There’s something grounding about starting a new year with a fresh stack of books. I didn’t pressure myself into a massive TBR list or some unrealistic reading goal. I just picked stories that matched my mood—romance, mystery, fantasy, and a few buzzy book club picks I’m excited to dive into soon.
Here’s what I’ve already read, what I’m currently reading, and what’s waiting patiently on my nightstand.
🤍 Truly, Madly, Deeply — L.J. Shen
Genre: Romance
Status: Finished
Thoughts:
As the Phi Mu Book Lover’s January pick, this was the perfect book to ease into 2026. Emotional without being heavy, romantic without being predictable, and the kind of story that feels like a warm blanket. A solid start to the year.
🤍 Listen for the Lie — Amy Tintera
Genre: Mystery
Status: Finished
Thoughts:
This one hooked me immediately. It has true-crime podcast vibes, an unreliable narrator you’re constantly side-eyeing, and a plot that drops breadcrumbs just when you think you have it figured out. It’s fast-paced, smart, and addicting.
🤍 The Alpha’s Forced Mate — Layla Silver
Genre: Fantasy / Romantasy
Status: Finished
Thoughts:
Think The Selection meets shapeshifter royalty drama. Zero shame here—this book is pure escapism, fast-paced, dramatic, and exactly what my brain needs at night. Fun, addictive, and a little chaotic (in the best way).
Still on my January TBR
These are the books I plan to start next—no pressure, just excitement.
🤍 Shield of Sparrows — Devney Perry
Genre: Fantasy
Why I’m excited:
Moody worldbuilding + emotional depth. I’m saving it for when I want to get fully lost in a story.
🤍 The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee — Saki Kawashiro
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Why I’m excited:
This is the Phi Mu Book Lover’s sub-read and the title alone is enough reason. It sounds quirky, heartfelt, and unlike anything I’ve read lately.
🤍 Finding Flora — Elinor Florence
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Why I’m excited:
This is the Gloss Book Club January pick, and it’s giving soft, gentle, self-discovery notes. Perfect for a cozy weekend.
🤍 Golden Summer — Carley Fortune
Genre: Romance
Why I’m excited:
A sunshine-filled escape to balance out these cold winter days? Yes please. Sometimes you just need a book that feels like summer.
🤍 The First Time I Saw Him — Laura Dave
Genre: Suspense / Thriller
Why I’m excited:
It’s Reese’s Book Club’s January pick, and her selections rarely miss. I’m expecting a twisty, fast-paced read.
🤍 Mate — Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Romance (sci-fi + spice)
Why I’m excited:
Ali Hazelwood is automatic for me. Smart, funny, and bingeable. This will be my “fun reward book” for later this month.
A Balanced Reading Year
I love that this lineup has a bit of everything:
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something finished
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something thrilling
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something dramatic
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something comforting
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something community-driven
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something spicy
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something fantasy-filled
It gives me freedom to read based on how I feel day-to-day, not based on some rigid plan.
What’s on Your Nightstand Right Now?
I’d love to know what you’re reading—or what you want to be reading.
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If you have any books you’d like to be seen added to Tuliptree Book Co’s storefront, drop me a message, and I’ll see what I can do!