This semester has been exceptionally busy, and I’ve realized—somewhat belatedly—that I’ve fallen quite behind on updating my reading blog. Looking back, though, February was an outstanding reading month. I finished 12 books in total (7 audiobooks, 2 on Kindle, and 3 in print), and the quality was just as impressive as the quantity. Seven of those reads earned 5-star ratings (you can spot them in the “Yes” column above), while three were middling and two ended up being disappointments.
Let’s start with the latter—both of which may be slightly unpopular opinions.
- Game Changer by Rachel Reid, the first installment in a wildly popular MM hockey romance series (and the inspiration for the HBO adaptation Heated Rivalry), began with promise. Unfortunately, it quickly gave way to an overwhelming number of explicit scenes, with only a minimal plot holding them together. I’m not opposed to spice in romance, but it needs to serve the story. Here, it felt excessive and ultimately came at the expense of character and narrative development, which made it difficult to stay invested.
- Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe, another reader favorite, is a dystopian romance that had me genuinely hooked for about two-thirds of its length. However, the ending didn’t land for me. It felt forced, overly drawn out, and inconsistent with the story that had been built up to that point. The resolution lacked believability, and as a result, I don’t plan to continue with the series.
On a much more positive note, February also delivered some truly standout reads.
Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher was, without question, the highlight of the month. In fact, for readers who love Gone with the Wind, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Set in Alabama during the final days of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, it tells the story of an enslaved family navigating a rapidly changing world. It’s a sweeping, deeply moving family saga—powerful, immersive, and unforgettable. A new favorite for me.
Vigil by George Saunders is a short but deeply impactful novel. A modern reimagining of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, it follows a powerful oil executive on his deathbed as he confronts the consequences of his life’s choices. It’s thought-provoking and quietly haunting—I still find myself thinking about it months later, and I already know it’s a book I’ll return to.
All in all, February was an excellent reading month—one that more than made up for my recent blogging lapse.
