The first reading month of the year is done and dusted! Now it’s time to reflect and prepare for another month as I share my 2025 January reading wrap up spilling all the tea about my reading stats, how I’m making progress towards my reading goals, and share my thoughts on all the books I read this month.
January Reading Stats
First up let’s break down my reading stats for the month and see how I’m progressing towards my yearly reading goals. I met my goal of reading 14 books this month and read a total of pages. Of these 14 I rated 6 of them as 5-star reads. My average rating was a 4.0 meaning I generally liked and enjoyed what I was reading. I had zero DNFs and zero re-reads. I read a total of 5 books from a series and 9 standalones. I borrowed 11 books from the library and 1 book from Kindle Unlimited. I read 2 books from my physical TBR.
When it comes to the author I read the most from this month I was apparently in my exploratory phase because I read books from 11 new authors. The genre that I read the most was a tie between Fantasy and Mystery-Thriller as I read 4 books from each of these genres. I found myself reading hardcover books over other formats. When it came to the mood of the books I was reading I had a preference for books that were a mix of mysterious, adventurous, and tense.
My most utilized source for acquiring the books I read was the public library. And, I added 6 books to my collection. 5 of these books were hardcovers and 1 was a paperback showing an obvious shift in my preference for hardcover books. 1 of the books I purchased is part of a series specifically The Legendborn Cycle by Tracey Deonn and another of the books was a book I already read but wanted to add to my collection which was Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.
January Book Ranking
While the month started a little weak with a couple of 2-star reads it slowly picked up and I was able to find amazing books that I truly enjoyed creating a well-rounded reading month. Let’s have a little fun and rank the books I read this month.
Book of the Month: Colored Television by Danzy Senna
The fact that this book altered my brain chemistry and left me in a daze staring at the wall debating life is proof that this book had to take the number one spot this month.
Least Favorite Book: Prey by Hilary Norman
This book didn’t cut it for me for so many reasons in some ways I regret not DNFing it.
Most Memorable Book: The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
The explorations of grief and its haunting effects on a young woman who’s lived a life shrouded in loss touched me immensely. Plus, utilizing magical books with the ability to manifest your deepest feelings and darkest desires was a superb premise.
Most Emotional Book: Beartown by Fredrik Backman
I wanted a book that would make me feel and this book definitely did the trick. I was pouring tears like a faucet. Such a poignant, emotional read.
Epic World-Building: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
The world-building in this book is crafty and immaculate. I can’t wait to read the next installment and continue in the series.
Book That Took Me By Surprise: Hexed by Emily Mcintire
Listen, I did not have to become enthralled with the Dark Romance genre on my Bingo card for 2025 but here we are. The more I dip my toe in this genre the more pleasantly surprised I am at how much I like it and become invested in these stories. I was rooting for a Mafia man my friends it was a wild time.
Most Quotable Book: The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh
I was able to glean some fantastic quotes from this inspirational book. I even found my favorite quote of the month in this novel which contradicted society’s obsession with youthful, beautiful women being ideal and most desirable by stating the solidarity and assuredness of a mature woman who was solid in her identity was also desirable and beautiful for their wisdom and value. Check it out for yourself.
“True young women were beautiful, but those of us who were older had other advantages. Wine improves with age: it becomes richer; the flavors blend and soften. It is no longer attempting to figure out what it will become. It is less changed by the hands around it and more it’s own unique thing, and women are no different.”
This wasn’t the only gem there were so many statements that had a feministic, female empowerment feel to them.
Shortest Read: Set My Heart on Fire by Izumi Suzuki
This short story collection was only 192 pages.
Longest Read: Hexed by Emily Mcintire
This Dark Romance was 544 pages.
2025 January Reading Wrapup
Here’s a complete breakdown of all the books I read this month in the order they were completed including a mini-review of what I think about them.
Set My Heart on Fire by Izumi Suzuki ⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
Set in the underground bar and club scene of 1970s Tokyo, Set My Heart On Fire tells the story of Izumi in her turbulent twenties. Through a series of disarmingly frank vignettes, author Izumi Suzuki presents an unforgettable portrait of a young woman encountering missteps and miscommunication, good music and unreliable men, powerful drugs and disorientating meds. Izumi usually keeps her relationships short but complicated, until she meets Jun.
Set My Heart on Fire is a visceral novel about mistaken relationships and the convolutions of desire, about regret and acceptance. Pulsing through the narration is the protagonist’s love of music, a vital soundtrack spanning the Zombies, T. Rex and the Rolling Stones as well as underground Japanese psychedelic-rock bands such as the Tigers and the Tempters.
Review
General thoughts: this book was a clusterfuck of events and emotions and left me feeling disoriented and the story felt disjointed. I don’t know how I feel about this writing style it’s different from what I usually gravitate towards. While there’s part of me that appreciated its stream-of-consciousness style of writing and the quickly digestible vignettes that focused on specific events, themes, and conversations that flowed into the overall scope of the story I struggled with Izumi’s decision-making. I didn’t mind her general apathetic and nihilistic approach towards life and relationships as this revealed deep-rooted issues that trace back to her unhealthy relationship with her mother and her struggle to love herself which drew her to unhealthy entanglements with men who were emotionally incapable of prioritizing her and loving her in the way she needed and desired. Yet, I felt this story ended with me wondering what was the point. There was no major character arc or growth. And perhaps that’s the intention but I was left wanting more.
The Dagger and the Flame: The City of Fantome #1 by Catherine Doyle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemies the Cloaks and the Daggers – the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?
Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields strange and blazing magic he has never seen before… Among rumors of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice – forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame?
Review
I enjoyed this YA Fantasy and took to Sera quickly as I found her to be such an enjoyable character with plenty of depth making her interesting and fun to read about. The world-building was well done and featured a unique magic system. I appreciated the found family aspects of this story and felt the concluding events were enough to pique my interest and get me excited for the next book.
Prey by Hilary Norman 2 ⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
London, 1941. Amongst the air-raid sirens and horrors of bombings, artist Harriet Yorke manages Calla a small community of people from different backgrounds – but good friends who pull together in times of crisis.
Like most Londoners contending with the Blitz, Harriet has grown used to withstanding danger, but when she goes on a late-evening stroll with her Cairn terrier, George, and finds herself face to face with a killer, she unleashes a series of events that will put more than just her own life on the line . . .
London, 2019. Libby lives amongst her grandmother’s paintings in Calla House – works of art into which Harriet poured all the horror of her wartime experiences, culminating in that one terrifying night.
Libby’s Calla House is a comfortable safe haven for her and its other residents – until, that is, a crumbling chimney pot sparks an alert. Libby calls in builders, but as her troubles magnify, she begins to wonder if the ghosts of Harriet’s past aren’t going to bring more than the house down around her ears . . .
Review
I enjoyed the first half despite finding Harriet to be stupid for no reason. The pacing was perfect and it felt super high stakes and I was eagerly turning the pages. However, when we got into the second half it became stagnant and if possible I felt Harriet’s great-granddaughter Libby was even stupider. Between the disjointed pacing and the protagonist being not so bright, I found I didn’t enjoy this book very much.
In Our Likeness by Bryan Vandyke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Synopsis
Graham works at a tech startup with his work crush Nessie Locke. One evening she asks him to try and break an algorithm for her and while tinkering around with it discovers that he can alter reality. The only other person who knows this is his boss and founder of the tech startup David Warwick who encourages him to keep playing with the algorithm and making changes.
When things take off in a disturbing direction he reaches out to Nessie to help him restore truth and undo the damage the algorithm has caused.
Review
I enjoyed this and found it to be an exciting page-turner that kept me guessing. The only part I didn’t connect with as much was the ending and how things weren’t properly tied up leaving one to feel as if they got only half of the story. Still an interesting read.
The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Synopsis
Recent divorcee Natalie flees to Paris after becoming overwhelmed by her failed marriage and the ongoing pressure of having to sell the home she once shared with her husband. Upon arriving she sets out to have a grand adventure and discovers the book written by Barbie-Nicole Clicquot where letters written to her Great-Granddaughter tell the story of how she rose over adversity to grow a thriving wine business. Inspired, Natalie begins enlisting the advice of Madam Clicquot to change and improve her life stumbling into a wild adventure.
Review
This was a fun heartwarming story about female empowerment and the ability to bounce back from tragedy. Told in two alternative timelines with two POVs. I loved Barbe-Nicole’s story and found her to be a fascinating dynamic character full of depth and complexity. I didn’t enjoy Natalie as much and took issue with her character development and how her storyline impacted the plot and made the story feel unbalanced due to Barbe-Nicole being the stronger character. Still an enjoyable read. Check out my full review for this book! Book Review: The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh Heartwarming Female Empowerment
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
When the Martial Empire led by Taius conquered and enslaved the Scholar Empire 500 years ago a deep enmity developed due to the barbaric and inhumane treatment the Martials meted out to the Scholars.
Now, young Scholar Laia daughter of parents who gave their lives to The Resistance and fought against the tyranny of the Martial Empire is thrust into this battle when her brother Darin is found out to have a sketchbook containing drawings of secrets only known to the Martials is branded a traitor and imprisoned. Terrified of losing her remaining family member she seeks out the help of The Resistance the same people that her parents led and fled from years ago only to be betrayed by one of their own and murdered. She now places her trust in this band of revolutionaries in hopes that they can help rescue her brother from a certain death. They decide the only way they’ll help is if she performs a mission to become a slave to the Commandant and spy on her passing information to them. Laia agrees fearing this is the only way to save her brother.
Elias has come to abhor all that the Martial Empire stands for and detests the future that awaits him as a Mask, a highly skilled, and trained solider that metes out destruction and terror to any that come across them. He crafts a plan to desert following his graduation to pursue a life of freedom where he isn’t ruled or has to serve the Empire. Only his plan is discovered by Caius the Auger who speaks to him of a destiny and a future where he will find and gain the freedom he seeks. So, he decides to remain and then realizes that he’s one of the chosen to endure The Trials an epic and deadly test used to determine who the next Emperor and Blood Shrike will be. Elias participates believing the only way out is to fight through the madness.
Review
This book was a terrific way to jumpstart a Fantasy series. From the jump, Tahir plunges you into the brutal reality of what it means to be a Scholar living under the rule of the Martial Empire. We get two POV Laia a scholar and Elias a soldier in training at their Martial Empire’s military academy. We bear witness to the cruelty and injustice of the Martial Empire and see the sparks of the beginning of a revolution. I’ pumped to continue with this series! Check out my full review! Book Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Beartown by Fredrick Backman 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
We follow citizens in a small town that’s desperate to improve the economic status and relevance of their town through the success of their hockey team. Everyone is depending on these players to put Bear Town on the map again. That is until tragedy strikes threatening everything the town knows and believes to be true.
Review
I chose this book for its winter vibes and got such a phenomenal and poignant story about a small town struggling to boost their economy and restore jobs to their community and their reliance on hockey to put them back on the map. We see how a tragedy will tear this community apart revealing the deeper issues and secrets that simmer underneath. This book had me bawling like a baby. It’s so tenderly and eloquently written. I’m going to start the second installment of this series as soon as possible.
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
Cassie leads a quiet life working at a bookshop. One evening Mr. Webber an older gentleman that she enjoys chatting with dies suddenly while she’s closing up. She discovers he’s left her a mysterious book with a curious inscription. She discovers that this isn’t any ordinary book but a magical book called the Book of Doors that turns every doorway into endless destinations allowing her the freedom to travel wherever her heart desires.
Unfortunately for Cassie, this book doesn’t just bring wonder and travel but danger as it’s a highly sought-after book by people with sinister intentions. Soon she’s thrust into a dangerous underground of book collectors and secret libraries and the mysterious Drummond Fox who seems to be the only ally that can help her get out of this perilous situation.
Review
This book was a wild ride in such a delightful way and it was equal parts thought-provoking and emotional. I empathized with Cassie despite her poor decision-making. And I loved how Brown was able to create a story that wove each element and part of this tale seamlessly leaving no question unanswered. Loved it!
The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
We follow chemist Juliana who is in hiding from her former employer who tried to execute her for her knowledge of highly sensitive information. As she was responsible for interrogating suspects associated with terrorism. One of the associates with the Department reaches out because they need her help in stopping a dangerous terrorist plot to utilize a biological weapon to harm millions of people.
Review
My girl tried to write a high-stakes mystery thriller and she tried y’all but it didn’t hit the mark for me. The structure was sloppy. Some parts should’ve been edited down and other parts should’ve been elaborated on. The characterization was much to write home about and the romance was a stretch for me to take seriously. Meyer should stick to paranormal romance that’s your genre babe.
Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer K. Morita ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Synopsis
Maya Wong finds herself back in her childhood home of Waikiki as she’s taken a job with the Hamiltons to ghostwrite a story for them. But when Charles Hamilton II is found dead in his pool she finds herself thrust into a deadly mystery with her ex-police detective Koa on her heels.
Review
This was a spectacular debut from Jennifer K. Morita. This is such a fun and atmospheric mystery set in Hawaii. In addition to the mystery of who murdered Charles Hamilton II, we get to appreciate the beauty of Hawaii and its rich culture. We also get to learn more about gentrification and how it’s impacting small businesses and locals in the community. Can’t wait to see what this author does next!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
The kingdom of Blunder is cursed with a mist that hovers over the land and infects the inhabitants causing fever and sickness. A side effect of this infection is the affected person’s blood turns black and they develop magical powers that lead to their eventual madness. Once they reach this stage The Desiters imprison and execute them before they the final stage of this disease. However, Elspeth, the daughter of the former Captain of The Desiters who was infected when she was nine has lived a quiet existence off-grid with her Uncle and Aunt to avoid detection. While she doesn’t display any magical abilities she’s hidden the fact that she can absorb the power from any Providence card she touches and that the monster from The Nightmare Card lives rent-free in her head. And she also can see the Providence cards.
Following a dangerous encounter with the Highwaymen on her way home it’s later discovered that they were members of the Royal family looking to collect Providence cards for their purposes apart from the King’s mission to collect the full deck of Providence cards to defeat the curse and destroy the mist. Elspeth agrees to help them if they promise to cure her infection. She quickly finds herself wrapped up in a dangerous and treasonous secret plot changing her life forever.
Review:
This was such a surprising and amazing little read that I’m so glad I was influenced into reading by Bookstagram. I loved the gothic vibes the unique magic system and intentional world-building. The characters were well-developed and likable. And the story was so gripping and enchanting to read. I’m so excited about reading the second book in this duology because the way the book ended has shook.
Hexed Never After #6 by Emily Mcintire 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
When Vanesa saves a man who’s shot and left for dead in the harbor she doesn’t realize that her cousin Aria will take the credit and end up engaged to him a year later. During their visit to plan the nuptials and merge their powerful crime families, they feel a spark and develop an understanding with one another as kindred spirits. But they can never die to the obligations, responsibilities, and loyalties that lock them into the lives they lead. Leading them to question whether to stay duty-bound to their families or chase a forbidden love that makes them feel free.
Review:
This is my second foray into the Dark Romance genre and honestly, I’m finding I prefer the gritty, darker elements explored in Dark Romance as it creates more tension creating a more high-stakes romance. This book delivered mystery, suspense, sexual tension, and spice. Enzo and Venesa have made my list of favorite fictional couples and I’m excited to explore other titles from this series.
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
While celebrating her sister Naomi’s graduation from Princeton she discovers that her body has been found in the lake and the police suspect it’s a possible suicide or drug overdose due to ketamine and benzodiazepines being found in her system. Maya refuses to believe it was anything but murder and sets out to find out who killed her sister and why. To do this she must confront the dark secrets of her past and how they may have contributed to Naomi’s death.
Review
This book started so well as it had all the elements I look for in a Dark Academia novel. However, the weak characterization and unrealistic plot points made it challenging to suspend my disbelief and follow along with the story as the characters were annoyingly naive, gullible, and downright stupid. There were too many occasions where I found myself screaming at Maya for being so dumb. And I wasn’t satisfied with how the story concluded leaving so many plot points unresolved.
Colored Television by Danzy Senna🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
Jane a writer is on a year-long sabbatical from her work in hopes that she can finally complete her follow-up to her debut novel released ten years ago. While she, her husband Lenny, and their kids are house-sitting for her friend Brett she hunkers down to focus on completing her novel eager for success and to improve her family’s financial standing. Only things do not work out the way she hoped desperate she pursues an ambitious plan to secure the future that she feels is within her grasp.
Review
This book was a cerebral and thought-provoking experience that left me staring at the wall. It took me two days to fully comprehend the content of this book and give a proper rating. I really enjoyed and appreciated what this book set out to do exploring themes and topics regarding Biracial identity and experience in America, art versus commercialism, and the struggles of the middle-class professional woman trying to build a career in a misogynistic society. There were so many themes and topics to explore in this one. I loved it! Check out my full review! Book Review: Colored Television by Danzy Senna
Well, that’s all folks! This was my 2025 January reading wrapup. It was a good reading month and I can’t complain I’m having so much fun so far this year and I’m looking forward to continuing it in February. Til next time happy reading friends!!
Don’t forget to visit my YouTube channel!