Tag: romance

This Chick Read: Making Up (London Celebrities #3) by Lucy Parker

Trix Lane, circus acrobat extraordinaire, has put her bad relationship in her past and is focused on giving the best high wire performance on the West End. When the leading lady has a bad fall, Trix is thrust into the spotlight at the same time as her old nemesis Leo Magasiva is hired as the makeup artist for her troupe. She and Leo grew up together and were once friendly, but that tension has long since turned into antagonism. Can they get past their hate for each other? Of course!

We saw a bit of Trix’s bad relationship in Pretty Face, as Dan, her ex, showed off his mean streak to Lily on her opening night. Trix’s self confidence took a beating and she is not ready to start a relationship and build that trust with someone else. She and Leo’s relationship takes a turn for the better but the actions of her past still dictate her future. I liked Trix a lot and especially liked the inside look at circus acrobatics. I grew a little tired of her insecurity and fear. For me, it went on for just a touch too long.

Leo was also introduced in the previous book as Lily’s make up artist, turning her into Queen Elizabeth in the play she was in. Mostly quiet, it was his looks that jumped off the page. I was glad to see the man beneath the exterior come to life in Making Up. If I had a choice between our two main characters, Leo was definitely my favorite of the two. He has also gone through some tough times, but he rose above his circumstances, or is trying to, and while he strives to over achieve his professional goals he does this with confidence and even a little bit of humility. He was just a little bit more likable than Trix.

This is my least favorite book in this series but that’s only because the first two were so fabulous! It would be hard to keep that high of an average. I did really like the change in scenery to a circus rather than a play again, but enjoyed the glimpse we were given into the lives of previous characters I’d grown to really like. I think when I read this one again, I’ll like it more than I did this time. I started it immediately upon finishing Pretty Face, which was my favorite in the series. I think it couldn’t help but lack a little in comparison.

I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a new voice in contemporary romance. It’s a fun setting, the characters have a ton of depth and show a lot of growth, and the romance is spot on. I’m still obsessed with this author and can’t wait for the next book to release in April. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Opinions from around the Blogsphere

“For fun, sexy romantic comedies I highly recommend all the books in this series, and can’t wait to see what other romances Ms. Parker has up her sleeve!” Harlequin Junkie

“Making Up has easily become one of my favorite reads for this year and I swear the book gods heard all of our pleas because this series is not over yet! I can’t wait to see what story Lucy Parker brings to the West End world next and hopefully we get a chance to catch up with some of my favorite West End performers in the books to come.” The Romance Corner

Click this link to purchase!* Making Up (London Celebrities)

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Full Tilt by Emma Scott

Kacey Dawson is on her way to fame as the lead guitarist in a rock band, she seems to have it all so why does she have to get totally wasted to get through the night? After once again drinking to the point of passing out, Kacey wakes up on the couch of Jonah Fletcher, her limo driver. Jonah can see that Kacey needs a place to get away and dry out and he offers her his place to stay in until she has to leave for her next stop on the tour. Surprisingly, she takes him up on it and they begin an unlikely friendship, finding something in the other that brings their hearts to life.

I have never read a novel by Emma Scott, but after reading Full Tilt I know I will definitely be looking through her backlog for my next fix. Full Tilt was heavy, dark, desperate, uplifting, sad, and joyous. By the third chapter I was all in and I think I must’ve gone through a box of Kleenex while rooting for this couple to overcome the odds.

I wasn’t so sure about Kacey at first. She’d had a hard life, found herself in a sweet spot with fame and then wasn’t happy with what that got her. She seemed to be a typical rock chick, at first. Jonah was a little tougher to undertand. He’d shut himself off from everyone but his immediate family and a couple of friends, to protect himself, but to also protect others because he was terminally ill. By doing this he took all of the color out of his own life, which is funny because he was an artist who was building a glass installation full of color and imagery. Kacey was anything but colorless and she filled his life with the technicolor of love. He and Kacey’s unlikely friendship turned into a soul changing love story. Not just theirs, but mine too as I read their story. It was heart lifting and heart breaking at the same time.

This is a novel that you just need to throw yourself into. I had put it on my Kindle quite a few months ago after reading a review that made me curious. Other than that Kacey was a rock star who was on the rocks, I didn’t remember the plot and I’m glad I went into this one blind. Take my word for it. Get this novel. Don’t read the synopsis, just pick it up and take yourself on a journey. It will be heart breaking and yes, you’ll ugly cry, but it will also remind you what love is all about. That’s why we read romance novels, right? ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

“Full Tilt is more than the story of two people. It’s the story of Kacey, Jonah, his family and friends, Vegas, hope, loss, art, talent, but ultimately it’s about love. The love we have for family, the love we share with friends and the love we leave behind.” Reading, Writing and Ramblings

“In the middle of the rubble I found that, actually, Kacey is one of my favorite heroines. Her addiction made me feel deeply sorry for her instead of frustrated with her decisions. And then there is freaking Jonah. He’s just as amazing as his name. Seriously. I can’t even with how much I adored him — right from the beginning.” In Love and Words

Click this link to purchase!* Full Tilt

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: March ’19 Wrap Up!

The tree’s are blossoming and little green leaves are budding out. The temperature is hovering in the 70’s and SPRING IS HERE! Tennessee in the spring is so beautiful, the weather not yet humid. While March was not quite as warm as April so far, it did give me several cold weekends to catch up on my reading. I officially read 18 books in March, some of which I reviewed on my blog and some were just for my own guilty pleasure. Let’s recap what happened in March on The Reading Chick.

GREAT MARCH READS!

Act Like It (London Celebrities #1) by Lucy Parker

I recently discovered this series and am in love!

“This could easily have played out like a cheesy Hallmark Channel romance movie, and I’m not really sure why it didn’t strike that chord with me. Maybe it was their fun dialog, the villain to root against in Lainie’s previous boyfriend (who is also a star in their play), or Richard’s lone wolf persona. I do really like that Alpha male attitude!”

Wild Country (The World of the Others #2) by Anne Bishop

“I really liked Lake Silence, the first novel in this new Others series, but Wild Country takes us back to why we love this world so much. Yes, humanity can be just awful, but these novels also shine a light on what makes humanity wonderful too. It’s those moments and contradictions that keep me coming back to this intriguing world. “

Rogue Wave (Cake Series #5) by J. Bengtsson

“I don’t recall ever reading a romance that 1) revolved around a main character who was a stoner and 2) where I really liked him. Even though Keith made bad choice after bad choice, he was so dang likable!”

A Dangerous Collaboration (Veronica Speedwell#4) by Deanna Raybourn

“I’ve admired Veronica through this series for her modernity, her pursuit of a career, and her intelligence. I’ll admit to being just a little frustrated with her desire to talk herself out of her feelings for Stoker wanting that aspect of this series to speed up. Especially how the last novel ended with their feelings revealed! BUT, this was such a great follow up and true to Veronica’s personality that I can’t stay mad for too long …”

BLOGGER TO BLOGGER SERIES

I have not stopped enjoying how all of the book bloggers I’ve “interview” have turned out to be so different! Charley and Ashley are no different. If you haven’t read their interviews yet, please click the links below. They were so clever and I really enjoyed their answers to my 10 questions!

Charley@ Books and Bakes 1

Ashley @ Ashes Books & Bobs

THIS CHICKS SUNDAY COMMENTARY

Although Feb was a short month I managed to get a lot of blog posts out. One of which was my monthly wrap up. Did you miss it? Click the link below to check it out.

February ’19 Wrap Up!

I had no idea there was an International Women’s Day, did you? As a woman, this is a day I can support! LOL. I did that by sharing a graphic I found on Bookish that celebrates female authors. Did you miss it? Click the link below!

Happy International Women’s Day!

APRIL’S ANTICIPATED READING

There are some novels that i’ve purchased but haven’t been able to get to yet. If I can catch up on my ARC’s the next novel up is:

In Her Sights by Katie Ruggle

Synopsis:

Five bounty-hunting sisters
Deep in the heart of the Rockies
Fighting to save each other
…and the men who steal their hearts

Bounty hunter Molly Pax fought hard for everything she has, turning the bail recovery business she shares with her sisters into an unqualified success. So when their sticky-fingered mother jumps bail and puts the childhood home up as collateral, Molly’s horrified. To make matters worse, every two-bit criminal in the Rockies now sees her family’s misfortune as their next big break.

She needs help, stat.

Enter rival bounty hunter John Carmondy: six feet of pure trouble, with a cocky grin to match. John’s the most cheerfully, annoyingly gorgeous frenemy Molly’s ever had the pleasure of defeating…and he may be her only hope of making it out of this mess alive.

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

Synopsis: My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.
 
And a coyote shapeshifter.
 
And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
 
Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.
 
The reality is that nothing and no one is safe.  As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.
 
But we are pack, and we have given our word. 
 
We will die to keep it.

Mercy Thompson is one of my favorite heroines and I CAN’T WAIT to read it! Admittedly, I have it already as I was gifted an ARC, but have a few commitments before I can read this one. It looks excellent!

I’d love to hear about your most anticipated reads! Are they the same as mine? I can always add a book to my TBR! Let me know!

Keep on Reading!

Deborah

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Pretty Face (London Celebrities #2) by Lucy Parker

To director Luc Savage nothing will compromise his new West End production. Even when one of the board members tries to pull rank and cast soap opera star Lily Lamprey as Elizabeth I. After viewing one reel of her Marilyn Monroe-esque acting, he refuses to consider her for the part until his casting director asks him to take another look. When Lily tries out in person he see’s a glimmer of Elizabeth and is intrigued, despite her breathy delivery.

Pretty Face could very easily gone the way of My Fair Lady with Luc trying to re-make Lily into his perfect Elizabeth. He does get her a voice coach and he is reluctantly attracted to the ingenue but thankfully that is where his Henry Higgins likeness stopped. Once Luc decided that he was going to stop fighting his attraction to Lily he went all in, despite what getting involved with her could do to his reputation and career. He, in fact, put love first before what had been the most important things in his life. You’ve got to love that attribute in a man!

Even though Lily had the body and voice of Marilyn Monroe, her personality was anything but Monroe-like. She knew her soap opera background didn’t do her any favors and she worked hard to overcome those expectations. I really enjoyed Lily’s sass and fire and in fact was pleasantly surprised at the depth to her character. I shouldn’t have been though, as Lucy Parker gives her characters great back stories which make them jump off the pages in 3-D and put her readers through a riot of emotions. Pretty Face was no different, I was caught up, hook line and sinker!

I think I wrote on Goodreads that I am now obsessed with Lucy Parker novels. I really am. Her stories could so easily be fluffy romances, but they aren’t! They are well written, her characters are rock solid and the build up in the romance is riveting to read. Her dialog isn’t too shabby either, it’s actually really fun! Growing up in Southern California, I love the London West End playhouse setting and the fact that these are also slow burn romances. The build up from enemies to friends to lovers has you gripping your book until your fingers hurt, the tension only unwinding when the characters deliver their HEA. Yeah, Lucy Parker is a new favorite and I will be recommending this book and series to everyone I know. Consider yourself recommended. 🙂 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase!* Pretty Face (London Celebrities)

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

Slight Spoilers ahead!

Darcy Barrett has spent her life traveling the world running away from her feelings for her brother’s best friend Tom Valeska. Tom was “adopted” into her family and was attached at the hip to her twin brother Jamie since they were kids. He was the peacemaker between the two very dramatic siblings always saying the perfect thing to bring the tension down and smooth out their foul moods. Now in her mid 20’s Darcy is living in her Grandmother’s home while working as a bartender in a biker bar. One evening she arrives home to find Tom sitting on her doorstep, ready to start construction on the home she and her brother have inherited. He’s newly single and Darcy is determined to make him 99 percent hers.

I really, really wanted to love this book. The Hating Game took me by surprise and delivered a powerfully snarky love story that was incomparable to any other. 99 Percent Mine, following that amazing debut had the burden of living up to that great first novel, and well, it paled in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, it was totally readable, but there was just something missing. Darcy had the snarky attitude, the brash personality, and the emotional neediness of a great heroine, but she never felt three dimensional. She was a black and white sketch that needed color and warmth to flesh her out. Her brother Jamie was the same. What saved this novel from being bad was Tom, yet he had his issues too.

The biggest problem was that I really couldn’t connect with Darcy and found her to be pretty unlikeable. If she is unlikeable, why would I root for she and Tom to get together? She does have a heart problem, and this will sound a little weird, but I liked that. It made her more human, but she fought so hard against appearing weak that she builds a shell that is almost unbreachable.

There were a few plot points that if explained could have rounded out the story and provided depth with back story. For example, there was this scene from when she was eighteen years old and Tom had declared his love for her. She is immature and brushes off his declaration and although she regrets her action she doesn’t try to make amends. She runs to her grandmother for advice and her loving grandmother gives her money and sends her off to travel the world! What was up with that? Darcy does look back on that and wonder why her grandmother did that but the plot point was never resolved. Did grandma know Darcy would eat sweet Tom up and spit him out and was trying to protect him? I really wanted to know! This is just one example and I really think that if some of these questions had been worked through in the book, it would have helped me like Darcy just a little bit more. Why was she she so messed up? I really couldn’t tell you except that she had a heart problem.

Tom was a prime male specimen. That fact was relayed in description after description that in my head I pictured he was a Viking god. Yet, his personality of the peacemaker was kind of an underwhelming trait as was his skills as a head contractor. This guy just kind of fell apart. I liked that he was sweet and sweet on her (but couldn’t really see why he’d pick her!), but other than his height, musculature, and size of his package he was.. and here’s that word again… underwhelming!

There was a lot of tension surround our main characters, but that tension fed each of their jealousies and insecurities instead of amping up towards a big release of that tension. There was one, but it seemed a bit rushed which diminished the importance of their finally getting together. So, Surprise! I was disappointed in this one. It fell into the solid good, but not great category and I really think this author just mailed it in. I really hope she puts more into her next effort. ❤️❤️❤️

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

“Overall, unless 99 Percent Mine goes through some major editing it will be a flop. It lacks spark, characterisation and just overall consistency. This book is not something I would recommend to anyone in the state that I read it and it is disappointing to say that. There are just so many flaws and it is so hard to look past them when it is the entire book.” Ambsreads

“I have to say that while I enjoyed 99 Percent Mine, I was a little bit disappointed. I went in expecting to have found my new favorite book, and that was my fault. I really should know better than to hype up books so much in my mind.” Sara –The Bibliophagist

Click this link to purchase!* 99 Percent Mine: A Novel

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

It’s Monday, What are you Reading? (4/1/19)

Happy Monday everyone! I ran across this post on Book Date and liked the idea of sharing what I’m currently reading, so here goes!

JUST FINISHED

Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith

First Sentence Read: “Mae wakes, as she does each morning, to the sound of a train.”

JUST STARTED

Devil’s Daughter: The Ravenels meet the Wallflowers by Lisa Kleypas

First sentence read: ” Phoebe had never met West Ravenel, but she knew one thing for certain: He was a mean, rotten bully.”

I love starting a new book! What are you reading this fine Monday?

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads6 Comments

This Chick Read: Act Like It (London Celebrities #1) by Lucy Parker

When Richard Troy’s temper makes him front page news again, his team wants him to fake a romance with one of his leading ladies, golden girl Lainie Graham. Lainie has had her share of bad press after her most recent romance with another actor was played out in the headlines, so agreeing to “play” leading lady to Richard’s growly leading man, umm no way! When his team offers to make a donation to her favorite charity she shrugs off her misgivings and gives in, then is surprised that underneath his surly facade is a not so bad person, and their chemistry catches fire.

Act Like it takes place in London’s West End theater district which is a fun change in scenery for a slow burn romance. There is plenty of great dialog and I really enjoyed Lainie’s sassy personality. She isn’t the pushover either Richard or I were expecting! When he gives her a tough time she gives it right back and he comes to respect that he can’t push her around. As the story progresses their chemistry ignites yet it isn’t just their hormones that get involved. They come to actually like each other and I really started to root for them to get past the pretend relationship and get down to the real thing.

This could easily have played out like a cheesy Hallmark Channel romance movie, and I’m not really sure why it didn’t strike that chord with me. Maybe it was their fun dialog, the villain to root against in Lainie’s previous boyfriend (who is also a star in their play), or Richard’s lone wolf persona. I do really like that Alpha male attitude! This one hit all of my triggers and I just really enjoyed it while I was reading it. It’s a simple as that! So, if you are looking for a fun romance with great characters then I recommend you pick up Act Like It. It’s the first in the series and I bet, like me, you’ll immediately pick up the second! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

“As a through and true theatre kid who has always been obsessed with British pop culture, this book may have been written for me. I adored the characters and their gradual, effortlessly written romance. ” Flying with Books

Click this link to purchase!* Act Like It: A Slow-Burn Romance (London Celebrities Book 1)

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads4 Comments

This Chick Read: Gimme Some Sugar (Southern Eclectic #6) by Molly Harper

Recently widowed Lucy Brewer moves back to her hometown of Lake Sackett, Georgia to raise her son Sam. Re-connecting with friends and dealing with her husband’s irritating family makes her decision to open a bakery a need rather than a want. Who wouldn’t want a Death by Chocolate cupcake after an altercation with her in laws? When her childhood best friend Duffy McCready offers to make her some shelves for her store she finds out that he’d always been in love with her and her childhood crush develops into a sweetheart of a romance.

Molly Harper really knows how to write great characters. Lucy doesn’t let her unhappy marriage turn her into a doormat. When her irritating in laws step over the line, she gives as good as she gets, but Lucy isn’t all sass. She’s also a loving mother, smart business owner, and soon to be loving girlfriend. I liked all sides of Lucy, her interactions with her son Sam, and with her suitor Duffy.

Duffy is a character that is familiar to readers of this series. He’s Marianne’s brother, and Frankie’s cousin. Down to earth, laid back, and stress free. He also has an ex wife who he lets into his home a little too often. However, once Lucy hits town he knows what he wants and he fights for her. That laid back attitude actually works for him in winning Lucy’s heart.

Lake Sackett and it’s inhabitants reminds me a little bit of Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series. The charming “older” crowd add a little seasoning and humor to these stories. I like multi generational tales, even though the romance is between a younger couple. Molly Harper does a great job of making you care for all of the inhabitants of that town and not just the couple in the main storyline. I want to read the next novel to see how Tootie and Bob’s cruise went just as much as I want to read the main story arc. These are stand alone novels, but I think you’d get more out of it if you had read the previous novels in the series and grew invested in all of the Southern Eclectic characters! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this ARC through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

“I honestly love this family, and really enjoy when each of their very unique personalities pop into the story and kind of take over. I recommend binging this whole series!” I Read Ergo Sum

“I adore Lucy, her fire, her strength, her mouth, and pure determination.  While I have liked all the couples in the series, I have to say, Lucy and Duffy are far and away my favorites!!  I feel like there could be one more book in the series (Duffy’s momma!) but if there isn’t, Gimme Some Sugar is a great way to end this quirky, fun, HEA filled series.” Rolopolo Book Blog

Click this link to purchase!* Gimme Some Sugar (Southern Eclectic Book 6)

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved.

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, What are you Reading? (3/18/19)

Happy Monday everyone! I ran across this post on Book Date and liked the idea of sharing what I’m currently reading, so here goes!

JUST FINISHED

Gimme Some Sugar (Southern Eclectic #6) by Molly Harper

Last Sentence Read: “Lucy sat back on the seat, watching her son laugh into the wind, and knew that no matter what the future brought, they were going to be just fine.”

JUST STARTED

Rogue Wave (Cake series #5) by J. Bengtsson

First Sentence: My hands jammed safely in my pockets, I kept my head down as I made my way across the quad on legs as spindly as sticks.

Have you read either of these books? What did you think?

If not, what are you reading today? It’s Monday! Give me a shout!

Deborah

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

Friday YA: You’d Be Mine by Erin Hahn

Annie Mathers is the daughter of two country music stars who had a tragic ending. Living outside the stage lights of Nashville, Annie tried to ignore her calling but she was born to write and sing. After she releases a couple of songs on YouTube her star starts rising. Clay Coolidge is one of the country’s hottest young stars, but he’s going down the path her parents took. After another drunk bar fight he’s told that he has to go to Michigan to talk Annie into opening for his summer concert tour. With his record deal on the line, Clay convinces Annie and her band to join them. Even though they are complete opposites, she the good girl and he the bad boy, they strike sparks both on stage and off.

You’d be Mine had a lot of the things I look for in a YA contemporary novel, great character growth, a simmering love story, and a great hook. What I wasn’t expecting was the magical poetry this author wrote for their music lyrics and the gritty feel to the story. Annie was an easy character to like. I’ll admit that she walked a fine line between being a “good girl” and kind of a prude, but it fit her back story and gave her the heart and soul she’d need to sell the reader on her chemistry for leading man Clay.

Clay also had a great back story. A brother who is a fallen war hero and a line of people who want to ride his coattails, making his bad choices pretty realistic. If there was one fault with his part of the story I’d say his demon battling went on just a touch too long. I wanted the story to speed up and it lagged just a tad in the middle. The supporting characters were loyal, funny, and charming and I adored all of their antics and support. Even though this was a story about music and love, at it’s heart it was about family and these characters gave the reader a solid base line on what family should look like.

I mentioned above my love for the poetry in the music lyrics. You could tell this author has a feel for writing lyrically and if she hasn’t done so already, she should think about her own songwriting career! They were pretty special and the story itself? Good, very, very good. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

I was given a free ARC of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest.

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

“You’d Be Mine is a cute little contemporary romance that reminded me a bit of the television show Nashville. This has all the ins and outs, the ups and downs and intrigue of the behind the scenes of the music business. The characters were likable and fun to root for and the story felt as if heading right out on tour along with them giving all the emotion of their journey along the way.” Carrie’s Book Reviews

“This was a fun story about the lives of these two talented performers. I am not a big country music fan, but I found myself cheering for these young country stars. I would definitely recommend this young adult book!” Welcome to our Campfire

Click this link to purchase!* You’d Be Mine: A Novel

Copyright Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads4 Comments