My Five Star Reads of 2025 (so far)

Despite this year being just over halfway done, I’ve already read some truly incredible books/ series that have – not only received five stars – but also made it into my favourite reads of all-time. Therefore, it felt fitting for this to be my first post on this blog.

The All for the Game Series by Nora Sakavic

This series is not for the faint of heart; The Foxhole Court starts the series off with a bang – filled with found family, sports obsession, and all sorts of mafia madness. I went into this series blind, expecting a ‘dark romance’ at most and, although some trigger warnings might be necessary, I truly did feel I benefitted from this. I particularly enjoyed The Raven King as it focuses in on the characters – allowing the reader to understand them and their individual stories better. The latest two instalments – although not the last – centres background characters that appear within the first three books; the tone of these books, while different, do not feel entirely separate and feature some truly amazing writing and character development. The characters in this series are some of the most nuanced I’ve ever read, and while they might not be for everyone – I personally loved reading their stories.

Song(s): Drowned in Emotion by Caskets + Anymore by Lo Spirit

The Dark Rise Series by C.S. Pacat

I found this series by chance – it was recommended to me on Kindle and I instantly knew that I would enjoy it after reading the synopsis. This series follows Will and his entrance into the world of long forgotten magic, as forces of darkness threaten to rise. This series shows how C.S Pacat has a talent in believably setting up storylines and plot twists, yet still leaving the reader shocked when they come to fruition. Once again, these characters are layered and have complicated backstories – which is something that I really enjoy. The friendships and relationships within this series are beautiful and I absolutely love the development within both those relationships and the characters themselves between the first and second books. Despite the series not being complete yet – I hope you know I am eagerly awaiting book three C.S Pacat! – it has already made its way into my favourite fantasy series’.

Song: Guiding Light by Caskets

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune

This book exudes mystery – in it’s remote setting of the Marsyas Island Orphanage, the elusive ‘assignment’, and the children’s caretaker Arthur Panassus; despite this, The House in the Cerulean Sea is pure magic from start to finish. Linus is one of those characters that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did; he took me completely by surprise and, although he’s almost twice my age, I felt myself relating to him in so many ways. He’s basically ‘stuck in a rut’, allowing life to happen to him, and consistently underestimating himself. His arc throughout the book, in allowing Arthur and the children into his life, is truly beautiful to read. This book shows us that our perceptions of people are not always correct, and that we always have the capacity for change – both within ourselves and in life itself. 

Song: Kid Again by Jon Bellion

Circe by Madeline Miller

I was already a fan of Madeline Miller prior to Circe, having read (and loved) Song of Achilles, but Circe established a long-lasting adoration of her books. This book felt like a refreshing take on Greek mythology – of which I am a fan and yet feel like I know not nearly enough about. Circe herself is such an interesting character and made me really think about mortality and how society perceives certain traits of mortality as weaknesses. Circe seems to embody these traits as her strengths, showing the power of vulnerability. This book allows the reader to really appreciate the ‘simplicities’ of life; Circe is such a beautiful read from start to finish and I would highly recommend it. 

Song: By Your Side by Awaken I Am

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

I always love the ‘worlds’ that Ali Hazelwood creates – one of the many reasons why she’s my favourite romance author. Her books always feel so comforting and immersive, and Deep End is no different. I absolutely adored Scarlett and Lukas; two athletes entirely focused on their careers and their future prospects that they hardly have time for a anything other than a ‘fling’ – or at least that’s what they tell themselves. I live for a relationship in which both characters feel seen and truly understood by their partner, and Deep End has this in waves. I also happen to love when the MMC is obsessed with the FMC, which is quite common in Ali Hazelwood’s books – another reason I adore her books. Overall, while it’s not my favourite of her books (can you tell that I’ve rated many of them 5 stars yet?), I truly did love Deep End and would still recommend for those in search of a good romance.

Song: Bleach by 5SOS 

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

I went into this book expecting to like it – because it’s Ali Hazelwood, obviously – but I wasn’t in love with the premise. Problematic Summer Romance focuses on Maya, a twenty-three year old graduate, and Conor, the thirty-eight year old business partner and best-friend of Maya’s elder brother. Age gap books can be a bit hit or miss for me personally, it truly depends on how you write them and sometimes they can just feel slightly, well, problematic (pun not intended). Having said that however, I absolutely LOVED this book. It felt very reminiscent of Hazelwood’s earlier books and had the same uplifting, joy inducing tone. I loved Maya, and the banter that she had with the other characters – especially her love interest Conor – truly made this book for me. See my full review here.

Song: You don’t go to parties by 5SOS