32 Books Later… My Best & Worst Reads of 2026 so far!

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I read 32 books in Q1 2026—and I’m breaking down the cozy mysteries, thrillers, romances, and standout 5-star reads you need on your radar.

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest reading recap from the first quarter of the year, including what worked, what didn’t, and the books I’m still thinking about. From bingeing cozy mysteries in Puerto Rico to discovering new favorite romances and thrillers, this is your inside look at what’s worth adding to your TBR.

📚 Books Mentioned

Cozy Mysteries:

• Death al Dente by Leslie Budewitz
• The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
• Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander
• Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander
• Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander
• The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis
• Death of a Country Fried Redneck by Lee Hollis
• Death of the Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis

Thrillers:

• We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda
• The Storm by Rachel Hawkins
• Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

Romance:

• The Grumpiest Billionaire by Pippa Grant
• Still Into You by Erin Connor
• It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely
• In Her Spotlight by Amy Spalding
• Picnics and Promises in the Strawberry Fields by Victoria Walters
• The Cherry Crush Flower Shop by Harper Graham
• Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score

Mystery

• The Primrose Murder Society by Stacey Hackney

Non-fiction

• All Consuming by Ruby Tandoh
• Parks and Rec by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

5⭐ Reads:

• Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills (Mystery)
• Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Women’s Fiction)
• The Heir by Sophia Travers (Romance - KU)
• Hunter’s Treasure by Olivia Jackson (Romance)
• Before We Wake by Sophia Glock (Graphic Novel)
• This Story Will Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum (Thriller)

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro + Q1 reading recap overview

[01:00] – Cozy mystery binge in Puerto Rico

[02:00] – Books that didn’t work for me

[03:00] – 4-star cozy mysteries

[03:30] – Thriller recommendations

[04:30] – Cozy mystery series I loved

[05:00] – Romance reads (billionaire, rockstar, small town)

[07:00] – Cottagecore + flower shop romances

[08:00] – Mother-daughter mystery rec

[09:00] – Nonfiction reads

[10:00] – Small town romance highlight

[11:00] – 5-star reads overview

[13:30] – First graphic novel experience

[14:30] – Thriller with immersive audio

[15:00] – Wrap up + final thoughts

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