I’ve set up my year of reading with a theme each month. February is 👩🔬 Love Lab.
The main reads are The Love Hypothesis by @alihazelwood & Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
Originally, like all months in 2026, I had chosen three books for February. However, I removed the nonfiction title from the lineup after finding that the author appeared in “The Files”. So, let me take this opportunity to say that I don’t support harm, exploitation, and the devaluing of human beings. I’ve experienced firsthand what happens when organizations protect wrongdoing. I lost a lot by walking away from an entire life in an organization that said they denounced it, but proved otherwise through their actions. And I treasure the people in my life, including my brother and first and second-generation immigrant friends, whose cultures and friendships make my world richer and more beautiful.
So now that that has been said. Let’s talk books. Because one of the many great things that books do is allow you to explore ideas and lives outside of yourself. My message will always be one of love. Love is the only thing more powerful than hate.
Love is more than romance. Although that is a wonderful part of it! There is also self-love (body and mind), family love, love of your fellow humans, the environment, and of course @adventurewithremington has a birthday in February, so Lab(rador) Love 🥰🐕
By this point in winter, I’m usually really feeling the months of cold weather and mostly grey skies. A smart, funny romance novel is sometimes just the antidote.
The Love Hypothesis
I ended up reading The Love Hypothesis in a weekend. It is better in my opinion, than many traditional romance novels. While the plot is easy to follow, it isn’t an afterthought. It’s the main chat in my Fable group if you’d like to join. Fair warning, there is open-door romance, so know that going in before picking up a copy from your local library or bookstore.
While we are being honest about February reading, yes I also read some spice-forward books. *cough* Barbarian Alien. It’s honestly a little embarrassing for me to talk about. But I have decided to be upfront about reading it, because a lot of people are ashamed of wanting to read romance, and you shouldn’t be! And I’m finally reading Gild by Raven Kennedy to see what all the fuss is about! Several of my online bookish friends say it is their favorite romantasy series.
Also in my stack is Daughter of the Moon Goddess, which is YA or new adult. It has family and romantic love, no spice. It is inspired by Chinese mythology. The descriptions of the scenery and clothing paints a very vivid mental picture. The magic system is solid. The battle scenes are exciting (if a little underdeveloped) and it is a very fun ride so far.
Frankenstein
Now for the opposite end of the Love Lab spectrum.
Frankenstein examines creation and destruction, responsibility and neglect, longing and rejection. At its core, it is a story about what happens when love is withheld.
It is not an easy read. The classics usually aren’t. But they endure with good reason.
They invite us to read between the lines, beyond the literal words on the page. They ask us to wrestle with themes, ethics, and consequences. This is kind of literacy, the ability to interpret and not just consume, matters!
I’m making sure to continue flexing those brain muscles. If you want to read along with me for any of the classics this year, there’s a chat room for Frankenstein in Fable too!
February’s Love Lab isn’t just about romance or tragedy. It’s about examining what love creates — and what happens in its absence. It’s about curiosity, responsibility, connection, and choosing what we support. Whether you’re here for academic fake dating, gothic moral dilemmas, dragon queens, or aliens with questionable anatomy… you’re welcome in the experiment. Read widely. Think deeply. Love boldly.
Living Wildly Well 