I know I signed up for a romance when I requested an ARC of Chick Magnet, but I was not prepared for this book cover when I opened my book mail. I guess I’ve gotten used to all the cutesy cartoon covers gracing every rom-com out there these days. Bravo, author Emma Barry, for reminding us all why we’re really pickin’ up a romance.
However… I’m very grateful I don’t take public transportation into the city anymore because reading this book on that commute would have gotten real awkward.
Okay, enough about the book cover. Let’s talk about the book, which was a really fun read. Chick Magnet is sweet and heartfelt, with a good build-up of romance and moving backstories for its main characters.
Chick Magnet embraces my literary kryptonite: it’s about a woman who starts over by moving to a small town, where there just so happens to be an attractive single man within dating reach. The story draws you in from the beginning with a chicken-oriented meet-cute, which is quickly followed by some chicken drama. (And, be warned: chicken anatomy lessons. I hope I don’t have to read the phrase “clean her vent” ever again. 🤢 No, that’s not a euphemism.)
There’s good flirtation and smolder going on between chicken-loving influencer Nic and her neighbor/nemesis, Will. Will’s the local vet who disapproves of “chickens as pets,” and Nic constantly refers to him as “the Viking.” (Which totally had me picturing Eric Northman from True Blood.) Nic and Will are thrown together a lot at the start by circumstance, but pretty soon they start finding their way to each other on their own, and that’s when the romance really gets going.
While there’s plenty of small-town charm in this novel, there’s also a lot of modern touches, which I think makes Chick Magnet a refreshing read. The content creator in me loved “Chick Nic” — there was lots of talk about social media platforms, creating and editing videos, planning out content, keeping up with a fan base, etc. I also loved that Nic’s not your “typical” influencer; she’s more or less a chicken farmer. Obviously, I love me some stories about book or food content creators, but reading about a chicken-centered lifestyle was a fun change.
If you’re looking for a fun romance with a quirky twist, pick up Chick Magnet. And maybe a book sleeve if you plan to read this anywhere but your own home.
Chick Magnet by Emma Barry will be available for sale on January 24, 2023 from Amazon Publishing. Although I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from Kaye Publicity, all opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
