Tag: Bookish discussion

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases – April’23

I don’t remember April as being such a big book release month, usually that’s saved for June, but wow, there are some great book releases. A LOT more than the five I’ve chosen to highlight below. Please make sure you review your own list because this list is based upon my own reading preferences. Here are my top 5!

#5 BOOK RELEASE

I really enjoy Laura Griffin’s style of writing and this romantic suspense series is a lot of fun to read. I can’t wait to get my hands on this novel- it’s sure to be a good one!

Synopsis: An undercover FBI agent and a coffee shop owner who values her independence must team up when a local barista is found dead in their coastal Texas town in this new romantic thriller from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.
 
With two brothers on the police force, Leyla Breda is well aware of the rising crime in her small beach town, but she never expected it to show up on her doorstep. When Leyla finds one of her employees murdered in the alley behind her coffee shop, she’s deeply shaken, and as a new law enforcement officer in town begins to circle her place of business, her instincts only sharpen.

Sean Moran is on an undercover mission: The seaside community of Lost Beach may look like a picturesque postcard, but his team suspects it’s a point of intersection for several crime syndicates that the FBI has been investigating for years. Even so, when the brash and beautiful Leyla Breda starts bossing him around, he’s immediately intrigued. He knows her brothers want him to back off, but every time he sees her, he feels more of a spark.

Leyla’s connections in the local community and Sean’s skills allow them to go deeper into the case together than they would be able to go alone. But when a single crime spirals into something much darker, Sean’s carefully planned mission takes a deadly turn.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Deep Tide

#4 BOOK RELEASE

A fictional novel based upon the life of Esteé Lauder? Sold! This cosmetics icon deserves to have her story told in a way that connects with fiction lovers. I think this novel sounds fabulous!

Synopsis:

In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into her path walks a young, idealistic woman named Estée. Their chance encounter will change Gloria’s life forever.

Estée dreams of success and becoming a household name like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Revlon. Before Gloria knows it, she is swept up in her new friend’s mission and while Estée rolls up her sleeves, Gloria begins to discover her own talents. After landing a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York’s finest luxury department store, Gloria finds her voice, which proves instrumental in opening doors for Estée’s insatiable ambitions.

But in a world unaccustomed to women with power, they’ll each have to pay the price that comes with daring to live life on their own terms and refusing to back down.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

#3 BOOK RELEASE

I’m a sucker for this young adult writing duo’s novels. They are always fun to read while on vacation or over a much needed break from reality weekend.

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old volleyball star Kaylee Jordan lives a life of player rankings, constant training, and a carefully curated social media full of followers watching to see if she’ll go pro out of high school like her famous mom. Her one refuge, and the thing she looks forward to every summer? The vacation her family spends in Malibu with the Freeman-Yus. This year, there’s only one problem: Kaylee and their son, Dean, dated for the past three months, and Kaylee just unceremoniously dumped him. Hoping to spare them the worst summer ever, Kaylee comes to Dean with her unconventional solution: she’s going to walk him through her rules for getting over an ex. When Dean grudgingly cooperates, Kaylee’s got her work cut out for her. But helping Dean follow her own rules starts becoming difficult when the pressures of Kaylee’s family legacy and perfect life start to feel less like a plan and more like a prison…and amid warm California nights and stolen laughs, Kaylee feels herself falling for Dean for the same reasons and some new ones. With their trip coming to an end, Kaylee has to make the complicated choice between doing what’s expected and taking a (second) chance on love.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Never Vacation With Your Ex

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase one of these books through a link on this page, I’ll receive a small stipend.

#2 BOOK RELEASE

I was lucky enough to get a copy of this novel already and you guys, it is just fabulous! Set in a Saturday Night Live type late night show, this novel gives great behind the scenes scenarios and sets us up for an amazing pandemic romance.

Synopsis: Sally Milz is a sketch writer for The Night Owls, a late-night live comedy show that airs every Saturday. With a couple of heartbreaks under her belt, she’s long abandoned the search for love, settling instead for the occasional hook-up, career success, and a close relationship with her stepfather to round out a satisfying life.

But when Sally’s friend and fellow writer Danny Horst begins dating Annabel, a glamorous actress who guest-hosted the show, he joins the not-so-exclusive group of talented but average-looking and even dorky men at the show—and in society at large—who’ve gotten romantically involved with incredibly beautiful and accomplished women. Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch called the Danny Horst Rule, poking fun at this phenomenon while underscoring how unlikely it is that the reverse would ever happen for a woman.

Enter Noah Brewster, a pop music sensation with a reputation for dating models, who signed on as both host and musical guest for this week’s show. Dazzled by his charms, Sally hits it off with Noah instantly, and as they collaborate on one sketch after another, she begins to wonder if there might actually be sparks flying. But this isn’t a romantic comedy—it’s real life. And in real life, someone like him would never date someone like her . . . right?

With her keen observations and trademark ability to bring complex women to life on the page, Curtis Sittenfeld explores the neurosis-inducing and heart-fluttering wonder of love, while slyly dissecting the social rituals of romance and gender relations in the modern age.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Romantic Comedy

MOST ANTICIPATED APRIL 2023 BOOK RELEASE

Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors and I will never fail to read one of her books the week it releases. I am so looking forward to this one!

Synopsis: Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
 
They broke up five months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.
 
Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
 
Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best?

Click this link to purchase this book!* Happy Place

Have a great time searching out your own book release reading list. There are some amazing books coming soon!

Happy Reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads1 Comment

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (3/20/23)

I have gone down the rabbit hole of previous season’s “best of” book lists and have recently added to my already overburdened TBR. BUT, I’ve also knocked off a couple of these new, wonderful books from that list already. I’ve had an awesome week of reading and listening to some great audiobooks. Here’s what’s on my nightstand.

JUST FINISHED

I’ll admit to having looked at this book quite a few times, but I’d never picked it up because I’d read a couple of average “witchy” books last fall and didn’t want a repeat of mediocrity. However, I was sent a ‘best of 2022’ romance books list by an audiobook company and this book fell into that list. I took a look at it again, had an extra couple of credits and downloaded it to my Libro.fm app. I adored the English narrator, and loved the story. This book was so much more than a romance, it was really about an outcast finally finding a place where she belonged. Who can’t get behind a story like that? The narration was seriously good too.

JUST STARTED

This is a new one for me. I haven’t read the other books in the series, nor have I read any books by this author. However, it has a ghostly-mysterious feel and I was in the mood to switch up my genre’s and felt like reading a mystery. I literally just started it, so I’ll let you know how it goes!

The above two books are different choices for me but I feel really good about spending my time with these characters. How is your current book treating you?

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (3/13/23)

You know when you have finished a great book and it resonates with you for a day or so after you finish it? I’m having one of those moments about the below “just finished” novel. So, I’ll admit I’m having trouble coming up with my intro at the moment. I’ll get right to it.

JUST FINISHED

I just listened to the audiobook of this novel and it is still resonating deeply with me. Set in a rural Vermont boarding school, our protagonist re-lives the four years she went to this school and especially the year her roommate died. It reminded me a lot of listening to the podcast of Adnan Syed’s case of an innocent man going to jail for the murder of his high school girlfriend. I Have Some Questions for You, also revolves around a podcast and an innocent man going to jail, but as you can with fiction, delves deeply into the psyches of those teens 20 years ago, and their lives today. I’ll be writing a review, but this was a good on folks!

JUST STARTED

I really enjoyed Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After and am looking forward to digging into the heart of this novel. Even though I’m reading this in March, I know this will be a beach read recommendation, for sure.

What great novels have you gotten yourselves involved in?

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (3/6/23)

Last week was pretty busy but just like every week I managed to fit in plenty of time to read. I have a ton of book commitments and am trying to read ahead so I can sprinkle in some mood reading. You know, when you pick a book based on your mood. Mine changes pretty often which is why I find myself genre jumping so much. Here’s what I’ve been reading…

JUST FINISHED

Throwback was a very fun, kind of magical, young adult novel about a girl who has a difficult relationship with her mother. She takes a magical taxi ride that dumps her back in high school with her own teenage mom. I really liked this story and how that relationship was center stage.

JUST STARTED

Lucy Score’s newest novel is out and I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. It’s the second novel in the Knockemout series, a small town romance that centers around its sheriff. So far it’s very sweet! Just like the cover.

What books have caught your attention lately?

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (2/27/23)

Hey guys, happy Monday! If you’re like me, you’ve been reading some great books lately. I’ll admit that the book I just finished was soooo good! I didn’t want to put it down, even for my day job. 🙂

JUST FINISHED

For me, Romantic Comedy checked off all of the right boxes, making this one of my favorite books so far this year. Our heroine is a sketch writer on a show called TNO, think SNL, and our hero was a guest host/musician. The intricacies in this plot, great dialog (so funny!), and throw in some pandemic references, and this book had it all. If you don’t read anything else, read this book!

JUST STARTED

Lucy Score writes really great romance novels and I’m looking forward to digging into the dialog and getting to know these characters. If it’s as good as the first I’ll be delighted!

I hope you have the best Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (2/20/23)

Have any of you tried out Kindle Vella yet? I’ll admit that I’m not sure how I feel about it yet and think I might actually spend more money buying these tokens to read episodes than I would purchasing an entire kindle book. However, I did get totally hooked on this one episodic teen novel, which I’ll tell you about below. So, I guess using the word “hooked” does mean that the format is working. But for me, it will never take the place of purchasing and reading a book all in one go.

JUST FINISHED

Covert Hearts is the novel that I found on Kindle Vella and spent my Saturday reading. It’s a young adult serial, that has some great characters. Each episode, which are chapters, ended in a cliffhanger that just kept me going. There are three books in the series, and the episodes are typically released one week at a time. Or however often the author wants to release them. There are two books released and I’ll admit, they were a lot of fun to read! If you happen to give it a try I’d be interested to know what you think about Kindle Vella.

JUST STARTED

I just started this audiobook by Penny Reid and am really enjoying the story and narration. This series are written kind of like cozy mysteries, but with characters that started off in romance novels. It’s a lot of fun and pretty easy to follow in an audiobook while I’m driving or (at work, shhhh!).

Have you book hooked by a story this past week? Share the title here!

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (2/5/23)

This post is all about sharing what I’ve been reading and starting a conversation about all of the great books that are out there and how little time we have to actually read them. I love it when I get a comment from one of you where my post has reminded you of a favorite authors most recent book, or even an old book that I’ve just gotten around to reading or re-reading. I have even gotten recommendations from you all about what books are on your radar, what’s worth your time, or what to skip. So, please keep the comments coming!

JUST FINISHED

This novel was a departure from my normal reading and I really enjoyed it! Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50’s and strives towards equality in the laboratory despite men treating women like all they are good for is popping out babies and keeping their home clean. I’ll admit that at times I found her trials frustrating, but I admired her fortitude, friendships, and her little girl Mad. This was an interesting piece of fiction!

JUST STARTED

I listened to Julia Whelan’s most recent novel ‘Thank You for Listening’ while on vacation and was blown away by her writing and narration. This novel is actually the first she’s written, but not the first she’s narrated. She has around 400 books in her narration backlist. So far, I’m again, impressed by her writing and really enjoying the story. I can’t wait for the journey!

Have you read any great books lately? I’d love to hear about them. Please feel free to share in the comments.

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (1/30/23)

I’ll admit that I haven’t picked up my next book yet and am going back and forth between a few. I have started re-listening to one of my all time favorite series and have pretty much been spending my time with my earbuds in my ears and being anti-social. It’s funny how each time I listen to this series it’s like it’s the first time. I find something new every time. I’ll tell you a little more about it below.

JUST FINISHED

One of my favorite books in this series. Why? Kate and Curran finally decide what to do with their relationship, plus theirs some kick @$$ action! As much as I love the paranormal romance aspects of this series it’s really the mystery and action scenes that keep me coming back for more. Oh, and for Kate as well. She is one bad mother!! LOVE her.

JUST STARTED

Just started #5. I know it won’t disappoint because I’ve picked it up and read it a million times before. Sometimes you just need the comfort of a much loved series. This is my comfort read.

Enjoy your Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (1/23/23)

What happened to the last week? Time flew by and despite all of the things on my calendar I still managed to have a little down time and complete a book. I look forward to that hour of reading every night. It helps my mind relax and release the stresses of the day. Here are the books on my virtual nightstand.

JUST FINISHED

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and I have to say that it really surprised me. I am not familiar with this author and didn’t really know what to expect but the characters were well developed and the plot was absolutely fun. Truly this one was a great weekend read.

JUST STARTED

This is book eight in the series so if you haven’t read the other novels, run out and borrow, buy, or well, borrow or buy these books! A Sinister Revenge picks up in the middle of Veronica and Stoker’s separation, but when his brother asks for their help they jump at the chance to investigate together again. I love these books and this one is especially well written.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases- Feb’23

There are a lot of great books releasing next month and surprisingly most of my Top 5 are in the mystery/thriller genre. I do like to read an occasional mystery, but not usually this many in one month. This should be interesting!! Here are my top 5.

#5 BOOK RELEASE

Despite the woman running and looking over her shoulder cover Desperate Acts looks to be an interesting thriller. A long ago mystery that resurfaces in present time and threatens the life of our heroine. I’m sure at some point she is running and looking over her shoulder but I’d expect this novel to be much more than that. I’m looking forward to seeing what that might be.

Synopsis: WILL SHE FIND THE ANSWER

Teenager Lia Porter shouldn’t have been anywhere near the railroad bridge that night. Sneaking home after a party in the fields outside Pike, Wisconsin, she glimpsed a woman in a leather jacket, running in terror. Lia puts the incident from her mind—until a body is found near the same spot fifteen years later, wearing the same jacket. The police rule it a suicide. Lia knows different. The woman she saw was trying to save her own life, not end it. But whatever she was fleeing from found her first . . .

BEFORE THE KILLER

The stranger who arrives at Lia’s store shares her suspicions. Hollywood stunt driver Kaden Vaughn has come home to Wisconsin to learn the truth about what happened to his brother’s fiancée years ago. The leather jacket, the timing—he believes the dead woman is Vanna, and that Lia may be the only person who can help. Together they retrace Vanna’s steps, but the more they dig, the darker the secrets become.

FINDS HER?

The killer is still out there, stalking the streets of Pike again, willing to do whatever is necessary to keep the truth locked in mystery. One by one, all those who know something about that night must be silenced, until there is no one left to tell . . .

Click this link to purchase this book!* Desperate Acts

#4 BOOK RELEASE

First, yes this is not a mystery. It’s a romance, but the synopsis sounds like there is a hint of mystery. AND he’s the sheriff! So, he must solve crimes that are mysterious. Seriously though, I did like the last novel in this series and Lucy Score typically writes fun rom-com’s. Can’t wait to dig in!

Synopsis:

Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.

Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Things We Hide From the Light

#3 BOOK RELEASE

Mysterious car crash where one teen dies. True Crime podcast gives various scenarios on the crash and why it happened. A young girl was in the car and doesn’t remember anything. Spooky! I like it. Oh, and it’s by Melissa De La Cruz, so it def. deserves a look!

Synopsis: Friday night. The party of the summer. Four teens ride home together. Only one never makes it.

When high school sophomore Chris Moore is tragically killed in a car crash, Armstrong Prep is full of questions. Who was at the wheel? And more importantly, who was at fault?

Eighteen-year-old Spencer Sandoval wishes she knew. As rumors swirl that her ex, Ethan, was the reckless driver, she can’t bring herself to defend him. And their messy breakup has nothing to do with it – she can’t remember anything from that night, not even what put her in that car with Ethan, Chris, and Tabby Hill, the new loner in school.

The hunt for answers intensifies when a local true crime podcast takes an interest in the case, pushing Spencer further into the depths of this sinister mystery. Was it all just a night out that went very wrong? And is it a coincidence that all but Chris is on Armstrong’s esteemed honor roll, the Headmaster’s List? In a place ruled by pedigree and privilege, the truth can only come at a deadly price.

Set against the glitz and glamour of an elite LA private school, Melissa de la Cruz’s first YA thriller is an addictive mystery perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Headmaster’s List

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

#2 BOOK RELEASE

Ok, you got me. Also not a mystery, but three out of the five is a LOT for me. End of Story is by Kylie Scott who is one of my go to author’s. I’ve read a couple this year with almost this same HGTV set up so I’m curious to see how her’s will be different.

Synopsis:

When Susie Bowen inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she’s excited to start living her best HGTV life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex’s best friend, Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public breakup six months ago—she isn’t exactly eager to have anyone around whose alliance is with the enemy. But beggars can’t be choosers, and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to embracing singledom.

Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars discovers a divorce certificate hidden in a wall and dated ten years in the future—with both their names on it. It couldn’t possibly be real…could it? As Susie and Lars work to unravel the document’s origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. But would a relationship between them be doomed before it’s even begun?

Click this link to purchase this book!* End of Story

MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK RELEASE!

I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this novel. It’s a great spin-off of a great series. Yes, there is a mystery and yes, it’s also a good one. But seriously, I’m just happy to be back in the same world as these characters.

Synopsis: New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton Novels had one of the most unique towns in crime fiction. Murder at Haven’s Rock is a spinoff, a fresh start… with a few new dangers that threaten everything before it even begins.

Haven’s Rock, Yukon. Population: 0

Deep in the Yukon wilderness, a town is being built. A place for people to disappear, a fresh start from a life on the run. Haven’s Rock isn’t the first town of this kind, something detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, know first-hand. They met in the original town of Rockton. But greed and deception led the couple to financing a new refuge for those in need. This time around, they get to decide which applicants are approved for residency.

There’s only one rule in Haven’s Rock: stay out of the forest. When two of the town’s construction crew members break it and go missing, Casey and Eric are called in ahead of schedule to track them down. When a body is discovered, well-hidden with evidence of foul play, Casey and Eric must find out what happened to the dead woman, and locate those still missing. The longer Casey and Eric don’t know what happened, the more danger everyone is in.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Murder at Haven’s Rock

These are my top 5 books for Feb. If you have an opinion, are looking forward to something else, or just agree with me, please comment below!

Happy Reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments