As we head into February, I wanted to share a curated list of books I’d confidently recommend right now. These are reads I recently finished and loved—spanning thrillers, romance, and emotionally driven fiction, and each one left a strong impression for different reasons. Whether you’re in the mood for something tense and unsettling, heartfelt and character focused, or simply immersive and fun, this list offers a little of everything, without the guesswork.

Every book on this list is one I’ve already finished and genuinely enjoyed. No DNFs, no hype reads I’m unsure about later. Just a solid mix of page turners, slow burn character studies, and romances that delivered both chemistry and heart. I’ve linked each book individually below, with a full roundup list at the end for easy browsing.

Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart — Emma Simmeman

This wildly entertaining debut blends dark humor, campus drama, and escalating suspense into a story that’s both campy and surprisingly sharp. When a college senior’s former flames begin turning up dead—and she’s already written eulogies for them—the line between satire and danger starts to blur fast. It’s juicy, messy, and fully aware of how toxic relationships can spiral into something much darker.

Check it out here

It’s Not Her — Mary Kubica

Mary Kubica delivers a chilling, slow unraveling thriller set against the eerie calm of a secluded lake resort. Told across dual timelines, this story thrives on atmosphere and suspicion, gradually revealing how little anyone truly knows about the people around them. The tension builds quietly but relentlessly, making it impossible to trust a single character—or assumption—along the way.

Check it out here

Laws of Love and Logic — Debra Curtis

This thoughtful, emotionally layered novel explores sisterhood, grief, and the complicated ways love shapes our lives over time. With a strong focus on character and introspection, it asks whether it’s possible to hold space for more than one great love without diminishing either. A quietly devastating read that lingers long after the final page.

Check it out here

Free Falling — Jill Shalvis

An enemies to lovers romance with real emotional depth, Free Falling brings together sharp banter and unresolved history. As former college rivals are forced to work together, old wounds resurface alongside undeniable chemistry. Jill Shalvis balances humor and healing beautifully here, making this a satisfying second chance romance that doesn’t rush the hard stuff.

Check it out here

Love and Other Brain Experiments — Hannah Brohm

Academic rivalry, fake dating, and career stakes collide in this smart, charming romance that will instantly appeal to fans of Ali Hazelwood. The intellectual sparring is just as compelling as the emotional growth, and the romance unfolds in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. Nerdy, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying.

Check it out here

Just for the Cameras — Meghan Quinn

This rom com leans hard into chaos—in the best way. A grumpy professional football player and a sunshine zookeeper enter a fake dating arrangement that quickly spirals into something much more real. Packed with laugh out loud moments, slow burn tension, and unexpected sweetness, it’s a reminder of how fun Meghan Quinn’s romances can be.

Check it out here

How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates — Shailee Thompson

A slasher rom com that fully commits to its premise, this book turns a speed dating night into a bloody, clever whodunit. It plays with classic horror tropes while maintaining sharp humor and strong final girl energy. Bonus points for the audiobook production, which adds an extra layer of fun to the chaos.

Check it out here

So Old, So Young — Grant Ginder

Following six friends over the course of twenty years, this character driven novel captures the quiet ache of growing older and growing apart. It’s reflective, relatable, and deeply human, focusing less on dramatic plot twists and more on how time reshapes relationships. A subtle but emotionally resonant read.

Check it out here

Ours Is a Tale of Murder — Nora Murphy

This slow burn psychological thriller excels at mounting unease. What begins as a set of seemingly unconnected neighbors gradually tightens into an inevitable, chilling convergence. The pacing is deliberate, the character work sharp, and the payoff deeply unsettling in a way that feels earned rather than sensational.

Check it out here

Still Into You — Erin Connor

A second chance rockstar romance that balances angst with emotional maturity, this story centers on two exes forced back into each other’s orbit by a high stakes interview. With insider glimpses into the music industry and lingering chemistry that crackles on the page, it’s a compelling exploration of love, fame, and timing.

Check it out here

Her Last Breath — Taylor Adams

This survival thriller is relentless. Trapped deep underground, the story creates an intense sense of claustrophobia that never lets up, making every chapter feel urgent. Short chapters and constant escalation keep the momentum high, resulting in a gripping, nerve shredding read that’s impossible to put down.

Check it out here

Good Intentions — Marisa Walz

A provocative psychological suspense debut that examines grief, fixation, and moral ambiguity. When two women cross paths in a hospital waiting room during moments of personal tragedy, their connection becomes increasingly unsettling. This is the kind of quiet, creeping story that tightens slowly and asks uncomfortable questions about empathy and desire.

Check it out here

This Book Made Me Think of You — Libby Page

Tender and comforting, this book explores grief, healing, and the way stories connect us during our hardest moments. With a gentle, bookish tone and emotional warmth, it’s the perfect choice for readers who want something reflective and soothing without being overly sentimental.

Check it out here

For easy browsing, here’s the full list of February reads in one place.

If there’s a theme running through this month’s reading, it’s emotional payoff—whether through high tension thrillers, smart romances, or character driven stories that linger quietly after the final page. If you’ve read any of these or have a recommendation you think I should try next, I’d love to hear it.

More monthly reading recaps and book recommendations are always on the way!