... Read moreWow, what a start to 2025! My first book haul of the year was an absolute treasure hunt, and I’m still buzzing from the incredible finds I scored at Target and Goodwill. As a fellow bookworm, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering new stories, especially when you snag some highly anticipated titles!
One of my biggest grabs, and honestly, the one I’m most excited to dive into first, is 'The OFF-LIMITS Rule' by Sarah Adams. I’ve been hearing so much buzz about this one, and seeing that gorgeous cover in person just sealed the deal. For anyone who loves a good contemporary romance, this book seems to tick all the boxes. The handwritten notes on the cover mentioned Friends to Lovers, a Single Mother protagonist, a Secret Relationship, and Forced Proximity – talk about a recipe for an addictive read! I'm a huge fan of these tropes because they often lead to such heartfelt and genuinely funny moments, alongside all the delicious tension. I can’t wait to see how Sarah Adams develops these characters and their undeniable chemistry. It’s definitely at the top of my TBR pile!
But the romance didn't stop there! From Target, I also picked up 'this song is (NOT) for you' by Laura Nowlin. The description of Young Adult Romance with Poly, High School, and Love Triangle themes sounds like it's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions. And for those who enjoy a lighter, wanderlust-inducing read, 'LOVE & GELATO' and 'LOVE & LUCK' by Jenna Evans Welch (the second book in the series!) were perfect additions. Both promise those sweet Young Adult, High School, and Friends to Lovers vibes that are just perfect for a cozy afternoon.
My Goodwill finds were equally exciting. I always love hunting for those unexpected gems! I managed to snag a copy of 'EVERY THING EVERY THING' by Nicola Yoon, which I’ve heard amazing things about, especially with its Forbidden Love and Insta Love themes – and it even became a movie! Then there's 'we were liars' by E. Lockhart, a classic YA Mystery/Thriller that I've been meaning to read for ages. The notes mentioned FWB, Single Mother, Forbidden Love, Secret Relationship, and Slow Burn, making it sound incredibly intriguing and complex. And for those who love a good suspenseful sequel, 'ONE OF US IS NEXT' by Karen M. McManus, the follow-up to 'One of Us Is Lying,' was another fantastic find. High school drama, mystery, and Friends to Lovers? Yes, please!
Now, for those who prefer something on the darker side, I also found 'SICK FUX' by Tillie Cole. This one is categorized as Dark Romance with Friends to Lovers and Alpha Male elements. It definitely comes with some serious trigger warnings like Abuse and SA, so it's not for the faint of heart, but for readers who appreciate deeply intense and complex stories, it might be a compelling read. Finally, for a touch of fantasy, 'DOROTHY MUST DIE' by Danielle Paige caught my eye. A Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, Slow Burn, and Paranormal retelling of the Wizard of Oz? I’m absolutely here for it!
Overall, this haul was a fantastic mix of genres and authors, from lighthearted YA to intense dark fantasy. I always recommend checking out both new release sections at stores like Target and the hidden treasures at places like Goodwill. You never know what amazing stories you'll discover! What books have you found recently that you're excited about?
One of us is next is a good read!