Must Read New Books By Genre: January 2025
Discover which books you should add to your reading list that are being published in January 2025!
We’re back in business after the typical slow end to the publishing year. January is off to an amazing start with a few books I’ve already read and loved plus some that I’ve added to my TBR list.
I sorted my list by genre so you can easily find a new book you’ll love. There are options in romance, mysteries/thrillers, and fantasy this month.
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January Romance New Releases
All The Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles
I’ve heard amazing things about this so far from fellow bloggers and bookstagrammers. I haven’t read anything by her before, but the rave reviews and intriguing concept have this high on my January TBR.
Ridley Sawyer has had something missing from her life since the night her twin sister disappeared. Now, she channels that loss into hope, traveling the country covering cold cases for her true crime podcast. It’s a fulfilling job, until she runs into Sheriff Colt. Colt knows what it’s like to have reporters descend on his town in the wake of a tragedy, and he’s not about to let a fiery podcaster stir up trouble. Even one that he can’t stop thinking about.
But when Ridley’s cold case turns hot and she’s thrust into the crosshairs, Colt has no choice but to step in. Suddenly, Ridley’s living at his house, drinking his whiskey, and stealing his dog’s affections. But she’s also proving that she’s so much more than his first impression. And as they get closer to the truth, the game they’ve been playing might just turn deadly… | Buy Deluxe Edition From Amazon
Emily accidentally sends a manuscript of her secret romance novel to her principle and she can’t let her double life as a romance writer get out! Unfortunately, the only person who happens to be able to help her is Jack. These two form an alliance that leads these enemies right into lovers territory!
I just finished this recently and absolutely adored it! It was a great five star read to kick off the year. If you love witty, engaging romances with just a hint of spice, this is for you! | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target
The Lodge by Kayla Olson
If you still want a cozy wintry read, but are ready to be done with holiday romances, this romance is for you!
A ghost writer who’s next assignment is a memoir from a member of True North, a former boy band takes his client up on his offer to stay in penthouse at a ski resort. This is the chance of the lifetime, especially since she was the last person to interview another member of the band, who went missing years ago. The past ends up making a reappearance when Alix realizes she may be the only one able to finally figure out what happened to True North.
Along the way she also spends time learning to ski and enjoying the perks of the resort, including a charming ski instructor! I love that this romance has a bit of love and a bit of mystery! It sounds like the perfect cozy read to help get through the winter! | Buy From Amazon
Mystery/Thriller New Releases
The Crash by Freida McFadden
A psychological thriller that is perfect for the winter months! Tegan is 8 months pregnant and ready for a fresh start when she sets off on a road trip to her brother’s house. However, an unexpected blizzard and a broken down car leave her stranded and scared.
Until a couple appear out of nowhere and offer her shelter in their cabin. It feels like a miracle, until she starts to suspect they don’t ever intend to let her leave.
I am riveted by these type of scenarios where everything is not as it seems, but the character is physically stuck somewhere with few other options! This sounds like a thriller that you will fly through. | Buy From Amazon
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Grady is on the phone with his wife when he hears her slam on the brakes, get out of her car, and then only hears silence. When the car is eventually found, there’s no trace of Abby.
He’s left with only questions and must live with the grief of not knowing what happened. A year later, he’s still a wreck and goes to a small Scottish island to try to get his life back in order.
But while there, he sees a woman who looks impossibly like his wife. And that’s all we know! I’m so desperate to see where the story goes once this woman makes an appearance in his life! | Buy From Amazon
The Last Room On The Left by Leah Konen
I’m getting major The Shining vibes from this one, which has me all sorts of excited. A caretaker of a remote resort finds herself in a increasingly more creepy situation as she realizes she may not be alone.
Kerry is facing down a looming deadline for her next book, dealing with an escalating drinking problem and leaving behind a husband who just left her. She’s hoping the caretaker job at a remote resort will be the perfect chance to start over.
The situation changes when she finds a dead body and starts to wonder what’s real and what’s just a trick of her mind. Is the killer still out there and is she now at risk? | Buy From Amazon
Fantasy New Releases
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Obviously the biggest book coming out in just a few weeks is Onyx Storm — the third book in the Fourth Wing series! I love seeing all the reels / shorts of people already planning to take off work that day to read it.
I’m usually not quite that intense, but I am excited to pick up where the story left off. I think this is going to be a bit of a darker, more intense read than the previous too, with our characters going through some pretty dire situations. Bring it on!! | Buy From Amazon | Buy From Target
General Fiction New Releases
What Happened To The McCrays by Tracey Lange
I don’t normally read many family dramas / general fiction stories but Tracey Lange is one exception. I adore her poignant yet approachable stories that feature complicated families and relatable situations.
In this story, Kyle McCray returns to his hometown after he hears his father had a stroke. It’s not an easy decision, since Kyle abandoned everyone two years ago when he left suddenly without explanation, including his wife Casey.
Casey immediately makes it clear he’s not welcome, but as Kyle starts to understand how deeply he impacted those around him, he starts hoping for a chance at redemption. So, he takes the opportunity to become the middle school hockey coach and help rescue the floundering team.
In typical Tracey fashion, we get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of all these characters. She weaves a tale that’s both real and uplifting. | Buy From Amazon
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
Adrienne Young’s books always walk a delicate line between fantasy, mystery, and general fiction, with varying doses of each. They are utterly unique and have captivated many many readers, so I’m always looking forward to her newest tale.
Twins James and Johnny have shared an otherworldly connection their whole lives, so when Johnny is killed in an accident James knows immediately. She is forced to return to the town where he lived to handle his affairs, which means facing the only other person who knows about their ominous past and the only man she’s ever loved, Micah.
While trying to get things organized, James uncovers details about Johnny’s life that she never knew, but also gets the feeling she’s not as alone as she thought. | Buy From Amazon
Let me know in the comments which one you’re most looking forward to reading!