#secretlifeofabookblogger

February felt a little shorter (because it literally is), but somehow I still packed in a solid mix of romances, thrillers, and a few surprise favorites. I leaned into seasonal vibes, Valentine’s reads, and a couple binge worthy backlist picks that completely delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up — plus a peek at what I’m excited about heading into March.

ICYMI: February Highlights

February Book Recommendations

A mixed genre roundup of love stories, twisty suspense, and a few books that genuinely surprised me in the best way.

→ Read the full list here

Full February Reading Wrap Up

All the stats, standouts, and quick hit thoughts.

→ See the wrap up here

I also shared:

• Books to read if you’re missing the Winter Olympics

• Romance books that feel like a Valentine

• An audiobook starter guide

• A 2016 vs. 2026 Bookstagram post to celebrate 10 yearsof reviewing (!!)

A Few of My Favorite Reads in February

Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris

This one absolutely wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s devastating and tender, layered and deeply human — a story about grief, survival, found family, and what it truly means to begin living again. Leigh’s journey is heavy with trauma, but the way healing slowly unfolds on that Alabama flower farm felt thoughtful and earned. It’s character driven fiction at its finest.

The audiobook experience elevated this story to something unforgettable. Narrated by Tracie Thoms, Dionte Black, and the author herself, the performances were immersive and emotionally precise. You can hear every crack in Leigh’s armor. This would be such a powerful book club pick — it lingers long after the final chapter.

→ Read my full audiobook review here

Whisper Sweet Nothings by Laura Pavlov

The perfect send off to Rosewood River. Winnie and Archer were EVERYTHING. Single dad x nanny tension? Elite. Banter? Top tier. The Chadwick group chat? Completely unhinged in the best way.

This had humor, heart, spice, small town charm, and the sweetest emotional core. Melody stole my heart, and that extended epilogue? I devoured it. Laura Pavlov truly writes single dads like no one else, and I would happily live in Rosewood River forever.

→ Read my full review here

Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles

Romantic suspense done right. Emotional depth, high stakes tension, layered mystery, and a slow burn romance rooted in trust and vulnerability. Brae as a fiercely protective single mom added so much weight to the story, and watching Dex with Owen melted me.

The twists absolutely got me (again), and the groundwork laid for future books has me fully invested. Catherine Cowles just knows how to balance danger and devotion.

→ Read my full review here

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

Returning to the Briar universe is pure serotonin for me. Nostalgia, next gen chaos, group chats, emotional growth — it’s everything I want from this world.

Wyatt and Blake’s slow burn tension was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The chemistry? Off the charts. And while it’s wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight in a way that feels real and grounded. I’m fully obsessed and will never get tired of visiting this universe.

→ Read my full review here

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Turn Off the Light by Jacquie Walters and it is creepy AF. Dual timelines, haunted house energy, women separated by four hundred years, and something in the walls? I’m unsettled in the best way.

• Listening: Served Him Right by Lisa Unger I’m about to start this one and I’m so ready for messy brunch drama, secrets, and revenge.

• Watching: Season 2 of Paradise on Hulu. I’m a HUGE Sterling K. Brown fan and this show is excellent.

What’s Next

Honestly? I’m fully in my mood reading era right now. No strict plan, just vibes.

You can definitely expect:

• A spring themed reads post soon

• More carousels, guides, and random themed lists whenever inspiration strikes

• Continued 10 year anniversary throwbacks and celebratory content throughout the year

Thank you for being here! Whether you read every post, tap through a carousel, or just lurk quietly in the background. I appreciate this little corner of the internet more than you know. 🤍

I was tagged by both Martin at A pretty wonderful book and Amanda at Hanging with Amanda. Thanks so much for the tag guys! If you haven’t checked out their blogs, please do.

The object of the tag is to answer the questions, then nominate 5 more bloggers who you’d like to get to know a bit more about by them answering the same questions.

How long have you been a blogger?

Only about 6 weeks now but I’ve been reviewing books on Amazon and Goodreads longer. I really love having a place where I can connect with other book lovers!

At what point do you think you will stop?

Umm never hopefully! I really enjoy book blogging and I feel like I’ve found something I’m really passionate about. I hope to keep sharing my book related opinions for a very long time.

What is the best part?

Being able to talk about books with like minded people. I’m constantly adding to my TBR and that’s fun as well. I love reading other bloggers reviews of the same books I’ve reviewed. It’s interesting to see if they had similar thoughts and it’s also nice to see others viewpoints even if they differ from mine. Oftentimes it makes me really see a new perspective and opens up new discussions and questions.

What is the worst part?

Not being able to ever feel like I’m completely caught up. I swear everyday there are tons of ideas for new posts or just five new books added to my TBR. It’s never ending!

How long does it take you to find/create pictures to use?

Not long usually. If I’m making one it’s less than a few minutes. I’m trying to get more creative about posting better pictures to go along with my posts.

Who’s your book crush?

At the moment, no one. Honestly, I’ve been reading a lot of thrillers so those characters aren’t very crush worthy haha. Otis in Phantom Limbs is so sweet but as its a YA book and he’s a teen I feel creepy adding him as a crush.

What author would you like to have on your blog?

Oh man, so many! Gillian Flynn, Liane Moriarty, Emily Giffen, Jodie Picoult, Tana French, Karin Slaughter, Sophie Kinsella, James Patterson, Harlan Coben, this list goes on and on. Really any author that I’ve read and enjoyed their book. I would love to pick their brains!

What do you wear when you write your blog?

Whatever I’m wearing for the day! I’m very casual, I don’t dress fancy very often. I’m a stay at home to three kids under 7 and nice clothes and sticky little kid hands do not mix well!

How long does it take you to prepare a post?

Depends on the type of post. Tags and memes usually not too long, less than a hour. Reviews take longer as I want them to be of quality content. I take notes while reading a book for review so it takes some time to organize my thoughts. I usually try and do them in one sitting so I would say a few hours tops, more if I get interrupted.

How do you feel about the book blogger community/culture?

It’s amazing! So warm, welcoming and supportive, I’ve been blown away. There are so many of you that have been sweet and engaging and I appreciate it immensely.

What do you think one should do to have a successful blog?

Post content that you believe in and are passionate about. Don’t be swayed by what others are posting or saying. So what if someone loves a book that you didn’t? Post your opinion too. I love hearing various viewpoints. Be committed. It will take time, consistency and patience for all of us to have successful blogs.

My nominees:

Taylor at Taylor Reads Books

Annie at The Misstery

Lottie at Novellique

Fernanda at Mystery Date With a Book

Ayustika at That Bibliophilic Cauldron

This was fun thanks again for the nominations!