We are in the final stretch of 2025, and while I’m a tiny bit behind on my reading goal of 75 books for the year, I think I’m going to make it! I read 8 books in the month of October, some of them I already talked about a bit as they were advanced reader copies (ARCs) sent to me by the publishing company, but most of them are already out!
Let me know if you’ve read any of these too!
Fallen City by Adrienne Young
I am thoroughly convinced that Fallen City will get really popular, so if you want to get ahead of everyone else, put it on your TBR! This one is a romantasy and set in a Roman empire-esque setting. The fantasy element is not huge if you are not into that, and the romance part is mostly “closed door”. It is a multiple timeline, dual POV from the main characters, Luca and Maris. Their romance is less straightforward and kind of complex which I enjoyed and I think set it up for an interesting sequel.
It follows the political turmoil and civil war/rebellion breaking out in a city called Isara and a legionnaire (Luca) falling in love with a magistrate’s daughter (Maris) and their forbidden romance.
I think I may even do a full breakdown post/summary once it gets published so stay tuned!
4.25/5 stars
Ten Thousand Light Years from Okay by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman (December 1, 2025)
When I started reading it, I thought it was going to turn into a romance, but this book is more focused on themes of grief and forgiveness. The main character, Thea is a widowed single mom after losing her husband in a tragic car accident– the same way the MMC in her novel died. Between that and several other instances, she develops a belief that whatever she publishes comes true. Therefore, she sets off to write a new novel that is a happy ending romance featuring an astronaut in hopes of creating a happy ending in her own life. And then she starts dating an astronaut. It all seems very fishy when you are reading it, and things kind of start to get crazier and crazier. Ultimately I liked the message the book gave, even though I truthfully was not thrilled with the ending. But other than that, I thought it was a great book and if you enjoy book about complex family dynamics, grief, and forgiveness, you may enjoy this one too!
3.5/5 stars
The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon
I listened to this one via audiobook. If you have young children, this one is a quick read or listen about the importance of reading aloud to your children (even after they learn to read to themselves)! It is very informative, although if you already make the practice of reading to your children daily (like myself), some of it will feel a bit like “okay well you don’t have to convince me, I’m doing this already”. But the book has a lot of recommendations and ideas of books to read, which is helpful!
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
This one is a college hockey romance. Why do I end up reading so many hockey romance books? It was fine!
3/5 stars
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
I’m a big Ali Hazelwood fan, but unfortunately this was not my favorite of hers. It’s an age gap romance (not the problem I had with it) and the younger female main character just was groveling so hard for this man. I just kept yelling “GIRL, STAND UP!!!”
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Also a huge Abby Jimenez fan and this was not my favorite of hers. I thought the sub plots beyond the romance were interesting, but it was just a long dragged out long distance relationship. Just couldn’t keep my attention.
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
This one was really fun! Radio DJ and a caller romance. I thought it was a really fun romance and I’ll definitely be looking out for more B.K. Borison books!
4.25/5 stars
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
I read this one for a book club and while I like thriller mysteries, I think I am learning that I don’t particularly love cop mysteries. I felt like some things were really left unresolved, but I also believe maybe there will be a book 2 and this will be a series.
3.5/5 stars
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“Roman-inspired romantasy with layered characters and a slow-burn, closed-door romance? 😍 Luca and Maris already have me hooked. This is definitely going on my TBR!