Cozy Book Chat: What I’ve Loved Reading in 2025 (so far!)

You know when you finish a book and just have to talk about it?

That’s what today’s post is all about!! Also, it’s my voice! I sat down to record a casual, cozy chat about the books I’ve loved so far in 2025—plus some thoughts on how I read, why I read the way I do, and what keeps me coming back for more.

So put your ear pods in on your next walk, or while you do the dishes tonight and hang out. *pro tip: you can “speed up” the audio. Try it on 1.5x!

Whether you’re looking for a new favorite or just love book talk as much as I do, I hope this inspires you to pick up your next great read.

✿A sneak peak into some of my favorites of the year (so far)!

I linked them all here, but as a reminder - you don’t have to spend a lot of money on books. Utilize Libby, your local library, Kindle Unlimited, little free libraries, borrowing from a friend.

📖 Friend Zone Series – Abby Jimenez

✨ If you’re in the mood for: emotional but funny romance with depth, lovable characters, and some real-life struggles woven in.

• Jimenez is the queen of balancing humor and heartache—these books will make you feel things.

• Her characters feel real, and the relationships (romantic & friendships) are so well done.

• Which book in the series stood out the most to you? Favorite couple?

• Content warnings—some heavy topics, but handled with care.

• Perfect for fans of Emily Henry or Katherine Center.

📖 Love and Other Words – Christina Lauren

✨ If you’re in the mood for: an emotional second-chance romance that hits you right in the nostalgia and longing.

• One of their best books—so much depth and emotional connection.

• Then vs. Now dual timeline keeps you hooked.

• The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is done SO well.

• That one scene (you know the one—without spoilers, how did it hit you emotionally?)

• If you loved Every Summer After or Before We Were Strangers, this is for you.

📖 Fourth Wing Series

✨ If you’re in the mood for: dragons, romance, and non-stop action in a fantasy world you won’t want to leave.

• This book took over BookTok for a reason.

• The training-school setting + political intrigue + that romance = perfection.

• Talk about the hype—did it live up to expectations for you?

• Violet as an MC—what worked, what didn’t?

• Compare Fourth Wing vs. Iron Flame (pacing, development, etc.).

• If you loved ACOTAR or Hunger Games, this is for you.

📖 The Wedding People – Alison Espach

✨ If you’re in the mood for: a literary, bittersweet story about love, loss, and the weird in-between moments of life.

• The vibes of this book—melancholy but beautiful.

• How it captures those “what could have been” moments so well.

• The writing style—did you love it? Did it feel different from what you normally read?

• That ending—what were your emotions afterward?

• If you loved Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld or Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, this one’s for you.

📖 When in Rome – Sarah Adams

✨ If you’re in the mood for: a small-town, cozy rom-com with all the feel-good vibes.

• Light, sweet, and so easy to devour in one sitting.

• Inspired by Audrey Hepburn—how fun is that?

• Grumpy/sunshine dynamic—did it work for you?

• How does it compare to her other books (if you’ve read them)?

• If you loved Part of Your World or It Happened One Summer, this is a great pick.

Let’s get to know each other a little more!

✿If you love this chat, I want to invite you to read my previous articles all about books!

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Thanks for geeking out over book with me today! I’d love it if you would share this with a friend - it means so much. Also don’t forget to subscribe so you can get all of my content to your inbox for free!

I’d love to know in the comments, what’s something you’ve read and LOVED in 2025?