January 2025 Reading List: Thrilling Twists and Second Chances

For me, January 2025 was all about Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros finally releasing. Not only did I read Onyx Storm (it was 779 pages) but I also read three other books in January, including a thriller that I honestly couldn’t put down.

Let’s chat about the books I read in January!

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1. Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
What It’s About:
This romance follows a story of fate, second chances, and a few unplanned surprises. Lindsay Hameroff did it again with this book! It features a charming story of two people whose paths cross again, proving that love often comes when you least expect it. (I LOVE a second-chance romance!!) I LOVED Lindsay’s previous book and now pretty much consider her an auto-read author!

My Thoughts:
One thing I love about Lindsay Hameroff, is that she creates such relatable characters and delivers a story full of humor and a lot of emotion. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good romance with plenty of charm, this is a perfect pick for February! It is available on February 18th!

4/Really loved this one!

Also, I was reading this book when the viral moment of Andrew Garfield and his glasses at the Golden Globes went viral, so Graham’s character was obviously Andrew Garfield in my head the entire time I read it.

2. Hardly Strangers by A.C. Robinson

Genre: Fiction, Drama
What It’s About:
Another release from 813 Stories! This thought-provoking novel explores the thin line between strangers and friends and how one chance encounter can change everything. With layered characters and an emotional narrative, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.

My Thoughts:
I didn’t expect this book to be so complex and deep, but wow—it’s beautifully written and incredibly emotional. I found myself completely absorbed in the characters’ lives. That said, don’t go into this expecting a traditional romance—it’s not. These characters are messy, flawed, and far from perfect, which makes their journey all the more compelling. It’s not your typical one-night-stand-turned-love-story. Instead, it’s about two people trying to navigate their own chaos and figuring out how to move forward together. The romance feels like a subplot to their personal growth, which makes the story feel raw and real.

3.5/Liked this one

3. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Genre: Psychological Thriller
What It’s About:
This twisty thriller dives into the life of a housemaid working for a family with VERY dark secrets. With unexpected turns and jaw-dropping revelations, The Housemaid kept me guessing until the very end.

My Thoughts:
This book was a wild ride! Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist came along and changed it all up. It’s fast-paced, intense, and impossible to put down. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, don’t miss this one! I’m not a huge lover of thrillers, but I genuinely couldn’t wait to read this book to find out what happend. I plan on reading the next book in the series!

4/Really loved this one! Also, this is going to be a movie and the casting is incredible! I will watch whatever Michelle Morrone is in tbh.

4. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Epic Fantasy
What It’s About:
Rebecca Yarros takes us on a dark and enchanting journey filled with magic, betrayal, and resilience. Onyx Storm is a fantasy novel that combines rich world-building with a gripping storyline. THIS IS A PART OF A SERIES. YOU MUST READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS BEFORE THIS ONE!

My Thoughts:
I loved Fourth Wing so much. The ending of Iron Flame had me tossing my book across the floor and screaming. Seriously. So with Onyx Storm, I was hesitant. However, I am happy to report that I loved it. I don’t want to spoil anything so that’s all I’m going to say. My one complaint? It did take me a bit to get into this book and I was confused for about 20% of it.

Now we probably have another two years before we get the next one. UGH!!!

4.5/It’s fantasy, romance, with the spice we love.

What Books Are You Reading?

Have you read any of these books? What are you kicking off 2025 with? Let me know in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations! Also, if you read Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, please feel free to DM your thoughts.