14 Books Coming Out in January That You Need on Your 2023 Reading List

Rachel Hawkins's electrifying mystery "The Villa" takes place in an Italian manor with a murderous backstory. Lifelong best friends Chess and Emily have felt a growing fracture in their friendship since hitting adulthood. In an effort to revive their friendship, they decide to take a trip to Italy together. Upon arrival, Emily is enthralled by the villa's history: it's where the grizzly 1974 murder of up-and-coming rockstar Pierce Sheldon took place. As Emily's investigation sparks ideas for her writing, Chess struggles to hit her stride in her own work, bringing tension to their would-be idyllic trip. Emily's suspicions of foul play in Sheldon's death might be put on hold, because with her star on the rise and her friendship fraying, the villa may see history repeating itself.

Release date: Jan. 3

In Deepti Kapoor's seductive novel "Age of Vice," a fatal car crash sets off a remarkable chain of events within the wealthy society of New Delhi. With five killed in the accident, the police accuse Ajay, a servant of a powerful, wealthy family who can't explain the events of the evening. Meanwhile, Ajay's employers enjoy the spoils of power and influence. They include Sunny Wadia, India's wealthiest heir who hopes to step out of his father's shadow. Neda, a journalist, gets pulled into Sunny's opulent lifestyle while writing an exposé about the corruption of the rich. When she uncovers Sunny's role in the horrific accident, she sees just how far the Wadia family's power reaches — and how quickly they could take down people like her and Ajay. Kapoor invites readers to question how far they're willing to go for their vices in this seductive crime novel that tackles themes of greed, power, and integrity.

Release date: Jan. 3

After finding massive success on #BookTok with her STEM-centered romances, Ali Hazelwood combines her three best romances into one collection in "Loathe to Love You." At the core of Hazelwood's romances are three women in STEM careers finding unexpected love with their competitive peers. "Under One Roof" boasts a charming tale of an engineer and a lawyer stuck as roommates, "Stuck With You" traps academic rivals in a New York City elevator, and "Below Zero" brings high stakes as it follows an engineer trapped in a freezing research center with only her nemesis willing to make the dangerous journey to find her. Hazelwood gives readers an extra treat, adding an exclusive bonus chapter to the special release.

Release date: Jan. 3

In Leigh Bardugo's "Ninth House" sequel, "Hell Bent," the paranormal adventures of drug-dealer-turned-Ivy League-student Alex Stern continue. Alex is under strict orders from the higher-ups at the magical society Lethe House: under no circumstances is she to attempt to rescue her mentor, Darlington, after he was condemned to Hell. Never one to follow the rules, Alex knows the cost of getting her best friend back is heading into the underworld and getting a soul, but the feat sounds easier than it actually is. Risking her life and the safety of Lethe House, Alex's attempt at bravery may cost her and her allies everything. Leigh's expansive worldbuilding and dynamic cast withholding their mysterious intentions make "Hell Bent" a gripping read throughout.

Release date: Jan. 10

"Friday I'm in Love" is an absolutely joyous YA coming-of-age novel from Camryn Garrett. Mahalia Harris always wanted to have a big sweet 16, but since that never came to be, she plans something even better: a big coming-out party! Coming out to her friends and family as bisexual at a massive party wearing a cute dress is now all Mahalia can dream of, but reality is getting in the way. She's struggling to make money and to discuss financial disparities with her best friend, all while desperately trying to get the new girl, Siobhan, to notice her. Altogether, the party is feeling less like a celebration and more like a failure by the day. But no matter what's in her bank account or who is by her side, Mahalia is determined to come out and make the special moment perfect.

Release date: Jan. 10

"All the Dangerous Things" by Stacy Willingham follows a grief-stricken mother willing to put her pain on display in exchange for answers about her missing baby. One year ago, journalist Isabelle Drake went to bed and woke to find her baby missing from his crib. Despite telling the police everything she knows, they have no leads, and — growing desperate for answers — she accepts an offer from a true-crime podcaster hoping to shine new light on the case. Questions about her past awaken truths Isabelle has tried to ignore and reveals the answer to her biggest question may have been with her all along.

Release date: Jan. 10

Heather Darwent's hair-raising debut, "The Things We Do to Our Friends," calls into question who one can really call an ally. When Clare arrives at school in Edinburgh, she plans to bury her past and reemerge a shinier new version of herself. This version of Clare is drawn to the enigmatic Tabitha and her circle of popular and equally mysterious friends. When they invite her to be a part of her circle, Clare can't refuse the alluring request. But Tabitha and her friends are working on something and need Clare's assistance. Once Clare realizes the insidious intentions hidden behind their perfect smiles and rich clothes, it may be too late for her to leave. Besides, if this is the life she's always dreamed of, she will have to pay for it.

Release date: Jan. 10

Prince Harry, Duke of Essex, offers readers an earnest look into his life as part of the British monarchy in his memoir, "Spare." The death of his mother, Princess Diana, was a devastating world event, but it was a moment of immense loss for Harry. Opening up about that vulnerable period in his life and its long-lasting effects on him and his family, Prince Harry gives readers a look into the life of a royal, including navigating overwhelming media presence, immense grief under the limelight, and learning to love after loss. In a rare and intimate peek behind the curtain, Prince Harry highlights his extraordinary upbringing and how it shaped his character today.

Release date: Jan. 10

"Really Good, Actually" by Monica Heisey follows a young woman trying to keep up appearances as she tackles dating and sex as a recent divorceè. 29-year-old Maggie never expected to be divorced at such a young age, but her husband, Jon, took his things and hasn't been in contact with her since he left. Struggling with the sudden heartbreak, Maggie attempts to find herself by taking on a plethora of hobbies, scrolling dating apps, going out with whomever she wants, and staying up until the wee hours of the night eating her favorite foods. But no matter where Maggie goes, the ache of loneliness is there to find her. With the help of her friends, Maggie will navigate the first year after her divorce with humor and tenderness. Heisey's comedic and sage depiction of life and love's unexpected pitfalls is heartwarming.

Release date: Jan. 17

Horror fans will be excited for more fearsome literature from Grady Hendrix, author of "My Best Friend's Exorcism" and "The Southern Book CLub's Guide to Slaying Vampires." In "How to Sell a Haunted House," Louise returns to her small Southern town after the death of her parents to prepare for the house to be sold. Returning home means dealing with the ghosts of her past, including her younger brother, who she reconnected with after a wounding incident. But family secrets and old grudges aren't the ghosts Louise needs to concern herself with: something is living within the walls of her childhood home that doesn't want her to sell this house, and nothing will stand in its way, including the family that lives in it.

Release date: Jan. 17

Helena Hunting will break your heart and put it back together in her romance "Make a Wish." When Harley Spark was still a nanny, she made a massive mistake in almost kissing her widowed boss, Gavin Rhodes. When he suddenly moved away without a trace, Haley took that as her cue to start moving on with her life and is now working with her sisters at the Spark Hotel. However, a serendipitous meeting at one of Harley's events brings her and Gavin back together, and all of the feelings she thought she'd long buried come flooding back. Despite changing so much, Gavin still recognizes everything he loved about Harley back when she nannied for him, and this time he won't let past hurts and fears let this perfect woman get away.

Release date: Jan. 24

"Georgie, All Along" by Kate Clayborn is a unique love story. Former celebrity assistant Georgie Mulcahy is back in her hometown after she loses her job. Struggling to come up with hopes and dreams of her own, Georgie is reinvigorated by the discovery of her teenage diary, and she plans to use it to help forge a new direction in her life. A series of mishaps lands her with a new roommate, Levi, the school bad boy-turned-solemn homebody, who surprisingly is willing to help Georgie on achieving the activities on her list. As Georgie works through her childhood self's aspirations, she comes to realize what present Georgie needs to thrive, which might include her solitary new friend.

Release date: Jan. 31