Tag: books

This Chick’s YA Book #Giveaway!

Hi fellow book bloggers! I have really enjoyed reading your reviews, recommendations, and bookish lists over the last two and a half years! Thank you so much for your comments and support! I have cleaned out my YA/NA TBR pile and am offering the books pictured above in a giveaway open to all US, European and Canadian bloggers. I will pick THREE bloggers to receive three books, and ONE blogger will receive four books.

Here is what you have to do!

1) In the comments section please let me know one of your favorite YA books that you read in 2017. Why did you like it so much? Why would you recommend it to me? The book doesn’t have to have been released in 2017 just read last year.

2) Let me know which three books in the above picture you’d prefer to receive. I won’t guarantee that you will get those three if you are chosen, but I’ll do my best.

Sunday January 7th at 9pm cst I will let you know on your comment if you are a lucky winner. I’ll give you my email address so you can send me your address and I’ll get your books shipped out next week. Easy!

My goal is to learn some great new books, have a friendly discussion about your recommendation and clean out my bookshelf!

Book List

Wake the Hollow by Gaby Triana

Under the Lights by Abbi Glines

Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima

The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn

Beyond Your Touch by Pat Esden

A Hold On Me by Pat Esden

City Love by Susane Colasanti

The Novice by Taran Matharu

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Chasing Truth by Julie Cross

The Protector Project by Jenna Lincoln

Nexis by A. L. Davroe

Good Luck!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads25 Comments

This Chick Read: Secrets in Death (In Death #45) by J. D. Robb

Forty-Five books into the In Death series and I am again surprised at J. D. Robb’s (or Nora Roberts) talent to write a mystery that is unique.  Secrets in Death starts off running as a gossip columnist is murdered in a trendy bar and literally drops dead in Eve’s arms. Lieutenant Eve Dallas doesn’t like trendy bars or restaurants, even if her billionaire husband Roarke happens to own them. A death makes the place so much more interesting!

Once again Eve and her team dive deep into this murder, developing different scenario’s while trying to find the killer. What makes this novel unique is that this victim is well known and while investigating, they find out some of her deep dark secrets that strike a little too close to home.

This novel started off fast because of the immediate death but it slowed down tremendously during the investigation. I do love all of the characters in these novels, but I got the feeling #45 was just a place holder, a book that was required to be written because the author was under contract. It lacked some of the camaraderie and fun dialog that previous In Death novels provided. I’m ready for a little more growth from Eve than I have gotten in the last couple of novels. A new step in the relationship? Kill off one of her team? Something! This wasn’t a bad book, but when you have 44 others to compare it to, it came up short for me.

❤️❤️❤️❣️

Secrets in Death Click on this link to purchase! Secrets in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel (In Death, Book 45) Copyright 2018 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Everything All At Once by Katrina Leno

The prologue for Everything All At Once immediately showed me that there were going to be some surprises in this story, because in what should’ve been a very sad scene I laughed out loud at this family’s heartbreaking homage. Lottie Reaver’s favorite Aunt Helen has died and  left her 24 letters to be opened after she has completed each task listed in the letter.  Lottie’s Aunt Helen is a famous author of a children’s book series, kind of equivalent to J.K Rowling and Harry Potter in popularity. It is hard for her to grieve for her aunt when the world wants to stop you and give their condolences. Everyone loved her aunt and her Alvin Hatter series. This novel is about Lottie learning how to grieve, but the bigger story is Lottie’s self discovery and dealing with her anxiety.

Lottie and her aunt shared these anxiety attacks and as the book goes on we realize that the tasks Helen has left Lottie are multi-purpose. They are to help her gain confidence, allaying her anxieties, but also teaching her how to live and take courage in the living of her life. The letters also lead up to a big personal secret of her aunt’s that is mind blowing and takes this novel in a direction I didn’t foresee.

I loved this novel! It had such heart, and the more I came to know Lottie, the more I really liked her and wanted to see her overcome her fears of life and of death. Her aunt’s letters revealed a lot about Helen’s personality giving the reader insight into why Lottie and her family were so overwhelmed with grief. This author did such a great job of adding subtle depth to each character that their quirks made them interesting and added to their real-ness. There was only one plot point that made me stop in my tracks and go “what??”. You’ll either love it or hate it, but I loved it and didn’t want the story to end where it did.

This was my first novel by Katrina Leno and if they are all this good and quirky, I’ll be a fan forever. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Everything All At Once Click this link to purchase! Everything All at Once Copyright 2018 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Holiday Wishes (Heartbreaker Bay #4.5)

If you are a fan of Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay series, then you’ve been waiting for Sean O’Riley’s story and Holiday Wishes. We have seen Sean grow over the first four books. He has always been the hearthrob that girls throw their panties at, but in this book we see a more mature Sean. He is in charge of throwing a co-ed bachelor weekend at a B&B in wine country for his brother and is determined that everything is going to be perfect. Of course, there are a couple of wrenches thrown into his plans. When they arrive at the B&B he’s surprised to see Lottie, a girl he liked in high school.  After losing their virginity to each other as teenagers she moved away and Sean, being a typical young doofus, didn’t keep in touch as he said he would. When Lottie sets eyes on Sean her first reaction is why now? She’s had a tough time of it lately and isn’t about to risk her heart again to someone who’s already disappointed her.

Sometimes a novella isn’t long enough to do the characters justice. This is definitely not one of those times. The reason why this story works is because we knew Sean. We’ve watched him change and mature over four books. We’ve loved his relationship with his brother Finn, and that same warmth is given to Lottie. It’s no wonder she didn’t stand a chance against him!

You MUST read the other novels in this series before reading Holiday Wishes. I wish I could say it wouldn’t matter if you didn’t, but as I said above, the reason why it works is because we already have a relationship with Sean. We only needed to love him with Lottie, which was an easy thing to do. ❤️❤️❤️❣️

Holiday Wishes Click this link to purchase! Holiday Wishes: A Heartbreaker Bay Christmas Novella Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Reviewed Novels of 2017 by Genre (Adult)

Reading through all of my fellow bloggers 2017 In Review blogs inspired me to create my own. However, looking back through all of my reviews for 2017 and picking the top books is almost an impossibility! I decided to try for a more organized approach hoping it would help me narrow things down a bit. I chose to separate by genre. I had to! There were too many great books!

Here are my Top 5 books of 2017 by Genre. Please click each title to read my review!

Contemporary Romance:

Some Kind of Magic by Mary Ann Marlowe

img_0713

“I picked out this book because of a fun cover, and got so much more! Depth, emotion, story, and characters I genuinely liked. I cared for these characters and rooted for them to find happiness, and when they did, It Was Some Kind of Magic!”

Kulti by Mariana Zapata

img_0965

“Sal was so surprised at their relationship, and the fact that this man wanted to be her friend that she wore blinders to the fact that he was deeply in love with her. Totally clueless and I loved her for that.  And him. After a rough start Rey ended up being my dream guy too.’

The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman

img_0914

“I couldn’t believe this was Abbi Waxman’s debut novel. Lili’s voice was solid, funny, exasperating, sad and sarcastic. I laughed out loud multiple times and also cried softly as Lili struggled to find her way after the loss of her husband in a tragic accident. The fact that Lili finds that path while taking a gardening class is a great analogy for how each moment in life starts with a seed.”

Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis

img_1062

“I loved this novel. Allowing Quinn to work through her emotions about her sister Beth’s death while finding a new sister who would not replace but help bring out those feelings of love and belonging again was balanced so well. Added to the slow pace of her growing feelings for Mick complemented the other half of the plot. Well, it all just struck a perfect note for me.”

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

img_1045-1

“This book is so much more intricate than the premise leads you to believe. The tension is unbelievable and Josh is just YUM. To think that this is Sally Thorne’s first novel is pretty surprising. This book may not have been on your radar and I certainly never heard of it before, but I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for a new release from this author. If you love enemies to friend stories-read this book, it is great! “

FANTASY- (adult)My favorite genre to read, and I read some awesome fantasy books this year. It’s so hard to narrow down my favorites, but here goes! Continue reading “This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Reviewed Novels of 2017 by Genre (Adult)” →

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads4 Comments

This Chick Read: Heart on Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles #3) by Amanda Bouchet

The third and final installment in the Kingmaker Chronicles, Heart on Fire shows us a more introspective Cat. Pregnant with she and Griffin’s first child, living finally means more to Cat than conquering the world. She is starting to think before she leaps into danger and that second guessing has made her powers even more unreliable. She has got to figure things out before she goes to war with her mother or she and her new family don’t stand a chance.

This series has been one of my favorite new romantic fantasy series and Griffin and Cat made my top 5 romantic couples of all time. I had mixed feelings about reading this last novel because I just didn’t want their story to end. Even though Heart on Fire showed us a more emotional Cat and less of a kick but heroine, it fit. Cat has found her heart in Griffin, their baby, his family and her friends on the Beta team and she has a lot to lose in this final battle with her mother. Griffin’s support remains steadfast and even though they have a few really difficult final challenges to overcome he always chooses Cat. Griffin is every woman’s fantasy mate and he lives up to that title in Heart on Fire.

Even though I said I didn’t want Cat and Griffin’s story to end, I’ll admit, I was a little impatient with all of Cat’s introspection. I was used to the fast pace of the previous two novels, more action than introspection, so the change in pace took a little getting used to. However, once I adjusted I realized that I felt more connected to Cat than I had been. Truthfully, in the first two books Griffin was the character I was more enthralled with because he was such an Alpha male in love, which is really attractive.  I took note of Cat’s emotions, but her thoughts and emotions were secondary. Heart on Fire made me have more empathy for Cat, giving the finale more impact.

If I ranked the three books Heart on Fire would fall at #3. It was my least favorite of the three but at the same time it was a great ending to the series. These characters needed to grow in the direction Amanda Bouchet wrote in order for their emotional arc’s to be complete. Cat and Griffin went from two dimensional to bright 3D technicolor…right where they belong.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!

Heart on Fire Click this lint to purchase! Heart on Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles) Copyright 2018 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads1 Comment

This Chick Read: Complicated by Kristen Ashley

Hixon Drake has just gone through a divorce when he meets Greta Dare. Caught up in a fiery moment, he has to be “that” guy and walks away before he can get drawn in any further. He needs to concentrate on his kids and create a stable home for them when he has custody. An admirable reason, definitely. However, as the sheriff of this small town, his actions are noticed by everybody and that one night stand is not as secret as he’d like it to be. When his ex decides to try to mess with Greta’s livelihood, Dixon gets involved and the statement he makes to help resolve the issue cements their relationship status in the eyes of the community even if the status between the two of them is a little more muddy.  There are many ups and downs to the beginning of their relationship, but when Dixon makes a decision he is decided in his actions.

Greta is used to being treated poorly by men. Growing up in a trailer park, with an alcoholic troublemaker for a mother has created a difficult climb out of that life. She is also the guardian of her brother who has special needs, and doesn’t have time for a sheriff who treats her poorly also. I really liked Greta’s personality! She was a giver to the 100th degree and yet didn’t let herself get walked on by others. When Dixon finally see’s the light, theirs is a love story that is solid and real. Actually,the most real of any that I’ve read by this author. Did I like the way the book started? No, but it definitely created an immediate hurtle that Dixon needed to resolve before he could get to the point where he’d fight for the relationship. When he got there, he was all in and I loved that.

Just with all of Kristen Ashley’s books, the chemistry between the two main characters was sizzling, but what I always like are their relationships to the people that surround them. The relationship between Hixon and his kids, between Greta and her co-workers, and then Greta and her brother was the mashed potatoes to the meat loaf of their love story. OK, not a very romantic analogy, but you can’t have a good meat loaf with out that mound of mashed potatoes! The same goes for characters in a story. Theirs was the heart, but you need the comparison of their friendships to realize these two people were perfect for each other.

Complicated, was full of complications but these characters and the story were wonderful.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Complicated Click this link to purchase! Complicated Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Invictus is the tale of Farway Gaius McCarthy adventurer and thief extraordinaire. After failing his final exam he is given the chance to captain a ship and put together his own crew to work for black marketer Lux. Working with his cousin Imogene, best friend Gram and girlfriend Priya, they travel through time stealing objects for Lux to sell. Even though dangerous, they are reveling in a girl named Eliot who is the reason he failed his final exam at the Academy. Eliot blackmails her way onto his crew and they set off on adventure that they hope they can return from alive.

Invictus is a mash-up of action adventure, science fiction/fantasy, and romance. Three of my favorite genre’s! Far reminded me of Nathan Fillion’s character in Firefly, at least that is how I pictured him. Far is a bit cocky, good looking and has an energy that doesn’t allow him to stay still for long. When he and his crew are blackmailed into allowing Eliot to become part of their crew that cockiness starts to fade. When he finds out his own history is threatening the lives of his crew, his confidence in his decision is heartbreaking.

The crews antics were fun, their interactions were warm, and the climax was heartbreaking. If you are looking for a novel that has a great story, good characters, makes you bite your nails and cry a few tears, this is the book for you. Oh yeah, and Invictus is a stand alone novel! Although, I could easily read another book or two about this crew and their adventures.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Invictus Click this link to purchase! Invictus

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

This Chick’s Christmas Wishes

It’s a cold dreary Christmas Eve in Nashville, TN. A perfect day to be at home on the couch wrapped in a blanket reading. Not me! I was dashing about town buying last minute Christmas gifts in advance of company coming over for dinner tonight. I’m looking forward to this evening when everyone is in bed to get that hour to myself to relax and read the next few chapters of the book, my husband and dog lightly snoring next to me.

In the midst of the final countdown to Santa coming tonight I took a moment to capture this year’s photo of my baby boy.  Well, my baby Goldendoodle dog, Nash. I wanted to share the moment with you and wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Festivus and any other holiday you may be celebrating.

Nash Christmas 2017

The importance of the day is not the gifts we all receive but the family with whom we will be celebrating. My thoughts and prayers are with those of you who have lost a loved one this year and whose celebration may be a little less light. The sky will be a little brighter tonight with one more star.

Until next Sunday,

Happy Holidays!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chick Read: Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

Hooking Up begins at Amie’s wedding. Her brand new husband is humiliating her by cheating on her and everyone hear’s it on the sound system at the reception. Amie downs a bottle of champagne and throws herself at the first man she see’s… our hero, Lexington. This novel is off to a rocky start! However, when Lex turns down her offer, I’m intrigued and  truthfully a bit relieved. As their story continues that integrity shines through in Lexington and combined with Amie’s quirkiness, they grew into a couple I wanted to see find their HEA.

The only other novel of this author’s I’ve read is Pucked, which I liked.  If you haven’t read one of her novels, just beware. Helena Hunting’s style is pretty raunchy. Hooking Up definitely follows that format, but what makes her novels so popular are that her characters have heart and she throws them into laugh out loud situations that make these stories about the characters. I love a good sex scene just as much as the next gal, but what I really love is when I’m caught off guard by a scene and start laughing. Hooking Up is filled with these kind of moments.

OK, let’s talk characters. When I read that scene from the wedding reception, I thought, Oh No! I am not a huge fan of women as victims, however I quickly saw that there was more to Amie’s character than what we were seeing on the surface. This was a woman who had hidden depths! (Totally apparent when I read that HILARIOUS airport x-ray scene!) Lexington was actually just as swoon-worthy as you’d want your male lead to be. He was charming, attractive, honorable and very sexy.

Hooking Up was a fun, sexy, heart-warming love story. I know it’s the second in the series, so if you’re like me and you haven’t read the first, Shacking Up, you’re going to want to jump right in and read it.

Hooking Up- ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hooking Up Click this link to purchase! Hooking Up Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads