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The start of a new year has brought a mix of captivating books, and my recent reads from January and February have been no exception. From enchanting fantasy worlds to swoon-worthy romance, my recent reads have swept me away with epic adventures, heartfelt love stories, and unforgettable characters.
In this post, I’m sharing my reviews of the books I’ve read over the past two months. Whether you’re looking for your next must-read or just want to see which titles are worth adding to your TBR (and which ones you might want to skip), I’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy/romantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Violet Sorrengail always planned to be a scribe, but her ruthless mother has other ideas—forcing her to train as a dragon rider, despite her fragile body and the deadly competition. With more cadets than dragons, Violet is surrounded by rivals who would rather see her dead, including the powerful and unforgiving Xaden Riorson. As she fights to survive at Basgiath War College, war brews beyond its walls, the kingdom’s defenses are crumbling, and Violet starts to suspect those in charge are keeping dangerous secrets. Here, the only way out is to graduate—or die.
This was a a re-read to prepare for the third book in the series, and I think I enjoyed it more the first time I read it. The series is a little overhyped for me now. I recommend the graphic audio if you’re reading for the vibes! But you’ll want a physical copy to look at if you are one of the plot analyzers who likes to make theories.
Should You Read It? Maybe. If you are looking for a light romantasy book, I think you will be disappointed after the first book.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy/romantasy
Rating: 3.75 stars
After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail faces her greatest challenge yet. With enemies closing in from all sides, she must venture beyond the kingdom’s failing defenses to seek allies and uncover the truth that could change everything. The journey will test her strength, loyalty, and the secrets she’s willing to keep. As war looms, Violet knows one thing for certain—survival will come at a cost.
I have an unpopular opinion and I know people will just say it’s because I’m not a high fantasy reader. But this series does not need to be five books long.
Onyx Storm felt like a lot of filler to get that ending. If you don’t love the characters (and I do!), then I don’t think you’ll enjoy Onyx Storm. I’m going to trust the process and stay away from all the intense fan theories so I have no expectations.
Should You Read It? Again, maybe. If you didn’t enjoy Iron Flame, then I think you should try this book because it is written better.
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Rating: 2.5 stars
Daphne Bell has always believed in fate, especially since she receives a slip of paper every time she meets someone new, predicting exactly how long they’ll be in her life. For over twenty years, the papers have never been wrong—until one day, she gets a name with no expiration date. As she falls for Jake, she begins to question destiny, love, and the secrets she’s keeping that could change everything. In Expiration Dates, Rebecca Serle delivers a heartfelt and thought-provoking romance about timing, fate, and the choices that define our lives.
The concept was interesting but the execution made it pointless. There wasn’t enough character development for me to be invested one way or another. As a matter of fact, in chapter I was halfway through before I realize we were reading about Hugo and not her current boyfriend. I didn’t necessarily need an explanation for the random slips of paper, but I expected a better story from such a unique concept.
Should You Read It? No. This felt like a waste of my time.
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: 2 stars
In Dune Messiah, Paul Atreides, now Emperor and worshipped as a messiah by the Fremen, struggles under the weight of absolute power. As political rivals plot against him and betrayal festers within his own ranks, Paul faces a deeper, more personal threat—one that endangers both his beloved Chani and the future of House Atreides. Caught between destiny and free will, he must navigate a web of conspiracy that could bring about his downfall.
Easily the worst book I read in January and February. I decided to read this so I’d be somewhat prepared for the next Dune movie, but I will not be continuing the series after this. The writing style is just not for me. I’d actually say it’s pretty atrocious.
Should You Read It? Unless you really loved Dune (the book, not the movies), then no. The writing style is worse in this one.
The Lodge by Kayla Olson
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.25 stars
Alix Morgan lands her dream job ghostwriting a memoir for Sebastian Green, a former boy band member, and escapes to a luxurious Vermont resort to work. While settling in, she starts falling for her charming ski instructor, Tyler. But as she digs into Sebastian’s past, the mystery of True North’s downfall—and the disappearance of its frontman, Jett Beckett—pulls her in. Balancing romance and intrigue, Alix may be the one to finally uncover the truth behind the band’s biggest secret.
The Lodge was one of my most anticipated books of 2025, and it did not disappoint! The snowy ski lodge setting of this book is absolute perfection, making it a must-read book for winter. I was not expecting romance with a side of mystery, so that was a nice surprise and change from your normal rom-com. I would love a spin off for another character just so we could go back to the lodge! My only complaint is there was a little too much focus on the sister drama at the end-it felt a little thrown in there and distracted from the romance.
Should You Read It? Absolutely yes, especially if you grew up in the boy band era!
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
Genre: Mystery/thriller
Rating: 3.5 stars
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this title for my honest review.
When Theodora Scott joins her fiancé, Connor Dalton, at his wealthy family’s secluded winter retreat, she hopes to win them over—but unsettling warnings and eerie signs suggest she’s been here before. A shocking discovery of a childhood photo taken at Idlewood triggers buried memories, revealing a past she never knew. As Theo pieces together the truth, she realizes the Daltons are hiding a dark secret—and uncovering it could put her life in danger.
I almost DNF’d this around the 40% mark. I didn’t enjoy the dream/flashback type sequences at all. I also found Theo very unlikable. The family was interesting and I wish there had been more interactions with them instead of Theo wandering in the woods alone. I got two characters mixed up towards the ending bc we just didn’t get enough of them in the story. It’s hard for a thriller to impress me anymore, but I’m glad I stuck with this one.
Should You Read It? If you are newer to thrillers, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. Overall I thought it was a good story with a couple of good twists.
The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 stars
After a messy public breakup threatens his image, hockey star Ian Chase agrees to a PR stunt with Delilah Baker, his best friend’s little sister and a rising baking show host. Delilah hopes the partnership will boost her struggling ratings, while Ian needs to clean up his reputation—so playing up a romance seems like the perfect plan. But as their fake relationship heats up, old crushes resurface, and the line between pretend and real starts to blur. With careers and hearts on the line, this publicity stunt might just change the game for both of them.
This was delightful! I binged it in basically two days. I loved all of the moments Lila reminisces about her crush on Ian. Those moments gave me all the ooey-gooey feelings! The pet names were a little over the top for me, and I thought Ian was a little too broody and hard on himself. His inner monologue got very repetitive. Also, if he would’ve just communicated with his mom, he really could’ve saved himself a lot of headache.
Should You Read It? Absolutely yes! All in all, it’s a fun time and I do recommend it!
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Romance
Rating: 2.75 stars
Stanford junior and platform diver Scarlett Vandermeer is focused on med school and recovering from an injury—relationships aren’t part of the plan. Swim captain Lukas Blomqvist is just as disciplined, chasing Olympic gold with unwavering focus. They seem like total opposites until a shared secret brings them together in a no-strings-attached arrangement. But as the Olympics draw closer, their connection deepens, and Scarlett finds herself in uncharted waters—where keeping her heart out of it might not be so easy after all.
This was another one of my most anticipated books of 2025. The nicest thing I can say is I liked the collegiate diver/swim aspect of the story. I alternated between hating and loving Lukas. The “kink” stuff was so cringe to me and made me hate him. But his obvious pining for Scarlett was so swoon-y. So I kept going-I could overlook the bad spice scenes and pretend that aspect of their relationship didn’t exist. I also hated the MMC ex/FMC best friend part of the plot.
Should You Read It? This is a tough one. If you enjoy Ali Hazelwood’s books in general, I say give it a shot. If you are looking for something spicy, this isn’t it.
As we move further into the year, there are so many more books to discover, and I’m excited to keep exploring new releases and hidden gems. If any of my recent reads reviews sparked your interest, I hope you’ll consider adding them to your own TBR. Whether you’re in the mood for fantasy, romance, or something in between, there’s always a story out there waiting to sweep you off your feet.
What books have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any recommendations you might have!
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