BooksandLala 163K subscribers · Feb 5, 2026

23 Books I Read in January 🛸

Reviews23

A Sinister Revenge by Diana Rayborn, of course, got four stars. Guess what? We once again have a Veronica Speedwell book in the running. So it has to be Veronica and Stoker.

AftertasteDaria Lavelle
Mixed

Aftertaste by Daria Lavell, which I gave a three. I think the general public, just like my mom said when she recommended it to me and recommended to all of you, I think Aftertaste is a really commercial palatable pick.

Breathe and Bleed Out by Brian McCully, which I gave a 2.5. I think Breathe in, Bleed Out is like just not a very good book, but also not worthy of anything less than a 2.5.

CandelariaMelissa Lozada-Oliva
Loved it

Four and a half stars to Candelaria by Melissa Lazado Oliva. Candelaria just because it's perfectly weird and I quite like this tone of blue as the background.

Cross My HeartMegan Collins
Not a fan

I think Cross My Heart by Megan Collins would fall into, which was a 2.5. Most disappointing is going to be Cross My Heart because it's a mystery, a thriller, and I always hype those up.

ExilesMason Coile
Loved it

This stack includes the five-st star exiles by Mason Coyle. The longer I go since reading Exiles, I think this is the favorite.

Mutual AidDean Spade
Loved it

I gave it four stars. I think it's a really good entry point. One thing I want to say is the construction of this is fantastic.

Notes on InfinityAustin Taylor
Loved it

And Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor, which got four and a half. biggest surprise is definitely Notes on Infinity because I had never even heard about this until the video concept that I chose it for.

ThrumMeg Smitherman
Mixed

but instead it felt very halfbaked. I want to give it a three star for still respecting and appreciating like the way it was written and the concept, but it felt like one of those novelas where the author has an idea and they want to like they know the explanation.

You, AgainKate Goldbeck
Loved it

and four stars to the controversial You Again by Kate Goldbeck. I'm going to say you again just because I really love the style. I love the colors. The fall vibes are so beautiful.