AD/Aff – Some of the following links are affiliate links and will be marked with an asterisk (*). You can read my disclaimer here.
Each month, I set a target to read three books, and in February, I managed to exceed that by reading four. Three were physical copies, two of which I borrowed from a friend and one that I already owned. The other book was an eBook from the Borrow Box library app. The books I read in February range from 3.5 stars to my first 5-star book of the year.
I’m Not Lazy, I’m on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail, translated by Clare Richards
Storygraph synopsis:
When you are exhausted, anxious, tired, all-consumed, or feel lazy, the unwelcome emotion of guilt often creeps in. It creates a quicksand, trapping you and making you feel as though you should be working harder. But in a world obsessed with work and productivity, I’m Not Lazy, I’m on Energy Saving Mode highlights how resting and ‘being lazy’ shouldn’t be seen as a weakness or a character flaw but as an important process of recharging.
After years of battling with depression and lethargy, Dancing Snail realised the importance of rest and taking care of our minds when we feel low. On days you don’t feel motivated, are going through a slump, or simply feel like doing nothing, this book, written in short-form chapters and charming illustrations, provides you with the antidote we all need and gives you radical permission to take the break you don’t feel you deserve.
Blackwells* | Bookshop* | World of Books
What I thought:
I saw this book on my library app in January and thought it sounded intriguing, so I reserved it. It was very easy to read, largely due to the comic style of the book. While I found it a good book, I thought it would cover burnout and fatigue rather than mainly depression. This is the type of book which would have been good for me to read 5 years ago. It isn’t the type of book I tend to read anymore, but I would recommend it to those who suffer from mental health issues.
My rating:
⭐⭐⭐.5
Beach Rivals by Georgie Tilney
Storygraph synopsis:
Clare thought that by now she would have her life figured out. Instead, she’s living with her parents, working a job she hates and has absolutely no idea what she wants to do with the rest of her life.
When she sees a viral job advert for a three-month bookseller position on a Bali beach, she jumps at the chance. But it’s not until she arrives in Bali that Clare realises she won’t be working in the bookshop alone.
Instead, she’s sharing the bookshop – and a flat – with a handsome but infuriating American man. Jack is Clare’s opposite in almost every way, and it’s not long before they’re driving each other crazy. But fighting with Jack is also the most fun Clare’s had in years, and it’s only a matter of time before their relationship turns less than professional…
Blackwells* | Bookshop* | World of Books
What I thought:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it made me dream of warmer days at the beach! I love a bookshop storyline, so it was lovely to read about Clare and Jack working together to get the bookshop back to making a profit. A slow-burn romance isn’t normally my cup of tea, but I enjoy reading the enemis-to-lovers trope. I also like it when the side characters have mini stories of their own, which this book had as well. Overall, it is an enjoyable, lighthearted summer romance.
My rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Continue reading: What I read in February 2025
Degrees of Engagement by Jennifer Hennessy
Storygraph synopsis:
Bianca Dimitriou has attended countless bridal showers, bachelorette weekends and destination weddings for her friends and family. But when they all fail to show up to celebrate her PhD, she realises it just isn’t a milestone they value.
Angry, sad and yes, a little drunk, Bianca decides a fake engagement to brooding classmate Xavier Byrne is the perfect revenge. It’s only supposed to last long enough to prove her point. But when her loved ones’ reaction to her ‘engagement’ is everything Bianca was afraid of, she’s tempted to let it go on just a bit longer. . .
The tension that’s always simmered unspoken between them morphs into a very real attraction, but with Xavier’s work about to take him halfway around the globe, Bianca can’t forget that it’s temporary. When the time comes to give up their charade, will they be able to give up their feelings just as easily?
Blackwells* | Bookshop* | World of Books
What I thought:
I’ve had Degrees of Engagement on my TBR list since it was published, so I was excited when I found out that my friend had a copy. I love the fake dating trope and reading about women in STEM in fictional books. I enjoyed both aspects of the book but just felt like something was missing, and the ending was a little inconclusive.
My rating:
⭐⭐⭐.5
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Storygraph synopsis:
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Blackwells* | Bookshop* | World of Books
What I thought:
I absolutely adored this book! I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book, but my friend lent me the book and persuaded me to read it. I tend to read fiction books quite fast, and she told me this might be more of a slow read, but I read it in 24 hours! I really enjoyed reading about each of Evelyn’s seven husbands, as well as Monique’s own backstory. I’d really recommend this even if it isn’t what you would usually read. This was my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book, but I’m already wondering which I should read next.
My rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What books did you read in February?
Caroline ♡
I loved Evelyn Hugo and so glad to see that you did too! I like the sound of Beach Rivals so will see if my library has it. ☺️
Thank you!
What a great list! These look like great books to read while we’re still going through the last push for winter. Thank you for these recommendations!
Thank you Andrea 🙂
I have not read any of these books, so it was great to see your thoughts on them, they all seem to be decent books. I can understand why you liked The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo so much!
I’ve actually bought Beach Rivals for an upcoming holiday – I can’t wait to read it!
Rosie
I’ve heard great things about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and I’m glad that you enjoyed it as well. I’ve been in a reading slump, so I’m excited to pick that one up. Great reviews and thanks for the recommendations!
Last year I read Malibu Rising my TJR, I’d love to read ‘Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I’ve heard a lot about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and it’s on my TBR, so it’s great to hear you enjoyed it! I’ve been reading The Housemaid series, and I read The Housemaid’s Secret in February, and it was my favorite book from that month!
Ooo, I very much like the sound of the I’m Not Lazy book and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo! The seven Husbands one is my kind of read for sure. You’ve read a lot in February! I listened to a few Audiobooks, my favourite was Every Last Secret 😍