2026 - Half Year Recs!
Its been a half year where I have really enjoyed reading 4 types of books - and I am going to blame this on hormones and pregnancy. I still managed to read 45 books (thanks to audio and kindle for making this possible) and have weirdly gone into a bit of a dark romance phase as well. I was not able to motivate myself to read through the Women’s Prize shortlist this year, though I did start quite a few of the nominations, I fear my mood needed more plot based stories.
Here is what I am recommending based on your genre focus:
SCI FI / DYSTOPIAN : think otherworldly and futuristic stories with huge world building and political plot lines. High drama and fast paced.
Red Rising (books 1-3) - I inhaled these books. Strong main character - lots of cool world building, a whole cast of well developed side characters. I am hold on finishing the series until the final book comes out...but apparently it takes a darker turn,
Project Hail Mary - The audio is fantastic. I've never had so much fun with so much technical language...for the geek out girls.
Seek the Traitor's Son - A perfect mix of my genre preferences this year. Sci-Fi, Dystopian and a love story too boot. Book 1 in a series so we have a bit more to build into.
CHART TOPERS: wide array of topics, but popular for a reason
The Correspondent - unique story telling and a great host of characters. This book makes me look forward to getting old and all of the mistakes, learnings, and hope that comes with it.
Buckeye - Great multigenerational read that covers small town USA and the fallout of our 20th century wars. I cried - happy and sad tears.
Broken Country - late to the party with this one, but it's a beautiful look at loving people beyond heartache. Deals with very tricky topics in a gentle and life-affirming way. I couldnt put it down.
Yesteryear - worth the hype and talking points but I have found this lands best with Millennials. A real look at the performative and feminist culture of late. The audio is excellent.
Celestial Lights - this book keeps getting better the more I think on it. Its an easy read and not overly complex premise but the underlying themes of ambition and success will stick with you.
Moderation - Witty and a bit weird. I really enjoy the main character energy which is perhaps why I loved this more than some.
DARK ROMANCE : think possessive and frightening male characters, but also ones that are totally devoted and obsessed.
Poison Daughter - Quick read and fantastic main female character that has proper feminine rage and meets a man who can just about handle it.
Daggermouth - a dystopian enemies to lovers with an excellent twist and very strong female characters.
Zodiac Academy - books 1-4 and the original bully romance, but make it youthful. People are out for blood, but its relatively low stakes and easy to read if you like a fast paced, silly Romanatsy, with enemies to lovers, slow burn.
SPORTS ROMANCE: in moderation, these books really soothe the soul.
Off-Campus Series: The Score (#1) and The Deal (#3) : These are the highest rated and follow the plot line of the TV show (which I also recommend). It's classic American collegiate nostaligia - if the boys where built like men and had off the charts emotional intelligence
Windy City Series: The RIght Move (#2) and Caught up (#3). I found these storylines to be the best of the series and you can read them all as standalones with minimal disruption. Quick and easy, light hearted reads with some good romance and tension.
