Tag: contemporary romance

This Chick Read: Book Boyfriend by Emily Wibberley and Austin Sigemund-Broka

As a lover of romantasy novels I was excited to see this synopsis about a young woman, unlucky in love, who loses herself in her favorite romantic fantasy novels Elytheum. In a fantasy world your dreams of the perfect man are delivered via fiction, keeping the hope alive that someday you’ll find your own hero, albeit unwinged. When Jennifer gets dumped by her current boyfriend, her week is free for her to go live out her fantasies at an immersive Elytheum event. She hopes to leave all her real world troubles behind, but when she gets to the event she discovers her work nemesis wearing leather. Scott is determined to solve his own relationship troubles and is determined to turn himself into a perfect book boyfriend. Jennifer wants nothing to do with Scott yet he keeps turning up and the notes he’s taking seem to be working in his favor.

There were some really fun elements to this story. Who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in their favorite fantasy world, including their dream boyfriend? My hand is raised right along with yours! There were some cute moments where Jennifer is living out her dream, meeting people and making friends, but there were moments where it felt like the author’s leaned a little too hard into the fantasy taking me out of the story. I struggled with some chapters where the story felt a little cumbersome and the budding relationship was more antagonistic than frenemy. The story was a little problematic for me and I had trouble feeling good about Jennifer and Scott as a couple.

There were some happier moments. I loved that Jennifer, who seems to have trouble making friends and meeting people, seemed to be in her element. She put herself out there and really let herself enjoy the experience with a new group of non-judgemental friends. Those scenes were great and I loved the women helping women theme but unfortunately this was a romance novel and I couldn’t get past not liking this pairing as a couple. Maybe you’ll feel different? ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Book Boyfriend

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*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison

Aiden Valentine is a little jade when it comes to love, which is why his Baltimore call-in radio show has been suffering in the ratings lately. Things look up when a child calls in on behalf of her mother asking him for love advice and when Lucie Stone gets on the phone their conversation is heartfelt and speaks to his audience, going viral. His station manager takes advantage of a good thing and invites Lucie onto his show temporarily, with the premise that they’d help her find a match. What Lucie doesn’t count on is that her perfect match may be sitting right next to her.

Based loosely on the movie Sleepless in Seattle, First-Time Caller gives you all the same warm and fuzzies as the movie and even more heart. Aiden’s jaded view on love was built into his back story and revealed in increments while Lucie’s need for that happily ever after falls in line with what all little girls dream of having in their future. It wasn’t until her daughter calls in to the radio station that she takes a good look at her life and realizes that yes, something is missing and that dream she has had won’t happen unless she takes chances and leaves her safe place, home with her daughter. I loved reading about Aiden and Lucie’s journey, their self-discoveries seemed realistic and not so outrageous giving more impact to the story.

You can’t help but love a book with great side characters- the charming daughter, the lovable ex, the manager with a mushy heart, and the work friends who root for your happy ending. This book had all of the above and those characters helped deliver a loving, warm romance where the happy ending was guaranteed. I could read this book over and over. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase this book!* First-Time Caller

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Back in the Saddle (Avenging Angels #2) By Kristen Ashley

Jessie Wylde has a secret. Her brother is missing. She hasn’t told any of her friends because it’s a family matter but she’s made friends with the homeless hoping that they can give her information that will help her investigate his disappearance. Her friends may not know what she’s up to, but Eric Turner, a member of Nightingale Investigations, understands how dangerous her situation is and he’s going to step in and give her a hand. Whether she wants it or not. There is more going on in Phoenix than Jessie is aware. People have gone missing and it will be up to Jessie and Eric to uncover the truth.

I’m loving the old school feel to this Avenging Angels series. It’s an offshoot of Kristen Ashley’s original Rock Chick series and Jessie and her girl gang may not be as crazy as those Rock Chicks but they have their own brand of fire to bring to these pages but even more importantly they have what this author writes best, friendships. As we found out in the first series, Jessie and her friends make up a group called the Angels, financed by an unknown source, kind of like the tv show Charlie’s Angels. They provide them with the funds, cars, and stun guns to clean up a few problems on the street. In this novel it’s tied to homeless people going missing, and ultimately, Jessie’s lost brother.

Side by side with the girl gang are the hot men from Phoenix’s branch of Nightingale Investigations. These men are alphas and just like in the original series, they know their woman when they find them and it seems each of these ladies will be paired off with each of these men by the time this series reaches its conclusion. Jessie and Eric’s story is pretty straightforward and as with all the others is quick paced, fun, has some great girly dialog, and a hint of dangerous activity. This book was a fun ride and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next one! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Back in the Saddle

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

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This Chick Read: She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke

Bestselling mystery author Kate Valentine is off to a remote island for the wedding of her editor, who also happens to be her ex-fiancé. It sounds like it will be an absolute nightmare, but with the help of some free champagne she figures she can put a smile on her face and hope that the setting gives her inspiration for her newest Loretta Starling mystery. She gets a little more than she bargains for when someone tries to poison a guest and pen the murder on her! Channeling her fictional character and with the help of her friend, fellow author Jake Hawkins, they investigate the scene and uncover bitter resentments and long-held grudges that give them more suspects than answers. She does however, get a fabulous plot for a new book.

As I was reading this novel I definitely was getting Clue vibes, “It was Professor Peacock in the library with the brass candlestick!” There were so many crazy family members and wedding party guests that it felt kind of comical, but slowly the plot tightened up and became a little easier to follow. Kate was a bit of a mess, but when she channeled her fictional character Loretta Starling she had moments of lucidity, but too much champagne, always running into someone who had nefarious intentions, and fighting her mixed feelings about her ex getting married and her attraction to Jake gave the book a rather hectic feel that both made me eager to turn the page and find what happened AND turn the page so that I’d be closer to the end of the book. I had mixed feelings while reading this and I think it may have been the rather hectic nature of the pace that gave me a few misgivings.

Despite that hectic pace and Kate’s flighty nature, there was still something to like about this story. The characters were eccentric and interesting, the gossip was fun and engaging, and Kate and Jake’s budding romance both fun and sizzling. The tension held up through the conclusion of the mystery and I found myself liking the book by the end of the last page, but whew, it was quite the journey! ❤️❤️❤️❣️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* She Doesn’t Have a Clue

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Only In Your Dreams (Oakwood #1) by Ellie K. Wilde

Melody Woods is back in her small town of Oakwood Bay after avoiding coming home after one of the most heartbreaking nights of her life. Now, dumped by her boyfriend, broke, and trying to figure out her next step, Melody is forced to ask her twin brother to let her live with him while she plans her next move. He agrees but in return he makes her take his place on a camping trip with his buddies. Not having a choice, Melody agrees but when she comes face to face with Zac Porter, her brothers childhood best friend and the man who broke her young heart she has second thoughts about the situation. When she and Zac get stranded at their campsite there’s no choice but to call a truce. Zac, however, considers this his chance to redeem himself and possibly make it impossible for Melody to leave town again.

I actually feel like this is one of those instances where the cover does the story a little bit of a disservice. It gives the impression of a light-hearted romance when in fact, this story has a lot of depth and emotional weight. Melody is in a bad place emotionally after her break-up from her boyfriend of six years. As she comes to terms with it, she’s realizing that she was being mentally and emotionally abused for years. So much so that at first, she has trouble making any decisions on her own. What to dress, eat, do with her free time- they were all things that her ex used to decide for her. When Zac and her friends realize what had happened to her they rallied around her helping her come to grips with that revelation. It is literally about 50% through the book before our heroine is in any kind of mindset to see Zac as something other than the first boy to betray her. I actually loved that the cover misled me and I think, enjoyed the story even more because of it.

Melody’s growth through the novel added to my love for her as a heroine. She started off in such a bad place emotionally and it was great to see her take those steps towards independence and believing she could give herself the kind of life she wanted. I loved Zac as well but for different reasons. He had always loved Melody and despite his screw-up he wasn’t going to back down from taking his shot with her. He did that, but in a way that was gentle and sweet. He showed her that he would always have her back even if that meant she found her strength and needed to leave Oakwood Bay. Who doesn’t love a supportive, sweet, hero?

So, if like me you were looking for a light and sweet romance, rest assured there is plenty of that in this novel, but there’s a lot more too. This story has a strong plot, a couple who get their redemption arc, and a heroine who finds her strength with the help of a good man. It’s even better than that cover leads you to think. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Only In Your Dreams

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

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This Chick Read: Better Than Friends (Sunrise Cove #7) by Jill Shalvis

Olive Porter left town after an embarrassing incident and never expected to return, but her best friend needs her and she flies in from London to help take care of their family while her friends husband recuperates from a bad work accident. She knows facing the townsfolk will be daunting but at least she won’t have to face her ex Noah. Until he shows up to do the exact same thing as she- to help their friends through this tough time. Despite their still having chemistry, Olive is determined to avoid Noah as much as possible, something that’s hard to do when they are sharing a bathroom! When her parents go missing she realizes that she may need her ex and his investigative skills to help her find them.

I know I’m repeating myself but this is how I feel about reading a Jill Shalvis novel. When you read one of her books you know you’re going to get a novel about great friendships, overcoming obstacles and learning a life lesson, and some kooky people in town that will stick their noses into your business- all with good intentions! Better Than Friends certainly has all of the above, with the addition of a story written from two perspectives, so you really understand where each character is coming from and their intentions, way before the characters in the story. Her books are steady, loving, and funny and Better Than Friends is also all of these things.

Olive Porter’s reasons for leaving town seem pretty minor and well, kind of juvenile, so it’s nice to see that she seems to be the only person who really cares about all of these “embarrassing” things that made her pack up and leave. Despite Noah’s reservations over seeing the woman who broke his heart he doesn’t turn his back on her when she needs him and as they solve the mystery of her missing parents they also solve their unresolved feelings. I love a well developed, quickly resolved romance. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Better Than Friends

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchased this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

It’s the first day that her local coffee shop has released the pumpkin spice latte, and even though she’s running slightly behind for her new job, Izzy knows that PSL will start her day off right. What she didn’t count on is the very long line, so when she hears a PSL order for Amy get called out and Amy doesn’t respond, Izzy takes that drink. Then immediately dumps it down the shirt of the tall, dark, and handsome man standing behind her. After a little flirtation and some hopefulness of running into him again in the future she dashes out the door to her new job. Only to find out that he’s her new boss- and he doesn’t like the fact that she took “Amy’s” PSL, instead of waiting for her own. Blake Phillips does not like liars, and he has now slotted her into the liar column, and despite her apologies there she will remain.

I’m a sucker for a good enemies to lovers trope and Lynn Painter did right by me with this rom-com. Izzy was no mouse, and despite some snark she and Blake’s dialog was sassy and fun and I loved how Izzy was able to overcome that bad first impression, and buck Blake’s very strong moral code. Of course, secretly, Blake also wanted to find a reason to break his code as well. Their chemistry was off the charts and as they spent more time together it became hard to just stay “friends”. This novel was a lot of fun, easy to read, and very clever. If you’re in the mood for some light-hearted fun with a but of snark and sassy- you don’t need to look any further! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Accidentally Amy

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Once Smitten, Twice Shy (Wilmot Sisters #3) by Chloe Liese

Once a hopeless romantic, Juliet Wilmot has sworn off love. Burned by her previous relationship she doesn’t trust her heart and doesn’t want to take any more chances with it. Will Orsino knows romance isn’t in his future but for the sake of his family business he knows he needs a partner to help out and he’s open to a marriage of convenience. When they keep running into each other Juliet and will strike up a bargain. They’ll practice with each other to help build up trust to go out into the world and find their person, but what happens when practice makes perfect?

The characters in Chloe Liese’s novels are always so interesting with real life issues that give their story more depth. Will is neuro-divergent and is on the autism scale and Chloe has a debilitating form of joint disease that makes movement painful. As someone who suffers from arthritis I found it really interesting to read about a character who suffers similarly. How does her pain affect her relationship with Will? How do they both help navigate each others problems and emotions? It certainly adds to the story in a very realistic way.

I’ve enjoyed the Wilmot sisters novels because these ladies are straight shooters and don’t take lip from anyone. Juliet seemed to be the most romantic in nature and her heartbreak could’ve caused more than a few small trust issues. Thankfully the author didn’t keep us waiting too long before the characters realized where their emotions were leading them. Maybe because of this there was a little lack in tension which gave the other two novels more of a conclusive feel to the two partners coming together. I think that would be my only criticism for this novel. They were both just so nice and there wasn’t a whole lot of conflict. Other than that it was an enjoyable story! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Once Smitten, Twice Shy

Copyright 2024 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

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This Chick Read: When Stars Collide (Dallas Stars #9) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Dallas Stars backup quarterback Thad Owens and international Opera star Olivia Shore are traveling together to help promote an international luxury watch brand. He has little tolerance for divas and she has little tolerance for lowbrow jocks. When she starts receiving threatening letters and haunting photographs about her ex-fiancé’s death Thad steps in as emotional and physical support. Their month-long journey to help promote a watch brand turns into a supportive friendship that they don’t want to give up when their traveling ends. This emotional journey of a brilliant woman whose career is everything and a talented man who will never happy with second place proves that anything can happen when two stars collide.

What a fun novel! Olivia was a very layered character. The death of her fiancé and the threatening letters about her death has created a psychological issue that may affect her being able to perform. When she meets Thad she is hiding what’s wrong with her so yeah, she definitely looks like a diva. In truth she’s very down to earth and a wonderful person. Thad is also multi-layered. He’s a serial back-up quarterback who helps troubleshoot the issues with the player he’s hoping to replace. He has the eye, skill, and intelligence to excel, yet has a depth perception issue that keeps him from being a superstar himself. Both of these characters are looking to be #1, and don’t have the time or need for someone who can’t be in a supportive role in their relationship. Their issue is how to solve that problem while still remaining together.

I loved how Thad and Olivia’s story evolved. Even though I will never be either a pro quarterback or international opera star, their story connection and problems felt real. The only exception being the mystery of who is trying to hurt Olivia. That part felt a little contrived, but man, I really enjoyed this novel!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* When Stars Collide

Copyright 2024 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

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This Chick Read: All Folked Up (Good Folk #3) by Penny Reid

Isaac Sylvester is back in town. Brother of the beloved Banana Queen, Jennifer Sylvester, and once a member of the Iron Wraiths, his return has people talking. Hannah Townsend is retiring as an exotic dancer to become manager of the Pink Pony. When Isaac shows up at her retirement party she figures he’s been gifted to her by the other dancers, after all he’s her “stand in”, the person she imagines as she dances. Isaac isn’t there as a gift, he’s an undercover investigator and he needs her help with an assignment. Hannah isn’t thrilled that she miscalled his intentions but agrees to help and “hires” him to be a bouncer until his investigation is completed.

Isaac has been a side character in quite a few of the novels in both the Good Folk series but also the Winston Bros series. If you’ve read all of Penny Reid’s novels you realize that all is not as it seems with Isaac, but Hannah only knows what she’s heard around town and that information is exactly what Isaac wants known. The start of their working relationship is kind of rocky, but once their misunderstanding is cleaned up their relationship is on another level. Isaac’s undercover story is not who he is at all and as his true intentions are revealed he becomes everything Hannah could ever want.

I thought this was a really sweet story. Hannah was smart and savvy, and Isaac in some ways was socially innocent but also very smart. The two of them together made for a really interesting couple and their story fascinating to read. Penny Reid also filled this novel with great dialogue and side characters, as she does with all of her stories and I enjoyed every moment as I read it.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* All Folked Up

Copyright 2024 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchased this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads