I’ll start by saying that I’m disappointed with myself in Q1. I’ve only managed to read eight books in the first quarter, which is pretty rubbish for me. I try to aim for one book per week but I’ve just spent way too much time online in Q1. Nevertheless, here’s a look at what I’ve read in Q1 2025.
The Ex-Mas Holidays – Zoe Allison ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book took me an age to finish but it actually picked up in the second half. My main gripe was the two main characters, who had the worst communication ever. I loved the setting in the Scottish Highlands and I’m a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers arc. Also, I loved the plot of following your passions when it comes to work.
The Chase + The Risk – Elle Kennedy ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, I’m still on my Elle Kennedy hype and have moved on to the Briar U series now. In The Chase, Summer is a very strong female lead, which I always love. In The Risk, Breanna is an aspiring sports journalist, which is why I probably gravitated towards her a little more. Neither book is exactly ground-breaking but if you like college romances, these are for you.
Driven to Temptation – Melia Alexander ⭐⭐⭐
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. The female lead is working in a male-dominated industry and the romance comes after a business road trip with her boss. I do like this kind of trope but not as much as others. Again, the plot was okay but nothing really stuck out to me.
When in Rome – Sarah Adams ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m a big Sarah Adams fan and the plot of a popstar escaping to a small town was a refreshing take in the chick-lit genre. It’s a really funny book with a grumpy/sunshine feel to it. I was expecting to be a little spicier but it’s okay that it wasn’t. It did feel like if it was set at Christmas, it could be a Hallmark movie.
Icebreaker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Wildfire ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Daydream ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – all Hannah Grace
I know I’m late to the Maple Hills series but I was waiting to have all three before starting. I already own Icebreaker on my Kindle but borrowed the other two from the library. I’d say Icebreaker was my first as I adored Anastasia and Nate. They’re very different to each other but definitely competitive and driven. Book two sees Russ and Aurora head to summer camp as counsellors. I loved that they were friends first and got to know each other before falling for each other. Book three sees Henry and Halle as our leading characters. I’ve loved Henry from the earlier books and as a book girlie, I instantly loved Halle. I probably gravitated to her as she’s very independent and content on her own.
And that’s my entire wrap on what I’ve read in Q1 2025. It’s not a lot but most of these books have stuck in my brain, making them good reads for me! Speaking of GoodReads, let’s be friends over there!
If you enjoyed what I’ve read in Q1 2025, you can read my other bookish content here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
