Tag: contemporary romance

This Chicks Excerpt Reveal: The Time In Between by Kristen Ashley

 

 

“She was the one then and nothing changed in the time in between.”

 

✮✮✮A story of past decisions gone awry, secrets that change directions, and emotional second chances, this gripping love story is what happens when two paths again collide. The final standalone title in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Magdalene Series, THE TIME IN BETWEEN is a rich, heartfelt love story available now!✮✮✮

 

Explore THE TIME IN BETWEEN and grab your copy today!

 

About THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Magdalene Series #3):

After a painful loss, Cady Moreland is coming to Magdalene to start the next chapter of her life. A chapter that began eighteen years ago but had a heartbreaking ending. The time in between was full of family and friendship, but Cady could never get the man she fell in love with all those years ago out of her heart.

Coert Yeager has learned to live without the girl who entered his life right when she shouldn’t and exited delivering a crippling blow he never would have suspected. The time in between was full of failing to find what he was missing…and life-altering betrayal.

But when that girl shows up in Magdalene and buys the town’s beloved lighthouse, even if Coert wants to avoid her, he can’t. A fire in town sparks a different kind of flame that won’t be ignored.

As Cady and Coert question the actions of the two young adults they once were thrown into earth-shattering circumstances, can they learn from what came in between and find each other again?

 

Grab your copy of THE TIME IN BETWEEN today!

 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | GooglePlay

 

Add to your Goodreads

 

 

5% of the proceeds from the first week of sales of THE TIME IN BETWEEN release will be given to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix, a no-kill shelter. HALO stands for “helping animals live on” and is a shelter started by a mother/daughter team of committed animal advocates who have done a huge duty for animals in this area, and continue to do so with unwavering love, support and energy.For more information on HALO or to donate to the work they do, go to www.halorescue.org.

 

 

 

 

And don’t miss the first titles in the Magdalene Series!

THE WILL
SOARING

 

EXCERPT:

Present day…

I took in the mess of the large, circular room we were in and at first saw nothing but the mess—decaying furniture, a soot-covered stone fireplace, a kitchen that might have been put in in the forties but had not only not been touched the last nine years, it perhaps had not been touched the last nineteen (or more).

Then I saw more.

The extraordinarily carved railing to the sweeping wood staircase that ran the curved side of the house. The red brick walls. The plank wood floors.

“Once upon a time, long ago,” the realtor was suddenly talking wistfully, “someone loved this place. Put that love into building it. Put that love into keeping it. Nine years and more when no one really gave a whit, and still you can see it once had a lot of love.”

Oh yes.

You could see that.

“It’s got a basement, more like a big crawl space,” the agent declared, surprising me with his quick change in tone back to businesslike and informative. “The furnace is down there. You can get down there through a door in the floor. The furnace was put in a while back, and full disclosure, though an inspection will catch it, it probably needs to be replaced.”

Through his words I stared at the fireplace, which scoured would be magnificent, and I noticed it didn’t have a chimney as such, but the smoke probably went out a vent in the wall.

“This floor has a powder room under the stairs,” the realtor kept on. “You can look at it if you want, but if you wanna save yourself that, I’ll just tell you straight, it needs to be gutted.”

I decided to take his word for it and told him that.

He looked relieved when I did before he stated, “Place has a garage, two car. Not in good condition, but think you saw that. Still, it’s close to the house and there’s a covered walkway to that door over there.” He pointed at a door that was across from the door we’d walked in. “Means you might feel a chill but you won’t get wet, unless it’s raining sideways, which happens.”

With a breeze that plastered my jacket to me on a sunny, early spring day, I did not doubt that.

“Garage has a loft space above it, which could be renovated as a studio rental if you’ve a mind to do that sort of thing. As for the property itself, it also has a building where the generators are stowed,” the realtor carried on. “Hook up for a washer and dryer and good space in there. Lots of it for storage. Which is good because there’s not a lot of storage in here for tools and Christmas decorations and whatnot.”

I glanced around seeing he was right. There wasn’t even enough cabinetry to house the things a decent cook would need in her kitchen. Though there was room for them. In fact, if you fought back the gloom, there was quite a bit of room.

“And there’s a place outside, could call it a studio, could call it a mother-in-law house,” he shared. “Whatever, it’s got goodly space, two bedrooms, big kitchen. Could be renovated to be a guest house. Or like I said, a studio if you’re artsy. Or you could rent it out like a B and B. I’ll show you all of that after we have a look at the lighthouse.”

“Thanks,” I replied.

“Now, since I mentioned full disclosure, you have to know it all,” the realtor continued.

Slowly, my eyes went to him.

When they did, he launched in. “Like I said, it’s automated. And like I said, you won’t really have to concern yourself with the functionality of that unless the electricity goes out, but then the generators automatically kick in. There are two. But you’ll need to keep fuel on hand to keep them going in case a blackout lasts awhile. And just to say, this is coastal Maine. We get weather. Blackouts can last awhile.”

When I nodded to share I took that in, he kept going.

“And if you’re, say, away on vacation, you need to make sure someone is playing backup in such a case.”

“Okay,” I replied when he stopped talking, thinking this probably wasn’t a good thing since I knew no one in Maine (or not anyone who wanted to know me) and thus couldn’t call on anyone to do something like that.

I also didn’t hold high hopes I’d make friends and win people. I hadn’t had a lot of success in that in my life.

And last, although Patrick believed it completely, I held no hope that the reason I was out there was going to come to fruition.

That being me having a happy ending.

That being what Patrick thought would be my happy ending.

Which might mean I’d have someone, a certain someone, or actually two (at least), even though I knew I never would.

 

 

 

 

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Direct Link:https://video214.com/play/MJZhoh1adHTsjuN64Jl3TQ/s/dark

 

 

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About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

 

WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST * INSTAGRAM

 

 

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick’s Sunday #Giveaway #3! 

Today we are traveling home from our vacation. It was fun being away, but we are ready to be at home, missing our dog Nash, and our cat Sam. Did they survive with our pet sitters? I’m sure everything went fine! Tomorrow we are back at work and going back to our normal routine, but wait! I have one last celebratory giveaway? Lets take a look at what’s in this last box.

BOOKS:

Love Between the Lines– Adult Coloring book for book lovers


Fall in love all over again with this adult coloring book featuring 45 hand-drawn illustrations inspired by romance novels from bestselling writers Colleen Hoover, Anna Todd, S.C. Stephens, Abbi Glines, K. Bromberg, Jodi Ellen Malpas and more. Sit back, grab your pens and markers, and get ready to explore LOVE BETWEEN THE LINES.

In the pages of this book you will find:
· Designs to help you relax and reduce stress

· Hidden images and book quotes

· Each design printed on a separate page

· Elaborate drawings as well as quickie pages for when you just have a few minutes to color

Illustrations inspired by the works of:
Anna Todd, Jodi Ellen Malpas, Colleen Hoover, S.C. Stephens, Abbi Glines, K. Bromberg, Claire Contreras, Jillian Dodd, Amy Harmon, Tiffany King, R.K. Lilley, Molly McAdams, Tara Sivec, Alessandra Torre, Mia Sheridan, J. Sterling, Katy Evans, Emma Chase, S.L. Jennings, K.A. Linde, Beth Ehemann, Tarryn Fisher, Karina Halle, Helena Hunting, Leisa Rayven, Madeline Sheehan, Harper Sloan, and K. A. Tucker
A Sky Full of Stars by Samantha Chase


He’s always looked to the stars

Now she’s the brightest light in his universe.

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.
The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior by Jennifer McQuiston


Free-spirited Lucy Westmore isn’t yet a spinster, although she fully intends to be. Fortunately, an eccentric aunt has left her both a diary detailing the secrets to spinsterhood and a cottage in Cornwall. Unfortunately, an insufferable marquess is angling for her prize! Turning Lord Thomas Branston down flat should be easy. So why does this man who won’t take no for an answer make Lucy’s body and soul sigh yes?

Thomas knows the real value of Heathmore Cottage, and he has no intention of letting some silly Society miss get her hands on it. He’ll simply have to charm Lucy into selling. But the clever young woman he encounters, first in London, then en route to Cornwall, stands stubbornly on her own two (quite lovely) feet. And now, Thomas can think only of sweeping her off them.

Sealed with a Kiss by Caitlyn O’Leary


Relationship Advice from Six Navy Seals?

When Billy Anderson decided to ask Rebecca Barnes to the Valentine’s Day Dance, he had no idea that he would be getting relationship advice from six Navy SEALs. While these guys have the looks do they really have a clue to how to get Rebecca out of the friend zone and into the girl friend zone?

A Girl In Need
There is more going on with Rebecca than she is willing to share. She needs help. As much as she wants to go out with Billy she just can’t. There is just too much going on in her life that she doesn’t think she can share, nor does she think she can ask for help.

A White Knight in the Making
When Billy realizes the situation Rebecca is in, he’ll stop at nothing to help her, this includes calling in the men of Midnight Delta. He knows Drake, Mason, Darius, Finn, Clint and Jack will go above and beyond the call of duty to help the young woman he cares for. But will it be enough to ensure that Rebecca is safe and happy? And will he and Rebecca ever make it to that dance?

Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano


Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn’t guaranteed to “take.” After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she’s finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym “Miss Quill.”
Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it’s simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country.
When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she’s determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she’ll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there’s more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated.

Edge of Truth by Brynn Kelly (Hardback!)


Tensions sizzle in this electrifying novel guaranteed to capture your heart and take your breath away. Fans of Julie Garwood, Suzanne Brockmann and Jayne Ann Krentz will devour this action-packed, emotionally stunning tour de force, where every page reveals another damning secret and another daring gamble.

Rotting in an African dungeon is the last place journalist Tess Newell expected to find herself. Held hostage by the terrorist group she’s been investigating, Tess’s salvation—and temptation—arrives in the form of another prisoner. A French Foreign Legionnaire with a sinful smile and too many secrets to be anything but dangerous. Yet she knows he’s her only hope of surviving.
The Legion is the only family Flynn has. His sanctuary and his purgatory, after years spent in hell. When a mission goes south and Flynn is captured, it’s not the enemy that worries him, but rather the brazen, alluring reporter whose prying questions threaten to bring down his world—and the walls he’s built around his heart.
Yet after a daring escape, Flynn must risk it all and go on the run with Tess to retrieve the evidence she needs. The chemistry between them threatens to detonate but, with the enemy fast closing in, time is running out to unravel the truth from the lies in this deadly conspiracy…

And the SWAG!

One beautiful handmaid jeweled book ark from Julie Johnstone

One Filthy Rich mouse pad from Raine Miller

One swag bag from Hildie McQueen

One eyeglass cloth from Nikki Sloane

One bag of swag from Kimberly Griffiths Little

One lip balm

One pink Naughty and Nice bag.

For entry into this giveaway please click on the link below. US only, sorry!

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On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

This Chicks note from Italy and a mini review: It was Always You by Georgie Capron

Hi from Italia! We are having a wonderful time on our river cruise, even though we are not traveling the Po river because of draught. We are tootling around the Venice waters and being bussed to our stops. A little more time in a bus means more time to catch up on reading. I will be truthful though. I’m listening to audio books rather than getting to read any because I don’t want to take my eyes off the scenery. Before I get to my review, let me tell you a little about the beginning of my trip.

We arrived in Milan and had some fabulous food, did some great shopping and had a tour of the Duomo and the Last Supper.  All in two days. It was jam packed but totally fun. This was my second trip to Milan, but was a teenager in the last trip and seeing the Last Supper as an adult was a highlight.


On the way to catch our River cruise we stopped in Verona. Some of you may have seen the movie Letters to Juliet with Amanda Siegfried? I did and loved it. Verona was the setting and it was lovely, although the love letter wall was not. In the movie, they cleaned the wall so all of the letters were clean. The wall now has graffiti all over it and love notes were written on bandaids. Yes, that is not my idea of a good vessel for love! However, it does stick! Lol. The balcony you see below is Juliet’s balcony, and it was just as I had pictured, although a LOT more crowded. There were a ton of Romeo’s looking for their Juliet’s. I had to wait for one to leave the balcony before I could take this shot. Yes, you can pay to stand on the balcony.



Next we went to Serego Alghieri and had lunch and a little wine from their vineyard. Gorgeous scenery!


After wine tasting we arrived in Venice. I’ll try to update again with some photo’s of that beautiful city. It deserves its own post.

While in Milan I read It Was Always You by Georgie Capron. Picked completely for the setting. You guessed it, Italy! This was also one of my Kindle Unlimited books that I was challenging myself to read.

Libby, a young English woman, is traveling Europe for the summer before settling back down in London to start her new job in a law firm. She arrives in the cute coastal town of Positano where she will be working at a B&B for the summer. She adores the city, having vacationed there when she was younger. She meets charming Luca and against her better judgement starts an affair. Luca, admittedly, is a hound, leaving unhappy women in his wake. Knowing a) this was a romance, and b) there was an HEA in her future, I overlooked my own misgivings and continued to read.

This book became tough for me to read, and not because it was bad per se. It had too many themes. The book starts off light and fluffy and turns into serious and too life in your face. I did finish it but I’m on vacation! I wanted a lighthearted romance. Eventually I got my HEA but it wasn’t with the guy I thought it would be with and there was too much heartbreak in the interim. I definitely think this is a case of it not being the right book at the right time and others may like it more but, I can only give it ❤️❤️❤️.


Click link to purchase! IT WAS ALWAYS YOU

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

This Chick Read: A Covert Affair (The Librarian and the Spy Escapade #2) by Susan Mann

The more I read of Quinn and James, the Librarian and the Spy, the more I like them. The two of them have such great chemistry, their dialog showing their brains as well as their bodies are involved in this relationship. Quinn, again amazed me with her knowledge of, well, everything. She is a woman that girls like as well as the guys, and therefore very easy to relate to. James, is dashing, cheeky, and deadly with a weapon. He was protective of Quinn, yet, let her spread her wings and fly. You’ve got to admire that in a man you date, and I really like reading about a man who is comfortable with the strength of his woman.

The mystery, or escapade in this case, was fascinating. It takes place in India, and the historical aspects of this story were really interesting. The insight into Indian and Sikh culture was new for me and completely held my attention. The mix of history and spy romance felt unique and again I have to say that I think the cover for this novel does it a disservice. There is a lot of meat in this storyline, yet the cover makes it look like it’s a fluff novel. It is fun, but it’s not fluff. I enjoyed the first novel a lot and liked this one even more!

I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for my honest review, and it was honest.

❤️❤️❤️❤️


Click link to purchase! A Covert Affair (Librarian/Spy Escapade)

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

The Reading Chick’s Sunday #Giveaway #2!

Happy Sunday! I am vacationing in Italy with my husband celebrating my birthday, his birthday and our 15th wedding anniversary. Quite the trifecta!  I am sharing this celebration with you by throwing a giveaway with some more books and swag from the RT Convention I went to last May. Here is what’s in this weeks box!

BOOKS:

The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor


All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! —Midnight Cryer

No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse…

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper…

The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn


Is it better to live with a lie, or risk everything for the truth?

In Pintip Dunn’s gripping and timely novel, a young woman whose life unravels in the wake of her mother’s alleged suicide sets out to clear her name.
“The mother I knew would never do those things. But maybe I never knew her after all.”
Clothes, jokes, coded messages…Cecilia Brooks and her mom shared everything. At least, CeCe thought they did. Six months ago, her mom killed herself after accusations of having sex with a student, and CeCe’s been the subject of whispers and taunts ever since. Now, at the start of her high school senior year, between dealing with her grieving, distracted father, and the social nightmare that has become her life, CeCe just wants to fly under the radar. Instead, she’s volunteering at the school’s crisis hotline—the same place her mother worked.
As she counsels troubled strangers, CeCe’s lingering suspicions about her mom’s death resurface. With the help of Sam, a new student and newspaper intern, she starts to piece together fragmented clues that point to a twisted secret at the heart of her community. Soon, finding the truth isn’t just a matter of restoring her mother’s reputation, it’s about saving lives—including CeCe’s own…
Sinclair by Celia Aaron


Sinclair Vinemont, an impeccable parish prosecutor, conducts his duties the same way he conducts his life–every move calculated, every outcome assured. When he sees something he wants, he takes it. When he finds a hint of weakness, he capitalizes. But what happens when he sees Stella Rousseau for the very first time?

Sinclair is a prologue to The Acquisition Series and is told entirely from Sinclair Vinemont’s point of view. It can be read in one sitting.
In The Heir by Ruth Cardello

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.

Alisha only wanted to help the family make amends. Now she’s falling for the wrong Westerly.

To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino


It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton’s ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados, with no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island.
Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy is rescued and aboard a British Naval Gunship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold–and to an overjoyed Patience–it’s not the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for.
With a finely tuned sense for authentic historical characters and settings, Rebecca DeMarino plunges readers into the 17th century–a world of high seas and tall ships, daring journeys and yearning hearts.
Still Life by Dani Pettrey


Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright–and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.
Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead–and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.
Swag!!!

1001 Dark Nights Coloring book, pencils and swag!

One Wolf Clan pen from Sara Humphreys

Two lip balms

One Pedometer from Tina Desalvo

One bar of sexy shifter soap from Jodi Vaughn

One heart shaped can opener from xoxoafterdark.com

One set of post its in a book from Collette Cameron

One charm from Audrey Carlan

Please enter below for the giveaway! US only, sorry!

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On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

The Reading Chick’s Sunday #Giveaway !!

I am celebrating the end of Summer and my birthday by giving away books and swag from last May’s RT Convention over the next three Sundays. Each giveaway has a mix of genre’s as well as a handful of fun swag from some authors who I hope you’ll explore and love!

This Sunday’s giveaway includes:

Hooked on Love by Jennie Marts (my book has a different cover than below)


Avery Oliver can see the byline now. Chicago City Girl Tackles Colorado Mountains with Sexy, Reclusive Guide. What better way to jumpstart her journalism career than to head out into the woods with a hunky guide? It’s all very Bear Grylls, but she’ll take it, even if it means ditching her beloved designer suits and handbags.

All Sullivan Reed needs in life is a fly rod and the roar of a river. Playing guide to a hot little reporter can’t end well…until they strike a deal that’s mutually beneficial. She’ll pretend to be his girlfriend to deflect an overly flirtatious neighbor, and he’ll help her with the article. It’s a win-win.

Until it isn’t. Turns out, the only thing Avery’s worse at than fishing is being a fake girlfriend, because every time he’s with her, he forgets it’s all pretend…

Hot Seal by Lynn Raye Harris (my book has a different cover again!)


Navy SEAL Dane “Viking” Erikson has sworn off women—or at least he’s sworn off one woman: DEA Agent Ivy McGill. His ex-wife.

But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about.

Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?

Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson (Read my review HERE)


Happily ever afters aren’t just for fairy tales. In this heartfelt novel, a retired athlete must become a father to the daughter he never knew—just as he discovers the power of love with a woman who reignites his passions.

Drew Sellers is drowning in broken dreams and empty beer bottles. Hockey was his world, until a bum knee reduced him from superstar to has-been. Then he learns that, thanks to a one-night-stand back in college, he’s the father of a preteen girl with major issues. Her protective aunt sees right through Drew’s BS, but “Auntie P” is no stereotypical spinster. With her slender curves, toned legs, and luscious lips, she has Drew indulging in fantasies that aren’t exactly family-friendly.

At another point in her life, Peyton Watt would have been all over a cocky alpha male who pushes all her buttons like Drew. Right now, though, she needs to focus on taking care of her niece during her sister’s health crisis, all while holding down a job and keeping her own head above water. Besides, Drew’s clearly no father of the year. He’s unemployed. He drinks too much. And he’s living in the past. But after Peyton gets a glimpse of the genuine man behind his tough-guy façade, she’s hooked—and there’s no going back.

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray


Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.

But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too.

The Talon of the Hawk by Jeffe Kennedy


A HEAVY CROWN

Three daughters were born to High King Uorsin, in place of the son he wanted. The youngest, lovely and sweet. The middle, pretty and subtle, with an air of magic. And the eldest, the Heir. A girl grudgingly honed to leadership, not beauty, to bear the sword and honor of the king.
Ursula’s loyalty is as ingrained as her straight warrior’s spine. She protects the peace of the Twelve Kingdoms with sweat and blood, her sisters from threats far and near. And she protects her father to prove her worth. But she never imagined her loyalty would become an open question on palace grounds. That her father would receive her with a foreign witch at one side and a hireling captain at the other—that soldiers would look on her as a woman, not as a warrior. She also never expected to decide the destiny of her sisters, of her people, of the Twelve Kingdoms and the Thirteenth. Not with her father still on the throne and war in the air. But the choice is before her. And the Heir must lead…
SWAG!!

An eye glass cloth from Audrey Carlan

One Dragon Clan button from Sara Humphreys

One notepad from Donna Michaels

One Selfie stick in a box from Tina deSalvo

One deck of cards from Ally Broadfield

One flashlight keychain that says Montana Rescue

One dueling pistols necklace

One mirror compact from Milly Tilden

Two lip balms.

Here is a picture of all the goodies and the link to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chick Read : Pucked by Helena Hunting

Violet Hall’s brother is a Pro hockey player, so she isn’t blind to their ways. Her own brother being a perfect example of a man over sampling the very available ladies. When she travels to see her brother play, she meets Alex, a teammate of her brothers. After a semi innocent flirtation she ends up having a one night stand that turns into a relationship.

I have heard about this book forever. At least it seems like forever! Finally, i decided I was going to get this book off my kindle and see what everyone has been talking about. I’ll admit to liking sports romances. The men are Alpha and their love interest usually more than holds her own. This is certainly true of Alex and Violet in Pucked, but this pair had their roles reversed. Violet was the foul mouthed Alpha chick and Alex, although tough, had a heart of gold and was the more sensitive of the two. I will admit that Violets language was really disconcerting. It took me more time than I liked to get used to it and actually see the humor in her words.  After awhile I smiled a bit at her antics, but still didn’t like the language. Why is it more acceptable for men to be portrayed this way? I doubt I’d have thought twice about Alex using bad language. Maybe its because  Violets parents were kind of abnormal, an oversexed mother and a step father who is a scout for the minors, so I guess it wasn’t that out of the ordinary for her to be crass.

Alex on the other hand was wonderful. He saw something in Violet that he needed to give him balance and he went after it. The perfect fantasy man, or at least in my fantasies!  Lol.  His family was also different, although in a different way than Violets, but it was something they had in common.

The two of them together were fun. I saw Violet through Alex’s eyes, making their romance more believable and real. Helena Hunting has a deft hand at portraying humor through dialog, making the latter half of the novel really enjoyable, but I did have that brief hiccup in the beginning with language, so I am only giving this a ❤️❤️❤️❣️.


Click link to purchase! Pucked: The Pucked Series, Book 1

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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This Chick Read: Everything for Her by Alexa Riley

BIG SPOILERS!!! Read at your own risk. 

Everything For Her was my first book by Alexa Riley, a writing team who has had a ton of success. I have certainly heard of them, but not reading a ton of Billionaire romances, I hadn’t ever picked up one of their novels. I picked up their book for free at a convention and even met the authors who were very gracious and nice. I had high hopes that I would like this book as much as I did meeting them in person, but I’ll be as honest as I always am. I did not. I will say that the writing was excellent, the story well plotted, and it moved along quickly. In fact, I even finished the book! You may ask why I didn’t like this book? One reason, the love interest was a creeper/stalker. I just couldn’t see it any other way!

Here’s the premise: Mallory Sullivan gets a coveted  internship at the Osbourne Corp, one of only three ever given out. She and her best friend move to New York to start this next phase of their lives.  Celebrating at a bar she meets Oz, a handsome guy in a suit, they exchange phone numbers and start to see each other. Sounds pretty innocuous right? I thought so too, at first. Until I read further. It turns out Oz caught sight of Mallory when he was a judge at a math competition when she was in High School.  Now, he was only in college so an age difference wasn’t my big issue. He becomes obsessed declaring her the girl for him.  From that moment on he manipulated her life. She gets the first ever scholarship from the Osbourne Corp. to pay for college and living expenses at Harvard. That is one great scholarship! She gets to school and meets her roomie that she becomes best friends with. Mallory alludes to their all study and no play college life and later in the book we find out that her roommate and soon to be best friend was a plant by Oz. She was her roommate to encourage her away from men and to keep her safe and a virgin for Oz. The internship that moves them to New York? Yeah, that was a set up also. 
Of course, Mallory finds all of this out, and this is the big conflict in the book.  But she lasts THREE DAYS before she forgives him. Umm, girl, he set your life on this course, made sure you remained a virgin, had eyes on you at all times, got reports on your whereabouts, habits etc. then meets you finally in person, lies about his name and who he is, takes your virginity, begging not to use a condom so he can tie you to him with a baby?  WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!  This is not romance. This is called stalking, and the man should be arrested!

Of course, she forgives him, they get married, she has a baby right away, because of course she gets pregnant from all the unprotected sex! The epilogue flashes into the future, with a little boy toddler acting just as possessive at six as his father did at twenty-six. A little stalker to be. How cute. NOT.

Needless to say, I did not care for this book! However, as I said above, these girls can write. So, I gave, it ❤️❤️.

Here’s my question for you, my fellow bloggers.  Why are these kind of plots popular? I get the whole, he can buy you anything with all that money fantasy, but this guy was a serious creep! I kept hoping the HEA would be her leaving his ass, getting a backbone and finding a real man. Please answer in the comments below if you’re a fan of these books. I really want to know the big draw!


Sorry, no links for this one. I can’t encourage buying a book that teaches women to not honor themselves, even in their fantasy life.

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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This Chicks Cover Reveal! Balancing the Scales (#BritsinManhattan series) by Laura Carter

I am really excited to be a part of the team who is releasing the cover for Balancing the Scales, the newest novel by Laura Carter and the first in the Brits in Manhattan series. This book will be released on November 21st through Kensington Publishing and Penguin Random House.

As with all of Laura’s other novels, this book sounds like a lot of fun! Check out this blurb.

BLURB:

“Carter’s writing style is absolutely brilliant.” —The Romance Reviews

A Hotshot Manhattan Attorney. 

Drew Harrington knows exactly who he is—a legal shark with a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude that works just fine in his cutthroat world. He’s on the cusp of promotion to named partner, but only if he can prove to his colleagues that he has a more human side.

A Sweetheart of a British Patisserie Chef.

Becky Fletcher is running from her past, so the last thing she’s looking for is love. What she does want is a friendly face in a cold city. Her sunny outlook is the sweetness Drew never knew was missing from his life.

One fateful meeting at a bagel cart.

They sound like a match made in heaven—or is it a car crash? If they have any chance of finding happiness, Drew and Becky are going to have to rethink their life plans. Until then, is there really any harm in having some fun between the sheets?

All’s fair in love and lox!

BALANCING THE SCALES is the first standalone novel in the BRITS IN MANHATTAN SERIES #BalancingtheScales #BritsinManhattan

PRE-ORDER:

iBooks: https://goo.gl/0MLjEk 

Barnes and Noble: https://goo.gl/0xaq5B 

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/AbwA8z 

Amazon US: https://goo.gl/vCN42X 

GooglePlay: https://goo.gl/he4H3O 

Kobo: https://goo.gl/mlxcDH

Follow Laura on:

BOOKBUB: https://goo.gl/6kND3X
GOODREADS: https://goo.gl/4GuJdd

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Favorite Fictional Couples 

I have never been the type of person who gets crushes on famous actors, has a book boyfriend, favorite band or heck, even a favorite food.  Sure I have likes and dislikes; I like Chris Hemsworth more than Liam Hemsworth and Mexican Food more than Chinese, but never have had an outright favorite.

I do however have favorite fiction couples. Is it the thought that there is one person out there for everyone? Sure. But it’s more of how those two people fit together and that chemistry thats so fascinating. Let’s analyze a few of my favorites.

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon – Jamie and Claire

I read these books when they first came out in the ’90’s. Yes, some of you weren’t even born yet! ALL the women in my family passed these books around to each other and swooned over Jamie and Claire. One of my Uncles even named his daughter Claire ( yes, the men in my family have read Outlander, even my own husband!). Why do these two connect so well with us? Claire is a modern woman, well modern for historical highland Scotland anyway. She’s smart, stands up for herself, and even though torn between two men finds enough love within herself for both. Jamie is the love of her life or lifetimes, as the case may be. Jamie, a young handsome highlander likes her smarts, sass, and experience. Most importantly, he allows her to to be Claire. In doing so, he captures her heart even when they live centuries apart. That separation and the fact that Claire travels through time to be with her true love only makes us love it and them more.

Click this link to purchase! Outlander

In Death series by J. D. Robb – Eve and Rourke

She’s a cop, and he’s a gazillionaire ex-thief and the setting is futuristic New York. Despite their surface differences they have commonalities in their depths. Eve was abused and raped by her own father and she killed him when she was a child in self defense. Roarke was a street punk who survived by those artful dodger skills. Both lacked love as children but somehow overcame that to have thriving careers and ultimately finding that love they needed from each other. He is whimsical and uber brilliant, and she is steely and analytical and because of those traits they are the yin to each others yang. It’s great fun to see Eve discover her own hidden depths and Roarke to love in overwhelming waves and to see each other grow as a couple because of their trust for each other.  His gazillionaire status doesn’t play into it at all though all his gadgets, gizmos and exotic locations do make for a fun read

Click the link to purchase! Naked in Death (In Death, Book 1)
The Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews – Nevada Baylor and Connor Rogan

An Urban Fantasy series, the third,Wildfire, came out this week and I am reading right now. (I MUST get back to it!) Connor Mad Rogan, is a Prime. A mage with an extraordinary skillset that has been used in battle and earned him a certain reputation. He and Nevada cross paths when they are both investigating the same crime. He is instantly intrigued by her and although she can’t ignore how attractive he is, his reputation is pretty scary (hence the nickname “Mad”) and she isn’t interested. However, forced to work together she is drawn to his strength and honor, and see’s that young boy inside of him that suffered from a lack of love. Those things whittle away at her walls until she lets him in, and at that moment, he has her trust, heart, and hope. Connor, with all of that power never used it to win her over. I think it was the fact that he let her grow without trying to influence her, fought by her side, protected her family and ultimately that strength of passion that won her over. Oh, don’t forget their incredible chemistry. Wowza!

Click the link to purchase! Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy)
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas – Feyre and Rhysand

This YA fantasy series used misdirection and an evil enemy to move our two heroes Feyre and Rhysand together both in the fight against evil but also in a bonding love that would seem to be everlasting. Feyre, human turned Fae, is certainly put through the wringer in these books. Fighting for herself and her family, the whole time. Rhysand, introduced to the reader as the King of darkness, had a lot to overcome, both with Feyre and the reader because Ms. Maas manipulated our minds into believing he was the bad guy. As the story unfolds and we see the true nature of Rhysand and Tamlin (the red herring) our own hearts unfold, right along with Feyre’s and we bleed our love for Rhysand. Or at least that is what it felt like to me. Theirs was a union that had to overcome death, deception and war. In comparison their happy moments felt like golden moments of stolen time, sure to be taken away. Feyre, although not my favorite female character of all time, was held up as part of one of my favorite couples because of Rhysand’s grit and fortitude, and yes love and passion. He was desperately fighting for their love, we just didn’t realize it until later, and when we did, we bought it and him, hook, line and sinker.

Click the link to purchase! A Court of Thorns and Roses

The more I think on this topic the more I could go on and on and on. I left out the obvious classics like Romeo and Juliet (although they both die so really does that count?), Ron and Hermione for the Harry Potter fans, and even Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. These four are a few of my favorites and I know my choices lean towards fantasy which may not appeal to everyone.

I would love to hear who is your own favorite fictional couple. Do they come from the classics? Contemporary romance? Or are they from fantasy novels like mine? Please comment below and lets talk.

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments