Tag: fantasy

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (11/13/23)

I like to listen to books I’ve read before because I can easily catch up to the plot if my attention strays from what I’m listening to. One of the books I just finished was an audiobook. I had read the book not too long ago and was looking forward to re-capturing what I liked about the story and maybe hearing a few things that I missed when reading it. What I forgot about was that I really don’t like this narrator. She’s alright with the female voices but she does not have a talent for doing male voices and it’s so distracting. I think I forget about how I feel until I go to listen to a book in this series again and then kick myself over wasting the credit. Regardless, the story is actually very good. Here’s what I’ve been up to.

JUST FINISHED

Yeah, not a huge fan of this narrator but am a very big fan of the author. This series has done a great job of growing the main character Eileen, a brand new vampire who still has ties to the human world but has also quickly come to grips with being a spook. Listening to an audiobook always gives me a glimpse of a few things that I miss when reading a book. I love finding those little moments!

JUST STARTED

I have been on a big Jill Shalvis kick lately so I was excited to receive an advance reader copy of her newest book out next month. I haven’t read more than a few pages but I know that I will get the comfort, from the heart, romance that she so consistently delivers. I can’t wait to read this one!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and your Monday is off to a great start.

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Hunt on Dark Waters (Crimson Sails #1) by Katee Robert

Evelyn is a witch with questionable decision-making skills. When she decides to steal from her vampire ex she escapes through a portal into another dimension and lands right in the middle of the ocean. Rescued by pirates, she’s told she must join the crew who work for the Cwn Annwn, or die. She of course chooses life, figuring she’d find a way out of this mess and this dimension. What she doesn’t count on is being attracted to Bowen, the captain of the ship and her mischief making causes him to question the rules he’s always followed.

I usually love fantasy novels but I’ll admit, I had a really hard time liking this one. I’ve never read a novel by this author and from what I’ve heard, this is very different from the novels she usually writes. Kudos to her for trying something new, but for me it just fell flat. I couldn’t connect with Evelyn, and kind of disliked her too. That’s a problem because it affected my response to the rest of the book. The romance then felt unrealistic, Bowen wasn’t heroic enough, and the world-building felt a bit undefined. I did finish the book, but it was a struggle. I hoped it would get better but the writing never elevated the characters and setting to something that would keep my interest.

I do believe that our own life experiences, likes, and dislikes, mean that each one of us is different and will like different books. Please read this one and decide for yourself if it’s the right book for you. It just wasn’t for me. ❤️❤️❣️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Hunt on Dark Waters

Copyright 2023 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 Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases- Nov’23

You can definitely tell we are getting close to the holidays. There are some great titles being released in anticipation of the need to purchases some books as gifts. When checking out the lists there are several from my own TBR that may need to be transferred over to my husband “Presents for Deb” list. Here are my top 5.

#5 BOOK RELEASE

I do love a good enemies to lovers trope and Alexa Martin has become a go-to author for a quick romance fix. This synopsis has me hooked!

Synopsis:

After years of hustling, Collins Carter has finally made it…back to her parents’ house. Between tending to the compost with her newly retired dad and running into her high school nemesis at the only decent coffee shop in town, Collins realizes this subdivision from hell she swore she’d never return to is her rock bottom.

Then the homeowner’s association complaint arrived.

Nathaniel Adams always dreamed of a nice, quiet life in his suburban hometown. Or at least that’s what he thought until Collins moved back and sent his quaint, organized life into a tailspin. He thought Collins was infuriating ten years ago, but when she announces she’s running against him for HOA president, all bets are off.

From secret board meetings to vicious smear campaigns whispered over backyard fences, Collins and Nate sink to levels their sleepy suburb has never seen before. But as hate turns into lust, these two enemies are forced to reckon with the feelings they’ve ignored for years. If only there were bylaws for real life.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Next-Door Nemesis

#4 BOOK RELEASE

Boy, don’t we all wish at times to skip our lives to the good part? That’s the premise behind this rom-com, but of course, our heroine starts wondering about all the bits she missed. Sophie Cousens always has a mystical element in her plots. I’m looking forward to reading this one!

Synopsis: Is living the life you’ve wished for really a dream come true?

Lucy Young is twenty-six and tired. Tired of fetching coffees for senior TV producers, sick of going on disastrous dates, and done with living in a damp flat with roommates who never buy toilet paper. After another disappointing date, Lucy stumbles upon a wishing machine. Pushing a coin into the slot, Lucy closes her eyes and wishes with all her might: Please, let me skip to the good part of my life.

When she wakes the next morning to a handsome man, a ring on her finger, a high-powered job, and two storybook-perfect children, Lucy can’t believe this is real—especially when she looks in the mirror, and staring back is her own fortysomething face. Has she really skipped ahead like she’s always wanted, or has she simply forgotten a huge chunk of her life? As Lucy begins to embrace new relationships and the perks of maturity, she’ll have to ask herself: Can she go back to her previous life, and if so, can she stand to leave the good part behind?

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Good Part

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

#3 BOOK RELEASE

A little bit mystery, and I’m sure a big hint of romantic suspense. I love this style of Nora Roberts book and I can’t wait to get my hands on it and dig in!

Synopsis: 1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease—and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

Click this link to purchase this book!* Inheritance

#2 BOOK RELEASE

I was fortunate to get an advanced reader copy of this novel. Guys, it is soo good! I never knew I’d like the subject of chess so much. Of course, there’s a bit of romance involved too…

Synopsis: Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist….

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)

Click this link to purchase this book!* Check & Mate

MY TOP BOOK RELEASE OF NOV’23

The first novel in this series, Fourth Wing, was non-stop and so much fun. Plus there are dragons! Can’t wait for this sequel to hit my kindle next month.

Synopsis: Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Iron Flame

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick’s Audio Review: House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City Book #2) by Sarah J. Maas

After saving Crescent City Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar want to enjoy a normal life. When they get drawn into the mystery of finding a little boy who’s in danger they discover a rebel faction who is fighting against the very tight leash the Asteri hold over Midgard. Normalcy was never their thing, right? They get drawn into the war of good against evil only the bad guys don’t seem so bad anymore and the good guys? They may not be so good.

Narrated again by Elizabeth Adams, who does a danged good job, this 28 hours went a little slower than the first novel in the series. I think I spent a month getting through all the plots, conflicts, heartbreak, and romance that I really only wanted to fast forward to find out how the book ended since I spent so much of my life dedicated to listening to this story. It wasn’t all bad though, seriously. There were a couple of exciting moments, interesting character developments, and romantic entanglements but I think this book could’ve once again been cut by one-third. There were a lot of laying the groundwork chapters that just made the book seem too long, but the last few chapters almost made up for the boredom I felt earlier in the novel. The conclusion was great!

One of the best plot lines was bad boy Fae Prince Ruhn’s turn as a secret agent and his telepathic relationship with the mysterious Day. I know a lot of people guessed who she was but I was totally surprised and this is one plot that I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’m kind of interested in Ethan’s werewolf princess but that was dragged out and didn’t reach a conclusion in this novel so I’m left feeling ho-hum, but Bryce’s character arc at the end is one of those cliff-hanger’s that will make you read that third book even if you stumbled half brain dead to your bed after trying to get through this beast of a novel. It was surprisingly good!

I like Hunt and Bryce ok as a couple. I like that they are two different races but I feel like they’ve gone full circle and I’m not sure what else is out there for the two of them. Yes, they are mates, but are they doomed for failure like everyone believes? I almost hope so. I am looking for something different out of that third book so we’ll have to wait and see if we get it.

Did I like this book? Yes. Did I love it? No. It was a typical second book in the series that moved the plot forward but took too long to do it. I am invested enough after 54 hours of listening to read the third book when it does come out. When is that again? Next month? I have time to fit in a few books before my calendar fills up with the next beast of a novel.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to order this book!* House of Sky and Breath

Copyright 2023 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

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (10/23/23)

Lately my reading tastes have been all over the place and I’m genre jumping to try to find that one book that will scratch that “need a good book” itch. I finished a really different historical romance novel yesterday and am trying to get into a fantasy that just seems to be dragging. Why am I so moody? If the next chapter doesn’t grab me I’m going to have to switch to a book I’ve read and know I like. A little comfort reading usually gets me out of the slump. Here are the books at the top of my TBR, well one is now off.

JUST FINISHED

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this novel and it was just as great as I’d hoped. If you haven’t read this series by Evie Dunmore but like historical novels, you will love these. They are so smartly written, take place during the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the romances are very intelligent. I’ll be writing a review to be released soon, but needless to say I liked it a lot!

JUST STARTED

I am having the hardest time getting into this book! I have never read a Katee Robert novel, so I don’t have any expectations but I’ve heard this is a different direction for her. I usually love fantasy novels but this character is just…not very charming or likable. I’m giving it one more chapter. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Have a great Monday everyone, and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Audio Review: House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan was a party girl and then her best friend was murdered leaving Bryce to spiral into the darkest of places. Hunt Athalar a fallen Angel, was once a fierce warrior and is now slave to the Archangel. He is tasked with partnering with Bryce to find the killer. As the two of them search out the killer they dig through Crescent City’s underbelly developing a trust for each other that draws them out of the darkness.

This novel was a commitment at over 800 pages. When you translate that to an audiobook, it is 27+ hours of your time. I’ll admit that was a bit daunting but Elizabeth Evans, the narrator, did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life and embuing them with different voices so that I didn’t have any trouble following each character and piecing together the story. The world this author creates was fascinating and strange. Filled with angels, demons, fae, were, mer, sprite’s, etc. There was every fantasy and paranormal race in this novel that it could have been a bit much, but somehow the hierarchy all made sense and we were given a path to follow with two great characters in Bryce and Hunt.

Bryce was my favorite kind of heroine. She was sassy, layered, emotional, loyal, and most of all easy to love. As half-fae, she dealt with discrimination but was strong because of that difference, and in fact that strength is what carried her through her investigation. She had balls and didn’t back down from a challenge and she was given several in this novel. As her partner, Hunt was kind of the antithesis of Bryce. He was once a deadly warrior, able to bring lightening down on his enemies. As a slave to the Archangel, he has to do his bidding. Luckily he is partnered with Bryce, who brings a little light into his life despite also driving him crazy. Their chemistry was amazing and I loved how they grew into each other throughout this novel.

In an 800 page novel you aren’t going to be able to keep the plot going full speed ahead the entire time. Yes, there were chapters that could’ve been cut to shorten the book, but if you stick it out to the final third the culmination of their investigation reaches a catalyst that had me on the edge of my seat. It was so worth the 600 pages I had to read to get to that point. Such a great conclusion and it had me immediately reach for the second novel. I wasn’t scared to jump back into another 800 page story (or 27 hour audiobook!). ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* House of Earth and Blood

Copyright 2023 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 Reads2 Comments

This Chicks Audio Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

When it comes to picking out a new book to listen to I often go to the bookseller picks to see what the hot new book people are talking about. Fourth Wing is that book. If you’re a fantasy reader, you’ve probably heard of this one and fellow readers, it does not disappoint.

Narrated by Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton, Fourth Wing is a fast paced novel about a young woman named Violet Sorrengail, raised to be a squire, but due to her mother’s wishes enlists in the trials to become a dragon rider. It sucks to be the daughter of one of the most feared General’s. Being that daughter, Violet has many enemies who don’t want to see her succeed. With a few friends at her side Violet’s tremendous fortitude, wit, and will to survive makes this novel riveting and a whole lot of fun!

This novel has everything, my favorite trope of enemies to lovers, lots of action, great side characters, and dragons! I love dragon rider books. Our enemy/hero Xaden Riorson is the son of a traitor and Violet’s biggest threat, but as the novel goes on we see a friendship emerge that tugs at all of the readers emotions leading up to a wonderful battle and a rousing ending to this book. The second novel comes out in November and I really can’t wait. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Fourth Wing

Copyright 2023 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

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (8/14/23)

Busy weekends and busy work weeks has really been cutting into this woman’s reading time! My husband and I have bought a house and we close at the end of the month, so most of my time has been spent organizing and packing. I’ve only been reading at the end of the day and only for about a half hour. I’ve been pooped! Despite that, I am currently listening to a good novel and just finished an old favorite. Here’s what’s on my shelf, virtual or otherwise.

JUST FINISHED

When I’m stressed I always pick up an oldie but goodie because it helps me relax. I know what I’m getting and there’s something soothing in that re-read. At Peace is an old school Kristen Ashley and one of my favorites of hers. Violet and Cal’s story is a romantic thriller and has moments of sass, gooey emotion, and true love. Always a five star read for me.

JUST STARTED (OR HAVE BEEN LISTENING ALL WEEK)

Sometimes it’s hard to listen to an intricate world-building new novel, but I am not having that problem with House of Earth and Blood at all. What a fascinating world! I am so enjoying listening to this fantasy novel.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (7/31/23)

OK, I know I said a couple of weeks ago that I love the summer when it’s hot outside and I can curl up inside in the air conditioning with a good book, but this weather is ridiculous! In Nashville it’s been triple digits and it’s pretty hard to cool down even with air conditioning. Regardless, I am still curling up with a good book… or two.

JUST FINISHED

It’s a good thing the weather was so hot because I chose to listen to this novel and it’s fast paced action sequences, fight against good & evil, and love story were hard to set aside. Oh, and did I say there was dragons????!!! I LOVE dragons!

JUST STARTED

After the action in Fourth Wing, I needed a genre switch and chose Beneath Dark Waters. This novel started off with a jolt and I’m loving the heroine so far. Can’t wait to see where it leads.

Are you staying out of the heat? Hang in there with a good book!

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (7/17/23)

JUST FINISHED

My first novel by Sara Desai and I had so much fun with it! It was silly, irreverent, charming, and emotional. Everything you could ask for a weekend read. This book comes out tomorrow!

JUST STARTED

Book #3 in the Grey Gates series by Vanessa Nelson. I am loving this fantasy series. Party investigative, part magic – it’s everything I’d hoped for!

What books are you reading today?

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads