Last year, I wrote an article about the best books to read during February. This year, I decided to continue the tradition and add some new recommendations to the list. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
“Once Upon a Broken Heart: by Stephanie Garber:
In December of 2024, I decided to pick up “Once Upon a Broken Heart.” I expected it to be fun and enjoyable. What I didn’t expect was to fall absolutely in love with it.
The story follows Evangeline as she makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts, Jacks. Jacks is cunning and cruel, but something about Evangeline pulls him in. However, there are many forces working against them… including themselves.
I adored this novel from start to finish. I felt like I was in a fairytale and I never wanted to leave.
Between the romance, the fairytale aesthetic and the winter setting, this novel is perfect for Valentine’s Day in every single way.
“Half a Soul” by Olivia Atwater:
When the real world becomes a little too much, there is nothing better than a little regency romance with a hint of fantasy, look no further than “Half a Soul.”
“Half a Soul” follows Dora who has been living with half a soul since a fae king took the other half when she was a child. Dora follows her cousin to London for her debut into society, where she meets Elias, a cold and calculating magician who appears to only care about himself. However, when he meets Dora, they soon realize he might be able to help her find the missing half of her soul.
I devoured this novel in less than 24 hours and it was exactly what I needed at the time. It is also helpful that “Half a Soul” is just over 250 pages, making it quick to get through. The story wastes no time and keeps you hanging on until the very last word.
“Check & Mate” by Ali Hazelwood:
I know absolutely nothing about chess, but reading “Check & Mate” I was still on the edge of my seat rooting for these characters from beginning to end.
Mallory has always had a love of chess, but after her dad leaves, she changes her focus to help raise her younger sisters. But when she goes to a competition to help her friend, she faces off against the reigning champion, Nolan. To everyone’s surprise, she wins.
After they go head to head, Nolan becomes obsessed with the idea of competing with Mallory again. Mallory is forced to come to terms with her opinions and love of chess and decide if she is willing to continue. When she is given the opportunity to make money while competing, she decides to continue. Along the way, feelings between her and Nolan begin to develop.
I am not the biggest fan of Ali Hazelwood, so I went into this with very low expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this novel. The romance was amazing and so was the character development. I fell in love with Mallory and the journey she went through, relating in more ways than one.
