It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/16/21)

This past week saw my first foray back into an office environment. Although my company has opted for a hybrid setting, two days in the office and one day at home. It was good to see everyone face to face, although really we only see people’s eyes nowadays since we’re all masked up in person, but that camaraderie is hard to replace over a Zoom call. LOL. I don’t know about you, but I must be one of the few who enjoy working at home more than I do in the office. I relish the quiet and being able to make a business call without having 20 people listen in on my phone conversation. What does this have to do with what I read this week? Well, I used my audiobook to cut out the conversation around me and finished up a fun science fiction novel. Let’s get to discussing books!

JUST FINISHED

I previously read this novel but listening to it was a lot of fun too. It’s very fast-paced and our main character is troubled but has a great heart. She grew a lot in this novel, but having read the series I know that her future also has a lot of person growth which I love. There is also a romance component to this series, which adds some sizzle, but honestly the action scenes were what I loved about these novels the most. Check it out if you haven’t read it, this series is a blast!

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This novel is falls into the romantic suspense genre, which was a perfect sequé from the action-packed fantasy novel I had just finished. I’m about 40% into it and the story starts out fast which our heroine under fire. I have recently discovered Adriana Anders with the first novel in this series and really enjoy her quick and easy style of writing! This is book two so look up the first “Whiteout” if you want to jump into the series. It’s good!

You can see I’m all about the action this week! What genre of book has caught your attention this week? Is it good? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Exposed (VIP #4) by Kristen Callihan

Brenna is out with a girlfriend having a drink and makes a confession. What she doesn’t realizes is that someone overheard her, her frenemy Rye, the bass player in the band she manages public relations. Rye approaches her and offers himself as that person who will be available for sex, comfort, and friendship. She is embarrassed and floored. After a little dithering, yes, she takes him up on his offer. This new relationship gives Rye and Brenna the chance to explore why they react to each other so strongly and that those feelings weren’t actually based on hate.

Kristen Callihan writes colorful and flawed characters. I love her novels and look forward to every release. Unfortunately Brenna and Rye, although flawed, don’t have a lot of depth and felt very two dimensional. I think part of the reason is because their union was just based on sex. She needed her itch scratched and he was doing the scratching. Their conflict was built on why they weren’t friendly with each other and well, the reason just wasn’t that interesting.

I can’t help but compare why one novel I can’t relate with and other novels I don’t have any trouble loving. It’s not the sex scenes, although this novel has a ton of them because that’s what the premise is based on so there were certainly a lot of them. I am drawn to characters who have a lot of back story which create depth. I didn’t really feel like that much time was spent on Rye and Brenna relating to each other. There is a miscommunication early on and then they just snipe at each other. Pretty soon, that’s just who they are, until wham, they are sleeping together and then in love. It’s just not enough for me this time. I hate that because I love this author!

Have you read the VIP series? If not, you really should go back and read them. Even though this was not my favorite and I really hate to end the series on a bad note, the other three are very good! Exposed, while not the best book in the world is definitely not the worst book I’ve read either and it did do one thing. It reminded me how much I love the series and want to read them again. ❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase!* Exposed (VIP Book 4)

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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!

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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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

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.

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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

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*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….

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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