Naomi's Reading Palace

Review ~ A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

A Love Letter to Whiskey (A Love Letter to Whiskey #1-1.5)

A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven’t read anything by Kandi Steiner before; however, this book intrigued me. I really enjoyed immersing myself into this story and getting to know Brecks and Jamie. Their story wasn’t easy, and Brecks harboured a lot of hurt from her mother and how Brecks came to this earth, but Brecks did all she could to make her life her own. She felt a connection to Jamie from their very first encounter, but their time never seemed to come. They were both in relationships at different times, and their connection was always strained.

There are a few moments that some readers won’t enjoy, but to me it strengthens their story and how connected these two were. They faced so many ups and downs and had to learn from all the decisions they made, but through it all I could see they belonged to one another. It wasn’t an easy story, but I felt the author told it perfectly. To me, the add on of Jamie’s story at the end of the book sealed the deal and I enjoyed the story until the final page.

Title: A Love Letter to Whiskey

Author: Kandi Steiner

Series: A Love Letter to Whiskey #1-1.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 18, 2021

From USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Kandi Steiner comes this #BestofBookTok favorite - an angsty and powerful story of lovers continually fighting the curse of bad timing.

Brecks Kennedy has spent years writing the story of her life, but there’s one chapter that never quite closed… Jamie Shaw.

It all started with a jog, a clumsy collision, and an instant crush. But while B’s heart skipped a beat, Jamie’s eyes found her best friend instead. And just like that, her crush became her closest friend. Bound by shared moments of music, surfing, and secrets, their connection is undeniable, even as they desperately try to fight it.

But between college campuses, chance encounters, and stolen moments, fate has a way of bringing them together when they least expect it, time and time again.

As they wrestle with their feelings and the choices that have kept them apart, both B and Jamie must decide if they are finally willing to risk everything for the love that’s always been just out of reach. Sometimes, love isn’t about finding the right person, it’s about the moment when everything aligns. But what if that moment never comes?

Heart-wrenching and addictive, this is a story of love, loss, and the years it takes to finally get it right.

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Review ~ The House Guest by Penelope Ward

The House Guest by Penelope Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The House Guest was a sweet slow burn type of romance that I enjoyed. I liked the way that Dorian and Primrose came together due to losing people they loved. The downside – Primrose was essentially squatting on a property owned by her late aunt’s husband, and Dorian wants to sell up the property and more on from the loss of his father.

This read had great moments as Dorian and Primrose got to know one another. Primrose had dreams and was able to share these with Dorain and she began to break down his walls. As their relationship grew, I could see that Dorian wanted to help Primrose, and the sparks ignited between them. There were a couple of twists thrown in and as the characters realised not all as what it seemed. However, I had hope that these two would find their happiness together.

Title: The House Guest

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 31, 2025

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE contemporary romance…

The last thing Dorian Vanderbilt expected was to find me painting in my crop top when he returned to the mansion he hadn’t inhabited in years.
He was understandably surprised I’d turned his living room into an art space.
Life is certainly full of surprises, though, but not always in a good way.
I learned that lesson when my aunt and the billionaire she married died unexpectedly while traveling.
I’d been living with them, and just like that, my life was turned on its axis.
Unsure of what was next, I stayed alone at the barren estate figuring out my next move.
That was when Dorian—the late billionaire’s only son—showed up.
I’d never met Dorian Vanderbilt. He’d been living on the other side of the country.
But now, he was home, left to pick up the pieces of his father’s legacy.
Not only was Dorian devastatingly handsome and mysterious, but he was the sole heir to the Vanderbilt fortune.
He didn’t seem to like me—at first. We were total opposites. But I was grateful that at least he didn’t kick me out.
We stayed out of each other’s way for the most part, save for some late-night kitchen run-ins or unexpected bonding sessions in the home theater.
Over time, though, we grew closer. Turned out, our chemistry was pretty combustible.
I was falling in love with him.
Until everything I thought I knew turned upside down yet again.
And fate left me pining for the one man I’d ever loved.

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Audiobook Review ~ Not Your Biggest Fan by Sara Ney

Not Your Biggest Fan by Sara Ney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun quirky read as I got to know Harlow and Andy. Their first few interactions were amusing as Harlow had no idea who Andy was and was the type of girl who said exactly what she was thinking. They crossed paths a few times and were soon spending time together where the connection between them became stronger. Andy liked how Harlow saw him for who he was, not the famous footballer looking for a new team. He was able to be himself and the passion between them ignited. Even going to Harlow’s hometown didn’t deter him and I liked how he was fighting to have a shot with her despite all the reasons she was hesitating.

Therse two were really cute, and I liked seeing their relationship grow. Harlow’s over protective father and quirky friends were a bit annoying and took up a fair bit of storyline, but it was still an amusing read. I liked that Andy was like an open book and did all he could to chase all her fears away and convince her to give them a chance. To be honest, this story felt quick as they only met on a few occasions and then the book was over.

The narration by Felicity Cross and Alexander Cendese was pretty good, however, they weren’t at the same pace. I felt Felicity Cross was a bit slower and drew things out compared to Alexander Cendese.

Title: Not Your Biggest Fan

Author: Sara Ney

Series: Not Yours #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 28, 2025

USA Today bestselling author Sara Ney sizzles with a quick-witted, sexy romp about an eager entrepreneur and a cocky football star who couldn’t be more different—or more into each other.

Harlow James is destined to rock the dating world. The creator of Kissmet, the app helping singles find love, she’s in New York to secure advertisers. But the sassy, small-town girl can’t help meddling in other people’s business.

When she runs into a muscular stranger at her go-to food truck, Harlow doesn’t realize he’s Landon “Andy” Burke, the NFL’s most-wanted free agent, in town to talk contracts. She just sees a hottie about to get burned by undercooked street food. Though she tries to warn him, he shrugs her off, making a little wager instead.

In a messy twist of fate, Andy finds himself in the same hotel as Harlow. When she collects on their bet, they make a mind-blowing—and bed-rocking—connection. But after the weekend, she goes home to Green Bay to her goofy dad and corgi, ready to focus everything on work again. Kissmet, however, has other ideas, when Andy knocks on her door…

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Review ~ The Homemaker by Jewel E. Ann

The Homemaker by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Jewel E. Ann puts a book out, there is a guarantee that I’m going to get it and it comes of no surprise that I loved this one! It had amusing moments, but there were challenging times too. It was a hard book to put down!

I loved the idea of the homemaker!! The Morrison’s were quite the interesting to hire someone for this role, but as the story played out it kept the Morrison’s happy. When Murphy comes home, it is quite the shock for both Alice and Murphy, and I knew that they both had deep feelings hidden away.

As the story unfolded, we were able to get glimpses of the past and understood how much they went through and I could not put the book down. My heart broke numerous times as I understood what Alice endured and what they both had lost. This book was beautiful and I could not put it down!

Title: The Homemaker

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Series: The Chain of Lakes #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 30, 2025

I was hers, but she was never mine.

Alice Yates is the hired “homemaker” for the Morrisons, an affluent couple in Minneapolis. For Alice, it’s a dream job to dress up like a 1950s housewife and read romance novels to Mr. Morrison before his afternoon nap.

But when the Morrisons’ only daughter returns home for the summer with her fiancé, Alice comes face- to-face with her shattered past—the only threat to her perfect life.

Eight years earlier, vacation rental owner Murphy Paddon had an impeccable vinyl record collection and did the most irresistible thing before kissing Alice, earning him a five-star rating. Their fortnight love affair was life-altering and ended tragically.

Murphy doesn’t know if Alice remembers him or whether he should tell his fiancée that the hired-help living in the guesthouse is the woman who irreparably broke his heart. He needs closure, but will the lingering glances and silent yearning lead to the end or just the beginning?

Grab your copy of The Homemaker, from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Jewel E. Ann, and lose yourself in this forbidden, high-stakes romance.

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Audiobook Review ~ Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen

Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a lot of fun to listen to! I liked the banter between Nora and Eli and had a feeling on the direction of the book, but it did not slow me down while listening to it. I felt that Ali created a fun world with well fleshed out characters that I could relate to. Ali Rosen and Carly Robins brought this story to life perfectly and kept me hooked to this story right to the very end!

Title: Unlikely Story

Author: Ali Rosen

Genre: Romance

Published: March 1, 2025

From the bestselling author of Recipe for Second Chances comes a swoonworthy romance bursting with wit about a therapist who falls for the wrong man…but perhaps the right one was hiding in the margins all along.

As a relationship therapist, Nora helps patients explore their feelings honestly. But she’s hiding an embarrassing relationship secret of her own: she’s in love with someone she’s never even met.

J edits the advice column Nora’s been writing anonymously for the last seven years. He’s in London, she’s in New York, and they communicate solely through shared files. When he confides that his girlfriend’s out of the picture, and her boss asks her to come to London, Nora takes both as a sign.

But that’s not the only thing on her mind. A client’s ex-boyfriend just moved into her co-op, directly beneath her. Eli blames Nora for his breakup and seems determined to make her life miserable, gleefully planning a noisy renovation.

Yet despite all his bluster, Nora eventually starts to see the softness behind Eli’s brusque, charming exterior…and after a slipup reveals a startling secret, Nora wonders whether someone can be two things at once.

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Audiobook Review ~ Lessons in Heartbreak by Karla Sorensen

Lessons in Heartbreak by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book to be pretty amusing in the opening chapters as Ruby tried to hire an escort. She’s been quite the timid type of girl and wanted someone to help her overcome her insecurities when it came to the male species. Facing her childhood friend Griffin King was quite the twist and I was soon swept away in their story.

I watched the relationship between Ruby and Griffin regenerate slowly. I liked how they didn’t rush into anything and could see that there was more than just friendship between them. It was sad to see that Griffin and his twin Barrett had a falling out, but I loved how Barrett’s kids admired Griffin fiercely. This book had touching moments and altogether was quite the sweet read.

Title: Lessons in Heartbreak

Author: Karla Sorensen

Series: The Kings #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 20, 2025

A playboy football player. A shy librarian. When old friends reunite, opposites attract in a witty and lighthearted romance about taking chances and falling in love against the odds.

It’s an unwritten rule small-town librarians shall not commit spontaneous acts, for fear of mortal embarrassment. I’d certainly just proved it true, though hiring an escort was perfectly logical. How else should I overcome my fear of intimacy without risking heartbreak?

Unfortunately, what came next wasn’t so logical.

Instead of a dating coach, Griffin King showed up. Yes, that Griffin my childhood neighbor and now, to my dismay, an obscenely handsome pro football player. He’s not actually an escort, but how was I supposed to know that?

Avoiding him after the mix-up is impossible. The man is everywhere—put in time-out by his agent after a PR snafu. Griffin might be an outrageous flirt determined to torment me until I snap, but he’s also the perfect man to help me.

The lessons aren’t what I thought they’d be. Neither is Griffin. Every time we touch, every time he shows me a different side to myself—and to him—I can’t help but wonder if we’re about to break another the playboy and the good girl aren’t supposed to fall in love.

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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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