I have a confession to make: I am an overly ambitious TBR setter. For months, for vacations, even for long weekends. I have the stacks of unread books dotting my living room floor and overflowing TBR bookcase to prove it. What I ultimately find the trickiest is the struggle between my inner planner, who loves nothing more than a list, and my inner chaos agent, who decides I’m in the mood for something completely different the moment I finally pick up the book I’ve been meaning to read for the last six months. So for the first three months of this year, I’m trying something to appease them both. Here are six new releases from January to March of this year that I’m excited for and six titles from 2022 that I want to prioritize. In early April, I’ll report back on what I read and what I thought. Just enough accountability and still room for me to decide that I want nothing more than to spend a week curled up with a chunky fantasy series or tricky spy thriller.
The 2023 releases
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen (January 10th)
This debut sounds like a really charming enemies-to-lovers rom com with the potential for excellent banter. I’m also intrigued by the Chinese zodiac-based matchmaking aspect, since I find matchmaking culture and traditions fascinating. I really want to read more debuts—and not just the super buzzy ones—this year, especially stories that showcase underrepresented voices.
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn (January 24th)
I love Kate Clayborn’s tender, precise writing and I am ready for this book to wreck me in the best possible way. She crafts her characters with such care and attention to detail that they go on living in my head even after I’ve turned the last page. One of my most anticipated books of the year.
Take the Lead by Alexis Daria (February 14th)
This is a newly edited and expanded edition of her debut, which was originally only released as an ebook. (I would highly recommend her Primas of Power series if you’re in the mood for something steamy and emotional with an ambitious heroine.) This revolves around a Dancing with the Stars-esque reality show, which promises to be super fun, and judging from her previous books, I’m expecting the chemistry between the two main characters to be electric.
For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding (February 21st)
I’m always here for celebrity romance and this one sounds like the perfect blend of glamour and emotional substance, with a bonus found family element. I’m also intrigued by Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters, another sapphic Hollywood romance, and think these two might make the perfect book flight.
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forrest (February 28th)
A bookish romance with an epistolary element and two neighbors falling for each other! This looks adorable and like it could be the perfect cozy read for the gloomy weeks at the end of February and beginning of March.
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller (March 28th)
Diana Biller is one of my favorite historical romance authors and if I had any TikTok skills, I would be plotting how to make her books go viral. She writes well researched, swoony, and charming novels that never skimp on the characters’ emotional development. This one promises imperial intrigue, a 1870’s Vienna setting, and a scandalous family running a grand hotel. What else could you possibly want?
Plus six 2022 releases I want to prioritize
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
Red Blossom in Snow by Jeannie Lin
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Currently reading: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. I was pleasantly surprised by Life’s Too Short last year and picked this one up after getting a glowing recommendation from a bookseller at my local indie. I’m only a few chapters in but already really liking the heroine and the humor.
What’s bringing me joy this week:
The new yoga studio that opened near my apartment. I got into the habit of online workouts during the pandemic but I’d forgotten the unique feeling of focus and grounding I get in studio.
This Mamma-Mia themed candle that makes my apartment smell like a lemon grove on a Greek island. Outside, it’s probably raining. Inside, it’s a Mediterranean summer.
Aftersun, a quietly devastating movie about a father and daughter on vacation in a Turkey in the 90’s that had me wandering around in a emotional haze afterwards. The filmmaking is fresh and striking and I’m ready to wage a one-woman Oscar campaign for Paul Mescal’s performance. (Truly the king of playing charming yet troubled men.)
Glad to see you started (and liked!) Part of Your World! It was a favorite of mine last year. I just started Before I Let Go today, and am loving it!!
I am having the best time with these lists! put several new release titles on hold and borrowed Boyfriend Material (since it was available and a new-to-me author) - thank you!