January brings a fresh slate of captivating YA books, offering readers everything from thrilling adventures to heart-wrenching dramas. Whether you’re craving historical intrigue, contemporary romance, or fantastical escapism, this month’s releases have something for every taste. Dive into stories of self-discovery, friendship, love, and betrayal, with diverse characters navigating complex worlds. With fresh voices and compelling plots, these books promise to keep you turning pages well into the new year. From debuts to highly anticipated sequels, January’s YA lineup is brimming with promise, ready to ignite your imagination and provide an exciting start to 2025.

Togetha by Keith F. Miller, Jr.

HarperCollins, $21.99, 448 pages

Togetha is the electrifying sequel to Pritty that will captivate young readers from beginning to end. Reunited after facing life-threatening dangers, Jay and Leroy must now protect their home and loved ones from the powerful Bainbridge family, who seek to reshape Savannah for their own gain. As they scramble to find missing evidence and uncover the Bainbridges’ corruption, they face intense challenges—both from their enemies and their own growing personal conflicts. With a perfect blend of heart-pounding action and emotional depth, Togetha explores young love, loyalty, and sacrifice. A must-read for young adult readers.

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Build a Girlfriend by Elba Luz

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 368 pages

Build a Girlfriend is a charming and funny YA rom-com that will resonate with readers navigating love and self-discovery. Amelia Hernandez is tired of being trapped in her family’s cycle of failed relationships. Determined to break the curse, she embarks on a mission to become the “un-break-up-able” girlfriend by revisiting her exes and learning from her past mistakes. But when she’s forced to reunite with Leon, the ex who hurt her the most, revenge complicates everything. With humor, heart, and relatable themes of growth and self-worth, Build a Girlfriend is a delightful and empowering read for teens.

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A Traitorous Heart by Erin Cotter

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $21.99, 464 pages

In A Traitorous Heart, seventeen-year-old Jacqueline “Jac” d’Argenson-Aunis is a lady-in-waiting at the French court, torn between her loyalty to her best friend, Princess Margot, and her ambition to join a secret spy society, Societas Solis. Amidst political turmoil and the looming threat of war, Jac is tasked with orchestrating a marriage between the Catholic princess and Henry, the Huguenot prince. As Jac navigates espionage, court intrigue, and her growing feelings for the very man she despises, she uncovers dark secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew. This thrilling, suspenseful novel weaves romance, danger, and betrayal with expert precision.

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First Love Language by Stefany Valentine

Penguin Workshop, $19.99, 304 pages

First Love Language by Stefany Valentine is a heartfelt debut that effortlessly combines romance with a deep exploration of identity, grief, and family. Catie Carlson, a Taiwanese American woman, navigates her longing for cultural connection and the mystery of her biological mother while helping her coworker, Toby, learn how to date. In return, Toby teaches her Mandarin, but Catie’s journey of self-discovery soon reveals that understanding love is more complex than she thought. With its relatable characters, emotional depth, and a perfect mix of humor and heart, this novel is a beautiful celebration of love in all its forms.

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All the Love Under the Vast Sky by Kip Wilson, Alexandra Alessandri and More

Nancy Paulsen Books, $19.99, 304 pages

All the Love Under the Vast Sky is a stunning anthology of twelve short stories in verse, showcasing the many dimensions of love—romantic, familial, platonic, and self-love. Curated by bestselling and award-winning authors, these tales span genres and time periods, offering something for every reader. From a forbidden love between two princes in ancient Mesoamerica to a girl learning to love herself after loss and chronic pain, each story captures the complexity of love’s highs and lows. With rich characters, diverse settings, and a perfect blend of myth, history, and contemporary fiction, this collection beautifully celebrates love in all its forms.

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