Love & Chickens

I love chickens! So a romance novel featuring a fellow chicken lover was an obvious choice for me and happily, I wasn't disappointed. A little conflict with a sexy leading man, a little intrigue with a hot villian, a twinkly old man, and a brash, fun best friend made for a winning cast of characters. Very low spice, but plenty steamy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really really liked this book! I don't care about chickens and poultry at all but found myself strangely invested in this story!

I came for the disability rep (the FMC uses cane) and stayed for the chicken drama. Who knew chickens and geese had such personality and the poulty showbizz was so nervewrecking!

I was absolutely rooting for Madeline and her prized chicken Elsie. I wanted them to win. Same goes for Patricia and her goose Sir Lancelot (or "Patrice and her geese" as I call them in my head). I also loved the friendship between Patricia and Madeline and the chaotic happy energy Patricia brought to the story. I would like to see more of her in a future book!

As I said, Madeline uses a cane. She had been in a car accident. She can still walk but when she is tired or has to walk longer distances she uses a cane. And I absolutely loved the rep! She is pretty confident with the cane but also knows people sometimes treat her differently because of her aid. Or underestimate her. Think she isn't as capable or smart just because she uses a mobility aid. And as sad as that is, it is the reality for many people. And I was glad to see it reflected in the story! Her disability is not a plotpoint nor the centre of the story. It is just a part of her and another dimension in how she navigates and views the world! We love to see it!

The romance was very cute. A real enemies-to-lovers á la Pride & Prejudice. Instead of Darcy insulting one of Jane's sisters, George (the MMC) insulted one of her chickens and she is MAD about it! Thoughout the whole story are Pride & Prejudice hints. Either in names, behavioural things or storylines. And I loved it. Pride & Prejudice (2005) is one of my favourite films so this was a real treat!
It is an open door story but the spice is very mild and more leaning toward the sweet side. So perfect for closed door readers wanting to dip their toes into the open door side of romance!

The first half of the story is pretty low stakes. But the second half had more tension & drama. A new character is introduced and he is a walking read flag. I cannot stand him!! I loved the conflict it brought to the story. It kept things interesting and me invested. I was in full detective mode trying to figure out what was going on.
This character also made very ableist comments and ugh I really want to smack him in the face for his comments and behaviour towards Madeline!
(I would have liked Madeline to stand up to the ableist behaviour of Mr Walking Red Flag. But in the context of the story it made sense she didn't say anything. She was too stunned to speak. But it would have been nice to see her talk to Patricia about it later and for them to talk about how wrong that comment was.)

So if you want a super fun story with Pride & Prejudice hints, and amazing disability rep. I highly recommend this book!

Ps. One time HP is mentioned. Madeline wanted to see some film locations. But she ended up not seeing them because of other commitments. So the whole mention could be skipped honestly. It is 2024, there is really no excuse for mentioning HP in books. #TransLivesMatter

Omg, why am I crying about chickens? I’ve never cried about chickens in my life. What is this witchcraft?? (She said endearingly) Seriously though, Love & Chickens is an absolute delight, albeit an emotional one. I was welcomed into a world I didn’t even know existed, and Kasey Morris has so carefully put her heart and passion throughout every page.

I truly loved this book, and the characters in it. Especially Sir Lancelot, the ruthless goose, who ferociously bit a judge. You are my spirit animal.

Oh and did I mention? THERE IS CHICKEN ESPIONAGE. I REPEAT: CHICKEN ESPIONAGE

Love & Chickens 🐔
By Kasey Morris
Release Date: February 27, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How can anyone pass up a book with a cute cover? I took one look and said I want to read it. Had no idea what the book was about. I’m so glad I gave it a go.

I loved the chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Also loved side characters, especially the animals, Elsie and Sir Lancelot. The story captivated me and kept my interest throughout.

If you are looking for a light read, enemies to lovers, drama sub-plot, and funny romcom, then definitely give this book a read. I simply adored it!

Thanks to author Kasey Morris and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to ARC read in exchange for my honest review.

Love & Chickens
By Kasey Morris

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

I’m going to be completely honest with y’all, I seen this cover and just HAD to read it. I mean could it be any Cuter!?! I literally commented on Kasey’s post saying I’d love to read and review for her. I did all of that without ever reading the Blurb, I don’t even think she knew that. lol Yes! I am a total cover snob. BUT.. I absolutely LOVED this book.

This was a Rom-Com mystery of sorts, and I was 100% here for it. I was giggling at the witty dialogue and swooning over the MCs George and Madeline. Even cackling at Patricia, the MC Madeline’s best friend. Everyone needs a Patricia in their life. George and Madeline were textbook enemies to lovers and I was rooting for them the entire time. Each and every character in this book played a perfect part to weave this story together.

The chickens and geese and well the chickens added so much to the book. They were the glue that held everything together. I love chickens and livestock judging so this just added to the fun for me.

The author Kasey Morris also used the CUTEST chapter breaks, chicken footprints! It was the cutest thing, I love it when an author throws in a little something special. Even the chapter numbers had a chicken behind it, very subtle but it’s there.

In Kasey Morris's humorous and heartwarming novel, Love & Chickens, Madeline Bennett, a passionate and skilled chicken shower, embarks on a journey of resilience, second chances, and unexpected love amidst the setbacks and rivalries of the competitive poultry circuit. Three years after a devastating accident shattered her dreams and decimated her prize-winning flock, Madeline returns to the show circuit with a renewed determination to rebuild her life and reputation. However, fate has a quirky sense of humor as she finds herself face-to-face with George Cooper, the arrogant English poultry judge who had once unjustly disqualified her prized rooster. Despite their initial animosity, an undeniable attraction begins to simmer between them, further complicating their already tumultuous relationship. As the investigation into a corrupt poultry judge unfolds, Madeline and George are forced to set aside their differences and work together. Along the way, they discover hidden depths within each other, challenging their preconceived notions and finding common ground in their shared passion for chickens. Through laughter, tears, and a shared love for poultry, Madeline and George learn to navigate the ups and downs of life, embrace second chances, and find healing and happiness in the unlikeliest of places. Love & Chickens is a delightful and heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of forgiveness, resilience, and the unexpected paths that love can take.