February’s Most-Anticipated Books

A collage of the covers included in this article

Look no further for your next read. The amount of great new books hitting shelves each month can be overwhelming but we’ve rounded up ten of the buzziest books coming out this February—no matter what genre you’re interested in. If you were approved for any of these books on NetGalley, you can read them directly in your NetGalley Shelf app. Don’t forget to leave a review!

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

We know NetGalley members can’t wait to get their hands on this one—after all the cover is one of the most-liked on the site! In Lucy Foley’s latest, Jess Hadley decides to crash with her half-brother in Paris after leaving her job in England. When she arrives she’s amazed that Ben, an aspiring journalist, can afford such a fancy place and surprised he isn’t there to greet her. But as the days pass and Ben fails to show up, Jess begins to suspect his strange neighbors know more about his disappearance than they’re saying.

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James

The second volume in Marlon James’ Dark Star trilogy arrives on shelves mid-month, leaving newcomers just enough time to catch up on Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Sogolon the Moon Witch was an adversary in the first book, constantly in Tracker’s way as he hunted for the mysterious lost boy. Here, Sogolon shares her version of the tale. Chronicling the history of the kingdom from the time of her childhood on, Sogolon works to set the record straight on her role in what happened to the boy.

The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh

Eva Leigh never fails to deliver romances packed with rompy fun, delicious steam, and compelling characters—so it’s no surprise that the first book in her new series is at the top of our TBRs. Leigh kicks off the Last Chance Scoundrels series with a romance between a society darling who dreams of being daring and a rake who needs to clean up his image. Kieran Ransome’s father is threatening to cut him off if he doesn’t find a respectable bride. His best friend’s younger sister, Celeste Kilburn, offers to help make the proper introductions if in exchange he’ll take her on a tour of London’s more scandalous locals.

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys transports readers to Romania in 1989 in her latest work of YA historical fiction. Under the corrupt dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu, 17-year-old Cristian Florescu hides his rebellious thoughts in a private notebook. But when the secret police find evidence of treason in his notebook, he’s blackmailed into becoming an informant. Cristian must find a way to stay alive without sacrificing those he loves and, if he can, use what he’s learning from the police to help the growing revolution.

Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black

Daniel Black’s epistolary novel delivers an emotional apology from a dying father to his queer son. Jacob hasn’t spoken to his son Isaac in years and here, at the end of his life, he begins to pen a letter to tell Isaac about all of the things that informed the father he was and kept him from being the father he wished he could have been. With praise from Jesmyn Ward and Kiese Laymon, as well as glowing reviews from NetGalley members, Don’t Cry for Me is sure to be on many a TBR this month.

Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow

Looking for thrills this month? Bethany C. Morrow’s social horror novel is certain to keep you turning pages all night long. When Farrah Turner’s family faces foreclosure, she moves in with the Whitman family. She’s best friends with Cherish Whitman, the only other Black girl at their country club, but finds herself envious of the attention Cherish’s adoptive white parents shower on her. As she inserts herself deeper into their lives, Farrah realizes there may be something more to the Whitmans than meets the eye.

Sisters of the Forsaken Stars by Lina Rather

Explore the far reaches of space in the second Our Lady of Endless Worlds book. Lina Rather’s space opera is set decades after Earth’s galactic colonies broke ties to the planet. But now, Earth is attempting to overtake them. Nuns from the Order of Saint Rita witness atrocities committed by Earth’s leaders and, though they’re on the run, rumors of their survival add tinder to a growing flame of resistance against Earth.

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Ashley Herring Blake’s adult debut is a queer romance that’s earned rave reviews from NetGalley members. Photographer Delilah Green is far from joyous to be returning home for her stepsister’s wedding. But when she arrives and bumps into single-mom Claire Sutherland, she realizes the trip may not be that boring after all. Between parenthood and running a business and dealing with her ex, fun is the farthest thing from Claire’s mind—even as Delilah’s teasing starts to tempt her.

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi

YA fantasy fans will want to clear their schedules because the first book in Tahereh Mafi’s new series hits shelves on the first of the month. Inspired by Persian mythology, This Woven Kingdom is set in a world where the Jinn are persecuted by humans and forbidden from using their powers. But a prophecy has predicted the death of the human king and Kamran, the crown prince of Ardunia, is beginning to believe that Alizeh, a palace servant, has a role to play in what has been foretold.

Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

Julia May Jonas’ literary debut is being hailed as provocative and darkly funny. The unnamed narrator is an English professor whose reputation takes a hit after her husband, a fellow professor, is accused of having inappropriate relationships with students. As her husband takes a leave of absence during the investigation, the narrator finds herself obsessively drawn to Vladimir, a young novelist who has recently arrived in town.

Which February release are you most excited for?

Kelly Gallucci

Kelly Gallucci is the Executive Editor of We Are Bookish, where she oversees the editorial content, offers book recommendations, and interviews authors and NetGalley members. When she's not working, Kelly can be found color coordinating her bookshelves, eating Chipotle, and watching way too many baking shows.

1 Comment
  1. Most excited for G.R. Macallister’s Scorpica. Book 1 in the Five Queendoms series. The Queendoms lived peaceably and productively in this matriarchal world until girls stop being born and noone knows why… Mystery, magic and murder ensues! 2/22/22!

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