Naomi's Reading Palace: May 2024

Review ~ Fractured Freedom by Shain Rose

Fractured Freedom by Shain Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This read started a bit choppy, jumping over the place for a while, but once the read settled and became more fluent, it was pretty good. My heart ached for Lilah, what she had been through and lost. She was quite withdrawn compared to the happy girl that we first met. But as her story unfolded, it became clear on why she was choosing to change her life - she was determined to carve her own path, despite her family.

Dante certainly was an interesting character. In his younger days he seemed a different person to the Dante in the majority of the book. His real last name held a lot of power. He was quite the dominant male, and tried to get Lilah to bend to his demands, but she was holding strong.

Lilah’s sister Izzy annoyed me numerous times, I thought she was deceptive and selfish, even though I knew she had been through a lot.

Towards the end of the read, it became intense and at times a bit repetitive. Lilah was being stubborn and kept bringing up the same drama despite Dante showing her that she meant everything to him.

Overall, it was a good read and I did like the banter between Izzy and Cade. I hope he can tame her!

Title: Fractured Freedom

Author: Shain Rose

Series: Tarnished Empire

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: July 21, 2022

A Brother's Best Friend Second Chance Romance

Is it so bad that I tricked my older brother’s best friend into taking my virginity?
Maybe.

In my defense, it was Dante Reid—my crush, my first love, and the one I ended up pushing away.
Our paths split in opposite directions.
I went to college on one coast while he returned to work with the US Army on the other.
The end.
Or so I thought.

After graduating and attempting a bucket list of self-discovery, guess who I find standing outside the jail, bailing me out from a crime I didn’t commit?
Dante freaking Reid—this time with more muscles, more tattoos, and more demands.
One of which is to move in across the hall from him so he can keep me safe. Like I need protection after a little felony mix-up.

I don’t.
Unless it’s from him.
Because Dante has been my downfall before …

And living next to the guy I gave my innocence to a long time ago may actually end in my complete devastation.

Shain Rose is back with another light mafia standalone romance with forced proximity, steam, and bucket list to cross off. This is a standalone romance with 95,000+ words.

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Review ~ Echoes of You by Catherine Cowles

Echoes of You by Catherine Cowles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited for Nash and Maddie’s story and it certainly didn’t disappoint. What Maddie had endured not only early in life, but also as of late was heartbreaking. But it was sweet to see that Nash still cared immensely for Maddie. Both of them maintained a strong connection over time and distance. It was only a matter of time before they got a nudge towards one another and feelings were realised.

Drama and suspense followed Maddie and it was scary thinking what was coming. Her ex was certainly a bit messed up and kept everyone on their toes. I felt this was a bit repetitive from the first book, following the same sort of plot type towards the end. The ending certainly had excitement and suspense! I did enjoy how it all turned out and how deep the love hat Nash and Maddie had for one another.

Title: Echoes of You

Author: Catherine Cowles

Series: Lost & Found #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: May 2, 2023

Nash Hartley has always been my everything: Protector. Partner in crime. Best friend. The person who was there for me in my darkest hour.

But my heart wanted so much more. So, when I knew for certain Nash didn’t feel the same about me, I tried to move on. What a mistake that turned out to be.

Now, I’m back in our small town, desperate to escape my living nightmare, and the only person I want to see is him.

As secrets are revealed, and Nash finds out what happened to me, he’ll do anything to keep me safe.

But there are those who will do anything to stop him, and this time neither of us may make out alive…

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Review ~ Whispers of You by Catherine Cowles

Whispers of You by Catherine Cowles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great romantic suspense. I was captivated by the opening chapters and kept on the edge of my seat! I was enthralled by Wren’s story, what she had been through, what she’d lost and how she survived and became a stronger version of herself. Holt was a lost soul there for a while, but returning home for a longer period was good for him, to help him heal and rebuild relationships."

I liked the way Holts family stuck together through thick or thin. They took Wren into their family despite her relationship with Holt. They were all fantastic and I want more of these characters. The suspense element kept me on edge, and had me guessing. I had my suspicions, but I’m happy to say I was wrong! So I was shocked when it unfolded. It was such a good read, and hard to put down!

Title: Whispers of You

Author: Catherine Cowles

Series: Lost & Found #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: January 31, 2023

One night—a single bullet—cost me everything.

My body, broken beyond repair. The boy I’d thought was my forever. The life I’d always dreamt of.

Now, Holt’s back. And he’s no longer a boy, but a man with shadows in his eyes and demons haunting him.

He says he’s here to make things right. To get back a little bit of all we’ve lost. And he doesn’t show any signs of leaving the small town that has been my refuge.

As stolen moments turn to days, Holt’s around every corner. With his burning stare and lingering touches. Before long, my walls come crashing down and I’m just hoping that taking this second chance isn’t as reckless as it feels.

But not everyone is happy that Holt has returned. As tragedy strikes again, I’m the one left in the crosshairs. And Holt might not be able to save me this time…

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Audiobook Review ~ Rich in Your Love by Pippa Grant

Rich in Your Love by Pippa Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Tickled Pink series has been an amusing series to listen to. Savannah Peachwood and Sebastian York delivered Tavi and Dylan’s story with spice and flair! It was such an entertaining and light read that I enjoyed being immersed in. I liked the real side to Tavi, she wasn’t the spaced out girl that she portrayed herself as. She had goals, and was using her contacts to get what she needed to do.

Dylan was such a kind guy, who could see past Tavi and her walls. He could see the good side to her and kept all her secrets. He wanted to do what she asked of him, despite not being comfortable with everything. He opened up to her and I could see that these two were a match. It was lucky that Tavi’s wacky grandmother dragged her family to this small town. All the characters I met have been fun, I hope theres more.

Title: Rich in Your Love

Author: Pippa Grant

Series: Tickled Pink #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 13, 2022

A sweet, lighthearted romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant about one social media influencer’s dream of going off the grid and the IRL love she finds along the way.

Secrets always catch up with you. The world knows me as Tavi Lightly, sugar-free social media influencer. But my true purpose lies in secretly restoring a cacao farm in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, to save the farm, I need access to the trust fund that my grandmother has frozen. She’s requiring me to do charity work in Tickled Pink, Wisconsin, and until I meet her ultimatum—no trust fund. So to Tickled Pink I go.

My first grandmother-approved charity project? Helping local reformed bad boy Dylan Wright. He has secrets too, like how he’s hung up on his married best friend. Kick-starting his dating life is as easy as making him famous through association with me.

Not so easy is the fact that we’re falling for each other. He belongs in Tickled Pink, and I belong on my farm. We might share our secrets with one another, but can we really share our lives too?

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Audiobook Review ~ The One Who Loves You by Pippa Grant

The One Who Loves You (Tickled Pink, #1)

The One Who Loves You by Pippa Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun and enjoyable read to listen to. Anything that Sebastian York narrates has the tendency to hook me and paired with Savannah Peachwood I was lost into this world. Pippa Grant wove this story perfectly and I was easily lost in her story and you bet that I want more from this world and the quirky family that took over Tickled Pink. This rich family turned the small town on its head!

Teague and Phoebe didn’t hit it off immediately, but I liked watching each interaction, how they changed and grew together. Teague didn’t want his town to change and it appeared that he had his reasons. Phoebe grew as a person and learned there was more to life than her heritage and money. She made mistakes and this small town changed her for the better. It was amusing to see her and her family make mistakes.

Phoebe’s grand mother was amusing, and each of her family members had their own demons and it will be interesting to see what happens to them in future reads. I loved Teague's family, even if a little different from the normal. This was such a great romantic comedy, and I’m looking forward to more!

Title: The One Who Loves You

Author: Pippa Grant

Series: Tickled Pink #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 12, 2022

From USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant comes a fabulously sharp-witted romantic comedy about a socialite’s fall from elitist grace to backcountry purgatory—and her accidental tumble into love.

If the Upper East Side had an evil twin, it would be Tickled Pink, Wisconsin. This run-down, backwoods town isn’t worthy of the footprint of my Louboutins, never mind all of me.

But when my grandmother has a near-death experience and realizes we Lightlys can’t buy our way into heaven, she relocates the family to Tickled Pink to work on improving our souls. And that’s how I trade my heiress existence for gigantic bugs, dishwater coffee, and a cranky single dad named Teague Miller.

Teague spends his days fishing, raising his spunky teenager, and after an unfortunate incident involving cheese curds, living rent-free in my head. The one thing he and I can agree on is that I don’t belong here. He’s willing to help me escape—until the unexpected happens.

I kind of like him. I might even more than like him.

But am I ready to give up the life I adored for a man I love to hate?

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Review ~ Heartless by Michelle Heard

Heartless by Michelle Horst
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This wasn’t a bad read, however I felt it was quite rushed. Della was used to flying under the radar, and at the end of college the screw crew noticed her. They boys liked to tease, starting a bet to put her on the list. She was determined not to bend and the banter between them all was amusing. Carter appeared heartless, but there was something about Della that drew him to her, and he tried to be mean to her.

I felt that Carter was a jerk at times, but did 180’s so quickly that even my neck hurt. It was definitely a love/hate relationship, and the connection was strong. Next thing I know, we’ve jumped 4 years and despite the money and connections Carter had, he never found her. Some elements of the book seemed forced in the story, like the chat in the middle of foreplay. Jumping a huge amount of time made my head spin.

I did like Carter and Della together and how good the Screw Crew guys actually were. They stood up for those who became part of their group. They were good to one another. The suspense element further in the book seemed a bit forced, but overall the read was ok.

Title: Heartless

Author: Michelle Heard

Series: Enemies to Lovers #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 26, 2017

From International Bestseller Michelle Heard, comes a new, sexy novel in the Enemies To Lovers series.

I’m warned that Carter Hayes is heartless.

He’s part of the screw crew.
He’ll just use you and leave you.
He’s ruthless and always gets what he wants.

Just look for the trail of broken hearts and dreamy sighs, and you’ll find him.

“Hot as sin, Carter.”

I don’t have time to fall head over heels for any guy. Besides, he’d never notice someone like me. I have a three-step plan. Get through college. Get a job. Get my sister out of the hell hole I left her in. That’s all I have time for.

That’s until I hear of the betting pool the guys started. Whoever screws me first gets the money. The moment Carter looks at me, I know it’s only because of the bet.

I tell myself our first kiss is only for show.
I hate my heart for falling for his irresistible charm.

For one foolish moment, I actually want him to be my first earth-shattering love. All it takes for me to give in is a little attention, a cocky smile, and a fake promise of a happily-ever-after.

When I’m surrounded by crumpled sheets and the smell of sex, I realize I let him have me for four hundred dollars.

To save what little pride I have left, I pretend it didn’t mean anything, that he’s just one last screw before we all leave college.

I’ve spent the last four years lying to myself. When I’m ready to take the final step of my plan, and save my sister, guess who walks through my front door?

This is book #1 in the Enemies To Lovers Series. Each book in the series is about a different couple. To get the full experience of their friendship, I'd recommend that you start with Heartless.

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