Tag: Commentary

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Marketing Your Blog

When I first started my blog my goal was simple. I’d read a book for pleasure and then write what I thought about the book. I didn’t know much about this book blogging world and really have learned by trial and error. I had few rules, but over time my goals have changed. As I’ve interacted with my fellow bloggers, publishers and PR machines, I’ve discovered that I actually love the relationships I’ve built and blogging has really added something to my life that I didn’t know was missing. An outlet for my creativity, certainly, that is still my main purpose. Reading books I love and talking about them. However, I’ve also discovered that I enjoy helping get the word out into my universe (which is admittedly not huge), but in my own way, promote reading and help some authors I enjoy attain success and hopefully make their living writing. This year, my goals changed slightly. I decided to apply myself more using my skills from my day job. So I am going to out myself on my blog today in the hopes that some of these tips may help some of you too! 

I am an Advertising Sales Executive! Ok, it’s not like I’m a superhero or anything, sorry! However, being in the advertising business, my job is to help small or large businesses deliver a message to their customers, bring people through their doors, and to buy whatever it is they are selling.  Thats remarkably similar to what we book bloggers are trying to do for our favorite authors, right? I decided to apply those marketing skills to my own blog, grow my followers, while at the same time, getting the word out and help authors sell some books! These five things helped me jump start my own blog and I wanted to share them with you all.

  Clean Look– This one seems like it should be so easy! Nobody likes to view a cluttered blog. Keep the colors simple and please make sure we can read your blog against whatever background color you pick. No white on light pink backgrounds please!  If I go to a website and can’t read the posts I hit unfollow. Put a menu at the top and make sure your followers can easily find reviews, Tags, etc. If they can’t find things easily your readers either won’t click follow, which is what your goal is, right? Or worse, they will hit unfollow! 

  Consistency– every blogger has their own goal for their blog. The key is to pick your subject and be consistent with your message. You are a book blogger and if you’re trying to market yourself as a reviewer then make sure you post reviews. If you start talking about gardening, cooking, or makeup you will lose followers. Be consistent in your message! You don’t have to stick to reviews, Book Tags, Stacking Your Shelves, TBT are all ok because you are sticking with your book theme. Stick with that theme to deliver a consistent message and gain followers. 

   Social Media– This has been a HUGE part of my own blog gaining traction. I will not lie, it takes work! WordPress will automatically send your posts to Facebook, Twitter, and a few more. Take advantage of that! Create a Facebook Page for your blog. Tweet out your posts, use Pinterest, Instagram, Google+. They all help deliver eyeballs to your posts. I love looking at the referrals section of my blog to see what post gains traction on what site. Of course, this is what I do for a living and seeing what works interests me. Recently I have noticed that Google+ has become particularly active with my Sunday Commentaries! Find where your traffic is coming from and cater to them. I wrote a review for the author Meghan March and when I posted it on Instagram I wrote one sentence about bringing a gun on your vacation, it was a romantic suspense novel and I hadn’t any idea that Google would rate that post high because of the word gun. I noticed a TON of views from Google. Ok, maybe not the best example because I’m sure some people didn’t know they were clicking on a book review, but the point is to be clever!  It works!

   Branding yourself– Remember while doing both of the above keep your message and the look of your blog consistent from Social site to Social site. You want your followers to recognize your blog name and the look of your blog. When a reader see’s the name The Reading Chick they know what they will get. Reviews, Tags and Comentaries! All delivered with my charm and personality, of course! Lol. When they see The Reading Chick from site to site and the message and look are consistent, it becomes branding. Everyone knows who McDonalds is, right? Golden Arches, red and yellow colors, Ronald McDonald, and burgers and fries. They are the master at consistency and  their dominance shows that consistency works regardless if your burgers are sub par.

   Organized topics/regularly scheduled– This year I introduced my Sunday Commentary, which I use to sound off, but to also post some fun tags. However, my blog is about book reviews, so I make sure I deliver on that promise and I post three reviews a week. This still gives me a few days to do other fun book related posts if the mood hits. Some bloggers post weekly Waiting on Wednesday or Throw back Thursday blog posts. These are great examples of regularly scheduled posts. We know what they are, they happen the same day every week and we come to expect them. In fact, I look for some of them! Branding, consistency and regularly scheduled all at work!

All of you know that reaching out to your fellow bloggers on WordPress, commenting, liking and developing relationships also helps you gain followers so don’t stop! It takes some time, but if you put in the effort you will see the results- and make some great friends while your at it!

I hope you all found this post interesting and helpful! I’d love to hear how you think you’ve gained the most followers. Please give your tips in the comments below!

Until next Sunday!

Deb

   

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads10 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Share Your Shelves – The Alphabet Book Tag (A-M)

I just finished a novel and was trying to decide which book I’d read next. As usual I’m looking through NetGalley, my Kindle, YA book subscriptions and bookshelves. Man, I have a lot of books to read and it’s a little overwhelming!  Hmm, is there another way to pick my next book? Why not select a few alphabetically? At least I’d see some not so very obvious and maybe well hidden unread novels that I already own in a new light. On the chance that you also own books on this list maybe it will remind you that these books still need to be read. 

If you’ve read some of these books, chime in! Did you like one? What was your favorite? What would you recommend? 

I’m going to tag a few bloggers that I know have bookshelves that are overflowing to do their own Alphabet Book Tag. Share your shelves! It may help you pick out your next book, or prompt one of your readers to pick up that same book that they already own. These are all fabulous reviewers so check out their websites for interesting ideas.

Tag You’re It! A-M only!  Don’t worry if you don’t have time, but if you do, even if it’s only ABC, pls link me so I can read your tag, Thanks!

Donna@hereonthereeverywhere.us

Corina and Tijuana @booktwinsreviews.com

Lynne@fictionophile.wordpress.com

Raven@Dreamyaddictions.wordpress.com

Marie@Drizzleandhurricanebooks.com

THE ALPHABET BOOKTAG

A Sky Full of Stars by Samantha Chase 

Book five in the series but it looks like a fun enemies to lovers book. I do like Samantha Chase!

Brilliant astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy feels more connected to the cosmos than to people. He’s great with calculations, but when he leads a team of scientists to study a famous meteor shower, he doesn’t factor in his free-spirited artist assistant Brooke Matthews.

Polar opposites in personality, the friction between Owen and Brooke threatens to derail the project. But the beauty and mystery of the night sky draw them together—and she’s going to surprise him in ways the stars never could.

Blood Bound by Sharon Stevenson 

I got this one for free by subscribing to the authors newsletter. A paranormal ya? Sold!

19-year-old twin demon trackers Shaun and Sarah Gallows are used to running into trouble—mostly the kind with fangs—but while Sarah embraces her powers to their fullest extent, trusting her instincts implicitly, Shaun distances himself from his abilities and can do little more than despair at his sister’s reckless nature and idly back her up.
When they come across 17-year-old Melissa Carling, a demon tracker who’s been torturing innocent super-naturals, they know they have to stop her. Sarah is desperate to punish Melissa for what she’s been doing but Shaun’s instant attraction to the girl points to a soul-mate bond stronger than anything he’s ever had to fight before…

Caraval by Stephanie Garber 

Ok, I know I’m late to the party. Hey, I own the book, I just need to read what all the fuss is about!

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.


Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata 

This was a surprise release in June. It’s on Kindle Unlimited, which I subscribe to and I Love Mariana Zapata, so it will be read soon. Probably on my vacation next month.

Ruby Santos knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she signed up to write a soldier overseas.

The guidelines were simple: one letter or email a week for the length of his or her deployment. Care packages were optional.
Been there, done that. She thought she knew what to expect.
What she didn’t count on was falling in love with the guy.



Ever the Hunted by Erin 


A totally gorgeous cover, right? This was in my YA subscription, Uppercase box, and I just haven’t gotten to it yet, but I will!

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, a legendary bounty hunter—that is, until her father is murdered. The alleged killer is none other than Cohen Mackay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart.  

     She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a force to be reckoned with.  

Falling by Simona Ahrnstedt 

I received this novel at the RT Convention in May, just as I received the first in the series, All In, last year at RT. All In was so good! This comes out in a week or so and I got an early copy. I need to read and review, Lol.

Alexander de la Grip is known in the tabloids and gossip blogs as a rich, decadent, jet-setting playboy who spends most of his days recovering from the night before. With a string of beautiful conquests, he seems to care about nothing and no one.Isobel Sørensen has treated patients in refugee camps and war zones, and is about to depart Sweden for a pediatric hospital in Chad. Devoted to her humanitarian work, she cares almost too deeply. Especially when she learns that Alexander is withholding desperately needed funds from her aid foundation.

Is it because she’s the only woman who ever told him to go to hell?

As the two push each other’s boundaries to the breaking point, the truth turns out to be much more complicated.Pain, love, trust, betrayal. Which will triumph when safety is nothing but an empty word?

Gilded Cage by Vic James 

Another RT Convention YA fantasy novel, but there are never too many. Has anyone read a book by Vic James? 

In a darkly fantastical debut set in modern-day Britain, magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.

This is the darkly decadent world of Gilded Cage. In its glittering milieu move the all-powerful Jardines and the everyday Hadleys. The families have only one thing in common: Each has three children. But their destinies entwine when one family enters the service of the other. They will all discover whether any magic is more powerful than the human spirit.

Hold ‘Em by Katie Porter 

Ok, I have had this book for YEARS! I’ve read the first two in the series and they were very good. Very sexy! The copy I have has a different cover, but I know some of you ladies like those chest book covers so I chose to put this one up. It sounds like it may be a little Dom/Sub romance?  I might be a little afraid.  Lol.

Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic “girls can’t be fighter pilots” attitudes.

That’s what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton. Now, six years later, he’s been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he’s filled out nicely. Plus he’s cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.

Even after four tours, Mike’s the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That’s not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he’s learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.

Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he’s been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah’s aware one thing hasn’t changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She’s not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career—and her heart.

In the Heir by Ruth Cardello 

I met this author at RT. She was sweet and signed a book for me to give away on my blog. Which I will still do! I think this is a Billionaire romance? Millionaire? Hell, couple hundred-aire would be good for some of us, right?

Brett Westerly is his father’s golden child, but it’s come at a cost. As head of the family corporation, he throws himself into his work—hiding in his office is easier than confronting the reality of his broken family.

After a bitter divorce that split the family and divided loyalties, the wealthy Westerly matriarch offers an early inheritance to any grandchild who marries and invites the entire family to the wedding. Brett’s brother Spencer rashly gets engaged, and Brett knows it’s his duty to intervene. But he never imagined the unwelcome desire Spencer’s fiery fiancée would spark in him. Now the man who’s used to getting everything he could want has met the one woman he can’t have.

Ever since she was a girl, Alisha Coventry considered Spencer and his sister Rachelle the family she didn’t have. When Spencer asks for her help, Alisha has no problem becoming his fake fiancée—until she meets Spencer’s sexy older brother Brett. The chemistry between them is undeniable—forbidden—but as their relationship deepens, Brett is determined to have her.



Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley 

Another book from RT! This author was so nice. It’s an inspirational romantic suspense, and sounds kind of dark.  I’m definitely more curious about it now….

It’s been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister’s sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn’t actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will’s cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week–including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.


Keepers by Meg Collett 

I won this series from a blogger and I still haven’t read them but the plot and characters sound unique. Cute covers too!

Stevie Reynolds was a buzz-worthy reality star before moving to Canaan Island to escape Los Angeles and her fame-hungry parents. But not all her demons, like her penchant for wine and bad decisions, are escapable.

Completely broke and fresh out of rehab after her DUI, Stevie gets an offer from her hotshot LA ex to star in his home renovation show with Canaan’s favorite son, Cade Cooper. Stevie returns to the reality business for Cade, who’s relying on the show to help pay for his mother’s cancer treatments.


Stevie refuses to break Cade’s sensitive heart, but she can’t keep herself from falling for his kind smile and easy laugh. When the producers push her to risk her shaky sobriety and Cade’s credibility for the sake of ratings, Stevie is ready to quit—until her ex threatens to reveal an intimate secret from her past.

If her secret is leaked, Stevie will lose everything she loves on Canaan Island, including Cade.

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson

An Inspirational Historical romance. This looks like a great story, and wait, is her love interest a pirate? This looks good, I forgot I had it. See, this tag is working for me!

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.
From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.


Mogul by Joanna Shupe 

This is the newest from Joanna Shupe. I love that this series is set in the Industrial era, which isn’t a time period I read too often. Baron was fabulous so I know I will love this book!

The privileged members of the Knickerbocker Club can never climb too high up the social ladder. But for one charming New York bachelor, does the ascent take precedence over love in the Gilded Age?

As owner of a well-respected national newspaper, Calvin Cabot has the means to indulge his capricious taste for excess–and the power to bring the upper crust of society to its knees. So when a desperate heiress from his past begs for his help, Calvin agrees . . . as long as she promises to stay out of his way. Except, like the newsman, this willful beauty always gets what she wants . . .

Lillian Davies lives a life brimming with boundless parties, impressive yachts, and exotic getaways. But when her brother disappears, Lily knows that blood runs thicker than champagne and she’ll spare nothing to bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the only man who can help her is the one she never wanted to see again. Can Lily keep Calvin at arm’s length long enough to save her brother and protect her name . . . even when the tenacious powerbroker turns out to be absolutely irresistible?




Wow, finding titles beginning with a certain letter was a lot more difficult than I thought. Especially since I didn’t allow myself to throw out the “The” in a title. My taste seems to be pretty eclectic doesn’t it? There are some great books on this list, at least I think there are. If you’ve read any of these please let me know what you thought! Which one would you read first?

Until next Sunday,

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads10 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag

I saw this tag on The Literary Elephants blog and thought it looked like a lot of fun! Check out the Literary Elephant HERE for some great book reviews, tags and commentary! The great thing about books is that our opinions are so subjective. What I like may be what you hate or we may love the same things. I blog because I love talking about books, but over the past two years I’ve really enjoyed reading about YOUR opinions on books. Some of you have influenced my reading as I hope I may have influenced yours.

Ok, on to the fun Tag! Here are the questions, straight from The Literary Elephants mouth. Oh, and if you click on the highlighted name of each book it will take you to their Amazon page so you can check them out.

The best book I’ve read so far in 2017
According to Goodreads I have read 116 books so far this year. Wow, that’s a lot of books! There were quite a few I loved, but did I love one more than another? That’s a hard call because its hard to compare books from different genres, but my favorite probably won’t surprise any of you who follow my blog regularly. I LOVED Anne Bishop’s Written in Red. It was original, the characters were amazing and the world building tremendous. I went on to read the rest of that series as fast as I could, then went out and bought them all in hardback for my library. To read my review of Written in Red click HERE.

Click the link to purchase! Written in Red (A Novel of the Others)
My favorite sequel of the year

No question my most anticipated and favorite sequel of the year so far has been White Hot by Ilona Andrews. I re-read Burn for Me just so it would be fresh in my mind and then burned through White Hot. Ilona Andrews writes the best paranormal fantasy novels! Read my review HERE for White Hot.


Click the link to purchase! White Hot (Hidden Legacy)


A new release I haven’t read but really want to

The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichart. It looks like a sweet summer romance and I have actually purchased it but haven’t read it yet.  But I will! Read the synopsis by clicking on the name above.

Click the link to purchase! The Simplicity of Cider: A Novel

My most anticipated release for the second half of the year

This is easy, its Wildfire, the third in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. I have the first two in paperback and have already pre-ordered Wildfire to include on my bookshelf.  It comes out July 25th and I can’t wait!

Click the link to purchase! Wildfire: A Hidden Legacy Novel

My biggest disappointment of 2017

Oh boy. I hate to talk about the disappointments, and luckily there have only been a couple. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire just didn’t do it for me. I don’t know if it was the hype? I read so many reviews about how great it was and well, I thought it was one hot mess. For more details, read my review of it by clicking  HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Beautiful Disaster: A Novel (Beautiful Disaster Series)


My biggest surprise of the year

It was definitely Illuminae by Amie Kaufmann and Jay Kristoff. What a fantastic story, told in a totally original way. It was part novel, part graphic novel and part military manual.  Lol, thats kind of a joke but not really. Read more of my thoughts in my review HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Illuminae


Favorite new-to-you or debut author

My sister introduced me to an author named J. Bengtsson. She wrote this great rock star romance named Cake. This is a truly hilarious romance, but it also has real depth to it. Well rounded and really really good. Read my review of Cake HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Cake: A Love Story


My new fictional crush

Oh gosh, I don’t really get crushes. Although I will say either Gabriel or Ricky in Kelley Armstrong’s Cainsville series would do in a pinch. Or possibly both of them? Hmmm.

Click the link to purchase! Omens (Cainsville)

My new favorite character

I’m going to go with Simon, no Meg, from Anne Bishop’s Others series. No Simon. They are just both great characters! I pick both! Seriously guys, pick up Written in Red for your Urban Fantasy fix. I may have to read it again. Right now.

A book that made me cry

It’s not hard to do, I’m a big baby! Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson. Its a sad premise about a woman who had a one night stand in college, got pregnant, raised her daughter then finds out she has cancer. She wants her daughter to have a father so she tracks him down. Its a love story and a three kleenex novel. For my review click HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Dancing in the Rain


A book that made me happy

Oh gosh, just reading makes me happy, but let’s see.  Abbi Waxman’s novel The Garden of Small Beginnings was laugh out loud funny! My husband kept giving me the side eye and I’d try to explain the dialog, and well, it’s never as funny as in the moment your reading it. Anyways, this book was amazing. Read more of my review HERE. Then pick up the book!

Click to purchase this book! The Garden of Small Beginnings

My favorite book-to-movie adaptation that I’ve seen this year

I have no idea!  Was Star Wars: Rogue One a book?  I loved the movie.

The most beautiful book I’ve bought/received this year

Flame in the Mist was gorgeous!

Click the link to purchase! Flame in the Mist

Some books I need to read by the end of the year

I have two more left in Kelley Armstrongs Cainsville series and I know they’ll get read soon. Rituals is out in August so I don’t have long to wait for that final novel.

 

I’m also looking forward to reading the next book in the Cake series by J. Bengtsson


I want to finish the Red Queen series.


Wow, there are so many that this post would go on forever! I’ll just stop with those four.

What do you think? In looking at these titles I can see that I definitely like fantasy novels, LOL. How would you answer these questions? Consider yourselves tagged! And let me know when you’ve posted your answers so I can take a look!

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads14 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: A Positive Spin on a Negative book Tag… #giveaway

I am normally a very positive person!  Really, I am! (She says very confidently.). But, I’ll admit, there is something I need to get off my chest. I have seen a Tag which puts a negative spin on reading and/or picking out a book and this really bothers me. After seeing this tag a couple times I wrote the questions down, not sure if I ever wanted to put my answers in writing for the world to see. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying I’m just never going to read their book. Not that I think a ton of authors are reading my posts, but you never know! Wouldn’t you hate to have, oh, I don’t know, J.K. Rowling know that you hated Harry Potter? Or never intended to even pick it up? Why, yes, you would! As if! Anyways, I took a glance at those questions today and thought I am not going down that road of negativity!  So, I am choosing to do the Books I Probably Won’t Read Tag, but am re-naming it…

I Have One Month to Live and Can’t Die without Reading These Books… Tag!. Ok this title may be a little over the top but you get my drift. Right? Except for the dying in the next thirty days, this is positive!

1. A really hyped up book you’re dying to read in the next 30 days?

This is a tough one! My backlog of hyped up books is actually quite large because I always get sidetracked by something new, or a review I’ve read of a book I’ve never heard of that I have to get, and the list goes on. YOU of all people know this frustration. Back to the question. Hmmm, hyped up book implies YOU all have talked this one up. Ok, I’m picking an older book that I have on my kindle and have heard a TON of good things. PUCKED, by Helena Hunting. I’m not really sure why I haven’t picked it up? It’s certainly not because the book cover sucks. Umm, ok, stop staring. LOL But now that I have said I would, I will. In the next 30 days, I promise!


If you’re like me and haven’t read this one yet, check out Pucked HERE!

2. A series you absolutely have to start and will promise to finish?

I am a sucker for books about books or libraries. Especially if they are an action adventure mystery and this series sounds like it’s right up my alley.  The first novel in the Great Library series by Rachel Caine is called Ink and Bone and it looks fantastic. I’ve picked it up and thought about reading it several times. But, you know, I got distracted by a different book, and now there are three! I need to get started. Check out Ink and Bone HERE!


3. A classic that you’ve always wanted to read but have never gotten around to?

Ok, I’m going to be honest here. I don’t really want to read any classics. I LOVE the idea of reading a classic, and I was an English major with an American Lit minor so I’ve read my fair share a long time ago. I will say that even though I get caught up in contemporary novels if I were to pick one up I think I’d like to read The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle. I did love that classic movie and have often thought a modern day retelling of that story would be awesome. So maybe this will give me a few writing ideas. 


4. What genres are you likely to read?

If one of my favorite urban fantasy authors has a new book out it will jump to the front of my TBR. Ilona Andrews, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, and the more recently discovered Anne Bishop. Kelley Armstrong is also one of my favorites, which is why I was so ashamed that I hadn’t read her Cainsville series because I thought it was a horror story!  I’m hanging my head in shame again. Sigh.

Other favorite genres are romance (all types though I lean toward sweet unless it’s Kristen Ashley), ya ( I lean more towards fantasy but have read romance. It brings back such sweet memories of those long long long ago days. Lol.)  and mystery (not gory, but has a good hook.) Defintely NO HORROR! Nightmares for days if I read horror.

5. A book on your shelf you haven’t read but will in the next 30 days?

Well, I already said Pucked, which is on my virtual shelf, but what the hell, I’m a fast reader and can get through two in the next thirty days… and start Ink and Bone. Oh Gosh. I will read The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. Here’s the synopsis:

Nemesis 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.  2) A person’s undoing.   3) Joshua Templeman – Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.


Looks cute right?
Just to put more pressure on me to read this novel in the next thirty days, I will give it away to one of my followers. Yes, we will share the same book! It will be gently read but it’s FREE.  Of course, you’ll have to wait a month!  Unless I read it this week which isn’t likely because of ARC commitments, sorry! But if you can wait a little bit, I will send it to you. Please enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. (US only, sorry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wasn’t this tag so much more fun putting a positive spin on the Books I Probably Won’t Read Tag? Let’s be honest, there are thousands of books I will never get to, but my intentions are always good. We all have our favorite genres and one books come first, which leaves little free time to try others. 

Did you like my tag? Want to join in with your own answers? Great! Consider yourself tagged! Link to my blog so I can see how you would respond.

Until next Sunday,

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads9 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Little Free Library #Sundayblogshare

I was sitting around one day looking at all of the books in my house. They aren’t in stacks and I’m not a hoarder, but I have a LOT of books! I hand them out to friends, family, donate to the library and trade them in at second hand bookstores so they don’t go to waste, but I was feeling like I needed to do something more with them.

I moved to a new neighborhood in Nashville and noticed these cute little houses on posts outside a few homes and one day while walking my dog I stopped and checked one out. It was a  Little Free Library! What a great idea, I thought. It seemed pretty organized, with a little plaque and a serial number, so when I got home I looked it up. Click on the picture below if you want to check it out!


It’s an organization where you can buy your library, painted or unpainted, register it and belong to a Nationwide group of library stands! They post you on a map for people to find and everything! Everyone’s library is different, some homemade, some pre-packaged. The themes are also really different. Some libraries hold only mysteries, some for travel, some for children only and some for adults. I thought, this is a movement I can get behind! They even have a map with everyone’s library pinned to it. Here is my neighborhood with all of our libraries.


Isn’t this cool? A great way to read inexpensively! If you take one, leave one behind to replace it. Easy Peasey! Look at their website to see if there is any in your neighborhood!

My husband is pretty handy, and at first I thought I could get him to build me an original, unique Little Free Library. Umm, it never got built. So, I took things into my own hands and ordered one off their website. It was kind of pricey but I thought this would totally be worth the effort! Once it arrived my husband took over painting it to match our house, digging a big hole, setting the post in concrete and getting that puppy up! Here’s a few photos! I’m so proud!

     
Of course, I had to keep my offerings neighborhood friendly. No naked chests on the cover!  Lol. Also, when I received the library they included some children’s books, so its family friendly. (Mostly, lol.)

Anyway, my library, as of last weekend is open for business! Now, who wants to read some books! If you live nearby, please come check it out. 

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads6 Comments

This Chick’s Sunday Commentary: My Reading Getaway #sundayblogshare

When I think of summer I think of reading a book on a beach, the sound of surf in my ears and a fruity drink in my hand. Unfortunately I don’t live at the beach, nor am I going on vacation to one. At least this year! I will, however, be cracking open a book or fourteen this summer outside and in, finding a quiet getaway from my family for a few hours lost  in a book. I relish those moments when I can fall in love, solve a mystery, or save a world, even if I am just doing it vicariously.

Sometimes when I’m sitting in my armchair or outside on my front porch I dream of having my own private girly reading getaway. Images flash through my mind of various possibilities.

If I had endless amounts of money, I would build my own cottage in the backyard where I could read and write privately for hours at a time.


Unfortunately, I don’t have those gobs of money to create a getaway that is quite so expansive. But, I could create some that are a lot less expensive.


A secluded daybed bower with an extreme mountain of pillows looks very comfortable! 


Or this little covered bench in the rose garden. I (ok, my husband…) could probably build the bench, but I don’t have a rose garden. Sigh.


A tent is a perfect idea! Set one up in the backyard with a load of pillows and a big pitcher of iced tea. Doable! Although I’d need to buy a tent as I’m not much of a camper. I’ve got the pillows though! Lol.


I love this swinging bed! Especially the chandelier and light hanging over the structure. This could easily be built! However, I lack a tree with a limb to hang the bed from. Looks comfy though!


The picture on the left is a no brainer. Any of us can buy an Adirondack chair and paint it a soothing color! We are getting closer to my budget!


Ah, who am I kidding. As long as the weather is nice I have a perfectly nice front porch to read my book!

Where is your favorite place to read your book? Inside? Outside? I’d love to hear about your reading nook.

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads11 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: How do I pick my next book??? #Sundayblogshare

I am definitely having one of those weeks. You know, the one where I’m playing catch up with my ARC commitments, my library books are expiring, I’ve gotten a few (ok 7!) Kindle Unlimited books that are taking up valuable real estate on my kindle, AND I just took a short road trip and saw a ton of Harley riding men and women that had me jonesing to re-read one of my favorite books (Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley).  Big run on sentence so sorry about that, but whew!  How, oh how do I pick out my next book???

Normally, I have a system. 

  • Check NetGalley and emails for my ARC commitments. Right now I have an ARC a week that I need to read, then two for 7/4 releases. Luckily I’m a fast reader. But knowing I have three days to read and write the review, i have a slight reprieve so on to the next step.
  • When does my next book expire on Overdrive? If it’s soon, I may need to read it. Does everyone know about The Overdrive app? If not, You Are Missing Out!  It was my best discovery ever! You can check out ebooks from your library through this app. Instantly! Also, I can recommend to my library, through the app, to purchase certain books. If they purchase it, and 80% of the time they do, they’ll put me in line for it, or if no one else is in line I’ll get an automatic checkout. You can check out 10 books at a time, have 20 on hold, and this includes pre-release books, and you can keep a wishlist of all the books you still want to read. A library TBR. Like I need another one, right? So, of course as I’m reading your reviews and finding all sorts of books that sound great because YOU liked them, I put them on my wishlist so I can look at them again later and then possibly read.
Overdrive App!!
  • Next I peruse my bookshelves and look at the physical specimens that I brought home from the RT Convention. My sister and I combined our shelves and they are filled with over 200 books. Some of which are actually ARCs themselves. Yikes! There are some great books on these shelves!
  • Then I look at my kindle. Yep, it’s filled with purchases, free copies, and more RT Convention giveaways. I think my last count was around 180. Oh, and don’t forget about those Kindle Unlimited books. They don’t expire, but I put a small amount of pressure on myself to actually read what I’ve purchased. More great books to read, but when?!

  • Then, like I said above, I’m craving that re-read of Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley. I’ve only read the dang thing like 5 or 6 times? Why is it so appealing? Well, hot alpha guy and very pretty, not biker babe looking lady hook up, fall in love and fight danger. What’s not to love?  I sincerely love reading Tack and Tyra’s story. She’s a hoot! And takes no shit, which seriously, with a biker guy, that takes some cojones! (Balls for those non Spanish speaking ladies in the crowd…) 

  • Last, I look at my Hardback copy of Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. It’s Donna (heronthereeverywhere), Sarah (Travels with Choppy) and my Blog Book Club pick for the month. It looks good, right? I still have until 6/15. I’m a fast reader, right?


I’ve gone through these steps multiple times. Which book is next?!! Eeeny Meeny Miney Moe!

I’d love to hear about your strategy for picking out your next book! What catches your eye? Is it the deadline? Cover? Favorite author? 

Until next week!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads7 Comments

This Chick is off to the #RT17 Convention in Atlanta! #Sundayblogshare


I can’t believe a year has passed since the RT Convention in Vegas last year! Wow, the time has flown! Today, my bags are packed and I’m heading off to Atlanta, to join Readers, Writers and Bloggers meet, mingle, learn and have fun with some of my favorite authors. This year I’ve signed up as a writer and am participating in a Writers Workshop on Monday and Tuesday, where hopefully I will be given some great advice on how to fine tune my novel, meet an agent and get published.

My sister and a few friends are driving in on Tuesday night and we’ll get the fan girl party started! Last year, I met so many wonderful people! Authors, readers, bloggers, everyone was just so nice! I Geeked out over meeting Kristen Ashley, Laura Kaye and Jill Shalvis, but also took home an amazing number of books and became fans of a whole new set of authors. Yes, I still plan on freaking when I see Kristen Ashley again, but this year, I can spread the love out a little more. LOL.

I will be updating you all from the convention with pictures and book counts. I hope to bring home some swag so I can do some giveaways  so I can share a little of the RT magic with you all!

Here are some pictures from last year’s convention, so you’ll know what fun I have in front of me!

 

Viva La Historical Social Event
Tons of larger than life posters everywhere!
Kristen Ashley!! (On right)
Laura Kaye (on left)
Jill Shalvis! (On right)
Swag, swag and more swag! This was one days!
And then there are cover models…..

Catch up with you from Atlanta!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Blogger Stats Book Tag #Sundayblogshare

Yesterday I was catching up on my reading and saw this tag on Always Trust In Books blog. Her answers were really interesting.  I thought it would be fun to share my own answers to those questions.

The last three books you read?

  
Kind of an odd group of books, right? I like to mix things up a bit. The Garden of Small Beginnings is a debut novel by Abbi Waxman and had that perfect blend of humor, warmth, and growth. Loved it! I have just discovered Aimee Easterling this year and Half Wolf is my second novel by her. It was good, but I was a little disappointed by the characters. Sin With Me, is the third novel in J. T. Geissinger’s Bad Habit series. A rocker romance – I just love those broody self hating rockers! It was not a disappointment.

Spoilers or spoiler free?

I guess it depends upon if the review can be told succinctly without giving away the plot. I prefer no spoilers and I think if I am giving anything pertinent away, I always give fair warning!

How long have you been book blogging?

I have only been book blogging for about a year and a half. I am still learning how to attract followers, so if you all have any suggestions, pls feel free to chime in!  I have been mixing things up on my blog this year, trying to keep it interesting and fun.

  A book you read in one sitting?

Boy, it’s been awhile since I’ve done that! I think it was One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews. Their books are amazing and I always get wrapped up in the story.


Your favourite genre?

Fantasy, definitely! I like it even more if there is a hint of romance. I have read a TON of YA this year because I was writing a YA novel and it was great research. I got hooked into several series, and leaned towards YA fantasy within that genre. So, yeah, fantasy!  Lol.

Preferred book size? (novella, tome…etc)

Just a normal sized novel? 275-375 pages? I did read a 900 pager this year and it was fabulous, but it would take a fabulous book to keep me reading for 900 pages. (That was Robert Thier’s Storm and Silence if you’re interested, it was great!) I have read some novellas, but I feel that most of them are too quick and the characters aren’t fully developed and so I’m usually disappointed.

Amount of books on your TBR?

Oh, God, really? This is kind of embarrassing to admit.  I have 371 on my to read on Goodreads. I also have a stack of about 75 that aren’t on Goodreads that I’d also like to read. It seems to grow continuously!

 A book you have DNF’d?

Shadow’s Messenger: An Aileen Travers novel by T. A. White. I loved a couple of her other books, but this YA I just couldn’t get into, believe me, I tried! If anyone read this book, please tell me it finally got interesting!


Recent awards or milestones?

I finished my ya fantasy novel at the end of last year. I’m exploring how to go about getting it published, and have several ideas for other books I’d like to write.

Best interaction with an author you enjoy?

There are quite a few actually! I met Laura Carter last year at the RT Convention in Las Vegas and we had the funniest conversation about how to write a sexy scene! We were sharing a bench trying to find 10 minutes to gobble down some sandwiches and just hit it off. I’ve read and reviewed her books, she writes contemporary romances. It’s been fun to see her writing style grow by leaps and bounds! Her most recent book, Scarred by You was her best yet! She has also been kind enough to give me some brief advice on some books to read about how to get my novel published.


Average number of books you read per month?

On average I read three to four books a week, so I’d say 15-20? I feel like that’s a lot, but like a lot of you, I have slow weeks, where I get stuck in a book that seems to take days to finish. In fact, I’m having one right now!  Lol. Only two books read this week.

Top three publishers?

Kensington, Berkeley and Avon.  I also like Bookoutre and St. Martin’s Press. Once you get on NetGalley, you learn pretty quickly who are your go to publishers.

Social media sites your blog uses?

Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin, Tumblr, Instagram, Goodreads, Google+,  Pinterest…. Follow me by clicking on any of those links!

Average amount of time you spend networking?

My New Year’s resolution is to be better at networking than last year. I try to spend at least an hour a day. When I first started I didn’t understand the whole blogging thing. I’m finally catching on!  Lol.

Most comfortable blogging position?

See that chair? Picture me in it, laptop or IPAD on my lap, feet on the coffee table. Not as often as I would like!


Music or quiet when writing reviews?

TV on because my husband is always camped on the couch in the room with me. Sports, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars. Anything without a plot, I can write to, once we turn on a sitcom or drama, my eyes are glued to the tv and I’m not writing.

Can you sum up your blogging style in 5 words?

Honest, Relatable, Insightful, Funny (at times), Grammatically Correct! Shoot, that’s six!

A blog you looked up to starting out?

There are definitely a few! Cleopatra Loves Books, Cafe Book Bean, Orang-utan Librarian, The Fiction Vixen.  I still follow these, but they were among my first. Check them out they’re awesome!

The best book you have reviewed so far?

This is a tough one to answer because I have read so many good books.  I would have to say Amanda Bouchet’s Promise of Fire. Romantic fantasy at its absolute best. The second novel in this series was pretty dang good too.

Best piece of blogging advice?

Blog because you love it. Don’t lose sight of the reason you started. In my case I love to read and  I love bookish discussions.


I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me! I would love to hear your thoughts and how YOU would answer these questions!

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chick: Take ONE book off your TBR and join our discussion!

Yesterday in my Sunday Commentary post an idea germinated between Donna @ Heron There & Everywhere and me. My post Lets Talk Books was a brief post asking for your help on what to read next. I gave six choices and Donna commented that she’d had Kulti by Mariana Zapata on her kindle for awhile and maybe we should read it together? I thought that sounded like a fun idea. We could read and review it, and link to each other’s posts!

If both Donna and I own this book and have let it sift to the bottom of our TBR pile,  how many other bloggers also have it, want to read it, and just haven’t gotten around to it?

Read it with us!

Rules! There aren’t really any but the following…

1) Read Kulti by Mariana Zapata


2) Post your review on May 15, 2017

3) Link back to Donna’s and my blog, and we’ll add your review links to ours!

Please let me know in a comment below if you are going to take part. I would love to belong to a book club with my fellow bloggers! But, if it’s just Donna and I, I’ll expect you all to read our reviews, like them, and be super jealous that we took one book off our TBR’s!

I look forward, to reading your review of this book!

Here’s a synopsis of Kulti to get you excited to start reading. I love sports romances, and this one has a twist! Our protagonist playing sports is female….

“Trust me, I’ve wanted to punch you in the face a time or five.”

When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to.

It didn’t take a week for twenty-seven-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she’d seen in the international soccer icon—why she’d ever had his posters on her wall, or ever envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.

Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man that hadn’t known she’d existed. So she isn’t prepared for this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team’s season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the explosive, passionate man he’d once been.

Nothing could have prepared her for the man she got to know.

Or the murderous urges he brought out in her.
This was going to be the longest season of her life.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments