Naomi's Reading Palace

Review ~ Powerless by Elsie Silver

Powerless by Elsie Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet and entertaining read, and although it’s the only book in the series that I have read, I was totally swept away in the world and the characters.

I enjoyed getting to know both Sloane and Jasper, how their connection began when they were young, and to see how they grew into such amazing people. From the beginning I was able to see how unhappy Sloane was and I loved that Jasper saw her.

Jasper swept her away when she needed it most and the growth in the characters was amazing. They began to open up more to one another but still had some issues they needed to face along the way. I loved seeing Sloane getting stronger and believed more in herself and was not willing to be a puppet anymore. Jasper just needed faith in himself and to believe. I loved how much support they each had around them too. They bottled some things up but talked it out when prompted. The support networks were fabulous, and I’d like to see more of them.

Elsie did a fantastic job with this book. She hooked me and I’m looking forward to more from this world.

Title: Powerless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series: Chestnut Springs #3

Genre: Sports/Contemporary Romance

Published: February 10, 2023

Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I’ve been living in the friend zone for years now.
But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.
To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.
The man I’ve loved in secret for years.
So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.
But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.
Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.
Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.
But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.

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Review ~ When We Lied by Claire Contreras

When We Lied by Claire Contreras
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finn and Josslyn were drawn to one another, and obviously had great chemistry. Finn had ulterior motives wanting to get to the bottom of an incident that happened four years prior. He dug into Josslyn’s past, uncovering a lot of secrets and Joss recovered a lot of memories from that time.

I love all the books that I have read by Claire Contreras so far, however this one fell a bit short for me. Sure, it had its steamy moments, but I just didn't connect to the characters at all. The storyline had some suspenseful elements but were a bit far-fetched for me. I had an inkling about the twist, so it was no surprise to me as the story unfolded.

Title: When We Lied

Author: Claire Contreras

Series: Fairview Hockey #2

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: May 2, 2024

A brand new hockey romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Claire Contreras set in the same world as Until I Get You...

Finneas Alexander Barlow is a walking thirst trap. Tall, hot, and broody. Tousled brown hair, chiseled jaw, alluring green eyes, perfect teeth, well-groomed beard, broad shoulders, and lips good enough to bite. He’d look like a Disney prince if the prince was a broody ahole.

Four years ago, a fated meeting led to an inevitable hook-up. Just one. It’s his rule. One-time hook-ups, no information exchanges, and no repeats. I knew that even before he established his boundaries, and he kept his promise. I hadn’t seen or heard from him since.

A year ago, when tragedy struck, he came back to town and sought me out. Gone was the disarming grin and the innuendos he’d once used to make my knees go weak. Unfortunately, his ire was equally debilitating. Now he’s back as the face of Fairview’s brand new professional hockey team and he’s looking for answers I don’t have. Finn won’t accept that, though. He’s as determined to uncover my secrets as I am to keep them. He pushes as hard as I pull. It’s only a matter of time before the rope snaps. Now I can only hope I'm the one left standing.

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Review ~ The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant

The Gossip and the Grump (Three BFFs and a Wedding #2)

The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Sabrina and Grayson were so fun to read about! I loved their one night in Hawaii, where they bonded over good deeds, and how they reconnected back in Sabrina’s hometown of Snaggletooth. Grey was there for revenge at first, but the more he got to know Sabrina, the more he fell for her. Her dog Jitter was super cute throughout this read too, and was able to make anyone love him

This small town and its residents were amusing, and I could see why Sabrina knew so much gossip and it was fun watching Grey unravel all the puzzles that she told him. They were a competitive pair, which was fun to watch as Sabrina fought for her cafe. I liked seeing Laney and Theo again too, and how Emma was doing after her almost wedding.

Oooh.. and Zen! They were an amazing person, and I loved how much they loved his uncle and would do anything for him and their Mimi.

I enjoyed this read a bit more than the first and am excited to carry on with this series!

Title: The Gossip and the Grump

Author: Pippa Grant

Series: Three BFFs and a Wedding #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 5, 2023

He's the last man I should've picked for a one night stand...

See that guy over there? The insanely tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, scowling, “I don’t drink coffee” suit?

Surprise! He’s the new owner of my family’s mountain café.

The café that has been my life purpose since I was born in the kitchen there almost thirty years ago.

The café that he’s planning to completely gut and renovate for revenge against my family.

He’s also the funny, charming, irresistible guy I spilled all of my secrets to last week.

During the hottest one-night stand of my life.

As my dog would say, woof me.

Secrets and gossip keep getting me in trouble, and I swore I was done with both, but now my family’s café is on the line.

It’s time to use every last trick I know to uncover every secret this man is hiding.

I don’t care how much I liked him our first night together, or how much I keep seeing glimpses of that man beneath his gruff exterior.

One of us has to go.

It won’t be me.

The Gossip & The Grump is a one night stand to enemies to lovers romcom featuring a woman desperately trying to unlearn everything she knows about everyone, a grumpy misfit hiding a secret heart of gold, an unfortunate incident with powdered cheese, and the world’s biggest lap puppy. It stands alone, but you wouldn’t go wrong to read The Worst Wedding Date first.

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Review ~ Learning Curve by Max Monroe

Learning Curve by Max Monroe
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Learning Curve was a longer read than what I usually pick up, but it was so worth it. It begins with Scottie and Finn beginning University, and right from their first meeting they had a connection. They both had personal issues that they were trying to deal with, but had more in common than either of them realised.

Finn, I truly loved his character. He was dealing with his own demons to try to be the protector of his family. He pushed Scottie away multiple times through this process as he felt that he didn’t deserve her. Things turned out differently than how he thought, and I was amazed in what he gained.

Scottie was more reserved than what I expected, and although she tried so hard with Finn, she moved on when needed. Her world exploded multiple times, and she tried so hard to be strong on her own. Her friends and family were there for her, and Finn was always a constant presence for her.

I think that the authors have done a fabulous job with the start of this new series, and I’m looking forward to more. I felt that it was really well written, the characters and storyline were well fleshed out and I found it hard to put this read down.

Title: Learning Curve

Author: Max Monroe

Series: Dickson University #1

Genre: New Adult Romance

Published: August 16, 2024

She’s the virginal cheerleader, and he’s the tortured bad boy. Their worlds are different, but college life at Dickson University brings them together in a passionate, angsty, fiery collision.

Finn Hayes is what girls my age would call “stupid hot.” He’s handsome, has brown eyes that remind me of warm chocolate chip cookies, and a tall, muscular build that makes marble sculptures jealous.

Green flag, right?

Wrong.

He’s also broody, closed off, and so complex that it feels like I need a decoder to crack him.

He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met and fights like he came out of the womb swinging, taking down both my ex-boyfriend and an ex-UFC fighter with ease.

But the underground society at our college known as Double C has nothing on him in the secrets department, and it’s that mysterious edge that keeps me coming back for more.

This is more than the story of how Finn and I fell in love.

This is proof that love has a learning curve. Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes…it destroys you.

Author Note: Learning Curve is a New Adult Romance standalone that is book one in the Dickson University Series. This highly-addictive series will follow the grown-up Billionaire Bad Boy kids and long-lost Winslow siblings as they navigate college life and relationships. Buckle up for all the college drama, romance, spice, angst, and humor. You do not need to have read the Billionaire Bad Boys Series or Winslow Brothers Collection to read Learning Curve. It is a complete standalone.

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Review ~ Bugrov Bratva Duet by Nicole Fox

Midnight Purgatory by Nicole Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book started pretty well - I was quickly pulled into the story and the humorous situations that Alyssia got herself into. I enjoyed watching the connection grow between her and Uri, and the chemistry was undeniable. Uri was in denial throughout this book, not understanding his feelings for Alyssia and how deep she got under his skin. I liked how protective he was over his family but at times he went too far.

How he kept Alyssia in such a captive state was a bit too much, and I understood why things went pair shaped. It’s not easy to gain Uri’s trust and Alyssia tried time and time again until it was too much. I liked how she built relationships with Uri’s siblings.

There were moments that were a little far fetched for me, and it annoyed me about the story. Considering the fast pace of the book and how much time passed it was a good read.

Title: Midnight Purgatory

Author: Nicole Fox

Series: Bugrov Bratva #1

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 6, 2023

My gorgeous neighbor just found my box of "personal toys."
And my mission to steal them back...
Ended in his bed.

It was supposed to be a joke:
Give my best friend raunchy toys for her bridal shower and embarrass her in front of her family.
But when my package is wrongly delivered to my gorgeous, mysterious neighbor,
I’m the one who ends up mortified.

I sneak over to his place to try stealing it back before he finds it.

The problem is, I get caught mid-heist...
And then he makes me stay for dinner.

Dinner leads to dessert and dessert leads to... other dessert, if you get my drift.
Several courses of sweet, sinful temptation.
In my defense, he's even more gorgeous up close than he is from my bedroom window.

When I finally get back home the next morning, I open my stolen prize.
But it seems I grabbed the wrong package.
And the violent mess I find inside will change my life forever.

Turns out my hot neighbor is a Russian Bratva boss, with some deep, dark secrets.
Turns out he got me pregnant, too.

MIDNIGHT PURGATORY is Book 1 of the Bugrov Bratva duet. Uri and Alyssa’s story continues in Book 2 of the Bugrov Bratva duet, MIDNIGHT SANCTUARY.

Midnight Sanctuary by Nicole Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I jumped into this read immediately after the first as I had to see how Alyssia and Uri’s story concluded. There were a number of twists throughout this book, intense moments and plenty of action. I was still annoyed on how hard it still was for Alyssia to gain Uri’s trust. His emotions were all over the place. He doubts his family at times, and they are the ones that have always been there for him.

There were plenty of moments where I skimmed through this read. I could see the twists coming and couldn’t believe how quickly Uri turned on Alyssia and his brother. The last 30% or so I skimmed through, just to see how it would all turn out. There was plenty of intense moments, and I liked how dedicated Uri was in the end, I just really hoped he did so earlier.

Title: Midnight Sanctuary

Author: Nicole Fox

Series: Bugrov Bratva #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 6, 2023

One unexpected mistake.
Two unexpected babies.
Three lives changed forever.

Uri Bugrov caught me trespassing, and suddenly, my life is out of control.
I’m pregnant with his baby—correction, his babies.
I’m also a prisoner of his enemies.

Uri comes to save me, because of course he does.
But my rescue comes with collateral damage.
Because now, Polly is missing.

And even though I’m back under Uri’s protection, there are more uncertainties between us than ever.
What happens if we don’t save her?
What happens when these babies come?
What happens if this is all my fault… and Uri never forgives me?

It’s midnight in our story.
But these babies are coming, one way or another.
I just have to pray that we all make it to dawn.

MIDNIGHT SANCTUARY is Book 2 in the Bugrov Bratva duet. Uri and Alyssa’s story begins in Book 1, MIDNIGHT PURGATORY.

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Review ~ What I Should've Said by Max Monroe

What I Should've Said by Max Monroe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun read, and I couldn’t help but laugh while reading it. There were so many funny moments as I got to know both Norah and Bennett. Norahs world had turned upside down and she flew back to see her sister Josie for support. The first time Norah and Bennett met was quite amusing, as he was the broody type of guy. The second one was better, and I loved seeing the protectiveness of him when it came to Norah.

The more these two were together the more I liked them. Bennett was just what Norah needed, someone kind and honest that wanted to protect her. Norah was growing as a person, and getting the job as his assistant was beautiful and I knew it would break my heart. I tell you that I ugly cried through this one; as the story unfolded my heart fractured for all of them. What they all lost was so heartbreaking.

Bennett and Norah became stronger people, and I liked how they were there for one another. Norah’s mother and ex were quite the crazy and despite what was going on in their lives they were willing to do anything they could for one another. This was such an emotional ride, and another read I found hard to put down. The chemistry was amazing, and I loved getting to know all characters, and cannot wait for more.

Title: What I Should've Said

Author: Max Monroe

Series: Red Bridge #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 19, 2024

When grumpy, muscled-up artist Bennett Bishop bothers to speak, it’s usually to say something you’re not ready to hear.

When he first speaks to Norah Ellis, a rambling runaway bride who hitchhikes a ride from him, it’s to tell her to get out of his truck and walk because she’s a pain in the a-s-s.

By appearance, Norah Ellis is a fancy fashionista who’s spent the last several years living the good life in the city—expensive apartments, highbrow events, and a fiancé with wealth and good looks. The only problem is that she didn’t choose any of it for herself.

On the day of her July wedding, thanks to a letter from a stranger, Norah’s world turns upside down. She runs for the hills of Vermont to start a new life, but what’s waiting for her, between her estranged sister, the townspeople, and bad-boy Bennett Bishop himself, is way more than she bargained for.

Enemies turn to lovers, strangers become friends, dark secrets bust open like cans of worms, and most of all…Summer will never be the same.

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Review ~ Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant

Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wasn’t a bad read - getting to know Goldie and Fletcher. I laughed so hard at all the moustache jokes and comments, and how these two got along. Goldie had strong friendships with older ladies and they all supported each other through everything. Fletcher was trying to get on Goldie’s good side to get her to help him out with his image. The problem was Goldie’s brother, who was quite protective of her.

I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Goldie and Fletcher. They really were good together. Goldie helped Fletcher when he needed it and I liked how well they got along. I loved how Goldie was so focused on her own goals and tried hard not to let Fletcher deter her. These two were great together and I enjoyed watching all characters grow. Her old lady friends were amusing!

Title: Until It Was Love

Author: Pippa Grant

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: April 11, 2024

There are a million reasons why I shouldn’t date Fletcher Huxley.

He’s a growly-faced, stubborn-streaked, international rugby legend trying to revive his flailing career in the US after being canned by his team overseas.

While he might have the good kind of thunder thighs, intriguing tattoos, and a booty of steel, he also holds the top position on my very short nemesis list thanks to what happened the first time we met.

Plus, his mustache is as terrible as the reason he’s picked me to be the woman he wants to date.

But he has one big checkmark in the why this date is a good idea he’s my brother’s new teammate.

They already hate each other.

And my brother has made an unfortunate habit of interfering with my love life recently.

So a revenge date with Fletcher to make my brother mad? While letting Fletcher think this date is merely for the good of the team?

Yep.

I’m in.

I’m moving to London for work in a month. And it’s just one date. What could possibly go wrong?

Until It Was Love is a banter-tastic romcom featuring an overgrown snack of a man with a soft spot for his purse dog, a normally optimistic life coach trying to live her best life, a mustache catastrophe, and one little tiny fainting spell. It stands alone and comes complete with a swoony happily ever after that will leave your heart in a happy puddle of joy.

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Review ~ Falling Like Stars by Emma Scott

Falling Like Stars by Emma Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable read, although not an easy ride for either character. Rowan had lost so much throughout her life, and was floating through each day not wanting to be happy, but to just be. When she met the famous Zach things turned and she had stirrings of happiness. Zach was struggling with his ex and making a break from her. But there was no denying the moments that he was having with Rowan were something good.

The more time that Zach and Rowan together I could see their feelings getting stronger. However, both characters had issues they needed to work through for them to be together. I liked how Rowan grew through the read and sought out the help she needed to move on from her past. Zach too had to find closure with his ex.

These two were good for one another and I was happy to see the growth and change in them both. They were fantastic together. Despite the trauma that they had to face, this really was a sweet read that I enjoyed.

Title: Falling Like Stars

Author: Emma Scott

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 20, 2024

From USA Today and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Full Tilt comes an emotional romance...

She kept her heart guarded and locked away...until she gave it to the world's biggest movie star.

In the dazzling world of Hollywood where fame and glamour reign supreme, award-winning megastar Zachary Butler longs for something more than red carpet events and paparazzi flashes. As he navigates fame and tries to extricate himself from his celebrity ex-fiancée, he discovers an unexpected spark with Rowan Walsh, a production assistant on his latest project.

Rowan, haunted by a devastating moment in her past, shields her heart behind walls of guilt, letting no one in. But Zachary's genuine affection and desire for a meaningful life begin to chip away at her defenses. As their connection deepens, Rowan must battle the self-destructive patterns that have held her back from embracing her passions and finding true love, while Zachary must reveal his own hidden scars—wounds he’s borne in silence for years—if he hopes to heal.

Can Zachary and Rowan confront their pasts to build a future together, or will the storms of scandal, tangled relationships, and the scrutiny of stardom ruin their hopes for a perfect Hollywood ending?

** this book contains sensitive subject matter that may not be suitable for all readers. Please take note of the trigger warnings and/or email emmascottpromo@gmail.com for a more detailed description.**

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Review ~ Moonshine Kiss by Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley

Moonshine Kiss by Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cassidy had always loved Bowie, but when they were young, he pushed her away and she had to do life without him so close. His sister Scarlett was her best friend, and he was always going to be in her life especially in the small town of Bootleg Springs. Cassidy took her job of Deputy seriously and was willing to do anything to protect her town.

The Callie Kendell case was still being investigated and the detective that had come to town made her job more difficult. He didn’t trust her to make the right decisions. Cassidy and Bowie’s chemistry grew throughout the read and they were soon acting on their feelings but trying to keep it on the downlow so it wouldn’t affect her job. I understood that and Cassidy should be able to do that if she chooses.

I was annoyed that Scarlett made Cassidy feel crappy for not sharing with her immediately even if they were best friends. I felt she was a demanding and selfish friend and Cassidy should be able to share when she was ready. I felt that Bowie was a bit selfish too, forcing Scarlett to make hard decisions between her job and the people she loved.

Over time, little snippets from their past were uncovered and some misunderstandings were put straight. Overall, the story was fun, and I liked how the series story arc was developing and look forward to see how it all comes together.

Title: Moonshine Kiss

Author: Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley

Series: Bootleg Springs #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 7, 2018

All those years of adolescent fantasies and this was how Bowie Bodine first touched my boobs. And he apologized. Real life was stupid and unfair.

Small town deputy Cassidy Tucker's dating life is a train wreck on repeat. All she ever wanted was a solid partner. A man to share pajamas with. The handsome, big-hearted Bowie Bodine. Wait. Scratch that. Mr. You're-Like-a-Sister-to-Me is not welcome in her fantasies.

She and Bowie aren't going to happen—that's been clear for a long time—and as for the rest of mankind? Cassidy's officially giving up on love and adopting cats. Good thing the cold case disappearance of Callie Kendall is heating up to keep her distracted. Except the investigation is testing her friendship with all the Bodines—Bowie in particular.

Bowie knows he can't have his little sister's best friend. He made a promise and he's determined to keep it. But putting distance between them isn't easy—not when she lives right next door.

Having her poke around trying to prove his father's guilt isn't helping either. All Bowie has ever wanted is to shed the No-Good Bodine reputation. It's looking like he'll never be free of that shadow.

But one nocturnal animal, a feverish against-the-wall kiss, and absolutely zero pajamas has a way of changing everything.

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Review ~ Straight Fire by Abbi Glines

Straight Fire by Abbi Glines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was wondering which girl would be the one to tame Gage and it was interesting to see that there was a girl that was able to five years prior. I liked getting snippets of the past and seeing them both differently in the present.

Shiloh was a different girl to who she used to be; she was more tolerable and better for Gage. I liked seeing their chemistry rekindle and they certainly were electric together.

The world Gage is in is not an easy one, and it took time for Shiloh to understand it. She didn’t realise how intense and possessive that Gage could be, however she loved him anyway. To me I felt he was a bit much and really need to take it down a notch. It seemed too toxic, and I understood how they combusted years prior.

Things weren’t easy and there was some suspense entwined through the story. I knew that Gage would do all he could to ensure her safety. I felt the story wrapped up quite quickly and was annoyed by how Blaise handled it. It seemed very manipulative, and difficult for Shiloh.

Title: Straight Fire

Author: Abbi Glines

Series: Smoke #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 9, 2023

Twisted, unhinged, insane—all words used to describe Gage Presley by those closest to him. A pretty boy with a face that misleads you. He’s one of the deadliest members of The Family.

Five years ago, his possessiveness and insane jealousy over a girl unleashed his crazy and in the wake of his retaliation he was given the prison or the United States Marines. The girl who owned his soul turned her back on him and left town without a goodbye.

Shiloh Ellis became a name he never mentioned again.

When she walks back into Gage’s life, no one in The Family is happy about it, especially Gage. It’s clear they all loathe her but she has no memory of them at all…

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