Tag: women's fiction

This Chick Read: The Love Fix (Sunrise Cove #8) by Jill Shalvis

When Lexi Clark is summoned home to Sunrise Cove by her sister Ashley to help her with one of her deceased mother’s last requests she’s met at the airport by her easy spirited sister and her childhood arch-nemesis turned crush, Heath Bowman. Lexi’s life is in a downward spiral but she could never say no to her sister and finds herself delivering six letters, and learning a lot about herself.

I’m not surprised that I loved the characters in this novel because writing great characters is where this author excels. Lexi is the misunderstood older sister who has closed herself off from having any emotions for her family because they’ve always disappointed her. Heath has a self deprecating charm and easy going nature, but he always does what’s right, helps out the less fortunate, and has always had a soft spot for Lexi. Ashley is a free spirit, but deep down wants to have a relationship with her sister that she was never able to explore while their mother was still alive. It’s a novel that explores all three characters but revolves around Lexi and how she is re-building her life.

There were several aha moments for Lexi’s character that kept the momentum building allowing Lexi to grow and evolve. She and Heath’s somewhat antagonistic relationship was one of those moments and I thought the author did a great job of sharing their stories and the moments that they understood what drove each other and how that understanding drew them to each other. These moments weren’t lightning bolts but gentle understandings that were super effective in allowing the story to grow in an organic way that didn’t take your head out of what you were reading. I really enjoyed those small moments and I think that deft touch is what made this novel work so well. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

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.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Casket Case by Lauren Evans

Due to an unexpected tragedy, Nora finds herself back in Rabbitown, Alabama running the family’s casket business. There are not many choices for a single woman living in a tiny town, so when a handsome stranger walks into her store and asks for directions, then asks her out, she accepts. Garrett seems like an ideal guy, even though he’s kind of vague about what he does for a living. When a few residents die, and Nora figures out Garrett was with them right before they died, she is worried he’s a serial killer, but never believes he’s a logistics coordinator for Death. Is it weird that they both deal with death for a living? Is that something she can live with?

I picked up this book because of the obvious, of course! It’s a romance about a woman who sells caskets and a man who works for Death! Who wouldn’t be curious about that plot? I wasn’t sure how it was going to work but I knew that I definitely had to see if this debut author could tempt me to read it from start to finish. Yes, I did! Although it definitely was not your normal romance!

We learned a lot about Garrett and his previous relationships, all of which failed because of his job (of course!). His explanation of “logistics” and all of the travel he does for a living wasn’t enough for his past girlfriends, but he thinks Nora, who sells caskets for a living might understand him better than any else could. What he doesn’t take into account is that Nora grew up in a family business that dealt in death. A stigma that she’s always had through grade school, high school, and even as an adult. Death, as a way to make a living just makes people uncomfortable. So when she starts to piece it all together, it’s no wonder that she might have trouble seeing a future with Garrett. It’s how they overcome that big objection that could make or break this story. Right?

I actually enjoyed this book, but found the pacing to be a bit slow. I appreciated the build up and getting to know each character and truthfully probably needed to in order to grow to like where the story was going. The problem was that all of the thoughtfulness really slowed down the story. I almost gave up, but I soldiered on and finished this kind of bizarre but likable novel. ❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase!* Casket Case

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.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads1 Comment

This Chick Read: Fun For The Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith

Endicott siblings, Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude used to be inseparable. Their absentee mother would sweep into town every summer and steal them away for a few weeks of driving around the country with a goal of seeing every state in the United States. Decades later, it’s been a few years since these siblings have seen each other when Jude texts them out of the blue to meet her in North Dakota. Their lives have drawn them away from each other and each of their future seem uncertain, but they can’t resist the chance to reconnect. Jude’s life seems to be the most together but she has been holding onto three secrets and has decided it’s time to share them with her brothers and sisters.

I have read one other book by this author and loved it, so despite my usually avoiding family drama books I decided to give this one a try. I am so glad I did! These characters were unique and each of their stories interesting. I didn’t mind with the point of view changed from character to character. Although I’ll admit having four POV’s AND flashbacks was sometimes frustrating.

Three of the Endicotts were “extraordinary” becoming famous in their chosen profession, but it was Gemma’s point of view – the normal sibling- that was the easiest to identify with as well as who I found the most interesting. Her inner journey as she struggled with in-vitro and her love for her husband Mateo felt the most real and touched my heart the most. All that being said when the family got together it was not boring and in fact touched on all my emotions. They were kind of messed up, but also funny, loving, and well acted like the siblings they were. If you like heartfelt family drama’s this book will be right up your alley. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Click this link to purchase this book!* Fun For the Whole Family

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.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

Jane and Dan are going to La Fin du Monde to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary and Jane thinks that’s the perfect time to tell him she wants a divorce. Before they get to the second course and environmental terrorist group bursts into the dining room and they find themselves in a hostage situation. The eery thing is that the terrorists seem to be following the plot in the novel Jane wrote, which means Dan and Jane are the only ones who know what’s going to happen next and they’re the only ones that can stop it.

The synopsis is what drew me to this book and I have to say I was not disappointed at all. This story moved the plot forward at a very quick pace and I blew through this novel. It was so much fun! The original premise is that Jane feels dissatisfied with her life. Her kids are growing up and she’s not needed so much at home, the novel she wrote only sold 500 copies, and she thinks her husband Dan is cheating on her. She picks the night of their anniversary dinner at an exclusive restaurant as the place where she’s going to tell her husband she wants a divorce. This opening chapter really set the stage for whether the reader was going to like Jane and Dan and I have to say that their dialogue at dinner made me love them. They were so witty and bantered just like a couple who have been married for 19 years would. There was humor, confusion, hurt, and shock. Then the terrorists arrive.

I don’t want to ruin the plot for any readers out there who plan to enjoy this book but let’s just say that as soon as Jane realizes the terrorists read her book and are following her plot, her actions become rather outrageous and add a lot of hilarity to the story. Her husband Dan is no hero, but his solid demeanor makes him seem heroic in this kind of situation. I loved how the two of them working together to save the other hostages end up saving their marriage as well. This was a totally enjoyable well rounded story and just so much fun to read. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (10/31/22)

Happy Halloween! Do you find yourself searching for horror books or thrillers this time of year? Scary movies? I’ll admit that I like a good thriller but I’m not into being scared. I stick with my same old genre’s. I do enjoy the candy though!

Here’s what’s on my nightstand currently.

JUST FINISHED

I really enjoyed this novel but it wasn’t what I thought it would be at all. Much more serious than the cover led me to believe, all I’ll say is stick with it until the end. It’s totally worth it!

JUST STARTED

I’ve read two series by this author and really enjoy the world’s she creates and the humanity of her main characters. I really have only read the first chapter but I’m looking forward to digging into the whole story.

Have a wonderful Halloween and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases- Nov’22

I feel like I say this every month, but wow! November already? This year is flying by so fast. As I was looking through the November book releases I saw a ton of books that I know will be on many readers most anticipated lists. This list is specific to my own wants and needs. I know some of you will disagree, or maybe I’ll point out a book that you didn’t realizes was out already. Yay! That’s what I hope to do. Feel free to chime in with your own top 5. I’d love to hear them!

#5 BOOK RELEASE

Yes, we are already reading Christmas themed books. LOL. I am totally invested in the Bromance Book Club series. These books are pure relief from the stresses of my life and I always love the characters. Colton and Gretchen’s story will be great!

Synopsis: Country music’s golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren’t about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he’d be wallowing in self-pity. 
 
It’s hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she’s unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family’s whiskey brand. No big deal…
 
Colton agrees to consider Gretchen’s offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there’s a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together.

Click this link to purchase this book!* A Very Merry Bromance

#4 BOOK RELEASE

Occasionally I find a book that wasn’t on my radar but peaks my interest. A Thousand Heartbeats is that book this month. A YA romantic fantasy with a plot that is right up my alley. I can’t wait!

Synopsis:

Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort—but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn’t her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.

Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction—nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.

But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can’t possibly be together—but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won’t let them stay apart. 

Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets.

Click this link to purchase!* A Thousand Heartbeats

#3 BOOK RELEASE

I love romances with a healthy body image and Olivia Dade’s novels are always spot on for making me feel like my body could be loved too. Ship Wrecked is in the same universe as Spoiler Alert and All the Feels but can be read as a stand alone novel. I’ve read this one and you guys, it is so good! Totally enjoyable, wickedly funny, and super “romantic”.

Synapsis:

Maria’s one-night-stand—the thick-thighed, sexy Viking of a man she left without a word or a note—just reappeared. Apparently, Peter’s her surly Gods of the Gates co-star, and they’re about to spend the next six years filming on a desolate Irish island together. She still wants him…but he now wants nothing to do with her.

Peter knows this role could finally transform him from a forgettable character actor into a leading man. He also knows a failed relationship with Maria could poison the set, and he won’t sabotage his career for a woman who’s already walked away from him once. Given time, maybe they can be cooperative colleagues or friends—possibly even best friends—but not lovers again. No matter how much he aches for her.

For years, they don’t touch off-camera. But on their last night of filming, their mutual restraint finally shatters, and all their pent-up desire explodes into renewed passion. Too bad they still don’t have a future together, since Peter’s going back to Hollywood, while Maria’s returning to her native Sweden. She thinks she needs more than he can give her, but he’s determined to change her mind, and he’s spent the last six years waiting. Watching. Wanting.

His shipwrecked Swede doesn’t stand a chance.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Ship Wrecked

#2 BOOK RELEASE

I think Lindbergh’s story is so interesting and am eager to read Mariah Fredericks take on what the nanny see’s during the whole kidnapping and what happens after. This could be a really good one!

Synopsis:

When the most famous toddler in America, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his family home in New Jersey in 1932, the case makes international headlines. Already celebrated for his flight across the Atlantic, his father, Charles, Sr., is the country’s golden boy, with his wealthy, lovely wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, by his side. But there’s someone else in their household—Betty Gow, a formerly obscure young woman, now known around the world by another name: the Lindbergh Nanny.

A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel Lindbergh eccentric and often odd, Mrs. Lindbergh kind yet nervous, and Charlie simply a darling. Far from home and bruised from a love affair gone horribly wrong, Betty finds comfort in caring for the child, and warms to the attentions of handsome sailor Henrik, sometimes known as Red. Then, Charlie disappears.

Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Lindbergh Nanny

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

MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK RELEASE- NOV’22

OK, I’m a sucker for novels about bookstores. Combine that with my love of this author’s writing and Better Than Fiction is my top book pick for next month. I can’t wait to read it!

Synopsis:

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best—meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From going river rafting to trying local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.

When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Better Than Fiction

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Top 5 Most Anticipated Book Releases- Oct’22

Ok, I know it’s Wednesday and I’m a week late getting this post out, but it’s never too late to talk book releases, right??? I know I say this every month, but boy! There are a lot of books coming out next month that I really want to read. Somehow, I’ve narrowed them down to 5.

#5 BOOK RELEASE

I thought Jackie Lau’s book Donut Fall in Love was a cute light-hearted romance and am looking forward to seeing a couple of characters from that novel achieve their hea. This one intrigues me, but I’ll admit it’s not going to be War and Peace. Sometimes you need a light-hearted book to get you through a tough week!

Synopsis: They say to never meet your heroes, but when Vivian Liao’s roommate gets engaged to her favorite actor’s costar, she has no choice but to come face-to-face with Melvin Lee again. He’s just as funny and handsome as he is on-screen…but thinks she is a snob and a sellout. It’s none of his business how she chooses to live her life, no matter how charismatic he is.
 
Mel is used to charming audiences as an actor and stand-up comedian but can’t connect to Vivian. She’s a smart, talented artist—which is why he thinks she’s wasting her life as a corporate finance drone. The only thing uniting them is their goal for the wedding to go off without a hitch.
 
As they collaborate on wedding cake and karaoke parties, Mel realizes he might have seriously misjudged this bridesmaid, while Vivian discovers the best man might just be as dazzling off-screen as he is on. With the wedding underway, maybe more than one happily ever after is in the future.

Click this link to purchase!* The Stand-Up Groomsman

#4 BOOK RELEASE

Sophie Cousens has written some of my favorite more poignant novels over the last couple of years. This book sounds like a little soul-searching and a lot of romance. I hope.

Synopsis:  Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are polar opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey’s found herself wondering if Josh really is “The One.”
 
    So, when Josh’s sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey’s “What If? guy”—the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with—Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred’s appearance the night before she is due to get married can’t be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humor?

Click this link to purchase!* Before I Do

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase a book through one of these links I’ll receive a small stipend.

#3 BOOK RELEASE

I have read several books by Mimi Matthews including the first book in this series. I enjoy the real-ness of her characters. I can’t wait to see how this book surprises me.

Synopsis: A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.
 
For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.
 
In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

Click this link to purchase!* The Belle of Belgrave Square

#2 BOOK RELEASE

The long-awaited 4th novel in the Kingmaker Chronicles is out this month! I’ve re-read the series, gearing up for Jocasta and Finn’s story. I Can’t Wait!

Synopsis:

THE WAR OF GODS IS JUST BEGINNING

After centuries of conflict, the three kingdoms of Thalyria have finally been reunited. But now the queen has been cursed, the royal lineage has been broken, and no one knows who’s behind the plot to threaten the once-fractured realm’s fragile new peace.

Desperate to help, Jocasta—the king’s younger sister and a gifted healer—hatches a daring plan to find Circe’s Garden, a fabled island where she hopes to discover an antidote. But she can’t do it alone. She needs the strong arm and unflinching bravery of the warrior she’s loved since childhood—her brother’s right-hand-man and captain of the guard, Flynn of Sinta.

Flynn has spent years fighting to deny the desperate longing burning between them, but he cannot allow Jocasta to face this danger alone. He swears he will be her shield, and together they will do the impossible. Yet with old feelings blazing bright and treachery brewing on Mount Olympus, one thing is clear: Thalyria and its new royals are still pawns in an epic game of power—one that might end in a War of Gods.

Click this link to purchase!* A Curse of Queens

MOST ANTICIPATED OCTOBER’22 BOOK RELEASE

Part thriller, all drama, Mad Honey looks like a book that I need to schedule a weekend to read. I know I’m not going to be able to put this one down!

Synopsis: Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising their beautiful son, Asher—was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined that she would end up back in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in and taking over her father’s beekeeping business.
 
Lily Campanello is familiar with do-overs, too. When she and her mom relocate to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they both hope it will be a fresh start. 
 
And for just a short while, these new beginnings are exactly what Olivia and Lily need. Their paths cross when Asher falls for the new girl in school, and Lily can’t help but fall for him, too. With Ash, she feels happy for the first time. Yet at times, she wonders if she can trust him completely. . . .
 
Then one day, Olivia receives a phone call: Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned by the police. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent. But she would be lying if she didn’t acknowledge the flashes of his father’s temper in Ash, and as the case against him unfolds, she realizes he’s hidden more than he’s shared with her.
 
Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.

Click this link to purchase* Mad Honey

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments