Tag: romance

This Chick Read: The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon

Jess Reid is a freelance editor giving up a big city job to work from home form her small town of Redford, Oregon. Staying close to her dad and best friend was an easy decision to make even though life in her small town is slow and steady. When Jasper Wilhelm, the town’s eccentric benefactor, dies, he leaves an inheritance available to the town that they have to compete in a contest to win. Carter Barclay, nephew of Jasper, is the only non-Redfordian able to compete in this contest something that causes the townspeople to eye him with suspicion. Everyone but Jess Reid who welcomes him in with her quirky smile and personality. For financial analyst Carter Barclay, Jess is a breath of fresh air and this contest is a chance to learn what made his grandfather love this small town so much.

The Only Game in Town was a welcome change from the usual small town romance. I think this was because of our heroine, Jess. She was so charming in her quirkiness, just living life with a sunny disposition, not really letting anything get her down. When she’s paired with her arch nemesis in the contest, she struggles to find a kernel of good in Nikki’s hard core and manages to keep her sunny disposition. It’s not surprising that Carter can’t resist Jess because I couldn’t either! I wanted to transplant myself into that town and/or find my own Jess best friend in my own town because she is just irresistible and good.

Did I believe that Carter’s more stoic nature and Jess’s rainbows and butterflies personality would be irresistible to each other? YES! As the book went on and more kooky scenes unfolded he loosened his tie and found himself smiling at her antics and looking forward to her personality. There’s something about a straight-laced man loosening up that is also hard to resist and in the end I think they were perfect for each other.

There was, of course, a lot of conflict in this novel. It wasn’t just a fluff contest and a small town romance. There was death, alcoholism, and rivalries to overcome, but it was all told in a way that touched my heart and made me want to keep turning the pages to see how that storyline would end. Truly, this was a well crafted novel with great characters. What’s not to like about that? ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

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 Only Game in Town

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? (3/20/23)

I have gone down the rabbit hole of previous season’s “best of” book lists and have recently added to my already overburdened TBR. BUT, I’ve also knocked off a couple of these new, wonderful books from that list already. I’ve had an awesome week of reading and listening to some great audiobooks. Here’s what’s on my nightstand.

JUST FINISHED

I’ll admit to having looked at this book quite a few times, but I’d never picked it up because I’d read a couple of average “witchy” books last fall and didn’t want a repeat of mediocrity. However, I was sent a ‘best of 2022’ romance books list by an audiobook company and this book fell into that list. I took a look at it again, had an extra couple of credits and downloaded it to my Libro.fm app. I adored the English narrator, and loved the story. This book was so much more than a romance, it was really about an outcast finally finding a place where she belonged. Who can’t get behind a story like that? The narration was seriously good too.

JUST STARTED

This is a new one for me. I haven’t read the other books in the series, nor have I read any books by this author. However, it has a ghostly-mysterious feel and I was in the mood to switch up my genre’s and felt like reading a mystery. I literally just started it, so I’ll let you know how it goes!

The above two books are different choices for me but I feel really good about spending my time with these characters. How is your current book treating you?

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: The Love Wager by Lynn Painter

Hallie Piper is working the bar at a wedding when a cute guy, Jack, requests a beer and they strike up a brief conversation. That one moment leads to his date accusing him of cheating and a broken relationship. Back at the bar, Jack and Hallie start drinking, ending up together for the evening. Hallie wakes up the next morning and after sneaking out of his room, turns over a new leaf. She joins a dating app and starts looking for “the one”. What she finds is Jack, on the same dating app. They strike up a conversation and a bargain. The first one who finds love wins the wager. What they quickly realize is that they may have already found that person.

After reading ‘The Wrong Number’ by this same author, I knew that this novel would be rom-com at its best… and I wasn’t wrong! Hallie was such a unique character. She had this easy-going personality that oozed friendly charm. Her chemistry with Jack was so smooth. Their clever conversations and growing friendship was fun to read and I couldn’t wait until that moment when that heat that they had that one night returned for their forever future. I thought Jack was kind of a unique character too because you don’t usually see a ‘hero’ in a romance novel who is desperate to be a couple. It was an interesting perspective and personality quirk that easy breezy Hallie helped him overcome. They were a fun, cute couple!

The plot was entertaining to read and the fun dialog kept it move forward fairly quickly, a formula that is my particular favorite because I can read the novel in a day or over a weekend. If you are in the mood to read an easy breezy rom-com, this would be a good pick!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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 Love Wager

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: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Margaret Jacobsen seems to have it all. Promising new job, adoring boyfriend, and a brand new condo- her life is stretched out in front of her and her future is bright. Until an accident finds her in the hospital- no job, a boyfriend who has fallen apart, and a new world that is filled with physical therapy and building a new life with her new body. This was not the life that Margaret thought she’d be living. Faced with new limitations, Margaret’s life revolves around the next 5 weeks in the hospital and gaining the mental and physical strength to live her new life. She meets Ian, a physical therapist who is brutal in his regard, and unfriendly in attitude. Despite all that’s going on in her life, Margaret does everything she can to bring him out of his shell and while working with him, builds a connection.

First of all, wow. At first I had a really hard time reading Margaret’s story. What happened was so brutal and her boyfriend/fiancé was an absolute turd. Her mother seemed to be a controlling nightmare too and I was ready to give up-but then her sister Kit showed up and the sisterly support propped me up until I saw beyond everyone else’s issues and Margaret’s strength became the heart of the story. Kit was a godsend, not just to poor Margaret, but also me who was looking for something to love about this story that was so hard to read. Don’t get me wrong, it was well written, but it was also pretty brutal. Kit added some much needed humor. Then there was Ian- he seemed to be a bit of a jerk, but underneath that gruff exterior he was solid gold.

This story had so much strength and heart. Yes, it was sometimes hard to read but each page I turned showed a different side to this kind of crazy family that I started to look forward to seeing what else was going to be revealed. This family had skeletons, hard feelings, and lots and lots of love. Family drama at its best.

The one thing I was slightly disappointed in was the love story aspect between Ian and Margaret. Ian was pretty closed off for most of the book and I just wish that the reader could’ve made a bigger connection with him. I loved him for Margaret (I can still hear him calling her Maggie in his Scottish accent), but the ending would’ve had a greater impact if I liked him as much as I did Margaret. Although, it was humdinger of an ending. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* How To Walk Away

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? (2/27/23)

Hey guys, happy Monday! If you’re like me, you’ve been reading some great books lately. I’ll admit that the book I just finished was soooo good! I didn’t want to put it down, even for my day job. 🙂

JUST FINISHED

For me, Romantic Comedy checked off all of the right boxes, making this one of my favorite books so far this year. Our heroine is a sketch writer on a show called TNO, think SNL, and our hero was a guest host/musician. The intricacies in this plot, great dialog (so funny!), and throw in some pandemic references, and this book had it all. If you don’t read anything else, read this book!

JUST STARTED

Lucy Score writes really great romance novels and I’m looking forward to digging into the dialog and getting to know these characters. If it’s as good as the first I’ll be delighted!

I hope you have the best Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases – March’23

In looking at the Goodreads book release list for March I’m realizing there are a LOT of genres releasing books and a LOT of them look great. It was difficult choosing but here are my top 5.

#5 BOOK RELEASE

I’m a fan of Lauren Willig’s writing and after reading this synopsis, I’ll admit I’m intrigued- and you know I love a good historical novel!

Synopsis:

September 1896: An aspiring archaeologist, Smith College graduate Betsy Hayes travels to Athens, desperate to break into the male-dominated field of excavation. In the midst of the heat and dust of Greece she finds an unlikely ally in Charles, Baron de Robecourt, one of the few men who takes her academic passion seriously. But when a simmering conflict between Greece and Turkey erupts into open warfare, Betsy throws herself into the conflict as a nurse, not knowing that the decision will change her life forever—and cause a deep and painful rift with her oldest friend, Ava.

June 1898: Betsy has sworn off war nursing—but when she gets the word that her estranged friend Ava is headed to Cuba with Clara Barton and the Red Cross to patch up the wounded in the Spanish-American War, Betsy determines to stop her the only way she knows how: by joining in her place. Battling heat, disease, and her own demons, Betsy follows Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders straight to the heart of the fighting, where she is forced to confront her greatest fears to save both old friends and new….

Set during an electrifying era of nation-building, idealism, and upheaval, Two Wars and a Wedding is the tale of two remarkable women striving to make their place in a man’s world—an unforgettable saga of friendship, love, and fighting for what is right.  

Click this link to purchase this book!* Two Wars and a Wedding

#4 BOOK RELEASE

Marie Lu writes some amazing young adult novels and her characters always seem to connect with her audience. I didn’t realize she had a new book coming out, but after reading the synopsis, I’m totally looking forward to reading it!

Synopsis:

Meet Winter Young – International pop sensation, with a voice like velvet and looks that could kill. His star power has smashed records, selling out stadiums from LA to London. His rabid fans would move heaven and earth for even a glimpse of him – just imagine what they’d do to become his latest fling.

Meet Sydney Cossette – Part of an elite covert ops group, Sydney joined their ranks as their youngest spy with plans to become the best agent they’ve ever had. An ice queen with moves as dangerous as her comebacks, Sydney picks up languages just as quickly as she breaks hearts. She’s fiery, no-nonsense, and has zero time for romance – especially with a shameless flirt more used to serving sass than taking orders.

When a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private concert with Winter for her birthday, Sydney and Winter’s lives suddenly collide. Tasked with infiltrating the crime organization’s inner circle, Sydney is assigned as Winter’s bodyguard with Winter tapped to join her on the mission of a lifetime as a new spy recruit. Sydney may be the only person alive impervious to Winter’s charms, but as their mission brings them closer, she’s forced to admit that there’s more to Winter Young than just a handsome face . . .

Click this link to purchase this book!* Stars and Smoke

#3 BOOK RELEASE

I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this novel and LOVED it! It’s a really sweet and quirky contemporary romance that has hints of rom-com. You guys, it’s sooo good! You must read this one.

Synopsis: One small town, one big prize, one handsome stranger…

Nothing ever changes in Redford, Georgia. That’s what freelance editor Jess Reid loves about her hometown—and part of what keeps her from leaving. Content taking care of her father, a car mechanic who singlehandedly raised her after her mom skipped out, Jess is resigned to a safe, unremarkable existence…until Jasper Wilhelm, the town’s eccentric benefactor, dies suddenly and leaves behind the opportunity of a lifetime.

Financial advisor Carter Barclay has been too busy to visit his grandfather in Redford, but he’s heard countless stories about the town and its zany residents from Jasper. A small, insular town in Georgia is the last place Carter expects to be spending his summer—but it seems his grandfather had one final trick up his sleeve. 

At the funeral, it’s revealed that Jasper has devised a massive, high-stakes game for the people of Redford, with the winning duo taking home his entire fortune. The catch? He’s already taken the liberty of pairing them up. As tensions of all kinds rise between Jess and Carter, and the life-changing prize looms closer, the two must decide what they’re willing to risk to change their lives. A love story full of spirit and hijinks, The Only Game in Town is a funny, quirky homage to the people we get to call home.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Only Game in Town

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase any of these books through the above links, I’ll receive a small stipend.

#2 BOOK RELEASE

This is book #8 in the series featuring Veronica and her companion Stoker. I have loved how their relationship has evolved into romantic partners while still keeping true to their own interests and sleuthing. This is a fun story! (yes, I’ve read this one too)

Synopsis: Veronica’s natural-historian beau, Stoker, has been away in Bavaria for months and their relationship is at an impasse. But when Veronica shows up before him with his brother, Tiberius, Lord Templeton-Vane, he is lured back home by an intriguing job offer: preparing an iguanodon for a very special dinner party.
 
Tiberius has received a cryptic message—along with the obituaries of two recently deceased members of his old group of friends, the Seven Sinners—that he too should get his affairs in order. Realizing he is in grave danger but not knowing why, he plans a reunion party for the remaining Sinners at his family estate to lure the killer out while Veronica and Stoker investigate.
 
As the guests arrive and settle in, the evening’s events turn deadly. More clues come to light, leading Veronica, Stoker, and Tiberius to uncover a shared past among the Sinners that has led to the fatal present. But the truth might be far more sinister than what they were prepared for.

Click this link to purchase this book!* A Sinister Revenge

MY MOST ANTICIPATED MARCH’23 BOOK RELEASE

Lynn Painter is such a talented writer. The Love Wager is the second book in the series and these characters were adorable! Another must read novel on my list!

Synopsis: Hallie Piper is turning over a new leaf. After belly-crawling out of a hotel room (hello, rock bottom), she decides it’s time to become a full-on adult. She gets a new apartment, a new haircut, and a new wardrobe, but when she logs onto the dating app that she has determined will find her new love, she sees none other than Jack, the guy whose room she snuck out of. 

After agreeing they are absolutely not interested in each other, Jack and Hallie realize they’re each other’s perfect wing-person in their searches for The One. They text each other about their dates, often scheduling them at the same restaurant so that if things don’t go well, the two of them can get tacos afterward. 

Spoiler: they get a lot of tacos together. 

Discouraged by the lack of prospects, Jack and Hallie make a wager to see who can find true love first, but when they agree to be fake dates for a weekend wedding, all bets are off. As they pretend to be a couple, lines become blurred and they both struggle to remember why the other was a bad idea to begin with.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Love Wager

Isn’t this a great list of book releases? I’ve read a few and am looking forward to finishing out my top 5.

Happy Reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads4 Comments

This Chick Read: End of Story by Kylie Scott

Inheriting a cute fixer upper from her aunt means a fresh start for Susie Bowen, but when her contractor shows up it’s none other than her ex’s best friend Lars. Wanting to avoid him yet also wanting to use the most trusted contractor’s in town means she needs to suck it up and play nice. When he finds someone’s divorce paperwork in the wall of a room he’s renovating and the people listed on the document are none other than she and Lars things become kind of weird. It also opens both of their eyes to an attraction that is too powerful to ignore. Is fate playing with them? Is this paperwork for real? Does it even matter?

I have loved Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series, her Dive Bar series and pretty much any one-off novel that she’s written. So, when I saw this cute cover and read the synopsis I knew I wanted to get my hands on a copy of this novel.

I immediately connected with Susie. After a disastrous previous relationship, she isn’t very trusting, but Lars easy-going personality and eye-candy good looks go a long way towards convincing herself to not give up on love. Being together is more difficult than being apart yet they are determined to be friends if not anything else and it’s through that friendship that Susie starts to trust in Lars. He’s solid and steady, which is just what her more high-strung self needs. Opposites attract, and they are definitely opposites. Yet, there’s something that I loved about watching them move towards each other and building that bond.

Kylie Scott knows how to build great characters so I wasn’t surprised that I loved both Susie and Lars. What I was surprised about was the more mystical side of this plot that centered around a document from the future. It was a sweet note to a rather hearty romance. I liked that the story circled back around to it, keeping it involved in the plot.

If you’re like me and love Kylie Scott’s writing, it’s not going to take much from me to get you to pick up this book and read it. If you have never read one of her novels, I think this is a really sweet entrance into her writing. Enjoy! I know I did. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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!* End of Story

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’s Audio Review: Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan

Successful audiobook narrator Sewanee Chester once had dreams outside the sound booth but has been happy with her career. Spending a quick weekend filling in for a friend on a romance audiobook convention Sewanee does something out of character and has a wonderful, romantic one night stand with a handsome stranger. Once back home she gets word that one of her author’s who is now dead wants her to narrate a serial that she wrote pairing her voice up with one of the most popular male narrators in the business. Although she no longer narrates romance novels she does this for an old friend and ends up re-discovering her love for romance, builds a connection with Brock McNight, and learns that being fulfilled means taking chances in both love and life.

I am so glad that I listened to this novel iinstead of reading it, although I’m sure that would’ve been wonderful as well. However, Julia Whelan has voiced over 500 novels and now has written two books, doing her own narration. I immediately recognized her voice and looked at her backlist and saw some of my favorite novels listed. This is one multi-talented lady! Thank You For Listening, about two audio narrators who find love was fabulous and I’m sure even though it’s the beginning of the year will be on my top 10 list for 2023. It was soooo good!

What did I like? The characters were fabulous. Swan and Brock had an easy chemistry that had you chuckling but also wanting them to go that next step. Swan’s best friend and famous actress was the perfect foil for Sewanee’s long-lost dreams. Her grandmother Blah Blah’s story was both sweet and sad. There were too many great characters and moments that kept me enthralled and wanting more. Most of all though there was Brock. Julia Whelan voiced his character and built his back story so well that he just seemed so real. I listen to a ton of audio books, including narrations by some great male narrators and will admit to having a crush on one or two as they read my favorite books and could totally understand his need for anonymity. Some female readers are crazy women and his anonymity made complete sense to me!

I could go on about the different aspects of this book but won’t spoil it for the rest of you who haven’t read this one yet. Just know that it’s a complete novel with drama, romance, giggles, and tears. It was the perfect book to listen to while on a journey (which is what I did) but I can also see spending time with these characters at the gym or on my drive to work. I think my day wouldn’t have been very proactive but I’d have enjoyed a hell of a book! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Thank You For Listening

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associates- 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? (2/5/23)

This post is all about sharing what I’ve been reading and starting a conversation about all of the great books that are out there and how little time we have to actually read them. I love it when I get a comment from one of you where my post has reminded you of a favorite authors most recent book, or even an old book that I’ve just gotten around to reading or re-reading. I have even gotten recommendations from you all about what books are on your radar, what’s worth your time, or what to skip. So, please keep the comments coming!

JUST FINISHED

This novel was a departure from my normal reading and I really enjoyed it! Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50’s and strives towards equality in the laboratory despite men treating women like all they are good for is popping out babies and keeping their home clean. I’ll admit that at times I found her trials frustrating, but I admired her fortitude, friendships, and her little girl Mad. This was an interesting piece of fiction!

JUST STARTED

I listened to Julia Whelan’s most recent novel ‘Thank You for Listening’ while on vacation and was blown away by her writing and narration. This novel is actually the first she’s written, but not the first she’s narrated. She has around 400 books in her narration backlist. So far, I’m again, impressed by her writing and really enjoying the story. I can’t wait for the journey!

Have you read any great books lately? I’d love to hear about them. Please feel free to share in the comments.

Happy Monday and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chick Read: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Driving home from a funeral through the countryside, ER Doctor Alexis Montgomery avoids a deer and ends up in a ditch. Luckily for her super cute and ten years younger Daniel Grant drives by and stops to help pull her out. Later that night when she walks into the dive bar where he and his friends are sitting he has a chance to make an impression. She accepts his offer of a grilled cheese sandwich and ends up spending the night. What was meant to be a one night stand turns into her weekend escape and carpenter/B&B host Daniel starts finding his way into her heart.

Part of Your World was a breath of fresh air. A younger man-older woman romance that didn’t feel at all forced, I loved Daniel’s small town and quirky nature. Alexis obviously did too since she snuck away from her fast paced life, pushy family, and super annoying ex-fiancé in order to breathe a little easier. She never intends for her two lives to cross but their feelings for each other override her cautious nature and make her take risks in order to find her own happiness.

I was so surprised by this novel. I mean, I’m not sure why I was because I love this author and have yet to be disappointed by one of her novels yet the quirky setting and characters made me fall in love. Not just with our two main characters but for the whole town, pigs, goats and all. Alexis was a woman who needed saving from herself. Coming from a well-known family of doctors she feels the pressure of falling in line and doing as her parents want- becoming uber successful and continuing the good family name. She doesn’t want the same things they want but it’s not until she ends up in the ditch and meets Daniel that the direction of what she wants out of her life really changes.

There were many magical moments in this novel and all of those happened in the small town of Wakan. There seemed to be some sort of “true love” mystical bond between Alexis, the town, and Daniel. While slightly silly, it did give a “it was meant to be” vibe to an already sweet story which I’ll admit I fell for – no problem. It helped that Daniel was charming, funny, and just absolutely adored Alexis- I can buy into the magic of the moment if it means these two would get together. After all, if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be!

If you love small town romances with a hint of magic and a whole lot of charm, you will love Part of Your World. Pick up this book and give it a read! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* Part of Your World

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 Reads3 Comments