Sister Picks My January TBR

This month, I asked my sister, Kaelin, to pick my TBR. For the first five, she chose off my physical TBR and then the last three were from my Goodreads (so Kindle or Libby). She said she tried to pick a variety of vibes for me. I have not completed a TBR since starting this blog, so I am DETERMINED to complete this one. My sister reads around 10 books a year, a stark contrast to my craziness, so she chose a few that she liked but the rest completely off vibes. I’m excited to see what I think!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare – This was on my 24 series in 2024 list and I did not get to it. I actually have read this book before but way back when I was in 5th grade. I never actually finished the series because my library didn’t have the full set. Well, I got the set on sale at Target and the spines are stunning. Kae said this book looked like a “more serious read” to contrast the rom-coms she chose.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer – This is a superhero meets sci-fi story with a dystopian twist. I’ve heard great things, and I have been wanting to read these forever. We follow Nova, who HATES the Renegades, and Adrian, a Renegade torn between his people and Nova. This was again a vibes pick for Kaelin. Sounds like a perfect mix of adventure and romance!

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter – This is one of Kaelin’s favorite books ever, and she said it’s such a fun read. My gran also read this one and loved it too. This book follows Liz and the annoying boy next door. Liz asks him for help getting the guy she likes to notice her but ends up maybe kinda liking the guy next door instead. Just sounds like a cute rom-com perfect for the gross weather of January.

Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston – “I thought this looked cool and you said you hadn’t read it yet” – Kaelin | I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now, so this will be the motivation I need. This book is so many people’s favorite book, so I am excited to read this magical romance. Our main character is constantly let down by the world and decides to work even harder to push past that, until a handsome man shows up in her kitchen. He’s just from seven years ago.

The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – This is the unofficial fourth book of the Inheritance Games trilogy, following Jameson and Grayson through a new set of games on opposite sides of the globe. Basically, it’s an unnecessary add-on to the series, but if you loved the world like I did, then it’s a welcome return. Kaelin said that it’s annoying that I haven’t finished this series, so she picked it for the month.

Educated by Tara Westover – I told Kaelin I needed a non-fiction pick, and she had read this in high school and really liked it. She said I need a story nothing like what I normally read, and this was it. In this memoir, we follow Tara through the process of growing up survivalist and the love of education through all obstacles. This is definitely one I am excited for!

Kindred by Octavia Butler – I think Kae just wants me to cry this month with this one. She read this in high school and still thinks about it. Our main character is a black woman that keeps accidentally traveling back in time to the days of slavery. One day she finds a young white boy named Rufus that she must protect somehow. Definitely way out of my comfort zone but looks like a must-read!

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight – We watch a lot of TODAY show in this house, specifically the Hoda and Jenna segment. When Kaelin was trying to think of one last book, she asked what Jenna had picked for her book club. This is a debut novel full of mystery and self-discovery, with a bit of romance. I think it’s a bit out of my comfort zone, so I am definitely excited to try something new. Also, endorsement from Carley Fortune and Jenna Bush Hager is more than enough for me.

Other Books on My Radar:

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith – This was our December book club pick, but we never actually met because of finals. SO, I still need to read this. This is an adult version of Caraval. More spookiness, more romance, and definitely high stakes.

Quicksilver by Callie Hart – My friend Giuliana has been bugging me to read this with her for months, so I think January needs to be the time. It sounds like an indie ACOTAR. Her friend Delaney said it was a six star book, so that endorsement is definitely lighting a fire under my butt.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams – This is the third part of the Rome, Kentucky interconnected stand alone series, and it released yesterday. Definitely a favorite romance series of mine!

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros – The third installation of the Empyrean series comes out January 21st! I have been counting down the days for this, so no one text on the 21st.

Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli – I’ve been wanting to read this forever, so I am thinking this is the time. Just feels like the fun story I need after the endless experience of Heat of the Everflame. Also it’s a KU find!

The Enemy by Sarah Adams – Just got this in from Libby! This is the second book in Adams’ Charleston duology, and I know it’s going to be a fun read. Her books are typically under or right at 300 pages, so this is going to a good palate cleanser for all my fantasies.