WHAT TO READ NEXT

I’m really stuck on what to read next. I’ve got 292 books chilling in my Kindle App that are still “unread,” so it’s not like I’m short on options. But a lot of them are incomplete series still waiting for their last books to drop. You know my new rule: I’m done reading books with cliffhangers that leave me hanging for a year. I just can’t handle that right now. So yeah, my TBR is gonna keep getting bigger as I buy books waiting for those endings. And I totally know I have a bit of an addiction—especially since I end up buying both the ebook and the audiobook. Anyway, I was trying to figure out what to pick up next. Another romance? Fantasy? Something totally different? I thought about starting the Sins of Zodiac Series since the new book, Cindervale, drops this month. But a couple of chapters into Never Keep, I just wasn’t feeling it. The narrator also did the Zodiac Academy Series, and for some reason, I just couldn’t vibe with her voice right now. No offense; I’ll definitely come back to it later. Then, I picked up The Scorched Throne Series by Sara Hashem. I got through two chapters of Jasad Heir, but put it back on the TBR list. The story seemed cool, and I even moved it up the queue, but I could tell it was gonna require some serious brainpower, and I just wasn’t there mentally. I didn’t want to dive into a complex plot with all those political and caste systems right now. So I opted for a romance novel instead. I can’t go wrong with writers like Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, Meghan Quinn, Abby Jimenez, Christina Lauren, Elsie Silver, or Katherine Center, to name a few. But I kept circling back to In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde, and I really wanted to revisit that Windy City vibe—so, you guessed it, I’m diving into the Windy City Series! Here is hoping I’m not disappointed.

LOVE, THEORETICALLY

You will never go wrong with an Ali Hazelwood book, and this story resonated with me on so many levels. I was thoroughly captivated by Jack and Elsie’s journey. It begins with Elsie “fake dating” Jack’s brother, Greg, but beneath their apparent animosity lies a vivid chemistry that ignites as she interviews for a position in Jack’s department. Only Jack seems to see the real Elsie, taking her on a transformative path towards honesty and vulnerability. As she learns to embrace love, the emotional weight of the narrative hits hard. Ali Hazelwood, in her signature style, masterfully weaves a tale that will have you laughing through your tears, with a romance that’s absolutely swoon-worthy.

BOOK 27 OF 2026📚

LOVE, THEORETICALLY

BY: Ali Hazelwood

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

OUR VICIOUS OATHS

Wow! This is an absolute must-add to your TBR list right now! A captivating read that explores the fiery and tumultuous love/hate relationship between Malachi and Kadeesha. Their connection is nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions; one moment they’re ready to eliminate each other, and in the blink of an eye, they crave the warmth of each other’s embrace. This magnetic duality creates an intoxicating tension that keeps you breathlessly on the edge of your seat. Both characters, fiercely driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge, find themselves locked in a battle against their own desires and the undeniable chemistry that crackles between them. The love scenes are downright electrifying, drenched in passion, and so vividly written that you’ll undoubtedly need a cold shower afterwards. Each encounter is a masterclass in raw emotion, leaving you gasping for more, utterly entranced. I simply couldn’t put it down; every chapter pulled me deeper into their intoxicating world, making it impossible to resist the powerful allure of their story.

BOOK 26 OF 2026📚

OUR VICIOUS OATHS

BY: N.E. Davenport

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

IN HER OWN LEAGUE

This was my very first encounter with Liz Tomforde’s enchanting writing, and I am utterly captivated! In Her Own League beautifully spins off from Tomforde’s Windy City Series, and if her other works shimmer with the same magic as this one, my TBR list is about to expand tremendously. Emmett and Reese’s love story swept me away; it was invigorating to witness a romance blossoming between a man in his forties and a woman in her thirties, both unexpectedly finding love. Emmett is fiercely committed to his career as a field manager and devoted to his family, while Reese passionately embraces her role as the new owner of the baseball team, breaking barriers as the only woman in her field. As their chemistry ignites, they must skillfully navigate the complexities of their careers alongside their burgeoning relationship. It was so enthralling, I couldn’t tear myself away!

BOOK 25 OF 2026📚

IN HER OWN LEAGUE

BY: Liz Tomforde

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

THRONE OF NIGHTMARES

Okay, this might be a different perspective, but I found that while Throne of Nightmares didn’t resonate with me as deeply as the other two books, it still offered a wonderful experience! The characters didn’t captivate me in the same way, but there were delightful moments throughout. Although the relationship between the brothers was less prominent this time, it allowed for new dimensions in the story. The various “stories” we explored sometimes took a bit of adjustment, but it was intriguing to navigate alongside the characters. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and the character development of Sloth and Lore was beautifully executed. Definitely a must-read!

BOOK 24 OF 2026📚

THRONE OF NIGHTMARES

BY: Kerri Maniscalco

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

THRONE OF SECRETS

I just devoured the next book in the exhilarating Prince of Sin series, and let me tell you, these gems can stand proudly on their own! This installment, centered around Gluttony, has captured my heart like no other. The electric push and pull between Axton and Adriana is the epitome of a love/hate relationship, igniting my emotions with every page. The story kicks off with Axton (the captivating Prince of Gluttony) hosting a tantalizing contest reminiscent of The Bachelor, all to divert attention from the ominous secret shadowing their court. Meanwhile, Adriana, a tenacious journalist, won’t rest until she unravels the truth. With her sister competing and her own tumultuous connection with Axton complicating matters, the narrative is a riveting whirlwind! And let’s not overlook the underlying cause of the tension—trust me, secrets and deceit permeate every twist and turn of this gripping tale. I utterly fell in love with the characters; it’s undeniably a must-read!

BOOK 23 OF 2026📚

THRONE OF SECRETS

BY: Kerri Maniscalco

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

THRONE OF THE FALLEN

This was my first book by Kerri Maniscalco, and I was utterly captivated by it! People have been comparing it to Bridgerton, and while there are indeed parties and carriages, I truly didn’t feel that vibe. The story immerses you in the gripping tale of a demon Prince of Sin, Envy, who finds himself entangled in an exhilarating game he must conquer to save his court. To unravel one of the tantalizing clues, he is compelled to enlist the help of a captivating “mortal,” Camilla. But everything is not as it appears! Who and what exactly is Camilla, really? Can they triumph in this perilous game? And what secret desires does the enigmatic Unseelie King harbor? This enthralling narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, leaving you breathless as two disparate worlds collide. You’ll be left wondering, will they or won’t they?

BOOK 22 OF 2026📚

THRONE OF THE FALLEN

BY: Kerri Maniscalco

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

COURT OF HEATHENS

What the heck did I just read? I totally want that time back I wasted on this book. I seriously thought about DNFing it, but I can’t just do that to a book, you know? I kept hoping it would eventually get better. Honestly, I slapped a 3-Star rating on it because GoodReads doesn’t let you do quarter or half stars; if it did, I’d go with 2.5 at best. The story was all over the place—yeah, there was a plot, but it took a backseat to all the spice. Just picture the female main character chilling with a demon (who was my fave), a god, and a monster all rolled into one. And you know what I mean by “chilling.” But hey, if that’s your thing, go for it! It’s definitely got some unique stuff to learn from. But if you’re like me and crave a solid plot and character growth, you might wanna search for something else.

BOOK 21 OF 2026📚

COURT OF HEATHENS

BY: K.A. Knight

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

BLOODY BLACK

This was such a fun surprise! It’s a totally different spin on the pirate Blackbeard. In this version, Blackbeard is actually a former princess out for revenge against the men who rapped and killed her, and her husband who stole her throne. It’s an awesome retelling where she juggles being a pirate captain with her quirky crew as they sail the seas seeking payback, all while rescuing women and kids along the way. But here’s the twist—she starts developing feelings for one of her captives! It’s a wild story about how far someone will go for revenge and the lives they might leave behind. So, is it really worth it in the end?

BOOK 20 OF 2026📚

BLOODY BLACK

BY: Rhiannon Hargadon

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

FEBRUARY 2026 BOOKS

In February, I may not have read as much as I had hoped, but I still conquered eight books, maintaining a consistent reading habit. I made it a point to read every day, diving into at least a chapter or two. My standout read of the month was undoubtedly Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross; the poetic prose truly captivated me.

5-Star Reads⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4-Star Reads⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3-Star Reads⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026ReadingChallenge #GoodReads #February2026Books #Fable #ReadingWithRese