The first reading year of 2026 is now wrapped! How did our first month of reading go? Did we find any new favorites? Keep on reading for our January wrap up!

Candyce

In January I read 26 books (10 paperbacks, 4 audiobooks, 3 hardcovers, 3 eARCs, 3 audiobooks, and 3 eBooks). I loved how many physical books I read this month and I found some favorites. Let’s take a look at what I read.

The Dagger and the Flame – Catherine Doyle

The Dagger and the Flame was an interesting fantasy book. Our main characters are rival assassins and of  course we get the start of a romance. This story kept me intrigued, but it didn’t feel like anything new? I do want to read the sequel soon.

What Happens in Amsterdam – Rachel Lynn Solomon

It was interesting to read a book that takes place in the country I live in. I loved recognizing some of the places that were talked about, the fake dating, and these two getting to know each other and find out what they wanted in life. What Happens in Amsterdam left a big smile on my face.

Spellcaster – Jaymin Eve

Spellcaster was such a pleasant surprise! I love books that take place at magic colleges or an academy. This one is dark and clearly has secrets. There’s so much tension in this enemies to lovers romance and so many secrets we still need uncovered. I can’t wait for the sequel releasing in June.

My Blade, Your Back – K.M. Mornova

My Blade, Your Back starts off right where the first book ends. There was so much action, tension, and little heartwarming moments that I didn’t know I needed. This world is messed up and these characters tried making the best of it.

The Only Pirate at the Party – Lindsey Stirling & Brooke S. Passey

Lindsey Stirling is one of my favorite artists and I enjoyed getting a little glimpse into her life. I loved learning about her journey and things she’s experienced in her own words. It’s fun getting a little glimpse behind the scenes.

House of Flame and Shadow – Sarah J Maas

I finally sat down and read House of Flame and Shadow! Part of me was nervous after all of the mixed reviews, but I had a great time. A lot of loose ends were wrapped up and I was happy with how this story ended. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions.

A Novel Love Story – Ashley Poston

A Novel Love Story has something I think most of us readers would love: ending up in your favorite fictional town! It was even more interesting because she ended up changing a bit of the story being there. The love story really was my favorite though. It wasn’t insta love and took some time to grow. I love that Ashley Poston always adds a bit of magical realism to her romances.

Onyx Storm – Rebecca Yarros

Another book that I was scared to pick up because of the mixed reviews, but again I ended up having a great time with. No book is perfect and this was just entertaining. It was also emotional and intense! And that ending!!! Part of me wishes I had waited until we knew when the next book was coming, haha.

Game Changer – Rachel Reid

I had to jump on to this hype and start the Game Changer series. Kip and Scott’s romance was so sweet! I loved that Scott had someone he could trust and Kip was being seen. There were definitely some bumps and times these characters annoyed me, but this ending had me smiling and crying at the same time.

Heated Rivalry – Rachel Reid

After reading Heated Rivalry, I now understand the hype! Ilya and Shane’s story was just everything! The tension, spice, and emotions really hit me in all the feels. This book takes place over a span of years and it just kept me hooked. Their relationship was so complicated, but so genuine. I’m glad I’ll have more time with these two in the final book of the series.

Hallowed – Cynthia Hand

In December I finally started the Unearthly series and I’ve made it my goal to read series more back to back. So I picked up Hallowed. I’m normally not someone who enjoys love triangles, but this one is working for me for some reason. I was surprised by how emotional this one ended up being and it had me tearing up at the end. Boundless is a book I plan on reading this month.

A Language of Dragons – S.F. Williamson

I’ve had A Language of Dragons on my shelves for a while and I knew one of my best friends was a big fan. The sequel just released, so I figured it’d be a great time to sit down with this one. A Language of Dragons is a book I read in almost one sitting. The setting, the magic, and the dragons were all so interesting. I loved how language was such a big part of this story and how it was used. This is a book I should’ve read sooner.

Firebird – Juliette Cross

Firebird is a book that takes place in Rome and was an interesting one. Julian is a general and the emperor’s nephew. He has quite the position of power and uses it in ways you don’t expect. So when he ends up buying Malina, it’s not what she thinks. Their relationship was an interesting one and Julian’s journey was an interesting one. The twists near the end were a bit disappointing to me though and I feel that the author took the predictable way to end this story. I haven’t decided if I want to read the sequel yet or not.

Soul Searching – Lyla Sage

I was so excited when Lyla Sage announced her first paranormal romance after I loved her cowboy romances. Soul Searching is a fun one and the tension between our two main characters jumped off of the page. That being said, I felt that everything stayed on the service and the author was trying to do too much in this story.

Fight – Sloane St. James

Firefighter romances aren’t something I’ve read many of and Fight caught my eye. Both of our characters are dealing with trauma, but can’t ignore their connection. The forced proximity in this story was amazing and I couldn’t get enough. Also, how the author dealt with the problems at the end was such a pleasant surprise. I wish more romance authors would resolve issues in this manner. Sloane St. James is an author I need to read more from now.

Delicate Escape – Catherine Cowles

Every time I read a Catherine Cowles book, I wonder why I haven’t worked on her backlist quicker. Fragile Sanctuary was amazing and Delicate Escape was an amazing sequel. Shep and Thea’s story is one I’ll be thinking about often. I mean it when I say I’ll be binging the rest of this series soon.

Hopelessly Bromantic – Lauren Blakely

A roomies to lovers MM romance? Yes, please! TJ and Jude have an amazing meet cute, but their relationship comes to a halt when they find out they’re roommates. I loved these two together and all of the tension and laugh out loud romances. They just needed to be together. I didn’t realize this duology would be completely about them and the ending of this one actually annoyed me. I just need characters to communicate!

The Well of Ascension – Brandon Sanderson

I started The Well of Ascension a long time ago and finally finished it! Finishing this one reminded me why I loved the first Mistborn book so much. The magic, the politics, and the characters are all so interesting. I know the third and final book in this trilogy is going to be quite the ride.

The Book of Blood & Roses – Annie Summerlee

A vampire hunter and vampire fall in love while at a mysterious academy? Say less! The Book of Blood & Roses was an interesting one and I loved the fact our main character was looking for a book. There’s a touch of forbidden romance and an interesting story besides that. I did need certain aspects explored a bit more and I think dual POV would’ve had me just a little more hooked.

Is This a Cry for Help? – Emily Austin

Is This a Cry for Help? was an interesting one because not much happens but a lot happens at the same time. Our main character ended up with a mental breakdown after finding out her ex boyfriend died. She’s a librarian, so we see a lot about that as well. This is a heartwarming, emotional, and interesting story. It won’t be one I forget about.

Blackthorn – J.T. Geissinger

All I can say about Blackthorn is that I feel like I was in a fever dream. Blackthorn had me hooked from the start and I still can’t tell you what was weird or not. It was dark and emotional and filled with secrets. After reading this, I need to read more by J.T. Geissinger.

The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao

The Elsewhere Express was a book I didn’t know I needed. Our main characters are both dealing with tragic events and end up on The Elsewhere Express. Your emotions and baggage can destroy the train, but also give you a more carefree life. I read an eARC, but may just need to pick up a copy, because there were so many beautiful quotes. This book really makes you think! I wasn’t expecting to love this one as much as I did.

Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy

I was really curious about Jennette McCurdy’s fiction debut and it didn’t work for me. Half His Age is clearly a book that’s meant to shock you and make you feel uncomfortable. There are plenty of important subjects that could’ve been explored, but this ended up feeling very repetitive and left me wishing I hadn’t picked this up.

The Build-a-Boyfriend Project – Mason Deaver

Fake dating or dating lessons are things I love seeing in romances and The Build-a-Boyfriend Project sounded right up my alley. Eli and Peter were both very interesting characters and there were quite a few emotional moments. I also enjoyed them together and watching them get to know the other. The “third act break up” felt a bit predictable and not really necessary though.

The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

On Christmas, I found the second and third books in The Inheritance Games under the tree. It’s been a series I’ve wanted to continue since reading the first book. Since it has been a few years since I read book one, I decided I needed a reread of The Inheritance Games before continuing. Once again, I had a great time with this story and I’m excited to read more.

No Place Left to Hide – Megan Lally

That’s Not My Name is still one of my favorite YA thrillers and I’ve been wanting to read No Place Left to Hide since I heard about it. The switch between ‘before’ and ‘now’ was very interesting and I enjoyed slowly getting more pieces of the puzzle. I guessed one of the twists, but I definitely didn’t see a few of them coming. I can’t wait for Megan Lally’s next release.

 

Isabelle

I started the year strong and read 3 books in no time, but then I slowed down and I still have only read 3 books this year haha. There are a couple of books I am close to finishing, so hopefully next month will be a more interesting wrap up!

The Housemaid – Freida McFadden

I have finally fallen down the Freida McFadden rabbit hole. My uncle recommended this one during our Christmas dinner and I decided to try it immediately. It was really enjoyable and while I predicted a lot of it, there was a twist around 80% in that I didn’t see coming!

The Last Graduate & The Golden Enclaves – Naomi Novik

After finishing my reread of A Deadly Education, I had to continue rereading the rest of the series. I really love this one! It has so many of my favorite elements, but I mostly love the focus on friendships. Every time El realises she does have friends who care about her I cry haha.

 

So that’s our January wrap up! Have you read any of these books? Or what were your standout reads of the month? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.