January 2026 - Reads

2/1 Edited to

... Read moreJanuary 2026 was a rich month for reading, filled with diverse genres ranging from thrilling narratives to heartfelt romance and captivating BL manga. One of the highlights was Alice Feeney's 'The Husband's Wife,' an audiobook described as 'phenomenal' and 'clever, twisting,' which kept me completely hooked. This thriller offers a fresh take on trust and secrets in relationships, making it a must-listen for suspense enthusiasts. I also delved into holiday-themed novellas like 'Saint Nick,' a spicy festive read that brought warmth to the colder days of January. The blend of romance and holiday spirit provided a joyful contrast to darker thrillers. For fans of manga, the works tagged under #blmanga brought an engaging and emotional storytelling style, adding variety to my reading habits. The inclusion of titles such as 'Love Tadano' and Yukiaki Uno's 'Touched' showcased the rich narratives found in this genre, balancing romance with deep character development. 'The Somber and Duology Book One,' which I found under the thriller section, was another gripping read that challenged my expectations and kept me guessing until the end. The complex characters and tightly woven plotlines make it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy intricate mystery tales. Overall, my January reading journey featured a well-rounded collection of books, each offering something unique. Whether you are looking for thrilling page-turners, emotional manga, or romance stories with depth, these picks cater to varied tastes and are perfect for starting the year with fresh literary adventures.

Related posts

January 2026 reads 🫶
Books I read in January and my ratings My Husband Next Door - 🌟🌟🌟 Best Offer Wins 🌟🌟🌟🌟 When the Moon Hatched 🌟🌟🌟 Dark Places 🌟🌟🌟 Malibu Rising 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Winter Solstice 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jenna.is.reading

Jenna.is.reading

59 likes

3⭐️ Reads January -March 2026
I love my boys 💙🖤❤️ #lightsout #caughtup #booktok #meme #bookmeme
📚Jo Lee Reads📚

📚Jo Lee Reads📚

2 likes

The title slide for a 'Becoming Her' 2026 reading list, featuring red and white roses against a clear blue sky. The Lemon8 logo is in the bottom left corner.
A collage showing book covers for January, February, and March, including 'Atomic Habits,' 'Dare to Lead,' and 'Leaders Eat Last,' with descriptions for each month's focus, set against a floral background.
A collage showing book covers for April, May, and June, including 'Year of Yes,' '101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think,' and 'Welcome Home,' with descriptions, set against a pond with lily pads and a purple water lily.
Becoming her in 2026 is easy with these books 🌸
A friend recently asked me for a list of books to help boost her feminine energy. My first reaction? A little laugh..me giving advice on feminine energy?! But then it hit me: all the quiet work I’ve put into growing as a woman is actually visible to the people around me… and that’s kind of beaut
Jau 🤎

Jau 🤎

886 likes

January 2026 reads ✨🤍
#books #booktok #BookReview #bookwormsoflemon8 #readingrecommendations
tayl

tayl

53 likes

My 4⭐️ Reads 🌸 January-March
My 4⭐️ Reads January-March 2026 🌸 #booktok #bookreview #bookrecs #sportsromance #womeninstem
📚Jo Lee Reads📚

📚Jo Lee Reads📚

2 likes

An infographic summarizing January 2020 reads, showing 14 books, 5,906 pages, and an average rating of 4.27. It highlights 'Fruit of the Flesh' and 'Veradel' as 5.0-rated books, details average book length and finish time, and displays genre and format distribution.
A collage of book covers with titles, authors, and star ratings. Featured books include 'Her Monstrous Beasts,' 'Savage Crown,' 'Obsidian,' 'Diamond Dust,' 'Lure of Lightning,' 'Sinners' series, 'Fruit of the Flesh,' 'Crucible,' 'Dagger,' 'Xantera,' and 'Veradel,' with ratings ranging from 3.75 to 5.0.
A January 2026 reading calendar showing book covers placed on specific dates, indicating when each book was read. Below the calendar, a list of books with their ratings and reading status, including 'Interview With The Vampire,' 'The New Jim Crow,' and 'Ghost Light' marked as currently reading.
January 2026 Reads
Favorite read of the month was definitely Fruit of the Flesh by I.V. Ophelia. If it’s not on your TBR, add it now. I wish I could start it over again. I’m currently working through the Four Horseman Series on my kindle, The New Jim Crow on audiobook, and Ghost Light on the physical copy. 🖤
Aj 🍄👻

Aj 🍄👻

2 likes

The image displays a bookshelf with various items and a central title overlay: 'Most Anticipated Reads of 2026 By month'.
The image shows a bookshelf with 'January' at the top, featuring book covers like 'Silver and Blood', 'Dragon Cursed', 'Anatomy of an Alibi', 'Dear Debbie', 'A Vow in Vengeance', and 'The Wolf and the Crown of Blood'.
The image shows a bookshelf with 'February' at the top, featuring book covers like 'Crown of War and Shadow', 'Just for the Cameras', 'Half City', 'And Now, Back to You', 'Throne of Nightmares', and 'Cinder Vale'.
Top anticipated reads of 2026
May goes crazy! So many good reads! #booksof2026
thelibrarianway

thelibrarianway

172 likes

January 2026 reads
Let’s start off with the obvious here…I tore the empyrean series UP! This was my first experience with romantasy and needless to say I’m hooked. I love it. I need more. And nothing is measuring up 😭 I’m currently reading the Cheasnut spring series as a palette cleanser before diving into ACOTAR
Brianna Hayes

Brianna Hayes

2 likes

2026 Reads 💗
My reading goal in 2025 was 60 and I’m so proud to say that I made it to 94 books!! My goal for 2026 is 100 books! These are some of the main books I want to read: *The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest *Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster *How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t by Andrea
Boo

Boo

176 likes

January Reads 2026
I just got back in to reading last year and decided to really track all I’ve read.. all of these books had me clutching my chest, giggling like a dang teenager, swooning, mouth dropping.. you get the idea!!! So I ended 2025 with the first 2 books of the Vicious Lost Boys series and kept going..
Lauren🌻📚

Lauren🌻📚

3 likes

My Most Anticipated Reads of 2026!
I'm determined to read 100 books this year and these are some that are on my TBR! #yearofbooks #books #tbr #bookrecommendations #2026books
Harmonee

Harmonee

29 likes

My January 2026 Reads
The Dark One (Vicious Lost Boys #2) by Nikki St Crowe - KU One Last Rainy Day (The Ravenhood Legacy #1) by Kate Stewart - any bookstore (recommend on Audible) Huntsman (Hunted Kingdom #1) by Naime Simone - Target Their Vicious Darling (Vicious Lost Boys #3) by Nikki St Crowe - KU #lemon8bookc
slut4smut.24 📚

slut4smut.24 📚

7 likes

2026 Reads
I loved the concept of this book, but Idk if it’s the narrators or the writing but I found this very cringe. Both the main characters were infuriating and the dialogue during spicy time gave me the ick. Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Media for this gifted ALC. ⭐️Overall rating: 2/5 #lemon8boo
Shynnel

Shynnel

18 likes

2026 top reads🥇📚
#book tok #books #2026 #reading
GirlyBookWorm

GirlyBookWorm

88 likes

A collage titled "January" displays multiple book covers with ratings, including "The Legacy Series" by Melissa K. Roehrich. Books like "The Tenant," "The Long Game," and "Riftborne" are featured. Two men are visible at the bottom left, with a social media handle.
January 2026 Reads 📸🖤
My current obsession is the Legacy Series by Melissa K. Roehrich 🐉 #lemon8bookclub #heatedrivalry #booktok #bookaesthetic #fantasy
Nicole Garcia

Nicole Garcia

7 likes

2026 Current Reads 📚🐛
FIRST SERIES ON THE SHELF FOR 2026! 📖🪄🧙🏻‍♂️🧪 Harry Potter was the first big series read for 2026 and of course I loved all the books! - - ⭐️Overall rating: 4.6/5: this series was sooo good! I’ve of course watched all the movies but it was so cool to see all the little details that the books br
Jordan:)

Jordan:)

22 likes

My January 2026 Reads
Have you read any of these and if so what did you think?
Brandie Fralick

Brandie Fralick

11 likes

January Reads
January reading tracker #january #januaryreads2026 #readingtracker #booktok #books
Nayqueen

Nayqueen

4 likes

❄️ January Reads & A Few Stats
8 book read with one DNF Favorite Book of January: Long Time Gone by Charile Donlea Let me know your thoughts on these reads! February Hopefuls are to come!
jenreadseverypage

jenreadseverypage

7 likes

January Reads
#januaryreadingwrapup #bookbrats #bookgirlie #2026readinglist #reading
Beth Bratten

Beth Bratten

15 likes

A person with long brown hair and a white bow, wearing a white sweater, reaches for a book on a wooden bookshelf while holding an open book. Text overlay reads: "2026 Reading Plan If You Want To Be Dangerously Educated & Grow In Intellect."
A white rectangular overlay presents the reading list for January, February, and March, including Anchor, Core Reads, and Add-On books, against a blurred background of a person and dried flowers.
A white rectangular overlay displays the reading list for April, May, and June, detailing Anchor, Core Reads, and Add-On books, set against a blurred background of a bookshelf.
2026 Reading List To Grow In Knowledge & Intellect
One of my goals this year is to read 65 books to cultivate more knowledge, mental depth & intellect. I curated this reading list of several genres including classic literature, philosophy, self growth, historical fiction & non fiction & more. If you intend to use this list eithe
CassieLeigh

CassieLeigh

207 likes

✨Books read in January 2026
Authors 🖊️ @Author Kutura B💋 Black Lavish Connie Easton Millie Belizaire Kami Aubry J Antoinette Sherell 5⭐️ recommendations •Fast by Millie Belizaire •Search my soul by Kami If you have read or plan to read any of these lets talk about it 💬 #📚books #read📚 #januarybookw
ESSENCEJANAYᥫ᭡

ESSENCEJANAYᥫ᭡

9 likes

My February 2026 Reads
#books #lemon8bookclub
Bianca

Bianca

38 likes

2026 Reads - You Could Do Damage by K.C. Mills
⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #KCMills #YouCouldDoDamage
Shynnel

Shynnel

22 likes

January 2026 Reads!
This was (mostly) a good reading month for me!
Harmonee

Harmonee

1 like

A white bookshelf filled with colorful, decorative book spines, featuring a large pink and purple overlay text that reads "FIRST 3 READS 2026."
A hand holds the book "Once and Again" by Rebecca Serle, a white cover with gold text, against a bookshelf background. Speech bubbles highlight themes: "FAMILY SECRETS" and "TIME TRAVEL (JUST ONCE)."
A hand holds the book "DEATHBRINGER" by Sonia Tagliareni, featuring a black cover with a phoenix and red roses, against a bookshelf. Speech bubbles indicate themes: "ENEMIES TO LOVERS" and "DARK ACADEMIA."
First 3 Reads of 2026!
Once and Again, Deathbringer, and The Great Outdoors are kicking off 2026 for me, and the vibes could not be more chaotic in the best way. Magical realism and family secrets, dark academia intensity, and a fresh-air great outdoors escape all feel like the perfect way to start a new chapter this
Kaylee

Kaylee

107 likes

2026 Reads - You Could Do Damage Too by K.C. Mills
⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #KCMills #YouCouldDoDamageToo
Shynnel

Shynnel

11 likes

A digital book cover for 'A Little Kissing Between Friends' by Chencia C. Higgins, displayed on a tablet. It features a cartoon man in a yellow jersey and a woman in a green dress embracing, against a pink background with musical notes.
2026 Reads - A Little Kissing Between Friends
I enjoyed the story enough to finish, but I feel like there was so much miscommunication for no reason. ⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #ChenciaCHiggins #ALittleKissingBetweenFriends
Shynnel

Shynnel

15 likes

2026 Reads - Breaudie by T’Lyn
This was so good. I love Breaudie and Tori, they were so good together. This story had me laughing and cheesing. I was glad Tori finally told her mama off cause I swear that lady grating on my last nerves. I hate that it’s over. I wanted more of Breaudie and Tori! ⭐️Overall rating: 5/5 #lemon8b
Shynnel

Shynnel

40 likes

2026 Reads - Church Girl by Naima Simone
I had a lot of fun with this one. ⭐️Overall rating: 5/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #NaimaSimone #ChurchGirl
Shynnel

Shynnel

19 likes

The book cover for 'Holding' by Alexandria House features an illustration of a man in a hockey jersey and a woman in a blue blazer dress standing in a room. A green iguana rests on a sofa behind them, with plants and windows in the background. The title is in golden-brown cursive.
2026 Reads - Holding by Alexandria House
⭐️Overall rating: 4/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #AlexandriaHouse #Holding
Shynnel

Shynnel

19 likes

My Current Reads 2026
#readingjournal #currentread📚 #reading📖 #readingjournalwithme
emar00ni

emar00ni

12 likes

2026 Reads
The burn is very very very slow. I enjoyed the story for the most part but I didn’t realize this would end on a cliffhanger until I got 80% in and realized there’s still so much we don’t know and then we got to chapter 18 and I was like oh, there’s gonna be another book. ⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #
Shynnel

Shynnel

30 likes

A graphic titled "BOOK Reads" against a background of bookshelves, indicating the user's January reading list. It includes the text "My reads for the month of January" and the user's handle.
A book review for "Vipers and Virtuosos" by Sav R. Miller, a dark rockstar romance. It displays the book cover, author, title, genre, a 3.5-star rating, and a detailed review summary.
A book cover for "Once You're Mine" by Morgan Bridges, featuring a dark, gothic design with a skull, butterflies, and foliage. The image is labeled as an "Incoming Novel."
January Reads
Good Afternoon 🍋8ers! 🩵 I wanted to go over my reads for January as well as my next books for the month of January! I have books planned out to read all of 2026 and I wanted to take you guys along for the ride. Also at the end of each month I want to do an overall favorite novel that will then
Maddie 🐾⚖️

Maddie 🐾⚖️

2 likes

The book cover for "Forget You Saw Her" by Noelle W. Ihli, featuring a woman with long hair seen from behind, with a cracked glass effect. It is described as a standalone prequel to "Ask for Andrea."
The book cover for "Ask for Andrea" by Noelle W. Ihli, a thriller featuring a dirt road winding through a forest at sunset. The title is in prominent yellow letters.
The book cover for "Nine Month Contract" by Amy Daws, a "Mountain Men Matchmaker novel." It depicts a man and a woman in a rustic outdoor setting with a barn and mountains.
January Reads 📚
These are the books I have planned for January to read. So far, I have 2 arc reviews due that month as well. All the books I read receive reviews, whether they are arc or not. Does anyone else plan what they are going to read? #januaryreads2026 #bookstoread #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challeng
SouthernMama

SouthernMama

3 likes

Amazon First Reads January 2026
​Famous Once by Jane Green (Women's Fiction/Short Story) ​Read Between the Lies: A Novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Suspense) ​Land of Dreams: A Novel by Gian Sardar (Historical Fiction) ​In His Wake by Chad Zunker (Thriller) ​The Epicenter of Forever: A Novel by Mara Williams (Women'
Feather Spare 📚👩🏽‍🔬

Feather Spare 📚👩🏽‍🔬

19 likes

The book cover for 'The Due Date' by Jesha Bree, a billionaire baby romance, is displayed. It features a pregnant Black woman in a dark dress and a Black man in a suit, against a city skyline background. The title 'the due date' is prominent.
2026 Reads - The Due Date by Iesha Bree
⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #IeshaBree #TheDueDate
Shynnel

Shynnel

15 likes

2026 Reads - Moonstruck By Jade Ambrosia
I loved this so much, I stayed up until 4am to finish it, once I started I couldn’t put it down, it’s addicting. I haven’t read a shifter romance in a while and this was absolutely amazing. I absolutely loved Amara and Cyrus, their chemistry even when they were strangers could be felt from the begi
Shynnel

Shynnel

28 likes

A book cover for 'She Gave Her All to the Hood's Finest' by Shvonne Latrice, displayed on a device. The cover features a vibrant purple and pink background with palm trees and a city skyline. A Lemon8 watermark is visible at the bottom left.
2026 Reads - She Gave Her All To The Hood’s Finest by Shvonne Latrice
⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #ShvonneLatrice #SheGaveHerAllToTheHoodsFinest
Shynnel

Shynnel

23 likes

2026 Reads - Maybe This Time by Christina C Jones
⭐️Overall rating: 4/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #ChristinaCJones #MaybeThisTime
Shynnel

Shynnel

15 likes

The cover of 'I Love You Too Much' by Jessica N. Watkins, displayed on an e-reader, shows red and yellow roses, some with red splatters, scattered on a dark ground with a shovel. A Lemon8 @shynnel watermark is visible.
2026Reads I Love You Too Much by Jessica N.Watkins
This was a wild ass ride, all these mofos are crazy. ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #JessicaNWatkins #ILoveYouTooMuch
Shynnel

Shynnel

19 likes

26 reads for 2026!⭐️
This year I’m truly trying to read a lot of of my physical TBR & it just so happens that a lot of of these are also my friend’s recommendations and five star books/series, so it feels like a love language when I’m trying to do both. I’ve already started and read two from this list, and they
nela | booklover ☁️

nela | booklover ☁️

22 likes

A digital device displays the vibrant cover of the book 'Heaux Phase' by Netra Antionette. The cover features a Mardi Gras theme with colorful flowers, garlands, beads, and two ornate masks flanking a window. Text reads 'A WOMAN'S FREEDOM IS ITS OWN LOVE STORY.' and 'THE NETROVELLA COLLECTION'.
2026 Reads
This was a beautiful story. I love when women find themselves and learn to live and love themselves out loud unapologetically. ⭐️Overall rating: 5/5 #lemon8bookclub #JanuaryPagesChallenge #bookwormsoflemon8 #NetraAntionette #HeauxPhase
Shynnel

Shynnel

66 likes

January reads!!
I just officially hit a new personal record: 7 books in one month! My brain is currently full of fictional characters and plot twists, and I have absolutely no regrets. I’m either very productive or very good at avoiding my chores. Probably both! What’s your all-time monthly record? #Read
Brenda 🖤

Brenda 🖤

11 likes

Current reads🌸
Just finished No Ordinary Love..POV: it’s your wedding day you walk in on your fiancé kissing someone fast forward two weeks you have a 1 night stand and now you’re marrying a stranger 😭😭 that’s just the beginning lmk if you read! #blackgirllemon8 #kindleunlimited #booktok #reading #readin
Jessica Holmes

Jessica Holmes

4 likes

5 standalone books I’m reading in 2026
Standalones don’t get enough love, and I’m changing that on this year’s TBR. No cliffhangers. No waiting years for the next book. Just 5 stories I’m finally diving into. Books mentioned: -Katabasis by R.F. Kuang -The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner -The God of the Woods by Liz Moore -The Ho
Hannah | tired girl who reads

Hannah | tired girl who reads

65 likes

A white bookshelf filled with various books, featuring a large pink overlay text that reads '6 (NEW) BOOKS THAT I WANT TO READ IN 2026'. A graphic of a stack of books is at the bottom.
6 books for 2026
These are my most anticipated releases for this year! I started off this year in a reading slump hence the lack of posts, but I’m finding my groove again! I’ll be posting my January wrap up, since I’m feeling inspired again 😊 Which books are you looking most forward to? #lemon8bookclub
Inez Reads 📖

Inez Reads 📖

21 likes

2026 Reads
Where is the rest of the story? What in the cliffhanger was that? No to be continued, nothing just the end ? MERCY!! ⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #JanuaryPagesChallenge #bookwormsoflemon8 #TatumJames #SafeWord
Shynnel

Shynnel

19 likes

MyJanuaryReads📖🩷❤️🖤
14 Books 📚 for January…. Every book was pretty good. I definitely DNF One book by Shannon Holmes B- More Carful (The Prequel) … what are ya’ll reading for February? #Lovereading #Januaryreads #Books #girlswholovetoread #blackwomenwhoread
Shonda Williams

Shonda Williams

0 likes

January 2026 reads
Otilia Franco

Otilia Franco

0 likes

January Reading Wrap
#januaryreads #readin2026 #horrorbookreview #horrorbooks #bookrecommendations
Meg Reads Horror (Mostly) 📚

Meg Reads Horror (Mostly) 📚

5 likes

First reads of 2026🥳
Currently reading Kami’s catalog #Lemon8Diary #blackgirlslemon8 #blackgirlreads #kindle #urbanread
Jessica Holmes

Jessica Holmes

15 likes

The book cover for 'Concrete & Cadence' by C.M. Barnes is displayed on a screen. It features a man in a hoodie and a woman in a hard hat and overalls, standing against a green city skyline. Architectural plans and a microphone are also visible, hinting at the book's themes.
2026 Reads - Concrete And Cadence by C.M. Barnes
⭐️Overall rating: 4/5 #lemon8bookclub #bookwormsoflemon8 #bookish #CMBarnes #ConcreteAndCadence
Shynnel

Shynnel

12 likes

2026 Radical reads
These are some of my favorite reads from 2026 so far, I've been going back to the library and have been flying through the pages! #lemon8bookclub #fyp #myhappyplace #booktherapy #readersoflemon8
ShenandoahRose

ShenandoahRose

4 likes

BOOKED & BUSY: MY 2026 READS✨📖
Fiction took me away, growth brought me back, and poetry made me feel it all. 🫶🏻✨ #bookrecommendations #booklover #kindleunlimited #BookReview
Little Maily 🦋

Little Maily 🦋

9 likes

2026 Reads - Innocent Intent by K.C. Mills
⭐️Overall rating: 3/5 #lemon8bookclub #blackreaders #bookwormsoflemon8 #KCMills #InnocentIntent
Shynnel

Shynnel

8 likes

A digital screen displays the book cover for "Come Pick Up Your Clothes" by Natisha Raynor. The cover features a woman with dark hair in rollers, wearing a white robe, with the title text prominently displayed. A Lemon8 logo with username @shynnel is visible at the bottom left.
2026 Reads - Come Pick up your Clothes by Natisha
I wish there was more of a journey with Rhapsody and Blaze but this was still a good enjoyable read ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5 #lemon8bookclub #bookwormsoflemon8 #bookish #NatishaRaynor #ComePickUpYourClothes
Shynnel

Shynnel

10 likes

See more