February Recap

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. 🤍

September Wrap Up

I started out September with a bang with this one!

I adored this contemporary romance, such a fun series! 

This one was just ok for me, I liked the storyline and loathed the characters.


This one was a pleasant surprise as I wasn’t too sure how I would feel after seeing some other reviews.

I liked this one even though it was less thrilling than I anticipated.

This one kept me up late at night and was very, very, addicting!

This one was a dark and gruesome thriller, really good!

I liked this one and was really pleased this is the first in a long series.


Only Daughter fell flat for me.


I was a part of the blog tour for this cute cozy mystery.


This one surprised me in a good way!

This was absolutely brilliant, one of my top reads this year.

This was a simply lovely book! Carol Wyer is also so sweet and dear, I can see why her characters are also so kind.

I’m a huge fan of Buchanan and this was another great read.


This was a fun read to put you in a festive mood!


Karin Slaughter is one of my favorite authors and this book just shows me why.


This was a great read with plenty of surprises.

I was blown away by this one. It’s a must read.

This one was fantastic and so different!

This one was forgettable and only mildly entertaining.

This was was cute, I just didn’t really connect with it.


I’m a huge fan of this series and loved the audiobook of the latest installment.

I loved this one and am definitely going to be checking out Eskens other work.

I participated in the blog tour for this one and really liked this book.

This one fell a little flat for me I’m afraid, but I’m still excited to continue on with the series.

And finally I loved this one, great way to finish off the month!
Overall all September was a fantastic month on Novelgossip! I read some awesome books and had some great posts besides book reviews. I participated in several blog tours, which I love! And I had the pleasure of having a few great authors here for Q & A’s. I’ll link them below in case you missed them. I also started a Saturday Shoutout series where I highlight people, books and other bloggers that I feel deserve some special recognition. 

Q & A’s:

Eva Lesko Natiello author of The Memory Box
Molly McAdams author of Show Me How
Katie Fforde author of Recipe for Love
Paula Garner author of Phantom Limbs 
Claire Seeber author of The Stepmother and my first Saturday Shoutout! 
I also participated in #30Authors and had the pleasure of hosting author Colleen Shogan. There’s still a little time to enter the giveaway for a chance to win her latest book, Homicide in the House.

October is jam packed and I have some exciting stuff planned for the month that I can’t wait to share with you guys! How was September for you?!