Tag: book reviews

This Chick Read: A Measure of Menace (Kat Holloway Mystery) by Jennifer Ashley

While the residing family is in the country, cook, Kat Holloway and staff maintain the London residence. When Lord Clifford, Lady Cynthia’s confidence-trickster father arrives in London and asks for Kat’s help because he might be charged with murder, Kat and her beau, Daniel McAdam, will do all that’s possible to solve the murder and keep Lord Clifford out of jail and spare Lady Cynthia’s reputation from ruin.

This short novella told a full length mystery in just 112 pages. As a fan of this series I didn’t have any trouble understanding the intricacies of Lord Clifford’s shady character, or what it would mean to his daughter and wife if he were to be arrested. I loved how the author quickly gave the reader a number of suspects other than Lord Clifford, and took us through Kat’s thinking process as she solved the mystery.

Kat Holloway and her close friend Daniel are such great characters whom this author has spent multiple books creating backstories, emotional conflict and resolutions, and telling the various comings and goings that involved with running a kitchen in Victorian London. I love jumping into these mysteries and seeing what these characters will learn, find out, and in some way advance their multi- novel story arc’s. Jennifer Ashley has done a great job creating this small universe in London and as a fan, I eagerly read each and every new novel she releases. A Measure of Menace, even at only 112 pages, was no different, and just as great as her full length novels.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* A Measure of Menace

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens

Anna Appleby writes a column in a local magazine about love, but she’s not really feeling it since she’s gone through a divorce. She’s enjoying being single, raising her two kids, and not having to fight over what to watch on tv that night. When her magazine gets bought she’s told she needs to spice up her column. She gets pit against her co-worker Will who pitches an idea for them to write two dating columns from both of their perspectives. The catch is that her dates are the choices of her two children, and will has to match the theme. Anna gamely puts herself out there asking out a waiter, her mail man, and next door neighbor, but she finds love where she least expects it.

I love novels that mix humor with a great plot and this one had both in spades. Anna’s gone through a rough divorce and is not interested in swiping right. When she feels threatened for her job at work she throws out this crazy idea about her kids picking her dates and hilarity ensues. I loved how the kids views on what constitutes a good date comes down to “he hates bikes too”. These dates made for some great storytelling, but really it was her frenemy at work, Will, that added some romantic tension and heat to the story.

I’ve read quite a few of Sophie Cousens novels and I have to say that I haven’t yet been disappointed by something that she’s written. She understands the romance formula and always creates a bit of a twist that catches the reader by surprise. Sometimes these twists provide a little magic to the tale, but in this case, the magic was the friendships that Anna developed while going on this journey of self-discovery and renewal. What a fun story and a great romance. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Is She Really Going Out With Him?

Copyright 2024 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 Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London #4) by Mimi Matthews

Stella Hobhouse is a skilled rider, stalwart friend, and decent sketch artist. She’s also overlooked in London society. Her gray hair makes her invisible and her pious brother’s restrictions and dwindling inheritance means that things are becoming desperate. She must find someone to marry. Edward “Teddy” Hayes is an aspiring artist and knows true beauty when he sees it. After a bout of scarlet fever left him in a wheelchair, Teddy knows good fortune when he finds it. He’s determined to make Stella his muse and is willing to offer marriage to make it happen.

I’ve appreciated Mimi Matthews novels about the “Belles of London” for various reasons but mostly because her heroines buck society’s expectations. Stella’s story is a little bit different because she is both a pariah because of her unusual hair color but she’s also close to impoverished and reliant upon her brother’s good nature, of which he has none. When she has to make a difficult decision about her future she is brave enough to try to make things happen on her own.

Teddy also has his own difficulties. As a man in a wheelchair, his family tends to coddle him and try to make decisions for him. His “marriage of convenience” that he offers to Stella helps his independence, but isn’t the only reason for his offer. He truly is attracted to and wants to be with Stella. I loved that these two people who had difficulties in their lives found each other and a way to be in love together. For me, their stories made for a more emotional book which made it different than the others. I liked it!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Muse of Maiden Lane

Copyright 2024 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 Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy #2) by Nora Roberts

When Sonya MacTavish inherits a huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she moves right in, not knowing the house is haunted. She hears footsteps, doors slamming, and voices but it’s when a mirror appears that the haunting is taken to the next level. She steps through the mirror and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day and realizes it’s a scene that plays out again and again and she must be the person to break that pattern.

Her best friend Cleo moves in, which adds a fun girl power element to the fight against evil, and her cousin Owen and her new beau Trey round out the foursome. Sonya’s romance with Trey triggers the witch Hester Dobbs who amps up her haunting and seems to frighten more than physically hurt anyone. As the story moves forward Hester’s actions may become more of a threat and I can’t wait to see what book three brings.

What I think makes this series different than some of Nora Roberts other series is that the story follows Sonya through each book. Sometimes in her other series the side characters get their own books. I like that this is Sonya’s fight and that as each story moves forward the reader’s emotions become more entangled with Sonya and what she’s going through. Sometimes, with Nora’s writing it’s very easy to separate yourself from what you’re reading, this series, even though fantastical, seems easier to become involved emotionally.

As far as love stories go, I’m pretty ho-hum when it comes to Trey and Sonya. I like that he’s supportive, but I almost feel like he gets in the way of the plot more than becomes integral to it. Owen on the other hand, is family, and can see the spookiness, can walk through the mirror, etc. I think because he’s more involved I like his actions and reactions more. He and Cleo are just starting their flirtation and his steadiness is a good contrast to her artistic nature. They’re a fun couple to read.

I am really enjoying this series so far and am looking forward to the conclusion next year. I can’t wait to see how Sonya kicks Hester’s witchy butt, with her friends help, of course!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it is honest.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Mirror

Copyright 2024 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Bride of the Shadow King by Silvia Mercedes

Princess Faraine has been shunned by her people and sent to live in a convent, but when her sister is affianced to the Shadow King Vor, she is brought from the convent by her father to attend her sister and make sure the marriage he wants happens. Faraine and Vor meet on the road when he saves she and her brother from some disreputable Fae and make a connection but knowing a relationship with her would not help his kingdom he chooses her sister to marry.

I have a weakness for romantic-fantasy novels and was really pleased with this plot, characters, and their world. Silvia Mercedes spun a really interesting take on an arranged marriage trope- most likely because their two worlds were so vastly different and viewing those differences through Faraine’s eyes held my attention. Needless to say, the above summation of the plot wasn’t exactly how the story played out but the betrayals and deceit were balanced out by heroics and good deeds making both Faraine and Vor easy to root for because they were so likable.

Some of my favorite moments were prior to the “wedding” when Vor and his people were experiencing the strangeness of Faraine’s world, and then when Faraine was in the depths of Vor kingdom and she was discovering the differences in her new home. Those small details are for me what makes good world building so great and this author did a nice job of painting a picture for the reader, not only of the characters, but of their surroundings. These details gave the book such a nice roundness. As this is a re-release, I immediately go the second novel and continued to read their story- and it was just as good.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Bride of the Shadow King

Copyright 2024 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 Chicks Audio Review: Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood

Video game designer Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime to design a game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only downfall is that she’ll have to work with her arch-nemesis Jesse Andrews.When their two companies both win the bid to co-design the game their bosses think a wintry retreat is just the answer to get their teams to bond together. Viola has tried to befriend Jesse before but has been snubbed repeatedly and she is not looking forward to this retreat, but in order to be part of this dream job she’s willing to suck it up. Unfortunately she doesn’t count on their chemistry making a bad situation…..better?

Narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster who gave these characters life, this novella was just the right fit to get an Ali Hazelwood fix. The audio book is about 4 1/2 hours but there’s a lot packed into this five day retreat. Great back stories for our two main characters, lots of anxiety, great dialog, and a resolution that packs an emotional punch. This enemies to lovers romance brought the gaming world to life, but even better, this author created three dimensional characters in a very short timeframe. Something a lot of authors struggle with when writing novella’s but this author excels. If you have the time, I’d add this audiobook to your TBR and when you find that 4 1/2 hours of downtime, give it a go. I think you’ll find it a fun story!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase this audiobook!* Two Can Play

Copyright 2024 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: Mr. Nice Spy (My Spy #2) by Tiana Smith

After fireworks designer, Andee Paxton takes an online DNA test she finds out that her biological father is none other than Holt, an international arms dealer. The CIA shows up at her door where she meets very handsome CIA analyst officer Adam Chan. When Chan lingers over coffee they find themselves knocked out and kidnapped by her father’s men. Waking up in a bunker as boyfriend and girlfriend Andee and Chan play their parts while her very scary father tries to get to know her and sell her on the family business as well as get her help in creating a very nasty bio weapon. Chan and Andee’s fake relationship is the only thing keeping her sane as they try to figure out their escape plan and save the world.

What a fun rom-com/spy novel! Tiana Smith has a very easy style of writing that made this story a joy to read. Lots of action, great dialogue, and a few scary bits for conflict made for a complete escape from reality and an enjoyable weekend of reading. I haven’t read the first novel in this series but I’ve found it at the library and have it on my TBR.

Besides the great action series, Andee and Chan were both really interesting characters and their immediate chemistry gave the romance some heat. Andee is one of those smart heroine’s that I love to read about- go STEM romance leads! her degree in chemical engineering makes her a great sidekick for a spy. She didn’t let her emotions get the better of her and was doing her part to find a way out. Chan, too, was an interesting guy. Yes, he was a CIA analyst, but he is also hearing impaired. I liked how his “weakness” became a strength in the story. The fact that the descriptions of him as well as Andee’s immediate attraction made him eye candy for my imagination didn’t hurt either. Really, this story was just 100% enjoyable and I can’t recommend it enough.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Mr. Nice Spy

Copyright 2024 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’s Audio Review: The Road of Bones (The Ashen #1) by Demi Winters

Synopsis: Silla Nordvig is running for her life.

The Queen of Íseldur has sent warriors to bring Silla to Sunnavík, where death awaits her. When her father is killed, his last words set Silla on a perilous quest: travel the treacherous Road of Bones—a thousand-mile stretch haunted by warbands, creatures of darkness, and a mysterious murderer—and go to Kopa, where a shield house awaits her.

After barely surviving the first stretch of road, a desperate Silla sneaks into a supply wagon belonging to the notorious Bloodaxe Crew. To make it to Kopa, she must win over Axe Eyes, the brooding leader of the Crew, while avoiding the Wolf, his distractingly handsome right-hand man. But the queen’s ruthless assassin has other plans and hunts Silla obsessively.Will Silla make it safely to Kopa? Or will she fall prey to the perils of the Road of Bones?

Narrated by Islay Jacobs in a charming English accent, The Road of Bones follows Silla on her journey to get to Kopa with the help of the Blood Axe Crew, led by Reynir, or as she refers to him, Axe eyes. He is a viking-esque warrior who slightly terrifies Silla when she hides away in their wagon as they start their journey on the Road of Bones. When she’s found out, her life is threatened, but it’s her charming nature, and the fact that she can cook that lands her a semi-permanent position with their crew at least to the next town. All the while she has the Queen’s warriors hunting throughout the countryside for her as well as an agent of the queen who has a magical ability that is frankly terrifying but also really useful in getting information out of the people she questions.

This novel is filled with loads of adventure, lots of killing, comradery, and a side of romance. Things that are common in epic tales of heroism and adventure. Silla herself starts off as a young 20 year old girl, but ends the novel a slightly stronger woman who has learned a lot about life’s lessons, evil, and heartbreak. I’ll admit to finding her younger self slightly annoying because she was so naive, and still kind of annoying when she lost that naivete yet still refused to embrace her true self. However, I loved the camaraderie, and tales of adventure. I’ve never read a book by this author but I’ve already checked out the second novel in the series because after 25 hours of listening (truth!) I need to know that Silla is going to embrace her future and become the woman I know she can become.

If you are a fan of epic fantasy novels you may like this series. This first novel has given me hope that a female author can write an epic tale that has a strong female lead that can conquer, kick butt, fall in love and remain someone that I can root for until the end. Fingers crossed that book #2 delivers! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Road of Bones

Copyright 2024 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: a bunch of Nora Roberts!

You know when you are sick and you just want some comfort food? For me that food is usually a grilled cheese sandwich or a frozen chicken pot pie. These things just make my heart warm and help me feel just that small bit better. Well, Nora Roberts books are grilled cheese sandwiches for my spirit. I needed a hit of comfort food and happened upon her backlog of books when I was surfing my digital library. She has been so prolific that there are some books from 20 years ago that I know I read when they came out but honestly didn’t remember and thought, why not? I was surprised at how much I loved this venture down memory lane (or lack of memory as the case may be).

The book I read had a much older cover than this newer version, but as the book came out in 2001 I’d imagine it’s had a few variations. As noted by this cover, this book centers around the Giambelli family and Sophie, specifically. Her grandmother in a rather machiavellian way maneuvers, she and her step-son into swapping positions in the family business. Tyler MacMillan runs his grandfather’s vineyard and when he’s told Giambelli is merging with MacMillan and he has to give up running the vineyard to learn marketing and promotions, he is not pleased at all. Especially as he’s paired with the energetic and very attractive Sophie. Attraction ensues and when you add a little danger in the form of someone using their wine to poison people, voilâ! You get a wonderfully written romantic suspense novel that still holds well over time. I’ll admit that I did look up what cell phones looked like in 2001 for entertainment value, but that’s neither here nor there. The story held my interest and gave me that comfort I needed. Plus I liked Sophie and Tyler’s unusual and kind of begrudging love story. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Next up!

Yeah, I couldn’t just read one book I had to read one of the Irish trilogy’s! I didn’t remember this series at all and was immediately drawn into the magic of Ireland and the beloved Gallagher family. Jewels of the Sun was written in 1999, so it’s an oldie but goodie, but again since these novels had a bit of fantasy in the story my mind wasn’t diverted by technology and I easily fell into the story. This first novel follows Aidan Gallagher, who runs the local pub with his brother and sister. Gallaghers is filled with light, love, and a bunch of Irish characters who add a lot to the plot and give the story some charm. Jude Murray is the heroine, has some Irish heritage, and moves into her great aunt’s (I think?) fairie cottage, which is right above Prince Carrick of the fairies castle (as in below the earth). Her cottage is haunted by the love of Prince Carrick’s life and their story is the reason for the trilogy. They need three couples to find true love to have their curse broken so they can be together. The other two couple being Shawn and Brenna, and then Darcy and Trevor. The thing I love about these trilogy’s is that when they are good, you get lost in them and you just want to keep reading. The great thing about reading books this old is that they are all available to read!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Some Nora Roberts books are better than others, of course, but all four of these were pretty solid! If you are like me and read too many books in a year to remember the plots of books you’ve read over 20 years ago, then you may want to go to your nearest library and pick up a virtual copy! Or you can purchase your copy at the links below.

Click this link to purchase The Villa!*

Click this link to purchase The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy!*

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

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This Chick Read: Somewhere Along the Line by Mallory Thomas

Piper Paulson and James Newhouse ride the same train in to work every day. He’s in a suit, she’s in retro t’s and jeans. They are complete opposites, yet their eyes connect, then look away until one day when the Elvis convention is in town and the only seat available is next to each other and they take a chance and talk. One conversation that leads to their being connected during a freak incident on that train. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship but circumstance and chemistry keeps bringing them together. Will this connection turn into something more?

I liked this opposites attract romance. Piper and James are drawn to each other in large part because they remind each other of their past. She reminds him of his mother and he reminds her of a previous relationship. Both add conflict to their reaching their happily ever after and make for some interesting story arc’s that held my interest and kept me reading. Were there problematic moments? Yes, but the positive outweighed the negative and these problems didn’t slow the story down or take me out of the story so I was able to stay “in the moment” and move past those brief moments.

I looked up the author and didn’t see any other books in her bio so I believe this is her debut novel. In this reviewers humble opinion I think she did a solid job, gave us interesting characters to read about, and created a plot that was simple but had some dynamics that were unexpected and gave the reader that element of surprise that keeps us reading. Nice job! ❤️❤️❤️❣️

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

Copyright 2024 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads