Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

For a short month (despite the extra day), I was surprised to look back on all that I read. It was a good reading month that included some MUCH anticipated releases. As 2024 continues, my TBR has only grown from the new releases coming out this year. I can tell, 2024 will hold some of my forever favorites, along with re-reads that will be book slump busters.

One book I read that I’m not going to put on here officially is from my CP Gina Banks. She’s on sub with a novel that I love, and this second one has the same magic. Sending out good vibes an editor snatches her up as an author, because I know you’ll all see her name in lights some day! (Then obviously there was a lot of reading done in my slush pile, but alas, I leave my official list for the published books.)

I read a few regency era romances this month and the first was DON’T WANT YOU LIKE A BEST FRIEND, by Emma Alban. This book came in my Romance Repeat book box by Ripped Bodice, which I recommend for everything to use as a gift one month for your bookish friend, or a splurge if you want to subscribe. It is the BEST treat every month. Also, had this not come in the Romance Repeat box, the cover had me sold. DID YOU LOOK AT IT? ARE YOU IN LOVE?! While I don’t think this is technically regency (it’s Civil War era?!), this historical romance played with high angst not only with the main characters but their parents! I love both love stories, ad felt invested in both! (Two for the price of one so to speak). Lastly, what moved this to the top of my TBR is a review of this book that said something along the lines of, “I didn’t like it because their parents got married and they got together.” The review had me reading this right away and honestly, totally sold the book wrong because we don’t see the parents get married….anywho…read it!

I took a left turn with my next read, and dear reader, it was the correct turn. I love, love, loved BUTCHER AND BLACK BIRD by Brynn Weaver. Is this book for everyone? No. I don’t say that because it’s not a good love story– no…it is. I say it because it’s about two serial killers and the TW page is very, very long. So if you’re squeamish, or have a strong stance on morally grey characters….you know, the ones that kill only the bad guys….maybe this isn’t for you. But it sure was for me and I was thoroughly amused and entertained. I will be reading book 2 100%.

My next read was one I was waiting for with bated breath. I tracked online for it’s arrival, and danced like a mad woman under a full moon when it came. BRIDE by Ali Hazelwood was amazing. Entering the omegaverse with Lana Furguson and staying because of Ali Hazelwood. Listen, I should preface that Ali Hazelwood can probably do not wrong in my eyes. I will read everything she writes and really enjoy how she tells stories, her voice, and obviously her sexy angsty-ness. I am a Hazelwood stan, so take that for what it’s worth when I tell you, I loved it!

Next, I hopped right back into Regency Romance with NE’ER DUKE WELL, by Alexandra Vasti. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This one was full of feminism in a new way that I haven’t read too much before (granted, I’ve only dipped my toe into the McClean or Evie Dunmore universes so bare with me). I loved the stakes, and the wholesome characters and when the steam hit, it HIT. Preorder it now, or mark your calendars for July, 23, 2024 when it’ll be released.

Then, because I was on a regency kick and told my CP friend I wanted something to satiate my book hangover, she told me to go for Francesca’s book. I think this probably also stemmed from the new trailers coming out for Bridgerton Season 3, which ya’ll, I am NOT ready for Penelope Featherington to SERVE WITH EVERY LOOK. Anywho, back to WHEN HE WAS WICKED, by Julia Quinn…I really enjoyed the angst, that is…until there was the part where the MMC tried to pin down Francesca in marriage by getting her pregnant. It just almost pushed the line too far for my comfort. And I LOVE Julia Quinn. Do I get why she did this– yes! It just is something I want to note for anyone that may want to read this, that they may be very surprised with that statement (yes, literally the MMC admits to it). With that being said, if Netflix keeps the Bridgerton franchise going, I would LOVE to see what Shonda has in store for Francesca. I think the pining for ones cousin’s wife could be so incredibly angsty. Remove the whole child rearing thing and there could be some good television and a great love story to unfold as grief is processed by both cousin and widow.

My last read of the month was one I savored. Nikki Payne’s SEX, LIES, AND SENSIBILITY is just like masterclass in so many things. I can tell from the characters Nikki creates that I want to be friends with her. I love her characters, with their very real type of flaws and banter. Rarely do I fall in love with a story that is SO REAL, yet also able to escape into it because the love lifts me up and makes me giddy. As far as my take on how it stays true to the original… I don’t know because I’ve never read Sense and Sensibility. Now I’m going to hide away from shame that I haven’t.

How was your reading month in February?