Simply put, what are you manifesting for your TBR pile or publishing this year?

Elyse: I actually halved my reading goal from last year and unsubscribed to a lot of social media stuff regarding books. I feel like I got caught up in a lot of hype for not great books last year and that I consumed a lot without enjoying or processing it.

My goal this year is to slow my reading down and be more mindful about what I’m reading and why.

Amanda: I want to make a concerted effort in building an audiobook habit. I signed up for a stitch-a-long and my new office will have space to do some small crafts, so I’m hoping to listen to audio during those activities rather than watch YouTube.

In terms of genre, I am always trying to manifest more historical fantasy or paranormals. I want gritty romance a la Bec McMaster and Kristen Callihan. Cozy is having a moment and I think it’ll continue this year, but selfishly I’d love to see more variety in tone.

Claudia: I’m manifesting more historical romance with non-titled MCs and non-Regency settings, and make it racy, please. And could someone either “fix” or breathe new life into film and book classics and make it a romance book? So many to choose from…

Lara: Claudia, that’s a great one!

I’m manifesting the return of my reading time. I have a seven week old baby and I really miss all that reading offers me

Kiki: I am seconding manifestation for more historical fantasy/paranormal and more non-titled main characters in historical romance! Personally I am also manifesting the ability to keep track of my reading better this year. Last year I made it to (drum roll please…) January 15! Aiming for a little longer this year, maybe even a whole month?

Sarah: I have been thinking about this all day. I love this question!

I am manifesting more blends of romance and mystery, especially historical, especially, as Kiki and Claudia said, historicals with a wider cast of characters than titled people running about.

I also want to manifest more genre fiction translated into English please! I really liked The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai, and I have The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang on my audio-TBR.

Also I love this question. Thank you, Amanda!

Tara: I can’t think of anything in terms of genres or tropes. I’m mainly manifesting fewer book bans, with more big publishers taking up lawsuits as needed.

Sarah: THAT TOO.

Shana: I want more queer main characters in my (book) life. Only 9% of my 2024 reads had bisexual protagonists! What a bummer. Can we manifest a bevy of Black bi books for me?

Tara: Ooh, I want that too, Shana!

Shana: Bisexual books for everyone!

Carrie: I have a simple request: well-written books that hold my interest.

Sneezy: Yay bisexuals! I also want more monster romance.

Do you want to see more werewolf romances? Want to try to whittle down backlist titles? Tell us all your hopes and dreams for your reading in 2025!