Top 5 new-to-me authors of 2025

My first Nalini Singh book, Slave to Sensation, made it immediately clear why she has such a devoted readership. And also that I’m crazy for leaving it so long before starting her books. The world-building is expansive without being overwhelming, and she introduces complex systems and power structures in a way that feels natural and intuitive.

What stood out most to me was how balanced her storytelling is. There’s action, romance, and intrigue, but none of it overshadows the character development. The relationships feel properly earned, and the emotional stakes grow with the plot, rather than replacing it.

Reading Nalini Singh felt like stepping into a world that’s been carefully thought through from every angle. I finished the book knowing that I will pick up almost every title in her backlist and be in safe, capable hands — which is incredibly reassuring with such a long-running series.

Alexandria Warwick’s The North Wind was one of those books that immediately pulled me in with its atmosphere. Her writing feels lush and moody, steeped in myth and magic, and there’s a quiet intensity to her storytelling that makes you want to slow down and savour it.

She blends romance and mythology beautifully, creating new and recrafted fairytales that feel both timeless and emotionally grounded. I loved the sense of longing that runs through The North Wind — it’s a feeling that lingers in the quiet moments rather than relying solely on big dramatic scenes.

What I appreciated most was how intentional her writing feels. Nothing is rushed, and while some people may think it’s slow-paced, every emotional beat feels carefully placed. Finishing her book felt like leaving a world I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to, which is always the best sign. And luckily, there’s three more books in this series alone!!

I have to start this with a confession: I had less than zero intention of reading Megan Bannen’s The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. I was adament that I wouldn’t like it. (In my head it was linked with the Butcher and Blackbird series and I have a mental block on serial killers. Yes, despite all the J. Bree books I’ve read — and loved — this year.) However, it was such a delightful surprise and it absolutely threw me for a loop with its humour and emotional depth.

Bannen’s writing strikes an amazing balance between warmth and melancholy. The characters feel deeply human and the emotional moments are woven in so naturally they really catch you off guard.

What stayed with me most was the sincerity of the story. It’s cozy without being shallow, funny without undercutting the emotional weight, and ultimately very heartfelt. Megan Bannen is now firmly on my list of authors I’ll reach for when I want a story that feels comforting and meaningful at the same time.

Let’s start this one with another confession. I wavered on putting Carissa Broadbent on this list. I’ve only read The Serpent and the Wings of Night and while I enjoyed it, it’s also got a lot of hype. And I’m worried that the series is going to fall apart the more I read.

However, from the high-stakes competition to the intense character dynamics, her writing pulled me in. I will say that Broadbent excels at emotional tension — the kind that builds slowly and then hits hard. The relationships are layered and complicated, and I found myself deeply invested in the characters’ choices, even when those choices made everything worse.

Her books mostly balance action and introspection well, allowing the story to move at a relatively fast pace, while still giving space for emotional fallout. I do think the quieter scenes could have more emotional weight, but we’ll see when I pick up the next book! But I did really enjoy book 1.