March’s Book of the Month box felt like the true kickoff to my 2026 reading year. There’s something about that early-spring selection that always sets the tone for the months ahead and this one delivered a little bit of everything: buzzy literary fiction, emotional contemporary, twisty suspense, and a few add-ons that were impossible to ignore. Even the books I skipped had me hovering over the “add to box” button for far too long.
Reminder that if none of these are speaking to you this month be sure to check out some of my Most Anticipated New Releases lists. If you’re looking for add-ons to put into your boxes, be sure to check out my BOTM add-on recommendations, which I update every couple of months.
MARCH MOST ANTICIPATED
SPRING 2026 MOST ANTICIPATED
BOTM ADD-ON GUIDE
March 2026 Picks
March Add-ons
My Picks
I only have a full review up (so far!) for one of my add-ons, but it was a standout: Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams. This was my first book by him and my first 5-star read of 2026. I absolutely devoured it. The tension? Relentless. The pacing? Unputdownable. After finishing it, I immediately picked up No Exit and Hairpin Bridge this month as well, and while I loved diving into his backlist, Her Last Breath was hands-down my favorite. If you’re looking for a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat thriller, I can’t recommend it enough.
Her Last Breath Review
As for the main picks, the only two I don’t already own is Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I’ve just not been in a heavy literary fiction mood lately, so I decided to skip it for now.On the other hand, This Story Might Save Your Life has incredible early reviews. I tried (and failed) to snag an ARC, so I immediately made it my pick for the month but of course ended up getting an ALC (Advanced Listening Copy) and LOVED it! Not mad about having a physical copy.
This Story Might Save Your Life Review
I also tried (and failed) to get my hands on Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter as an add-on. While I’m typically a dog person, the reviews for this one are fantastic, and the cozy magical vibes had me instantly adding it to my box.If you’re looking for something emotional, No Matter What by Cara Bastone is said to be a true tearjerker. Someone whose reading taste aligns almost perfectly with mine absolutely loved it, so it’s high on my radar if you’re in the mood for a good cry.
Kin by Tayari Jones is also already generating rave reviews, which doesn’t surprise me at all.And then there’s Just Friends… which, according to pretty much everyone I know who’s read it, is “meh.” Not terrible, but not a must-own either, maybe more of a library borrow situation.
Lastly, for my BFFs, don’t forget to add you Lolly nominee to your box this month. You do have to get a box this month to get the free book, so don’t miss out! The only nominee I’d read for Wild Dark Shore, it’s the one I voted for but since I already have a copy I opted to get Bury Our Bones in Midnight Soil. I’ve been wanting to read it and this is the perfect opportunity to grab a copy!
That’s what’s in my box this month! Did we pick any of the same books this month? Let me know in the comments below, over on my Instagram HERE, or on my TikTok HERE.