What to Read if You Already Failed Your New Year’s Resolution

Remember New Year’s Eve, that night when you were so full of determination to start anew in 2024? You declared your New Year’s resolution with gusto, absolutely determined to make this your year to finally get in shape, see the world, fall in love, organize that TBR pile, or actually read that entire TBR pile. Yet, as January has turned into February . . . has your stick-to-it energy waned? Have you already failed your New Year’s resolution?

You’re not alone, but this doesn’t have to be the final failure. Here are the books we recommend to help get you back on track.

If your resolution was to eat fewer sweets, indulge in Love From Scratch by Kaitlyn Hill.

Love from Scratch

Love from Scratch

Rival interns with sizzling chemistry in and out of the kitchen? That’s a recipe for love.

“Sweet and satisfying!” —Jenna Evans Welch, New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato

If your resolution was to go to the gym, get your heartrate up with The Inheritance Cycle and Murtagh by Christopher Paolini.

Murtagh

Murtagh

Master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini returns to the World of Eragon in this stunning epic fantasy set a year after the events of the Inheritance Cycle. Join Dragon Rider—and fan favorite—Murtagh and his dragon as they confront a perilous new enemy!

“Christopher Paolini is a true rarity.” —The Washington Post

If your resolution was to get straight A’s, commiserate with the characters in The Ivies by Alexa Donne.

(Though we don’t advise resorting to their extreme methods for academic excellence).

The Ivies

The Ivies

Enroll in this boarding school thriller about a group of prep school elites who would kill to get into the college of their dreams…literally.

“The Plastics meet the Heathers in this murder mystery about ruthless Ivy League ambition.” -Kirkus Reviews

If your resolution was to take a big trip, get inspired with a charming romance set in an international locale, like Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau.

Kisses and Croissants

Kisses and Croissants

As sweet as a macaron from Laduree, this romantic novel set in Paris about an American ballerina and a charming French boy is parfait! And don’t miss Anne-Sophie’s swoony French Kissing in New York!

If your resolution was to run more, try a thriller audiobook to really give you something to run from, like Wander in the Dark by Jumata Emill.

Wander in the Dark

Wander in the Dark

By Jumata Emill

Coming 01.14.25

In this new pulse-pounding thriller from the author of The Black Queen, two brothers must come together to solve the murder of the most popular girl in school after one of them is caught fleeing the scene of her death.

Feeling down about not yet meeting your goals? Be kind to yourself with positive affirmations, like those found in Jenna Ortega’s book, It’s All Love.

It's All Love

It's All Love

An empowering collection written by Jenna Ortega, the award-winning actress starring in the hit Netflix series Wednesday. These deeply personal stories and quotes are accompanied by beautiful illustrations that explore Jenna’s struggles with depression, experiences falling in—and out of—love, the loss of close family members, and growing up Latina in Hollywood.

Did you find something new to read if you already failed your New Year’s resolution? Find more book recommendations here and get social with us at @getunderlined!

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