media consumption journal (vol 2): books, films & tv shows
what I've read and watched and things I've loved in February
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Opening note
This month was a slower one as I stepped back from social media to spend quality time with my family in South Africa. Moving forward, I hope to be more intentional about taking breaks throughout the year, knowing how easily burnout creeps in.
Now, onto part two of my media consumption series—a monthly wrap-up of everything I’ve watched, read, and loved. February had a nostalgic flair, as I revisited childhood favourites alongside a few exciting new releases.
In case you missed out you can view my media consumption journals from previous months here.
Monthly Media Report
What I’ve read
This month was a bit slower compared to January, I finished 4 books in February but I’m still on track to read my goal of 60 books for this year. This month’s reading was a blend of romance and historical fiction. Below, you’ll find my favourite quotes, ratings, and standout tropes from each book.
books
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
“Mostly, I'm afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it”
⭐️ rating: 3.5 stars
📖 book tropes: forced proximity, sports romance, friends to lovers
We all have those go-to authors whose books we’ll pick up without hesitation. For me, Ali Hazelwood is a favourite when it comes to romance, so I was excited to get my hands on her latest release in February. Deep End weaves together sports, romance, and emotional depth in a way that’s unmistakably Hazelwood. While it’s not my top favourite of hers, it’s still an engaging and enjoyable read, with characters that feel authentic and a romance that keeps you turning the pages. If you love obsessive-but-soft heroes, slow-burn tension, and sports romance, this one’s definitely worth diving into.
Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
“As all good and unbearable perfectionists know, if you want something done right, you mostly have to do it yourself.”
⭐️ rating: 2.75
📖 book tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity
A friend who also loves romance recommended this book to me, and of course, I had to pick it up. I’ve read a few of Sarah Adams' books before and have always enjoyed her writing style—she has a real knack for creating lovable characters, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. Beg, Borrow, or Steal was no exception.
In this rivals-to-lovers romance, feuding second-grade teachers—and next-door neighbours—Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett find themselves in an unexpected alliance. Emily, a secret romance novelist, panics when she accidentally sends her manuscript to their school principal, risking exposure. Desperate to get it back, she reluctantly teams up with Jack, her longtime nemesis, who has just returned to town after calling off his engagement. But as their schemes unfold, so do sparks—turning their playful animosity into something straight out of Emily’s own stories.
That said, I ended up rating this one 2.75 stars, partly because I read it while on holiday. Since I was reading in quick bursts, I didn’t feel as invested in the story or attached to the characters. However, if the premise and tropes appeal to you, it’s still a charming and lighthearted romance to cozy up with—whether at home or outdoors.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
“You don't have to be completely healed to be everything I want. To be mine. I want every part of you, you silly infuriating woman. I love the parts of you I haven't even met yet.”
⭐️ rating: 2.5 stars
📖 book tropes: friends to lovers, forced proximity, enemies to lovers
I picked this book up on a whim during a visit to my local bookstore a few months ago but never got around to reading it. Admittedly, what caught my eye was its recognition in the Goodreads Choice Awards—it was nominated for Readers’ Favourite Romance (2024) and even won Readers’ Favourite Debut Novel (2024).
In How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang, two writers with a complicated past find themselves working together in the same TV writers’ room. Helen Zhang, a bestselling author, is battling imposter syndrome and writer’s block while adapting her popular YA novels for television. The last thing she expects is to run into Grant Shepard—the man she hasn’t seen in thirteen years, ever since the tragedy that forever tied their lives together.
Grant, now a successful screenwriter, knows working on Helen’s show is a risky move, but the career opportunity is too good to pass up. As they navigate the charged tension between them, old wounds reopen, and long-buried secrets threaten to surface. With Helen’s parents still blaming Grant for the past, the odds are stacked against them. But as they rewrite their story in real-time, they’re forced to confront the question: is their love destined to fail, or could this be a second chance they never saw coming?
While the premise intrigued me, I ended up rating it 2.5 stars. It wasn’t my favourite romance, and I struggled to feel the chemistry between the characters.
Out of the Woods By Hannah Bonam-Young
“It can sometimes be difficult for me to feel grateful for what I have because I’m thinking about what I’ve lost or what I could lose. I feel directionless, because I don’t really know my own feelings or wants or desires. I just sort of live in some…middle.”
⭐️ rating: 3 stars
📖 book tropes: friends to lovers, second-chance romance
Last month, I read Out on the Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, and it quickly became one of my favourite books of January. She’s an author I hadn’t seen much buzz about online, but her writing style in the romance genre completely blew me away. If you’re looking for a fresh take on romance—one that explores relationships with depth while also capturing the nuances of everyday life—I highly recommend her books.
Out of the Woods follows Sarah and Caleb, a couple first introduced as side characters in Out on the Limb. It was so rewarding to see their story unfold, offering an authentic and deeply relatable portrayal of married life, as well as Sarah’s struggle to find herself outside of her relationship with Caleb.
In Out of the Woods, high school sweethearts Sarah and Caleb Linwood have spent seventeen years building a life together, their bond always steady and unshakable. But when Sarah decides to take on a personal challenge—organizing a fundraising gala in honour of her late mother—without Caleb’s help, her confidence is shaken when the event fails, and Caleb steps in to fix it.
The fallout forces them to confront long-buried doubts: are they still the same people who married at nineteen? Should they be? Determined to salvage their relationship, they embark on a gruelling couples' hiking retreat—despite being completely out of their element in the great outdoors. What follows is a heartfelt and often hilarious journey as they battle the wilderness—and their own fears—to rediscover who they are as individuals and as partners.
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
“If by any chance we do not meet again in this lifetime, then I will find you in the next—or as many lifetimes as it takes to see you again.”
⭐️ rating: TBC
📖 book tropes: TBC
I hadn’t been in the mood for Korean dramas lately, but this month, I unexpectedly found myself binging both old favourites and new releases. That, in turn, led me to A Crane Among Wolves, a gripping historical fiction novel by June Hur.
Set in 1506 Joseon, A Crane Among Wolves follows the reign of the ruthless King Yeonsan, whose unchecked cruelty knows no bounds. Seventeen-year-old Iseul, raised in privilege, is thrust into peril when her sister is taken by the king. Determined to rescue her, she ventures into the capital—only to realise that challenging the throne is a death sentence.
Meanwhile, Prince Daehyun, Yeonsan’s half-brother, has spent his life in the king’s shadow, quietly harbouring dreams of rebellion. When his path collides with Iseul’s, their shared hatred for the king forces them into an uneasy alliance.
I haven’t finished this book yet, but I wanted to include it anyway! I’m hoping to wrap it up by early March, so stay tuned for a full review soon.
If you enjoyed my book recommendations feel free to follow me on Fable for daily reading updates and book reviews. I’ve also got a referral for Fable where you can get a $5 credit to use on an ebook!
February articles & essays
A few of my favourite long-form content I’ve enjoyed reading in February.
Why are young men so hopeless at dating? The rules of romance have changed. Can men keep up?
Are young people really ‘marshmallows’ who refuse to put work first? Yes. And it’s great
What I’ve watched
Films
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) - “A high-school boy, Cameron, cannot date Bianca until her anti-social older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.”
500 Days of Summer (2009) - “After being dumped by the girl he believes to be his soulmate, hopeless romantic Tom Hansen reflects on their relationship to try and figure out where things went wrong and how he can win her back.”
Water for Elephants (2011) - “Jacob takes a job as an animal caretaker in a travelling circus. There he meets Marlena, a beautiful circus performer. Their shared compassion for a special elephant Rosie leads to love, but Marlena's cruel husband stands in their way.”
Tv Shows
House of Dragon (2022 - Ongoing) - “An internal succession war within House Targaryen at the height of its power, 172 years.”
Witcher (2019 - Ongoing) - “Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.”
Sweet Magnolia Season 5 - “Three South Carolina women, best friends since high school, shepherd one another through the complexities of romance, career and family.”
Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3 - “Decades after their 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament bout, a middle-aged Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence find themselves martial arts rivals again.”
Melo Movie (2025) - “A movie buff falls for an aspiring director, igniting a romance that fizzles out too soon. When their paths cross again, can love find its way back?”
Doctor Slump (2024) - “Once rivals in school, two brilliant doctors reunite by chance — each facing life's worst slump and unexpectedly finding solace in each other.”
Feel free to share what you’ve read, watched or listened to this past month in the comments! I always love media recommendations.
In case you missed out…
Here are a few of my most popular posts from February loved by you:
Things that shocked me about South Korea as an Australian expat after living in Korea
Realistic rating of how scary it was to do things alone in my twenties
Part 6 of Articles You Should Read This Week
Here’s my mood of the month:
That's it for now, but you'll be hearing from me soon!
Until next time,
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