Category: A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/17/2020)

Today’s my husbands birthday, so I need to give him a shout out, just in case he reads this. Happy birthday! I spent a lot of time cooking this weekend and while cooking I finished an audiobook and then started up a new one. Both are fun fantasy novels. I like a little action adventure while I’m moving around the kitchen!

This post originated over on Book Date, so thanks for the idea and letting me continue on the discussion about what books I am reading.

JUST FINISHED

Ah Jane Yellowrock. I do love to listen to this series and imagine that it’s me kicking vampire butt and saving New Orleans. This series is so much fun!

JUST STARTED

If you haven’t read this series by T.A. White, then you should pick this book up. It’s a fantasy series, but our does not have super powers, she is just extraordinarily resourceful and always willing to try to do the right thing. This is my second go round on this series, and the first listening to it on an audiobook. It’s just as good the second time!

Now that you know what book I’m currently reading. What’s book is going to get your week started off right?

Happy Monday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads6 Comments

The Reading Chick Also Bakes: Blueberry-Buttermilk Bundt Cake

I don’t know about you but I have been baking a LOT since this whole COVID thing started. I like to use the ingredients I have on hand, I put in my ear buds, start up a book and putz around in the kitchen for an hour. That’s what I did on Friday anyway. I had the day off work and thought this Blueberry-Buttermilk Bundt cake sounded great for breakfast the next day. I’ve been making this particular cake for about 17 years. I know, right? It’s a tried and true, delicious cake. I found the recipe in Bon Appetit magazine in 2004 and have been making it ever since. I prefer it for breakfast since it has the consistency of a muffin, but really any time of day is great!

What I really like about this recipe is that I usually have everything on hand. Frozen blueberries, an orange, and the buttermilk are the standouts in this cake. The orange is zested into the creamed sugar mixture and really adds a nice orangey punch to the blueberry flavor. They only ingredient I may not have on hand is the buttermilk. This time I did, but usually I just make it myself by adding a TBSP of white vinegar to a cup of milk. It’s that easy!

After you mix your flour, baking soda, and salt set it aside to cream your butter, sugar, orange zest, eggs, and vanilla. Now, blend in your flour alternating it with the buttermilk. Once that’s all mixed together you add in your frozen blueberries and vôilá! You have a nicely shaded purple batter. That color mostly cooks out, which is a shame because it’s really pretty in the pan.

I was going to save this cake for breakfast on Saturday but my sister came downstairs upset over a friend quitting at work and you know what? A piece of cake is just the thing to make you feel better. Shhh. No lectures, please! Anyway, she got that first slice and you know how that goes…. once the cake is cut it’s open season for taking a slice!

I finished it off with a nice sugary glaze made with some ground up caster sugar and the juice from the orange (zest) I used in the cake. It tastes just as good as it looks, promise!

I have this little series of books that I write and tape recipe’s into if I’ve found one in a magazine, on Pinterest, or one given to me by a friend. I’ve been collecting recipe’s in these books for years. As you can see below. If you blow up the picture, maybe you can make this one yourself! Maybe not, my handwritings a mess. I’ve looked up the link for you just in case you’d like to try it yourself.

Bon Appetit- Blueberry-Buttermilk Cake

I hope you enjoy one of my favorite recipe’s!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

Friday YA: Lucky Caller by Emma Mills

Nina’s dad is a morning show host for a radio program so taking a radio broadcasting class her senior year should be easy, right? Well, the people who end up partnering with her to run their own radio broadcast are a group of misfits and include her neighbor and childhood friend Jamie, who she had been successfully avoiding and had hoped to continue to do so until she left for college. It quickly becomes apparent their show is a mess, their host doesn’t have any chemistry on air, and somehow they have two different musical groups fans engaging in a whisper campaign that could end up making their final project a complete failure. Somehow they’ve got to make this all come together!

Emma Mills is very good at drawing me into a story. This one about a high school radio broadcast could have been a very boring tale, but somehow the characters came alive, the dialog became witty, and I wanted to know not only the mystery of what happened between Nina and Jamie, but also what would happen to their final project. Would her father show up and speak or would he be a deadbeat dad. Emma Mills got those hooks in me and did not let go until I was caught hook, line, and sinker.

Now, I am not going to give away any part of the plot because it was very deftly written and truly just a lot of fun to read. What I will say is that Lucky Caller took me by surprise. I loved the family drama, her mom’s fiancé, and the bits with the fans from those two bands who dreamed of meeting their hero’s in person. It was all a little over the top, but you know what? It just worked! This was a fun little bit of drama that I know readers of all ages will enjoy. I would know since I’m well beyond the YA target this book was written for, but I loved how it engaged my imagination and let me draw comparisons to my own teenage life.

What was my favorite part of this story? There were just so many good ones. I really liked the realness of what had happened between Nina and Jamie’s friendship. That arc definitely took me back to my own poor choices. Was it the odd mix of friends that had nothing in common who totally jelled? I did really enjoy their exchanges and moments of verbal brilliance. Really I just think Lucky Caller was a well-rounded bit of contemporary writing. Emma Mills just consistently delivers!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase!* Lucky Caller

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase the book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain Series #6) by Kristen Ashley

Jacob Decker used to be in love with Emme’s best friend. For years the three of them were in each others lives, until one day Emme’s friend broke up with Deck, and Emme broke up with her best friend. Emme has a heart of gold and Deck (Jacob to Emme) was that guy for her, but she would never cross that line, so she left him behind too. She moved to a different town, changed her look, and created a life for herself. One day, in that town she runs into Jacob.

I read Kaleidoscope and this Colorado Mountain series quite a few years ago, and purchased the ebook when Amazon put it on sale a couple of weeks ago. I was in a reading slump, not liking anything I was picking up, and had memories of this novel, of liking this novel, and thought it might do the trick in getting me out of that slump. It did.

Emme and Jacob’s story, while not as great as I remember, was really good. Written earlier in Kristen Ashley’s career before she turned towards a more erotica feel to her books, Kaleidoscope had a plot, a sweet love story, and a heated romance. Deck, or Jacob, as Emme calls him, has had a part in many of the previous novels so we’re familiar with him as a PI and Alpha tough guy. Emme, while a new character, brought out a side of Deck that we hadn’t previously seen. The softer, sweeter side. As soon as he sees Emme again, he knows this is it. She took a little longer to come around, although not that much longer! I enjoyed watching them reconnect and then fall in love.

Kaleidoscope is one of the simpler tales by this author. Although there’s a brush with danger, for the most part, it’s a love story. We get to know these characters, and see how their past lives have shaped them into who they were today. I liked their transitionary tale of friends to lovers, and more importantly, I just liked the two of them in general.

If you’re looking for a solid romance novel, give Kaleidoscope a try. Even though it’s the sixth book in the series, it features the two of them almost exclusively and even with a peak at some of the other characters in the series I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble with any previous story arc’s. These are a great group of characters, so if you like this one, go back to the start and read Gamble, the first in the series! It’s really a fun story. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this novel!* Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain Series Book 6)

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you should purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/10/2020)

Another weekend is behind me, but also a couple of good books! Recently I’ve been revisiting a few old series by listening to their audiobooks. Isn’t it nice when a narrated book is just as good as the voice inside your own head?

This post originated over on Book Date, so thanks for the idea and letting me continue on the discussion about what books I am reading.

JUST FINISHED

The Hollows is one of my all time favorite paranormal series. After reading the surprise addition to this series earlier this year I decided to start it all over again by listening to the audiobook. Boy, was this one well done, and the book is still superb!

Click this link to purchase!* Dead Witch Walking: Hollows, Book 1

JUST STARTED

I’ve had this book for a couple months and have finally gotten the chance to pick it up and start it. I really just started this book, but expect it to be just as good as all of the previous novels. I can’t wait to dig in!

Click this link to purchase!* A Murderous Relation (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery Book 5)

What books are you reading today?

Enjoy!

Deb

*Amazon Associate- if you should purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

This Chick Read: Beard With Me and Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers #6-7) by Penny Reid

Scarlet St. Claire has spent her whole life flying under the radar from her father and the kids at school. While doing exactly that, camping out in the woods behind the Winstons home, she comes to the attention of none other than Billy Winston, the boy that Scarlet has hated her whole life. What she doesn’t realize is that this boy that’s she’s run from may actually be the answer to her salvation. Beard with Me is the story of Scarlet and Billy, love found and love lost.

To say that I had been eagerly anticipating this novel would be an understatement. However, when the author, Penny Reid put out a statement saying that some people may not be happy with this story I paused on reading it. What did she mean people might not be happy? I hate second guessing my reading choices, so I waited until the follow up came out to read both novels back to back. Hence my late review.

Scarlet St. Claire is the daughter of Razor, the head of the local motorcycle club, and the bane of her existence. He is one seriously bad hombre and for some reason he is fixated on Scarlet, so she tries to remain as scarce as possible. This is tough for a 14 year old girl, and occasionally when she needs money she has to bite the bullet and deal with dear old dad. After one such incident Billy stumbles upon her campsite behind his house as she’s singing very loudly with headphones on. Captivated he decides to help her instead of reject her as he’s done numerous times before. Never having been helped by anyone who didn’t want something in return, Scarlet tentatively accepts his help and through those moments she and Billy fall madly in love.

This is not a light hearted Penny Reid novel, so now I kind of understand why some people may have rejected Beard With Me at first. I think if I didn’t have Beard Necessities to immediately read at the end of this novel, I would’ve had a hard time bearing the burden of this ending. It was a perfect set up for the next piece of their story.

Beard Necessities is the story of Billy and Claire (aka Scarlet). Misunderstandings, miscommunications, and broken hearts have kept these two apart for almost 20 years. I know what you’re thinking. Claire? Yes, Claire! She has been in almost every single one of the Winston’s novels. The reader knew there was some kind of back story between she and Billy because it was hinted at and in this novel we finally are told the whole story.

This novel takes place in Tuscany where the whole family is together. Unbeknownst to Billy and Claire, their lives are about to be managed. Thrown together at every circumstance (some of them are quite clever and funny) Billy and Claire finally overcome their bitterness and mistrust and dare to dream that they could find their happily every after.

Beard Necessities when paired with Beard With Me is the epitomy of a knockout punch. We are given the heart break of the first novel and see them struggle so much with all of their past beliefs about each other. Most of which were complete misunderstandings. Billy, when he finally realizes he has a chance to be with Claire/Scarlet is so tender. I think this story must be the most tender and beautiful of all the books in this series. Maybe it’s because I got so invested in these characters? I don’t know, but Penny Reid deserves an award for how full of love these characters are for each other. It was sad and beautiful all at once.

I believe this author said in that note I was talking about before that if you can’t handle it you can skip Beard with Me and just read Beard Necessities. I hope I got that message wrong because I think you really need to read Beard With Me first so you can feel as much heart ache as these characters do so you can be fully invested in their happily ever after in Beard Necessities. Without that first story, I think BN might have felt a little flat. Anyway, I’m glad I read them the way I did so I can only say to you how effective it was and how much I adored the conclusion to their story.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Click this link to read Beard with Me: First Love Small Town Romantic Comedy (Winston Brothers Book 6) and ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Beard Necessities: Second Chance Small Town Romantic Comedy (Winston Brothers Book 7)

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

Friday YA: Court of Lions (Mirage #2) by Somaiya Daud

A fantasy set in a world of rebellion and distrust, Amani is isolated as punishment for her rebel activity. Torn from the boy she loves, having angered her princess, Amani is unsure if she’ll survive another day. She’s surprised when the princess Maram asks her to stand in as proctor during her wedding ceremony to Amani’s love, Idris. This sets in motion a chain of events that gives Amani hope that she may have a future, her rebels could take back their planet, and she could be joined with the boy she loves. Court of Lions is the sequel to Mirage an epic fantasy that has hints of Middle Eastern flavor that colors this world in a vibrant brocade of texture and life.

After Amani’s political schemes almost cause her end in Mirage, we see a more subtle Amani in Court of Lions. When standing in as Maram, Amani developed relationships for her princess that Maram did not have the skills to do herself. At the same time she skillfully gave Maram courage to lead with strength and empathy, something her people hadn’t seen since being almost demolished by the conquering Vath. I liked the strength of these two characters. These were women who held power with empathy, not with threat. It was an interesting dichotomy as they were also preparing to go to war.

Once again, I felt the love story between Amani and Idris was underwhelming. She was such an interesting character and Idris? He was just a nice guy. More interestingly, In Court of Lions, Maram is given her own love interest in the mysterious Aghraas ( I hope I spelled that correctly!). Aghraas, another strong woman, this time in warrior form, brought out a softer side of the kind of haughty princess. I thought their relationship more interesting than Amani and Idris’ and looked forward to their scenes because they gave Maram the depth her character needed to finally shine.

Even though Court of Lions had some great characters, this world they lived in was even more fascinating. You can tell by the cover of this novel, but the author definitely gave this story an Arabian Nights flare with bejeweled clothing, bright colors, and the transport on horseback. I loved it. The contrast between a conquering people who were technologically advanced in spaceships and a people who got around via horseback was kind of cool. I tried not to get caught up in a thought of ‘could this really happen’ because that would’ve spoiled the mood. Instead I let the tea steep, laid back on my silken pillows and read this fun novel and, well, enjoyed the ride. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase!* Court of Lions: A Mirage Novel (Mirage Series (2))

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you should purchase this book through the above link I will receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway #4) by Jennifer Ashley

Head cook, Kat Holloway, can’t resist helping those in need and when she finds out some children have gone missing from London’s Foundling Hospital she decides to investigate. As a single mother whose daughter is growing up with another family, Kat is aware of how quickly her daughters circumstances could change. Helped by her friends she quickly delves into the mystery and despairs over finding the children unharmed.

This series takes us downstairs from the society folk Kat serves and gives us a behind the scenes look at what the lower levels of society in Victorian London may face. Each novel in the series ensnares the reader in the mystery while captivating our minds and hearts with the strength of Kat’s character as well as those of the staff and friends around her. What could be a simple tale ends up having many layers and gives depth to these simple people who are just trying to work to survive a harsh landscape. Kat Holloway navigates these various levels of society never forgetting her circumstances and how a wrong word can affect she and her daughters survival. Murder in the East End laid bare the fine line she walks as well as the emotional balance she strikes between her friendship and love, no matter the level of society those people reside in.

What did I think of Murder in the East End? I enjoyed not only the resolution to the mystery but also how Kat’s relationship with Daniel moved to the next step emotionally. After being betrayed by her husband Kat is very careful with her feelings but Murder in the East End revealed secrets that allowed Kat to give Daniel her trust, and hopefully her heart will follow. I’ll admit to being fascinated with the Victorian era as well. Society is filled with rules and yet below stairs their lives are much more base. The contrast between the two makes the division between classes even more apparent which makes novels riveting reading. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of the ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase!* Murder in the East End (A Below Stairs Mystery)

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you should purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/3/2020)

August has always been a month I love. When I was younger I anticipated the start of school and loved the thought of being with my friends after a couple of months off. As an adult I have always planned an August vacation although this year I will be spending any days off at home reading instead of traveling. This past weekend I took Friday off and spent time reading a much anticipated book that I was fortunate enough to receive in advance of its release date at the end of the month. I read from sun up to sun down. It was a fabulous way to spend a nice summer day.

This post originated over on Book Date, so thanks for the idea and letting me continue on the discussion about what books I am reading.

JUST FINISHED

Catalina’s story continues! It was better than I’d hoped!

JUST STARTED

The sequel to Mirage, Court of Lions mixes fantasy with moroccan tapestry. This author has created a really interesting new world that captured my attention for the first page. I’m liking this novel just as much as the first.

I don’t usually pick the same genre back to back but these choices are working for me! What book have you chosen to start your week with?

Happy Monday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chick Read: Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel

Bridget and Will are best friends and members of the musical group Forsyth Trio. Everyone always thinks they’re married because they are genuinely affectionate and can finish each others sentences. They’ve never been anything more than friends which is just what they want. This summer Will is staying in the city and Bridget is going out to her house in Connecticut. She has big plans to spend it with her boyfriend Sterling, hoping for some quiet and the possibility of an engagement. Sterling has other plans, breaking up with her via email. What was going to be a quiet summer turns into a houseful when her two kids show up unexpectedly and Will comes for a visit and falls in love with the local landscape artist. This charming novel by Amy Poeppel navigates the lives of her characters with love, humor, and a little bit of drama.

Musical Chairs was such a wonderful surprise! I love Bridget’s tongue in cheek humor and fortitude to keep going despite things not going as she’d thought they would. She’s surrounded by this menagerie of friends and family who don’t have perfect lives but despite their ups and downs they support each other.

There were quite a few different plots running simultaneously but the main one revolved around the original members of the Forsyth’s Trio and what happened just as they dissolved their partnership in the band. Gavin went on to become a well renowned violinist while Bridget and Will kept up the Trio with a revolving door of violinists, their friendship being the binding factor in why they stayed together. As the book goes on we find that there may have been more involved with Gavin’s leaving than was spoken of at the time. This adds conflict to Will and Bridgets relationship, something thats new and uncomfortable for them to face.

Bridget seemed like she was an awesome mom, a great friend, and an understanding and patient daughter. I wish I was a little bit more like her! She saw the world so clearly and with the exception of the hiccup with Sterling, she lived life exactly as she wanted. Her relationship with Will felt so true. A book about the relationship between a man and a woman who were not sexually interested in each other was so refreshing! When I pick up a book I just want to get lost in it, and not regret the time spent on reading it. Musical Chairs was a book that I can easily say I read with zero regrets. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher for my honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase!* Musical Chairs: A Novel

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you should purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads