January 2025 reads 🫶
Here is January 2026 reads🌟
💜 Barbarian’s Prize by: Ruby Dixon
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⭐️ rating: 3.0 - the competition aspect in this story was a little weird but this story like most from this series did it job with a great amount of spice and a good enough story line. These are amazing in chore days.
💜 The Grump who Stole Christmas by: S. Doyle
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⭐️ rating: 3.75 - nothing to write home about, I did like the sarcastic banter between the main male and female characters. Very typical its type of book.
💜 Party of Liars by: Kelsey Cox
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⭐️ rating: 4.75 - this book was not quite what I was expecting, thriller that has a threading of spiritual world aspects. Overall all it was gripping and satisfying enough at the end. Also the only book I found for this author when she puts out more I am happy to read those as well
💜 The Girls Who Grew Big by: Leila Mottley
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⭐️ rating: 4.75 - this book is one that will not be forgotten, made me a bit nostalgic for Florida. Truly a lot of raw feelings come with this story.
💜 The Wayfinder by: Adam Johnson
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⭐️ rating: 3.50 - the Polynesian version of the Iliad and as such was hard to follow has to do a bit of research before I could confidently go through this book feeling like I fully understood it and as it is a epic journey type book I definitely feel like I should in a late point of life read it again. Rated in the 3s because of how complex it was.
💜 Neon Gods by: Katee Robert
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⭐️ rating: 4.0 -Sold spicy story, good story around Greek gods and Robert’s version of what this looks like. This one is Hades and Persephone story line. Current status is Katee Robert is quickly becoming a new favorite author.
💜 Razorblade Tears by: S.A. Cosby
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⭐️ rating: 4.50- this book truly hooked me, not quite the storyline I was anticipating but I do feel like Cosby covered heavy topics in a way that makes you think along with feel the suspense of who did the crime. S.A. Cosby is an amazing writer!
💜 Cuba ( An American History) - Ada Ferrer
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⭐️ rating: 4.75 -this is a history book about Cuba and how Cuba and America and how we got here. As an American that has roots from Cuba I wanted to begin to dive into more aspects of the history and culture of Cuba and feel like this was a great way to start. In this review I must express that this book took me about 3 months to read since I would stop for long periods of time. Great writing would have loved a little more human aspect to the telling.
💜 P.S It’s Always Been You ( 3 book series)
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⭐️ rating: 3.50 - this was 3 books in the form of novella almost like episode since they were audiobooks. This story is about a couple who splits because their physical life paths will not make it possible for them to continue their relationship. Years later work or life brings them together and they have to go on a journey of discovery treasure. Second chance love it was fun to play along with the journey. Spice was about a 3/5
💜 The Stars That We Steal from the Night Sky by: Katie MacAlister
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⭐️ rating: 3.25 - this was another gods and supernatural beings amongst us. This is the second book in the series and it was interesting for sure a little bit of spice 2/5 maybe.
💜 Electric Idol by: Katee Robert
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⭐️ rating: 3:75 - this was another great little spicy novel. This story line brings us to a different set of Greek gods Psyche and Eros and them being bound to each in the saving of lust or maybe more. Spice level is definitely 4.5/5 I feel like the first book in this series was a bit more spicy.
💜 All the Sinners Bleed by: S.A. Cosby
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⭐️ rating: 4.75 - the content in this story is hard to read. Yet again S.A. Cosby makes you think very deeply about real world issues in the pursuit to really find a serial killer this time. This was a great but hard read.
💜 The Ghostwriter by: Julie Clark
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⭐️ rating: 4:25 - main character decides to take on a job she truly never thought she would and didn’t really think she would want to. In this she finds that uncovered truths about family secrets makes her question the way she is letting her own life go and finds resolve. It is definitely a gripping story.
Some additions this year for my ratings will be: how I read to book 🎧= audiobooks/ 📚=physical books/ 📱=ebook
I will also include spice ratings in books that have it.
What books did you read this January 2026? #lemon8bookclub #januarybooks #reviews #firstmonth
As an avid reader, diving into this diverse collection of January 2026 books was a refreshing experience. I particularly resonated with how the author blends different genres—from the spicy romantic echoes in "Barbarian’s Prize" and Katee Robert’s mythologically charged tales like "Neon Gods" and "Electric Idol," to the thrilling suspense found in "Party of Liars" and S.A. Cosby’s intense crime novels "Razorblade Tears" and "All the Sinners Bleed." The mention of a spicy rating gives an intriguing peek into the balance between plot and provocative content, which I have found adds a lively dimension to romance and supernatural genres alike. I also appreciated the inclusion of historical context in Ada Ferrer's "Cuba: An American History." Taking the time to absorb the rich cultural and historical layers through a three-month read helped deepen my understanding of Cuban-American relations, enhancing my awareness beyond the fiction realm. For lovers of audiobooks, this list highlights a range of narrations that bring stories to life on the go. The mix of audiobook, physical book, and eBook formats reflects a modern, flexible reading lifestyle that many can relate to. The recognition of complex narratives—like Adam Johnson's "The Wayfinder," a Polynesian epic inspired by the Iliad—shows enthusiasm for literary challenges and suggests the rewarding nature of revisiting difficult texts. Sharing personal reading journeys like these inspires others to explore new authors and genres, to experience stories not only as entertainment but as a way to gain fresh perspectives and emotional connections. If you're looking for something to spice up your reading list or dive into thought-provoking themes, this roundup offers varied options that cater to different moods and interests. It’s a wonderful way to start the year with books that provoke thought, entertain, and even challenge.
I LOVVVEEEE the ice planet barbarian series