Tag: reading

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

This Chick Read: Best of Luck (Chance of a Lifetime #3) by Kate Clayborn

Greer and her two best friends buy a lottery ticket after a night out together- and win! Greer spends her money on the education that she always wanted, fast tracking her way to a degree in social work in only two years. When she finds out that she is missing one class and won’t be able to graduate as expected she asks her best friend’s brother and famous photographer for help in getting her into the course she needs to take. Alex agrees, but when that one favor turns into a month in town helping Greer he needs to face the reason why he is always running towards another photography job and never wants to stay in town with his sister.

There was so much more to Greer and Alex than we see on the surface of this novel. It’s not until a few chapters in that I realize Greer has a past health issue that was the reason why she never went to college. Alex, too, had a LOT to work through. The fact that these two characters were drawn to each other weren’t necessarily a surprise but that they stuck it out was. OK, I do know this is a romance and they are the protagonists so I was maybe not that surprised.

I loved that these two were rocks for each other. They had mountains to climb and a LOT to overcome but they had each other to turn to. The story wasn’t without conflict between the two of them which added that feeling of suspense and anticipation and made the ending so satisfying.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Best of Luck

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 Book of Silver Linings by Nan Fischer

Constance is a pleaser and has trouble telling people no. When her boyfriend asks her to marry him, she says yes, despite the fact that he hasn’t shared much about his life with her. He gives her an antique engagement ring and for fun she researches its history. She finds a book in the library about a man who may be connected to the ring and his tragic love story. As she reads his letters, she decides to write her own and is shocked when he writes her back.

I’ll admit, Constance is not my favorite type of heroine- the people pleaser. I like sassy and self reliant ladies who stick up for themselves and I did think at the beginning of this book that Constance let people walk all over her. As the book went on, she changed and started to stand up for herself. Seeing that journey I grew to like her a lot. She really underwent a drastic personality change from page 1 to the end of the book. Thank goodness!

One of the things I did really like about her was her love for dogs who needed homes. Going through an illness with my own dog, this side-plot really struck a chord. Her fight to save this small business who found homes for dogs was one of my favorite things about this book. The fact that she also found happiness through her relationship with the owner and her son was the frosting on the cake!

I thought this novel was more about Constance finding her self confidence and courage rather than finding love although there is a love story in her journey. It’s sweet and satisfying but you have to wait a bit to feel like she found what she deserved- and boy she worked hard for it! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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 Book of Silver Linings

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: Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose

When New Orleans public prosecutor Kaj Cardozo’s son is almost kidnapped he hires a private investigation team famous for their protection services. Val Sorensen, is the bodyguard hired to protect Elijah and as the investigation plays out she and Kaj become tied together by circumstance and emotion.

This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Karen Rose and I have to say that I was immediately drawn into the plot, really liking Val’s character, and loving little Elijah. Val’s back story of a former sexual assault while in the marines added to the tension of an already gripping story. As the plot unfolds and the intricacies are revealed I’m impressed with how the two storylines tie together. Kaj, the prosecutor whom the bad guys are targeting was an interesting character, his role as father, love interest, and prosecutor often conflicting making his reactions both real and unbelievable. Admittedly, his was the only character that I had mixed emotions about because of all of the push and pull with his emotions.

The plot had some rather gruesome moments, so if you’re a bit squeamish, as I am, then you may find yourself skimming those scenes, but this story was fraught with emotion and tension despite my closing my eyes and reading at the same time. The bad guys were truly horrible and I rooted for our heroine to wrap this plot up toot suite! Val was such a warrior that it was easy enough to believe that she would overcome all obstacles, get the bad guys, and win her man. Despite the gruesome bits, this plot flew by!

My favorite character by far was the teen hero, Jace. He was such a sweetie and the horrible life he’d led up to that point made me want to hug him and give him a better life. What a great character.

If you like romantic thrillers this novel was a pretty good one!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Beneath 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 Chick Read: Codename Charming (Palace Insiders #2) by Lucy Parker

Petunia De Vere is the personal assistant to just wed royal Johnny, whose calamities bring them unwanted attention from the press. After a particularly clumsy moment sparks rumors of infidelity Pet is asked to have a pretend romance with Matthias, head bodyguard to the royal couple. The two of them can’t be any more different. Pet is pretty, petite, bubbly, and vivacious whereas Matthias is gigantic, stoic, and surly. They both reluctantly agree and after spending time together they find out they have a sizzling chemistry. Can Pet get through that thick-skinned exterior? Can Matthias rise above his over-protective nature to let Pet in? This sequel to one of my favorite romances of 2021, Battle Royal, has all the makings of a romantic comedy of errors that can’t help but feel right.

I love, love, love Lucy Parker novels. Set in England and written by an Australian, they just feel different than romance novels written by American authors. You can’t help but use descriptive words like cheeky, brilliant, and gobsmacked when faced with this well-written romance. OK, I’m over that moment of British humor, but really I did really enjoy Codename Charming. Pet was a favorite side character of mine in the previous novel and she and Matthias’s romance was set-up with the gift of a charming little teddy bear.

Once she and Matthias were fake-dating, you really got to see inside of his surly exterior. He was just a big ol’ teddy bear, just like the little one he gave her. A little dusty and mangled, but he had a heart of gold. That was truly when this novel shone, those sweet quiet moments between the two of them. However, I did love the crazy slapstick comedy that Johnny added to the mix.

I have to mention that if you’re a fan of Battle Royal as I am, you will get your fix of Sylvie and Dominic with a couple of wonderful chapters. I love seeing a glimpse into the future of past favorites, and theirs is rainbow bright. Dominic and Pet also have some great brother-sister moments that provide that family insight that one of the subplots in this novel really needed to round out Pet’s character.

Codename Charming was aptly named. This novel was charming, fun, and romantic. Surprisingly it also had a lot of depth. Pet had insecurities that were addressed in this book as did Matthias. Their support of each other through these moments also helped cement them as a couple in my eyes. It can’t all be rainbows and butterflies can it? Life happens, and you need someone strong by your side. They both got that in the other in Codename Charming. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

P.S. -Because I’m a big Lucy Parker fan I have gone down the rabbit hole and found another book that she wrote under the name Elle Pierson, Artistic License. I’ve reviewed this book previously, and really liked it. The reason I bring it up is because there are a LOT of similarities between the characters in these two books. The setting and story are completely different, but I think Lucy Parker has a sweet spot for huge, unattractive (her words) bodyguards with a heart of gold. If you do too, you may want to check out Artistic License.

Click this link to purchase this novel!* Codename Charming

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

This Chick Read: Luck of the Draw (Chance of a Lifetime #2) by Kate Clayborn

When Zoe and her friends won the lottery, each of them had a plan. Zoe, quit her job as a corporate attorney and tried to address the guilt she felt for some of the things she had to do. Writing her feelings on slips of paper and putting them in a jar, Zoe pulls one out and is determined to face her past. Aiden O’Leary is grieving the loss of his brother and facing the woman who sat across the table from his family for the company whose drug helped kill him was the last thing he wanted, but he saw an opportunity. Aiden’s plan for the money his family got in the lawsuit is to purchase a camp and he needs someone to stand by his side as his fianceé, and he asks Zoe to take that place. Over the next six weekends they see a different side of each other and gain a closeness that neither wants to go away.

Luck of the Draw was not quite as charming as the first novel in the series, Beginner’s Luck. Part of this was the subject matter and Aiden’s back story. It’s hard to read a sad novel about a man overcoming the loss of his brother and also Zoe’s guilt that goes along with dealing out the payment for that man’s loss. This was the heart of the story, but there were moments of light inside that darkness. Zoe’s needing to fill Aiden’s silence with chatter, his stoic facade cracking into a grin, their need to hold onto each other, and more. Each of these small moments made you look forward to that next moment that led to Zoe and Aiden’s guilt slowly dissipating. So, yes, there wasn’t as much charm in this novel, but there were plenty of great moments. Also, there was one heck of a declaration from Aiden to Zoe and that one scene was worth everything.

Kate Clayborn has proven that she writes a great story and once again she has also proven that she fills those stories with some great side-characters. As with the first, the girl group who won the lottery together, Kit, Greer, and Zoe stood by each other, embraced their differences, and doled out support and advice. They were wonderful and I wish I had that same kind of girl group in my own life. Aiden was a little bit more of a loner. He was so consumed with grief that despite having people close to him, he held them at a distance because it was too hard to let anyone close. However, as the book advanced and he went through a healing process, he allowed those friends close and that was a win- they were also great side characters who added charm and fun which was needed.

So, I didn’t like this book as much as the first but I still liked it a lot. It had its own heart. It was a little bit more difficult to get through because of the sadness, but once that dissipated a bit, this novel was a gem. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Luck of the Draw

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: Perfect Together by Kristen Ashley

Wyn and Remy Gastineau had a wonderful marriage until they didn’t and Remy walked out on Wyn without an explanation. Three years later and Wyn has come to the realization that their marriage is actually over- she is ready to move on. Remy has decided he made the biggest mistake of his life and wants Wyn back.

Second chance romances are not my usual, but I do read almost all of Kristen Ashley’s books (sorry, I didn’t read her foray into erotica) and this one seemed to be a stand alone so I wanted to give it a read. I am so glad I did! It took awhile before the reason for Remy walking out was given but I loved the leading up scenes and Wyn’s confusion about what the heck was going on. I also really liked the emotional depth that Kristen Ashley gave to Remy’s reason and how both he and Wyn worked through these issues. It was dramatic, sometimes overly so, but it also felt real. Something I’m not used to in a KA novel. Her books are sometimes pretty outlandishly portrayed. There were elements of the overly dramatic but for the most part the reactions felt real which gave me a more powerful reaction to the story.

I loved Wyn and Remy’s kids, Sabre, Manon, and Yves. Sabre, the oldest is very like his father, an alpha male but has a bit of a mushy center. Manon, is sweet but has a strong core, and Yves is kind of a combination of the two. Their inclusion in the plot added so much to the story. I don’t know that the book would have been as effective without their opinions, reactions, and everything. Sometimes kids take away from the core duos story, but in this case their children were fully integrated and it made sense. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Perfect Together

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? (8/7/23)

JUST FINISHED

What a spooky, eerie, kind of gory thriller. I loved the characters, but I’ll admit that I thought the plot was drawn out a little too long. I don’t read a lot of mysteries, so that might be party of it, but I think this author could’ve wrapped up sooner.

JUST STARTED

A debut novel by this author, My Roommate is a Vampire is fun but also seems to take this subject matter seriously. hink 18th century vampire meets 20th century heroine. I’m just getting into it and I’m interested to see how this plot resolves.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Beginner’s Luck (Chance of a Lifetime #1) by Kate Clayborn

Three friends purchase have a drunk night out and purchase a lottery ticket joking they’d split the winnings if their numbers came up. When they did, they each had plans to make changes in their lives. This first novel follows Kit’s story. Working as an engineer at the local university, Kit is happy at her job although she would love her equipment to have an upgrade. When Ben Tucker, a recruiter, comes calling, Kit has no intention of taking him up on his offer but finds herself running into him while rehabbing her home. Ben is back in town to take care of his father for a few months while he recovers from a stroke and is helping run the restoration hardware store and he has what Kit needs.

I loved the home rehabbing angle of this romance. Ben approaches Kit as one person, the suit wielding power broker, but shows his true colors in a t-shirt and jeans with a wrench in his hand. These two sides of Ben made him so much more personable and you could see how he and Kit, who was as down to earth as they come, fitting together. Their characters were very well crafted and I liked them for each other a lot.

Another thing that made this book work so well were the relationships outside of Ben and Kit. Kit had her core girlfriends who had her back, gave her love, and understood her quirks. Ben’s relationship to his father was warm, sweet, and gruffly caring. All of these characters really added to this novel because it wasn’t just about Ben and Kit, although they were certainly the heart of the novel. They just made them feel rounded and real.

I have read some of Kate Clayborn’s newer novels and wanted to go back through her back list and see what I’d missed and The Chance of a Lifetime series jumped out at me. If they’re all like this first book I’m going to enjoy their charm! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Beginner’s Luck

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