February may be the shortest month, but the Bookmatters team made the most of every single page! Whether we were spiraling into dark thrillers, swooning over fantasy romances, unraveling literary mysteries, or getting existential with deep nonfiction, our reading lists were as wildly varied as our coffee orders (and trust us, that’s saying something). If you're on the hunt for your next TBR obsession, take a peek at what kept us glued to our books this month—just don’t blame us if your stack of unread books mysteriously doubles overnight.
📖 Isa’s February Reads – Literary Fiction & Thoughtful Exploration
Isa’s reading list this month featured compelling contemporary fiction that dives deep into relationships, identity, and the complexities of human connection:
- Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld – A sharp, insightful story about ambition and self-discovery in a prestigious MFA program.
- When We Grow by Angelica Baker – A beautifully written novel exploring the intricacies of friendship, motherhood, and personal growth.
- First Time Caller by BK Borison – A sweet, witty romance that perfectly captures the charm of unexpected love and heartfelt conversations.
🔪 Jordan’s February Reads – Dark & Thrilling Page-Turners
Jordan kept things intense and suspenseful this month with high-stakes mysteries and dark psychological thrillers:
- Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter – A gripping, twisted thriller that unearths long-buried secrets within a family shattered by tragedy.
- In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy – A haunting, lyrical exploration of grief and resilience wrapped in a suspenseful, gothic narrative.
- The Initiation by Nikki Sloane – A dark and provocative romantic thriller packed with power, secrets, and shocking twists.
📚 Bailey’s February Reads – Fantasy, Memoir & Spiritual Reflection
Bailey embraced a blend of magical storytelling, deep introspection, and graphic memoir in February:
- Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett – A whimsical, enchanting journey into folklore, academia, and fae magic.
- Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell – A thought-provoking dive into spirituality, connection, and the wonder of existence.
- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel – A deeply personal and beautifully illustrated graphic memoir exploring family, identity, and self-acceptance.
🗡️ Kenzie’s February Reads – Speculative Fiction & Feminist Storytelling
Kenzie’s book choices spanned literary fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, highlighting bold narratives and fresh perspectives:
- Sarahland by Sam Cohen – A daring and imaginative collection of stories centered on queer identity and reinvention.
- Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor – A thought-provoking sci-fi novella questioning power, storytelling, and who gets to control the narrative.
- Swordheart by T. Kingfisher – A humorous and adventurous fantasy featuring unexpected romance, sentient swords, and unforgettable characters.
🌿 Amanda’s February Reads – Fantasy, Romance & Horror
Amanda’s selections took her on an emotional rollercoaster, from romantic fantasy to coming-of-age drama and eerie horror:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – A beloved fantasy romance full of magic, political intrigue, and swoon-worthy tension.
- Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine – A moving coming-of-age story that explores love, loss, and the power of self-discovery.
- Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman – A chilling, thought-provoking horror novel that lingers long after the final page.
✨ Final Thoughts: TBRs, Crying in Public, & Book Hangovers
February hit us with emotional gut punches, plot twists we didn't see coming, and just the right amount of magical escapism. Some of us may have ugly cried into our tea, while others spiraled into conspiracy theories about book endings—all in a month’s work for dedicated readers. Now, as we turn the page to March, we’re ready for even more wild bookish adventures. Have you read any of these? Drop your thoughts (or therapy session notes) in the comments, and let’s talk all things books, feelings, and fictional crushes! 📚✨
