Naomi's Reading Palace: May 2026

Audiobook Review ~ Arlington Hall series by Jodi Ellen Malpas

The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting start to the Arlington Hall series. I was intrigued by the mysterious Jude and how everything seemed to fall into place for Amelia. A day out with her friends at a fancy resort was just what she needed until she met Jude. There was no denying the chemistry between these two, however it was clear that Jude was withholding information from Amelia, and it was only a question of when their situation would unravel.

This was a good start to the duet, and the ending left me wanting more. To be honest I have way more questions and I need to know more about the mysterious Jude. I enjoyed the way that Jodi Ellen Malpas pieced this story together and how Shakira Shute vividly embodied Amelia’s character.

Title: The Invitation

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Series: Arlington Hall #1

Genre: Romance

Published: July 1, 2025

An ambitious career woman. An enigmatic billionaire. There’s more to their affair than meets the eye in this scalding romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series.

Amelia Lazenby deserves a breather—from work and from the stress of a recent breakup. Courtesy of her best friends, she gets a day of pampering at a posh country spa called Arlington Hall. Instead of finding calm, she finds her pulse racing when she sees flawlessly rugged Jude Harrison. Hand on heart, she’s never laid eyes on such a stunner. And an unexpected steam room meet takes their instant attraction to a whole new level.

Amelia wasn’t looking for an intense new affair. But the passion Jude ignites is off the charts. Even if he is a little possessive. Even if his temper can be as formidable as the influence he has on her body. He becomes all the more intriguing when Amelia discovers that Jude not only owns Arlington Hall but that their meeting was no accident. It was planned. But to what end?

That’s a mystery as irresistible as Jude himself. Is he worth the risk? Or is this the man who could break her?

The Surrender by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to get into the sequel of the Arlington Hall series, but I felt it was a bit repetitive to the first book in the series. I felt we were facing the same issues: Amelia had the same insecurities, Jude was still holding back, but there was more danger building through the read. Overall it was a good conclusion to the series, but It won’t deter me from reading more of Jodi Ellen Malpas’ work in the future.

Title: The Surrender

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Series: Arlington Hall #2

Genre: Romance

Published: September 2, 2025

He’s a tantalizing man of mystery. To solve him she could risk everything in a scorching romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series and The Invitation.

A pawn in a man’s callous game, Amelia Lazenby is trying to heal after being betrayed by the wealthy and scorchingly sexy Jude Harrison. Now he’s saying all the right things, whispering apologies as sincere as his kisses, and refusing to let her walk away. It’s hard for Amelia to resist a force as strong as Jude. Before long, he’s making her pulse pound, her head spin, and giving her the rapture she craves.

But once she surrenders, Amelia can’t help but fear she’s risking her heart all over again. This time, maybe even more. Jude is every bit as mysterious and possessive as she remembers. His ex-lover is back to wreak havoc on their lives. And Amelia’s own ex has returned from the past, knowing more about Jude than Amelia can imagine. As the secrets and shocking revelations keep coming, Amelia must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay with the man she loves and above all else…can’t resist.

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Review ~ On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young

On Loverose Lane (Return to Dublin Street #1)

On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Loverose Lane was such a fun read! From the opening chapter I was hooked on the characters, the banter and the amusing storyline!! I loved the way Beth got under Callan’s skin right from the moment they were reacquainted, and how she won over Callan’s friends Baird and John. He was so irritated by how well they got along every time they interacted. Callan had held such a grudge after how things ended so abruptly when they were teenagers and I liked how Beth was straight to the point early in the read and confessed her reasons for it. It wasn’t long before the dynamic started to shift between them, and things became hot and heavy.

This was quite a good book to read, although as it is a spin off from the original series – that I have not read – there was a lot of time spent meeting all the extended family and friends. I did get a little lost trying to piece it all together, but he majority of the book was great. I liked seeing the connection between Beth and Callan grow once again, and how Beth’s family stood up for Callan when he needed it most. It really was a nice read and I would definitely want to continue the series.

Title: On Loverose Lane

Author: Samantha Young

Series: Return to Dublin Street #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 20, 2025

A steamy enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, sports romance from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

It’s always the broody ones you have to watch out for….

Imagine my surprise when my new neighbor turns out to be Callan Keen, one of Scotland’s most famous (and hottest) professional footballers. I’m even more shocked to discover that the brooding player is still holding a grudge for something that happened between us years ago.

But I can’t focus on him or his issues with me because I’m too busy trying to take my company to the next level. I don’t have time for this blast from the past, even if the grump upstairs is still the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

When a huge client opportunity arises, I’m forced to ask Callan for help. I need a fake date and he needs an introduction with my real estate mogul dad. The deal between us should be simple. Except for the blazing chemistry we’ve shared since the moment we met. We can’t deny it, we can’t control it, and soon we’re agreeing to a six week, no-strings-attached, mind-blowing affair.

I told myself I wouldn't catch feelings for Callan, but the closer we get, the more he reminds me of the guy I once fell for. It just might prove impossible to show my stubborn Scotsman we’re worth the risk, especially when the past continues to haunt us and threaten to wreck any chance of a future together…

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Review ~ Truly Madly Deeply by L.J. Shen

Truly Madly Deeply by L.J. Shen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has been some time since I’ve read a book by L.J. Shen, and I was excited to get into this one. Cal and Row had some history and were brought back together due to Cal’s fathers passing and a promise to her mother to hang around for a while. I was excited to see these two together and to see how they would interact given their history.

To be honest, I was annoyed with Row’s sister Dylan, as she was selfish and was really not a good friend to Cal considering the way she reacted when they were children and when they crossed paths in the present. She was still very self-centred, but I could see that she was beginning to make progress with Cal in restoring their friendship.

The relationship with Cal and Row was amusing to watch as it was obvious that they both had good chemistry and the banter between them was amusing. I liked seeing them growing as adults, however a lot of drama could have been avoided. There were some secondary storylines that threw me a bit, as I felt that they were a bit far-fetched, but the read was ok considering. It wasn’t my favourite book by L.J. Shen, however it won’t deter me from picking up more of her work.

Title: Truly Madly Deeply

Author: L.J. Shen

Series: Forbidden Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 10, 2024

This old flame just might set them on fire.

Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.

Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating…

And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.

Ambrose has a lot on his a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.

Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.

Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.

Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.

***

Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.

Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.

Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.

Too bad she’s always been clumsy.

Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.

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Audiobook Review ~ If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley

If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jamie and Elliott’s story was quite the moving read. In the first part we can see these two had amazing chemistry, but Elliott was holding back. It was the perfect night for her considering what she was about to go through. Fast forward to the future and they cross paths again, although this time Jamie has a girlfriend who happened to be the one who saved Elliotts life.

This journey wasn’t easy, and I liked seeing them navigate their feelings and Carly’s too. I felt this story was pieced together carefully and I had hope that they would be able to find a way to be together once more. I liked how the narrators told the story and how they brough them to life with feelings and passion.

Title: If Tomorrow Never Comes

Author: Allison Ashley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 28, 2025

Fate connects two people in life-changing ways in a deeply romantic and emotional novel about hope and second chances by the author of Would You Rather and The Roommate Pact.

Uncertain of what tomorrow brings, Elliott Holland decides to live it up—on the eve of a stem cell transplant to treat her leukemia. It’s destiny when she crosses paths with handsome and charming Jamie Sullivan. The chemistry is magic. So is a beautiful evening that ends with a bittersweet kiss goodbye and no expectations of ever seeing each other again.

One year later, Elliott’s future looks good. Her cancer is in remission. Her career in graphic design is taking off. And she’s finally met Carly, the young woman whose stem cell donation gave Elliott a second chance at life. Then, in a twist of fate both blissful and unfair, she meets Carly’s boyfriend. It’s Jamie, the man Elliott kissed like it was her last day on earth. Neither of them has ever forgotten it.

Now, the most difficult decisions of all lie ahead. Whatever risks there are to the heart, one need wins to grab hold of everything that can make someone feel alive again.

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Audiobook Review ~ Heartbreak Hill: A Novel by Heidi McLaughlin

Heartbreak Hill by Heidi McLaughlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grayson and Reid’s story had all the feels! My heart was aching for Reid as she found out what Grayson was hiding and that they almost lost one another. Giving into their feelings was bittersweet and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. There was something nagging at Grayson and watching his paths chase after that was heartbreaking for all parties involved. I liked how the worlds crossed into a delicate area, and I enjoyed the way that Heidi McLaughlin wove this story and how all narrators delivered it. (Narrators: Christian Barillas, Kacy Combest, Jeremy York & Sarah Mollo-Christensen)

Title: Heartbreak Hill

Author: Heidi McLaughlin

Genre: Romance

Published: October 1, 2024

From the author of Before I’m Gone comes an intensely affecting romance about love, loss, and second chances, sure to elicit a good ugly cry.

Grayson Caballero sees the glass half-empty. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, he’s been living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes him push people away, helping Grayson to avoid any real commitment.

Then he meets Reid Sullivan and falls madly in love. The two work together at the Wold Collective, Grayson as a project manager and Reid in HR. They even live in the same apartment complex. But Grayson continues to keep his distance, despite their obvious attraction. And Reid’s not interested in waiting around.

When Grayson collapses at a basketball game, Reid learns he’s been keeping secrets from her. Now his life hangs in the balance…and a stranger from Boston holds the key to his survival.

Nadia Karlsson makes a life-changing decision after her husband, Rafe, is involved in a tragic accident near Harvard Square. Her choice will unwittingly alter the course of Grayson’s future—and tie his fate unexpectedly to her own.

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Review ~ To Flame a Wild Flower by Sarah A. Parker

To Flame a Wild Flower (Crystal Bloom, #3)

To Flame a Wild Flower by Sarah A. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was so much in this book! I could see it was building and I was excited about the journey. A lot of the characters came back together, and I could see how strong Orlaith wanted to be. She outsmarted some people and landed herself in hot water several times. She forged on through and showed that her heart was big repeatedly.

I was thoroughly enjoying this read and the closer I got to the end I realised that this story is far from over. We managed to get some answers, but there are a lot of threads still open. It has been two years since this book was published and am sad that I cannot continue this journey today. I hope that the next book comes soon!!

Title: To Flame a Wild Flower

Author: Sarah A. Parker

Series: Crystal Bloom #3

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: March 30, 2023

It’s not in my nature to beg, but I’ll stay on my knees until I feel that flame sputter out.
And then …
I’ll rip the world to shreds.

I’ve tumbled into a darkness so deep it’s hard to see the light, my petals curling inward as I tip my face from the sun. Hide from my monstrous actions.

Traitor. Murderer.
High Mistress.

My mistakes hunt me down, and I’m pulled into a political tug-of-war, balancing Ocruth’s welfare on the edge of a bloody blade. The moon is swelling, the weight on my shoulders compacting, and my unfailing curiosity keeps weaving its roots in the wrong direction.

Horrible truths unravel, casting explosive light on everything I thought I knew. I’ll have no choice but to shed my morals, my withering self-preservation, and sow the seed of a plan set to bloom beneath a bloated moon.

One wrong move could destroy everything.
Destroy me.

Lines will blur, blood will spill, and I’ll learn how fragile I really am—at a cost far greater than I could have imagined.

Fate is a ravenous beast, and there’s only so far I can run.

To Flame a Wild Flower is the third book in the Crystal Bloom series—a dark fantasy romance full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst.

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