Hi Book Lovers,
We’re *about* halfway through the year, so I thought it was the perfect time for a little mid-year check-in! Time to share my favorite books I’ve devoured.
I’ll be honest — it’s felt like a slower reading year for me. Pregnancy and a personal goal to spend less on books have definitely slowed me down, but that hasn’t stopped some real gems from finding their way to my shelves. In fact, I had to whittle down my list to just my Top 12 reads this year so far. These are books I read in 2025, regardless of when they were published — though most are recent.
My 2025 by the Numbers
Books read: 56
Pages turned: 18,890
Romance novels: 41 (no surprise there!)
My Top 12 Reads of 2025
The ones that wrecked me…
⚖️ Broken Country
This genre-bending historical fiction blends courtroom drama, a decades-long love triangle, and family secrets against the haunting Dorset countryside. When a single gunshot shatters Beth’s quiet life, her past resurfaces in ways that force her to face grief, guilt, and long-buried truths.
I didn’t check content warnings beforehand (rookie move), but I’m so glad I read it. The multi-timeline storytelling kept me hooked like a thriller while carrying the aching weight of a historical romance. The characters are flawed, messy, and heartbreakingly real—I saw their pain and rooted for them, even as they made devastating choices. Frank’s story? Unforgettable. This book wrecked me emotionally and deserves a spot on every book club’s list. Truly a book I could recommend to almost anyone.
🚀Atmosphere
Another historical fiction? Who even am I? Set during the space shuttle era, this dual-timeline story follows Joan, a NASA flight communicator, and the astronaut she quietly loves. It’s a deeply emotional tale about love in all its forms, ambition, sacrifice, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated world.
This absolutely wrecked me. Taylor Jenkins Reid masterfully pulls you into their lives with prose that guts you in the best way. The found family, STEMinist energy, and LGBTQIA+ representation add layers of hope and heartbreak. One of my top reads of the year—and the audiobook narration is stellar. Read this if you want a good cry.
☀️Promise Me Sunshine
A romance to hurt and heal your heart. After losing her best friend, Lenny is drowning in grief when she meets Miles, a steady, patient man carrying his own wounds. Their slow-burn friendship grows into something fragile and beautiful—a healing journey full of tenderness and hope set against a vivid NYC backdrop.
This story dug deep into my soul. Bastone’s honest portrayal of grief felt so raw, I cried alongside Lenny. Miles doesn’t swoop in to save her; he simply stands beside her, offering unconditional support that made my heart ache in the best way. It’s one of the most emotional romances I’ve read—painful and hopeful in equal measure. The audiobook narration perfectly brings Lenny and Miles to life.
🌱Wild Dark Shore
This one is another genre-bender with a bit of mystery and romance. Rowan, a shipwreck survivor, arrives on isolated Shearwater Island, home to the Salt family and their secret seed vault. Against the backdrop of climate collapse, this multi-POV mystery explores family dynamics, buried grief, and the fragile fight to survive as the island slowly sinks.
This book is haunting and lush, with prose that seeps into your bones. The emotional tension among the Salts and Rowan mirrors the environmental stakes, making for a powerful, bittersweet read. There are no easy answers—just a call to hold on to hope even as everything falls apart.
The binge reads I couldn’t put down
⛸️ The Favorites
Unlikable characters but utterly bingeable. This story dives into the intense world of competitive figure skating, following Katarina Shaw, whose obsession with winning is as fierce as the brutal physical demands of the sport. When she teams up with Heath, a troubled partner, their connection ignites in ways that are as raw as the ice they skate on.
I was completely sucked in — the tension on and off the ice, the messy, flawed characters making impossible choices, it all felt electric and emotional. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but that didn’t lessen how much this story stayed with me. If you like intense, character-driven drama with a slow burn romance, this one’s a must-read. Also, the audiobook is absolutely amazing.
💦 Deep End
This one will leave you flushed! Scarlett Vandermeer is a college diver with her eyes set on med school, recovering from a career-threatening injury. Enter Lukas, a world champion diver, and the tension between them quickly turns into a no-strings fling that heats up fast — but with secrets that complicate everything.
This was hands-down one of the sexiest romances I’ve ever read, and Lukas might just be my new book boyfriend obsession. But beyond the heat, Scarlett’s journey of healing and focus felt real and relatable. If you’re into witty banter, STEMinist vibes, and steamy, emotionally charged romance, this book delivers big time.
🖋️Great Big Beautiful Life
The book people either seem to love or hate was a love for me! Emily Henry’s latest novel pivots from her usual rom-coms into a more layered, contemporary story. It follows Alice and Hayden, whose slow-burn romance is full of playful teasing and electric tension, intertwined with the mysterious past of heiress Margaret Ives.
I loved how both storylines were equally compelling — the romance felt intimate and sharp, while Margaret’s story kept me hooked like I was eavesdropping on juicy secrets. It’s a love story in all its complex forms, dressed in a more serious, beautiful style than Henry’s usual fare.
☔ These Summer Storms
This contemporary fiction gem reads like Succession meets Knives Out with a heavy dose of family drama and simmering romance. Alice Storm returns to her billionaire father’s private island for his funeral, only to face a twisted will and secret tasks that pit her against her dysfunctional family.
Sarah MacLean’s lush prose captures grief, loyalty, and betrayal with emotional depth, while Alice’s guarded heart and Jack’s swoony sailor tattoos kept me hooked. This one’s a slow burn but totally worth it, and Julia Whelan’s narration makes the audiobook a standout.
The feel-good romances
🚤One Golden Summer
I was nervous this companion to Every Summer After wouldn’t live up to the hype—but it totally did. This book is pure summer magic, with a “summer fun” bucket list and a vivid Barry’s Bay setting that took me back to carefree, sunscreen-soaked days.
Alice Everly lives behind the lens, content with quiet days, until her grandmother Nan’s injury sparks one last unforgettable summer. Then the utterly charming and flirty Charlie shows up, and their slow-burn tension nearly broke me. Fans of the first book will love Charlie’s happy-ending and the heart-melting cameos too.
🎤 It’s a Love Story
One of my top beach reads this year! The summer vibes—beaches, bikes, bonfires—felt so vivid and real, but it was the slow-burn romance that really got me. Jane Jackson, once a sitcom goof and now queen of keeping up appearances, tells a tiny (okay, Titanic-sized) lie to save her job. That mistake pulls in her first kiss and popstar nemesis, plus her infuriatingly handsome coworker Dan. This book is pure butterflies and hits all the right notes if you want a grounded, emotional, deeply satisfying romance.
🍎 Beg, Borrow, or Steal
This enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance by Sarah Adams absolutely delivered. Emily’s world is turned upside down when Jack returns to her small town, fresh off calling off his wedding, and she finds herself battling her longtime nemesis again. But when a huge secret about Emily’s side gig is at risk of being exposed, she has no choice but to enlist Jack’s help. The tension? Off the charts. The banter? Witty and sizzling. Emily’s struggles with perfectionism and abandonment felt deeply real, and Jack’s charm made me swoon hard. Plus, returning to quirky Rome, Kentucky felt like coming home. This one’s a must for anyone who loves authentic characters, sharp dialogue, and small town romances.
☎️ First Time Caller
A Sleepless in Seattle–inspired romcom? I was immediately on board. When Lucie’s daughter calls a romance hotline to help her mom find love, Lucie ends up teamed with the cynical host, Aiden Valentine. What follows is a slow-burn romance packed with stolen glances, playful banter, and grand gestures that had me swooning. This book feels like watching a cozy rom-com play out in your head. If you love slow burns and feel-good romances, this one is for you.
Thanks for joining me on this little mid-year recap! Your support truly makes all the difference. If you enjoyed the newsletter, a like, comment or share helps it find its way to other readers like you.
Keep the pages turning,
Danielle
One Golden Summer has been my favorite read this summer. I liked Every Summer After but got annoyed with the back and forth timeline.
One Golden Summer is currently in my TBD pile for August and I keep meaning to get to The Favorites!