Somehow January always feels like a reset month, from new year celebrations to new reading goals, the vibe is like another year and another beginning. This year, I started slow but steady and ended up reading 8 books. A proper mix of drama, romance, billionaires, and historical charm.
Here’s how my reading month really went.
The Favor by Suzanne Wright — 5 Stars
This one completely owned my January. Fake marriage + grumpy hero + slow emotional unravelling? Say less. I was hooked from the start, but what I loved most was how the relationship grew. It wasn’t just chemistry but comfort, partnership, and those tiny moments too. This was the kind of romance that reminds me why I love the genre so much.
The Wife Deception by Piper Knox — 4 Stars
Billionaire drama? Yes please. This one had secrets, tension, and just enough emotional pull to keep me turning pages. Not life-changing, but definitely entertaining.
Before I Loved You by Ashley Elizabeth — 3 Stars
Sweet and very emotional. I didn’t feel super attached, but it was still a pleasant story that worked when I wanted something softer.
The Marriage Bid by Piper Knox — 3 Stars
Another billionaire romance, another tangled relationship. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t hit as strongly as The Wife Deception for me.
Promise Me Forever by Sadie Kincaid — 3 Stars
This had the intensity and drama I usually like, but emotionally it didn’t go as deep as I hoped. Still a decent read for when you’re in the mood for passion and angst.
Never Say Never to an Earl by Grace Callaway — 3 Stars
A little historical romance moment in my January! I always enjoy stepping into ballrooms, scandals, and titled heroes. This was fun, dramatic, and charming in parts, even if it wasn’t unforgettable.
The Marriage Game by Fern Michaels — 2 Stars
I really wanted to like this more, but it just didn’t pull me in emotionally. I kept reading, hoping it would pick up, but it stayed a bit flat for me.
A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver — 2 Stars
I know this series is loved, but this one just wasn’t for me. The romance didn’t fully click, and I never felt deeply invested in the characters.
In January, I explored familiar tropes, leaned into relationship-driven stories, and clearly had a thing for marriage/billionaire themes this month (did not plan that, but okay January). Not every book was a winner, but that’s okay. Sometimes you find a new favourite, sometimes you just pass the time, and both count.
Starting the year with a 5-star read like The Favor though? I’m calling that a good sign for my 2026 reading life.
Also, if you want buy any of these books, here’s the amazon link: January books
With love and lots of stories,
The Reading Lane
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