Naomi's Reading Palace

Review ~ Not What I Expected by Jewel E. Ann

Not What I Expected by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Not What I Expected. It was such a good read, and anyone who has ended a long term relationship can relate to it. Not knowing who you are after being with the one person for so long and having to find your own feet again can be quite challenging

I liked Elsie's honesty and finally having the confidence to make change. The chemistry between Elsie and Kael was off the charts and it was amusing to see her take a chance with him. I liked the way he pushed her to face her insecurities, to find herself and - hopefully - the happiness that she needed, despite her family’s thoughts.

Title: Not What I Expected

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 6, 2020

Are humans meant to mate for life?

After four kids and an unfortunate but fateful end to her twenty-two-year marriage, Elsie Smith meets the new guy in town.

Kael Hendricks is … a little younger, a lot sexy, and too confident for his own good. He also doesn’t believe in marriage and all that goes with it.

And …

He’s just opened a new business that threatens the livelihood of Elsie’s family’s store—just in time for the holidays.

The problem?

There’s an undeniable attraction that leads to out of control situations, a loss of inhibitions, and a lot of small town gossip.

As Elsie tries to redefine herself and convince her family she isn’t having a midlife crisis, she’s forced to answer the biggest question of all …

Can she love an enemy who will never surrender?

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Review ~ Gleam by Raven Kennedy

Gleam by Raven Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG!! There is going to be another book! I was not prepared for this series to continue, and it is going to be a long time before I get the fourth book :(

Gleam was such an exciting read and I loved watching Auren become a better woman. She learnt so much more about herself and the people around her. Some twists were revealed and I liked the change in some relationships.

King Midas is such an evil person and I hoped that he would meet his maker. I still love the characters from the fourth army and how they have helped Auren become a better person. The ending was exciting and I am on edge waiting for more!

Title: Gleam

Author: Raven Kennedy

Series: The Plated Prisoner #3

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: May 31, 2021

King Midas made me the woman I am today. Notorious. Unattainable. His.

The thing about being confined is that you believe it’s to keep the bad out... Until you realize it’s about keeping you in.

I’m now in a strange kingdom surrounded by liars, with no allies of my own, but I won’t sit idly by and let myself wither. No, there’s something that’s bloomed from the pit of my repression. Something dark. Something angry.

But the last thing I expected was for my anger to call out to him. King Ravinger.

He’s sinister and powerful and entirely too seductive. I’ve learned my lesson with trusting manipulative kings, so why does my chest constrict every time he’s near? I need to tread carefully, or I’m at risk of losing much more than just my freedom.

Regret and revenge war inside of me, and I need to figure out a plan fast before I get tangled up in the schemes of kings and queens.

Because I won’t be caught in a cage again. No, this time, It’ll be me setting the trap... I just hope my heart comes out of this unscathed.

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Review ~ Glint by Raven Kennedy

Glint by Raven Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked watching Auren grow throughout this read. She spent a lot of time travelling and being herself outside of a cage. After seeing some instances where she was mistreated, it was good to see her develop some different relationships.

I was intrigued by the characters in Fourths army - Judd, Lu, Osrik, Keg and Rip - and how loyal they were to King Ravinger. I liked the way they all challenged Auren and the connection that was developing between her and Rip. There were a few twists, and I had some suspicions, but I was kept on my toes till the end. There wasn't as much action as the first book, but there was plenty of story building which kept me hooked until the end! You know I jumped into the third book immediately!

Title: Glint

Author: Raven Kennedy

Series: The Plated Prisoner #2

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: January 11, 2021

For ten years, I’ve lived in a gilded cage inside King Midas’s golden castle. But one night changed everything.

Now I’m here, a prisoner of Fourth Kingdom’s army, and I’m not sure if I’m going to make it out of this in one piece. They’re marching to battle, and I’m the bargaining chip that will either douse the fire or spark a war.

At the heart of my fear, my worry, there’s him—Commander Rip.

Known for his brutality on the battlefield, his viciousness is unsurpassed. But I know the truth about what he is.

Fae.

The betrayers. The murderers. The ones who nearly destroyed Orea, wiping out Seventh Kingdom in the process. Rip has power sizzling beneath this skin and glinting spikes down his spine. But his eyes—his eyes are the most compelling of all.

When he turns those black eyes on me, I feel captive for an entirely different reason.

I may be out of my cage, but I’m not free, not even close. In the game of kings and armies, I’m the gilded pawn. The question is, can I out maneuver them?

This is the captivating second book of The Plated Prisoner series. It’s an adult epic fantasy story blending romance, intrigue, and beautiful imagery. Return to the seductive story of magic inspired by the myth of King Midas, and get caught up in the world of Orea.

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Review ~ Gild by Raven Kennedy

Gild by Raven Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series; I was constantly on edge wondering what would happen next. My heart ached for Auren, as she was kept alone and didn’t get to interact with anyone. She was a trophy, not able to roam free. She appreciated the small things, like fresh air and she was also kind. I liked that she made some friendships, but it wasn’t going to be easy.

I really did not like King Midas, he was cold and cunning and was using Auren for his own purpose. He was possessive of her and didn't allow her any freedoms.

There were plenty of twists and turns and each one kept me hooked. I devoured this read and jumped into the second book immediately!

Title: Gild

Author: Raven Kennedy

Series: The Plated Prisoner #1

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: October 16, 2020

The fae abandoned this world to us. And the ones with power rule.

Gold.

Gold floors, gold walls, gold furniture, gold clothes. In Highbell, in the castle built into the frozen mountains, everything is made of gold.

Even me.

King Midas rescued me. Dug me out of the slums and placed me on a pedestal. I’m called his precious. His favored. I’m the woman he Gold-Touched to show everyone that I belong to him. To show how powerful he is. He gave me protection, and I gave him my heart. And even though I don’t leave the confines of the palace, I’m safe.

Until war comes to the kingdom and a deal is struck.

Suddenly, my trust is broken. My love is challenged. And I realize that everything I thought I knew about Midas might be wrong.

Because these bars I’m kept in, no matter how gilded, are still just a cage. But the monsters on the other side might make me wish I’d never left.

The myth of King Midas reimagined. This compelling adult fantasy series is as addictive as it is unexpected. With romance, intrigue, and danger, the gilded world of Orea will grip you from the very first page.

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Review ~ Replay by Amy Daws

Replay by Amy Daws
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although this book is suggested that it can be read as a standalone, I felt a little lost while reading it. There are other characters in this read who have obviously already have their own books and I was a little overwhelmed by them and how their stories impacted this read. I believe that if you read those books first it would make this stroy easier to follow. The end of the book leaves it open for the next book in the series too, hinting on another relationship that is developing.

With that said, this was still a good read. We jump right into seeing Santonio and Tilly, five years since they last met. They didn't part on great terms, and it was shown with the bitterness and banter between them. It was obvious that they still had chemistry and it wasn't long before they crossed those lines again.

Title: Replay

Author: Amy Daws

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: April 8, 2021

Not all players deserve a second chance… no matter how hot their first chance was.

Football club lawyer, Santino Rossi is known in the locker room as the two-month chump. For years he’s been on a mission to find someone he can share his basil plant with and cure him of his former playboy ways.

Tilly Logan is a fiery, Scottish lass who didn’t bat an eye five years ago when a smoldering Italian pulled her into a nightclub bathroom. He was dark, dangerous, and exactly the good time Tilly was looking for—even if he worked for her over-protective brother’s team.

But a lot has changed and when Tilly returns to London five years later only to find herself trapped in an elevator with the smoldering Italian, it isn’t a happy reunion. Especially because her brother blames Santino for her high tailing it back to Scotland in the first place.

Tilly doesn’t want a replay of past mistakes and reconnecting with Santino is playing with fire.

But if they keep their relationship a secret, it could be worth the burn.

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Review ~ For Lucy by Jewel E. Ann

For Lucy by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! This book was fantastic! It really took my emotions on a ride as I got to know Emmett, and what happened between him and Tatum - both in the past and in the present. I loved seeing them fall for one another as I slowly got to find out how they were torn apart. Their daughter Lucy was a beautiful soul and I loved how influential she was in their lives. It was heartbreaking, but beautiful as they faced their past. I LOVED this book, and I know I will read it again!

Title: For Lucy

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 23, 2021

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a novel so heartfelt and real it redefines the meaning of love.

I’m the wrong guy in the right place the night I steal Tatum Bradshaw from another man. When she mistakes me for her blind date, I decide she deserves a man who shows up on time … like me. Emmett Riley, Mr. Punctual.

Once I confess my true identity and convince her I’m not a creep—just a thief—it’s only a matter of time before my sexy smile and quick wit claim her heart, her hand in marriage, and the perfect life.

Unfortunately, perfection is an illusion, like the promises of our wedding vows. No one can prepare for the unimaginable—the heartbreaking exception to all the rules in life.

When thirty seconds destroys everything, I have to find a new existence and keep my promise to always love our daughter, Lucy, the most.

For Lucy, I will keep a secret, and I will watch my wife drift into the arms of another man.

Given the chance … can I reclaim my wife and the pieces of our life?

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Review ~ Bloodstained Beauty by Ella Fields

Bloodstained Beauty by Ella Fields
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was swept away with this read! I was on edge the whole time, knowing there was going to be a twist, and wondering how it would all unfold. And boy... were there twists! I liked getting to know Jemima and seeing her be a strong and confident woman when betrayed. I was curious about both men in her life and how they would win her heart. It was interesting to see how open minded she was and how she reacted when she got to know the truth.

This read was quite the page turner and I enjoyed all aspects of it. It had twists and turns, suspense and intensity and sweet moments that I love! It was a fantastic read that I enjoyed until that final page!!

Title: Bloodstained Beauty

Author: Ella Fields

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Published: November 5, 2018

Fresh out of college and headed straight for my dream job, I didn’t think things could get any better.
Then I met my dream man.

In an instant, my happy ever after had begun.
The life I’d stumbled into was beautiful, and the man I loved was perfect.
But perfection comes at a cost, and I’d slumbered through all the alarms.

Then I met my nightmare.
The man whose bright eyes held untamed darkness.
The man who disarmed me with his peculiar behavior.
The man whose cold, merciless hands shook me awake.
In an instant, questions started to dismantle my happy ever after.

But whoever said the truth would set you free was wrong.
It wasn’t going to repair the cracks in my naive heart.
It wasn’t going to caress my face with comforting hands and reassure me it was all just a dream.
No, the truth shoved me down a rabbit hole, and I landed in the lair of a real-life monster.

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Audiobook Review ~ Like You Love Me by Adriana Locke

Like You Love Me by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't listened to a book in a long time, and I stumbled on this one and decided to give it a try! I really enjoyed listening to this story - the narrators were fantastic and really kept me hooked to the story.

I liked that both Sophie and Holden had history before crossing paths once again. It was amusing watching them get hitched to get Sophie out of a hard situation and that Holden could land his dream job because of the arrangement. The chemistry between them grew, and I hoped that they would be able to find a new path together.

I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters that impacted their lives. They were big influences and really shaped them into the amazing people they were.

Title: Like You Love Me

Author: Adriana Locke

Series: Honey Creek #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 16, 2021

Two childhood friends are playing house—and maybe playing for keeps—in this sexy, and unpredictable marriage-of-convenience romance.

To save her Tennessee bed-and-breakfast, Sophie Bates needs a fast-cash miracle. Holden McKenzie, her childhood best friend, needs to prove to a prospective employer that he’s a committed man. Their fortunes on the line, Holden proposes…a solution.

He’ll take care of Sophie’s bills if she agrees to a temporary marriage of convenience. And why not? They’re comfortable together, they have fun, and they trust each other. It’s as simple as saying “I do.” But the off-the-cuff wedding has all of Honey Creek talking—and Sophie and Holden realizing that their perfect arrangement is working too well. If they’re not careful, this marriage could turn into a love story.

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Review ~ Serenading Heartbreak by Ella Fields

Serenading Heartbreak by Ella Fields
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite an enjoyable read, watching Stevie grow and fall in love. She had her first love - Everett - and her second love - Aiden - and she had to force her heart to make a decision once Everett came back into her life. There were many times that she struggled with her love for both men and making the decision became very difficult for her.

Learning throughout the years helped Stevie grow strong and at times I was annoyed with some of the decisions that she made. Both men were polar opposites, but there was no denying that they wanted to be there for her. I knew who I wanted her to choose, but it wasn't up to me! Stevie had great support around her, and the right people to rely on through the hard times. I’m curious about some of the other characters that we met, and I can tell you that I want more from this world!

Title: Serenading Heartbreak

Author: Ella Fields

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 24, 2019

“Things don’t change just because we want them to, Clover. Why can’t you see that?”

“Because all I see is you.” His chest heaved, and so did mine, and then our lips collided.

My first love was my brother’s best friend.

A lead singer in their band.

A picture of rugged perfection.

And a drunk soul mate who couldn’t commit.

My second love was an arrogant baseball player.

A player in every sense of the word.

A smooth-talking, reliable best friend.

And a chance at something beautiful and true.

The problem with having a first and second love?

That would be loving them at the same time.

My story isn’t some sexy triangle.

It’s exquisite agony.

Fate gave me two men to love, but none of us knew which one I could keep.

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Review ~ Bright Midnight by Karina Halle

Bright Midnight by Karina Halle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read a lot of Halle’s reads over the years, and this one was a good read, however it didn’t blow me away like I hoped it would. The storyline kept me engaged, wanting to know more about Anders and Shay. There were elements of the story told from their past which I would’ve liked to get more of, so I could undrstand them both and what happened a little better. I think that more depth throughout may have strengthened their story. Parts of the present were glossed over and there were a few threads I would’ve liked to see more of.

Even though they hadn't seen each other in eight years, there was still a connection there between them. There were unresolved issues that they had to deal with, and being back together I could see the chemistry was still there. I liked both characters - Shay was such a strong and determined heroine, and Anders had such a big heart, supporting his family by giving up his dreams to run the family business.

Over all, it was enjoyable, but not my favourite of Halle's work.

Title: Bright Midnight

Author: Karina Halle

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 4, 2021

After years of bartending her way across Europe, Shay Lavji has seen almost everything the continent has to offer, but there’s one country she hasn’t crossed off her bucket list yet: Norway. It’s not that she doesn’t want to visit the land of the midnight sun—far from it; she’s obsessed with the culture and is dying to see the majestic fjords for herself.

What she’s not dying to do is run into her Norwegian ex-boyfriend, Anders Johansson, who broke her heart in America eight years ago before returning to his ancestral home. The last time she saw Anders, he was a cocky, rebellious, and tortured teenager who couldn’t stop himself from pushing all of her buttons—both good and bad. But Shay isn’t going to let Anders stand in the way of her wanderlust, and besides, it’s a big country, right?

She doesn’t count on Anders seeking her out the moment he learns she’s on his home turf. When Shay sees him again, she’s shocked at his transformation into a bearded, tattooed farmer and fisherman who values family over everything else. Is it possible that time has tamed this former bad boy? Shay wants to believe that everything can be new and bright again under the summer sun, but she knows, when it comes to Anders, the darkness is never too far behind.

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Review: All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just like every other Zapata read, she built this world slowly but beautifully. I was able to get to know Aurora as she rebuilt her life in the town she was raised in. She began a friendship with Amos, which lead to a connection with his father Rhodes. She was also able to rekindle her friendship with her old friend Clara.

This book was really sweet and had a few heartbreaking moments. I loved how deep Auroras friendships became, and that one turned into something more for her and was able to give her purpose once more. I really immersed myself into this read and did not want to put it down... It was another fantastic Zapata read!!

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Title: All Rhodes Lead

Author: Mariana Zapata

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 1, 2021

Losing people you love is hard.

Aurora De La Torre knows moving back to a place that was once home isn’t going to be easy.

Starting your whole life over probably isn’t supposed to be.

But a small town in the mountains might be the perfect remedy for a broken heart.

Checking out her landlord across the driveway just might cure it too.