I love to go back through “Best Of” lists from previous years and ran across You Had Me at Hola on a 2020 list. At some point I picked up an audiobook of the title and it’s sat in my library for a few years. I’ve been concentrating on listening to books I already own instead of buying new ones (hello, book hoarder here!) and finally decided to give this one a try. Narrated by Seraphine Valentine, I really enjoyed listening to this story with a narrator who was bilingual. She really did it justice. Much better than I would’ve reading a copy on my own and hearing my inner voice’s use of my high school Spanish classes. Our two main characters, Jasmine and Ashton meet on the set of brand new streaming series made for the US audience. Their initial meeting was jarred by a spilled cup of coffee and the build-up of their relationship was inhibited by both characters insecurities and secrets. Listening to the narration give life to a story that used both languages very effectively really painted a picture that I found interesting and eventful. I didn’t even think of stopping this book and in fact listened to it constantly almost from start to finish.
Jasmine is just out of a nasty paparazzi fueled break-up with a very juvenile sounding rock star and is being haunted by those journalists. Ashton is gun-shy around any kind of notoriety that doesn’t have something to do with his acting and being seen off set with Jasmine isn’t something he wants to start up, regardless of their chemistry. These two characters had a lot to work through to find their happily-ever-after, but I was here for it!
If there was any negatives to this story I would say that it was Jasmine’s insecurity in herself. She has had bad luck in love and really just wants to find her person, someone who will love her as much as she wants, no needs to be loved. She came across as a little needy. Combine that with Ashton’s “secret” and the fact that he supports his entire family back in Puerto Rico to me would make it seem kind of a problematic set-up to a romance, but somehow the author made it work and I really liked the conclusion to their romance. It was the leading up to it that I found just a tad frustrating. This was the reason for my giving it only four stars, but the narration deserves a five for sure!
Jane and Dan are going to La Fin du Monde to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary and Jane thinks that’s the perfect time to tell him she wants a divorce. Before they get to the second course and environmental terrorist group bursts into the dining room and they find themselves in a hostage situation. The eery thing is that the terrorists seem to be following the plot in the novel Jane wrote, which means Dan and Jane are the only ones who know what’s going to happen next and they’re the only ones that can stop it.
The synopsis is what drew me to this book and I have to say I was not disappointed at all. This story moved the plot forward at a very quick pace and I blew through this novel. It was so much fun! The original premise is that Jane feels dissatisfied with her life. Her kids are growing up and she’s not needed so much at home, the novel she wrote only sold 500 copies, and she thinks her husband Dan is cheating on her. She picks the night of their anniversary dinner at an exclusive restaurant as the place where she’s going to tell her husband she wants a divorce. This opening chapter really set the stage for whether the reader was going to like Jane and Dan and I have to say that their dialogue at dinner made me love them. They were so witty and bantered just like a couple who have been married for 19 years would. There was humor, confusion, hurt, and shock. Then the terrorists arrive.
I don’t want to ruin the plot for any readers out there who plan to enjoy this book but let’s just say that as soon as Jane realizes the terrorists read her book and are following her plot, her actions become rather outrageous and add a lot of hilarity to the story. Her husband Dan is no hero, but his solid demeanor makes him seem heroic in this kind of situation. I loved how the two of them working together to save the other hostages end up saving their marriage as well. This was a totally enjoyable well rounded story and just so much fun to read. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved
It’s 1613 and King James is sending Andrew Logan, King’s Messenger, to Scotland to take into custody Sir David Moray, close friend and confidant to the late Prince Henry. Joined by a scrivener and his daughter Phoebe it slowly becomes clear that Sir David Moray is being framed for the Prince’s murder, but Andrew is unwilling to betray an innocent man. Phoebe doesn’t trust Andrew Logan but as they journey together she begins to see that everything she thought she knew about him was false.
Susanna Kearsley writes wonderful historical fiction. She uses her research of that time period to really build a world that the reader can visualize and her characterizations if the people from that time ring true. I read quite a bit of historical fiction and somehow never stumbled upon the fact that there were King’s Messengers whose sole job were to deliver messages, or in this case capture someone and bring him back to the King. That was interesting enough on its own but Andrew Logan also had the sight, giving him a view of the future. Something in this time that would be feared and possibly get him killed. I thought this supernatural element really added a neat twist to this historical novel and made Logan’s character just a tad bit more interesting.
The mystery element to this story unfolded slowly, really allowing the reader to develop feelings for the characters and care about the outcome of their journey. Was David Moray implicit in the death of the Prince? This story will make you feel for these characters and care about the resolution to that mystery. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
Lenny has been completely lost since her best friend died of cancer. She’s avoiding both her parents and the apartment where she and her friend lived. She carries with her a laminated card filled with a “live again” list which her grief keeps her from checking off. She takes what’s to be a short term job as a nanny for a single mom and her daughter Ainsley. She’s counting on those days to distract her from her sadness, but what she doesn’t figure in is the grumpy uncle who shows up determined to be a part of Ainsley’s life and ends up becoming Lenny’s rock.
I am used to Cara Bastone’s novels making me laugh and even shedding a tear or two, but this one struck my heart. Grumpy Miles recognizes Lenny’s grief because he too has had to overcome his fears and feelings. Once he’s figured her out, he shows up everywhere for her, becomes her friend, and helps her get through that “live again” list. This novel was one of those great slow burn novels that allow you to get to know the main characters and really come to love them before they actually love each other.
The secondary plot of this book is Miles’ own story about how he’s trying to connect and build a relationship with his half sister Reese and his niece Ainsley. This too is a slow build of discovery and romance, albeit between a small family who learns to lean on each other. I loved this story as much as the main love story, it held just as much weight.
Cara Bastone’s novels, for me, are almost always perfect. This one is a great example of some exceptional writing. Enjoy!
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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
Detective Kit McKittrick and Dr. Sam Reeves are finally on their long-anticipated second date on a hike in the desert when they stumble upon a dead body. Sam identifies the body as one of their city councilman, a man no one likes. Kit and her partner are assigned the case as as they reveal evidence they find he was involved in some sinister dealings and someone is out there killing all the people involved.
This is the second novel I’ve read in this series so I was pretty familiar with all of the characters as well as their idiosyncrasies. That was helpful at times because there was quite a bit of back story that would explain how characters are reacting to certain scenes in the story. Despite that historical knowledge, I do think the author gives a good rudimentary explanation so that you could read this novel as a stand alone, although I think you’ll get more out of it if you read the previous novels.
Kit has an instinct for detecting and solving crimes. She and her partner Conner have earned a bit of notoriety from solving some higher profile cases so when she finds this body in the desert they are naturally put in charge of the case. Despite the immediate finding of the body I found the first third of this novel really slow, it wasn’t until the killer started knocking off some of their witnesses that the story picked up a bit. Truthfully, I think detective work is probably pretty boring so maybe the author portrayed that first portion pretty accurately! Once the story picked up my reading pace also picked up and I found myself enjoying the story more. I was a little worried at first and thought I might have to put the book down.
The one thing I really enjoyed were Kit’s relationships with the people around her. Her feelings for her family come through in her character and her budding emotions for Sam are new for her and the way the author wove their romance into the mystery gave each moment greater impact. I liked how her emotions for all the people around her really helped push the stories momentum forward. I also really enjoy reading about a character who is so smart, has solid values, and that you can rally behind. It was a rocky story but I ended up really enjoying this book.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
Cecily Foster loves making podcasts, but after a disastrous relationship with a colleague who broke her heart and stole her ideas she’s stayed out of the limelight, producing work instead of being the host. When her boss offers her the chance of a lifetime hosting a podcast with an influencer Cecily hesitates. She would have to put her personal life out in the ether, going on dates that Eliza deems appropriate. Cecily is not looking for love but if doing this podcast will save some of her co-workers jobs she’s willing to put her pride on the line.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story. It seems like writing about podcasts is all the rage right now and I’ve read a couple of good romance novels similar to this story but once I started I realized how different this authors writing was from the other stories I’ve read about podcasters. Cecily’s life was kind of at a crossroads, but she’s stuck in a rut working behind the scenes instead of going after what she really wants. Despite not wanting to put her love life on-air and being a little skeptical about whether Eliza has a background to give advice on love, she gives in. Her conflicting feelings only grow when she meets someone on her own and likes him better than any of the men she’s set up with she gains insight into her own feelings.
Back After This isn’t a romance novel as much as it’s a novel about self exploration and I think it works. At first Cecily seemed kind of altruistic- if she does the podcast she saves her friends jobs. I get it, you love your team, but if her character didn’t have some growth through the novel I probably wouldn’t have stuck with continuing to the end. Although I really did love the hot waiter. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
As a lover of romantasy novels I was excited to see this synopsis about a young woman, unlucky in love, who loses herself in her favorite romantic fantasy novels Elytheum. In a fantasy world your dreams of the perfect man are delivered via fiction, keeping the hope alive that someday you’ll find your own hero, albeit unwinged. When Jennifer gets dumped by her current boyfriend, her week is free for her to go live out her fantasies at an immersive Elytheum event. She hopes to leave all her real world troubles behind, but when she gets to the event she discovers her work nemesis wearing leather. Scott is determined to solve his own relationship troubles and is determined to turn himself into a perfect book boyfriend. Jennifer wants nothing to do with Scott yet he keeps turning up and the notes he’s taking seem to be working in his favor.
There were some really fun elements to this story. Who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in their favorite fantasy world, including their dream boyfriend? My hand is raised right along with yours! There were some cute moments where Jennifer is living out her dream, meeting people and making friends, but there were moments where it felt like the author’s leaned a little too hard into the fantasy taking me out of the story. I struggled with some chapters where the story felt a little cumbersome and the budding relationship was more antagonistic than frenemy. The story was a little problematic for me and I had trouble feeling good about Jennifer and Scott as a couple.
There were some happier moments. I loved that Jennifer, who seems to have trouble making friends and meeting people, seemed to be in her element. She put herself out there and really let herself enjoy the experience with a new group of non-judgemental friends. Those scenes were great and I loved the women helping women theme but unfortunately this was a romance novel and I couldn’t get past not liking this pairing as a couple. Maybe you’ll feel different? ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
Lyla’s life is not going as planned. Her post-doctoral research job is looking like a dead end and her relationship with her actor-boyfriend Nico is running out of steam. When he suggests that they try out for a reality show called One Perfect Couple in order to help out his career she reluctantly agrees. They will compete with four other couples in order to win a cash prize while on a deserted island. After the first challenge the contestants are left feeling angry and after a storm blows through that night they find themselves facing more reality than they’d counted on. Not able to reach the production team or the mainland, they have only enough water to survive a few weeks and the stakes have risen to life or death.
This is the second time I’ve listened to one of Ruth Ware’s novels and again I had trouble going about my work day without wanting to plug in and hear the next chapter. Imogen Church’s narration was amazing and her characterizations of each individual really gave them life. I knew who each person was by the sound of their voice, which kept me immersed in the story instead of trying to figure out who was saying what line.
This was one of those mysteries that wasn’t very mysterious, but despite the reader being in on who were the good guys and bad guys, Ruth Ware still did a great job at building the tension in each chapter and I still wanted to know what was going to happen next and how these characters were going to save themselves from a murderer, but also get off the island. I loved that Lyla’s POV was used for the narration because even though she was one of the more timid characters, she was also a realist and her voice gave insight into some of the characters actions and reactions. I personally identified the most with her as well, which is probably the case for a lot of the readers of this book.
I really don’t want to get into any of the intricacies of the plot or even talk about individual characters too much because it would give too much of the story away and truthfully, even though the reader is let into who the murderer is, the build-up to that moment is just too good to spoil it for everyone- so open the book, or click the start button and enjoy the ride. This is a good one!
Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton are living out their dream in the Yukon in the town they helped create, Haven’s Rock. They are starting a family and is nearing the end of her pregnancy, when one of their residents is drugged and abducted into the forest. She’s saved in the nick of time, but Casey launches an investigation, despite Eric’s worry over her own health and safety. When a huge snowstorm hits town during their investigation, they stumble upon a naked body in the middle of the lake and realize they have a killer in their midst.
I’m completely invested in these stories after reading the Rockton series and now Haven’s Rock. Casey and Eric’s romantic partnership is always a part of each novel, but it’s a mystery that cements each story and keeps me coming back. Cold As Hell wraps the two things together. Casey’s pregnancy is problematic and her doctor wants her in a city closer to a hospital when they find the body frozen on the lake. Reluctantly they leave town in the capable hands of their deputy, Anders, but Casey’s detective instincts never turns off and she’s able to investigate from afar and finds out some things that lead them back to Haven’s Rock away from the safety of healthcare nearby. This adds to the tension of the mystery keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The fact that each person in town was handpicked and not supposed to have any predilections to violence is also an added twist to the story. How could this happen? How do they ensure the safety of their residents in the future? etc. It opens the door to more re-creations to this town they want to build and call home. I relished being back in Haven’s Rock and can’t wait to see what future installations will bring. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!
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Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved
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Can I admit that historical romances are a guilty pleasure? My taste in subject matter has changed a bit since I was a teenager sneaking my older sisters books to read late into the night. I’ve come to appreciate a more diverse cast of characters and often look for historicals that are racially diverse or break the class barrier. Yes, those “Duke is a Scoundrel” romances are still fun occasionally but really I want my view of historical time periods to be a bit more educational, even if it’s just seeing how the lower classes lived. I had run across a group where the question was asked if anyone could recommend a historical romance that didn’t involve the upper crust and Alice Coldbreath’s Victorian Prizefighter series was recommended twice, and the third book was both of these reader’s favorites. Seeing that there were actually three books in the series, and because I’m a Virgo and I like to read things in order, I started with book #1 A Bride for the Prizefighter and cautiously started reading.
Mina’s dad is on his deathbed when he drops a bombshell, notifying her that she has a half-brother whom he has written on her behalf. When dad dies, Mina will be broke, with no chance to support herself. When her brother shows up, he’s two sheets to the wind and takes her immediately to an inn in the countryside and marries her off to the innkeeper, a prizefighter named William Nye. Mina finds herself going from teacher at her father’s school to running an inn with a man who only married her because her brother held something he desired and that was the only way he could get it. The story that unfolded showed Mina’s strength of character. She worked hard, didn’t hold herself above anyone else at that inn, and provided a little polish to a kind of rough tavern. Her husband at first had very little to do with her and left her alone, but he provided her with small things that brought a little joy into her life. A small parlor filled with furnishings, some fabric to make curtains, a place for her to put her mother’s fine china tea set. Inside that gruff exterior was a mushy teddy bear. This book gave insight into those establishments in England, but also that class of people. I enjoyed this book tremendously! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Plain, Lizzie Borden, was the poor relation dependent upon her Aunt and Uncle to keep a roof over her head. At a dinner party she sees something that she shouldn’t and instead of staying quiet, she speaks up and tells the truth. Unfortunately it’s a truth no one wants to hear and she gets cast out of the house. At this dinner party is her cousin’s new fiancé, Benedict Toomes. Benedict is an ex-prizefighter who wants to raise his station in life by marrying well, but this incident turns his stomach and instead of marrying her beautiful cousin, he proposes a scheme to Lizzie that will keep her out of the workhouse- marry him. Instead of living in a nice house, though, he plans to hit the fair circuit with his family. Something that Lizzie may have looked down on in the past, but now looks at as a challenge and an adventure. This novel was my favorite in the series. Not only did I love Lizzie and her fearlessness at living in a wagon, like a gypsy, but because Benedict protected her and had such care for the sanctity of their marriage. The setting was unique, but so were the characters. This is one of those books where you’ll go back and read it again just to see if it has that same magic as it did the first time you read the book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This story was the favorite pick in the series by the two reviewers I mentioned above, and I can see why. Theodora was unlike any other character I’ve read. She was raised in an acting family, but no one else in her family sees her talent and will not give her a break. It’s not until she meets Clem Dabney, who owns a competitive music hall that she sees her chance and she’s going to take it. She proposes a deal to Clem, marry her and allow her a chance on the line-up at his music hall, and he’ll receive her 25% stake in her families theater. What makes her completely unique is that her talent lies in male impersonations, and once she gets on stage- she steals the show. The more complicated part of this story is the romance between Clem and Dora. Dora is so truthful and there isn’t one hint of artifice in her persona, but Clem was a prizefighter and he has learned to con and scheme and he feels awful for how he has not believed in Dora. Just like book #2, I know I’ll come back and read this one again as well. Shoot, I’ll re-read the entire series since I bought all three books. They were just so unique and fresh. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
As I do with most new author’s who I haven’t read and have a backlist of books, I took a look at the other series. At some point I know I’m going to give them a try, but you know, I think it will be really hard for her to write better characters and stories as she did with the above three books. They were not perfect but they were really enjoyable and gave me that fix that I needed at the time I was looking for something different to read.
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