As we roll into the year’s second quarter, I want to reflect on some incredible books I’ve read in the first three months of 2025. From emotional journeys to mind-bending plots, here’s a roundup of my top reads. (All links in this post are Amazon affiliate links.)
1. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins returns with a gripping new tale, Sunrise on the Reaping. The Hunger Games is one of my favorite book series; learning more is always nice. I didn’t care for the book about President Snow because I wasn’t too invested in why he turned into an “evil” man. But learning about the “good guys” in this book made it more interesting.
Set in the same universe as The Hunger Games, this novel brings a fresh perspective on the dystopian world of Panem by telling Haymitch’s story. What I loved most was how it expanded on the lore of Panem by giving us background on many of the characters we met in the original stories, such as Mags and Beetee. I also loved how we learned more about Katniss and Lenore Dove’s family lineages as part of the Covey. The Hunger Games series continues to teach us about ourselves and society through the values of power, wealth, and the struggle to survive.
2. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez’s Yours Truly is a heartwarming romance with plenty of humor and emotional depth. This was a re-read of the book for me, so you know it’s a favorite of mine. This book tenderly explores love, healing, and second chances. This is a relatable story with Emma having to deal with a parent with mental illness and her inability to be comfortable in one place for long periods. Emma had to learn boundaries to help heal and create healthy relationships with people around her. Justin is a remarkable character who is always willing to help and be there even when facing his own family problems.
What I hated most about this book was the constant miscommunication between the main characters. But I was still rooting for a happy ending for both characters.
The romance between the leads had just the right balance of light-heartedness and vulnerability. Jimenez wrote relatable characters with complex issues, which made a complicated story feel light-hearted and easy. It’s a perfect read for when you need something uplifting but also meaningful.
3. The Winners by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman’s The Winners is the third installment in the Beartown series, and it did not disappoint. The Beartown series is an emotionally heavy series from beginning to end.
Backman’s writing is beautiful and heartbreaking; this novel was no exception. The small-town drama and the characters’ struggles and triumphs gave me much to think about regarding community, sports, loyalty, and human nature.
I kept wanting to pick up the book to find out what would happen to the town and the people in the city. Benji, Maya (and her family), Ana, and a host of characters temporarily became my friends. I needed to know how they would weather the storm (figuratively and literally). All the characters were reunited in Beartown for an unfortunate event, but that was only the beginning. If you haven’t read a Fredrik Backman book, please read the Beartown series.
4. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas
The Assassin’s Blade is a prequel to Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. It’s a collection of novellas that give us a closer look at Celaena Sardothien’s journey before she became the famed assassin.
This is the first book I’ve read in the Throne of Glass series, and all I can say is that Celanea Sardothien is a badass. I know it’s controversial about which book to read first in the series. Still, I started here, which makes me want to continue the series immediately.
Maas tells the story of a strong woman with compassion and heart. I don’t know much about these characters except for what I’ve read in this book. Still, I’m interested to see how these characters shape Sardothien into the person she is. There’s nothing I love more than a strong woman character, and this is the intense female energy to fit the bill.
5. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Lastly, This Is How You Lose the Time War is a genre-defying masterpiece that uniquely blends science fiction, fantasy, and romance. The story follows two time-traveling agents, Red and Blue, who are being used to work against each other but find themselves entangled in a relationship that transcends time.
I spent the book’s first half trying to figure out what was happening. I didn’t understand the characters or their dynamic. However, I continued reading, and I’m glad I did.
The writing is almost lyrical, and the plot is layered with philosophical musings on time, love, and fate. It’s one of those books that requires you to slow down and savor each sentence, and I can’t recommend it enough to readers looking for something mind-bending and beautiful. Ultimately, it’s a story about love and trust that weaves through time and controversy.
6. Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane
This was my first Mhairi McFarlane book, but I’ve heard great things. I had no real expectations about the book but was interested in the story. The book started slowly, but I was completely drawn in with its mix of wit, emotional depth, and characters you want to root for. Harriet is a wedding photographer navigating the aftermath of a breakup, and Cal is the unexpected flatmate who challenges her guarded world.
It’s not just a love story—though the chemistry is so satisfying—but also a story about reclaiming yourself. Harriet’s journey felt genuine and honest, and I appreciated how McFarlane handled tough topics with care and heart. Add this to your list if you like romance with substance (and British banter).
Other books I read this quarter
I’ve been in a reading slump and extremely busy at the beginning of the year. I didn’t read that many books, but I started to come back to book life in March. Just in case you wanted to know what else I read, here is the list of books I read in Q1 2025:
- Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
- The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
- Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
- Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
- Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
- Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
- The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
- Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
Final Thoughts
Each book brought something unique: an emotional connection, a deep dive into a complex world, or a new take on familiar genres. The first quarter of 2025 has been great for reading, and I can’t wait to see what the next few months bring. If you’ve read any of these books or have recommendations for what I should read next, please leave a comment!
