Tag: YA

The Reading Chick’s Sunday #Giveaway #2!

Happy Sunday! I am vacationing in Italy with my husband celebrating my birthday, his birthday and our 15th wedding anniversary. Quite the trifecta!  I am sharing this celebration with you by throwing a giveaway with some more books and swag from the RT Convention I went to last May. Here is what’s in this weeks box!

BOOKS:

The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor


All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! —Midnight Cryer

No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse…

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper…

The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn


Is it better to live with a lie, or risk everything for the truth?

In Pintip Dunn’s gripping and timely novel, a young woman whose life unravels in the wake of her mother’s alleged suicide sets out to clear her name.
“The mother I knew would never do those things. But maybe I never knew her after all.”
Clothes, jokes, coded messages…Cecilia Brooks and her mom shared everything. At least, CeCe thought they did. Six months ago, her mom killed herself after accusations of having sex with a student, and CeCe’s been the subject of whispers and taunts ever since. Now, at the start of her high school senior year, between dealing with her grieving, distracted father, and the social nightmare that has become her life, CeCe just wants to fly under the radar. Instead, she’s volunteering at the school’s crisis hotline—the same place her mother worked.
As she counsels troubled strangers, CeCe’s lingering suspicions about her mom’s death resurface. With the help of Sam, a new student and newspaper intern, she starts to piece together fragmented clues that point to a twisted secret at the heart of her community. Soon, finding the truth isn’t just a matter of restoring her mother’s reputation, it’s about saving lives—including CeCe’s own…
Sinclair by Celia Aaron


Sinclair Vinemont, an impeccable parish prosecutor, conducts his duties the same way he conducts his life–every move calculated, every outcome assured. When he sees something he wants, he takes it. When he finds a hint of weakness, he capitalizes. But what happens when he sees Stella Rousseau for the very first time?

Sinclair is a prologue to The Acquisition Series and is told entirely from Sinclair Vinemont’s point of view. It can be read in one sitting.
In The Heir by Ruth Cardello

Brett Westerly is his father’s golden child, but it’s come at a cost. As head of the family corporation, he throws himself into his work—hiding in his office is easier than confronting the reality of his broken family.

After a bitter divorce that split the family and divided loyalties, the wealthy Westerly matriarch offers an early inheritance to any grandchild who marries and invites the entire family to the wedding. Brett’s brother Spencer rashly gets engaged, and Brett knows it’s his duty to intervene. But he never imagined the unwelcome desire Spencer’s fiery fiancée would spark in him. Now the man who’s used to getting everything he could want has met the one woman he can’t have.

Ever since she was a girl, Alisha Coventry considered Spencer and his sister Rachelle the family she didn’t have. When Spencer asks for her help, Alisha has no problem becoming his fake fiancée—until she meets Spencer’s sexy older brother Brett. The chemistry between them is undeniable—forbidden—but as their relationship deepens, Brett is determined to have her.

Alisha only wanted to help the family make amends. Now she’s falling for the wrong Westerly.

To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino


It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton’s ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados, with no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island.
Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy is rescued and aboard a British Naval Gunship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold–and to an overjoyed Patience–it’s not the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for.
With a finely tuned sense for authentic historical characters and settings, Rebecca DeMarino plunges readers into the 17th century–a world of high seas and tall ships, daring journeys and yearning hearts.
Still Life by Dani Pettrey


Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright–and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.
Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead–and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.
Swag!!!

1001 Dark Nights Coloring book, pencils and swag!

One Wolf Clan pen from Sara Humphreys

Two lip balms

One Pedometer from Tina Desalvo

One bar of sexy shifter soap from Jodi Vaughn

One heart shaped can opener from xoxoafterdark.com

One set of post its in a book from Collette Cameron

One charm from Audrey Carlan

Please enter below for the giveaway! US only, sorry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

This Chicks Kindle Unlimited Vacation

Hey everyone, I am going on vacation!  Wheee!!!!!  I will be traveling and sightseeing, but I will also be doing a LOT of sitting in airports, waiting on buses, etc. SO, I foresee some reading in my future. I will, of course, be with my hisband, so I need to spend time gazing into his baby blues as well, but I know I will be picking up a book or my phone/IPAD to catch up on some reading too. So, I have set myself a task.  I have maxxed out my Kindle Unlimited 10 books limit. I guess it should be called Kindle Limited if they are going to limit my number of books, right? Well, I do like this subscription because I’ve discovered some great new authors, so I need to free up some space.  Below, are my list of KU books that I am going to read on my vacation. My goal is to read five. Pretty lofty for one week but with two days of travel I may be able to get through a few at least!

Here are my books I hope to read.

 The setting is Italy!!! Coincidently, also where I will be going on vacation, so it’s first on my list.
Libby has been drifting through life for too long and, now in her early 30’s, it’s time to grow up. She decides to have one last summer of fun before buckling down, so heads off to beautiful Positano in Italy.

There, despite all her good intentions, she can’t help but fall a little in love with the very handsome, but rather naughty, Luca and, as the summer draws to a close, Libby has some big decisions to make.

Should she head back home and face up to her responsibilities? Is Luca really the right man to start a family with, or has the perfect man been right in front of her eyes all this time?

And, when it comes to affairs of the heart, is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

 You got to love the Winston Brothers!! This one just came out and I deleted another book to get it on my kindle.
Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.

Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever. She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words. Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity–exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity–and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

  I read the first in this shifter series and was so surprised by it (in a good way!) that I eagerly got Transcend when it came out. It’s only sat for a couple of months but its time to read it!

The bestselling, groundbreaking Origin series continues with Transcend. Women are disappearing in New City, and the Corporate Army assigns their best soldiers to the case. In a world still recovering from war and death, every woman is needed for the survival of the human race.

Mina Kramer is a socialite in New City. She smiles for her father’s business associates, laughs at all their jokes, and acts the perfect daughter. When she’s suddenly abducted from a party at Baker Corporation, her whole world turns sideways. The kidnappers aren’t asking for her family’s money, the one item her parents have plenty of. With only confusion and captivity in her future, she prays for a rescue by her parents.
Except her saviors come in the form of the all-power Mr. Finn Baker and Poppy Carvene, a tiny sprite of a woman. And they don’t return her to her parents. Mr. Baker decides he wants to keep her and use her as bait to flush out the kidnappers’ leader. 
Mina must push her fears aside or dive deeper into them. Does she want to run to her parents, who are safe? Or will she transcend to a woman who fights criminals bent on destroying New City? And can she overcome her startling feelings for the sexy Mr. Baker, a man who harbors secrets of his own?
 The first book Cake: A Love Story was great. My sister has read The Teory of Second Best and she told me that its really funny and better than the first. She usually nails it when calling good books so I’m looking forward to reading it. Sidenote, the author is from my home town and I feel great supporting her efforts even though I don’t know her personally! Shout out to Camarillo, CA!
Twenty-two-year-old Kyle McKallister has lived his life in the shadows. Younger brother to one of the world’s most elusive and embattled celebrities, Kyle has carved out a comfortable existence touring with his famous brother and living in the lap of luxury with no commitments or plans of his own, only a deep, haunting loyalty to his brother. But his life is about to be shaken up when the opportunity comes to compete on a popular reality show. 

Small town girl Kenzie Williams has come on the show for one thing only: to win. But when a disastrous start forces her to rely on an eclectic band of misfits, she finds herself immediately smitten with a handsome and mysterious cast mate. 
But life on the island is just a game. Can Kyle and Kenzie’s fragile spark survive the pressures of the real world?
 I really loved Dragon Ridden, the first in this series and was so excited that the sequel was finally coming out. After all, Dragon Ridden was written in 2012, that’s a big stretch between books! Luckily I read this book maybe 10 months ago and can still remember the plot as it looks like this one takes up right where the first left off.
An ancient discovery has been made close to the city of Aurelia—one that promises wealth and power equal only to the dangerous secrets lying at its heart.

With three powerful groups vying for control of the discovery’s unlimited potential, it will take a delicate touch not to tip the scales toward war. Something Tate Fisher, a newly accepted dragon-ridden with a bit of a memory problem, has never been known for possessing.

Tate must learn to navigate the undercurrents of this society if she wants her friends and empire to come out the other side in one piece. Because these secrets involve Tate, and they don’t intend to let her go so easily.



Oh, gosh, when I went through my KU titles so many looked good! If I can read more I definitely will.  I’ll let you know how it goes!
Salute!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

This Chick Read: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

At first glance Karou and her life seem pretty normal. She’s an artist going to school in the magical city of Prague. She and her best friend Zazou have normal teenage conversations about dirtbag exboyfriends and cute future ones. A hint of the magical gets introduced into the story and the reader starts to realize that with Karou, appearances are deceiving and that hint of magic becomes a deluge until the reader is drenched in the fantastical.

Akiva meets Karou when she’s running an errand collecting teeth for the father figure in her life, Brimstone. Brimstone is a chimeara, a race that is monster like in appearance, but human in manner. Kind of. Akiva spots Karou in a marketplace and there is something fascinating about her, so he follows her. When he see’s her buying teeth, he jumps to a conclusion and tries to kill her. Karou, an innocent, somehow defends herself with tattoo’s that blaze into life in his presence, shooting fire, and escapes back to Prague. He follows her and observes her life, realizing he was mistaken. This is where their love story begins. It’s mythological in nature, but reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet’s tale of two lovers from opposing families, although in this case they are from opposing races who are at war with each other.

I loved the mythology of this world, the city of Prague is magical in nature and was the perfect setting, and I fell immediately in love with Karou. Her story was pure fantasy and her love for Akiva overflowed. Their’s is a story I will read to the end.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click link to purchase! Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone)

copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads6 Comments

The Reading Chick’s Sunday #Giveaway !!

I am celebrating the end of Summer and my birthday by giving away books and swag from last May’s RT Convention over the next three Sundays. Each giveaway has a mix of genre’s as well as a handful of fun swag from some authors who I hope you’ll explore and love!

This Sunday’s giveaway includes:

Hooked on Love by Jennie Marts (my book has a different cover than below)


Avery Oliver can see the byline now. Chicago City Girl Tackles Colorado Mountains with Sexy, Reclusive Guide. What better way to jumpstart her journalism career than to head out into the woods with a hunky guide? It’s all very Bear Grylls, but she’ll take it, even if it means ditching her beloved designer suits and handbags.

All Sullivan Reed needs in life is a fly rod and the roar of a river. Playing guide to a hot little reporter can’t end well…until they strike a deal that’s mutually beneficial. She’ll pretend to be his girlfriend to deflect an overly flirtatious neighbor, and he’ll help her with the article. It’s a win-win.

Until it isn’t. Turns out, the only thing Avery’s worse at than fishing is being a fake girlfriend, because every time he’s with her, he forgets it’s all pretend…

Hot Seal by Lynn Raye Harris (my book has a different cover again!)


Navy SEAL Dane “Viking” Erikson has sworn off women—or at least he’s sworn off one woman: DEA Agent Ivy McGill. His ex-wife.

But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about.

Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?

Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson (Read my review HERE)


Happily ever afters aren’t just for fairy tales. In this heartfelt novel, a retired athlete must become a father to the daughter he never knew—just as he discovers the power of love with a woman who reignites his passions.

Drew Sellers is drowning in broken dreams and empty beer bottles. Hockey was his world, until a bum knee reduced him from superstar to has-been. Then he learns that, thanks to a one-night-stand back in college, he’s the father of a preteen girl with major issues. Her protective aunt sees right through Drew’s BS, but “Auntie P” is no stereotypical spinster. With her slender curves, toned legs, and luscious lips, she has Drew indulging in fantasies that aren’t exactly family-friendly.

At another point in her life, Peyton Watt would have been all over a cocky alpha male who pushes all her buttons like Drew. Right now, though, she needs to focus on taking care of her niece during her sister’s health crisis, all while holding down a job and keeping her own head above water. Besides, Drew’s clearly no father of the year. He’s unemployed. He drinks too much. And he’s living in the past. But after Peyton gets a glimpse of the genuine man behind his tough-guy façade, she’s hooked—and there’s no going back.

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray


Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.

But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too.

The Talon of the Hawk by Jeffe Kennedy


A HEAVY CROWN

Three daughters were born to High King Uorsin, in place of the son he wanted. The youngest, lovely and sweet. The middle, pretty and subtle, with an air of magic. And the eldest, the Heir. A girl grudgingly honed to leadership, not beauty, to bear the sword and honor of the king.
Ursula’s loyalty is as ingrained as her straight warrior’s spine. She protects the peace of the Twelve Kingdoms with sweat and blood, her sisters from threats far and near. And she protects her father to prove her worth. But she never imagined her loyalty would become an open question on palace grounds. That her father would receive her with a foreign witch at one side and a hireling captain at the other—that soldiers would look on her as a woman, not as a warrior. She also never expected to decide the destiny of her sisters, of her people, of the Twelve Kingdoms and the Thirteenth. Not with her father still on the throne and war in the air. But the choice is before her. And the Heir must lead…
SWAG!!

An eye glass cloth from Audrey Carlan

One Dragon Clan button from Sara Humphreys

One notepad from Donna Michaels

One Selfie stick in a box from Tina deSalvo

One deck of cards from Ally Broadfield

One flashlight keychain that says Montana Rescue

One dueling pistols necklace

One mirror compact from Milly Tilden

Two lip balms.

Here is a picture of all the goodies and the link to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads3 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Favorite Fictional Couples 

I have never been the type of person who gets crushes on famous actors, has a book boyfriend, favorite band or heck, even a favorite food.  Sure I have likes and dislikes; I like Chris Hemsworth more than Liam Hemsworth and Mexican Food more than Chinese, but never have had an outright favorite.

I do however have favorite fiction couples. Is it the thought that there is one person out there for everyone? Sure. But it’s more of how those two people fit together and that chemistry thats so fascinating. Let’s analyze a few of my favorites.

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon – Jamie and Claire

I read these books when they first came out in the ’90’s. Yes, some of you weren’t even born yet! ALL the women in my family passed these books around to each other and swooned over Jamie and Claire. One of my Uncles even named his daughter Claire ( yes, the men in my family have read Outlander, even my own husband!). Why do these two connect so well with us? Claire is a modern woman, well modern for historical highland Scotland anyway. She’s smart, stands up for herself, and even though torn between two men finds enough love within herself for both. Jamie is the love of her life or lifetimes, as the case may be. Jamie, a young handsome highlander likes her smarts, sass, and experience. Most importantly, he allows her to to be Claire. In doing so, he captures her heart even when they live centuries apart. That separation and the fact that Claire travels through time to be with her true love only makes us love it and them more.

Click this link to purchase! Outlander

In Death series by J. D. Robb – Eve and Rourke

She’s a cop, and he’s a gazillionaire ex-thief and the setting is futuristic New York. Despite their surface differences they have commonalities in their depths. Eve was abused and raped by her own father and she killed him when she was a child in self defense. Roarke was a street punk who survived by those artful dodger skills. Both lacked love as children but somehow overcame that to have thriving careers and ultimately finding that love they needed from each other. He is whimsical and uber brilliant, and she is steely and analytical and because of those traits they are the yin to each others yang. It’s great fun to see Eve discover her own hidden depths and Roarke to love in overwhelming waves and to see each other grow as a couple because of their trust for each other.  His gazillionaire status doesn’t play into it at all though all his gadgets, gizmos and exotic locations do make for a fun read

Click the link to purchase! Naked in Death (In Death, Book 1)
The Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews – Nevada Baylor and Connor Rogan

An Urban Fantasy series, the third,Wildfire, came out this week and I am reading right now. (I MUST get back to it!) Connor Mad Rogan, is a Prime. A mage with an extraordinary skillset that has been used in battle and earned him a certain reputation. He and Nevada cross paths when they are both investigating the same crime. He is instantly intrigued by her and although she can’t ignore how attractive he is, his reputation is pretty scary (hence the nickname “Mad”) and she isn’t interested. However, forced to work together she is drawn to his strength and honor, and see’s that young boy inside of him that suffered from a lack of love. Those things whittle away at her walls until she lets him in, and at that moment, he has her trust, heart, and hope. Connor, with all of that power never used it to win her over. I think it was the fact that he let her grow without trying to influence her, fought by her side, protected her family and ultimately that strength of passion that won her over. Oh, don’t forget their incredible chemistry. Wowza!

Click the link to purchase! Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy)
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas – Feyre and Rhysand

This YA fantasy series used misdirection and an evil enemy to move our two heroes Feyre and Rhysand together both in the fight against evil but also in a bonding love that would seem to be everlasting. Feyre, human turned Fae, is certainly put through the wringer in these books. Fighting for herself and her family, the whole time. Rhysand, introduced to the reader as the King of darkness, had a lot to overcome, both with Feyre and the reader because Ms. Maas manipulated our minds into believing he was the bad guy. As the story unfolds and we see the true nature of Rhysand and Tamlin (the red herring) our own hearts unfold, right along with Feyre’s and we bleed our love for Rhysand. Or at least that is what it felt like to me. Theirs was a union that had to overcome death, deception and war. In comparison their happy moments felt like golden moments of stolen time, sure to be taken away. Feyre, although not my favorite female character of all time, was held up as part of one of my favorite couples because of Rhysand’s grit and fortitude, and yes love and passion. He was desperately fighting for their love, we just didn’t realize it until later, and when we did, we bought it and him, hook, line and sinker.

Click the link to purchase! A Court of Thorns and Roses

The more I think on this topic the more I could go on and on and on. I left out the obvious classics like Romeo and Juliet (although they both die so really does that count?), Ron and Hermione for the Harry Potter fans, and even Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. These four are a few of my favorites and I know my choices lean towards fantasy which may not appeal to everyone.

I would love to hear who is your own favorite fictional couple. Do they come from the classics? Contemporary romance? Or are they from fantasy novels like mine? Please comment below and lets talk.

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

This Chick Read: Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh 

Mirako is on her journey to become the bride in an arranged marriage to the younger son of her emperor when she and her company is attacked with everyone dying but her. On her own in the forest Mirako decides to investigate who had killed her retinue and ends up infiltrating their group. Of course, she can’t do this as a girl so she decides to disguise herself as a young boy and discovers the freedom a change in sex brings.

Renee Ahdieh writes in a lyrical style that was totally appropriate to the time and story she was telling and rivaled the beauty of the covert art on her book. Her descriptions really gave the setting an otherworldly feel that matched an era that was royally majestic and colorful, which hid the squalor of its poor. Mirako as a girl was seen as strange and odd. While not unattractive, she was a girl who asked questions and showed intelligence in a time where girls were to be seen and not heard and femininity was prized above all else. Mirako as a boy was allowed to use her brain and in fact her intellect was rewarded. It’s no wonder that when she infiltrated the Black Clan the lines between right and wrong were blurred. She makes friends and yes, she finds love, but her duty to her family keeps clouding thoughts of what would bring her happiness. Would leaving honor and duty behind bring her joy? Those are the decisions she finds herself making in this book.

This was a beautiful book to read and very easy to go all in emotionally. Who doesn’t want to root for a girl to be honored for her intellect, find true love and fight the bad guys? Right on!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️


Click the link to purchase! Flame in the Mist

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads4 Comments

This Chick Read: Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard

The premise of a class structure that was separated, not by the color of your skin, but by the color of your blood was interesting. Those with silver blood, surprisingly called Silvers,  had special power talents, like telekinesis, mind reading, controlling fire, water, etc. Those citizens with red blood (Reds) were normal, and the peasants and worker bees in this fantasy world. When Mare Barrow, a Red, receives placement as a servant in the ruling family’s castle, she finds out that her blood, although red, is different. She, too, has a power! She manifests that power for the first time in a room full of Silvers, and because she can’t be explained, the monarchy decides to create a new identity for her, placing her as a princess of a lost Silver family. However, Mare knows she is not Silver, and in fact, still bleeds red in not only color, but also in idealisms.

Red Queen had the normal YA trope of young idealistic girl feeling her power/strength for the first time. It also used the threesome trope. Young girl torn between two brothers, the future king, who is a gentle warrior, and the younger brother, her betrothed, who is quiet and shares her idealisms. Maybe that was why I was ambivalent? I think if I had read this book when it came out, the use of those tropes wouldn’t have been as stale. It wasn’t until the book turned political that I got truly interested. When Mare started fighting back was when my interest was earned. Finally, I thought! A fight against prejudice, no matter what kind, I will relish. Knowing this is a trilogy, I am hoping the second and third book start quickly and the story doesn’t get bogged down by other over used tropes.

I did enjoy this fantasy world that Victoria Aveyard built. It was really well thought out, and kind of Machiavellian, which was fun to read about. Even though this book took a little time to get into, the positives more than made up for the negatives. I will totally pick up the next novel in the series and see how Mare’s rebellion continues. This book ends right when things were starting to get interesting! ❤️❤️❤️❤️


Click the link to purchase! Red Queen

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads10 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Share Your Shelves – The Alphabet Book Tag (A-M)

I just finished a novel and was trying to decide which book I’d read next. As usual I’m looking through NetGalley, my Kindle, YA book subscriptions and bookshelves. Man, I have a lot of books to read and it’s a little overwhelming!  Hmm, is there another way to pick my next book? Why not select a few alphabetically? At least I’d see some not so very obvious and maybe well hidden unread novels that I already own in a new light. On the chance that you also own books on this list maybe it will remind you that these books still need to be read. 

If you’ve read some of these books, chime in! Did you like one? What was your favorite? What would you recommend? 

I’m going to tag a few bloggers that I know have bookshelves that are overflowing to do their own Alphabet Book Tag. Share your shelves! It may help you pick out your next book, or prompt one of your readers to pick up that same book that they already own. These are all fabulous reviewers so check out their websites for interesting ideas.

Tag You’re It! A-M only!  Don’t worry if you don’t have time, but if you do, even if it’s only ABC, pls link me so I can read your tag, Thanks!

Donna@hereonthereeverywhere.us

Corina and Tijuana @booktwinsreviews.com

Lynne@fictionophile.wordpress.com

Raven@Dreamyaddictions.wordpress.com

Marie@Drizzleandhurricanebooks.com

THE ALPHABET BOOKTAG

A Sky Full of Stars by Samantha Chase 

Book five in the series but it looks like a fun enemies to lovers book. I do like Samantha Chase!

Brilliant astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy feels more connected to the cosmos than to people. He’s great with calculations, but when he leads a team of scientists to study a famous meteor shower, he doesn’t factor in his free-spirited artist assistant Brooke Matthews.

Polar opposites in personality, the friction between Owen and Brooke threatens to derail the project. But the beauty and mystery of the night sky draw them together—and she’s going to surprise him in ways the stars never could.

Blood Bound by Sharon Stevenson 

I got this one for free by subscribing to the authors newsletter. A paranormal ya? Sold!

19-year-old twin demon trackers Shaun and Sarah Gallows are used to running into trouble—mostly the kind with fangs—but while Sarah embraces her powers to their fullest extent, trusting her instincts implicitly, Shaun distances himself from his abilities and can do little more than despair at his sister’s reckless nature and idly back her up.
When they come across 17-year-old Melissa Carling, a demon tracker who’s been torturing innocent super-naturals, they know they have to stop her. Sarah is desperate to punish Melissa for what she’s been doing but Shaun’s instant attraction to the girl points to a soul-mate bond stronger than anything he’s ever had to fight before…

Caraval by Stephanie Garber 

Ok, I know I’m late to the party. Hey, I own the book, I just need to read what all the fuss is about!

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.


Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata 

This was a surprise release in June. It’s on Kindle Unlimited, which I subscribe to and I Love Mariana Zapata, so it will be read soon. Probably on my vacation next month.

Ruby Santos knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she signed up to write a soldier overseas.

The guidelines were simple: one letter or email a week for the length of his or her deployment. Care packages were optional.
Been there, done that. She thought she knew what to expect.
What she didn’t count on was falling in love with the guy.



Ever the Hunted by Erin 


A totally gorgeous cover, right? This was in my YA subscription, Uppercase box, and I just haven’t gotten to it yet, but I will!

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, a legendary bounty hunter—that is, until her father is murdered. The alleged killer is none other than Cohen Mackay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart.  

     She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a force to be reckoned with.  

Falling by Simona Ahrnstedt 

I received this novel at the RT Convention in May, just as I received the first in the series, All In, last year at RT. All In was so good! This comes out in a week or so and I got an early copy. I need to read and review, Lol.

Alexander de la Grip is known in the tabloids and gossip blogs as a rich, decadent, jet-setting playboy who spends most of his days recovering from the night before. With a string of beautiful conquests, he seems to care about nothing and no one.Isobel Sørensen has treated patients in refugee camps and war zones, and is about to depart Sweden for a pediatric hospital in Chad. Devoted to her humanitarian work, she cares almost too deeply. Especially when she learns that Alexander is withholding desperately needed funds from her aid foundation.

Is it because she’s the only woman who ever told him to go to hell?

As the two push each other’s boundaries to the breaking point, the truth turns out to be much more complicated.Pain, love, trust, betrayal. Which will triumph when safety is nothing but an empty word?

Gilded Cage by Vic James 

Another RT Convention YA fantasy novel, but there are never too many. Has anyone read a book by Vic James? 

In a darkly fantastical debut set in modern-day Britain, magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.

This is the darkly decadent world of Gilded Cage. In its glittering milieu move the all-powerful Jardines and the everyday Hadleys. The families have only one thing in common: Each has three children. But their destinies entwine when one family enters the service of the other. They will all discover whether any magic is more powerful than the human spirit.

Hold ‘Em by Katie Porter 

Ok, I have had this book for YEARS! I’ve read the first two in the series and they were very good. Very sexy! The copy I have has a different cover, but I know some of you ladies like those chest book covers so I chose to put this one up. It sounds like it may be a little Dom/Sub romance?  I might be a little afraid.  Lol.

Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic “girls can’t be fighter pilots” attitudes.

That’s what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton. Now, six years later, he’s been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he’s filled out nicely. Plus he’s cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.

Even after four tours, Mike’s the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That’s not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he’s learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.

Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he’s been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah’s aware one thing hasn’t changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She’s not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career—and her heart.

In the Heir by Ruth Cardello 

I met this author at RT. She was sweet and signed a book for me to give away on my blog. Which I will still do! I think this is a Billionaire romance? Millionaire? Hell, couple hundred-aire would be good for some of us, right?

Brett Westerly is his father’s golden child, but it’s come at a cost. As head of the family corporation, he throws himself into his work—hiding in his office is easier than confronting the reality of his broken family.

After a bitter divorce that split the family and divided loyalties, the wealthy Westerly matriarch offers an early inheritance to any grandchild who marries and invites the entire family to the wedding. Brett’s brother Spencer rashly gets engaged, and Brett knows it’s his duty to intervene. But he never imagined the unwelcome desire Spencer’s fiery fiancée would spark in him. Now the man who’s used to getting everything he could want has met the one woman he can’t have.

Ever since she was a girl, Alisha Coventry considered Spencer and his sister Rachelle the family she didn’t have. When Spencer asks for her help, Alisha has no problem becoming his fake fiancée—until she meets Spencer’s sexy older brother Brett. The chemistry between them is undeniable—forbidden—but as their relationship deepens, Brett is determined to have her.



Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley 

Another book from RT! This author was so nice. It’s an inspirational romantic suspense, and sounds kind of dark.  I’m definitely more curious about it now….

It’s been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister’s sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn’t actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will’s cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week–including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.


Keepers by Meg Collett 

I won this series from a blogger and I still haven’t read them but the plot and characters sound unique. Cute covers too!

Stevie Reynolds was a buzz-worthy reality star before moving to Canaan Island to escape Los Angeles and her fame-hungry parents. But not all her demons, like her penchant for wine and bad decisions, are escapable.

Completely broke and fresh out of rehab after her DUI, Stevie gets an offer from her hotshot LA ex to star in his home renovation show with Canaan’s favorite son, Cade Cooper. Stevie returns to the reality business for Cade, who’s relying on the show to help pay for his mother’s cancer treatments.


Stevie refuses to break Cade’s sensitive heart, but she can’t keep herself from falling for his kind smile and easy laugh. When the producers push her to risk her shaky sobriety and Cade’s credibility for the sake of ratings, Stevie is ready to quit—until her ex threatens to reveal an intimate secret from her past.

If her secret is leaked, Stevie will lose everything she loves on Canaan Island, including Cade.

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson

An Inspirational Historical romance. This looks like a great story, and wait, is her love interest a pirate? This looks good, I forgot I had it. See, this tag is working for me!

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.
From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.


Mogul by Joanna Shupe 

This is the newest from Joanna Shupe. I love that this series is set in the Industrial era, which isn’t a time period I read too often. Baron was fabulous so I know I will love this book!

The privileged members of the Knickerbocker Club can never climb too high up the social ladder. But for one charming New York bachelor, does the ascent take precedence over love in the Gilded Age?

As owner of a well-respected national newspaper, Calvin Cabot has the means to indulge his capricious taste for excess–and the power to bring the upper crust of society to its knees. So when a desperate heiress from his past begs for his help, Calvin agrees . . . as long as she promises to stay out of his way. Except, like the newsman, this willful beauty always gets what she wants . . .

Lillian Davies lives a life brimming with boundless parties, impressive yachts, and exotic getaways. But when her brother disappears, Lily knows that blood runs thicker than champagne and she’ll spare nothing to bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the only man who can help her is the one she never wanted to see again. Can Lily keep Calvin at arm’s length long enough to save her brother and protect her name . . . even when the tenacious powerbroker turns out to be absolutely irresistible?




Wow, finding titles beginning with a certain letter was a lot more difficult than I thought. Especially since I didn’t allow myself to throw out the “The” in a title. My taste seems to be pretty eclectic doesn’t it? There are some great books on this list, at least I think there are. If you’ve read any of these please let me know what you thought! Which one would you read first?

Until next Sunday,

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads10 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag

I saw this tag on The Literary Elephants blog and thought it looked like a lot of fun! Check out the Literary Elephant HERE for some great book reviews, tags and commentary! The great thing about books is that our opinions are so subjective. What I like may be what you hate or we may love the same things. I blog because I love talking about books, but over the past two years I’ve really enjoyed reading about YOUR opinions on books. Some of you have influenced my reading as I hope I may have influenced yours.

Ok, on to the fun Tag! Here are the questions, straight from The Literary Elephants mouth. Oh, and if you click on the highlighted name of each book it will take you to their Amazon page so you can check them out.

The best book I’ve read so far in 2017
According to Goodreads I have read 116 books so far this year. Wow, that’s a lot of books! There were quite a few I loved, but did I love one more than another? That’s a hard call because its hard to compare books from different genres, but my favorite probably won’t surprise any of you who follow my blog regularly. I LOVED Anne Bishop’s Written in Red. It was original, the characters were amazing and the world building tremendous. I went on to read the rest of that series as fast as I could, then went out and bought them all in hardback for my library. To read my review of Written in Red click HERE.

Click the link to purchase! Written in Red (A Novel of the Others)
My favorite sequel of the year

No question my most anticipated and favorite sequel of the year so far has been White Hot by Ilona Andrews. I re-read Burn for Me just so it would be fresh in my mind and then burned through White Hot. Ilona Andrews writes the best paranormal fantasy novels! Read my review HERE for White Hot.


Click the link to purchase! White Hot (Hidden Legacy)


A new release I haven’t read but really want to

The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichart. It looks like a sweet summer romance and I have actually purchased it but haven’t read it yet.  But I will! Read the synopsis by clicking on the name above.

Click the link to purchase! The Simplicity of Cider: A Novel

My most anticipated release for the second half of the year

This is easy, its Wildfire, the third in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. I have the first two in paperback and have already pre-ordered Wildfire to include on my bookshelf.  It comes out July 25th and I can’t wait!

Click the link to purchase! Wildfire: A Hidden Legacy Novel

My biggest disappointment of 2017

Oh boy. I hate to talk about the disappointments, and luckily there have only been a couple. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire just didn’t do it for me. I don’t know if it was the hype? I read so many reviews about how great it was and well, I thought it was one hot mess. For more details, read my review of it by clicking  HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Beautiful Disaster: A Novel (Beautiful Disaster Series)


My biggest surprise of the year

It was definitely Illuminae by Amie Kaufmann and Jay Kristoff. What a fantastic story, told in a totally original way. It was part novel, part graphic novel and part military manual.  Lol, thats kind of a joke but not really. Read more of my thoughts in my review HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Illuminae


Favorite new-to-you or debut author

My sister introduced me to an author named J. Bengtsson. She wrote this great rock star romance named Cake. This is a truly hilarious romance, but it also has real depth to it. Well rounded and really really good. Read my review of Cake HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Cake: A Love Story


My new fictional crush

Oh gosh, I don’t really get crushes. Although I will say either Gabriel or Ricky in Kelley Armstrong’s Cainsville series would do in a pinch. Or possibly both of them? Hmmm.

Click the link to purchase! Omens (Cainsville)

My new favorite character

I’m going to go with Simon, no Meg, from Anne Bishop’s Others series. No Simon. They are just both great characters! I pick both! Seriously guys, pick up Written in Red for your Urban Fantasy fix. I may have to read it again. Right now.

A book that made me cry

It’s not hard to do, I’m a big baby! Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson. Its a sad premise about a woman who had a one night stand in college, got pregnant, raised her daughter then finds out she has cancer. She wants her daughter to have a father so she tracks him down. Its a love story and a three kleenex novel. For my review click HERE.


Click the link to purchase! Dancing in the Rain


A book that made me happy

Oh gosh, just reading makes me happy, but let’s see.  Abbi Waxman’s novel The Garden of Small Beginnings was laugh out loud funny! My husband kept giving me the side eye and I’d try to explain the dialog, and well, it’s never as funny as in the moment your reading it. Anyways, this book was amazing. Read more of my review HERE. Then pick up the book!

Click to purchase this book! The Garden of Small Beginnings

My favorite book-to-movie adaptation that I’ve seen this year

I have no idea!  Was Star Wars: Rogue One a book?  I loved the movie.

The most beautiful book I’ve bought/received this year

Flame in the Mist was gorgeous!

Click the link to purchase! Flame in the Mist

Some books I need to read by the end of the year

I have two more left in Kelley Armstrongs Cainsville series and I know they’ll get read soon. Rituals is out in August so I don’t have long to wait for that final novel.

 

I’m also looking forward to reading the next book in the Cake series by J. Bengtsson


I want to finish the Red Queen series.


Wow, there are so many that this post would go on forever! I’ll just stop with those four.

What do you think? In looking at these titles I can see that I definitely like fantasy novels, LOL. How would you answer these questions? Consider yourselves tagged! And let me know when you’ve posted your answers so I can take a look!

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads14 Comments

Blog Book Club: Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

Our first installment of our Blog Book Club was reading Kulti by Mariana Zapata.  Three of us read the book, one DNF and two really liked it! It was a perfect example of how reading is totally subjective.  We wanted to switch genre’s and chose Defy the Stars, a YA Science Fiction novel. My review is below, and I’d love it if you also read Donna’s review at heronthereeverywhere.us. She has a real voice for writing reviews and I think you’ll enjoy her perspective.  We’d love to have more bloggers join our Blog Book Club. If you’re interested, please comment on either my or Donna’s post.

Read Donna’s review HERE! ( after reading mine of course!😊)

This Chick Read: Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

Seventeen year old Noemi is a fighter pilot who has volunteered on a suicide mission called the Masada Run to destroy a gate between worlds. While on a last training excercise before that mission her squadron is attacked by some Damocles fighter pilots and ends up battling for her life. A life that she had volunteered to give up in place of her best friend Esther. Esther, also on this excercise ends up a casualty of a Mech fighter pilot, an engineered android, part human part machine. Mechs were created by their enemy for various jobs that humans don’t want to do. In this case, die in a war. When Noemi sees Esther’s plane attacked, she deserts her place to try to save Esther’s life. Using a tractor beam, she hauls Esther and her ship to what she thinks is an abandoned freighter to try to save Esther’s life. What she doesn’t know is that a Mech named Abel has been abandoned on this ship for thirty years.

Defy the Stars is about Noemi, a human who lacks self worth, and a humanoid boy named Abel wh, despite his programming, is looking for the love of a father and the meaning of life. Although he is an artificial life form, Abel, unlike other Mechs, was programmed to learn, think evaluate and grow. 30 years abandoned on a loading dock of an empty freighter has given Abel a lot of time to think about the meaning of life, and his programming allowed him to evolve. So, at the beginning of this book, Noemi and Abel are emotionally at the same place in their lives, and as they interact, make decisions, and come to have feelings of friendship for each other, they grow at the same pace. Although one is human and one is not. Despite the father son similarities to Pinocchio and Gepetto, or even Data and Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek Next Generation, Abel’s journey of self discovery was vivid in color and interesting to read. Even if his thought processes were a little analytical and dry. But, what do you expect from a Mech! On the other hand, Noemi’s inability to see beyond her lack of self worth, her skepticism of Abel’s decisions and abilities, painted her character gray and dismal. Until her moment of discovery, which I won’t spoil, but at that moment her life the choices she makes redeems everything I’d felt about her earlier.

The first third of this book was hard to slog through, but I believe the author was setting the reader up for that “moment” of discovery when reading this book became worthwhile and the relationship that developed between Abel and Noemi surpassed the relationship Abel sought with his “father”. As with all children, Abel grew up and that pedestal he’d put his father on, turned out to be not so realistic. For those of us who are adults, we can look back and see that moment with our own parent, when they became real and not all knowing which helped me connect to Abel. Noemi’s defining moment was a lot more subtle and emotional. I guess I need to be hit over the head with the obvious because I felt more for Abel, but then he had a much larger challenge to overcome. He was after all a humanoid to her human.

This is the first in the series and I definitely want to see how much more both of these characters grow, and then also to see how they grow together because you know that’s evolving too! ❤️❤️❤️❤️


Click the link to purchase! Defy the Stars

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads7 Comments