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

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.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 MentionedCozy Mysteries:Death al Dente by Leslie Budewitz The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie AlexanderSticks and Scones by Ellie AlexanderKilling Me Soufflé by Ellie AlexanderThe Diva Takes the Cake by Krista DavisDeath of a Country Fried Redneck by Lee HollisDeath of the Kitchen Diva by Lee HollisThrillers:We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda The Storm by Rachel HawkinsAnatomy of an Alibi by Ashley ElstonRomance:The Grumpiest Billionaire by Pippa GrantStill Into You by Erin ConnorIt Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren BlakelyIn Her Spotlight by Amy SpaldingPicnics and Promises in the Strawberry Fields by Victoria WaltersThe Cherry Crush Flower Shop by Harper GrahamMistakes Were Made by Lucy ScoreMysteryThe Primrose Murder Society by Stacey HackneyNon-fictionAll Consuming by Ruby TandohParks and Rec by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong5⭐ 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 thoughtsJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!