Tag: romance

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

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

This Chick Read: The Way I Hate Him by Meghan Quinn

Hayes Farrow, my brother’s arch nemesis, is back in town. When I decide to leave a box of his belongings (stolen by my ex) on his doorstep, I don’t plan to stick around very long. Until I’m caught by the man himself and blackmailed into working for him as his assistant. Did he offer me the job just to bug my brother? Probably, but I don’t have anything else to do and I need the money. What I don’t count on is the fact that he’s actually a nice guy, and very good looking.

A simple plot of a conflict caused by a misunderstanding, add in the big brother’s ex best friend AND rock star romance trope and that simple plot goes slightly off the rails. I’m kind of used to that from a Meghan Quinn novel. Hattie is anything but a normal romantic lead. Her sister just died, her brother and other sister are shutting her out of their grief, and her boyfriend dumps her. So it’s not really surprising that she turns to the one person who isn’t currently ignoring her. What is surprising is that he turns out to not be the horrible person her brother has told her he was, he’s actually pretty decent. She is pretty awesome as well so the outcome was destined to happen.

Would you go after your much beloved older brother’s old best friend who is not his enemy and not expect any fallout? Of course not, and there is a lot of conflict over those actions. There is also comforting, companionship, friendship, and the big L- lust. OK, yeah, love, but you get a lot of the other stuff first. Like a lot, a lot and also very explicit. So beware if that’s not your thing!

The Way I Hate Him had a LOT going on, at times a bit too much, but I liked Hattie and Hayes. They were a surprising couple who looked like they weren’t a fit who actually fit really well. That was nice, but I would’ve liked a bit more story because it seems like if you have all of these things going on in your life, like Hattie did, that we’d feel those things along with her, and there was a little bit of that but for me, not enough. I could’ve traded in a few of those sizzle scenes for some more heart and story. This one’s trending on Amazon right now so it could be I’m the only one who feels like this, so you’ve got to read it to form your own opinion! ❤️❤️❤️

This one’s on Kindle Unlimited right now but if you’d like to purchase it, click this link!

The Way I Hate 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

This Chick Read: Better Hate Than Never (The Wilmot Sisters #2) by Chloe Liese

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio grew up as next door neighbors. Christopher’s parents were non-existent and he spent more time next door at the Wilmot’s than in his own home. At one time, as children they were close but as they grew older their friendship somehow turned into animosity. As a photographer, Kat is rarely at home, but this Thanksgiving she is burned out and needs to be around her family, but she dreads seeing Christopher. Sure enough, as soon as they see each other they’re at it again, until one night when Kat is a little drunk and tells Christopher that the only reason why she picks a fight is because she thinks he doesn’t like her. Feeling guilty he decides to turn their relationship around. Then they realizes there are still sparks, but of a different sort.

The one thing I love about Chloe Liese novels is that they’re about real people with real problems. Her characters worlds are not all rainbows and butterflies. Kat has anxiety problems and Christopher fights ongoing migraines. Both things are central to the plot and to our two main protagonists connection with each other and how they interact with society. I found the migraines to be especially interesting as it was the male protagonist who suffered from them a weakness that most author’s wouldn’t give their strong male character. This affliction made Christopher so much more relatable and I really appreciated how he learned to lean on Kat to help him get through.

We were introduced to the Wilmot sisters in the first novel in this series, although Kat was an honorable mention, Christopher was a side character that we got to know a little bit. I really enjoyed the family dynamics of this close knit family. A plot point that was used to create conflict for Kat in this novel. Feeling as if you don’t belong in your own family is something we’ve all felt a time or two I’m sure. Watching these sisters bond, and seeing Kat grow within that family dynamic added an additional layer to this emotional love story.

I haven’t yet been disappointed by a Chloe Liese novel. She’s quickly become a favorite and I know I can count on her books to be interesting and make me feel. I love her characters, and Kat and Christopher are in my top 3 favorite couples in a novel by this author.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Better Hate Than Never

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (10/9/23)

I feel like I’m finally getting back into my reading schedule and have listened to and have been reading some good books in the last week or so. Here’s what I’ve been up to.

JUST FINISHED

I took the day off on Thursday and plugged in my ear buds and listened to this book in its entirety. It was so good! I think I connected with it particularly because I’ve had a few knocks and the subject just resonated. I really appreciated the message of hope and resilience.

JUST STARTED

Always a fan of Ali Hazelwood, I believe this is her first foray into the young adult genre. I’m about to crack it open and can’t wait to dive into some interesting characters.

I hope you’ve all been rocking your reading lists! Happy Monday and happy reading.

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (10/2/23)

After a bit of a reading slump I seem to have gotten my rhythm back and am finally in the mood to read some books. It helps that the books I’ve chosen to read have been really good! Here’s what’s on my virtual shelf.

JUST FINISHED

By the author of last year’s bestseller One Day In December, Josie Silver’s new novel repeated that magical formula. This novel packed an emotional punch and left me feeling great about the characters and their happily ever after ending.

JUST STARTED

After reading a couple of romances I needed a genre shift and chose this romantic suspense novel by an author whom I always enjoy reading. I literally just started this novel last night but so far so good! The gripping story got me right from the turn of the first page.

Have a great Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads