January reading wrap-up 2025

Blurb :

Catalina
Being my sister’s maid of honor is fine—except she’s marrying my ex.
Dealing with the best man? A nightmare.
Luke Darling is charming, persistent, and far too tempting. But he’s my ex’s best friend, and I refuse to fall for him… even if I secretly wish I met him first.

Luke
Avoiding my best friend’s ex was easy—until she came back for the wedding.
Now, Catalina Martinez is all I can think about.
She’s leaving after the winter, but that won’t stop me from trying.
Because ‘tis the season for taking chances… and I want her to take one on me.

My December Darling was my first read of the year, and for a novella, Lauren Asher truly delivered. The story was captivating, and the flow was impeccable, I enjoyed every second of it. I especially loved that it took place in the same universe as the Lakefront Billionaire series. Honestly, I wish it had been longer or even a full-length novel!

Blurb :

She’s his bodyguard. He’s her biggest challenge.

Hannah Brooks is an elite protection agent, hired to guard Hollywood heartthrob Jack Stapleton from a corgi-breeding stalker. But when Jack insists on keeping it a secret, she’s forced to pose as his girlfriend at his family’s Texas ranch.

What starts as a cover story soon feels all too real—leaving Hannah to wonder if protecting her heart might be the hardest job of all.

This is my second book by Katherine Center, after How to Walk Away, and it’s completely different, but just as enjoyable. I absolutely loved it! Hannah and Jack’s dynamic was pure chef’s kiss, fun, heartfelt, and irresistibly charming.

Blurb :

In If the Ring Fits by Camilla Isley, the story follows Rowena and Adrian in a quirky and unexpected setup. Rowena’s life takes a sharp turn when she’s fired on the same day she discovers she’s pregnant with her verbally abusive ex’s child. Meanwhile, Adrian, a competitive investment banker, learns he’s in the running for the CEO position but worries his lack of a “family man” image will hinder his chances. The two cross paths in a hilariously not so meet cute in the bathroom, where Adrian quickly proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: Rowena will pose as his pregnant fiancée to help him win favor with his boss, and in return, she gets financial support and a safe place to live. Neither anticipates the blossoming of genuine feelings, but as their fake relationship deepens, they realize love has its own plans.

Blurb :

Brynn has always dreamed of attending the Kenta’s annual market—a rite of passage for young guards. But she never expected to break a century-old peace treaty or cross paths with an enemy soldier.

Back home, the fallout is undeniable. Hunger looms, rebellion stirs, and an unexpected visitor challenges everything she thought she knew. As secrets unravel, Brynn must decide where her loyalty lies—especially when her heart starts to betray her.

Very few books leave me truly stunned, but this one did. My jaw literally dropped. That cliffhanger was brutal, I can’t believe we have to wait for the sequel! The story was so captivating; I was hooked from beginning to end.

Blurb :

After Elle Townsend is dumped by her hockey star boyfriend, Christian Riley, on the eve of the championship playoffs, she seeks revenge through a fake romance with his arch-rival, Preston Lawrence.

Preston, a hockey player with a fiery temper, needs to control it to secure his contract extension. When Elle asks him for a photo to make Christian jealous, Preston ups the ante by kissing her in front of reporters, sparking a viral moment.

Their fake romance quickly starts to feel too real, and the tension between the two rivals escalates. As Elle and Preston grow closer, Elle wonders if Preston’s feelings are genuine or part of his revenge plan against Christian. Will Preston prove his love, or will Christian win her back?