💌 February Reviews 💖
February 1st-28th
In February, I read 18 books with 3706 pages. I found many new favorites which are: Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett, A Flowering of Ink by K. L. Noone, and The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo.
Hope everyone enjoyed what they read this month! Happy Reading. 📖
Book 18: The Book of Delights: Essays
By Ross Gay
Read February 1st
Pages: 288
Release Year: 2019
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I loved Ross's first book of delights as much as I did his second last year. Such a wonderful way to start the month and I look forward to reading more of his books during the rest of the month. His books make you want to enjoy even the small aspects in life and find what can be considered “delights” even when it feels hard to do so in the world we are living in.
Some of my favorites of his essays are:
Some of my favorites of his essays are:
~ "Remission Still"
~ "Umbrella in the Cafe"
~ "Fishing an Eyelash: Two or Three Cents on the Virtues of the Poetry Reading
~ "Ambiguous Signage Sometimes
~ "Heart to Heart"
~ "Tomato On Board"- Loved this one so much
~ "The Marfa Lights"- Hilarious
~ "Umbrella in the Cafe"
~ "Fishing an Eyelash: Two or Three Cents on the Virtues of the Poetry Reading
~ "Ambiguous Signage Sometimes
~ "Heart to Heart"
~ "Tomato On Board"- Loved this one so much
~ "The Marfa Lights"- Hilarious
Book 19: This Winter
(Heartstopper, #4.5)
By Alice Oseman
Read February 7th
Pages: 102
Release Year: 2015
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A beautiful novella which is about the Spring family's Christmas after Charlie comes home from the psychiatric hospital. They all just want to have a "normal" Christmas even though that is challenging with everything going on. I definitely recommend reading this after reading Heartstopper Volume 4, so you have context. The story is told from Tori, Charlie, and Oliver's perspectives, which I loved. It also has Alice's beautiful illustrations.
Book 20: Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds
Read February 7th
Pages: 306
Release Year: 2017
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February 7th, 2026 reread:
One of the most beautifully heart-wrenching books I have ever read. Jason Reynolds' lyrical writing is so stunning. This was even better the second time around.
April 19th, 2020 read:
Novels written in verse have always been my favorite. The whole idea of this, a boy in the hood combined with A Christmas Carol, is just incredible. This novel was so beautiful and heart-wrenching. It had me in tears by the end. Jason Reynolds is such a great author and I can't wait to read more of his books.
One of the most beautifully heart-wrenching books I have ever read. Jason Reynolds' lyrical writing is so stunning. This was even better the second time around.
April 19th, 2020 read:
Novels written in verse have always been my favorite. The whole idea of this, a boy in the hood combined with A Christmas Carol, is just incredible. This novel was so beautiful and heart-wrenching. It had me in tears by the end. Jason Reynolds is such a great author and I can't wait to read more of his books.
Book 21: For Every One
By Jason Reynolds
Read February 8th
Pages: 102
Release Year: 2018
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An inspirational letter to the dreamers written as a poem. Jason's lyrical writing is beautiful. I highly recommend his audiobook which he reads himself. It added so much to the experience.
Book 22: This Wretched Beauty
By Elle Grenier
Read February 9th-10th
Pages: 304
Release Year: 2026
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The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my favorite classics. I find the story absolutely brilliant and I have wanted to read a more outwardly queer retelling of it for years. So, This Wretched Beauty was a book I have been highly anticipating ever since I first heard about it last year. I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
The discussions on art and the depictions of artists were some of my favorite scenes. Basil was a highlight for me in this book. Also, the gothic feeling atmosphere added a chilling aspect to the story which fit so well with the plot. I love how Elle Grenier described the painting, especially after the changes.
Dorian's portrait is obviously the most important visual from this story and that plays interestingly into Dorian's self-image. This book keeps the philosophical discussions and the themes of vanity, superficiality, and being one's own destruction from the original. Dorian is quite a different character this time around. This Wretched Beauty shows their journey to self-discovery though they were not as active as I would have liked in their story.
We are in Dorian's mind the entire time and there is a disconnect because of the many scenes we don't see. The author states the reasoning behind this at the beginning of the book, but it did take me out of the story.
I'm not sure what I think about the ending. It's hard to go into this book not thinking of how utterly brilliant the original's is and this pales a bit in comparison. I don't believe this book needed an ending quite like that but I wish it fit more with the book and Dorian's actions.
I probably had too high of expectations going into this book, though I did enjoy it quite a bit. Elle's writing is beautiful and I love the discussions on gender identity/being one's true self.
*Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Elle Grenier for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
The discussions on art and the depictions of artists were some of my favorite scenes. Basil was a highlight for me in this book. Also, the gothic feeling atmosphere added a chilling aspect to the story which fit so well with the plot. I love how Elle Grenier described the painting, especially after the changes.
Dorian's portrait is obviously the most important visual from this story and that plays interestingly into Dorian's self-image. This book keeps the philosophical discussions and the themes of vanity, superficiality, and being one's own destruction from the original. Dorian is quite a different character this time around. This Wretched Beauty shows their journey to self-discovery though they were not as active as I would have liked in their story.
We are in Dorian's mind the entire time and there is a disconnect because of the many scenes we don't see. The author states the reasoning behind this at the beginning of the book, but it did take me out of the story.
I'm not sure what I think about the ending. It's hard to go into this book not thinking of how utterly brilliant the original's is and this pales a bit in comparison. I don't believe this book needed an ending quite like that but I wish it fit more with the book and Dorian's actions.
I probably had too high of expectations going into this book, though I did enjoy it quite a bit. Elle's writing is beautiful and I love the discussions on gender identity/being one's true self.
*Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Elle Grenier for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Book 23: Harder Than It Looks
(Real Hero Shit #2)
By Kendra Wells
Read February 11th
Pages: 200
Release Year: 2026
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I loved getting to know each of the characters better in this volume especially Michel and Hocus. This time around the group have to separate. It was enjoyable seeing the dynamic between Eugene and Michel. Also, the storyline with Hocus and Ani was very interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next with them.
Love the diversity in this series and seeing this group working together again. I'm hoping the next part of the story comes out soon because I really want to know what is going to happen with the gang. Especially after that ending.
*Thank you to Edelweiss, the publisher, and Kendra Wells for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Book 24: Nobody's Baby
(Dorothy Gentleman #2)
By Olivia Waite
Read February 12th
Pages: 144
Release Year: 2026
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I had so much fun with this cozy science fiction mystery. It was just as great as the first novella in the series. The length was absolutely perfect to tell this story. I loved learning more about the passengers on the HMS Fairweather, especially Dorothy, her nephew Ruthie, and his partner John. I've grown quite attached to them and I am hoping for more mysteries in the series.
Nobody's Baby can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend picking up the first. These are great characters. Also, the audiobook is fantastic. Blair Baker did a wonderful job narrating Dorothy's story.
The mystery dealing with the baby was interesting, especially since the passengers are not supposed to be able to get pregnant. It is told through Dorothy's perspective and it had me laughing quite a bit. Loved the intro when she first finds out about the baby from her nephew. Hilarious.
Cozy mysteries have always been my favorite type of mystery and this book was a great example of one. It also has the science fiction elements that makes it even better. I need to find more books like this.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Olivia Waite for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Book 25: The Poet X
By Elizabeth Acevedo
Read February 14th
Pages: 368
Release Year: 2018
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Absolutely stunning! I loved reading about Xiomara falling in love with Slam Poetry and finding herself along the way. Such a beautiful story. This had me in tears many times. Elizabeth Acevedo does an incredible job showing the power of poetry. I know that I will read anything she writes now.
Book 26: Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter
By Heather Fawcett
Read February 2nd-16th
Pages: 368
Release Year: 2026
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I have not been able to stop thinking about this book since I started reading it, especially Havelock and Agnes's dynamic. My favorite book of all-time is Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones and this definitely had many elements that reminded me of that story.
I love Agnes's character so much. At the beginning of the book, she is dealing with having to find a new shop after her last one was destroyed by magicians, while also dealing with grief from her husband's death. It's hard to find a place to have her cat shelter, because cats are looked down upon in her city.
Eventually, she finds a place with surprisingly low rent and finds out why that is shortly. The landlord of the shop is the Wizard King, Havelock Renard, who is using her charity as a cover for his magic shop. I love how Agnes is always trying to see the good in people even the magician who apparently tried to start the apocalypse. Life has not been easy for her, but she still keeps going. She was a refreshing character who I just adored. Also, I love that she loves all of her cats so much and how attached she gets with them all. Oftentimes, even putting herself in danger to save them.
Havelock reminded me quite a bit of Howl, he even has spiders everywhere and I loved every single scene he was in this book. I loved being able to see his personality from Agnes's eyes. He's a sarcastic man who would rather spend his time down in his magic shop away from mostly everyone. It was great to see him open up with Agnes.
This novel is heavy at times but is also quite funny in others. The depiction of grief was wonderfully executed throughout this book. It had me in tears many times. Agnes is grieving for her husband who died young from a heart condition. She is trying so hard to hold herself together even though everything seems to be falling apart around her. Her determination and love really stood out to me. I loved seeing her relationship with her younger sister Elise. They have such a wonderful bond.
I was drawn into this book because of my love for Heather Fawcett's writing in her Emily Wilde series and because of the idea of a mystical cat shelter. All of the characters made me fall in love with this world and I hope we get more adventures with Agnes, Havelock, Elise, Yannick, and all the cats. This is a wonderful cozy book with a lot of heart. I highly recommend it.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC of this book. Thank you to Heather Fawcett for my physical ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Book 27: Spear
By Nicola Griffith
Read February 20th-21st
Pages: 184
Release Year: 2022
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February 20th-21st, 2026 reread:
This novella is absolutely beautiful. I have been wanting to reread it for years and I finally did with the audiobook. Nicola Griffith's narration of her book is perfect. I highly recommend it.
March 16th, 2022 read (original review was of an ARC copy)
This started out slow for me but once I actually got into the book, it was very good. Stories about King Arthur have always intrigued me and when I read the description for this one it became one of my most anticipated books of the year. I'm so glad to say that I enjoyed this retelling a lot.
The prose was lyrical and absolutely beautiful in every way. I loved the character of Peretur and her journey throughout the book to become part of Artos's court.
I liked the different look at the "Merlin" character in this story and how he was different than any other depiction that I have seen done before. In truth, most of these characters were different than expected which I loved. Especially, the relationship between the Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot characters in the story. Gotta say that it was a great surprise that I have been wanting in an Arthurian retelling forever.
Also, the ending was great. I liked where Griffith took this and how it diverges from what you think would actually happen. My only complaint is that I wanted more from this world and I hope that we will get more eventually.
I highly recommend this queer retelling of the Arthurian legend. It was beautiful in every way. I'm going to have to order a copy of it for my collection, especially after hearing about the illustrations that are going to be in the finished copy. Please if you pick this up read the author's note. I loved hearing about the research that went into her writing this book and where Peretur came from.
This novella is absolutely beautiful. I have been wanting to reread it for years and I finally did with the audiobook. Nicola Griffith's narration of her book is perfect. I highly recommend it.
March 16th, 2022 read (original review was of an ARC copy)
This started out slow for me but once I actually got into the book, it was very good. Stories about King Arthur have always intrigued me and when I read the description for this one it became one of my most anticipated books of the year. I'm so glad to say that I enjoyed this retelling a lot.
The prose was lyrical and absolutely beautiful in every way. I loved the character of Peretur and her journey throughout the book to become part of Artos's court.
I liked the different look at the "Merlin" character in this story and how he was different than any other depiction that I have seen done before. In truth, most of these characters were different than expected which I loved. Especially, the relationship between the Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot characters in the story. Gotta say that it was a great surprise that I have been wanting in an Arthurian retelling forever.
Also, the ending was great. I liked where Griffith took this and how it diverges from what you think would actually happen. My only complaint is that I wanted more from this world and I hope that we will get more eventually.
I highly recommend this queer retelling of the Arthurian legend. It was beautiful in every way. I'm going to have to order a copy of it for my collection, especially after hearing about the illustrations that are going to be in the finished copy. Please if you pick this up read the author's note. I loved hearing about the research that went into her writing this book and where Peretur came from.
Book 28: James
By Percival Everett
Read February 22nd
Pages: 303
Release Year: 2024
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A beautifully written modern day classic that deserves all of the hype it has gotten. Percival Everett has taken the story of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and reimagined it in Jim's perspective (he thinks of himself as James). This is a powerful novel.
Book 29: e.
By Matt Beaumont
Read February 22nd-23rd
Pages: 352
Release Year: 2000
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One of the funniest and most ridiculous books I have ever read. I love how it is entirely told through the emails of workers at an advertising agency and that Matt Beaumont was able to make each voice distinct from the others. You really get to know each of these characters very well throughout the book. This was hilarious.
Book 30: A Flowering of Ink
By K. L. Noone
Read February 24th
Pages: 99
Release Year: 2023
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I adored watching Burne and Devon fall in love through their words. It was enjoyable getting to learn about each of their careers and passions, while also watching them grow attached to one another. This was a beautiful little story that I know I will remember for a long time.
I have to read more of K. L. Noone's stories. This is my second of her shorter works and I just love her writing style so much.
I have to read more of K. L. Noone's stories. This is my second of her shorter works and I just love her writing style so much.
Book 31: Not So Cookie Cutter
By Aidan Wayne
Read February 25th
Pages: 112
Release Year: 2019
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I enjoyed Jerrell and Rafi's story quite a bit. It was a sweet low drama romance that kept me smiling throughout. They were adorable. Though, I couldn't help but wish this was a little longer and fleshed out more. Definitely, enjoy Aidan Wayne's writing and I will be picking up more of their stories.
Book 32: Loud and Clear
By Aidan Wayne
Read February 25th
Pages: 93
Release Year: 2016
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Book 33: Counterbalance
By Aidan Wayne
Read February 26th
Pages: 79
Release Year: 2016
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Book 34: His Birthday Wish
(His Ever After #2)
By Elle Waters
Read February 26th
Pages: 158
Release Year: 2022
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This overall book was just fine. I never connected to either of the love interests and just found the whole misunderstanding at the beginning of this book ridiculous, especially with the conclusion to it.
Book 35: Shadowboxing
By Rowan Mai
Read February 27th
Pages: 144
Release Year: 2021
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