January always feels like the biggest reading month of the year for me — fresh releases, anticipated lists, and fully leaning into a new season before things settle back into a normal rhythm.
If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up, plus a peek at what I’m excited about heading into February.
ICYMI: January Highlights
📚 January Book Recommendations
A mixed genre list of romances, thrillers, and a few curveballs that totally surprised me this month.
• Reading: Dear Debbie which I keep hearing great things about and Good Intentions which has me hooked I’m almost done so stay tuned for my full thoughts.
• Listening: Death of a Coupon Clipper which is a silly, funny and wholly entertaining cozy series I’m bingeing.
• Watching: The Traitors (fully obsessed, no notes) So into it I shared book recs if you love the show.
What’s Coming Next
I’m hoping my reading vibes are similar to January because I have zero complaints! A sneak peek of planned content coming soon
• romance recs for Valentine’s Day
• February recommendations
• a few themed lists inspired by what watching and loving
my ten year anniversary as a reviewer is this year so fun content surrounding that to celebrate 🎉
Thanks for being here — whether you catch everything or just pop in when something grabs you I appreciate you 🤍
As we head into February, I wanted to share a curated list of books I’d confidently recommend right now. These are reads I recently finished and loved—spanning thrillers, romance, and emotionally driven fiction, and each one left a strong impression for different reasons. Whether you’re in the mood for something tense and unsettling, heartfelt and character focused, or simply immersive and fun, this list offers a little of everything, without the guesswork.
Every book on this list is one I’ve already finished and genuinely enjoyed. No DNFs, no hype reads I’m unsure about later. Just a solid mix of page turners, slow burn character studies, and romances that delivered both chemistry and heart. I’ve linked each book individually below, with a full roundup list at the end for easy browsing.
Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart — Emma Simmeman
This wildly entertaining debut blends dark humor, campus drama, and escalating suspense into a story that’s both campy and surprisingly sharp. When a college senior’s former flames begin turning up dead—and she’s already written eulogies for them—the line between satire and danger starts to blur fast. It’s juicy, messy, and fully aware of how toxic relationships can spiral into something much darker.
Mary Kubica delivers a chilling, slow unraveling thriller set against the eerie calm of a secluded lake resort. Told across dual timelines, this story thrives on atmosphere and suspicion, gradually revealing how little anyone truly knows about the people around them. The tension builds quietly but relentlessly, making it impossible to trust a single character—or assumption—along the way.
This thoughtful, emotionally layered novel explores sisterhood, grief, and the complicated ways love shapes our lives over time. With a strong focus on character and introspection, it asks whether it’s possible to hold space for more than one great love without diminishing either. A quietly devastating read that lingers long after the final page.
An enemies to lovers romance with real emotional depth, Free Falling brings together sharp banter and unresolved history. As former college rivals are forced to work together, old wounds resurface alongside undeniable chemistry. Jill Shalvis balances humor and healing beautifully here, making this a satisfying second chance romance that doesn’t rush the hard stuff.
Academic rivalry, fake dating, and career stakes collide in this smart, charming romance that will instantly appeal to fans of Ali Hazelwood. The intellectual sparring is just as compelling as the emotional growth, and the romance unfolds in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. Nerdy, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying.
This rom com leans hard into chaos—in the best way. A grumpy professional football player and a sunshine zookeeper enter a fake dating arrangement that quickly spirals into something much more real. Packed with laugh out loud moments, slow burn tension, and unexpected sweetness, it’s a reminder of how fun Meghan Quinn’s romances can be.
A slasher rom com that fully commits to its premise, this book turns a speed dating night into a bloody, clever whodunit. It plays with classic horror tropes while maintaining sharp humor and strong final girl energy. Bonus points for the audiobook production, which adds an extra layer of fun to the chaos.
Following six friends over the course of twenty years, this character driven novel captures the quiet ache of growing older and growing apart. It’s reflective, relatable, and deeply human, focusing less on dramatic plot twists and more on how time reshapes relationships. A subtle but emotionally resonant read.
This slow burn psychological thriller excels at mounting unease. What begins as a set of seemingly unconnected neighbors gradually tightens into an inevitable, chilling convergence. The pacing is deliberate, the character work sharp, and the payoff deeply unsettling in a way that feels earned rather than sensational.
A second chance rockstar romance that balances angst with emotional maturity, this story centers on two exes forced back into each other’s orbit by a high stakes interview. With insider glimpses into the music industry and lingering chemistry that crackles on the page, it’s a compelling exploration of love, fame, and timing.
This survival thriller is relentless. Trapped deep underground, the story creates an intense sense of claustrophobia that never lets up, making every chapter feel urgent. Short chapters and constant escalation keep the momentum high, resulting in a gripping, nerve shredding read that’s impossible to put down.
A provocative psychological suspense debut that examines grief, fixation, and moral ambiguity. When two women cross paths in a hospital waiting room during moments of personal tragedy, their connection becomes increasingly unsettling. This is the kind of quiet, creeping story that tightens slowly and asks uncomfortable questions about empathy and desire.
Tender and comforting, this book explores grief, healing, and the way stories connect us during our hardest moments. With a gentle, bookish tone and emotional warmth, it’s the perfect choice for readers who want something reflective and soothing without being overly sentimental.
For easy browsing, here’s the full list of February reads in one place.
If there’s a theme running through this month’s reading, it’s emotional payoff—whether through high tension thrillers, smart romances, or character driven stories that linger quietly after the final page. If you’ve read any of these or have a recommendation you think I should try next, I’d love to hear it.
More monthly reading recaps and book recommendations are always on the way!
If you’ve ever thought about trying audiobooks but weren’t sure where to begin, this is the list I always recommend.
Audiobooks can feel intimidating at first — narration style, pacing, whether you’ll actually stay engaged — so I put together a short, beginner friendly playlist of audiobooks that are easy to follow, genuinely engaging, and excellent on audio.
These are the ones that made me think, oh… I get the hype now.
What you’ll find here:
• A full cast favorite that pulls you in immediately
• A celebrity memoir that feels conversational and familiar
• A few fiction picks with exceptional narration
• One accessible thriller for listeners who want something twisty but not overwhelming
If you’re new to audiobooks — or trying to get back into them — start with any of these. You really can’t go wrong.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you’ve never listened to an audiobook before, this is one of the easiest and most addictive places to start. The full cast narration turns the story into something that feels more like a behind the scenes music documentary than a traditional novel, with each character voiced distinctly and naturally. It’s immersive without being confusing, incredibly engaging, and often the audiobook people credit with making them “get” the format instantly.
A great gateway audiobook if you’ve never tried the format before. Hearing Jessica tell her own story adds an intimacy that doesn’t always come through on the page, and the familiar celebrity voice makes easing into audiobooks feel natural rather than intimidating.
Brittany Pressley’s narration is a masterclass in keeping a high concept story grounded and easy to follow. With time jumps that could feel confusing in print, the audio actually enhances the experience and helps listeners stay oriented while enjoying the emotional depth.
Written and narrated by one of the most beloved voices in audiobooks, this is a meta pick that’s perfect for beginners. It’s charming, accessible, and gives listeners a sense of what great narration can add to a story.
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
Warm, emotional, and comforting, this is the kind of audiobook that feels like a companion. The narration is clear and steady, making it ideal for multitasking or listening during everyday routines while still delivering heartfelt moments.
This is a great starter audiobook for anyone curious about thrillers on audio but not ready for something overly dark or complicated. The narration is clear and easy to follow, the pacing stays tight, and the story pulls you along without requiring intense focus. It’s the kind of audiobook that works just as well while driving, cleaning, or walking—perfect for easing into the habit of listening.
If you’ve been audiobook-curious but a little unsure, think of this list as an easy place to begin. These are the kinds of listens that fit into real life—ones you can press play on during a walk, a drive, or a quiet evening at home and quickly get lost in. There’s no right or wrong way to listen, just finding the stories and voices that make it feel enjoyable from the very first chapter.
🎧 Listen via my Libro.fm playlist here. You can also join Libro.fm using my code GOSSIP this link and it gets you 3 for 1!
(Affiliate links — shopping through Libro.fm supports independent bookstores and my work.)
Winter reading is less about genre for me and more about how a book feels. Snowy settings, cold weather atmosphere, cozy nights in — these are the kinds of stories I reach for when it’s freezing outside.
If you’re building a winter TBR or just want something that matches the season, these five are perfect for curling up with.
❄️ The Lodge — Kayla Olson
A snowed in setting with cozy winter energy and romance. This one feels like an escape best enjoyed under a blanket.
In this claustrophobic psychological suspense from USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto, the line between victim and villain blurs with every chapter. Because in the end, everyone has their own version of the truth—but only one will make it onto the page.
Fern’s dream of becoming a published author is finally coming true. After years of rejection, her debut novel has sold, and she’s ready to join the supportive online community of fellow debuts. But when she discovers her high school bully, Haven, has landed a major book deal and will be debuting alongside her, old wounds reopen.
As the pandemic forces everyone online, tensions escalate in their writing community. While Haven seems to succeed effortlessly, Fern watches her own career crumble. Yet beneath their polished personas lies a darker truth about their shared past—one involving a lost friend, Dani, and secrets neither wants revealed.
Fern isn’t the same person Haven bullied all those years ago. She’s learned that the best revenge stories aren’t written—they’re lived. And she’s been plotting this one for years.
What begins as online rivalry escalates into dangerous obsession. Because neither woman is telling the whole truth about what really happened to Dani…or about who’s the real victim in this story.
Review:
Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutanto was immediately catnip for me thanks to its behind the scenes look at the publishing world. I always love novels about authors, debut culture, and the quieter anxieties that come with trying to break into a creative industry, and this delivered a sharp, often uncomfortable peek behind the curtain. Set largely during the pandemic, the story does occasionally transport you back to a very specific and claustrophobic time, but I was so invested in Fern’s unraveling that I didn’t mind lingering there longer than expected.
Fern is not an easy character to root for, and honestly, that’s part of what makes this book so compelling. She’s cringey, obsessive, and deeply flawed, but endlessly fascinating to watch as her unresolved trauma, grief, and jealousy begin to consume her. Her relationship with Haven is the definition of toxic, built on old wounds, power imbalances, and a shared past that neither of them has truly reckoned with. The novel does an excellent job exploring how obsession can warp memory and truth, blurring the line between victim and villain in ways that feel unsettling and intentional.
Fast paced, unhinged, and darkly entertaining, Read Between the Lies leans fully into the messiness of a woman spiraling, and I was absolutely there for it. Sutanto keeps the tension tight and the perspective slippery, making this a psychological suspense that’s as much about ambition and resentment as it is about revenge. If you enjoy morally gray characters, toxic dynamics, and stories that make you question every version of the truth you’re being told, this one is a wild, addictive ride.
College rivals become workplace frenemies-turned-lovers in this warm, sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestseller Jill Shalvis. First, they were rivals… Now they’re stuck with each other…
Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb’s college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They’re going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she’ll make his life a living hell.
As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she’d desperately needed to stay in college. She’s been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man.
But the beautiful historic building they’re renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that’s even before the secrets come out…
Review:
Free Falling is the second book in Jill Shalvis’s Colburn brothers series, and while it can be read alone, you’ll absolutely want to start with book one because these brothers are swoony, imperfect disasters in the very best way. This installment follows Caleb Colburn, a retired hockey player trying to prove himself in the family construction business, and Emma Sumner, the architect liaison he’s forced to work with despite their deeply unpleasant college history. From the moment they’re back in each other’s orbit, the tension is palpable, layered with unresolved hurt, sharp banter, and the kind of chemistry that crackles beneath every interaction.
One thing Jill Shalvis does exceptionally well is writing characters who carry real mess—emotional baggage, complicated pasts, and wounds that haven’t healed neatly—and then letting readers watch that healing unfold in real time. Emma, in particular, tugged hard at my heart. She’s been through it, and I spent a good chunk of this book wanting to give her a hug, tell her to unclench her jaw, and gently encourage her to give Caleb a chance. Their enemies to lovers dynamic is rooted in misunderstanding and pain rather than petty drama, which makes their emotional journey feel grounded and deeply satisfying.
Add in Shalvis’s signature wit, it’s sharp, warm, and laugh out loud funny, and you’ve got a romance that delivers both heart and heat. Emma and Caleb’s banter is top tier, their chemistry undeniable, and their slow earned trust makes the payoff feel earned. Free Falling is comforting, funny, emotionally gratifying romance with depth, and it left me fully invested in this family and counting down the days until the next Colburn brother gets his story.
Overall rating: 5/5
Thanks to the publisher and the author for my review copy.
A compelling suspense debut about a woman infamous for escaping a cult as a teenager, whose future is threatened when dangerous secrets come back to haunt her—perfect for fans of Jessica Knoll and The Girls.
Lucy Golden is a true-crime icon, infamous for the murder she committed while escaping a California cult twenty years ago. But as everyone in Los Angeles knows, fame is fleeting, and Lucy and her story are always just one news cycle away from obscurity. Not to mention, she’s fending off a stalker and moderating an icy feud between her acclaimed photographer mother and her scandalous rock star sister. Worst of all, online trolls are asking increasingly threatening questions about the legendary crime. Questions that could tear her life apart.
So when a hotshot documentarian makes her case the subject of his next film, Lucy sees a chance to silence any doubters once and for all. But as filming begins, she must return to the California desert and come face-to-face with a cast of players from her torrid history. Of course, the past is never what it seems, and long-buried secrets soon collide with present-day threats. Can Lucy stop her doubters from digging up the truth before it’s too late? And how far will she go to protect the story she’s been telling—and selling—all along?
Told in a narrative split between the present day and Lucy’s hit memoir about her fated summer in the cult, Paper Cut combines psychological suspense with coming-of-age Californian cult noir and a sharp examination of the true-crime phenomenon. As incisive as it is propulsive, this mesmerizing debut will keep readers hooked until the last page.
Review:
Paper Cut immediately had my attention with its irresistible mix of cult thriller energy and a book within a book structure. Lucy Golden is infamous for escaping a California cult as a teenager( after committing a murder😮) and decades later she’s still living in the shadow of that story. As the novel toggles between Lucy’s present day life and excerpts from her memoir, Taft explores how truth becomes commodified, reshaped, and weaponized, especially in the age of true crime obsession. The commentary on how toxic and invasive true crime culture can be felt smart, timely, and quietly biting without ever overpowering the story itself.
This is a character driven psychological suspense at its core, and Lucy is a fascinatingly complex protagonist. She’s flawed, messy, guarded, and shaped by deeply complicated family dynamics that add another layer of tension to the narrative. The unraveling is a true slow burn—steady, unsettling, and increasingly ominous—pulling you forward as buried secrets resurface and familiar narratives begin to crack. When the twists arrive, they feel earned rather than flashy, landing with a satisfying sense of inevitability.
The audiobook experience elevates the story even further. Helen Laser’s narration is incredibly engaging and well calibrated, capturing Lucy’s sharp edges, vulnerability, and emotional fatigue with nuance and control. Her performance adds depth to the dual timelines and keeps the tension simmering throughout. Paper Cut is a solid, confident debut, it’s smart, unsettling, and quietly surprising, and a must for readers who love cult stories, psychological suspense, and books that interrogate the stories we choose to tell… and sell.
If you know me, you know I’m a reality TV connoisseur. Big Brother, Survivor, Housewives — if there’s strategy, social manipulation, and chaos, I’m in.So when The Traitors comes back, I’m fully obsessed.
These books deliver the same energy: secrets, betrayal, inheritance drama, power plays, and the constant feeling that no one is telling the full truth. If you need something to read while we wait for new episodes to drop I’ve got you.
He Started It — Samantha Downing
Family road trip. Inheritance on the line. Everyone keeping secrets.
Siblings return to the house they fled eighteen years before, called back by the ghost of their long-missing brother and his haunting request to come home.
Strange things happen in Fell, New York: A mysterious drowning at the town’s roadside motel. The unexplained death of a young girl whose body is left by the railroad tracks. For Violet, Vail, and Dodie Esmie the final straw was their little brother’s shocking disappearance, which started as a normal game of hide-and-seek.
As their parents grew increasingly distant, the sisters were each haunted by visions and frightening events, leading them to leave town and never look back. Violet still sees dead people—spirits who remind her of Sister, the menacing presence that terrorized her for years. Now after nearly two decades it’s time for a homecoming—because Ben is back, and he’s ready to lead them to the answers they’ve longed for and long feared.
Review:
Simone St. James once again proves she is unmatched when it comes to blending chilling supernatural elements with deeply emotional storytelling. A Box Full of Darkness is a slow burn, eerie thriller soaked in atmosphere and dread, set in the unsettling town of Fell, New York—where tragedy seems to linger just beneath the surface. Told from the perspectives of three siblings, Violet, Vail, and Dodie, the story centers on the long ago disappearance of their little brother Ben during a childhood game of hide and seek. Decades later, something is calling them back home, forcing them to confront the past they’ve spent their lives running from.
What makes this story hit so hard is not just the ghosts—though they are plentiful and genuinely unsettling—but the deeply flawed, wounded characters at its core. Each sibling carries painful histories and unresolved trauma, haunted both literally and emotionally by what happened in Fell. St. James excels at crafting complex relationships and layered backstories, making the tension feel personal as well as paranormal. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the dread to build steadily until it becomes almost unbearable.
Fans of the author will appreciate the subtle nods to past books (hello The Sundown Motel 👀), while newcomers will be pulled in by the chilling atmosphere and emotional weight. Creepy, unsettling, and quietly devastating, A Box Full of Darkness is a perfect example of why Simone St. James remains a go to author for supernatural thrillers that linger long after the final page.
Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller
A stunning discovery… Courtney Gray’s tranquil family vacation is shattered when she hears a blood-curdling scream from the lakeside cottage next door. There she finds the lifeless bodies of her brother and sister-in-law. Her teenage niece Reese is nowhere to be found, while her nephew Wyatt lies asleep upstairs, unharmed.
A shocking investigation… As the police descend on the quiet resort town, disturbing secrets about Courtney’s family start to emerge. When she learns that the town has secrets of its own, it makes her wonder if Reese is another victim in a brutal crime or if she’s the killer.
A truth no one could have imagined … As Courtney begins to unravel the terrible mystery, she realizes that everyone around her has something to hide. And the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to see…
Review:
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica is the kind of thriller that pulls you in immediately and never loosens its grip. Told through dual POVs—Courtney in the present aftermath of a brutal crime and Reese in the days leading up to it—the story balances two timelines that are equally compelling. I was fully invested in both narrators, which doesn’t always happen, and the way their perspectives slowly circle the same chilling event kept the pages flying.
Kubica excels at tension here. The pacing is fast, the twists are solid, and the sense of unease never lets up. Set in a secluded, wooded lake resort dotted with cabins, the atmosphere is claustrophobic and creepy in the best way. This is a story where trust is a liability, I suspected everyone, then doubted myself, then suspected them all over again. The author does an excellent job of planting seeds of doubt and constantly forcing you to reassess what you think you know.
Beyond the mystery itself, the family and domestic drama adds real weight to the story. Secrets unravel, relationships fracture, and the emotional stakes feel just as intense as the physical danger. With a strong opening, addictive momentum, and a finale that rewards all that second guessing, It’s Not Her is a highly satisfying, unputdownable thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Novelgossip 