Naomi's Reading Palace

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER WRAP-UP'S

Sorry I've been MIA for a while, but again, life was in the way! Here's a little wrap up of the last three months.

August was a busy month, we were still flat out with football and netball. We headed to Melbourne with the kids footy team for the day and watched the Melbourne Demons play against the Sydney Swans (I do go for the Swans and they had a good win).

The boys had book week and dressed up as Dru and Gru from Despicable Me (Minions).

September was finals month! Hub's, Jord's and I all made the grand final for our teams. Unfortunately Jord's lost. But Hubby and I won! Back-to-back!

So as you can imagine, we celebrated in style!
The kids also had school holidays, so we went camping with some friends for a week, and watched the AFL grand final as well. Unfortunately Hub's team lost, but regardless, we partied and drank the night away!

Both my boys had birthdays in October, Trist was 11, Izaak was 9. They are both growing so fast!
We also signed contracts for our new house! Hopefully building can commence by the end of the year.

Hub's and I made a 8.5 hour drive to Adelaide to go to a wedding. We had a fabulous time there, enjoying a new city and having adult time.

We also went through a hard time with some of my extended family. It has been tough and will continue to hurt, but we will be ok in the long run. 💔

Click on the covers to take you to my reviews.

August Reviews

Kiss the Girl (The Naughty Princess Club, #3)

September Reviews

October Reviews

These are the books I've picked up over the past month!

(Click on covers to take you to Goodreads)

The Upside of Falling (The Blue Line Duet, #1)

Shadow's Bane (Dorina Basarab #4) by Karen Chance
Wild Hunger (Heirs of Chicagoland #1) by Chloe Neill
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

Royally Yours by Emma Chase ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@EmmaChse)

I devoured this one quickly, because I'm loving these royal type reads. Emma Chase is an author that I adore, she builds characters that feel real and injects the right amount of quirkiness and emotion to bring me back for more!

Title: Royally Yours

Author: Emma Chase

Series: Royally #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 30th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | B&N

Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase returns with a sweet and sexy standalone in the Royally Series.

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t… is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.

**

Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.

**

Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.

It's been a little while since I have read Emma Chase, so when I got the opportunity to read Royally Yours early, you bet that I snagged it up. It turned out to be quite the impressive read, as I watched Lenora grow, lose people she loved and grieve for those she lost. She also become an impressive Queen, she fell in love and became a force to be reckoned with!

From the moment I met Lenora I knew she was a remarkable young woman. She grew up too young and was groomed to be the next Queen. Even though she appeared to have everything, Lenora missed out on so much and was quite lonely. It broke my heart to see her suffer through loss, and there were numerous times that I shed a few tears.

When Edward returned to Wessco, I knew that Lenora's life would eventually change for the better. They both lost someone special to them and Edward was determined to be the man Lenora needed. It made me so happy to see them fall for one another, however they had a few challenges to face together.

I loved every moment of being back in this world! The passion between Lenora and Edward was off the charts and they had a tremendous amount of respect for one another. They were quite the powerhouse team and they certainly made Wessco a stronger nation.

Emma Chase blew me away with her writing, creating characters that I adored and injected enough emotion through the story that it left an impact on my soul. Once I began reading this story, I didn't want to put it down, and I certainly didn't want the story to end! I know I need to go back and read the few stories I have missed!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

I have two swoons today, they made me smile and my heart stutter just a little.

“So many rules. Your whole life is a list of shoulds and shouldn’ts.” I lower my arm and drift closer to her, close enough to smell the lilac in her hair. “Don’t you ever have the urge to chuck them all out the window and just do what you want, Lenny?”
“No, I don’t.” Her lips part, and she seems a bit flustered. Breathless. “And I’ve told you—you should address me as Queen Lenora or Your Majesty.”
Another should.
I hover over her.
“But you’re not, are you?”
She lifts her chin to look up at me.
“Not what?”
“My Majesty,” I say softly. I drop my eyes, dragging them over every inch of her, all her delectable swells and valleys. And she is glorious to look at.
“At least . . . not yet.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1410

“You’re very dashing tonight, Edward.”
Yesterday, Miriam told me all about flirting, and shared some pointers—so I’m giving it a go.
“And so well behaved. Following all the ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts.’”
His eyes alight on me.
“And does that turn you on, love?”
My heart does a little flip, but I give him a daring smile.
“It does.”
He brings his glass to his lips, smirking.
“Noted.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2006
Originally inspired by YA Bound

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Chase writes contemporary romantic comedies filled with heat, heart and laugh-out-loud humor. Her stories are known for their clever banter, sexy, swoon-worthy moments, and hilariously authentic male POV’s. Emma’s novels have been translated in over twenty languages around the world.

Emma lives in New Jersey with her amazing husband, two awesome children, and two adorable but badly behaved dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter

Other reviews featuring Emma Chase

Royally series
Royally Screwed #1
Tangled series

Tangled #1

Twisted #2

Tied #3

The Baller by Vi Keeland ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@ViKeeland)

I grabbed The Baller when I signed up for a mailing list, it was a read I've been wanting to dive into for a while now. I mean, look at that cover, who wouldn't want to read it? 😜

Title: The Baller

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: January 17th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | B&N | Kobo

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men's locker room.
It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.
The famed quarterback decided to bare all.
And by all, I don't mean he told me any of his secrets.
No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.
The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby--screwing with me.
When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me.
But I don't date players.
And it's not because I'm one of the few women working in the world of professional football.
I'd date an athlete.
It's the other kind of player I don't date.
You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid.

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.
Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.
But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for.
Turned out, I was that girl.
Simple right? Let's face it. It never is.
There's a story between once upon a time and happily ever after...
And this one is ours.

I generally like sports romances, and I was really hoping to love The Baller, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. I found it hard to connect with the characters and they fell for one another too hard and fast.

Delilah was a sports reporter, trying to get make it in an industry where she was overshadowed by an older male reporter. She interviewed Brody and he sure made their first interview interesting, but she made her break when she caught him in an emotional state. The more time they spent together it was apparent they were falling for one another, and the sexual tension was off the charts.

Delilah spent a lot of the time not liking Brody, but seemed to cave to his demands quickly. I did like how she was willing to fight for what she wanted professionally and wouldn't back down. Brody was a self absorbed person—only focused on his career and having fun. He irritated me the most, especially when he showed his vulnerable side, then would turn back into the jerk that he was.

I've read a few books by Vi Keeland, and they are mostly hit or miss for me. I do love her work the most when she pairs up with Penelope Ward, those books I cannot get enough of! So although I didn't love this particular read, it won't stop me from picking up more of her work in the future!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

Here are a few teasers to showcase the sexual tension between Delilah and Brody.

“Oh, and Delilah?”
“Yes?”
“You can leave your grandmother’s clothes at home. It’s not going to stop me from wanting to fuck you up against the wall.”

Kindle Arc Loc 872

“What’s it going to take to get you underneath me, Delilah?”
I swallowed. He wasn’t teasing to get my attention this time. No, he was dead serious and watching me intently, waiting for an answer.
“I like you. You’re full of yourself and direct. But despite all that, I actually really enjoy spending time with you. I’m just not looking for a physical-only relationship. I need more than that.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Dating. Going out together. Exclusivity. I need to spend time with someone, other than just in his bed. Like talking to them during a movie.” I forced a smile. “It’s just who I am.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1075
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

If you would like to send Vi an email you can reach her at vikeeland@gmail.com

Other reviews featuring Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Cocky Bastard
Stuck Up Suit
Mister Moneybags
Other reviews featuring Vi Keeland
Bossman
Life on Stage series

Throb #1

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@_LaurenLayne)

I think I've found a new author to devour and I loved every moment of reading this book. I'm looking forward to getting to know Ian's friends a little better, and the women that own their hearts!

Title: Hot Asset

Author: Lauren Layne

Series: 21 Wall Street #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 22nd 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | B&N | Kobo

A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.

She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.

I haven't read anything by Lauren Layne before, but I can tell you now that I'm kicking myself! Hot Asset was a fabulous read that I struggled to put down... but alas, I must sleep, work and parent... but outside those times, I devoured Hot Asset!

I really enjoyed seeing Ian meet his match in Lara. He was a bit of a player, but once they met I could see him change. Even though they were on opposite sides, I could see their attraction growing! I liked that Lara was passionate at times and let her guard down, and that despite how it may get Ian in trouble, he would push Lara to her limit!

The enemies to lovers is probably one of my favourite traits in a read, however the mystery behind the investigation pulled me into the story, as well. I liked how the chemistry between Ian and Lara was there all the way through the investigation. Lauren Layne sure knows how to build a world and create a cast of characters that I cannot wait to see more of!

I have a couple of teasers for you today... I just loved these two together!

I reach out my right hand. “Ian Bradley.”
She ignores the hand and nods. “Nice to meet you.”
I lean forward and whisper, “This is the point where you give me your name.”
She leans forward and whispers back, “This is the point where you take the hint that I’m not interested in what you’re offering.”
Challenge accepted.

Kindle Page 6

“For what it’s worth,” he says, not looking at me as a cab pulls to a stop in front of us. “When I make out with you, it won’t be against the wall of a seedy club. And I will definitely remember it.”

Kindle Page 119

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies, in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She’s based in New York City.

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