What I Read in January 2022
Oh January, the longest of months and yet when it ends, it feels like it completely flew by. If I can describe this month with one word it would be EXHAuSTION. I truly have not been this tired and worn out since early March 2020, before everything shut down. And while I’m so grateful to be back to work onstage, I definitely have struggled to find balance in my life again.
And yet…10 books were still read. 10 is my general average and it feels good to have kept up with reading. I leaned on it more and more as I needed to disconnect and have some self care. I will say, I’m disappointed to see in this round up that I only read white authors this month. With the exception of Weather Girl, which is by a Jewish author, my choices weren’t broadening my horizons much. I’ll be focusing on that more in February! Here are my brief thoughts on the books I read this month!
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I think I got to this book too late. I found myself really bored by it but I know so many others loved it! So it was probably not the right time or book for me. If you like YA mystery, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
Twist by Lucia Franco
Do not read this series without looking up trigger warnings! I started this series last year and felt pulled to finish it this year, finally. I think it might be too taboo for me when it comes to dark romance, but that’s what is important to find out about our reading tastes! There is so much drama in this series and the ending…holy crap.
Dismount by Lucia Franco
The ending was pretty satisfying for this series but again, I felt really conflicted while reading.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
I finally read it and just in time for book two to release next month! I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it, but I truly liked it. I needed the audiobook to help me through the beginning but I was really impressed. Hunt and Bryce have made their way into my favorite characters in the SJM universe!
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
This was SUCH a cute romance! I want to read The Ex Talk now but I really liked it. The characters were delightful and I thought a lot was handled in within the pages that deserves to be seen in Romance more (Jewish characters, fat characters, living with Depression, etc).
Running Wild by KA Tucker
My first five star read of the year and I know no one is surprised. I’ll link my review here because while I loved it, there are a number of content warnings. This story is quieter than Jonah and Calla’s but I loved stepping back into the world of the Alaska Wild crew and to meet new characters! Hello, Tyler Brady, I’m a fan.
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Henry
This book was sweet and delightful. It’s short and charming—perfect for a cozy winter day, especially for fans of historical fiction and C.S. Lewis!
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
I loved this book. Like, LOVED it. I think even more than the first book!!! It’s so dang fun. Highly recommend if you’re looking to laugh and swoon while being left on the edge of your seat with some mystery!
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
I have A LOT of thoughts on this book, but I’ll keep it brief. This was objectively better than the other CoHo I read (November 9) and while it was a very graphic depiction of domestic abuse, I think her mission to show how the cycle of abuse happens was achieved. Her author’s note was very touching as well. I think what bothers me about this book is how romanticized it gets online but hey I’m only one person and this is my opinion!
Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy
I so wanted to love this book. I saw the cover and immediately requested. I read Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series and fell down the rabbit hole of those hockey boys so quickly. But I think ultimately I was really turned off by this book. The stereotypes were STRONG, the writing not great, and I didn’t really love any of the characters. Kennedy writes pretty heavily from the male gaze but I didn’t find Cooper to be as charming as the Briar U guys. And while I appreciated the journey Mackenzie went on, I just didn’t love the rich girl stereotype. I didn’t feel called to pick it up!
Alright, that’s what I read this month! I’m going to continue reading what makes me happy in February, probably with even more Romance, and continue to read from the books I own. Here’s to a new month of fresh possibilities!