This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Book Releases- Sept’23

While perusing the book lists regarding September releases, I’m noticing a LOT of romance titles that will be going on my TBR. Too many to grab as they release but not too many to get to over the next few months… ok a year. Are any of these on your radar?

#5 BOOK RELEASE

OK, I was at the hairdresser last week and had a conversation with the girl who was washing my hair. She’s a HUGE fan of hockey romances. I love sports romances but I always want more story. So the timing was totally right for me to see this title on the September book releases, by an author I have never heard of, but it looks pretty cute! I couldn’t find it on any retail sites but it’s supposed to go on sale on 9/7. I will be looking for it!

Synopsis: She’s my lifeline, my rock…
When I was billeted with the Bukowskis, I made a mistake.
I didn’t lock Gracie Agnieska Bukowski down.
Instead, like a 16-year-old idiot, I became best friends with her brother, Kow, and now, the family considers me one of their own.
Until her, hockey was my only refuge. So, when I’m traded to the New York Stars, my first move is to change my number to 35. See, we made a vow, one that she might have forgotten, but I haven’t.
Gracie’s about to be swept off her feet.
I’m going to prove to her that not only is she not my sister…
She’s my end game.

#4 BOOK RELEASE

Despite not having read the last novel in this series ( Making the Match: I have a hard time with redemption novels when a man cheats on his woman despite this being a romance with a different woman.) I am really looking forward to this book! Hale has always been a really interesting side character and the author has not shown us too much about him so he’s a bit of a mystery. This should be a fun read!

Synopsis:

Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.

There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.

But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.

Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.

They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.

As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Fighting the Pull

#3 BOOK RELEASE

I have really come to like this author’s writing and enjoyed her odd character matching in Two Wrongs Make a Right, the first novel in this series. Knowing you have a sure thing (good read) in your back pocket makes this an easy choice and one I’m looking forward to reading.

Synopsis:

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio shared backyards as kids, but as adults they won’t even share the same hemisphere. That is, until Kate makes a rare visit home, and their fiery animosity rekindles into a raging inferno.

Despite their friends’ and families’ pleas for peace, Christopher is unconvinced Kate would willingly douse the flames of their enmity. But when a drunken Kate confesses she’s only been hostile because she thought he hated her, Christopher vows to make peace with Kate once and for all. Tempting as it is to be swept away by her nemesis-turned-gentleman, Kate isn’t sure she can trust his charming good-guy act.

When Christopher’s persistence and Kate’s curiosity lead to an impassioned kiss, they realize “peace” is the last thing that will ever be possible between them. As desire gives way to deeper feelings, Kate and Christopher must decide if it’s truly better to hate than to never risk their hearts—or if they already gave them away long ago.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Better Hate Than Never

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase a book through one of the attached links I’ll receive a small stipend.

#2 BOOK RELEASE

This book was been #1 on all of the lists I’ve seen, and I swear I’m not being contrary, but I think this series is pretty good, but not knock it out of the park good. However, I’m eager for everyone to prove me wrong! This is the third book in the Knockemount series. I know it will be cute, but will I be wowed? Lucian is the one character who absolutely sizzled on the page, so….

Synopsis:

Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats.

Except when it comes to the feisty small-town librarian that keeps him up at night…

Sloane Walton is a spitfire determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She’ll do that just as soon as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did to—or for—her family. Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other, Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.

When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their steamy one-night stand. Once those flames are fanned, it seems impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.

Broken men break women. It’s what Lucian believes, what he’s witnessed, and he’s not going to take that chance with Sloane. He’d rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats.

It’s the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There’s no way she’s going to give him a third chance. He’s just going to have to make one for himself.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Things We Left Behind

MY #1 BOOK RELEASE FOR SEPT’23

Fish out of water, grumpy hero, sports-like romance. Three of my favorite tropes all in one book! How can you not look forwarding to reading this novel? Can Elena Armas duplicate her success with her debut novel The Spanish Love Deception? You can only give this one a try and find out.

Synopsis:

Adalyn Reyes has spent years perfecting her daily routine: wake up at dawn, drive to the Miami Flames FC offices, try her hardest to leave a mark, go home, and repeat.

But her routine is disrupted when a video of her in an altercation with the team’s mascot goes viral. Rather than fire her, the team’s owner—who happens to be her father—sends Adalyn to middle-of-nowhere North Carolina, where she’s tasked with turning around the struggling local soccer team, the Green Warriors, as a way to redeem herself. Her plans crumble upon discovering that the players wear tutus to practice (impractical), keep pet goats (messy), and are terrified of Adalyn (counterproductive), and are nine-year-old kids.

To make things worse, also in town is Cameron Caldani, goalkeeping prodigy whose presence is somewhat of a mystery. Cam is the perfect candidate to help Adalyn, but after one very unfortunate first encounter involving a rooster, Cam’s leg, and Adalyn’s bumper, he’s also set on running her out of town. But banishment is not an option for Adalyn. Not again. Helping this ragtag children’s team is her road to redemption, and she is playing the long game. With or without Cam’s help.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Long Game

Whelp! These are my top 5 book releases for September. Here’s my disclaimer- I know that my top 5 are not for everyone and that you may be looking forward to completely different titles or genre’s. That’s ok! Anyone who buys, checks out, borrows, and reads a novel is a winner in my book. 🙂

Have fun reading.

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Audio Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

When it comes to picking out a new book to listen to I often go to the bookseller picks to see what the hot new book people are talking about. Fourth Wing is that book. If you’re a fantasy reader, you’ve probably heard of this one and fellow readers, it does not disappoint.

Narrated by Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton, Fourth Wing is a fast paced novel about a young woman named Violet Sorrengail, raised to be a squire, but due to her mother’s wishes enlists in the trials to become a dragon rider. It sucks to be the daughter of one of the most feared General’s. Being that daughter, Violet has many enemies who don’t want to see her succeed. With a few friends at her side Violet’s tremendous fortitude, wit, and will to survive makes this novel riveting and a whole lot of fun!

This novel has everything, my favorite trope of enemies to lovers, lots of action, great side characters, and dragons! I love dragon rider books. Our enemy/hero Xaden Riorson is the son of a traitor and Violet’s biggest threat, but as the novel goes on we see a friendship emerge that tugs at all of the readers emotions leading up to a wonderful battle and a rousing ending to this book. The second novel comes out in November and I really can’t wait. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Fourth Wing

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Best of Luck (Chance of a Lifetime #3) by Kate Clayborn

Greer and her two best friends buy a lottery ticket after a night out together- and win! Greer spends her money on the education that she always wanted, fast tracking her way to a degree in social work in only two years. When she finds out that she is missing one class and won’t be able to graduate as expected she asks her best friend’s brother and famous photographer for help in getting her into the course she needs to take. Alex agrees, but when that one favor turns into a month in town helping Greer he needs to face the reason why he is always running towards another photography job and never wants to stay in town with his sister.

There was so much more to Greer and Alex than we see on the surface of this novel. It’s not until a few chapters in that I realize Greer has a past health issue that was the reason why she never went to college. Alex, too, had a LOT to work through. The fact that these two characters were drawn to each other weren’t necessarily a surprise but that they stuck it out was. OK, I do know this is a romance and they are the protagonists so I was maybe not that surprised.

I loved that these two were rocks for each other. They had mountains to climb and a LOT to overcome but they had each other to turn to. The story wasn’t without conflict between the two of them which added that feeling of suspense and anticipation and made the ending so satisfying.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Best of Luck

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: The Book of Silver Linings by Nan Fischer

Constance is a pleaser and has trouble telling people no. When her boyfriend asks her to marry him, she says yes, despite the fact that he hasn’t shared much about his life with her. He gives her an antique engagement ring and for fun she researches its history. She finds a book in the library about a man who may be connected to the ring and his tragic love story. As she reads his letters, she decides to write her own and is shocked when he writes her back.

I’ll admit, Constance is not my favorite type of heroine- the people pleaser. I like sassy and self reliant ladies who stick up for themselves and I did think at the beginning of this book that Constance let people walk all over her. As the book went on, she changed and started to stand up for herself. Seeing that journey I grew to like her a lot. She really underwent a drastic personality change from page 1 to the end of the book. Thank goodness!

One of the things I did really like about her was her love for dogs who needed homes. Going through an illness with my own dog, this side-plot really struck a chord. Her fight to save this small business who found homes for dogs was one of my favorite things about this book. The fact that she also found happiness through her relationship with the owner and her son was the frosting on the cake!

I thought this novel was more about Constance finding her self confidence and courage rather than finding love although there is a love story in her journey. It’s sweet and satisfying but you have to wait a bit to feel like she found what she deserved- and boy she worked hard for it! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Book of Silver Linings

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose

When New Orleans public prosecutor Kaj Cardozo’s son is almost kidnapped he hires a private investigation team famous for their protection services. Val Sorensen, is the bodyguard hired to protect Elijah and as the investigation plays out she and Kaj become tied together by circumstance and emotion.

This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Karen Rose and I have to say that I was immediately drawn into the plot, really liking Val’s character, and loving little Elijah. Val’s back story of a former sexual assault while in the marines added to the tension of an already gripping story. As the plot unfolds and the intricacies are revealed I’m impressed with how the two storylines tie together. Kaj, the prosecutor whom the bad guys are targeting was an interesting character, his role as father, love interest, and prosecutor often conflicting making his reactions both real and unbelievable. Admittedly, his was the only character that I had mixed emotions about because of all of the push and pull with his emotions.

The plot had some rather gruesome moments, so if you’re a bit squeamish, as I am, then you may find yourself skimming those scenes, but this story was fraught with emotion and tension despite my closing my eyes and reading at the same time. The bad guys were truly horrible and I rooted for our heroine to wrap this plot up toot suite! Val was such a warrior that it was easy enough to believe that she would overcome all obstacles, get the bad guys, and win her man. Despite the gruesome bits, this plot flew by!

My favorite character by far was the teen hero, Jace. He was such a sweetie and the horrible life he’d led up to that point made me want to hug him and give him a better life. What a great character.

If you like romantic thrillers this novel was a pretty good one!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and from the publisher, for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Beneath Dark Waters

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Codename Charming (Palace Insiders #2) by Lucy Parker

Petunia De Vere is the personal assistant to just wed royal Johnny, whose calamities bring them unwanted attention from the press. After a particularly clumsy moment sparks rumors of infidelity Pet is asked to have a pretend romance with Matthias, head bodyguard to the royal couple. The two of them can’t be any more different. Pet is pretty, petite, bubbly, and vivacious whereas Matthias is gigantic, stoic, and surly. They both reluctantly agree and after spending time together they find out they have a sizzling chemistry. Can Pet get through that thick-skinned exterior? Can Matthias rise above his over-protective nature to let Pet in? This sequel to one of my favorite romances of 2021, Battle Royal, has all the makings of a romantic comedy of errors that can’t help but feel right.

I love, love, love Lucy Parker novels. Set in England and written by an Australian, they just feel different than romance novels written by American authors. You can’t help but use descriptive words like cheeky, brilliant, and gobsmacked when faced with this well-written romance. OK, I’m over that moment of British humor, but really I did really enjoy Codename Charming. Pet was a favorite side character of mine in the previous novel and she and Matthias’s romance was set-up with the gift of a charming little teddy bear.

Once she and Matthias were fake-dating, you really got to see inside of his surly exterior. He was just a big ol’ teddy bear, just like the little one he gave her. A little dusty and mangled, but he had a heart of gold. That was truly when this novel shone, those sweet quiet moments between the two of them. However, I did love the crazy slapstick comedy that Johnny added to the mix.

I have to mention that if you’re a fan of Battle Royal as I am, you will get your fix of Sylvie and Dominic with a couple of wonderful chapters. I love seeing a glimpse into the future of past favorites, and theirs is rainbow bright. Dominic and Pet also have some great brother-sister moments that provide that family insight that one of the subplots in this novel really needed to round out Pet’s character.

Codename Charming was aptly named. This novel was charming, fun, and romantic. Surprisingly it also had a lot of depth. Pet had insecurities that were addressed in this book as did Matthias. Their support of each other through these moments also helped cement them as a couple in my eyes. It can’t all be rainbows and butterflies can it? Life happens, and you need someone strong by your side. They both got that in the other in Codename Charming. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

P.S. -Because I’m a big Lucy Parker fan I have gone down the rabbit hole and found another book that she wrote under the name Elle Pierson, Artistic License. I’ve reviewed this book previously, and really liked it. The reason I bring it up is because there are a LOT of similarities between the characters in these two books. The setting and story are completely different, but I think Lucy Parker has a sweet spot for huge, unattractive (her words) bodyguards with a heart of gold. If you do too, you may want to check out Artistic License.

Click this link to purchase this novel!* Codename Charming

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you 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? (8/14/23)

Busy weekends and busy work weeks has really been cutting into this woman’s reading time! My husband and I have bought a house and we close at the end of the month, so most of my time has been spent organizing and packing. I’ve only been reading at the end of the day and only for about a half hour. I’ve been pooped! Despite that, I am currently listening to a good novel and just finished an old favorite. Here’s what’s on my shelf, virtual or otherwise.

JUST FINISHED

When I’m stressed I always pick up an oldie but goodie because it helps me relax. I know what I’m getting and there’s something soothing in that re-read. At Peace is an old school Kristen Ashley and one of my favorites of hers. Violet and Cal’s story is a romantic thriller and has moments of sass, gooey emotion, and true love. Always a five star read for me.

JUST STARTED (OR HAVE BEEN LISTENING ALL WEEK)

Sometimes it’s hard to listen to an intricate world-building new novel, but I am not having that problem with House of Earth and Blood at all. What a fascinating world! I am so enjoying listening to this fantasy novel.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Luck of the Draw (Chance of a Lifetime #2) by Kate Clayborn

When Zoe and her friends won the lottery, each of them had a plan. Zoe, quit her job as a corporate attorney and tried to address the guilt she felt for some of the things she had to do. Writing her feelings on slips of paper and putting them in a jar, Zoe pulls one out and is determined to face her past. Aiden O’Leary is grieving the loss of his brother and facing the woman who sat across the table from his family for the company whose drug helped kill him was the last thing he wanted, but he saw an opportunity. Aiden’s plan for the money his family got in the lawsuit is to purchase a camp and he needs someone to stand by his side as his fianceé, and he asks Zoe to take that place. Over the next six weekends they see a different side of each other and gain a closeness that neither wants to go away.

Luck of the Draw was not quite as charming as the first novel in the series, Beginner’s Luck. Part of this was the subject matter and Aiden’s back story. It’s hard to read a sad novel about a man overcoming the loss of his brother and also Zoe’s guilt that goes along with dealing out the payment for that man’s loss. This was the heart of the story, but there were moments of light inside that darkness. Zoe’s needing to fill Aiden’s silence with chatter, his stoic facade cracking into a grin, their need to hold onto each other, and more. Each of these small moments made you look forward to that next moment that led to Zoe and Aiden’s guilt slowly dissipating. So, yes, there wasn’t as much charm in this novel, but there were plenty of great moments. Also, there was one heck of a declaration from Aiden to Zoe and that one scene was worth everything.

Kate Clayborn has proven that she writes a great story and once again she has also proven that she fills those stories with some great side-characters. As with the first, the girl group who won the lottery together, Kit, Greer, and Zoe stood by each other, embraced their differences, and doled out support and advice. They were wonderful and I wish I had that same kind of girl group in my own life. Aiden was a little bit more of a loner. He was so consumed with grief that despite having people close to him, he held them at a distance because it was too hard to let anyone close. However, as the book advanced and he went through a healing process, he allowed those friends close and that was a win- they were also great side characters who added charm and fun which was needed.

So, I didn’t like this book as much as the first but I still liked it a lot. It had its own heart. It was a little bit more difficult to get through because of the sadness, but once that dissipated a bit, this novel was a gem. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Luck of the Draw

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Perfect Together by Kristen Ashley

Wyn and Remy Gastineau had a wonderful marriage until they didn’t and Remy walked out on Wyn without an explanation. Three years later and Wyn has come to the realization that their marriage is actually over- she is ready to move on. Remy has decided he made the biggest mistake of his life and wants Wyn back.

Second chance romances are not my usual, but I do read almost all of Kristen Ashley’s books (sorry, I didn’t read her foray into erotica) and this one seemed to be a stand alone so I wanted to give it a read. I am so glad I did! It took awhile before the reason for Remy walking out was given but I loved the leading up scenes and Wyn’s confusion about what the heck was going on. I also really liked the emotional depth that Kristen Ashley gave to Remy’s reason and how both he and Wyn worked through these issues. It was dramatic, sometimes overly so, but it also felt real. Something I’m not used to in a KA novel. Her books are sometimes pretty outlandishly portrayed. There were elements of the overly dramatic but for the most part the reactions felt real which gave me a more powerful reaction to the story.

I loved Wyn and Remy’s kids, Sabre, Manon, and Yves. Sabre, the oldest is very like his father, an alpha male but has a bit of a mushy center. Manon, is sweet but has a strong core, and Yves is kind of a combination of the two. Their inclusion in the plot added so much to the story. I don’t know that the book would have been as effective without their opinions, reactions, and everything. Sometimes kids take away from the core duos story, but in this case their children were fully integrated and it made sense. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Perfect Together

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you 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? (8/7/23)

JUST FINISHED

What a spooky, eerie, kind of gory thriller. I loved the characters, but I’ll admit that I thought the plot was drawn out a little too long. I don’t read a lot of mysteries, so that might be party of it, but I think this author could’ve wrapped up sooner.

JUST STARTED

A debut novel by this author, My Roommate is a Vampire is fun but also seems to take this subject matter seriously. hink 18th century vampire meets 20th century heroine. I’m just getting into it and I’m interested to see how this plot resolves.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads