Tag: book review

This Chicks Audio Review: Firstlife (Everlife #1) by Gena Showalter

What if the life you were currently living wasn’t your only life? Tenley Lockwood has been sent to the Prynne Asylum, a prison for those kids who have not chosen who to spend there Everlife, Troika or Myriad. To factions who need to build their armies and who are fighting for control over the Everlife. Ten has a fascination with numbers and both Troika and Myriad are convinced that she holds the key in their war for dominance in the Everlife. They send two handlers to help convince her to choose their faction and she becomes close with both of them. As they fight to keep her alive and give her the chance to choose before her Firstlife ends she makes some discoveries about both that make her decision hard. A decision that may disappoint the one she loves.

Firstlife was a non-stop action adventure novel that luckily was easy to follow. Ten was the person that both factions believed they needed to gain dominance over the other. The reader was told the reason but other than surviving a bunch of attempts on her life she didn’t really show the reason why she was that special. She was pretty obstinate in not letting anyone push her to make a decision before she was ready, despite the life and death action that was going on around her. I’m going to guess we find out about her abilities a little more in the second novel? At least I hope so.

As with many YA fantasy novels, Ten is helped by two young men, both of whom she becomes close with but unlike the typical YA trope, only one she falls for. Without spoiling her choice I will say that she doesn’t let her feelings sway her decision on who the best faction may be for her which was pretty refreshing!

I listened to the audiobook of this novel and it was narrated by two people, Emma Galvin and Zachary Webber. I am familiar with Zachary Webber’s work and per usual he was awesome. Emma Galvin read from Tenley’s point of view which was the majority of the story and I thought she did a great job of displaying all of the emotions this character felt while being chased through the majority of this book. A tough read, for sure!

I am a huge fan of fantasy novels and have had this series on my TBR for awhile. I really enjoyed the narration and if you have the time would recommend your giving this book a try. If you read it instead of listen, I’d imagine the action would speed your reading along quite quickly. You’ll be surprised at how much this character goes through. It was kind of exhausting!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase! Firstlife (An Everlife Novel)

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

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/23/21)

A rainy weekend is the perfect time to read on the couch while listening to those drops hit you window. The only thing that would be better is if the temp was a little bit chillier. I started two books this weekend, one of which is an audiobook and both were fantasy novels. I seem to be in that mood!

JUST FINISHED

This cover is totally romance worthy isn’t it? But that title is all fantasy novel! I ran across this on Amazon and as it was a Kindle Unlimited book and I’m a subscriber I thought I’d give it a try. I read the reviews and they said this was good and I have to admit, I really enjoyed the story! It was a lot darker than I’d been prepared to read but I guess when you start off with a dragonrider kidnapping a young woman to be his bride it’s not your typical romantic fantasy. The characters were very interesting and the story took me somewhere completely unexpected. It’s not often I’m surprised and in a good way! I’ve already gotten the second book in the series and can’t wait for another rainy day to read it.

JUST STARTED

From the same world as Kill the Queen and Protect the Prince, Capture the Crown is the story of Gemma the Gargoyle Queen. I’m listening to the audiobook of this novel and hope it captures my interest as much as her previous series. I loved the action-filled story and the side-story romance. Will Gemma be as interesting? We’ll see!

Which genre is your go-to genre when you want to get away from real life drama? I’ve been on a total fantasy kick lately! Let me know in the comments.

Have a great Monday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chick Read: Deep (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott

Ben and LIzzy have a secret friendship. They text and call each other but never take it any further despite their attraction to each other. Why? Well, Ben is the bass player for the world famous band Stage Dive, and Lizzy is his best friend and bandmates new sister in law. Who has been declared hands off, except for that one night…. When Lizzy finds herself pregnant their secret friendship is blown wide open.

Lizzy has had a crush on Ben since she was 19, when her sister started hanging out with Mal from Stage Dive. She would admit that she semi stalked him into being her text buddy and kind of friend. After she ends up pregnant Ben tries to do the right thing except he doesn’t know how. She goes on tour with them but isn’t “together” with Ben and his life hasn’t changed all that much. Except he doesn’t have any interest in one night stands anymore.

LIzzy and Ben were always just side notes to the other members of the band and their girlfriends and I’ll admit that this book felt like the author kind of kept that side note thing going. It took them too long to commit to their feelings for each other. Lizzy feels betrayed and Ben needs a friend of his to show him how he’s failed at being there for her before he figures out he needs to change his ways. It was slightly frustrating. I didn’t hate reading this novel because Kylie Scott is way too talented to leave me hanging out there too long but these two weren’t my favorite pairing of the series. The other band mates and their ladies were just too charismatic. Ben and Lizzy felt like it tried to hard to get that same reaction from the reader.

I’m kind of sad that this was the last book in the Stage Dive series and it ended on somewhat of a bummer note for me. I think I’m going to go back an re-read the other novels so that I remember how much I loved those characters. That may also give me a little more insight into Ben and LIzzy too. Although my impression is that they didn’t change all that much from their previous iterations. ❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Deep (Stage Dive Series Book 4)

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

This Chick Read: Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Sylvie Fairchild and Dominic De Vere first met on a television cooking competition. No they weren’t both competing, Sylvie was, but Dominic was one of the judges. They loathed each other at first sight. When Sylvie opens up her bakery right across the street from Dominic’s they can’t help but be competitive, each striving to win the next big account. When Sylvie gets cast as one of the judges on the same cooking show where she met Dominic its the first time she see’s more than a few minutes of him. When the palace announces a royal engagement they end up working together to unravel a mystery. The more time Sylvie and Dominic spend together they see another surprising side to the person he/she thought they knew.

Full disclosure! I am a HUGE fan of both Lucy Parker and the British Baking Championship which their show is based off of, so I knew going in that I was going to either hate this novel or LOVE it. Lucy Parker’s writing chops wins again and I ended up falling for both of these characters. Battle Royal was “brilliant” as the British say, but it was also a ton of fun.

Sylvie Fairchild is all glitter, sparkles, and colors, and Dominic is staid, neutral, and elegant. Who would have thought that the two of them would strike a match? When they start researching a mystery about the royal house, they get glimpses of something in the other that strikes a chord in what they’ve missed through their entire lives. I really liked these two as a couple and even though they had a long journey it was totally worth the happy ending.

This novel had all of the fun themes of a fast paced story. A competition, evil characters, a historical mystery, and the behind the scenes drama of a baking show. A lot of characters had emotional journeys, not just our two main protagonists, and I really got involved in every sub plot. This novel was so much fun.

If you haven’t read Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series, please check them out. I think I read each one a few times over the last year because they made me feel good when I needed that jolt of happiness. Battle Royal is my newest addiction and you can bet I’ll be getting a copy in every format.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase!* Battle Royal: A Novel

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 Reads2 Comments

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)

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

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.

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.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

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.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

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.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads