This Chick Read: Wait for It by Jenn McKinlay

When Annabelle Martin takes her friend up on a job offer in her advertising agency in Arizona she leaves cold and dreary Boston for what she hopes will be the kickstart she needs. Moving into the guest house of recluse Nick Daire, Annabelle decides to push all his buttons and break all of his rules. She imagines him to be an elderly curmudgeon and is shocked to discover he’s young, hot, and in a wheelchair. Always a fixer she jumps in to change his world view and finds herself falling in love as well.

This had all of the plot points I love in a novel. Enemies to lovers, a feud with a co-worker, and a heroine who always comes out on top, so why didn’t I like this one more than I did? There was certainly a lot going on with the plot but in this case that probably helped move things along and kept me from getting bored. I just really didn’t feel the love between Annabelle and Nick. Yes, they were both attractive and attracted to each other, but there was just something missing for me and I can’t put my finger on it.

Let me tell you a bit about the characters. Annabelle is a graphic designer who has all the skills. Landing a job as Creative Director for her friends agency, she has to reign in her “always late” tendencies and start being a boss. When she finds that one co-worker who resents her getting the job she doesn’t fall apart or get mad, instead she quietly observes, which is good! That guy is truly rather dreadful and is an obvious villain in this novel. This plot point does allow us to see a different side of Annabelle. Not the sexy neighbor but the take charge boss who isn’t afraid of a little conflict. Annabelle shows that take charge attitude in going after her handsome neighbor as well, which is a smart move because he was never going to go there with his bad attitude. I actually thought her character was fun and bright. A great heroine in what should be a fun romance.

Nick is going through some health issues and has taken a hit to his self confidence. Having to rely on a wheelchair because he’s afraid his leg won’t hold him certainly doesn’t keep him from having sexy times with his new neighbor, but boy did he start out a grouch. As the author let’s us get to know Nick a bit we get a back story that has some rather unsavory things in it. Prior to his bad health he wasn’t a very nice guy. Without going into all of the details, I’ll just say that despite him showing remorse for his actions he doesn’t really do anything to contradict what we’ve learned. His long lost sister shows up and he doesn’t react well. The only good thing about this guy is how Annabelle makes him feel and his flashbacks to his love for his sister. OK, I think I just figured out why I didn’t connect with the book. I didn’t really buy into Annabelle’s feelings for Nick. He had his redeeming moment in the novel but it wasn’t enough for me to shelve all of his bad traits.

Jenn McKinlay is a wonderful writer and I’ve read many of her books that I have enjoyed before. This one just didn’t connect with me. It may be that it’s the perfect book for you though so please take my opinion with a grain of salt and if this sounds like your kind of novel, please pick it up and read it. I, however, can only give it a 3.0 rating.

❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalleyand the publisher for my honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Wait For It

Copyright 2021 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

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It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/9/21)

I was on vacation last week and had a chance to catch up on a lot of reading. I just finished an ARC for a book being released next month and also got in quite a bit of personal reading. It’s nice to choose my own books every once in a while! Today, I’m heading back to the office to start a hybrid office-home situation. Two days in the office is a great option but I’ll admit to being slightly nervous after spending a year and a half working from home. Wish me luck!

JUST FINISHED

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Alexa Martin’s new book Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes. This one falls firmly into the Women’s Fiction genre and is about the friendship between two women. Guys, it was so good! I really like how Alexa Martin writes, her characters feel so fleshed out. I’ll be putting out a full review on this in the next few weeks.

JUST STARTED

This is a novella from the Elder Races series by Thea Harrison. Every once in awhile she puts out stories about the two characters that started the whole series, Pia and Drago. This novel is about their moving to an alternate universe. I just started it so can’t really tell you how I feel about it yet but they are usually light-hearted and fun.

I hope everyone has a great start to their week today! I’d love to hear if you are still working from home or are back at work. What book is waiting on your nightstand for you when you finish your work day?

Happy Monday!

Deb

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This Chick Read: Devil in Disguise (The Ravenals #7) by Lisa Kleypas

Lady Merritt Sterling, widower, is running her husband’s shipping business when she meets Keri MacRae, a Scottish whiskey distiller. Their chemistry is immediate and undeniable but a lady must be careful not to tempt society’s voracious gossips. Despite that threat Merritt invites Keir to her home for dinner, but he is attacked and injured. When his life is again threatened the next day she realizes that someone is out to kill him and with the help of the Duke of Lancaster (Sebastian from the Wallflower series) they shuffle off to the safety of his estate on the coast while an investigation is underway. Devil in Disguise revealed a new favorite heroine and hero in what is one of my favorite historical romance series by this author.

Merritt is a woman who “manages” the people around her. Right from the beginning Keir see’s that managing and declares her a “wee bully” and he is charmed by her kind of toughness and is riveted by her passion. These two were engaging, fun, and very romantic falling instantly in serious like. The only hiccup being their different places in society and the fact that someone is trying to kill Keir.

As this is book #7 we do get to welcome a few of our favorite past characters into this story, which I always welcome. Funny enough, I started my love affair with Lisa Kleypas’ earlier Ravenal novels and have just gotten into the Wallflower series. Merritt’s mother is one of those previous wallflowers and it’s fun to see those characters in a different light. I had not yet read the Duke’s (and his Evie) novel but now can’t wait to dig in!

If you like historical romances you will really enjoy Lisa Kleypas and her novels and Devil in Disguise does not disappoint! This can be read as a stand alone, but I think you’ll be curious about some of these other characters and will seek them out just as I have. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Devil in Disguise (Ravenels Book 7)

Copyright 2021 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

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This Chick Read: When Falcons Fall (Sebastian St. Cyr #11) by C.S. Harris

Sebastian, Viscount Devlin, and his wife Hero are in an idyllic Shropshire village to pay homage to a dead friend when the the new magistrate of that same village asks for his help. A visiting young woman was found dead in a field and having heard of Sebastian’s investigations in London the magistrate wants to make sure they do well by her. As Sebastian and Hero look into the days leading up to Emma Chance’s death they discover that her murder is not the first. As with other St. Cyr novels there are also political implications at play as Lucien Bonaparte, the estranged brother of the famed General Napolean Bonaparte is in residence at a nearby hall. Does his presence have anything to do with Emma Chance’s death?

It’s been a little while since I listened to the previous Sebastian St. Cyr novel and had forgotten how the narrator, Davina Porter, gives life to each character in the story. She imbues them with life and personality and the listener is engrossed with the implications of each character and how they are tied to the plot. This novel is no different and I found myself listening to it when I probably should’ve been doing other things. These are not light hearted novels and the mystery’s are very intricate so I like to really pay attention to each detail so I don’t miss a thing.

The reason for Sebastian and Hero being in the village was to look up the family of Sebastian’s half brother Jamie, who died in the last novel because of his similarity in looks to Sebastion. In When Falcons Fall, we learn a little bit more about who may have fathered Sebastian, as well as meeting Jamie’s twin sister and his grandmother. These glimpses towards who Sebastian may really be tied to are few and far between but oh so interesting! I know as I get closer to the truth that our journey may soon be over.

It is hard to talk about the plot in these novels because each tidbit is a reveal towards the underlying stories and not just the mystery that plays out in this book itself. I will say that the Bonaparte connection was truly interesting and as with past books where we meet famous characters (Ben Franklin) the pages bring life to what they may have been like even if in this novel it’s based only in fiction and not fact.

If you haven’t read any of the novels in this series I’d recommend starting at the beginning. Yes, each mystery is a stand alone but there are so many plot points that tie to earlier novels. I think your experience will be enhanced by how much each character has grown through the series rather than what actually happens on these pages. This novel was enjoyable on it’s own but when you think of how you feel about these characters on the whole it makes the novel go from good to great. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* When Falcons Fall (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery)

Copyright The Reading Chick 2021 All Rights Reserved

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

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It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/2/21)

I know this has happened to all of us and it’s fun when it does. I’ve discovered a fun new author that has a LOT of books already written and I’ve gotten sucked into a fantasy series that is on Kindle Unlimited and I’m jumping from one book to the next pretty quickly. If you don’t like fantasy novels, you may not like my post this week. I’ll jump right into it!

JUST FINISHED

This is book #3 in the Air Awakens series by Elise Kova, a new author to me but one I think I’m going to be reading a lot of in the future. Our heroine Vhalla, has fought to win the heart of her Prince, uses her powers for her country, and seems to be disappointed a lot by what happens around her. I love fantasy novels with a strong heroine and while Vhalla didn’t start that way, by book #3 she was a rock. If you’re looking for a fast series, this one if full of action and great characters.

JUST STARTED

Book #4 in the Air Awakens series and one I’ll be cracking open as soon as I stop writing this post. LOL. The perfect Sunday is one where you can lose yourself to some great characters and I MUST find out where Vhalla Yarl’s journey takes her.

What books are you journeying with this week? I’d love to hear about the books you’re reading in the comments.

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: The Invitation by Vi Keeland

When Stella’s roommate sticks her with two months back rent, sneaks out in the middle of the night, AND takes her favorite pairs of shoes she doesn’t think twice about pretending to be her and going to a ritzy wedding in her place. She is having a blast and has met the most handsome man! Unfortunately, things take a turn when that man turns out to be the bride’s brother and the person who has paid for this elegant and expensive wedding. Running out before she gets kicked out seems the right choice until she realizes she left her phone behind on the table and she has to contact Hudson to get her phone back.

Stella is NOT the type of person who gets run out of weddings. She is smart, hard-working, and is strictly by the book. This wedding farce ends up changing her life. She meets the bride, a woman who becomes her biggest supporter and friend, gets a loan for her business start-up, and faces off against Hudson the most handsome man she’s ever met and the man who holds all the cards in her new business. What she doesn’t expect is that all of her dreams will come true.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Vi Keeland novel and I honestly can’t remember why I ever stopped. The Invitation was such fun! Part of what I loved was the start up of Stella’s perfume business. The fact that Hudson took part in creating that success gave their characters reasons to be together beyond just attraction. I didn’t expect that depth to their characters and enjoyed that interaction as well as the initial attraction between them. Another aspect of this novel that I really enjoyed was Stella’s addiction to purchasing and reading other people’s diaries. How interesting! I didn’t even know this was a thing and have to admit to being curious over whether these books are really out there being sold. It was also a kind of cool tie-in to the conflict in the story.

If you are looking for a fun novel with some hidden depth give The Invitation a look. I enjoyed the characters, their romance, and the story that surrounded it. It’s not often a romance surprises me and this one really did. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Invitation

Copyright 2021 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

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This Chick Read: Pause by Kylie Scott

Anna wakes up from a coma after a horrifying accident and finds out that her entire life has changed. In a coma for quite a long while she finds out her husband has cheated on her with her best friend and her job at that best friends hotel is not longer available. She had been replaced in that position too. Living back at home at her parents while going through physical therapy is a necessity but not a long term goal. When she searches out one of the other accident victims Leif, he suggests an alternative. She can live in his spare room while she gets her life back on track.

I can’t imagine waking up to find my life changed irrevocably as Anna does but she doesn’t have any choices open to her. She needs to learn to walk again, so she goes to therapy. She won’t put up with a cheater, so she moves in with her parents temporarily. She can’t really work while getting her strength back but when she can what will she do? When she shows up on Leif’s doorstep she doesn’t know that he sat by her bedside reading to her. When she finds out this long-haired, tattoo artist spend his free time with her she is surprised, but when she gets to know him she finds out that he’s a great guy. His offer of a place to live may be a bad idea but she wants out of her parents place and so she takes him up on it. Of course, eventually they become more than just roommates but what she learns about his character is a juxtaposition to his hot outward appearance.

This story is an easy read and both Anna and Leif are totally likable characters. I’ve always enjoyed the opposites attract love stories and this one checked that box. Anna was a country club, straight laced character. Leif’s artistic tattoo artist was not, obviously. The thing they had in common meant that they understood each other on a granular level and I liked that. He was not a he-man, my way or the highway kind of guy. He was a humorous, gentle contradiction which made him interesting to me as a reader. Add in a LOT of conflict from Anna’s ex and you get a solid love story! I bought into the two of them as a couple and Kylie Scott did a great job in the delivery. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase!* Pause

Copyright 2021 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

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It’s Monday, what are you reading? (7/26/21)

I have been blowing through books lately and I hate to say it, but some of them have not been that good. You know when you find a great book by an author that is relatively new to you and they have a huge back list? Sometimes you think, Score! Then as you start to go through them you realize well, they might not be the same quality as the most recent book that brought you back in. Usually I don’t give up because sometimes you find a hidden gem. This last one was pretty good, although it did take an unexpected mild dominant/submissive turn. LOL I was NOT expecting that!

JUST FINISHED

I probably should’ve read the reviews but for some reason I thought this was just going to be a slow burn novel. It played that way when I was reading it too when all of a sudden my characters got together and there was spanking involved. LOL. Although that took an unexpected turn I will say that the plot was super good! There was just a bit of dominating to skim through to get to those moments. I haven’t yet decided if I’ll write a review on this one although I did give it a 3.5 rating on Goodreads….

JUST STARTED

Sometimes you just need a palate cleanser and moving to a historical mystery will certainly do that for me! A Lady Compromised is the fourth book in the series and I have an ARC for the fifth so I needed to read this one first to be up to date on my characters. It’s a good series if you haven’t read it!

I’m on vacation the first week in August and am gathering my list of books I want to read. If you have any favorites please let me know. Otherwise, what books are you reading this week?

Happy Monday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases Aug’21

I’m barely getting my Top 5 list in before the end of the month….again. Now that I’m looking, oh boy are there a lot of great books coming out next month. My choices fall into several genres and you may find a new book that may not have been on your radar! Here are my Top 5 most anticipated book releases for next month.

#5 BOOK RELEASE

I haven’t read a Karina Halle book recently but from what I remember she writes fun and angsty romance novels. A perfect read to end my summer. This book looks cute!

Synopsis:

An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day–avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She has a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who lives with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.
And she’s happy with how things are–really–until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she’s a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person’s fairy tale is an ordinary woman’s nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison’s no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who’s sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she’ll need more than Harrison’s strong arms to shield her–she’ll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they’re willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.

Click this link to purchase! The Royals Next Door

#4 BOOK RELEASE

I love a good romantic fantasy novel and boy this cover sure drew me in. Despite this being book 2 the publisher assures us this is a stand alone novel and one that I’m not going to wait to read. The plot looks as wonderful as that cover promises!

Synopsis:

She knew her hand in marriage would be sold. She had no idea a fae prince was the buyer.

Katria swore she’d never fall in love. She’s seen what “love” means through the cruelty of her family. So when she’s married off to the mysterious Lord Fenwood for a handsome price, all Katria wants is a better life than the one she’s leaving. Feelings are off the table.

But her new husband makes not falling in love difficult.

As their attraction begins to grow, so too do the oddities within her new life: strange rules, screams in the night, and attacks by fae that Katria never thought were real. When she witnesses a ritual not meant for human eyes, Katria finds herself spirited away to the land of Midscape.

Surviving the fae wilds as a human is hard enough. Katria must survive as a human who accidently pilfered the magic of ancient kings – magic a bloodthirsty king is ready to kill her for in order to keep his stolen throne – and her new husband is the rightful heir in hiding.

The power to save the fae is in her hands. But who will save her from a love she vowed never to feel?

Click this link to purchase! A Dance with the Fae Prince (Married to Magic)

#3 BOOK RELEASE

I am a sucker for a novel about shy women who are impelled to break out of their shell by saving their local library. What can I say? I’m love the underdog!

Synopsis:

Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

Click this link to purchase! The Last Chance Library

#2 BOOK RELEASE

Full disclosure. I have already read this book and if I hadn’t it would be in my #1 spot. I love Lucy Parker. Her books never disappoint and are a fun break from the stress of real life. Battle Royal hit all of my sweet spots. Two bakery chefs meet on a cooking show a la The British Baking Championship where one is a judge and the other a contestant. They go on to become adversaries in real life but when paired as the judges on that same baking show they become frenemies and then something more. This book was FABULOUS. I loved it and will be purchasing it in audio as well as on my kindle.

Synopsis:

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere. When Sylvie’s unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has used her fame to fulfill her dream of opening a bakery. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they fight to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

Click this link to purchase! Battle Royal: A Novel

MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK- AUG’21

I have mixed feelings about putting this book in the #1 spot because I have both liked and loathed this author’s novels. It’s because they get a reaction that I am looking forward to reading the newest addition to her list. This one does have a good synopsis!

Synopsis:

A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this heartfelt new romance by USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang.

When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.

That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she herself has just started to understand. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.

Click this link to purchase! The Heart Principle

Thanks for checking out my Top 5 books being released next month. I know that all lists are subjective and what I like others do not. If I missed your favorite I’d love to hear about it. Please let me know in the comments.

Happy Sunday!

Deb

I’m an Amazon Associate and if you purchase any of the above books through the links provided I’ll receive a small stipend.

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Friday YA: Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

When Evie’s dad left her mom for another woman she stopped believing in love. When one day when dropping all of her romances at a Free Little Library she develops a special power of being able to see a couple kissing and “see” their story it only seemed to confirm what she already believed. Love doesn’t last, so why put yourself in the way of heartbreak? There has to be a reason she has this power, right? Searching for it she picks up the book she took out of the library. It has a return to sender stamp which is just around the corner from her house. Taking the book to this dance studio might make these powers go away. Instead she finds herself signed up for a dance contest with a partner named X. A partner who makes her smile and her fingers tingle. But she doesn’t believe in love, right?

At first glance this story felt like it was going to be a magical bit of fun, and in a way it was, but it also pulled quite a punch! Evie was pretty cynical about love and she had good reason after all, but after she met the two elderly owners of the dance studio who were so obviously in love I thought she’d snap out of her cynicism. It i mathematically impossible for 100% of all couples to end in heart break. Underlying her cynicism was a deep resentment towards her father for how things ended with her mom, and the fact that he was obviously very much in love with his new lady. When she meets X and feels this connection she gives him such a hard time but they have to spend time together to build a connection for their dance competition that his spirit seeps into her soul.

Despite Evie’s heartbreak and anger I did like her, but out of the two X was the smooth charmer and easier to fall for. You could see how as they got closer she really wanted to believe love could last and people could be true to each other. Setting their romance in a story where ballroom dance was the power that bound them read so true. My husband and I took ballroom dance lessons many moons ago and to this day I still remember how connected I felt to him. You have to pay attention to your partners body to know where to step next. Knowing this I could see how X broke down Evie’s defenses. Add good looks and charm to the mechanics of learning the tango? Whew! She didn’t stand a chance.

I’ve liked all of the Nicola Yoon novels I’ve read. This reads slightly lighter than her others but I think if she wrote it during the pandemic she may have needed a subject matter that would be fun to write and for the readers magical to read. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase!* Instructions for Dancing

Copyright 2021 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