the third book? By far my favorite. It had the most emotional depth, intensity, and tenderness—I was so invested in his love story. The series wraps everything up beautifully in the final installment, and it’s one of those reading experiences that just stays with you.
Books in the series:
Things We Never Got Over
Things We Hide from the Light
Things We Left Behind
5. Funny Story by Emily Henry
Okay—this has to be my favorite Emily Henry book to date. It’s witty, heartfelt, and had that perfect summer-read energy. I absolutely devoured it in one weekend. It’s charming without being cheesy, and the pacing made it such a fun and easy escape. It had just the right amount of emotional pull without feeling too heavy, and the story kept me fully entertained from start to finish.
6. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
As for another famous, trendy romance writer—this book is by far my favorite of hers. The love story is so sweet and will definitely pull on your heartstrings. It’s a tender second-chance romance set in Prince Edward Island, where a woman reconnects with her best friend’s younger brother during her annual summer escape. There’s tension, nostalgia, and a quiet kind of magic that makes it the perfect dreamy summer read.
7. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I think I finished this one in less than 48 hours. There’s just something about Colleen Hoover’s books that makes you addicted—you simply cannot put them down, no matter how hard you try. Ugly Love is so good. It’s heart-wrenching, frustrating, and sweet all at the same time. Even with the emotional rollercoaster, you can’t help but love it. It’s messy, raw, and gripping in that signature CoHo way.
8. One Day in December by Josie Silver
This one had me in a chokehold. It follows Laurie, who locks eyes with a stranger at a bus stop and instantly feels a connection—only to discover later that he’s dating her best friend. The story spans ten years of friendship, missed chances, and all the what-ifs that come with timing and fate. It’s heartfelt, dramatic, and perfect for when you’re in the mood for a love story that doesn’t follow a straight line.
📚 Up Next on My TBR List
Here’s what’s at the top of my “to be read” stack for the rest of the year:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas
Powerful & Fearful (Powerless novellas) by Lauren Roberts
Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Silver Elite by Dani Francis
The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Let me know if you’ve read any of these—or if you have any recommendations I need to add to my list. Reading has truly become one of my greatest joys, and I’m so excited to keep exploring new stories, characters, and worlds. Here’s to all the magical, moving, messy, and meaningful pages we’ve yet to turn. ✨
Disclaimer: The photo on the previous page is from Pinterest. If you happen to know who the owner is, please let me know so I can credit them.