The Book Beat - February 2025
Bringing you this month’s bookish buzz, from hot new releases to must-see screen adaptations
Buzzy New Releases
February is stacking up to be a book lover's dream! With so many exciting titles dropping this month, romance is definitely taking center stage (naturally, it is the month of love, after all). But there’s something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for swoon-worthy romance, gripping thrillers, or fantastical adventures. Here’s what’s on my radar:
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (Feb. 4) – A competitive diver and ace swimmer dive into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance. I love Hazelwood’s writing, and I’m diving in ASAP. (#Keepitwhet - I had to, for Ali, iykyk.)
First Time Caller by B.K. Borison (Feb. 11) – Think Sleepless in Seattle, but with a hopeless romantic and a jaded radio host. Cozy vibes, charming romance, and a cover giving major Valentine’s Day energy. Can't wait.
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver (Feb. 11) – The third book in the Ruinous Love trilogy promises more dark, sexy drama. This time, a circus performer and a small-town doctor get tangled up in a deadly (and murderous?) adventure gone wrong.
You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon (Feb. 18) – Katie’s debut novel is already making waves. A sorority girl turned grad student reunites with her high school crush-turned-nemesis, and sparks fly… in both bad and good ways.
Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett (Feb. 11) – The third book in the enchanting Emily Wilde series lands this month. It’s full of magic, a curmudgeonly scholar of folklore, and a charming fae prince.
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli (Feb. 18) – The second and final book in the Crimson Moth Duology is here, and I’ve already pre-ordered it (even though I haven’t read book one yet - Heartless Hunter). If you like witches and revolutions, you’ll want to dive in too.
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall (Feb. 4) – A family retreat takes a dark turn when a woman realizes they’re hiding a terrible secret—and she’s been there before.
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (Feb. 25) – New mom Camilla’s life is turned upside down when her husband vanishes, and breaking news reveals he’s the gunman in a hostage situation. I’m already hooked.
Diana in Love by Jen Besser & Shana Feste (Feb. 4) – In this second book of the Dirty Diana series, a woman reconnects with a man from her past and rediscovers the woman she used to be, based on the #1 fiction podcast starring Demi Moore. The first book is still on my TBR, but I’m excited to get to this one.
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes (Feb. 11) – A contemporary story of a woman juggling a messy family and complicated love life. If you love Moyes’ writing, this one’s a must-read.
People of Means by Nancy Johnson (Feb. 11) – A mother and daughter each seek justice in 1960s Nashville and then later in 1990s Chicago in this gripping tale about family, dreams, and social reckoning.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (Jan. 28) – While it came out in January, this one deserves a mention here. The daughter of a wealthy Black family uncovers a childhood tragedy and its connection to a treasured heirloom in this poignant story from the author of Black Cake. This one is also a Jenna Book Club pick.
That’s just a taste of what’s coming this month, but trust me, there’s even more! What’s on your TBR for February?
From Page to Screen: The Latest in Adaptations
There’s been some exciting book-to-screen news lately, and I’ve got the latest updates on what’s coming to TV and film:
Jennifer Garner Stars in Five-Star Weekend
Jennifer Garner is officially leading the Five-Star Weekend series, based on Elin Hilderbrand’s novel. The project was first announced in April 2024, and now it’s a done deal. I’m really excited to see Jennifer take on this role — she’s the perfect fit for this story.
Bridget Jones Returns in Mad About a Boy
Renee Zellweger is back as the iconic Bridget Jones in Mad About a Boy, the fourth film in the series. It’ll be streaming on Peacock Premium starting February 13, 2025. This time, Bridget is adjusting to life as a widowed single mom in her 50s. Expect a mix of laughs and bittersweet moments — even Hugh Grant says it’s “very sad.”
Annette Bening and Anya Taylor-Joy in Lucky
Annette Bening joins Anya Taylor-Joy in Lucky, an Apple TV+ limited series based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel. Taylor-Joy plays a woman trying to escape her criminal past, while Bening portrays a dangerous mob leader. The premise sounds thrilling, and the cast is top-notch.
Beautiful Ugly Adapted for the Screen
Alice Feeney’s latest novel, Beautiful Ugly, is being adapted into a film. The psychological thriller follows Grady Green, whose wife Abby mysteriously disappears after a phone call. A year later, he spots a woman who looks exactly like Abby in a small Scottish village. I’m already hooked on the twisty premise and can’t wait to see it come to life on screen.
Just a heads-up: Sophie Cousens’ This Time Next Year is finally hitting the U.S. this month! You can catch it streaming for free on The Roku Channel starting February 10—just in time for Valentine’s Day!
That’s the latest in book-to-screen news. If any of these adaptations catch your eye, there’s some exciting viewing ahead!
My BOTM (Book of the Month) Picks
Is there anything better than the sweet, sweet arrival of your BOTM box? That notification ping on your phone—pure dopamine. And then, of course, there’s the big monthly reveal. Not a member yet? You can join here! This month we have seven (typically five) new books to choose from.
Picking just one is a feat in itself. This month, however, I kept it together and limited myself (I’m shocked, too). Here’s what I chose:
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister – This month was tough, but I received an advanced copy of First Time Caller by B.K. Borison, so I could rule that one out. I decided to go with Famous Last Words because the premise really intrigued me, and I’m a sucker for early releases.
Keep the pages turning,
Danielle