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Saturday, January 31, 2026

January 2026 Book Reviews #bookreview #books #amreading #readingcommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I hope you've had a wonderful January. I've started it off with some great books. Last year, I read 33 books, and I'm hoping for a repeat this year. 


Genre: Vampire Romances

Pages: 531

Book Blurb:

Vampire warriors in black leather and tattoos.
Passionate love stories that pierce the heart.
Dark nights filled with drama, chaos, and epic battles in the shadows of Caldwell, NY…

And then there are the unicorn pajamas. And the Tootsie Pops.

Welcome back to the world of the iconic, #1 
New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. With millions of devoted readers across the globe, these unforgettable books have redefined paranormal romance. Now, to celebrate two decades of the Brothers, author J.R. Ward opens the door to their world once more.

Inside this all-new 
20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide, Ward reflects on the journey—sharing behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt memories, candid writing advice, and insight into the challenges and triumphs of her long and legendary career. She also brings back the original Brothers in a mix of classic content and never-before-seen material, including:

• 
A brand-new novella, Happy Anniversary– Revisit Wrath and Beth as they reclaim the time lost between them. Tender, erotic, and emotional, this story returns to the couple who started it all—and proves that happily ever after doesn’t always come easy.
• 
Brotherhood updates, as J.R. interviews the Brothers to reveal where they are now.
• 
Fan-favorite features like Ask a BrotherVishous’s Agony Aunt ColumnKitchen Corner with Fritz, and Bella’s Books.
• 
Playlistsmonthly horoscopes, and more.

This keepsake collection is more than just an insider’s look—it’s a love letter to the fans, the world, and the unforgettable characters that have made the 
Black Dagger Brotherhood
 a genre-defining phenomenon. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just now feeling the pull… this book is for you.

My Review:

I remember reading the first edition of this book many years ago and loved it. This edition did not disappoint. This book is broken into different sections to cover all aspects of BDB. For those who weren't part of her newsletter, there were sections of V and Mary's advice column, which I have always loved. Their banter is awesome, and I love seeing the world happening outside of the books.

There were sections that I browsed through, like Lassiter's horoscopes and Fritz's recipes. I read my horoscopes, but didn't really read the rest, and I'm not much of a cook, so I skipped through those. I'm sure for people who enjoy cooking, that section will be valuable. I loved Ward's book review section. I've added several to my TBR list. As a writer, I also enjoyed her writing advice. 

I especially loved the beginning and ending. I love how humble JR Ward is. I met her in person at Cinci '25, and she's the real deal. She's humble and kind, and she hasn't let all her success get to her head. There are many reasons why she has an incredible fandom, and her gratitude for her fans is definitely one of them. 

The other main reason is the BDB world she has created, and the story at the end of the book was amazing! Ward doesn't skip the hard times; she thrives in them. Beth was put through hell when Wrath was missing, and with his return, that pain becomes more complicated. Seeing his leelan's pain, Wrath makes the only decision he can - he gives up the throne. The flashbacks of events that happened over the 30 years were both heartbreaking and touching. The scenes of Beth in the attic reminded us of their great love. And the ending had all the feels I'm used to experiences from these books. If you enjoy the BDB world, then highly I recommend this book. You won't want to miss the story at the end.



Genre: Religious Mysteries

Pages: 227

Book Blurb:

This book considers the plight of Lost Souls. These people lost their way in their lives, and when death finally arrives, they are easy prey for the demons of Hell. They may fear their condemnation or think themselves unworthy of Heaven. The demons make matters worse by denying those souls the opportunity for salvation. They force their souls to live desperate lives in what they believe is our world. They can be murdered for no reason, but as spirit, they never truly die. The demons can inflict agony on them throughout time to satisfy Lucifer.

This story is also about a group of people who come together in a group session, led by a renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Joshua Adams. Each person in the group has unique abilities to sense the lost souls and even to communicate with the angels of God. Ultimately, their task is to rescue as many lost souls as possible, thereby weakening the power of the Evil One.

The Land of Lost Souls is a spiritual fantasy. The author does not imply this is how Heaven and Hell work. As the author of several faith-based fantasies, this book is a look into how our lives and souls are led to our ultimate choices. None of us will know the true answer until we pass to spirit. Pray we all choose rightly.

My Review:

This was a great story combining religion and fiction. Simon has a unique gift of seeing lost souls. His family thinks he has psychological problems, so they take him to another psychologist. This one just happens to have a group with skills similar to Simon's. With his new friends, Simon sets out on a mission to keep the Evil One from destroying the balance between good and evil. Simon faces many obstacles, but his faith helps him to defeat them all.

This is a wonderful story that encourages people to stay steadfast in their faith no matter the struggles. There were a few typos but nothing that ever tore me away from the story. It is great for children and teenagers; it is written so they can read it independently. As an adult who enjoys young adult stories, I found this one worth the read. :-)



Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction

Pages: 118 pages

Book Blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward’s The Wedding From Hell is an exclusive three-part prequel to her standalone suspense novel Consumed. Taking us back to where it all started, arson investigator Anne Ashburn and ‘bad boy’ firefighter Danny Maguire finally explore their connection.

The Wedding from Hell, Part 1: The Rehearsal Dinner: It’s a classic recipe for disaster: Take one bridesmaid who thinks pink is the root of all evil, mix with a best man who’s hotter than a four-alarm fire, add in their explosive sexual attraction, a nightmare bridezilla, two cat fights, and an emergency call, and you have the wedding from hell.

The Wedding from Hell, Part 2: The Reception: As the wedding from hell continues, Anne and Danny find themselves walking the delicate balance between professional distance and explosive attraction. Will the desire they feel last through the night and change their lives? Or are they doomed to part after one night of passion?

The Wedding from Hell, Part 3: Exclusive excerpt of Consumed.

My Review:

This was like a prequel to the full novel. Although very different from her vampire series, I really enjoyed it. The sexual tension between Danny and Anne was fantastic. I love that Anne is a strong female who controls the situation. I am eager to see what happens next in Consumed.


Have you read any great books this month? I'd love to hear from you.

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