Books Read in January 2023
Ignoring the fact that we’re already halfway into February, I’ve finally gotten around to writing a breakdown of everything I read in January.
Last year, my January round-up was the last time I published a blog post, but this year, I’m making more of an effort to stay on top of things so I don’t have to write a 40+ book round-up all at once like I did for the books I read in 2022.
We’re already making progress compared to last year because not only did I read the most books I’ve read in a month (as an adult) but I’ve also started publishing Bite-Sized Reviews for ARCs I’ve been receiving. (ARCs are Advanced Reader Copies or Advanced Review Copies of books that the author & publishers send out in advance of a book’s release in hopes of receiving honest reviews)
Anyway, without further ado, here are the books I read in January 2023:
Star (⭐️) ratings are out of five and have no strict criteria. I’m a big mood reader so while a book might not have the strongest writing/plot/etc, I might still give it a strong rating because I had fun reading it. Here is the general way I decide on a rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved. Vibes were immaculate. Would definitely read again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Thoroughly enjoyed. Vibes were still amazing. Might read again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Good but not necessarily my cup of tea.
⭐️⭐️ - Left a lot to be desired.
⭐️ - Given out very, very rarely. Typically reserved for books with offensive content
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The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads
At the time of this post’s publication the HarperCollins Union is still on strike. Any reviews of HarperCollins titles are being withheld until an agreement is reached.
The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas (⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads
Not my favorite SJM book by far. For how cocky Celaena is and how she’s supposedly the best assassin in the kingdom, she sure is dumb.
Death by Society by Sierra Elmore (⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads
CW: suicide, bullying, general mental health struggles. Please look up the full content and trigger warnings before reading.
This book takes the movie Mean Girls and asks “what is the actual cost of popularity and bullying?” It was a tough read at times due to its subject matter but it’s a good exploration of the realities of how bullying affects mental health and how you never really know what someone is struggling with behind closed doors.
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads
Super cute celebrity x normal person, second chance romance. I had to take a star off because I found out halfway through that the love interest is based off Chris Evans so he was all I could picture from then on and it spoiled the immersion for me a bit.
Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads
My first cozy mystery and it was a good one. Who hasn’t had fantasies of running a magical bookshop while solving murder mysteries and potentially falling in love? I’m just disappointed my local Barnes & Noble only had the first and third books in the series!
Not Your Valentine by Jackie Lau (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Kobo | Goodreads | Bite-Sized Review
I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a super cute, quick read perfect for people who don’t like Valentine’s Day (like me). I found the MC relatable and found myself shouting at her “girl, you’re in love with him! Wake up!”
The Secret Summer Promise by Keah Brown (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads
I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Messy, queer teen girls? Count me in. This sweet YA romance has all the diversity and inclusion you could possibly want with a sweet message to go with it. I definitely could have used a book like this when I was growing up as a queer teen who had no sense of identity with very little queer representation to look to for answers.
Releases May 9th, 2023
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts by Kristyn J. Miller (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | Bite-Sized Review
I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am obsessed with this book. From the setting on Catalina Island to the characters, and everything in between, it can be summed up in one word: charming. I was skeptical of the influencer aspect but it was handled in a way that served the story well. You’ve got some grumpy x sunshine, (one-sided) enemies to lovers, and a dash of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Mix it all together and you’ve got a classic romcom in the making.
Releases May 16th, 2023
All in all, January was a pretty good month for reading. I enjoyed all of the books I read and look forward to what the rest of February has in store for my reading list.
How’s your reading going? What is your favorite book so far?
