Naomi's Reading Palace: August 2017

Hot Bachelor by Katie McCoy ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

I've been meaning to read Katie McCoy for a while and I snapped this one up while it was on sale. It was a great read and I cannot wait to read more of her work!

Hot Bachelor: A Romantic Comedy Standalone

Title: Hot Bachelor

Author: Katie McCoy

Genre: Romance

Published: July 26th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon

Dash Hennessy is the hottest bachelor in the country, looking for love in front of an audience of millions... He just wasn't supposed to pick ME!

I just landed my dream summer gig: working as a production assistant on TV's smash-hit reality show, Ever After. Two months of sun and fun at the beach? Sign me up! Until the moment I come face to face with this season's bachelor, racing's bad boy Dash - aka, the mysterious hottie I just hooked up with at a creepy motel off the I-80.

Can you say, awkward?

Dash is sexy, charming - and totally off-limits. But the chemistry between us is way too hot to ignore. He's playing to win, and he's got his sights set on the prize: me!

Soon, the action is heating up off-screen. But between ratings-hungry producers, back-stage drama, and twelve of the most cutthroat glamazon contestants known to womankind, I'm in way over my head. Can I find my happily-ever-after, or will it be lights, camera, heartbreak?

I must've been on a comedy read roll, because I picked up this one after reading another romantic comedy. Also, Katie McCoy has been on my radar for a while and I finally took the plunge and grabbed Hot Bachelor. This particular issue also has another of Katie's books in the back, Game On, which I haven't read... as yet!

I liked that Paige didn't realise who Dash was and treated him like any normal guy. She was sassy, quick witted and kept Dash on his toes. She's an honest person who wanted to do well in her new job and tried hard not to stray from her goals.

Dash was such a swoon-worthy guy!! He was kind, nice and treated Paige well, despite the tricky situation that he was in. He was definitely the hot sexy guy you suspect him to be, but wasn't overly cocky. He had issues that affected him and made him a little vulnerable.

I loved the connection that Dash and Paige had right from the beginning. I could see how spicy their relationship was going to be and it was soooo hard to deny! I liked that both Paige and Dash had close friends they could count on with what ever challenges are thrown their way!

For my first Katie McCoy read, it was an exciting and enjoyable read. The characters felt real and believable despite being thrown into a situation that tested them. I look forward to reading more of Katie McCoy's work in the future.

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

Every girl wants to be treated right, and I think Dash is a type of guy we all want!

I wanted to sweep her off her feet. I wanted to romance her in a way I’d never wanted to romance a woman before.

Kindle Loc 1769

I expected him to take me right then and there. To push me up against the wall. Or just pull me down onto the floor. And I wanted it. I wanted it all.
But he came towards me slowly. He could have touched any part of my body, but he pushed the hair back from my face and cupped my chin, bringing my mouth to his. The kiss was hot, but it was also sweet and tender.

Kindle Loc 2850
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Katie McCoy is a self proclaimed sushi addict, Cardinals baseball fanatic, and lover of all things theatrical. A St.Louis native transplanted to Brooklyn, she acts, sings, and shakes her booty when she isn't writing books about hot men and the girls who love them.

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Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@kerrylonsdale)

Kerry Lonsdale is another new-to-me author, and I picked this one up by chance. I thoroughly enjoyed being swept away in this world, with the little bit of mystery entwined throughout the romance.

Everything We Keep (Everything We Keep, #1)

Title: Everything We Keep

Author: Kerry Lonsdale

Series: Everything We Keep #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 1st 2016

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A luminous debut with unexpected twists, Everything We Keep explores the devastation of loss, the euphoria of finding love again, and the pulse-racing repercussions of discovering the truth about the ones we hold dear and the lengths they will go to protect us.

Sous chef Aimee Tierney has the perfect recipe for the perfect life: marry her childhood sweetheart, raise a family, and buy out her parents’ restaurant. But when her fiancé, James Donato, vanishes in a boating accident, her well-baked future is swept out to sea. Instead of walking down the aisle on their wedding day, Aimee is at James’s funeral—a funeral that leaves her more unsettled than at peace.

As Aimee struggles to reconstruct her life, she delves deeper into James’s disappearance. What she uncovers is an ocean of secrets that make her question everything about the life they built together. And just below the surface is a truth that may set Aimee free…or shatter her forever.

I picked up Everything We Keep while it was on sale and the blurb really grabbed me. It began with Aimee burying her husband, and it was hard to see her struggle through it all. But somehow, she managed to move on slowly... until she had to face her past once again.

This was a heartbreaking, but beautiful read as I watched Aimee try and build a life for herself alone. She started her own business and began some new friendships, one that could mean so much more to her. It was hard to see her struggle, but worth it to see the woman she became... until her past resurfaced and she needed to get full closure.

It was sweet to see Aimee develop feelings for someone else, especially after feeling such loss. He was such a nice guy and just what Aimee needed. He supported Aimee through everything and was patient while she figured out what she needed. Even while they were in Mexico, and experiencing the difficult time they had there, I could see his deep love for her never wavered.

My heart broke in the beginning, slowly mended until it was crushed once again. Everything We Keep was a powerful and magnificent read that will be hard to forget. It dealt with some difficult issues, but it also gave me hope. The characters weren't perfect, but I had hope that they would find their way together, and be able to find peace! I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel of Kerry Lonsdale's, and I believe fans of Colleen Hoover's work would enjoy it too.

I have a few great quotes from the book today. One is amusing, the second is amusing and the third made me swoon!

“I’ll make you a deal. I’ll toast to us becoming great friends if you promise to tell me when you want something more with me.”
My eyes rounded, then I tossed back my head, laughing at his deliberate word choice. When, not if.
“You’re something else,” I teased.
He shook his head. “Nah, just optimistic.”
“All right.” I lifted my glass. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Kindle Page 104

“Just promise me you’re not using the psychic as an excuse to keep yourself from falling in love again.” His gaze bore into me. “Because I’ve already fallen for you.”

Kindle Page 128

... our gazes met across the dance floor. My lips parted. The intensity and determination in his eyes kept me rooted to my spot. He closed the distance and gathered me in his arms. A shiver coursed through me, and something akin to hunger. I pressed closer.
His hands moved up my body, achingly slow, until he cupped my face. He brushed his thumb across my lips, and then he kissed me. It was hot and desperate and tender all at once.
We moved over the dance floor, our bodies in sync. The music grew louder, our lips bolder, tongues tangling. Then I remembered where we were and why I was here. “What are we doing?” I gasped into his mouth. “What are you doing to me?” I could hardly keep track of my thoughts.
“Kissing you,” he murmured against my lips. “Loving you.”

Kindle Page 212

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Kerry Lonsdale believes life is more exciting with twists and turns, which may be why she enjoys dropping her characters into unexpected scenarios and foreign settings. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is a founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She resides in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an aging golden retriever who’s convinced she’s still a puppy.

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Shacking Up by Helena Hunting ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@HelenaHunting)

I've read some of the books in Helena Hunting's Pucked series, so when I stumbled across Shacking Up, I knew I had to get it!

Title: Shacking Up

Author: Helena Hunting

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 30th 2017

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Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick.

Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet. Filled with hilariously awkward encounters and enough sexual tension to heat a New York City block, Shacking Up, from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting, is sure to keep you laughing and swooning all night long.

I was looking for an entertaining read and I know that Helena Hunting can deliver, and boy did she ever with Shacking Up!! It had the right mix of humour and flirty, fun sexiness that had me eagerly flicking through the pages!

Ruby was a bit down on her luck, and was scraping through due to her lack of work. Kissing a hot guy who damn well knew how to kiss, didn't help either, especially since said guy was sick. But after landing a pet sitting job for Bane – sick, awesome kisser – the attraction builds between them through messages, phone calls and face time chats.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Ruby and Bane grow. Bane was genuinely upset about making Ruby sick and took it upon himself to help Ruby, which I though was sweet. I liked how easy going and eager Ruby was to help Bane out, despite kind of guilting him into it. They had an easy friendship to begin with, and it was good to see them get to know each other before acting on the connection then both obviously felt.

I thoroughly enjoyed Shacking Up! Helena Hunting has that magic way of taking ordinary situations and turning it into something amusing that you cannot put down. The characters had their own quirks, and a steamy connection that I knew was going to be epic! I liked meeting the side characters, even though some of them have issues that I hope we get to explore. Helena is definitely one of my go to authors!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

I can't help it, but I have to share two swoons today, one sweet, the other is a definite swoon worthy moment!

“Will you please get in before a group of thugs swarm us and tries to steal you?”
“No one is going to steal me.”
He steps in rather close. “If I was a thug, I would steal you.”

Kindle Page 355

“I want you.”
He admitted it. Out loud. Thank God. He doesn’t make a move to take me, though, so I push what I hope is his very last button. “Well, what are you going to do about it?”
“You can’t make anything easy, can you?” His hand shoots out, fingers sliding into my hair, twisting into the strands. His grip tightens as he tilts my head back and then his mouth is on mine.

Kindle Page 363
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Helena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.

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Other reviews featuring Helena Hunting
Pucked series
Pucked #1
Pucked Up #2
Pucked Over #3

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Trusting You and Other Lies by Nicole Williams ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@nwilliamsbooks, @PRHAudio)

This was the first book that I've listened to of Nicole Williams, and I thought it was a pretty sweet Young Adult read! It was nice to see one Summer at a camp could help people grow!

Title: Trusting You and Other Lies

Author: Nicole Williams

Narrator: Jorjeana Marie

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Published: June 20th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Nicole Williams delivers a seductive summer romance worth swooning over. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins.

Phoenix can't imagine anything worse than being shipped off to family summer camp. Her parents have been fighting for the past two years--do they seriously think being crammed in a cabin with Phoenix and her little brother, Harry, will make things better?

On top of that, Phoenix is stuck training with Callum--the head counselor who is seriously cute but a complete know-it-all. His hot-cold attitude means he's impossible to figure out--and even harder to rely on. But despite her better judgment, Phoenix is attracted to Callum. And he's promising Phoenix a summer she'll never forget. Can she trust him? Or is this just another lie?

Trusting You and Other Lies was such a cute read!! It started with Phoenix and her family heading to the mountains to spend the Summer at a camp. She didn't want to go and resented her parents for making her go because things were a little strained between both her parents, and herself. She was still close with her younger brother and I liked seeing her protect him when she could.

Phoenix took on a councillor role at the camp, so she could earn some cash over the summer. She was unsure at first, made some mistakes and pushed herself when she needed to. But it was hard for her to get the approval from her leader, Callum. He was a gorgeous guy, who carried the world on his shoulders. He took his job seriously and if you made a mistake, you had to work back his trust.

Both Phoenix and Callum had a lot of trust issues, and they both struggled to let people in. Their stories were revealed along the way and I could see them both growing into stronger people. I liked seeing them work together and study together as their relationship strengthened.

I love the way that Nicole Williams wove this story! There was a lot of growth for all the characters: Phoenix, Callum and her parents. I liked that they all went into the Summer a little lost but were all stronger and better towards the end. Nicole Williams knows how to create a world that you can connect to and get lost in. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Jorjeana Marie as well, she switched into each character nicely and was pleasant to listen to. I'll be picking up more reads she narrates in the future, that's for sure!

Complimentary copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

Today I have the beginning of the opening chapter to share with you. It sets up how Phoenix is feeling about her summer. I hope you enjoy it!

Kindle Arc Loc Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

I'm a wife, a mom, a writer. I started writing because I loved it and I'm still writing because I love it. I write romance because I still believe in true love, kindred spirits, and happy endings.

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Other reviews featuring Nicole Williams
The Outsider Chronicles
Hard Knox #1
Damaged Goods #2
Lost and Found series
Lost and Found #1
Near and Far #2
Finders Keepers #3

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Blow by Heidi McLaughlin ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@HeidiJoVT, @readloveswept)

I hadn't read a book by Heidi McLaughlin before, so I grabbed Blow while it was just 99 cents!

Title: Blow

Author: Heidi McLaughlin

Series: Virtuous Paradox #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 8th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Meet the complicated men behind the sexiest boy band in America! In Blow, the start of an emotionally charged series from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, an insatiable heartthrob gets blinded by the spotlight—and learns to fight for love.

Bodhi McKnight has always had everything handed to him on a silver platter: fame, success, money, girls. The raven-haired, blue-eyed hottie is the son of Hollywood A-listers, and when he’s asked to join the boy band Virtuous Paradox, his star shoots even higher. But so do expectations, leading Bodhi down a destructive path of addiction—until a drop-dead gorgeous guardian angel shows him her sizzling brand of tough love.

When Bodhi ends up in rehab, he doesn’t expect to meet someone as cool and down-to-earth as Kimberly Gordon. Although he’s enjoyed the company of beautiful, charming women before, none of them have tried to get to know the “real” Bodhi. But Kimberly isn’t fazed by his stardom. She’d rather go horseback riding, teach Bodhi to play guitar, or ask him about his feelings. Soon Bodhi realizes he’s fallen head over heels for her. He just hopes that he’s strong enough to protect what they have from all the pressures and temptations of the outside world.

Blow was quite the eye opening read into the life of an addict. It may not be a true indication of what a full blown addict has to deal with, but it gave me a bit of a glimpse into the life of someone that didn't realise he was suffering. Throw in a hot and sexy counselor, and I knew I was in for a lot of smouldering fun!

Bodhi McKnight was exactly what I thought a guy from a boy band would be like: confident, charming and sexy. He was a little lodt relying on his addiction, so it was good to see him come to terms with it and become a better person. I liked seeing him grow in rehab, make an acquaintance, and fitted into the lifestyle there. Once he was out, he did all he could to stay clean and worked on improving himself.

Kimberly Gordon was may've crossed a few lines when it came to Bodhi, but I could see these two were meant to be. She was a strong, sweet and caring girl, that Bodhi needed at the time. I liked seeing their chemistry grow throughout the story, and seeing little things test and strengthen their relationship.

I liked getting to know the other guys from Virtuous Paradox too. Brayden and Carson are good friends and supported Bodhi during his dark time. I got little glimpses as to the direction of their romances and I look forward to seeing more!

I enjoyed Heidi McLachlan's writing style and felt she did a great job at portraying what happens to a person that faces their demons. I liked how the relationship began and seeing their attraction flourish! Bodhi's relationship with his parents strengtherned too, and I liked seeing that element in the story. The storyline was easy to follow and I liked most of the characters that I was introduced to. I'm keen to continue this series, so bring on the next book!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

This is a great first kiss! The passion and chemistry was off the charts for these two!

The way she looks at me, with the moon casting a glow on us, makes it seem like we’re in the middle of a movie set. The only thing missing is the cheesy music put over the clip to alert the viewers that a kissing scene is coming up.
Kiss her.
I lean forward, listening to my heart, and press my lips against hers. They’re soft and mold to mine perfectly. I step toward her, closing the gap, and place my hand on her hip, bringing her forward just a hair. My tongue reaches out to test her willingness to kiss me, gliding along her lower lip. She places her hands on my chest and her fingers brush over my skin, sending shock waves to my core.

Kindle Loc 1193

Kindle Arc Loc
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production to be a major motion picture.

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Brutal Sin by Eden Summers ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@EdenSummers1)

The final book in The Vault series has been released! I am a week late with my review, but work and being sick has not helped! So... better late than never!

Title: Brutal Sin

Author: Eden Summers

Series: The Vault #3

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Published: August 7th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Falling in love will be brutal.
Bryan is ruthless, heartless, and more than a little proud of his notorious reputation, until his bad attitude threatens to strip him of the one place he can’t live without. His sanctuary. The Vault. The exclusive club is the only place he feels at home, and he’ll do whatever it takes to reclaim what is his. Even if it means asking for help from the woman who landed him in trouble in the first place.

Pamela may have become weak-kneed over Bryan’s talented hands once before, but this self-empowered widow isn’t stupid enough to want more from the sanctimonious ass. Nope. At least that’s what she tells herself before he turns up at her café, offering to refresh her memory on his skilled fingers and filthy words in exchange for a favor.

He needs her to set things straight in the Vault. She needs him to satisfy the cravings of fulfillment she’s been missing. It’s a match made in hedonistic heaven, until hostility turns to lust, and lust into passion, capturing them both in an emotional web neither one of them want to be ensnared in.

Warning: This is an exhibitionist’s playfield and a voyeur’s delight, but dominance always rules. Throw in teasing, torture, and a gag or two, and you’ve got yourself another night of debauchery within the carnal walls of the Vault of Sin.

It's been almost 2 years since I began The Vault series, and I have been hanging to read Brute's book. I was eager to meet the girl that would bring back the spark that appeared to be missing. What I didn't expect to find was the hurting boy hidden within the man and to see him struggle with his feelings when someone from his past contacted him.

Brute/Bryan was the alpha male I expected him to be! He was sometimes rude and abrupt, but that was just the way he was. When it came to Pamela, I could see him softening towards her, as she was getting under his skin. He revealed details about his past to her, which he hadn't done before, not even to his best friends Leo and T.J.

Pamela was a girl who knew what she wanted and was sick of giving in to the boys that were trying to seduce her. She wanted a sure thing, with a guy who would give her what her body needed, so Shay set her up with Bryan. She tried hard to not get attached to him, even though each time they were together he blew her mind. She opened up about her past and Bryan understood her hesitancy.

I loved seeing these two together, because they had more in common than they realised to begin with. They had insane chemistry and it was only a matter of time before Bryan knew Pamela was different than other girls. I liked seeing all the previous characters in the series again too, and how they came together, despite Brute trying to push them away. Brutal Sin was a sexy and intense final instalment in the series!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

This was a beautiful moment between Bryan and Pamela!

She smashed her lips to his and immediately drowned in the intensity of his reciprocation. His hand flew to her hair, sliding over her scalp, holding her close. His arm wrapped around her waist, squeezing life back into her. Every part of him touched her. Every inch of her body remained at his mercy, while his tongue parted her lips and delved deep.
He took over. Made her hyperventilate. All with one kiss.
With only his beard, lips, and teeth.

Kindle Arc Loc

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.

In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.

Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.