Naomi's Reading Palace

Review ~ The Player + The Pact = I Do by Louise Bay

The Player + The Pact = I Do (New York City Billionaires, #2)

The Player + The Pact = I Do by Louise Bay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this one to be a fun read! The opening chapter was amusing when we saw Jules and Leo in their first interaction. They certainly had a connection but Jules wasn’t a strong person back they and thought that Leo was the player she heard he was.

Jumping into the future and Jules was a strong confident woman who was determined to show Leo her worth for his business. She wanted to take on one of his hotels but he was reluctant to give her a go until he needed a favour from her. This helped them connect more and it was entertaining to see their relationship grow.

Honestly, these two were good together. The more time they spent together the more compatible they appeared. They both had times where they were hesitant to lay all they cards on the table, but it was only a matter of time. They had great chemistry and were driven to succeed in anything they put their minds too.

Title: The Player + The Pact = I Do

Author: Louise Bay

Series: New York City Billionaires #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 10, 2024

I hate my boss. Like, loathe him. Two years ago, he semi-broke my heart and he still doesn’t remember who I am. Okay so I was covered in electric blue body paint, and wearing a wig, but is that a good excuse to not remember the girl you said was your destiny?

Now I’m stuck working for the jerk because only he can give me the job I really want—manager of his hotel.

When he needs a fake fiancé for business reasons, there’s an easy solution—blackmail. He has to give me a trial run as hotel manager in return for wearing his ring.

It’s a perfect plan until he remembers when we first met.

Things suddenly shift and now he’s looking at me with eyes that see straight through to the real me, touching me with hands that make me weak and kissing me with a mouth that threatens to do things to me they don’t even talk about in movies.

There’s just one wrinkle. I don’t trust him not to break my heart again.

A standalone marriage pact romance from USA Today bestselling author Louise Bay.

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Audiobook Review ~ Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke

Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This was quite an amusing read to listen to! I enjoyed the way that Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke portrayed the characters, and I was immersed into the storyline right from the opening chapters. Honestly, the beginning of the book had me smirking and I knew I was going to enjoy the world that Adriana Locke created.

Gabrielle and Jay were amusing from the start; there was certainly an attraction that they both tried to deny. Gabrielle was determined to start her life over in her hometown with her sons and her cousin close by and I could see that she liked to do things herself. Jay just couldn’t help but get involved, although he tried to keep the small family next door at arm’s length.

I liked seeing the relationship between them all grow, not only Gab and Jay, but the relationship between Jay and the boys too. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but he tried hard despite the issues that he was trying to deal with and tried to protect his heart too. Truly, it was a fun and sweet read that I couldn’t help but be swept away with.

Title: Between Now and Forever

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 17, 2024

Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor.

Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.

Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?

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Review ~ Undercover Love by Lucy Score

Undercover Love by Lucy Score
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars
This was an ok read. I liked getting to know Ashley, but I could tell that her fiancé was a jerk from the first moment he was introduced in the book. He was very self centered and too worried about his boss Victoria so it was only a matter of time before they were completely over.

I liked Jason, but I didn’t like the way that he asked Ashley to remain in the home with Steven and manipulated her into certain circumstances. If he was as smart and as good at his job as he proclaimed, I’m sure they would’ve found ways to get the information they needed.

This book didn’t blow me away, but it certainly hasn’t deterred me from picking up more Lucy Score books sin the future. She always seems to find a book to captivate me, and I’m sure the next one will.

Title: Undercover Love

Author: Lucy Score

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 20, 2015

“I’m confused. Do you want me to spy on my fiancé or get naked with you?”

“Both. I thought that was obvious.”

Revenge. It’s the only thing Ashley can think about after finding her supposed fiancé, Steven, with his tongue down the throat of the worst human being in the history of the world—his colleague, Ice Queen Victoria. Turns out it’s not the only body part he’s betrayed her with.

Humiliated and furious, Ashley finds herself being propositioned by security expert and ridiculously sexy Jason Baine. But he’s not just looking to get her into bed. He needs her help taking down Steven and Victoria and rescuing his family’s company before it’s too late.

Ashley’s a regular girl, a normal person. She doesn’t dabble in corporate espionage or illicit affairs. At least she didn’t until Jason… But now she’s in too deep and things are getting dangerous.

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Review ~ Bishop by Eden Summers

Bishop by Eden Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of these books in this series out of order, but boy do I love them!! This is a darker read and we could see it right from the beginning. Abri does anything that her father demands her to do, and I could see what she would do to get through these tasks. Her life wasn’t easy and until the story unfolded you could see why.

I loved Bishop. He was loyal to very few people, Abri’s Uncle and brother were on top of that list. Having to look after Abri was not what he wanted to do but wouldn’t back down from tasks set before him. Bishop had demons from his past that he was battling, and Abri was able to get under his skin and get his secrets.

Abri and Bishop were so fun to get to know. I liked how they were able to help each other when needed and Bishop was fierce when it come to protecting Abri. This came more apparent a long the way and I loved that side of him. I could see that Abri was finally learning to trust someone, and I was glad these two were falling.

There were a lot of tough times through this story, and I felt Summers did a remarkable job of telling this story. Bishop and Abri were perfect for one another, and I loved that Abri brought out a sweet side in Bishop. This was a great read, and I look forward to diving into more stories from this world.

Title: Bishop

Author: Eden Summers

Series: Hunting Her #9

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Published: September 7, 2023

A standalone novel in the bestselling, seductively thrilling Hunting Her series.

In a moment of weakness I sent out a cry for help—one that was answered by my estranged brother’s right-hand man.
A murderer.
A butcher.

He storms into my life with his expensive suit pockets full of sedatives and cable ties in case I don’t approve of his form of protection. Let me assure you, I don’t.

But when my world falls apart and I have nowhere else to go, I’m forced to escape with him.
To an isolated house.
Just me and him.
Alone.

And it quickly becomes clear that the monstrous people I’ve been afraid of are nothing in comparison to the man in the room next door to mine.

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Audiobook Review ~ Variation by Rebecca Yarros

Variation by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Right from the opening chapters I knew that I would be swept away into this read! I needed to know more and to see how the characters had grown. It was interesting to see what they had lost and what they would give up for their families.

Allie was such a beautiful character. Her whole life she had been under the thumb of her mother and set to achieve everything she could in the ballet world, until she suffers an injury and returns to the home she spent summers in as a child. The loss of her sister all those years ago was still heavy on her shoulders, and when secrets unravel, she can see lightness in the world once again.

Hudson was such a wonderful man. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family. Having Allie around once more she forced him to chase his dreams once again and to not just settle. The chemistry between them was still fierce although they tried to make it a limited time thing.

These two were fabulous together and I loved meeting them. They both have wonderful support around them, and I enjoyed being in their world. Rebecca Yarros crafted this story beautifully and I could not get enough. I didn’t want this story to end and cannot wait to dive into future Yarros reads.

Title: Variation

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 19, 2024

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing comes a new contemporary romance about the summer a celebrated dancer returns home and unearths years of family secrets with the Coast Guard rescue swimmer she never forgot.

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.

When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever.

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Review ~ Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew

Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I’ve read by Kate Crew, and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. I was quickly pulled into the world she created and met characters that I cannot get enough of.

Regan was such a nice character, wanting to do anything to keep her father happy. She was a bit too naïve and couldn’t see through her fathers’ controlling ways to the man he really was. She tried to control her life and would even succumb to what her boyfriend wanted to do. But after he ditched her, and she landed on the back of Rook’s bike I could see that her life was going to change for the better.

I loved Rook, he had a dark past but was doing everything for his sister and closest friends that were his family. He knew what was going on in the darker side of the world and wanted revenge for his parents. I could see that his life was going to change with Regan around, and she would get under his skin.

Regan and Rook were great together. I was glad when Regan started to stand up for herself and realised what world she was actually in. As the dark elements unfolded, I was glued to the book and was pleased to see how the story unfolded. I am keen to see how the series goes from here.

Title: Rook & Rebel

Author: Kate Crew

Series: The Mavericks #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 1, 2024

A dark revenge romance filled with tattooed bikers, hilarious banter, heat, and high speeds.

Regan Fletcher
I used to have big dreams: finish college, make beautiful art, all while taking over my dad’s business. He wanted a legacy, and I wanted to give it to him. But his illness wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was his sudden need to keep me locked up in our mansion, safe and isolated. I want more from life, but could only spend my days waiting. Until one night, I came face-to-face with a street biker from a world far different from mine. What starts as him stalking me, quickly spirals into something deeper, and more deadly. I’m falling for a man who’s everything I should fear, yet he’s the only one who’s ever made me feel truly alive. But loving him means risking everything—my heart, my future, and my father.

Rook Emberson
Revenge has been my driving force for as long as I can remember. Cameron Fletcher stole everything from me, and I’ve spent years plotting the perfect way to take it all back. When fate puts his daughter in my sights, I know I’ve found the key to his destruction. But from the moment I meet her, my plans begin to unravel. Regan is everything I didn’t expect and I can’t help but be drawn to her. What starts as a twisted game of vengeance turns into an obsession. I need her, but I also need to destroy her father.

The lines between love and vengeance blur, and I’m not sure where one ends and the other begins.

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Review ~ The Darkest Chase by Nicole Snow

The Darkest Chase (Dark Hearts of Redhaven #3)

The Darkest Chase by Nicole Snow

I have really tried to get into this one, but I’m just not getting a connection with the characters or the storyline. There is a lot of inner dialogue and the characters are strange to me. Even the storyline is odd. It’s like I missed something. I decided it wasn't woth continuing.

Title: The Darkest Chase

Author: Nicole Snow

Series: Dark Hearts of Redhaven #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: July 20, 2024

Two complete opposites fall into a heart-ripping fairy tale in this scorching hot small-town grumpy sunshine romance.

Life is just full of crazy surprises with teeth.
One day you're the forever single wallflower keeping up the boring family furniture shop.
The next, you're getting mouth-to-mouth from a scary hot stranger who wants to make your life a thriller novel.
Yes, my disaster has a name.

Micah Ainsley.
Everything I'm not. Nothing remotely good for me.
He's all wolf—moody, savage, and ferociously protective.
I'm a human puppy.
He thrives on secrets.
Everybody knows what I had for breakfast.
He's experienced. So experienced.
I've never even been kissed.

But when he needs my help to take down a rich creep who just happens to be my new client, I'm game.
I'm ready to live a little.
I'm eager to prove I'm more than a hot mess with a cross-eyed crush on a coldhearted man who's too old for me.

Then another surprise bites me in the face.
The night Micah claims me.
The moment our wrong becomes reality and there's no going back.
The darkest chase is on and it only ends one way—sweet dreams or total devastation.

All the small-town sugar, spice, and angsty goodness in one epic slow-burn romance. Remember to breathe as you watch Redhaven's coldest man thaw for the little spark he'll fight like mad to keep.

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Audiobook Review ~ Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan

Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I quite enjoyed listening to Dear Enemy. It was an easy story to get swept away in and seeing the characters grow along the way. It was interesting seeing Delilah and Macon interact considering what happened in their pasts. I could see that there was going to be more to it and was excited to see them confront what happened between them so long ago.

Delilah cared so much for family and would do anything she could to protect them. Stepping in when her sister took off with something precious of Macon’s was the least that she could do. I felt that she did too much for her sister Sam as she had not been the best sister to her when they were growing up. But watching Deliliah and Macon together I could see that there were feelings growing between them. Macon had been through some hard times of late and needed some help, so taking on Delilah was something he needed. I liked seeing them breaking down each other’s walls and the banter between them was amusing.

There was a bit of drama and intensity through the story, and this brought the characters closer together. I enjoyed the way that Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York Narrated this story. They told Kristen Callihan’s story well and they kept me enraptured until the end.

Title: Dear Enemy

Author: Kristen Callihan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 31, 2020

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a smart romantic comedy about finding love with the most unlikely of people.

As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.

Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.

Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.

Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.

It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.

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Review ~ A Little Too Close by Rebecca Yarros

A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain, #2)

A Little Too Close by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Madigan Mountain series contains three books by three different authors. Each book features a different brother and his journey to fall in love. A Little Too Close is a standalone read, the second book in the series and the first book that I picked up. And right from the opening chapters I was hooked to the story.

Weston and Calliope were such fun characters to read about. Their first encounter was quite amusing, and I enjoyed seeing them blend their lives together. It was sweet to see Weston build a relationship with Callie’s daughter Sutton. Despite the rules that were created, they all got along well, and the rules went from black and white to shades of grey.

West was such a kind-hearted guy and would do anything for those he cares about. Callie had lost so much but had grown as a woman raising Sutton and focusing on her photography. I loved the way that West and Callie’s relationship grew slowly. They were good together, but West was determined not to fall in love and didn’t want Callie to lose focus on her own dreams. But we all know what the heart wants and will most likely get.

Honestly, this was such a sweet read and I enjoyed being in this world. Yarros created such loveable characters that I couldn’t get enough of. They grew throughout the story, and I could see that they enjoyed their lives together. This was such a fun world to be in and I am going to pick up the other books for sure!

Title: A Little Too Close

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Series: Madigan Mountain #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 11, 2022

Nine years ago, Weston Madigan saved me. I came to Colorado penniless, heartbroken, and pregnant, searching for a fresh start. Weston gave me a job at his family’s resort, then left the next day and never returned, not even to visit.

Then I stumble in on Weston cooking breakfast shirtless—gloriously, inappropriately shirtless—in the shared kitchen of my duplex in employee housing. Given the shock on both our faces, he wasn’t expecting a roommate either, let alone two.

The growly pilot is only home to start his family’s new heli-skiing operation. I can handle being his temporary roommate, right? Chemistry and attraction aren’t impossible to ignore when you agree on ground rules. Besides, even with those gorgeous, brooding brown eyes, the guy is a walking thundercloud…until my daughter, Sutton, makes him laugh and he smiles at me. Then everything changes. Cue inconvenient heart flip.

This is only temporary.
I can’t fall for Weston.
I. Will. Not. Fall. For. Weston.
But rules go out the window when you’re a little too close.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Royal by Susan Stoker

The Royal by Susan Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the first book in this series some time ago and was interested to get back into the world to see who would capture Cal’s heart. He was quite tough on himself due to what he had been through and his status as a royal. It was interesting seeing him go to DC to investigate an issue and to find June. He was willing to do anything for her despite her crappy stepfamily.

I enjoyed seeing June bloom away from her stepfamily. She came into herself and the town and was able to make friends. June and Cal fell for each other quickly and I enjoyed seeing them build a life together. It wasn’t always smooth sailing with fears coming into play, and the suspense element that came towards the end.

This was quite the enjoyable read to listen to. CJ Bloom and Jeremy York did a brilliant job of bringing Susan Stokers story to life. Their narration was fantastic, and I was quickly immersed into the world. I think the way that Susan Stokers made her own Cinderella spinoff was executed well.

Title: The Royal

Author: Susan Stoker

Series: Game of Chance #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: August 8, 2023

In this modern Cinderella story, New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker weaves a tale of stepfamilies, stalkers, and a suspenseful, sweeping romance that proves true love can conquer all.

Former military man and member of a royal family Callum Redmon can’t deny his sense of responsibility. So when his cousin’s latest love interest claims to have a stalker, Cal reluctantly meets with the young woman and her mother. He wants to write off the situation as a complete farce—if only his feelings for another member of the household could be as easily dismissed.

Since her father’s death seventeen years ago, Juniper Rose has been at the cruel beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister. Her fantasies of escape mean leaving behind her father’s beloved home, but enough is enough: when Cal offers her a way out sooner rather than later, June takes the leap.

Cal’s home in Maine with his military brothers seems like the safest place to start fresh. But as Cal and June’s fairy-tale romance blossoms into something real, they find that the dangers stalking them may have been real all along.

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