Tag: reading

This Chick Read: The Beautiful and the Wild by Peggy Townsend

Liv Russell is being held hostage in a shipping container turned storage shed by the man she once loved, and the father of her child, her husband Mark. After faking his own death, Liv happens upon a clue that makes her think her husband Mark is still alive. Leaving their home behind, Liv packs up the car with her belongings and her son, Xander and drives to Alaska to the small town of Cohut where she finds Mark shacking up with a young woman. Confronting him, he tricks her into the storage container and locks her in, where she remains for days, trying to figure a way out.

The pace of this novel is very slow and methodical, which fits with the actions taking place. There is a bit of set up and flashbacks to Liv and Mark’s previous life, but in present time, locked in a container, there isn’t a lot of action. This may bother some people but I must’ve been in the mood to read a psychological thriller because this pace helped me settle in and get into these character’s heads. While Liv isn’t the heroine that I normally root for, her situation of being trapped and separation from her special needs child, Xander made me curious to see where this author was going to take this story. I will admit, I didn’t expect it to head in the direction it did.

Usually flashbacks annoy the heck out of me, but it was a great tool to show the difference between Liv as she was when she and Mark met, and the woman who came to Alaska and found herself in this situation. The flashbacks also showed contrasts between what Liv thought of as charm but should have been warning signs in the man she came to love. Mark’s slow dissolution from loving husband to what he becomes later in this novel was deftly written and if you have the patience, I think worth the slow build up to the conclusion.

This was not the type of thriller where people are in chases, fights, etc. This is a true psychological thriller that was slow paced and very well written. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Beautiful and the Wild

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

End Game (New York Stars #1) by G. A. Mazurke

Hockey runs in the Bukowski family’s blood. All three sons play professional hockey and growing up their family billeted other young hockey stars. Then there’s Gracie, who knows more about hockey than anyone but is set aside by everyone, including her family. Liam is one of the hockey players that grew up living with Gracie’s family. When he was younger they were best friends but as he got older he became friendly with her brother Kow and slowly dropped Gracie. Now that he’s playing pro he realizes she is the one that he let get away and now that he’s been transferred to the New York Stars where Gracie lives he’s determined to get her back.

This book came on my radar through an article or blog about great sports romances and I have to say that I would have to agree. There is a lot of sports in this romance, mostly because that’s part of Gracie’s personality. Growing up in a hockey household, she has the eye of a coach and gives her brothers, including Liam, tips about their playing that has helped them tremendously throughout their careers. Unfortunately for them, she delivers the news in a brash, blunt manner. That is Gracie. She doesn’t hold her punches and her family doesn’t really understand her. This has caused problems with her three brothers, but not the billeted players like Liam who’ve lived in her household. Liam in particular, loves this about Gracie. I love that about him- he sees her as she is and loves her despite these characteristics.

There is an interesting plot point that causes psychological conflict for Liam. He was kidnapped off the streets, tortured, and held for ransom because of his high profile status. This kidnapping has made him suspicious, paranoid, and uneasy about life. If this is a trigger for you, you may want to avoid this novel, but I thought this was a really interesting aspect to his character that I wanted to know more about. How would Gracie handle this quality? Does this make him crazy or is he still a lovable guy? All of these things ran through my head while reading making this a rather unique read.

Needless to say there is a lot of emotional drama due to the kidnapping, and Gracie’s relationship with her own family, but the bond between Liam and Gracie is the important one and that felt pretty special. With the exception of the drunk scene at the beginning of the novel, I really enjoyed this story. That first scene just didn’t fit the feel of the rest of the novel and I wish it had been thrown out in edits. The rest of the story was great. I’ll definitely be looking for a book #2 in this series and will be looking at this author’s other novels under the name Serena Akeroyd. If they’re all like this one, I’ve got a bit of reading in front of me! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* End Game

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 Chick Read: Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Kenna Rowan returns to town after serving five years for a tragic mistake. Wanting the chance to be near her daughter she is shut out by everyone except bar owner, Ledger Ward. Ledger sees Kenna’s trying to start a life and wonders if the way she is being treated by everyone would hurt Scotty, who had loved her, but if he cracks that door open Ledger could lose the trust of those he loves, including her daughter.

This was such a simple story, but Colleen Hoover’s ability to create complex characters and draw readers into the intricacies behind their actions, made this simple story simply spellbinding. The reader is kept dark about why Kenna went to jail and given only glimpses. Her regret and love for Scotty kept alive by the journal entries she writes to him daily, revealing small pieces of their story. At the same time we see her everyday life, interactions with Ledger, the folks around her in the apartment complex where she lives and we draw our own conclusions that this is a young woman who may have done wrong but was also wronged and deserves forgiveness and trust. The moment when Ledger finally realizes that their perception of what happened was actually incorrect and he finds forgiveness for her, is absolutely gripping. I realized at that moment the talent in this author’s writing.

There’s something to be said for an author who can make the reader love not only a current love interest but a past one too. Through everyone’s eyes, we see what a great guy Scotty was, the cruelty in the fact that he died too young, and also how Ledger has tried to stand in for him with Scotty’s parents and daughter. Ledger too showed qualities that made me feel like it was ok that Kenna moves on from her lost love to this new one. It’s only because the author made that connection that allowed the reader to move forward with Kenna. I think a lesser author would’ve left the reader going, what? She’s moving on already? After all those feelings? Somehow I was ok with it all, and then of course Ledger’s relationship with Diem, Kenna and Scotty’s daughter, was the final piece that made the puzzle whole.

This story was angst filled, but had an honest and real feel. Life can change in a moment and one mistake should not identify who that person is for the rest of their life. I loved the message of love and forgiveness that this book told. That was the real story.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Reminders of Him

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? (10/30/23)

I picked up an older novel by a favorite author that I hadn’t yet read. I wondered how I missed this one in a series where I read the majority. I was in the mood for something comfortable, where I knew the author would deliver a good novel. I was absolutely correct and enjoyed it tremendously. Isn’t the the best thing when you know you’ll like a book because the author is so danged consistent? Here’s a peek into what I’ve been reading…

JUST FINISHED

Yes it was Jill Shalvis that I was talking about above. Her novels have the best friendships and the romance makes you feel good. I actually love that I missed a few of the books in this series and have those to look forward to reading, now that they’re back on my radar.

JUST STARTED

Speaking of dependable, Nora Roberts’ romantic suspense novels are always fun to read. I just started this novel, but I already like the strong heroine, her ghost filled manor house, and the prospect of romance with an attractive hero. Plus the cover is just gorgeous, isn’t it?

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

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

This Chick Read: The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin

Detective Jack Bruner has been investigating the West Campus Rapist for the last decade when a new case makes him think it’s connected to that cold case. He calls on forensic genealogist Rowan Healy for help in track the DNA back to his suspect. Rowan had given up tracing violent criminals and now investigates family trees but she has a personal tie to the West Campus Rapist and agrees to take on Jack’s case. When her DNA research gives him a new lead they must beat the clock to find him before he picks his next victim.

I’m really enjoying Laura Griffin’s romantic suspense thriller novels. Just as with her others, The Last Close Call starts with a jolt and the reader is immediately enmeshed in the characters and plot. Rowan’s job researching dna and family trees was a new, interesting view point for a main protagonist and I liked where that line of the story led. The connection between Jack and Rowan did feel a little abrupt, but it matched the quick storytelling and fast-paced investigation so I was able to easily move on from that quickly built relationship.

This was a quick read, which I like when I have only a few hours to read on a weekend filled with errands and activities. The mystery and atmospheric setting of back woods lots gave my imagination full rein to provide a few moments of jolts and thrills. I liked the brooding hero, but I’ll admit that Rowan was what made this book a success for me. Her line of work was really interesting and I liked that she she had skin in the game from her past personal connection 10 years ago. The romantic bits were just icing on the cake of an already interesting story. Each book I pick up by this author just cements a reason to pick up the next 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!* The Last Close Call

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 Chick Read: Friends Don’t Fall in Love by Erin Hahn

Lorelei Jones was a Country superstar when she chose to sing a song at a concert that offended the country music industry and her fans and fiancéturned against her. The only person who stood by her side was her friend Craig Boseman, ex-bassist for her ex-fiancé. Craig “Huckleberry” Boseman had always had a soft spot for Lorelei especially after their one night together. After a five year absence, Lorelei comes back to Nashville and asks her friend Huck, now a music producer, to listen to some of her new songs and they reconnect in life and love.

I’ve always enjoyed novels by Erin Hahn. Her writing is so easy to read, the rhythm and flow of her words totally appealing, especially in a book with music at its center. Lorelei was a character who was also very easy to like. She and I have the same politics, so that helps, but she’s also someone who took a stand even though she lost everything by doing that. Craig or “Huckleberry” as Lorelei calls him, is just an average guy with a lot of talent for writing hit songs. He was one of Lorelei’s best friends and it was easy for them to pick up where they left off, but both of them had feelings for each other that couldn’t be ignored. Their transition from friends to lovers was not without its hiccups but it too had an easy flow that fit with the style of writing by Ms. Hahn.

Living in Nashville and reading novels set in Nashville are always kind of fun. It’s interesting to see someone’s take on my city and in this case I think the author viewed downtown through slightly roses tinted glasses, but you could tell she loved what she was writing and I really appreciated that. I also really loved the romance that was told through lyrics a wonderful way of styling this novel and really making it feel authentic. I really didn’t find a note wrong with this novel and if I could sing a lick, I’d be howling at the moon. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Friends Don’t Fall In Love

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 Chick Read: Let’s Get Quizzical by Kelly Ohlert

Charlotte’s dream of competing on her favorite quiz show has finally come true and hopes to pay off some family bills might be a reality. When she gets to the show who does she see but her high school love who betrayed and ghosted her. Eli, too, has high hopes to win some money to solve his own family problems and when he initially sees Charlotte his heart jumps. He has always regretted how he’d treated her in school and sees this as his chance for redemption. Can they find a way to forgive and move forward, possibly in a new relationship?

I thought the premise of this novel sounded like fun and sometimes it was, especially when Eli and Charlotte first reconnected on air on the game show. The audience found their interactions riveting and as a reader, I did too. Where this novel fell flat for me was when they weren’t on the show. Over ten years had gone by and for them to still be in love after all that time didn’t seem very believable and all of the excuses, complaints, and family drama just didn’t seem to be all that interesting. Some of my books have complex characters with family drama but there was also a sidekick or group of friends that provided comic relief or gave the reader another way to connect to the main characters, and these two protagonists were very isolated. Neither had friend groups, just family issues that although rang true, just seemed sad and not very interesting.

It’s rare, but I just didn’t feel that connected to anything in this story. I do wish that the game show was more central to the plot. I mean, it kind of was, but for me it was overshadowed by the more depressing aspects of the story and lacked any kind of fun, other than the moment they first saw each other on set. Sorry, this one just didn’t do it 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!* Let’s Get Quizzical

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