This Chicks Audio Review: Bound by Ali Hazelwood

Surprise! The very prolific Ali Hazelwood released the audiobook of Bound in November. I had no idea this one was on the horizon but as I’m a big fan and the synopsis seemed different I thought I’d give it a listen.

Veronica “Vero” Mercer grew up with con artists as parents. In grad school for a degree in art history, Vero gets talked into doing a little forgery to keep her friends in their jobs at an art dealer. Her forgeries are so good she comes to the attention of Dr. Viktor Ashworth, a very private, British professor. He too has a little side job for her. He wants her to reproduce an ancient manuscript for him. It’s supposed to be a short term deal, but as Vero spends more time with Viktor and things become more dangerous she has to wonder. What does Viktor really want? And why can’t she seem to stay away?

As I listened to this book, I realized that this author has done it again. She’s pivoted subject matter and type of romance and given her fans a slow burn romance that takes place in a world where our heroine is very knowledgeable about art history and how to forge a books. How does Ms. Hazelwood find the time to both write a novel at breakneck speed and research a new subject matter, assuming she herself wasn’t an art history major? I never felt like I was being sold a bill of goods and found everything she wrote to grab my attention in a way where I didn’t doubt what she had written. She is truly amazing.

I need to also give credit to the two narrators. Brittany Pressley and William Macleod did a great job imbuing the characters with life and personality. Viktor was a little stuffy, but he was English, Immortal, and a professor so that modulated tone fit well. Did you catch that I threw in the word immortal? Yep! The author pivoted genre’s and has given us a paranormal species (race?) that we haven’t read before in any of her past novels. Viktor and his crew were very interesting and I wished that their past had been fleshed out just a touch more, however, I enjoyed what was written and their being immortal didn’t detract from my liking the story or where it led me.

If you’re a fan of Ali Hazelwood’s I think you’ll also like this novel. Bound is different, kind of like her other paranormal series, but not too much like them and not set in that world. I was entertained which for me is what reading or listening to a good book is all about. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Bound

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.

This Chick Read: Mate (Bride #2) by Ali Hazelwood

Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…

This world is quite a departure for this author, but after devouring Bride, the first novel in this series, I’ve totally bought into this Human, Vampyre, Were world. Each species is so distinct and separate, so when it becomes known that Serena exists she becomes a tool to be used. Serena not only doesn’t want to be used, but she doesn’t have time to be used as a political tool. However, she’s willing to be a red herring so that little Ana will not have any of the focus on her that is now on Serena. This act of self-sacrifice puts her back into the hands of her mate, Alpha- Koen Alexander. It is only with Koen that she feels safe. It is only with Koen that she wants to find a way to survive and thrive.

Serena and Koen’s love story is fraught with political tension, not just inter-species, but also just among the Were’s. Not everyone wants their alpha to be mated to a hybrid. There is also a lot of sexual tension- neither of them are willing to give in to this attraction which creates a lot of frustration. Then something from Serena’s past is revealed that brings a whole new level of danger to the Northwest Were’s. Luckily her mate is alpha enough to face this new danger, but when Serena uses herself as bait it just might be Koen’s breaking point. I loved this danger trifecta in Mate! This book had all the tension! This was a slow burn romance of the best sort, ending with some very satisfactory togetherness. Ahhh, Were love. LOL.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

I would recommend reading Bride first as there is some sub-plots that will make more sense if you read this series in order. Enjoy!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Mate

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.

This Chick Read: The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley

When Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, falls ill, he realizes he needs the expertise of a very specific healer. As fate would have it, that healer belongs to an enemy faction, the Haelan Order. Aurienne Fairhrim and her fellow Haelan are inundated by sick children suffering from an outbreak of a long-forgotten Pox. Unable to get the funding needed to launch an immunization program, the Haelan Order is desperate for money – so desperate that when Osric breaks into their headquarters to bribe Aurienne to heal him, she is forced to accept. As Osric and Aurienne work together to solve not only his illness but the mysterious reoccurrence of the Pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction which only fuels the tension between them.

There were quite a few surprises in this novel. The first was that even though I expected it to be a slow burn romance, as noted on the synopsis, I didn’t expect my own ambivalence to both characters and whether their romance ever achieved that status. Osric, had a laissez-faire towards killing and in fact, went about it on a daily basis. Whereas Aurienne was a healer and saved lives, also daily. Their two life callings were at complete opposite ends of the spectrum and the thought that they would fall in love seemed pretty unlikely. The second surprise was that she was a cold priss and Osric was an egomaniac with delusions of being a supermodel. Neither was likable at all. Why would they ever even get together? I was curious how the author was going to make things work for them so I did finish the novel, but I will say that I thought several times about putting it down and starting something else. This was a slow burn that was a slooowwww buuuurrrrnnnnn. It took a long time to get to the point.

Needless to say, I really didn’t enjoy these characters. I really don’t enjoy writing negative reviews but thanks to receiving an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review, I honestly felt I needed to give one. I will say that I’ve seen some reviews for this novel where those reviewers really enjoyed it so it could be that this one just wasn’t my jam. If it intrigues you, try it out for yourself and give it a go! ❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy

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.

This Chick Read: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Misery Lark is the daughter of the most powerful Vampyre Councilman in the southwest. When she is called upon to help broker peace between the Vampyre and their enemies the Weres she steps up to do her part. She marries the alpha wolf, Lowe Moreland. Lowe doesn’t trust easily and he really doesn’t trust his new bride.

I am obsessed with this novel! Her first novel in the paranormal genre and Ali Hazelwood hits a home run. The world building….wow! Vampyre, Humans, and Were live in the world together but in separate, heavily guarded regions. The humans are about to have a shift in leader which jeopardizes their vampyre relationship. When this new pact is made between Vampyre and Were – the first since a previous reunion ended in a massacre, Misery is asked to sacrifice her secret life among the humans to move into the unknown. Coming from a species who has very few emotional expressions, Misery finds the Were’s and their passionate responses dangerous but shows no fear and only increases her sassy, quick witted responses. She was fearless and funny.

Lowe was the perfect contrast to Misery’s coolness. She pretty much ignored his alpha stature and advanced into were life with humor and bravery- and had her own agenda. Lowe was conflicted in wanting to protect this little vampyre and see what she was up to. I loved their interactions and was fascinated with the differences in their species. This was a book where once I got lost in the world and the plot I COULD NOT PUT DOWN. It’s truly been awhile since I’ve said that.

Do you love Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances? This one is different but there are many similarities too! Misery is smart, sassy, difficult, and brave. Just like the STEM heroines. Lowe is a bit more alpha, but he’s pretty similar to STEM romance heroes. Tall, handsome, in over his head with the female he’s interested in- definitely! It is just a different world that they live in, but everything Ali Hazelwood quirk that you love from her previous books are in this novel too. I am so eager for a second book in this series. We get a hint at the end so there better be one!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Bride

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.

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases- Feb’24

I feel like this February has more books being released by authors I love than normal. This was a hard list to choose my favorites, but I am up for the task! I’ve perused my favorite book lists and found a few that I can’t wait to read and a couple that I’ve already enjoyed. Here are my top 5.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this novel. Guys, it was so good! I love the way Kylie Scott writes characters who a reader can enjoy. Sometimes I feel like I’m forcing myself to like a character in order to get through a story. Not this one! I loved these two main characters.

Synopsis: When Lilah Goodluck saves the life of Good Witch Willow as they’re crossing a busy L.A. street, the last thing she expects is five unwanted predictions as a reward. Who gives someone the winning lotto numbers then tells them they’ve only got a week to live? And who believes in that nonsense anyway?
 
But when the first three predictions come true within twenty-four hours, Lilah’s disbelief turns to mild panic. She’s further horrified when she nearly runs a car off the road that belongs to Alistair Lennox, who just happens to be the illegitimate son of the British king.
 
While Alistair is intrigued by her preposterous story, Lilah is adamant about resisting the heat between her and the playboy prince. If she denies he’s her soulmate, then the last prediction can’t come true, right? As the days count down, they become maybe friends…and then maybe more. But between the relentless paparazzi and some disapproving royals, finding time for love isn’t easy, especially when her days may be numbered.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck

Tia Williams previous novel Seven Days in June was soooo good! I knew A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was going to make my top 5 with its book release. Can’t wait!

Synopsis: Leap years are a strange, enchanted time. And for some, even a single February can be life-changing.

Ricki Wilde has many talents, but being a Wilde isn’t one of them. As the impulsive, artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, she’s the opposite of her famous socialite sisters. Where they’re long-stemmed roses, she’s a dandelion: an adorable bloom that’s actually a weed, born to float wherever the wind blows. In her bones, Ricki knows that somewhere, a different, more exciting life awaits her.

When regal nonagenarian, Ms. Della, invites her to rent the bottom floor of her Harlem brownstone, Ricki jumps at the chance for a fresh beginning. She leaves behind her family, wealth, and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. And just beneath the surface of her new neighborhood, the music, stories and dazzling drama of the Harlem Renaissance still simmers.

One evening in February as the heady, curiously off-season scent of night-blooming jasmine fills the air, Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way.  

Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked. 

Click this link to purchase this book!* A Love Song For Ricki Wilde

It’s been a few years since the last Katie Ruggle romance novel and when I saw this one was coming out I clicked that auto-buy button immediately. Her characters are quirky, fun, and always surprise me with their depth. She also writes a great action sequence so don’t be surprised if there’s a little danger in that romantic plot.

Synopsis:

When Dahlia Weathersby’s sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she’ll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia’s charm…and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she’s got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren’t going to be easy. There are:

  • Long hikes through gorgeous wilderness? Check.
  • Bears? Check.
  • A single shared sleeping bag? Check.
  • Enough sparks to set the Rockies ablaze? Check, check, check.

With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it’ll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen…and an adventure she’ll never forget.

Click this link to make a purchase!* Fish Out of Water

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase one of these books through the appropriate link I’ll receive a small stipend.

When Erin Hahn is good she is really good. The premise leads me to believe this one is going to be great. Plus that cover? Gorgeous!

Synopsis: The only thing keeping nineteen-year-old Case Michaels together after the death of his best friend, Walker, is a list Walker left behind of things he wants Case to accomplish in his absence. So far, though, Case hasn’t even been able to continue riding bulls in the rodeo circuit, something he’s done his entire life, balking at the thought of competing without Walker by his side. But the list? Case is determined to follow it to the letter– and he follows it all the way to Winnie Sutton.

Eighteen-year-old Winnie Sutton just wants to keep her family together. She graduated high school early to work long shifts at the Michaels family ranch so she can support her younger siblings and a father who’s more than happy to let Winnie fill the responsible parent role. If she sometimes sneaks out to ride the horses herself and forget about life for a while– well, that’s no one else’s business– until the day she crashes headfirst into Case Michaels. Case sees her riding skills and immediately ropes her into competing for the ranch and becoming his friend.

Winnie and Case couldn’t be more different, but Case can’t help but be inspired by Winnie’s badly-hidden passion for riding and competition. And there’s something about Case that makes Winnie want to try grasping onto a dream for herself, whether that’s a shot at a rodeo trophy, the annoyingly handsome rancher’s son who won’t leave her alone, or maybe both.

Click this link to purchase the book!* Even If It Breaks Your Heart

A paranormal romance by Ali Hazelwood?!!! I was so lucky to get this book ahead of time and can’t wait to listen to the audio book when it comes out. It was original, the characters (as usual) were amazing, and the world building was so surprising! I can’t wait for a second novel in this world.

Synopsis: A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Bride

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (12/11/23)

December is the busiest time of the year at work which means time is pretty limited. However, there’s nothing like escaping into a good book to help you destress. I’ll admit that I’m not reading anything challenging and am choosing books that are easy to fall into and finish. Here’s what I’ve been reading.

I was lucky enough to get an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and gobbled it up as soon as it hit my kindle. Oh my god, Ali Hazelwood wrote something completely different than her other novels and it worked! Loved these characters and the world she built. I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out.

I’ve enjoyed Ashley Poston’s book and this series has been totally cute. The first two took place in a Comic con environment and the characters were actors in a sci-fi franchise. This novel follows another character from that sci-fi franchise but takes place in a small town. It’a little harder to get into but I’m not giving up on it yet.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (1/30/23)

I’ll admit that I haven’t picked up my next book yet and am going back and forth between a few. I have started re-listening to one of my all time favorite series and have pretty much been spending my time with my earbuds in my ears and being anti-social. It’s funny how each time I listen to this series it’s like it’s the first time. I find something new every time. I’ll tell you a little more about it below.

JUST FINISHED

One of my favorite books in this series. Why? Kate and Curran finally decide what to do with their relationship, plus theirs some kick @$$ action! As much as I love the paranormal romance aspects of this series it’s really the mystery and action scenes that keep me coming back for more. Oh, and for Kate as well. She is one bad mother!! LOVE her.

JUST STARTED

Just started #5. I know it won’t disappoint because I’ve picked it up and read it a million times before. Sometimes you just need the comfort of a much loved series. This is my comfort read.

Enjoy your Monday and happy reading!

Deb

This Chick Read: A Turn of the Tide ( A Stitch in Time #3) by Kelley Armstrong

Miranda Hastings has seen both of her sisters travel through the stitch in time in Thorne Manor and has been waiting on her opportunity to follow in their footsteps. However instead of traveling to the future as her sister Rosalind did, she travels to the past. She finds herself in Thorne Manor during the Georgian era arriving just in time to divert privateer Nicolas “Nico” Dupree from his untimely death. She has seen his ghost walking the lane where he dies, in her own time, and is determined to save him from his death. While intruding on that fateful night she stumbles upon a conspiracy and with the help of Nico and a couple other ghostly friends, she lends a hand hoping to save the day and send these ghosts on to their final rest.

This novel was a little different than the previous two in that Miranda knew exactly what she was in for when she stepped through that stitch in time in the attic of Thorne Manor. She didn’t expect to travel to the past, but her instant connection to Nico made sticking around pretty easy. MIranda’s independent nature was stifled in her own time and her chemistry with Nico and he “friendly” nature, allows her to experiment with a sexuality that men of her time trod upon. I actually really liked the more sexy nature of this book as it added another layer to a mystery that was pretty easy to solve. I also liked that NIco and MIranda were a mixed race pairing. No one really seemed to pay attention to that fact at all, which may not have been historically accurate but it was refreshing.

This novel was definitely easy to read and the mystery wasn’t much of a mystery at all. Despite my wanting a little more depth I did enjoy this novel and always like to support a favorite author. If you find yourself wanting to read a paranormal romance, I don’t think you need to read the previous two novels. This book stands alone on it’s own, but I bet you’ll be interested enough to go back and read the first two. My favorite was the first novel A Stitch in Time. ❤️❤️❤️❣️

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

Click this link to purchase!* A Turn of the Tide

Copyright 2022 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (10/3/22)

The weather has been so nice that I’ve been spending a little time outside so I’ll admit I’ve gotten a little behind on my reading. I’m not playing catch-up on a couple of books that are being released this week that I need to read. It’s no hard task though since these were books I wanted to read anyway. It is nice not to have a deadline though! Here is what’s on my TBR.

JUST FINISHED

A fun paranormal romance and book three in a series I’ve enjoyed reading. Traveling through time, romance, and a bit of a mystery? What’s not to like?!

JUST STARTED

I had mixed feelings about picking up this book. I love this series, but 1- we are starting a new spin-off following a different character and 2- I didn’t love book three. BUT, I’m giving this book a chance to stand on its own. I love this Greek mythological world and want to see what else Amanda Bouchet can include to hold my interest.

What were you up to over the last week? Busy? Find time to read? Give me a shout in the comments!

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

This Chick Read: Meant to be Immortal (Argeneau #32) by Lynsay Sands

There are a few ways to kill an immortal with fire being one of the quickest. When Mac Argeneau finds himself in the basement of his new home with it on fire and no way out, he immerses himself in the tub until the fire fighters can get him out. Of course, then he has to drink the blood of all of them to recover and wipe their minds when he heals miraculously. Which he does except for investigator CJ Cummings whom he unexpectedly can’t mind read. A sign that she is his life mate, something he though would never find as he’s been alive for 1000 years. Not wanting to lose her he attaches himself to her side and insists she be his body guard and she unwillingly goes along.

I should know better than to jump into a series at book 32. Seriously! However, it was really easy to grasp the concept of these Argeneau’s, all vampire- like immortals who are long-lived through nano’s in their blood stream. Nano’s that require them to drink blood constantly. CJ has been burned by her ex and is not that willing to let Mac charm her but when his whole family arrives she doesn’t really stand a chance. I liked her back story better than his empty charms but this book was easy to read so I didn’t hold my feelings of ambivalence against it.

Mac was a scientist, researching nano’s, I’d guess to help keep his family living easily but that was not ever really explained. I thought it odd that he’d be so smart when it came to research but so dumb when it came to his life mate. CJ was kind of prickly but she wasn’t that hard to understand. It annoyed me a bit that it was like watching a boy get his first crush, bumbling about a bit. I like my hero’s a little more take charge. CJ didn’t seem to mind though.

I have heard of this author, of course, but I don’t usually read paranormal books. I do have friends who are great fans of Lynsay Sands so I was curious and requested the book. I was surprised to find her writing to be a bit simplistic and expected a little more detail to the back story especially since we are on book 32 of the series. Without having read the others I can’t say if this was her normal style or if this was an off book. I can only rate it based on my own experience. Yours may be completely different so please pick it up and give it a chance, after all he does look good in that shower! ❤️❤️❤️

I receive a copy of this novel through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase!* Meant to Be Immortal (An Argeneau Novel, 32)

Copyright 2021 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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