Bookish Goblin Wrapped: February Reading Wrap-Up

February was a quick month for me, with life and work taking priority, so it wasn’t as reading-heavy as usual. That being said, I still read a total of four books, all of which were contemporary! Although mostly contemporary romance, I managed to sneak in one of the most popular thrillers of the past couple of years. All in all, it was a lighter reading month with some good—and some not-so-great—reads!

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

Having been an Ali Hazelwood girl for life, I was practically foaming at the mouth to get my hands on Deep End. Unfortunately, even though I wanted to love this book so badly, I ended up hating it. Between the characters who all gave me varying degrees of ick, and the primary romance being reduced to the characters’ sexual interests as their only defining features, I just couldn’t get into it. Sure, it’s Ali’s spiciest work yet, but for me, the whole thing was super meh. Do I think you should read it? Probably. The whole internet seems really into it, so maybe I’m just alone on my island here. It didn’t turn me off of Ali Hazelwood or anything—I’m still eagerly gnawing at the bars of my enclosure until Mate comes out this fall.

📝➡️ Read my Deep End Summary and Review.

🏊🩱Grab your own copy of Deep End here!

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Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

When I first read Butcher and Blackbird, the first book of the Ruinous Love trilogy, I was thrilled about this fresh spin on Romantic Comedies. It was gory, gross, and borderline unhinged—so basically, a great time, if you’re into that sort of thing. The follow-up, Leather and Lark, was kind of a letdown, but Lachlan alone made it worthwhile, despite how insufferable Lark was. So, I felt apprehensive heading into the third book, Scythe and Sparrow, yet optimistic because Rose and Fionn’s adventure spans the timeline of the first two books, offering potential for something exciting and new.

Unfortunately, my hesitation was warranted. While this installment does everything the first two books did well, it also does only that. I was really hoping for something novel, but instead, it’s essentially the same story told for the third time, which just didn’t do it for me. That said, Fionn and Rose are arguably the best characters of the entire series, so if you don’t mind the repetition, you’re still in for a great—and VERY spicy—time.

📝➡️ Read Scythe & Sparrow Summary and Review.

🎪👨🏼‍⚕️Grab your own copy of Scythe & Sparrow here!

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The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

After being heavily disappointed by my first two contemporary romances of the month, I was in desperate need of a genre shift. I’ve been meaning to jump into thrillers—since I usually gravitate toward fantasy—and I’m so glad I took the plunge with Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid. This book is fast-paced and action-packed, despite taking place almost entirely within the confines of a townhouse. It keeps you on your toes and constantly guessing. I was promised a twist, and while I was sure I knew exactly what it would be, I was COMPLETELY wrong. When it finally happened, it itched my brain in the most satisfying way. If you’re looking for a captivating thriller that’ll leave you guessing “who the hell did it?”, this is the perfect introduction to the genre.

I will definitely be reading more thrillers, especially if they’re written by Freida McFadden.

📝➡️ Read my The Housemaid Summary and Review.

🚪🦷Grab your own copy of The Housemaid here!

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The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy

After being thoroughly disappointed by two contemporary romances this month, I was hesitant to jump back in—but I’ve been meaning to read The Dixon Rule before The Charlie Method comes out. I should’ve known Elle Kennedy would never steer me wrong. This book is the perfect combination of giggly, spicy, and wholesome.

Shane is such a golden retriever boyfriend that he immediately claimed second place among my Briar U universe book boyfriends. Diana starts off as insufferable, but once you get to know her, she carves out a space in your heart.

And the spice? Immaculate. This book, ironically, did everything Deep End tried to do—without even trying. Power exchange relationships are explored effortlessly (🥵🌶️) and curiously, and the entire story is layered with heavier trauma you wouldn’t expect from a hockey romance. Either way, this book restored my faith in contemporary romance when I needed it most, and I cannot wait to read The Charlie Method.

I will definitely be reading more thrillers, especially if they’re written by Freida McFadden.

📝➡️ Read my The Dixon Rule Summary and Review.

🏒💃Grab your own copy of The Dixon Rule here!

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What am I reading in March?

That’s all I have for February! I know this post is a little late and March is already well underway, but here’s what I’m planning to read this month in case you want to read along.

After being so deep in contemporary reads, my March TBR is focused on heavier books, with a mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and a sprinkle of romance.

I’m a vibe reader, so you never know when I’ll divert from my TBR, but you can always follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m up to!

My march TBR in case you want to read along:

🧙‍♂️⚔️ The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo: It’s time to read about magic during the Spanish Inquisition!

🌙🔥 Reign and Ruin by JD Evans: I cannot wait to dive into this Ottoman Sultanate-inspired fantasy romance world—spoilers, it’s /r/fantasyromance’s third favorite series of all time!

🚪🌌 Elantris by Brandon Sanderson: We’re back in the Cosmere, baby!

🕊️🌒 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: My first Kristin Hannah! I’m so excited for this historical deep dive.

🏒💘 The Charlie Method: After The Dixon Rule, I just can’t stop myself.

🐉🌙 When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker: I’ve gone a whole month without dragons, and I can’t take it anymore.

💎⚔️ The Jade City by Fonda Lee: Godfather with magic? Hello? Sign me up NOW.

Have you read any of these books? Let me know in the comments! 📖✨ And sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when I finish any of these and post my reviews!