Yesterday we did our first bookhaul post of 2022, so now it’s time to talk about the books we read in the first month of the year. How did our reading year start out? Did we read any amazing books? Keep on reading to find out!

Candyce

I have to say that 2022 didn’t start off bad reading wise. The beginning of the month was a bit slow reading wise, but I ended up reading a lot more than expected. In January I read a total of 16 books (4 ARCs, 4 audiobooks, 4 e-books, 2 paperbacks, 1 hardcover, and 1 graphic novel). My average rating was 4.2, so not bad at all.

The Hating Game – Sally Thorne

The Hating Game is a book I’ve had on my shelf for so long, but kept putting it off after all of the mixed reviews. Now that a movie adaptation has released I needed to finally sit down and read it. While I did enjoy it there were also a lot of moments that had me frustrated. I also would’ve enjoyed it just a bit more if there was a dual POV.

Girls of Paper and Fire – Natasha Ngan

This year I really want to work on finishing and starting complete series that I own. Girls of Paper and Fire was a book I was going to read for a group read a long time ago. I ended up getting sick and putting the book aside. Now I’m thinking why didn’t I read this one sooner? I loved the world, characters and just the whole adventure. It’s definitely not an easy book to read at times, but I’ll definitely be reading the sequel in February.

The Last of August – Brittany Cavallaro

The Last of August is the second book in the Charlotte Holmes series and it was another interesting ride. Once again I had no clue where this book was going and believe me there were some shocking events. With two more books to go I really don’t know where it’s going to leave our poor characters. I love the mystery vibes of this book and trying to figure things out.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street – Karin Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a cute middle grade book that takes place near Christmas. This family gets the notice their lease won’t be renewed and the kids try and find a way to make the owner let them stay. I loved this group of kids and the way they fought to stay in their house was really heartwarming. My only complaint was that the ending felt just a bit too easy (even for a middle grade book).

Love From A to Z – S.K. Ali

Love From A to Z was quite the pleasant surprise. Our main characters meet at the airport and then meet again surprising both of them. Both Adam and Zayneb are dealing with things that really make an impact on their lives. Adam was just diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Zayneb is heading to her aunt’s house early after standing up against a racist teacher. At times this book was hard to read, but also very heartwarming. I came to love both of these characters and their stories.

Honest June – Tina Wells

Honest June was such a fun middle grade book with stunning illustrations. June isn’t always honest and doesn’t want people to be hurt by her truth. That’s when a type of fairy godmother makes it impossible for her to lie. This stresses June out, but also teaches her the truth really does help her in the end. I’m looking forward to the sequel releasing this year.

The Awakening – Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram I don’t think you’ve missed Zodiac Academy being all over the place. I’ve been curious, but hesitant. That is until a good friend of mine said it was amazing and thought I should read it. The Awakening isn’t the most unique book, but I loved the sarcasm and I’m curious to see more of the magic and school itself. I’m still on the fence about some characters, but I’m really excited to continue with the next book.

Coming Back – Jessi Zabarsky

I’m someone who really enjoys graphic novels and Coming Back definitely caught my attention. This graphic novel is about two women who want to prove their love for each other, but don’t always know how. Besides the stunning illustrations I loved that it showed love doesn’t go away even if there are obstacles. Sometimes it grows even stronger.

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking – T. Kingfisher

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking is a book I saw a few people mention and the title caught my attention. I listened to the audio and it was a fun read. The idea of being able to make your baked goods come alive was really clever and the adventure was fun. The characters did feel older than they actually were though.

Under the Whispering Door – T.J. Klune

Under the Whispering Door was my first reread of 2022. I decided to listen to the audiobook this time before our group discussion. I loved this book just as much as the first time and the narrator did a great job.

Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea – Ashley Herring Blake

Ashley Herring Blake is an author I know is going to give me a book that breaks my heart, but is really good. Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea is another example of that. I loved the audiobook. This author dealt with grief, anxiety, and moving on in such an amazing way!

Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’ve been wanting to read Daisy Jones & The Six quite some time before I started listening to audiobooks. Seeing how I do love them now and heard this one was great I decided to give it a go. I loved the story of Daisy Jones and The Six. The full cast of narrators really added to the experience and kept me wanting to know more. There was definitely a little twist near the end that I wasn’t expecting.

If This Gets Out – Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich

As a big fan of boy bands I was really excited about reading If This Gets Out. Isabelle and I both had an e-arc, but it took us a little longer to finish. I’m so glad we read this book!! The characters were amazing and it also dealt with heavier subjects than I was expecting. I wouldn’t mind getting more of these characters.

Tripped by Love – L.J. Evans

LJ Evans is one of my favorite authors and she did it again with Tripped by Love. These characters quickly got my attention and I just didn’t want their story to be over. What I love the most about her books is that they suck you in and just never let you go! I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book she gives us.

Only a Monster – Vanessa Len

Only a Monster is a book I’ve been really excited about and was so glad to get an e-arc of. This book was amazing and I have to say it was nothing like I expected, but not in a bad way at all. The story line is really interesting and Isabelle and I will be posting our full review soon.

Weather Girl – Rachel Lynn Solomon

Rachel Lynn Solomon is quickly becoming an auto-buy author. Her YA books and adult romances have been so much fun! Weather Girl was a fun romance when two colleagues trying to get their bosses together and end up falling in love themselves.

Summary:
Favorite Book: Only a Monster
Least Favorite: The Hating Game
Most Surprising: Girls of Paper and Fire

 

Isabelle

I started off the new year really well! In the first five days I read 4 books but for the rest of the month I only finished one more haha. I am quite happy with it, with how busy I’ve been since work started back up. Hopefully I’ll graduate soon and I’ll be able to read some more. Let’s take a look at the books I read this month.

If This Gets Out – Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich

I loved this one a lot! The previous Sophie Gonzales book I read was a 5 star read as well so from now on I have high hopes for anything she is involved with. I loved the characters and the setting in this book and it was a lot more deep than I expected it to be.

Bleach 1 – Tite Kubo

This one had been on my TBR for ever and I can’t say I was super excited to pick it up anymore. But I figured I would give it a go and it was a pleasant surprise! I ended up enjoying it and wouldn’t mind reading some more volumes in this series.

The Witch’s House 1 – Fummy

This is another one I wasn’t that interested in anymore. I’ve had it for years but I didn’t realise it was horror when I bought it. After reading it, the horror was pretty okay, not too scary haha. And I actually liked it more than I thought I would. But it’s still not really my kind of thing.

The Last Graduate – Naomi Novik

This might already be one of my absolute favorite reads of the year. I love all the Naomi Novik books I’ve read so far and this one did not disappoint. This world is brutal and that created some morally grey characters. I adore those characters! The ending broke me and I need the last book in the series right now.

Only A Monster – Vanessa Len

Candyce and I buddyread this eARC and while I was expecting to like this book, I wasn’t expecting to love it. But I did! I loved the world, the rules there were around the time traveling, the characters were interesting and we got some cool twists and turns. Can’t wait for the next book!

Summary:
Favorite Book: The Last Graduate
Least Favorite: The Witch’s House
Most Surprising: Only A Monster

 

So these are the books we read in January! Have you read any of these? What did you think? Or did you read any amazing books we need to know about? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!