April Book Review: My Top Reads for April 2025
- Maria Foy
- May 2
- 8 min read
April 2025 was stacked with good books ... I read 38 in total (that's not a typo), and honestly it might’ve been one of my best reading months ever. The standout reads? The Star Queen Chronicles by Rachel Fallon, Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale, and the absolutely phenomenal Cursed Legacy series by Morgan B Lee. I wrapped up April with that series and now I’m deep in a book slump because how do you top that?! Nothing’s hitting quite the same.
So here we go ... my top 10 favourites of the month that totally wrecked my TBR (and my sleep schedule).
Be sure to follow me over on Goodreads to see what else I read, and connect with me so I can follow you too!
A Look at my April 2025 Favourite Books
Here's a snapshot of the 5 star books I read in April:
On Wings Of Blood by Briar Boleyn
When We Burn by Kristen Proby
Of Darkness & Ruination by Rachel Fallon
Of Light & Freedom by Rachel Fallon
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale
Direbound by Sable Sorensen
Avalon Tower by C.N. Crawford
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
Cursed Legacy Series by Morgan B Lee (4 books)
Let’s take a closer look at these captivating stories:
On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
Medra Pendragon thought being King Arthur’s daughter was complicated enough - until she’s suddenly thrown into another realm, captured, and dumped into Bloodwing Academy: a brutal, magic-soaked school for dragon riders, vampires, and elite warriors-in-training. Survive or die trying? No pressure.
Okay so this was way more fun than I expected. It’s loosely tied to the whole Arthurian legend, but instead of a retelling, it’s its own wild thing. It’s very much an enemies-to-lovers vibe, with the MMC being a massive tool for like 80% of the book. Normally I’m not into bully romances (they make me ragey), but this one didn’t cross too many lines, and I weirdly found myself rooting for him ... right up until the end when he pulled some absolute betrayal-level crap. Like dude. I was just starting to like you. WHY!!
Anyway. Medra was an absolute queen, the storyline slapped, and now I need book two because I have QUESTIONS - and also some mild trust issues.
When We Burn by Kristen Proby
Dani is no stranger to pain. After surviving years of abuse, she’s focused on healing and rebuilding her life - on her own terms. Enter Bridger, the quiet, grounded guy who sees her for who she really is. As their connection deepens, Dani has to decide if she’s ready to let someone in, and if love can really be safe after everything she’s been through.
I adored this book. It’s got a pretty heavy backstory with some intense themes around abuse, but the way Dani moves through her trauma is so powerful and beautifully done. I really admired her strength and growth- she felt so real.
And Bridger? Absolute perfection. That man can do no wrong. The way he supports and understands her had me melting. Their relationship felt so real and full of heart. Honestly, I couldn’t get enough of these two, and I can’t wait to dive into more of this series.
Of Darkness & Ruination by Rachel Fallon
In a world ruled by the Fae, humans are nothing more than property, and Asteria knows that reality all too well. Raised as a slave, she’s spent her life surviving under a brutal system, but when a twist of fate pulls her into the heart of rebellion, she starts to question everything she’s ever known. As war brews and loyalties are tested, Asteria must decide where she stands, and who she’s willing to fight for.
This was my second read of this, and it hit just as hard ... in fact maybe even more.
It’s such an intricate and beautifully told story about the imbalance of power between humans and Fae. Asteria, the FMC, has this deep internal conflict about the system she was raised in, and watching her wrestle with that felt so real and raw. Rachel Fallon builds an epic world with characters that feel alive.
The MMC? Utter perfection. A kind, gentle soul who completely stole my heart.
The found family that forms around Asteria brought me to tears more than once. All she really wants is to be accepted and loved, and that thread pulled on every heartstring I have.
And as for the villain of the book ... I hope he dies a slow and very public death. No notes.
Can’t wait to dive into the next one - which I did immediately, obviously.
Of Light & Freedom by Rachel Fallon
The second book in this series, and the war between humans and Fae is escalating, and Asteria’s caught in the middle ... still reeling from past trauma, questioning everything, and trying to find her place in a world that keeps demanding more. But she’s not alone, and the fight for freedom is only just beginning.
Holy hell, I freaking loved this. It’s packed with drama, emotion, and tension - I couldn’t put it down. It picks up right where the last book ended and adds even more POVs (which I adored ... even though Cyrus made me want to scream).
Calix and Asteria? Perfection. Their bond deepens in the best way, and Calix is the loyal, supportive king we all need. Asteria’s anxiety and self-doubt hit hard – Rachel Fallon nails the mental health rep in such a raw, real way.
The found family vibes? Stronger than ever. The ending? Massive. There’s a cliffhanger (of course), and I’m already counting down to the next one.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC - if you loved book one, you’re gonna be obsessed with this. It's out on the 5th May 2025.
Three Reckless Words by Nicole Snow
Three Reckless Words is the perfect combination of grumpy billionaire vibes, sunshiney FMC energy, and all the cozy small-town charm you could want. From the first page, it’s an easy, feel-good read that you can’t put down.
The chemistry between the main characters is off the charts, with just the right balance of banter and angst to keep things exciting. Watching the grumpy billionaire try to resist the sunshiney FMC is the perfect mix of heartwarming and swoon-worthy.
If you're looking for a quick, captivating read with amazing chemistry and a touch of drama, this is your book. 5 stars all the way!
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Ophelia is willing to do whatever it takes to find her missing sister - even if it means entering a deadly magical competition full of monsters, secrets, and bargains she probably shouldn’t make. What she doesn’t expect is to cross paths with Blackwell who is a mysterious, morally grey devil who somehow manages to be helpful and infuriating in equal measure.
I put off reading this book forever and now I’m just mad at myself because it was incredible. The plot is twisty, the magic is lush, and the slow-burn romance? Chef’s kiss. Ophelia is fierce and laser-focused, and her dynamic with Blackwell had me clutching my imaginary pearls.
If this one’s been lurking on your TBR, trust me ... it’s time.
Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale
In a world ruled by shifters and secrets, our FMC discovers she’s not only a powerful wolf shifter but also the centre of a fated bond with a pack of deliciously damaged mates- each with their own baggage, bite, and broody charm. Some fall into line quickly, but others? ... hmm not so much. But we love a sceptic ... especially when there’s grovelling to look forward to in book two (don’t let me down, Tessa 👀).
I’m a sucker for a good wolfy reverse harem and this hit every spot. Tension, found family vibes, a slow-burn bond with plenty of emotional chaos ... it’s everything I wanted and more. Absolute five-star goodness.
Direbound by Sable Sorensen
When Meryn’s sister is taken, there’s nothing she won’t do to get her back ... even if it means bonding with a Direwolf, facing ancient powers, and navigating a world full of secrets and shifting alliances. The story is intense, fast-paced, and full of twists that had me frantically flipping pages.
The world-building is rich without being overwhelming (a win for my easily distracted brain), and while I had feelings about Meryn which mostly involved me yelling at her to stop pushing everyone away even though I get why she was the way she was. Her mission came first, and a magical soulmate wolf was not part of the plan. Still, the lack of trust between her and others (looking at you, Anassa) nearly broke me.
Despite the emotional chaos, I absolutely devoured this. The stakes are high, the reveals are wild, and I’m already desperate to see what happens next. Fingers crossed for a bit more trust and a lot more growth in book two, because my poor heart needs a break.
Avalon Tower by C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers
What do you get when you mix Arthurian legend with Fae courts, ancient magic, and a modern girl who just wants to live her normal life? Absolute chaos which is the best kind. When our FMC finds herself dragged into a world of demi-fey and mystical politics, she has to navigate powers she never asked for and a war she definitely didn’t volunteer for.
This was a reread for me and honestly? Just as good the second time around. The world is rich, the pacing is fast, and I loved watching everything unravel through the eyes of someone who’s just trying to survive this magical mess. It’s got Camelot vibes with a deliciously dark twist, and it reminded me why I’d loved it the first time. If you like magic, mayhem, and reluctant heroines, this one’s a ride.
I actually binged the whole Avalon Tower series (three books in total), and while book two was also chef’s kiss, book three kinda flopped for me ... which is why it didn’t make the top 10. Still totally worth the read for the first two, though!
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
Wolves, royalty, betrayal, and major Scottish Highlands energy ... hmm yes please. The Wolf King is a fantasy romance that delivers the drama and the vibes. Rory is meant to marry some royal dud, but instead runs off with the brooding, slightly manipulative (but weirdly adorable) Callum. He’s got a plan, she’s got fire, and the chemistry between them? On point.
This was a reread for me and honestly still a solid five stars. I loved that Rory doesn’t take crap from anyone, and one of the best parts? No annoying miscommunication trope. Everything gets sorted like actual functioning humans. Love that for us. The twist near the end had me ready to throw something, and that final line? Chilling in the best way.
If you’re into fantasy romance with strong female leads, wolfy royalty, and a plot that doesn’t drag then get this on your shelf. I am finally reading book two now. For real this time.
The Cursed Legacy Series by Morgan B Lee
Four books. One fierce heroine. A harem of cursed, complicated men. And a story that absolutely devoured me.
The Cursed Legacy Series is everything I love in a fantasy romance ... incredibly rich world-building, high emotional stakes, and a found family that wormed its way into my heart from book one. Each instalment raised the bar, and by the time I got to Divine Fate, the final book, I was obsessed.
And what a finale it was. From page one it was all go - no slow reunions, no drawn-out “will they, won’t they.” Maven and her men come back together early, and we actually get to see them functioning as a unit. The pacing? Immaculate. The plot? Delivered. Maven? Absolute queen. Her blood oath storyline wrapped up in the most satisfying way, and I closed the book with that rare, perfect feeling of “yes ... THIS is how you end a series.”
It’s powerful, steamy, emotional, and unforgettable - and yes, I’m recommending it to everyone forever.
Final Thoughts
April 2025 was a bit more settled for me ... emotionally and reading-wise. I managed to get through a whopping 38 books (wild, I know), and while a lot of them were amazing, a few truly consumed me. The worlds created by Rachel Fallon and Morgan B Lee are still living rent-free in my head, and honestly I don’t know how to move on. The book hangover is real.
If you’re looking for fantasy, romance, or something that’ll punch you right in the feelings, this list is a great place to start. Here’s to another month of getting lost in stories we may never recover from - happy reading!
Which books didn't tickle my fancy? Well, you can peruse my READ list on Goodreads and check out the ratings I slapped on them ...
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