Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

June was a successful reading month thanks to lots of garden time and long road trips for audiobooks.

Without much more to say let’s jump into one of my all time favorite reads (probably every but definitely of this year!)

GWEN AND ART ARE NOT IN LOVE by Lex Croucher is voicey, has high stakes, great world building, and just a wonderful read. I absolutely adored this book. The audio book is fabulous, especially for Art’s character. The third act conflict really escalates from the rest of the book–which is fun and light– but I felt it elevated the story and really drove home the wound of Gwen and helped her arc. If you liked Schitts Creek, you’ll love this. 10/10/10/10 recommend. Go read it now.

My most highly anticipated read, especially after watching My Lady Jane was BEHOOVED. It is a fun romp (see what I did there), which an interesting world that felt unique and original. I honestly would love for the author to expand upon the world in future books (especially with the witches). Read if you’re still mad at Netflix for canceling My Lady Jane (and also enjoyed said book), and are looking for a fierce MC who will defend those she loves even if it brings harm her way.

I hate started UNTIL NEXT SUMMER in May but my library loan ran out so I finished it this month. This is a great comp to pair with Kate Spencer’s ONE LAST SUMMER. both books wrapped nostalgia of summer camp and second chance romance up in a nice blanket that gave me the warm and fuzzies. Though UNTIL NEXT SUMMER has dual POV from two FMC’s and their own arcs and love stories which was braided together well– I recommend studying this book if you’re looking to see how to have multi POVs with their own wounds, arcs, and NOT falling for each other.

MEXICAN GOTHIC was a audio book read that I zipped through in 2.5 days. I *know* I am late to the party on this one. But I’m glad I joined. This truly WENT FOR IT in the third act and I was…not seated because I was gardening…but for all intents and purposes I was IN IT. There are books that get hyped for a reason and I *GET IT* with this one. Read if you’re looking to introduce yourself to horror and understand gothic setting. I also feel like the first chapter of this book really helped wrap the reader in well with a more commercial appeal. I was very curious from the outset.

Speaking of stellar starts– I got a ARC of the UNDERCUTTING OF ROSIE AND ADAM. This whole series by Megan Bannen has been a favorite of mine. It has higher stakes that a typical “cozy” fantasy, but I still consider it cozy. The world is unique and in my head, very colorful. And each book Bannen does a great job of really creating vivid characters. But this book started out by really locking in the readers attention. At some point I may do a breakdown of the opening pages to show how to create curiosity, introduce the character and the world, and do it all the while be in scene with action.

Last and certainly not least I listened to TWO TWISTED CROWNS. Like the first book, this was very atmospheric. And I was really eager to find out how it was going to end, and felt very satisfied at the ending of this. I am very excited to read Gillig’s latest book– which I will get to in 2-5 business years I’m sure.

I suspect my coming months may have less reads unfortunately. If there is anything you think I *MUST READ* asap, let me know!