Naomi's Reading Palace

Audiobook Review ~ Buck Wild by Lauren Landish

Buck Wild by Lauren Landish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Buck Wild and getting to know James and Sophie! Their first interaction was a bit rocky, but I loved how the Bennett boys were ruled by their mother, and she put James back in line! It was amusing to see him grovel and to win over Sophie and his mother! From there the sparks grew and I was along for a fun journey, and I knew these two would be perfect!

Lauren Landish created a fabulous story, and I was hooked right to the end. The narrators portrayed the characters perfectly and I know I will want more form this world!!

Title: Buck Wild

Author: Lauren Landish

Series: Bennett Boys Ranch #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 25, 2018

From Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish comes a hard-riding romance of cowboys who run wild—and the women who tame them…

Bull rider James Bennett lives for those eight seconds of exhilaration. A rodeo cowboy in his prime, all he wants out of life is something to straddle. That’s why James is feeling a little restless, spending his summer off working his family’s ranch. That is, until a spirited and gorgeous veterinarian-in-training shows up and puts the cocky wild boy—and his ego—in place. Though she’s a feisty one, James is always up for a challenge.

Sophie Stone has to admit James Bennett is a checklist of cowboy hotness—ruggedly handsome with piercing blue eyes, a hard-muscled body, and just enough swagger to make her toes curl. She thought she was done with her bad-boy phase, but exceptions must be made.

How can Sophie possibly say no to a man who makes her heart buck like a bronco? And when their summer fling comes to an end, how can she possibly say goodbye?

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Review ~ The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward

The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite the sweet second chance romance, that neither character expected. I liked how Ravin and Gavin had a connection in their younger days, where Gavin would go out of his way to spend time with Ravin. I could see the sparks between them but knew that if Gavin’s mother found out it would all fall apart.

Ten years later, Gavin was back as his father was unwell, and to his surprise Ravin is his carer. I enjoyed seeing them together once again and seeing that the spark was still there. A lot had happened in the time that Gavin was away, and it was nice to see him try to get to know Ravin once again. Gavin was still harbouring a few secrets, and I was sad for Ravin when she learned more about them.

This was a good read, and I liked seeing some serious elements through this read that happens in everyday life. I enjoyed Gavin and Ravin back together again and seeing their journey, as difficult as it was at times.

Title: The Day He Came Back

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 17, 2019

It was the summer of my life.
I’d met the guy of my dreams.
Unfortunately, he was the son of my uppity employer—and very much off-limits.
But Gavin was a rebel. He knew his mother would disown him if she found out about us; in his eyes, we just had to be careful.
He never treated me as his mother did—like hired help.
Instead, Gavin put me on a pedestal and loved me harder than I’d ever been loved in my life.

What a summer it was.
Until it all ended—badly.

I was never supposed to see Gavin again.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about him every day for ten years.
I knew little about his life now, just that he was an entrepreneur living an ocean away.

When a twist of fate had me working again in the very place our love affair started a decade earlier, I knew it was only a matter of time before I might see him again.
But I wasn’t prepared.
What if he hated me?
What if he loved someone else now?
I wasn’t prepared for all the unknowns.

And most of all, I wasn’t prepared for today to be the day he came back.

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Review ~ Dream On by Jennifer Hartmann

Dream On: A Slow Burn Second Chance Romance by Jennifer Hartmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dream On was a heartbreaking, but beautiful read. My heart ached for the young Lexington; moving to a new town away from the spotlight, trying to fight his demons and finding a connection with a girl from the small town. Stevie could see past the confident Lex, to the fragile boy beneath who just wanted to be normal. They built a strong connection together, but circumstances tore them apart.

In the current day, Lex is a famous star who just finished a series that portrayed Stevie and Lex’s life. It was heartbreaking for Stevie as she fell for the boy that he was and couldn’t believe that he brought their story to life. After Lex’s manager interferes, Lex presents Stevie with a proposition which Stevie cannot pass up. Watching these two together again was so good. Stevie could see that he was still not healed and Lex came to realise the impact that he left on her. These two had some serious issues to work through together.

I thoroughly loved this read and my heart broke for all the characters. All Lex wanted was love and Stevie was just the right person for him. I was mad at Lex’s parents and could not believe how blasé and selfish they were. Jennifer Hartmann pieced this story together perfectly and I was consumed until the final page.

Title: Dream On

Author: Jennifer Hartmann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 12, 2025

He was her first love—and her first heartbreak. Now he's back, and the world is watching.

From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Hartmann comes an all-new standalone new adult crossover romance filled with heartache and dreams.

Lexington Hall and I were never supposed to collide—he, the golden boy of Hollywood, and me, a small-town dreamer with stars in my eyes. But when we shared the stage in our high school musical, something ignited.

Then, just as quickly, it all fell apart, leaving my dreams in pieces.

Now, four years later, Lex is a household name, turning our past into a television sensation. He's spun our story for the world to see, while I'm still haunted by what we lost.

With millions obsessed over the "real" Stevie St. James, Lex reappears with an offer too tempting to turn a fake romance to keep the buzz alive, in exchange for the financial freedom I desperately need.

I convince myself I can play the part. But as old feelings resurface and new risks emerge, the line between fiction and reality begins to blur.

Dreams are easy to chase—but falling for the guy who shattered mine could cost me everything.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Hero by Susan Stoker

The Hero by Susan Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read the first two books in this series previously and each one has been quite the adventure. Bob and Marlowe’s book was full of action from beginning to end as Marlowe is busted from a Thailand prison and the spend quite a potion of the book fleeing across the country. They need to get past some obstacles on the way but these two were drawn to one another quite quickly and I knew that they would protect each other fiercely. Even when they return to the states, the passion remains along with the underlying danger that came with the whole ordeal.

Once again, I was caught up in the talented storytelling of Susan Stoker. It was good to see the original characters again and how they still support one another. I felt that Lucy Rivers and Aaron Shedlock narrated the story flawlessly and I thoroughly enjoyed being swept away with their voices.

Title: The Hero

Author: Susan Stoker

Series: Game of Chance #3

Genre: Romance

Published: Susan Stoker

In this thrilling romance, an ex-military man is on a mission to rescue a wrongfully imprisoned archaeologist—and to make her rightfully his.

Any soldier who gets out of the service with his life should be happy to leave danger behind. Though his army brothers are content running their new business in Maine, Kendric “Bob” Evans isn’t ready to give up the fight. He’s been supplementing his hours with covert rescue missions organized by the FBI. But his latest charge may be more than he bargained for.

Marlowe Kennedy is on a routine archaeology dig in Thailand when she’s arrested for drug trafficking. She has suspicions about the true culprit, but even when she’s rescued from prison, there’s nothing she can do about it without proof. Her protective bodyguard’s only objective is to keep her safe until they cross the border into friendly territory.

The best way to do that? Travel as man and wife.

After returning to Maine, as Bob and Marlowe navigate this treacherous terrain with the help of their friends, they face vengeful authorities, a vindictive frame job, and perhaps most important of all—turning their fake marriage into something real.

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Review ~ Denim & Diamonds by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

Denim & Diamonds by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had me smiling right from Brock and February’s first interaction. February certainly was quite the character, escaping a wellness clinic to go to the local bar. What she didn’t expect was the banter between her and the bar manager Brock. The more time these two spent together, the more the chemistry grew and it was only a matter of time before they ignited.

It was only a matter of time before February had to go back to her real life, but the twist… oh my heart! These two had some serious decisions to make and to find a way to get their lives to work, as they were perfect for one another.

Ward and Keeland told this story perfectly and threw in the twist to take the story in a new direction. This story had a good mix of fun, seriousness and chemistry that hooked me to the end. Brock and February’s story wasn’t easy, but I enjoyed how it all came together.

Title: Denim & Diamonds

Author: Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 27, 2025

From New York Times bestselling authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland comes a new standalone romance.

When the board of directors of my company mandated that I go to a wellness facility in small-town Maine to recharge, that shouldn’t have a ladder to sneak out of the bedroom window at night and going to the local bar.Getting so drunk that the bar owner brought me upstairs to sleep it off in his bed.Waking up staring at the taxidermy moose head on said bar owner’s wall.Falling for said bar owner who was the most drop-dead gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.But Brock Hawkins was so much more than just the hot bar owner. He owned half the town, built log cabins with his bare hands, and was apparently the most eligible man in all of Meadowbrook. He was also a cinnamon roll despite his seemingly rock-hard exterior.
And the last man I should’ve been falling for—because my time in this small town was limited.
I had to head back to my life in New York City, one that was the complete opposite from the kind Brock lived.
He was denim. I was diamonds.
The problem was, the sexy lumberjack wasn’t the type of man who was easy to walk away from. Hell, I couldn’t even part with his plaid shirt that had become a constant fixture wrapped around my shoulders most days, let alone think about erasing him from my life.
A life with Brock, though, would have to be all or nothing.
Go big or go home.
I just didn’t realize that choosing to go big might also mean getting my heart broken when Brock’s life took a turn neither of us saw coming.

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Review ~ Toe the Line by Penelope Ward

Toe the Line by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Archie and Noelle’s story was quite the sweet read that developed over a number of years. Their parents had a holiday home that bought them together. Their friendship grew and I could see the connection between them becoming stronger. They became best friends, although I could see they both wanted something more. Archie had some father issues he needed to deal with, and they both had other relationships that kept them apart, but there was no denying these two had amazing chemistry together.

I really enjoyed this read, with the dual perspectives and getting insight from the past as well. Penelope Ward told this story perfectly and I was fully invested in this story to the very end. Archie and Noelle were great together and although life didn’t go as planned for them, their hearts were full.

Title: Toe the Line

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 27, 2023

The Wall Street Journal Bestseller.
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a friends-to-lovers story spanning more than a decade...

At first, I thought I'd hate spending the summer with Archie Remington—the conceited son of my parents' friends.
What I knew about he was gorgeous, pre-law, and had always treated me like I didn't exist when we were younger.
When our families bought a house together on an island in Maine, he and I were forced to share a bathroom.
The boy I remembered was now a full-grown man—but with the same attitude.
After a rough start, Archie and I unexpectedly started getting along one day and eventually became friends. We shared secrets and bonded during our morning jogs. I discovered that Archie had a wild spirit and that he struggled to conform to his father's expectations.
Things were cool until I had to go and ruin it, getting drunk one night, and blurting out my fantasy—involving him.
I took it back, but it was too late. Archie had heard me loud and clear. After that, we never quite knew how to toe the line.
When that summer came to an abrupt and shocking end, I headed back to college, unsure if anything would ever be the same again.
Across the miles over the years, he and I stayed in touch as friends, but fate and timing always kept us from becoming more.
You know the If two people are meant to be, they'll find their way back to each other?
Let's just say Archie came back into my life in a way I would've never expected.
And this time, my heart would really be put to the test.

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Review ~ All Too Well by Corinne Michaels

All Too Well by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite the sweet read as I got to know both Lachlan and Ainsley. I liked how they had a bit of history together, although Ainsley didn’t want to face it. I laughed through their first interaction and how Lachlan went all bossy on her. Soon, Ainsley was thrown back into to Lachlan’s life and made them both face the feelings from their past. She was able to worm her way into his world and uncover a lot of things that he was trying not to show or tell her.

These two were perfect together. Rose was the sweetest girl too and I liked how she and Ainsley got along. I could see all their feelings growing and knew this could lead to heartbreak for all of them. This was a great start to the series, and I enjoyed meeting other characters along the way.

Title: All Too Well

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: Ember Falls #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 18, 2024

For as long as I can remember, Lachlan West has been my brother’s best friend and the love of my life. Trouble is, he kissed me four years ago and then never spoke to me again.

I was doing great pretending he doesn’t exist until I was assigned to write an article about former college athletes, and I learn that the sexy single dad is my first interview.

Determined to wow my editor with an amazing sportsball piece—(have I mentioned I know nothing about sports?)—I head to Ember Falls, ready to face my fears—and the man I love.

The grumpy quarterback turned fireman wants nothing to do with me or my article. Yet, somehow I persuade him to let me follow him around for a few weeks, and even if he said yes just to get rid of me, I’ll take it.

But the longer I stay in his small town, the more complicated our story gets. The boundaries we set fall to the ground—along with our clothes.

He holds me like I matter, touches me like I’m cherished and kisses me like he loves me.

We both know I have to leave Ember Falls, and he’ll never follow—I only wish I could write a different ending to our story.

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Audiobook Review ~ Mayluna: A Novel by Kelley McNeil

Mayluna by Kelley McNeil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy hell! This book was brilliant! I loved the way that we got the perspective of both Evie and Carter and how their story unfolded! Evie told the story to her children and I could feel the connection and the passion between her and Carter and what they meant to one another. It was fun to be in the rock and roll world and seeing her live in the moment, fall in love and be consumed by Carter.

Carter was quite the reserved character to begin with but opened up to Evie so easily. She respected their boundaries and would document things but had no intention on sharing more than he wanted her too. Their connection was immediate and I knew these two were magic together.

This story sure threw me for a loop and I applaud the way Kelley McNeil wove this story. Amanda Leigh Cobb and Kevin Kemp perfected the narration and kept me hooked even as I ugly cried!! I loved this one and was definitely suffering a book hangover by the end!!

Title: Mayluna

Author: Kelley McNeil

Genre: Romance

Published: February 1, 2024

A legendary band, an iconic lead singer, and their mysterious connection to a woman whose love helped create the music of a generation. Timing is everything in a powerful novel about fate, regret, and moving on by the author of A Day Like This.

In the 1990s, Carter Wills was the lead singer of the English alt-rock band Mayluna, securing his place among music legends. His tortured-heart lyrics struck a chord. And so did his secret connection to a woman whose love changed all their lives. Who was she?

Evie Waters’s two grown children discover an iconic photo in an old magazine of a “mystery girl” with their mother. It all started in a wistful time and place for Evie, her twenty-fifth summer. A young columnist forging her career. Backstage euphoria. A long-shot interview. And an almost cosmic connection with an enigmatic musician on the rise.

What happened between them is a hidden story no one, not even Evie’s family, knows. Until now. Worlds apart, Carter and Evie finally reveal the story—joyful, regretful, and unforgettable. It was a time when the stars aligned for a love so profound the whole world felt it. It was as if it would last forever.

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Audiobook Review ~ Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came across Where the Forest Meets the Stars while browsing for my next audible read. I haven’t heard about the author or the book prior, and I was intrigued as it had so many reviews, so I knew I needed to pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised by the suspense and the slight sci-fi element that was woven in the read, and I was glued to this story.

Jo was doing studies on birds in a remote cabin when a small girl named Ursa turned up on her doorstep. It was soon apparent that the girl wouldn’t leave, even when Jo tried to do the right thing. Even the neighbour Gabriel tried to convince Ursa to open up so they could return her to her home, but the girl was determined to stay. As the story unfolded, we got to delved deeper into all the characters – Jo and Gabriel’s pasts and secrets and the truth around Ursa and where she was from.

The narration by Lauren Ezzo was amazing and I enjoyed how she brought Glendy Vanderah’s story to life. I liked how she told the story and how the emotion and suspense bled through the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the ride I was taken on and look forward to more stories in the future.

Title: Where the Forest Meets the Stars

Author: Glendy Vanderah

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Fantasy

Published: March 1, 2019

In this gorgeously stunning debut, a mysterious child teaches two strangers how to love and trust again.

After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. She throws herself into her work from dusk to dawn, until her solitary routine is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious child who shows up at her cabin barefoot and covered in bruises.

The girl calls herself Ursa, and she claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles. With concerns about the child’s home situation, Jo reluctantly agrees to let her stay―just until she learns more about Ursa’s past.

Jo enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash, to solve the mystery of the charming child. But the more time they spend together, the more questions they have. How does a young girl not only read but understand Shakespeare? Why do good things keep happening in her presence? And why aren’t Jo and Gabe checking the missing children’s website anymore?

Though the three have formed an incredible bond, they know difficult choices must be made. As the summer nears an end and Ursa gets closer to her fifth miracle, her dangerous past closes in. When it finally catches up to them, all of their painful secrets will be forced into the open, and their fates will be left to the stars.

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Review ~ The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann

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

Oh, my heart! This book has all the angsty feels that I love and is a little forbidden with the age gap between the characters. However, Eve and Kyle were the perfect pair and I could not get enough of this read. I was intrigued from the start and became invested in their world.

Eve was the kind of preachers’ daughter that liked to break the rules, and babysitting for the cute new high school football coach was just what she needed. She made her feelings known early on and I could see the sparks igniting between them, even though they both knew it was forbidden. Eve built a strong friendship with Josh over the apple sauce that she made for him.

I liked the way their relationship grew and how Kyle saw deeper into Eve than she even realised. He slowly opened up to Eve and expressed his feelings to her in kind gestures. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, and when it broke my heart did too.

This book had it all; good banter, angsty moments, heartbreak, forgiveness and passion. The end of the book broke my heart, but I loved how it all came together. I need to read more of this series as I just love what this author can deliver!

Title: The Apple Tree

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Series: Sunday Morning #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 23, 2025

He’s a single dad starting over in a new town. She’s a relentless flirt with a penchant for trouble, ten years younger than him, and the babysitter. What could go wrong?

Eve has just graduated from high school, but she doesn’t know what’s next aside from working at the local motel, spying on Kyle, her neighbor, and stealing apples from his orchard. If she doesn’t figure things out soon, she’ll be stuck at home and treated like a child forever.

Kyle is a single dad and the new football coach who needs a babysitter for his adorable son. When he meets Eve, there’s an instant connection because she reminds him of someone—himself. But Eve is the preacher’s daughter, off-limits, and Kyle has already had his heart trampled by his ex.

After earning his son’s affection with her homemade apple sauce and youthful spirit, Eve asks Kyle to teach her things like driving his fishing boat and shooting his hunting bow. Despite his better judgment, he agrees, but swears Eve to secrecy so no one gets the wrong idea about them.

Their playful banter and innocent flirting crosses a line, and Kyle misses the heartbreaking secret Eve’s hidden in plain sight.

When tragedy strikes, can they find their way back to each other?

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