From TBR to Read: Winter 2025
All the fiction books I read from January to March, ranked and reviewed 💖
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There is truth in the adage that in order to become a better writer, you need to be an avid reader. I’ve been doing my homework not only for me but my coaching clients. I also believe what we read becomes a part of us on some level. I tend to be a mood reader that flips back and forth between physical, e-books, and audio. While I write romantasy, I read outside of that genre so my thinking doesn’t get stuck in one groove.
Here’s my overview of what I read with a bitty review to help you choose what to add to your TBR. Which of these are you favorites? Let me know in the comments!
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Adult Fantasy; Fairytale Retelling
Vibes: Evocative writing looking at the human experience
My honest thoughts: The writing was gorgeous enough to get a nod for a Pulitzer. The retelling of this sad tale was poignant, hitting the right balance between hope and despair. There are few books that feature an older couple, and the dynamic between husband and wife Jack and Mabel rediscovering their love for each other warmed my heart.
Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Adult Historical Fantasy; Fairytale Retelling
Vibes: A young witch finally comes into her power at the birth of the Russian nation
My honest thoughts: This series could be considered a low-spice romantasy since it mainly follows the story of FMC Vasya and MMC Morzoko the frost demon, but there is so much more going on in this lush trilogy. Arden has woven together Russian fairytales and history into the finest historical fantasy I have ever read. A masterpiece.
Ill Wind by Rachel Caine ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Adult Paranormal Contemporary Fantasy
Vibes: Early oughts paranormal pulpy fun
My honest thoughts: Caine’s approach to elemental magic relies on science, which is truly unique. Also includes a secret, worldwide shadow government, a horny FMC, and djinn. What’s not to love?
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: YA Fantasy
Vibes: Great worldbuilding with a morally gray FMC
My honest thoughts: The worldbuilding of this alternate early 20th century London ruled in part by dragons was highly original. I would not, however, recommend this book to romantasy fans. There is a romance element, but I found it impersonal, which is odd to say about the growing feelings of two people. I included this on my list of most anticipated romantasies of 2025 based on the marketing materials, but they were misleading IMO.
Don’t Fear the Fire by Lois Miller ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Teen Romantasy
Vibes: Enemies-to-lovers in a dark academic setting
My honest thoughts: I am too old to get into this narrative. It is meant for a teen audience, and I saw many positive comments on Goodreads from younger reviewers. I was very honored that the publisher reached out and sent an ARC, but the writing didn’t land with me.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Vibes: Fake-dating in an academic setting
My honest thoughts: OMG THE PERFECT ROM-COM. I adored Olive and Adam’s fake-dating, grumpy sunshine dynamic. So cute! So steamy! Why did I keep this on my TBR for so long?
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Vibes: A gender-swapped, autistic Pretty Woman
My honest thoughts: DAMN that was hot. Stella was a perfectly written, authentic autistic FMC and I was rooting for her and Michael the entire book Another perfect and oh-so-fun rom com.
That Time I Got Drunk and Kissed a Demon by Kimberly Lemming ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Comedic Romantasy
Vibes: Sexy Dungeons and Dragons
My honest thoughts: This book was a hoot. Check out my spoiler free review here.
Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Adult Romantasy
Vibe: Hot dragon riders at war
My honest thoughts: If you are a romantasy fan, this is a must. Its a great combination of emotinal depth, spice, worldbuilding, and political intrigue.
I love a reread, though now that I am blogging about new books it is an indulgence I feel I don’t get to engage in enough. However, I knew that I would be 1000% lost reading Onyx Storm if I didn’t review the first two books in the series.
So glad I did. Not only did the story hold up, but I enjoyed the writing a lot more since I didn’t have any learning curves. It might even be fair to say some of my original opinions were a bit harsh.
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: YA Romantasy
Vibe: Star-crossed lovers trying to forge a better world
My honest thoughts: Loved the fast-paced conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology. If you want a spoiler free review, click here. Please note that I am #sad that I didn’t have time to reread book one Heartless Hunter.
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Adult Romantasy
Vibe: More than enemies-to-lovers…this book is a take-down of colonialism
My honest thoughts: I’ve decided to feature all four books of the Halfling Saga in my first series-wide spoiler free review. Book one, A Broken Blade, introduces readers to the King’s Blade aka top assassian Keera Kingsown, a half-elf slave working to put down all other halflings that refuse to be owned by the crown. This story is gritty, featuring difficult topics including alcoholism, self-harm, and genocide. Tough truths are brought forth in this series by an indigenous author, but also there is hope and healing shared in a manner that illustrates this writer is baring her soul to us.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed my time with these books, and yet I cannot help but lament that I didn’t read more. Lately I’ve been purchasing books faster than I can possibly get through them. If I only read romantasy, maybe I could keep up.
Ha…lies. I am telling lies. There is never enough time to read!
What have you read so far this year? Share your thoughts about these books or other titles you think I ought to add to my TBR. Thanks again for reading! There are a million other voices out there vying for your attention, so each comment and like you all leave means a lot to me.
Thanks, Ivy! Always looking for new reads. I’ve been reading outside my writing genre quite a bit — it’s like I can’t process other place-based narrative or too much literary fiction at the same time…So, fantasy has been a great place for me to hang out. Plus, I learn a lot about world building, which matters so much place-based writing as well as in fantasy.
What do you think about people who say they never read books in the genre of book that they're writing at that time? Do you agree?