june 2025 reading wrap
here are all the books i (re)read this month lol
Author’s Note: The reason why you see so many Ali Hazelwood and Ann Liang novels in this post is because I decided to start an author roundup series on Nat’s Bookshelf. If I read all of an author’s works, I’ll be ranking all of their books in my post. I’m currently working on posts for the authors I mentioned. Stay tuned!
Books I read this month
1. Never Thought I’d End Up Here, Ann Liang
Whatever Ann Liang writes, I read. No questions asked. 🙂↕️
For that exact reason, Never Thought I’d End Up Here became one of my highly anticipated releases in 2025. It was a book that felt like a breath of fresh air and I loved how it perfectly encapsulates the perfect C-drama vibes like her other book, This Time It’s Real.
As the reader, you get vivid descriptions of China’s historic cities, the best parts of travelling with friends, falling in love in unexpected places, and learning how to get back into your roots. We follow Leah as she relearns Chinese during her trip and immerses herself in the local culture. Reading this book made me want to travel to China and visit the places she went to.
This book arrived at the right time when I needed it the most. I saw parts of myself in Leah and related to how lost she was in life. Seeing her overcome it at the end of the book was a reminder to breathe, even when you’re still figuring things out. It also showed me the importance of slowing down and trusting the process.
Verdict: 4.25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. I Hope This Finds You, Ann Liang
For those who didn’t know, Ann released a novella — I Hope This Find You — as part of her preorder campaign for Never Thought I’d End Up Here. It’s the sequel to her other book, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You.
I loved the novella. We get Julius’s POV that wasn’t in the first book and a glimpse into his relationship with Sadie. The only problem I have with this novella is that it’s not a physical book. None of the bookstores in KL were doing preorders for Never Thought I’d End Up Here at the time, and I couldn’t sign up for a copy myself.
So if Ann Liang or her publisher reads my post (if they do, omg!), pretty please print and sell I Hope This Finds You. I need it on my shelf. Thank you.
Verdict: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Problematic Summer Romance, Ali Hazelwood
Not in Love was one of my top reads last year so obviously I had to read Problematic Summer Romance. It follows Maya and Conor, two characters that you’ll meet in the first book. For that reason, I recommend starting Not in Love first or else you’d be confused.
Before I get into the review, I have to break down the title. It’s called a “problematic summer romance” for two reasons: a) the significant age gap between the characters and b) it’s set in Italy during the summer. You’ll like the book if you like older men, stories set in the summer, and of course, books that are spicy and fun. It also has the brother’s best friend trope and some chaos in the background from Maya’s brother’s wedding.
TBH, it can be a great plane read or a book you take on vacation for those travelling soon. It’s interesting, not too slow, and overall, a fun time.
Verdict: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Loathe to Love You, Ali Hazelwood
After DNF-ing two Ali Hazelwood books (more on this later), I fell into a slump that lasted for a week. I started a Fredrick Backman book and I liked it but my mood made me pause the book. Eventually, I picked up another Ali Hazelwood book to beat the slump.
Loathe to Love You consists of three (interconnected) novellas in one book: Under One Roof, Stuck With You, and Below Zero. I thought the first two stories were entertaining, and they did help me get out of my slump.
Under One Roof reminded me of an enjoyable Hallmark-style romance movie with forced proximity. It was hard to get into it at first, but I ended up liking it. Stuck With You was also good, and it was pretty steamy. I also wonder if Erik was inspired by a younger Mads Mikkelsen.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like the last story, Below Zero. There was a chapter in the novella that was too long for me, and I ended up skimming it to get to the next chapter. I also didn’t bother finishing the novella and it was too late to DNF the whole book, TBH.
Verdict: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Books I DNF-ed this month
5. Love on the Brain, Ali Hazelwood
I don’t know where the book community stands on this book, but it wasn’t it. Bee and Levi were an insufferable version of Adam and Olive from The Love Hypothesis — especially Bee. There’s no way NASA allowed someone like her into the premises and work there. She was so immature and annoying and too goddamned “quirky”. Levi probably had a tree trunk stuck up his ass too. I didn’t bother continuing the book to see how their relationship would develop.
Verdict: DNF 🚫📚
6. Bride, Ali Hazelwood
On the other hand, Bride seemed to be well-loved by many. It’s the author’s first fantasy book, let alone a paranormal romance.
Well, I immediately put it down after the first chapter. I tried keeping an open mind but the second he started sniffing her like some big dog at their wedding… Yeah no.
Also: Her name is MISERY???? Like that one Maroon 5 song??? It’s perfect actually, because that’s how I felt with this book.
Verdict: DNF 🚫📚
Books I reread this month
7. I Am Not Jessica Chen, Ann Liang
I read I Am Not in Jessica Chen back in February so I’m just going to link it here instead of reviewing it again. But I still love this book. I still relate to Jenna and how she felt with burnout, her faith in her craft, and her perception of success.
Verdict: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, Ann Liang
If you watched Never Have I Ever on Netflix and need to scratch the itch after the show ended, here’s a book for you.
I reread I Hope This Doesn’t Find You this month and I can officially say that this was Ann’s best work. It was well-written, and when I first read it last year, I couldn’t put it down. While Alice and Henry’s book was warm and fuzzy, Sadie and Julius showed up with intensity. They were brilliant students who kept each other on their toes. They also gave me the buzz with their competitive streaks, banter, and yearning (mostly from Julius though).
Sure, they butted heads from time to time but that’s what makes a good academic rival to lovers execution for me. I honestly don’t know how I gave this book 4 stars when it deserves the world. Please read it for me!!
Verdict: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
— featured image: pinterest
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LMAO HEAVY ON BRIDE !!! I DNF-ed after the first chapter too, I just couldn't take it. You could say I was Misery in the flesh