Naomi's Reading Palace

Audiobook Review ~ Always You and Me by Dani Atkins

Always You and Me by Dani Atkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Dani Atkins, and I must admit I was swept away with the heartbreakingly sweet storyline. Getting to know all the characters, the history and the connections between them really touched my heart. After Adam passed, Lily had the task of tracking Josh down to get the full truth. It wasn’t easy to track Josh down and he wasn’t exactly welcoming when she finally did, but I could see these two needed to face what happened in their pasts to fully move on.

I liked how this story took us to moments in the past as well as what was happening in the present. It was sweet to see how the relationships came about and how much love these men had for Lily. Both Adam and Josh were honourable men, but at the time, lily had to make a choice that would break the others heart. The more I got to know Josh, my heart broke for him a little more. But I had hope that things would work out in the end.

Dani Atkins story was one to easily get swept away in and I enjoyed the way that Elizabeth Knowelden told this story. The emotion she put into the characters and how she brought this story to life was done perfectly.

Title: Always You and Me

Author: Dani Atkins

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 1, 2025

From the bestselling author of Fractured comes a moving, heart-mending and uplifting novel of love, hope and second chances.

Then…

On the eve of her wedding to Adam, Lily’s best friend Josh unexpectedly walked out of her life, and she hasn’t seen him since.

Lily and Adam are blissfully happy, until he falls ill. As she cares for him in his final hours, Adam asks her to make a mysterious promise: to find Josh—and forgive them both.

This winter…

Tracking Josh down isn’t easy, but fate seems determined to bring them together. Cut off in his remote Scottish cabin by a fierce snowstorm, Lily and Josh explore their tangled feelings for each other, stretching back over the decades. But when she discovers the shocking reason behind Adam’s unexpected last wish, she’ll need to trust her heart completely…

Can Lily and Josh choose love—and find forgiveness and lasting happiness together?

Always You and Me asks: Do you choose love? Or does love choose you?

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Review ~ Burn Bright by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie

Burn Bright by Krista Ritchie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s been quite a while since I have read a book by Krista & Becca Ritchie, and when I came across this one, I knew I had to dive in. I had read most of the original books (the parents) but that was a long time ago. Burn Bright was quite the memorable read, as I got to know Ben and Harriet. They both had issues that they were trying to work through. Ben found life to be hard at times, tending to take things personally and would show his feelings constantly. He didn’t feel like he fit in very well but knew he was loved by most of his family. Harriet was a breath of fresh air for him, and someone that he knew from high school. Harriets life wasn’t easy either and she found it hard at college until she met Ben. He was able to see the woman she was, and it was apparent that these two were it for one another.

This was quite the moving read, and I loved how when things got hard that the whole family came together to support one another through thick and thin. The story touched on some delicate topics, and I loved the way the authors told the story. I loved this read and cannot wit for more books from the other siblings.

Title: Burn Bright

Author: Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie

Series: Cobalt Empire #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 2, 2025

Love burns hottest when it's blue.

Ben Cobalt is number six. Not sixth place—in fact, he’d be considered at least third draft pick for the NHL if he didn’t quit hockey during college. And he’s not sixth-in-line for any throne. Though, most consider his larger-than-life, billionaire family American royalty.

He is the sixth-born Cobalt.

Out of a normal family of seven, he might get lost in the shuffle. But being the black sheep of the Cobalt Empire comes with its own intense spotlight. After he hits a major low at college in Philly, his four older brothers convince him to move in with them in New York City. Transferring to Manhattan Valley University—piece of cake.

Living in an apartment with all of his brothers while harboring a giant secret among a family who’s more tight-knit than a secret society—total effing chaos.

He has to find a way out of the tense living arrangement, especially as he clashes with his oldest brother Charlie. Ben turns to an unlikely source for help. A grumpy, punk-rock girl with a troubled past who's already pissed off one Cobalt brother.

So when an undeniable attraction ignites, Harriet Fisher is expecting the flames to die out. Except…what happens when they don’t? Falling for a Cobalt brother with secrets might be a Shakespearean tragedy she can't rewind.

BURN BRIGHT is the first book in the Cobalt Empire series, a new adult romance series about legacy, loyalty, and love.

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Audiobook Review ~ An American in London by Louise Bay

An American in London by Louise Bay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tuesday and Ben were such entertaining characters! I liked that they were able to get something from the deal, build a friendship of sorts and a fake relationship that we all knew was going to become more! The secondary characters were great too, and they could see there was more to Tuesday and Ben’s relationship than they could!

Erin Mallon told the story perfectly. She did an amazing job of bringing Louise Bay’s story to life.

Title: An American in London

Author: Louise Bay

Genre: Romance

Published: June 24, 2025

For a people-pleasing New Yorker and a disagreeable (if seriously hot) Brit, it’s love at fourth sight in a funny and emotional romantic comedy by a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author.

Tuesday Reynolds’s dreamy life in Manhattan has gone belly-up. Ditched by her college sweetheart and with her Wall Street banking job at risk, she’s off to London to prove herself to a new CEO. Plans change when Tuesday meets Ben Kelley, a wealthy, scowly, and movie-star-handsome stranger. He’s just missing one thing to make his professional dreams come true.

What does Ben need? Oh, just a fake fiancée to impress a duke and duchess. What’s in it for Tuesday? Enough money to put a down payment on an apartment back in New York, a new wardrobe, and a weekend in the country at the stately home of the duke and duchess. The Bridgerton vibes are absolutely off the charts.

Everything between Ben and Tuesday is completely professional, until the rehearsals for their weekend romance start to feel…almost authentic.

It’s official. Tuesday’s life has been hijacked by a rom-com scriptwriter. But the best love stories aren’t the ones on the big screen. Maybe they’re the real ones that sneak up on you when you least expect it.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Art of Starting Over by Heidi McLaughlin

The Art of Starting Over by Heidi McLaughlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Art of Starting Over was such a nice second chance romance! I was quickly pulled into the story as Devorah’s life as she knew it literally fell apart. Having no option but to go back to her hometown was not what she wanted, but after such betrayal from those closest to her, it was the only way for herself and her daughter to get some reprieve from the situation. Living with Devorah’s father was not ideal considering their strained relationship, however I liked how he was trying hard to win her trust back.

I loved getting to know Hayden and his son. Both were strong men and came into Devorah and Maren’s life when they needed some support. I liked how sweet and patient Hayden was considering what he had lost recently and knowing that he had strong feelings for Devorah when they were younger. Even when more devastation erupted, he didn’t shy from the challenge and supported them through it all.

This story was just what I needed, a slow burn that swept me away. The narration by Kacy Combest and Christian Barillas brought this story to life perfectly and they kept me hooked until the final words.

Title: The Art of Starting Over

Author: Heidi McLaughlin

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Chick Lit

Published: February 1, 2025

In this journey from first love to second chances, New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin brings a single mom and a widower back home to renew the spark that will light their way forward.

Devorah Campbell’s life falls apart under the pressure of one truth: her husband is having an affair with her best friend. So Devorah packs up her daughter and their shared heartbreak for small-town Oyster Bay, where she grew up. Her relationship with her father is still on the rocks, but Devorah has her brother there—and, unexpectedly, her brother’s best friend.

Hayden McKenna lost his wife a year ago and has struggled with single fatherhood ever since. Moving back home with his son is a last but best resort, a chance to start fresh, surrounded by family and old friends. But when Hayden runs into Devorah, his childhood crush, sparks fly as bright as ever. If only he could make her see them too…

Amid a swirl of hurt and healing, Devorah and Hayden grow closer, rekindling what they had all those years ago to discover that, sometimes, a new start means going back to the beginning.

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Audiobook Review ~ Anyone But Rich by Penelope Bloom

Anyone But Rich by Penelope Bloom
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I was hoping that I could really enjoy Anyone But Rich, but it turned out to only be an ok read for me. The storyline didn’t hook me as much as I hoped and I was a bit annoyed about three grown women holding on so tight to a pact that they made as teenagers. There was obviously a strong connection between Rich and Kira, but as adults Kira and her friends were still avoiding Rich and his brothers like the plague. However, Rich slowly knocked down Kira’s walls and she too managed to get her friends to slowly come around as well.

There were a few twists thrown in – fake fiancé and unbearable parents – but I could see that Rich and Kira were good for one another. The feelings that they had were buried, but Rich did everything he could to get Kira to see how good they were together.

The narration by Lauren Sweet and Tim Paige was done well; it’s a shame that the storyline bugged me so much. Hopefully with the pact being broken, the following stories are more enjoyable.

Title: Anyone But Rich

Author: Penelope Bloom

Series: Anyone But... #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 3, 2019

From USA Today bestselling author Penelope Bloom comes the first novel in the romantic, sexy, and hilarious Anyone But… series.

Seven years ago, my best friends and I made a promise: No matter what, we would never date one of the King brothers. Even if they grew up to become megafamous, gorgeous, heart-stopping billionaires. Even if they crawled on their knees and begged for forgiveness.

But guess who just flew back into our lives in a private jet? And guess who just showed up to my job on my first day? Richard. King. Fortunately, it takes two seconds for Richard to reveal he hasn’t changed. Conceited. Cocky. Rude. Unfortunately, he’s also the kind of gorgeous that’s borderline offensive—with a jawline to make statues self-conscious and a grin that short-circuits my brain.

He’s spent years taking what he wants. I doubt he’s hungry for anything else—except me, apparently. There’s no way I’ll let him maneuver his way back into my life. My friends would never forgive me. I would never forgive me. But did I mention his jawline?

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Audiobook Review ~ The Dirty Truth by Winter Renshaw

The Dirty Truth by Winter Renshaw
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Elle and West were such a fiery duo!! They were like dynamite right from the opening chapters! I enjoyed they way that Elle was taking the time to re-evaluate her life and how West’s request sent her over the edge, sending the best article and called it quits. Crossing paths with Scarlett was quite the coincidence, and I liked how she was the connection that kept the three of them together. Over time, I could see that Elle was breaking down West’s walls and getting to know the beautiful man underneath.

It was easy to get lost in this world. I enjoyed meeting all the characters and how well the storyline flowed. I think that Winter Renshaw pieced this story together perfectly and that Aaron Shedlock and Nicola Lambo did a beautiful job at bringing the characters to life.

Title: The Dirty Truth

Author: Winter Renshaw

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 14, 2022

From Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw comes an enemies-to-lovers romance about the journey of self-discovery that follows a life-changing event.

After a brush with death, I realize it’s time to make changes in my life. Big changes.

First, my job. I love being a journalist, but I hate my megawatt magnate boss, West Maxwell. When he demands I rewrite an article on short notice, I turn the tables on him with a scathing new column and quit in a blaze of glory.

But West isn’t about to let me go that easily, the jerk. He offers me an unexpected new mentor to his rebellious teenage niece. For some reason, I agree—I like helping people, but I’m also admittedly curious to glimpse the man behind the mogul.

However, I soon discover that my new assignment isn’t what I expected. As I learn about the private side of my enigmatic boss, I start to see the heart he hides behind his icy facade. The old Elle hated West…but maybe—just maybe—the new Elle can tame him.

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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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