With the Ballgowns and Books Event about 6 months away, I’ve started to slowly read my way through the author’s going. The last time I went I didn’t get to read as many authors as I wanted to before the event and ended up missing out of getting books from authors I ended up really enjoying. So I want to try and stay ahead for BABE 2025 as much as I can.

So I thought it would be fun to share some of my thoughts on books I’ve been reading from authors attending the 2025 event. You can check out the full list of authors here. Most of the authors I’m talking about today are some new-to-me authors that I’ve started to read. But some are from authors I’ve already read and in some cases love. So let’s get into it.

Chelsea Curto: I just finished Face Off (D.C. Stars, #1) by Chelsea and ended up really enjoying it. An ice hockey romance between the Captain and the first female hockey player in the NHL. Yes, please. It was snappy and sexy and honestly just what I needed. It has the banter and the spice. I’m currently reading the second book in this series and loving it as well. I think she is going to be an author that I pre-order.

Melissa Huxley: This is one of three authors that I’m not sure if I am going to pre-order yet. I read Bonding the Band co-written with Lexie Quinn, and didn’t love it. I honestly didn’t even really like it. But I want to try and give the author another chance, so I am going to try and read one of her solo books and see how I go. Normally omegaverse with a band is my thing. But I just didn’t like the characters at all. They seemed so one dimension

Elizabeth Helen: I have had my eye on Elizabeth Helen’s Beasts of the Briar series for a while now and I finally picked it up. I liked this one more than I thought I would. I didn’t love it. But I had a great time reading it, and I’ve already picked up book two. I’m going to try to read this series slowly and not rush to catch up and then have to wait. It’s a beauty and the beast retelling that is why choose, dislike to love, a sort of slow-burn romance that hits the spot. I’m surely going to get my books signed and I’m excited to continue reading.

Elsie Silver: I nearly cried when it was announced that Elsie was an author for BABE. I’ve been reading Elsie’s books for a few years now and I cannot tell you how excited I am to get to meet her and get my books signed. And just have a great time? I’ve currently read nearly all the books she has published. I’m now just making my way through the Gold Rush Ranch series. But I expect to have finished reading them by the time BABE comes around. I’ve just read Off to the Races and hope to get into book two soon.

And so there we go. That is just some of the prep I’ve already done for BABE 2025. I’m really excited with the results so far and looking forward to reading more and getting to know more authors! Have you been to any bookish events recently? How was your experience? Have you read any of the authors on this list? What did you think? Let’s chat!