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🌸 March 2025 - Reading Recap: Romance, Resilience, and a Rover

🌸 March 2025 - Reading Recap: Romance, Resilience, and a Rover

March was packed with captivating reads—ranging from swoon-worthy romantasy to unforgettable non-fiction. It was also one of my highest-rated reading months yet, and (drumroll please)... not a single DNF! Honestly, I’m proud of that.

*A Rover's Story
by Jasmine Warga — ★★★★★

📖 A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga

Though I don’t usually include children’s books in these wrap-ups, I have to make an exception for this one.

My middle child received A Rover’s Story for Christmas, and as a mom on the hunt for chapter books that might pull him away from Dog Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this one was a gem. Jasmine Warga delivers a mesmerizing dual narrative about a Mars Rover and the daughter of the woman who helped program him.

This story made coding emotional, science accessible, and resilience feel real. Every character in this book experiences real growth, and Warga captures the complexity of growing up with striking clarity. I genuinely believe this should be required reading for kids in grades 4–7. It’s compelling, educational, and deeply human.

🔥 The Kindred’s Curse Saga (Everflame Series) by Molly E. Lee

Hot take: this series rivals ACOTAR.
Yes, I said it.

I loved every book in the Kindred’s Curse Saga so far—unlike ACOTAR, where I admittedly pushed through a few for the sake of the overarching storyline. With Everflame, I devoured each installment. The characters, the pacing, the romance—it all hit the mark.

Book 4 can’t come soon enough.
👉 [Read my full review of the available Everflame books here.]

🌿 All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew

Spring is here, and so is gardening season!
This non-fiction guide was perfect for me as a beginner. With my new raised bed garden, I attempted Mel’s 4x4 planting method and found this book incredibly helpful. From planning and spacing to soil tips and companion planting, this guide is beginner-friendly without being oversimplified. I read the 3rd edition, though the 4th is already out.

If you're diving into gardening this year, this is a must-read.

☢️ Radium Girls by Kate Moore

This book is a gut punch—in the best way.
Radium Girls tells the devastating true story of the women who worked in radium-dial factories and the horrifying consequences they faced. The courage and resilience of these women are both heartbreaking and inspiring. If you’re interested in medical history, women’s rights, or just great non-fiction, this one is worth reading.

Heads up: it’s heavy. But there’s a young adult edition for teens who might be interested.

🖤 Butcher & Blackbird (Ruinous Love Trilogy) by Brynne Weaver

This series took me by surprise. Yes, it’s dark romance. Yes, it involves murder, torture, and even (accidental!) cannibalism—but somehow, it still manages to feel like a meet-cute?

The first book was amazing, the second solid, and I haven’t started the third yet. Each book follows a different couple, and despite the dark themes, there’s humor, emotional connection, and genuinely good storytelling. Definitely one to check out if you're into spicy romance with a sinister twist—just read the content warnings first.

🪄 Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Book one of the Crimson Moth series brings us into a world where witches are hunted and hated.

Rune, the main character, lives with a secret identity, while Gideon, a government guard (and brother to her best friend), complicates her world. It’s a fast-paced romantasy with just enough tension and mystery to keep you turning pages. I’ll definitely continue the series.

📚 Funny Story by Emily Henry

Emily Henry does it again.
Funny Story follows Daphne, a librarian who uproots her life for love, only to find herself sharing space (and later more) with Miles, the laid-back guy with more depth than he lets on. A fake relationship trope turns into something full of heart, humor, and top-tier banter.

The chemistry is charming, the supporting characters shine, and Miles? Major book boyfriend material.

📦 Final Thoughts

From outer space to dark romance and back to raised beds and radium—March had it all. Every book I picked up this month brought something special to the table. No DNFs, high ratings across the board, and a little something for every mood.

Let me know what your March reads looked like—or if you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hannah Bridle

Hannah Bridle