Five Star Friday - February 2025

Five Star Friday is my version of the monthly wrap-up. On the first Friday of each month, I will share my five-star reads from the previous month. Fingers crossed, I have lots of books to tell you about.

This month, I was able to read 25 books, and I had  8 five-star reads. February may have been a short month but there were no shortage of hits for me. 

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Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Published by Dial Press on March 4, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.

Cara Baston continues to tug at my heartstrings with this touching story of grief, healing, and connection. There was a lot of love, and I especially enjoyed being part of Lenny's journey to "live again". 

[review]

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Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
Published by Dell on January 7, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He's the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

I think this is my favorite of the series. Both Jack and Emily was forced to play a role for the sake of their loved ones, so it was wonderful that they could just "be" with each other. I loved their chemistry, their banter, and there was no doubt in my mind that these two belonged together. It was fantastic returning to Rome, revisiting the Walkers, and seeing all the shenanigans around town. 

[review]

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The Favorites by Layne Fargo
Published by Random House on January 14, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating about a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the "real story" through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can't stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she's telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

Inspired by the powerful love and hate that fuel Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, The Favorites is an exhilarating dance between passion, ambition, and what it truly means to win.

This was total delicious drama, and I hung on every word! The recording was very well done and elevated this documentary style story. Highly recommend if you enjoy stories about strong women and elite athletes with a huge dose of drama. 

[review]

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The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
Published by Amazon Original Story on March 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

It's a fact: Abby Jimenez can do no wrong. I love everything she writes, and her short stories are great for holding me over between her full lengths. As always, there was a serious topic at hand which changed the heroine's whole life. I really felt for her, but it was serendipitous that the accidental destruction of the stairs at her apartment gave Charlotte and her neighbor, Seth, plenty of time to bond. As expected, this story was the perfect mix of humor, warmth, romance, friendship, and drama. Keep 'em coming, Abby! 

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Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker
Published by Berkley on March 18, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Goodreads

One fake prime minister, one ridiculously hot handler, and one Italian summer collide in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

Max is just your average girl. She works odd jobs, has a soul-crushing amount of debt, and happens to bear an uncanny resemblance to Europe’s youngest female prime minister, Sofia Christensen. Sofia is powerful, beautiful—and unfortunately, someone is trying quite hard to assassinate her.

When the CIA approaches Max with a deal, a life-changing amount of money if she pretends to be Sofia on the prime minister’s annual Italian vacation, Max packs her bags for the Amalfi Coast. The delicious food, the breathtaking views—this trip would be a dream if it weren’t for those pesky assassins and Flynn, the handler assigned to Max’s case. Flynn, who has an unexpected history with Max, from another sun-drenched summer years and years ago. Now he’s instructed to stay in Max’s suite to protect her, as old passions and assassins collide.

Losing herself in the role of a prime minister is one thing. But losing her heart to Flynn again? Now that’s a risk she isn’t willing to take . . .

Walker does it again! Her young adult books were great, but her adult books are even better! I vibe well with her romantic suspense, and this one had a great premise, great cast, and great location. It was a second chance romance to boot which made it even better for me. 

[review]

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The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on March 18, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling global phenomenon The Light We Lost: a thrilling love story about the roles fate and choice play in shaping a life

It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.

It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.

Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.

But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?

This was a sequel I never expected or thought I needed, but I really did! The Light We Lost left me in a puddle of my own tears. It was heartbreaking, and I welcomed the opportunity to see how Lucy was doing following Gabe's death. The years were NOT easy as Lucy lost a lot more than just Gabe. But she was growing and slowly healing, and this, the tenth anniversary of Gabe's death was a turning point for her. I cried again, but it was a mix of happy and sad tears. 

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Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie
Published by Avon on January 14, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A warm, sexy, laugh-out-loud rom-com about a woman who, desperate for a fresh start, books a literary bus tour across the UK that consists of a lively group of elderly ladies plus one infuriatingly handsome Scottish driver.

UK Bus Trip Goals:

1. Crawl out of pajamas.
2. Get over cheating bastard and his stupid ironed jeans.
3. Have my first real adventure!
4. Achieve stability, strength, and growth.
5. Definitely do NOT kiss any British men.

Alice loves a good list. But careful planning didn’t stop her from losing her job and her fiance in one fell swoop. With her dreaded 30th birthday looming on the horizon, Alice makes the first impulsive decision of her life - booking a flight to the UK for a three-week, all-female, literary bus tour. What could possibly go wrong?

Turns out - everything.

Alice arrives to discover that this tour isn’t what she expected. At all. Instead of cool, globe-trotting thirtysomethings with meaningful tattoos, she finds a rickety, antique bus full of fluffy-haired octogenarians. And to make matters infinitely worse, the tour guide makes her blood boil! And that devilish grin of his tells her he’s dead set on making her trip a misery.

But as they travel from castle ruins to cozy pubs, Alice may just find that she’s got it all wrong. The ladies are vivacious. The book club chat is on fire. And damn if that mischievous smile doesn't threaten to turn her world upside down - and her beloved list right along with it!

Who wants to go on an all women bookish tour of the UK? You cannot see it, but my hand is raised. I had such a great time with Alice and all the "mature" women on this tour who became her friends and support system. Alice was struggling when she acted on impulse and signed up for this tour. 

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Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Published by Knopf on February 11, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

A new Anne Tyler novel destined to be an instant classic: a socially awkward mother of the bride navigates the days before and after her daughter's wedding.

Gail Baines is having a bad day. To start, she loses her job—or quits, depending on whom you ask. Tomorrow her daughter, Debbie, is getting married, and she hasn’t even been invited to the spa day organized by the mother of the groom. Then, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, carrying a cat, without a place to stay, and without even a suit.

But the true crisis lands when Debbie shares with her parents a secret she has just learned about her husband to be. It will not only throw the wedding into question but also stir up Gail and Max’s past.

Told with deep sensitivity and a tart sense of humor, full of the joys and heartbreaks of love and marriage and family life, Three Days in June is a triumph, and gives us the perennially bestselling, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer at the height of her powers

This book started out making me chuckle. It takes place over three days when Gail and her ex-husband, Max, are forced to spend time together. They divorced over 20 years ago, but Max needed a place to stay, and Gail felt like she could not say no. Spending time together had Gail thinking about the past, and when a secret is reveal to her daughter, Gail is forced to reflect on her past. This book ended up being a wonderful surprise! I didn't expect to be left so hopeful and buoyant. It was just a beautiful story of forgiveness, healing, and celebration.  

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Honorable Mention

February was packed with great reading. Here are my honorable mention books. All earned 4.5 stars.

• Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen
• Better Than Revenge by Kasie West
• Starting Over in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson
• Summer at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
• Lulu's Cafe by T.I. Lowe
• The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison
• Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
• Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
• Life Hacks for a Little Alien by Alice Franklin

What were the best books you read last month?
Let us know in the comments!