Tag: romance

This Chick Read: Overdue by Stephanie Perkins

29 year old librarian, Ingrid Dahl and her boyfriend Cory have been together for 11 years. When her younger sister announces she’s getting married, Ingrid and Cory decide they need to experience more life and agree to separate for one month to experience dating other people. Neither has been with anyone else. Ingrid even has someone in mind that she’d like to date, her co-worker at the library, Macon Nowakowski, whom she has secretly crushed on for years. Things don’t go as they seem and at the end of the 30 days, Ingrid and Cory need more time.

As I was reading this novel I kept saying to myself, well, this is a different kind of love story, isn’t it? It’s kind of a love story for Ingrid, or really, a story where Ingrid discovers herself and what she needs to feel loved. I really connected with her journey because it’s something all young women in their 20’s go through at some point or another, right? Even if you end up married to your high school sweetheart there are moments where you want to or wish you could explore your options to make sure your decision is what you truly want. Through this journey for Ingrid to “explore her options”, she was really exploring who she was and who she wanted to be. That journey was very satisfying.

Ingrid’s love life was a little more frustrating, more so because it brought back all of those memories of when I was single and remember how bad those days were but also how funny some of those dates were too. Ingrid’s journey away from Cory and towards Macon was at times frustrating, but in the end it ended up being warm and wonderful. Macon was grumpy, kind of irritating, but oh so kind, and in the end, very loving. The second half of the book was an ode to falling in love, and I was so on board with that story. Fair warning though, it did take a bit to get to the happily ever after Ingrid was seeking. Because of the journey, I did appreciate the outcome more than I would have if Ingrid had left Cory and immediately got what she wanted from Macon. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Overdue

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This Chick’s Audio Review: So My Ex-Boyfriend is a Serial Killer by

How would you handle having dated someone who turned out to be a serial killer? Well, I’d thank my lucky stars that I lived to tell the story, definitely. What I wouldn’t expect is for the entire town I’m living in to think I was in on the murder. Thank goodness for Sidney’s true-crime loving girlfriends,who are the rocks who are helping her retain her sanity, but are also strategizing where Sidney’s ex may have buried his other victims. When hot guy Noah moves in next door Sidney can’t help but fantasize about what a real boyfriend might be like. When he actually wants to be friends? Unexpected!

This audiobook was free with my audible subscription and anything Kylie Scott writes is a no brainer for me, but even I was slightly hesitant at the name of the novel, and when I read the synopsis? I couldn’t even figure out how Kylie Scott was going to create a romance out of this back story. Luckily, the snarky dialogue that is Kylie Scott’s signature, and a very likable heroine made this easy to listen to and at only 6 hours it went rather quickly. Thank you also to the very talented Andy Arndt. I love her narrations- she always does an outstanding job.

So, as I stated above, the snappy dialogue and heroine checked my boxes and truthfully so did Noah, up to a point. What really threw me off is that this book was a little bit more amateur sleuth mystery than it was a romance. Yes, she and Noah develop a relationship, but it’s rather slow burn and let’s face it, Sidney has some serious trust issues. When someone gets murdered, and then her ex starts to write and call? I start to wonder what genre of book I’m listening to!

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about when a writer has quite a few books written in a genre and her identity gets set with her readers how it may be difficult to write something different. I think Kylie Scott is trying out new style’s to keep things interesting for herself as a creative person. Her last novel, Wildflowers, was a departure from the norm but this book? It definitely felt like she wasn’t sure what kind of book she was writing. Is it a mystery? Is it a romance? Is it a romantic suspense? This book definitely had all three elements, but because it messed with my emotions in unexpected ways I kind of didn’t enjoy it. Ugh, I hate saying that because I really do love most everything this author writes. This one just wasn’t for me.

❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* So My Ex-Boyfriend is a Serial Killer

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.

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This Chick Read: We Met Like This by Kasie West

Margot Hart is a hopeless romantic who would rather meet her one true love in a meet-cute than on a dating app. Unfortunately for her, her most consistent relationship has been with Oliver whom she’s had one horrible date (and great chemistry with!) and the apps keep asking her to swipe right. When her literary agent job blows up on the day she’s supposed to meet up with Oliver again she realizes that his steady personality is just what she needs, but he’s holding back and will his secret keep them from being together?

This new adult contemporary romance by Kasie West was the perfect read at the perfect time. I can always rely on Kasie West’s novels to entertain, but her foray into adult fiction added a little spice to her already fantastic dialogue skills. The story of the romantic Margot and her complete opposite Oliver delivered on a fun opposites attract story that also made me laugh and delivered the heat.

I always kind of sigh in fatigue when I read a synopsis that includes a romantic at heart main protagonist, but in We Met Like This our protagonist wasn’t sappy, but sassy. She was a bit determined to force that meet-cute, but when she meets Oliver, and then keeps getting served his face on the app, they start up a cute text dialogue that for me delivered on the romance and flirtation, even if it took Margot a little while to see it. I don’t know, maybe I like my men a little more steady because despite his old fashioned name, he was pretty great! Cute, nice smile, funny, and great chemistry. What’s not to like? Just like their story arc, these two took me away from the seriousness of life and delivered on a fun romance.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* We Met Like This

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.

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This Chick Read: The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell

Tess Bright has been cast in her dream role in the film version of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abby. After being fired from her last TV job, Tess knows this is her last chance to redeem herself. One thing stands in her way, her co-star, Hugh Balfour. A method actor, Hugh doesn’t want anything to do with the People’s Choice winning Tess, who is admittedly kind of a mess. His serious nature means their chemistry is lacking and Tess knows they need to fix it. What she doesn’t count on is an electrical storm sending them back to the 19th century. Tess and Hugh have only each other to rely on as they deal with a case of mistaken identity.

A cute premise and great writing captured my attention and held it. I love a fish out of water plot and Tess’s 20th century charm in 19th century dress was humorous and entertaining. Hugh’s character took me a little longer to connect with, but his dour personality lightened up a bit in a world where his seriousness matched the era. Their lack of chemistry in present day took a back seat when they only had each other to get them through this time in the past. I enjoyed how they came to rely on each other and eventually became a team.

There were several fun moments in this book. Tess’s reaction to meeting the real-life Jane Austen, navigating a ballroom, and Hugh’s courteous etiquette all showed us different sides to these characters helping the reader make the connection that would get them rooting for this unlikely couple to get their happily ever after. I’ll definitely be looking for the next book from 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!* The Austen Affair

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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

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This Chick Read: Soulgazer (The Magpie and the Wolf Duology #1) by Maggie Rapier

Saoirse is cursed with a volatile magic. When she loses control her father offers her in marriage to the ruthless and cold Stone King. Knowing she’s being sent to her death, she’s determined to break her curse. On the eve of her wedding she seeks out the Wolf of the Wild, Faolan, the Pirate King. He’s in search of a mystical isle and swears he’ll help her break the curse if she’ll find this magical isle for him first. Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate, and if he wants her help, he’s going to have to marry her first.

A debut novel by author Maggie Rapier, Soulgazer delivers on all fronts for this fantastical romantasy. A magic curse- check! A devilishly handsome hero- check! A heroine who has sass, strength of character, and a hopeful heart – check! This novel held my interest from the very first page, which is really hard to do when you’re introducing your reader to a brand new world. It may have been tons of work on her end, but for me, the reader, it seemed effortless.

With strong Gaelic references, the author very kindly gave us a preface to the story that told us how to pronounce everyone’s names. Of course, once I got into the book (I read this as an ebook), I never went back to the preface and my inner voice still butchered all their names. I did remember our heroine’s, pronounce SEER-SHA, or at least that’s why my Irish husband told me and that’s what I went with as I read her story. Saoirse (Seersha) was a most excellent character. What I liked about her the most is that despite being treated like “shite” her whole life, she has retained this inner strength that carries her forward with her mission to help Faolan find his magical island even though she has probably wanted to give in to her fate numerous times.

Faolan is the gorgeous hero pirate. He’s 70% song and swagger, and 30% alpha hero. Once he marries our Saoirse, he is a sworn protector. Is it all because he needs her to find this island? Or does he have true feelings for our girl? His journey with Saoirse and the pirate crew takes the reader on an epic journey that feels very mythological and Sisyphean in nature. I totally dug the tasks and tales as well as the building romance between Faolan and Saoirse. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I hope this author has the majority of book two in the can because I’m ready to keep on reading!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Soulgazer

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

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This Chick Read: Finding the One (River Rain #7) by Kristen Ashley

American/English aristocrat, Blake Sharp, and Scottish playboy Alasdair Wallace were thrust together all through their childhoods. Alasdair thought Blake was a spoiled rich princess, and Blake though Dair was a big bully. When they meet again as adults, Dair sees that the spoiled princess grew into someone who thought first of others before taking care of herself, and Blake sees that Dair may be outrageous, but he’s not a bully. They are smitten with each other and start to explore their future, but they’ve both been betrayed by past lovers. Is what they built together strong enough to hold true? Or will their personal demons tear them apart?

The seventh book in a series that the author writes with the help of her fandom, with requests for suggestions on certain characters or plot lines. It’s a lot of fun and Kristen Ashley is a pro at building a relationship with her readers. In Finding the One, she continues in this vein and you know what? This book turned out tremendously. In fact, behind Chloe and Judge’s novel, this is probably my second favorite in the series. Why? The characters were developed well and I really loved their journey to trusting each other.

Dair is an ex-professional Rugby player, which means he’s very physical in nature, but he’s also Scottish and the author creates his Scottish persona with a few nods to his heritage in the manner in which he speaks. This could’ve been overdone, but she handled it well, choosing one or two mannerisms and not going overboard with the Scottish burr. Similarly, Blake was a strong character as well. She was brought up to be the ice queen but because her ex was a cheater, she had a lightbulb moment and changed her ways. Not to say she wasn’t a tough cookie, she was, but her shell was built to protect her inner gooey layer and with Dair she allowed that gooiness to come out.

There are many reasons to read a Kristen Ashley novel, you love her character building, you may love the way she writes her romantic scenes, you like an alpha hero, or love a sassy heroine. For me, it’s a combination of all of the above. Her books aren’t perfect all the time but they are always enjoyable. For me, Finding the One, was a KA book that was well written, made me laugh, and touched my heart. It hit all my buttons.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Finding the One

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.

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This Chick Read: Crazy Spooky Love (Melody Bittersweet #1) by Josie Silver

Melody Bittersweet see’s dead people. Psychic powers run in her family and Melody decides to separate from the family business and open up her own- Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency. With her best friend Melanie and brand new ghostbuster in training Artie, they get their first client. Unravel the mysterious haunting of a local mansion who’s owner would like the ghosts to stop scaring away the potential buyers. Up against her ex-boyfriend Leo Dark and trailed by local reporter Fletcher Gunn who is always trying to discredit her family, Melody is determined to solve this case and launch her business.

This was not your typical Josie Silver novel. It had a cozy mystery feeling, with hints of wackiness and a very small amount of romance. This author works her magic and despite this not being something I’d normally read, she captured my interest because I was kept wondering what craziness could possibly happen next!

I very easily cast reality aside and with Crazy Spooky Love, you really need to throw away the logic and let in the cookiness. This book is a bit silly, but Josie Silver still writes characters that a reader can love. I felt kind of sorry for Melody’s unlucky in love persona because I’m sure growing up seeing dead people couldn’t have been easy for a teenager. As an adult, though, she’s doing alright! She has two handsome guys vying for her attention and has the smarts to put the ghostly clues together to come out on top in the end. Again, silly, but fun and very easy to read- if you’re in the mood! ❤️❤️❤️❣️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Crazy Spooky Love

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.

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This Chick Read: Night’s Fall ( The Four Realms #1) by Kristen Ashley

Prince Aleksei of Nightfall is the True Heir. The next king, the fiercest warrior, and the mightiest beast in all the realm. Laura Makepeace is a talented costume designer who is recovering from a vicious attack where she lost something vital. Out for a night with the girl’s Laura is determined to put on a pretty frock and celebrate the evening with her friends. What she doesn’t expect is to be brought over to the Prince’s table in the VIP section of the club. Suddenly, Laura finds herself being courted by a prince and thrown into the limelight and politics of the realm, and royal family dysfunction. The Fall only brings forth a True Heir during times of war, and Aleksei is worried what this means for his family, Laura, and the kingdom of Nightfall.

Surprise! A new Kristen Ashley novel was just released. She’s a much beloved, prolific writer, but this one took me by surprise because she doesn’t often start a new fantasy series. Set in the future where shifters mingle with humans, this love story between a prince and his true mate starts fast and never stops until the last page is turned. I don’t always love KA’s fantasies, but this one was appealing. Why? I loved the futuristic world of flying cars mixing with a ruling class of flying dragons. A dichotomy of beastly and mechanical, love and passion, and peace with war. There was a lot about this world to learn, but the plot is fast moving, and the characters easy to like and love.

At first Aleksei came off as kind of elitist, but get him out of the public eye and he was tender, moody, and shocking for a KA novel, a bit of a dragonic alpha. Laura was old-fashioned, but clever, creative, lovely (of course!), and had a backbone. This heroine was no simpering miss. She was ready for battle if needed. The two of them together had tons of chemistry, but even more importantly, they really seemed to “like” each other. I enjoyed their chapters where they got to know each other and felt that build up to love with each reveal about themselves.

I’m a fan of this author’s and read every book she releases. I don’t always love them, but this story was easy to like, fun to read, and left me with an I can’t wait for the next in the series to come out. Addictive reading at it’s finest.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Night’s Fall

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This Chick Read: To Kill a Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles #6) by Shelly Laurenston

Socialite, Nelle Zhao attracts attention on social media but right now she’s trying to have a low profile keeping her honey badger teammates out of trouble. She isn’t sure when that became her job but she admits, she’s really good at it. Too bad some people don’t appreciate it, like lion Keane Malone who is determined to crush the de Medici’s, another lion clan who are hurting innocent humans for fun, and killed his father. He normally doesn’t want any help, but when jet-setting Nelle, joins the fight his instincts start purring.

When you read a Shelly Laurenston shifter novel you need to take off your “based on reality” hat and put on your “it’s all about fun reading” hat. Always irreverent, Laurenston’s novels combine great dialog, strange and quirky characters, and romances that shouldn’t make sense but become believable, well, if you can change into a honey badger or lion kind of believable. Interesting and kind of exhausting because there is so much going on.

After checking reality at the door I hunkered down for some fun reading with this kind of crazy honey badger group. I’ve read the majority of these novels and some were better than others with this one ranking right in the middle. Maybe it was because I took a break from them for awhile, but Nelle and Keane’s story was crazy but enjoyable. Honey badgers in real life are known for their fierce nature, taking on creatures much larger and not backing down. In this action-packed novel Laurenston takes these traits and puts them on steroids. These honey badger ladies are crafty, crazy, and fierce with a capital F. They are also fun with a capital F.

I enjoyed Nelle and Keane’s slow building romance. She kind of snuck in under his guard until he was just used to her being there and then thought, “oh she kind of smells good” or “those legs are long and luscious” then wham- they were a couple. Again, not reality based but it was well done and kept me reading. If you like a lot of action, some violence, and a break from reality in your romances this may be the perfect book for you!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* To Kill a Badger

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.

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This Chick Read: I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

Wildlife biologist, Dorothy Valentine is out in the field when she’s attacked by a lion. In a good news bad news kind of way, she doesn’t die but she and the lion are abducted by alien’s. Waking up on the ship Dory freaks out and ends up escaping in a pod, with the lion- named Toto. They land on a planet where dinosaurs run rampant, and she meets not one, but two alien hotties who help her navigate her new home. As she explores this new land with Sol, Lok, and Toto she learns more about how and why they’ve all ended up together and whether she even wants to try to get back home or create a new home with her two new mates.

A cute cover, seeing this novel on a bunch of “best of” lists for 2025 romance, and my own curiosity about how this synopsis can possibly lead to a great romance had me picking up this book and giving it a chance. You know what? It was kind of cute. I’m not really into threesome romances, so that aside, the plot was actually really interesting, the heroine sassy, and the hero’s a mix of alpha and intellectual. Toto’s storyline was probably not really needed, but hey, all gal’s need a best friend, even if that friend is in lion form. Overall it kind of worked!

There were a few plots making this novel more intricate than the comic book style cover would lead you to believe. An inter-species war, genetic manipulations, and talking lion’s who are falling in love with a local sabre tooth tiger aside, it held my interest and was an enjoyable, easy read. I’d recommend this novel for the more adventurous reader!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com

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.

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