Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

March was a great reading month. Not only did I read a stellar manuscript that I offered on, I was on a high of reading banger after banger.

A big part of the reason I read so much this month was because I utilized audio books more than ever AND I had extra time to listen. On spring break my family and I made maple syrup (sugaring) and that required collecting sap and burning it down ALL DAY. So I listened to a 18 hour book in 2 days (on 2x speed).

So without further ado, here is what I read in the month of March in 2025:

The Favorites by Layne Fargo really was a ride. This to me is the epitome of a book club book because the way I could YAP about this book ALL DAY. WHO WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT WITH ME?! Seriously though. it gave me TELL ME LIES met with some sort of bravo show set in the world of figure skating. Not only did the plot keep me gripped, but it was the perfect balance of figure skating for someone unaware of the nuances of the sport. I physically read this book but have heard the audiobook really elevates the experience.

I listened to ONE DARK WINDOW by Rachel Gillig. This world really grabbed me and I totally see what the hype is about this. It is accessible and different enough to really scratch the itch you may have to fill your fantasy needs (with a good dose of romance). Beware for those of you who don’t like them– there is a cliff hanger of sorts and I am 78th on the wait list to listen to book two!

Coming out May 20, NOT SAFE FOR WORK by Nisha J. Tuli was a fun departure from her romantasy series. Even better? This still has all the spice you know and love with the simmering tension in between. If you read LET”S CALL A TRUCE, this will be a great follow up to scratch your work place romance itch!

I have been WAITING to read FAN SERVICE by Rosie Danan. I have been a fan of hers since THE ROOMMATE and this was something that I was planning on being a comp for my current book in the trenches (WEREWOLVES!!!). And while it may not be the best fit aside from the paranormal element I will say there are so many reasons why I loved this book. Yes, there are werewolves- but it isn’t like something witchy or sinister. It is more a folklore type of situation. But what really needs to be highlighted about this book is the CHARACTER ARCS. They are done SO SO well. Like truly there was a moment I paused walking on my treadmill to just listen and be like, “dang. THAT is major growth.” So yea. Read this one for enjoyment and with a focus on craft.

I’ve been itching to read OUT ON A LIMB by Hannah Bonam-Young. I even hunted down a physical copy and set it on my TBR pile. But alas, how I’m getting my pleasure reading in is by listening and imagine my surprise when I was scrolling available audiobooks and this one was there. For reference– I NEVER pick an audiobook I have a physical copy for (unless I buy the copy after listening). But if I want to read it bad enough, I do. Like with OUT ON A LIMB. And when I tell you this book did NOT disappoint! I’ve read a few of her other books and I really enjoyed them. But this one… this one just hit right. It’s not that there is anything I can pin point that makes it stand out aside from she does everything just right with it. And to be honest, it’s not something that is super super high concept. It’s just done REALLY WELL. Anyway, 10/10 reccommend. (Also I am here for all the accidental pregnancies if done like this and READY OR NOT.)

Now, this book I went into reading with the full intent of saving for a later date if it didn’t hit right. I had started this a few months back, and the audio book couldn’t load right so my hesitancy going in was strong because I hadn’t felt the urge to keep moving forward. Plus, I had lots of audiobook listening time and a whole slew of books I need/want to read. I could have crammed two books into the space of this one. But when I tell you I wouldn’t change any one of those minutes….that I would have listened on 1x speed and still felt this way…I am telling you it is just that good. Of course long books give me hives and I generally don’t like anything that I could use as a door stop. But there are always exceptions and always times authors do it well. This was done well. I didn’t feel like at any moment the pace was lagging. I was constantly engaged and eager to keep knowing what was happening. The prose wasn’t overdone, and it wasn’t over theatric. It was just right and left me wanting more. Anyways…go read WHEN THE MOON HATCHED by Sarah A. Parker. It is THAT good.

I’m on the hunt for a Sci-Fi with strong romantic elements– if not the main plot. Basically Sci-Fi-romance (whatever the equivalent is of Romantasy for Sci Fi). If you have that recommendation, please send to me!!!!