Naomi's Reading Palace: February 2018

The Selection by Kiera Cass ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@kieracass)

What an addictive journey this has turned out to be! I was hooked and did not want to put it down! I'm kicking myself that I haven't tried Kiera Cass before now, because I'm loving the characters and the world!

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #1

Genre: YA Romance

Published: April 24th 2012

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

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I have wanted to read this book for so long! I picked it up not long after it’s release in eBook, but I came across it in a box set for only $10 just before Christmas, so you know I grabbed it for myself! So what did I do, devoured the first book as fast as I could! It was addictive, I tell you... I loved how the Selection was conducted, the dangers that were faced and the emotional turmoil that America faced!

I even enjoyed how well this world was set up. I was able to learn some of the history of how the world had changed in the future. It wasn’t like what we have now, with some holidays forgotten and simple things that we take for granted were non existent.

The growth in America was done well too. She was kind of pushed into joining the Selection by her mother and also Aspen, America’s boyfriend. She did what she had to for her family and it was easier for her to break her heart to do the best for those she loved. I loved that she didn’t change who she was, she stayed true to herself and held her head high, despite being in a lower class. I wanted her to win Maxon’s heart... despite old flames returning!

Although there seems to be a love triangle in the book, I am hooked! I’m really enjoying Kiera Cass’s writing style and how she sucks me into her world! There are characters that I love and some that were created for you to dislike, and the slow growing romances have me aching for more! I’ll be jumping into the next book immediately!

I really enjoyed these moments between America and Maxon. A touch of humour and a little vulnerability.

He raised his eyebrows. “Have there really been arguments over me? Don’t you all realize I’m the one doing the choosing?”
“Actually, that was unfair. They’re ﬁghting over two things. Some ﬁght for you, others fight for the crown. And they all think they’ve already figured out what to say and do so your choice will be obvious.”
“Ah, yes. The man or the crown. I’m afraid some cannot tell the difference.” He shook his head.
“Good luck there,” I said dryly.

Paperback Page 116

His expression was affectionate but guarded. “I’ve met nearly every woman in this room, and I can’t think of one who would make a better friend. I’d be glad to have you stay.”
My relief was inexpressible.
“Do you think,” Maxon asked, “that I could still call you ‘my dear’?”
“Not a chance,” I whispered.
“I’ll keep trying. I don’t have it in me to give up.”

Paperback Page 130

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

I am a graduate of Radford University with a B.S. in History. I grew up in South Carolina and currently live in Christiansburg, Virginia with my electrical engineer hubby, car-obsessed son, and princess-loving daughter. I'm a #1 New York Times bestseller, woohoo! I'm also a valued customer at my local cupcake shop.

Things I hate:

When people fail to use turn signals, flying, salads.

Things I love:

Office supplies, boy bands, desserts.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Tumblr / YouTube

Tight by Alessandra Torre ~ Audio book Review & Swoon Thursday (@ReadAlessandra)

Alessandra Torre always delivers great dark romantic suspense, and boy did she deliver in Tight! I was on edge throughout the whole book and I had to get to the end! It was addictive and I loved the strength that all the characters had!

Title: Tight

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Published: February 6th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn't got laid in three years. Hadn't been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup... a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issue is his secret.
The issue is her.
The issue is that I don't even know she exists, and he thinks she's dead.
The issue is that shit is about to hit the fan and I can't hold on to him tight enough.

What a fantastic listen this book was! I was hooked right from the opening chapters and devoured it quite quickly. Alessandra Torre is an author that blows me away each time I pick up one of her reads! I loved how Riley and Brett first met and I could feel the attraction oozing between the pages! Riley was unsure it could work out, but Brett was persistent, and it was a great trait in an amazing guy!

Brett pursued Riley, after they parted ways. I loved the way he courted her and pushed her to take the chance. Riley was hesitant but with the help of one of her friends, she took the plunge. But all the travelling and the coincidences had her double guessing her choices and who Brett was.

Brett was such a confident and caring guy, but he had his secrets, that made him a little shady... Once I realised what he was doing it melted my heart. He may be a successful and wealthy man, but he also did things for others that I admired. He treated Riley well, and I could see she was someone he was falling hard for.

There was a third perspective tied throughout this story and it certainly kept me on edge. My heart ached for that woman, but I loved the determination and strength that she had to pass her days and the belief she would make it! I was unsure who that person was and I was kept guessing for a long time, but once revealed I hoped it all would work out.

I thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Piper Goodeve and Angelo Di Loreto. Piper Goodeve portrayed the female voice in the story perfectly and I was kept guessing when it came to the third perspective. Angelo Di Loreto had me second guessing Brett, putting harshness into Brett's tone, and sweetness as well. They were both fantastic narrators that I hope I get to listen to again.

*** 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! ***

These two moments really moved me, I could just see how much Brett loved Riley.

“Don’t stop,” I gasped.
“Honey, I’m not going to stop until you fall apart in my hands. I need that. I’m not releasing you until it happens.”

Kindle Page 32

When he saw me, his shoulders dropped, his face relaxed, his arms reached out and wrapped around me. He buried his head in my neck and squeezed me tight, the bump of Miller’s body comical as he wound his way through our legs. “I was worried,” he said.
“You’re here.”
“Just for the night. I needed to see you. Is it okay?” He pulled back his head, his arms kept me close, as if he wasn’t ready to let go.
“Of course. I was just surprised. Didn’t know you knew how to drive American cars.” I grinned and tilted my head toward the car. That was good; I was good. I cracked a joke, so nothing was wrong.
He laughed. “It’s an airport loaner. They’re fresh out of Bentleys. You eaten?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. You?” I headed toward the house, my right hand digging in my jacket for my keys. I pulled them out with a flourish, spinning to Brett and shaking them. “Look. Locked up and everything.”
“God, you’re sexy when you’re safety-conscious,” he growled, his hand catching my waist and pulling me close for a kiss.

Kindle Page 194
Originally inspired by YA Bound

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written nine novels, five of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, became a breakout hit, rising to the top of the charts on Kindle and Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for her erotic thriller The Girl in 6E.

From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Alessandra Torre
Love, Chloe
Love in Lingerie
Hollywood Dirt
Black Lies

Would you like me to add the link up code to this post, so you can add it to your own posts?

180 Seconds by Jessica Park ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@JessicaPark24)

I'd been seeing this book around for a while, and I snatched it up while it was on sale. It was a fabulous read, and at times it made my heart ache.

Title: 180 Seconds

Author: Jessica Park

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: April 25th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N

Some people live their entire lives without changing their perspective. For Allison Dennis, all it takes is 180 seconds…

After a life spent bouncing from one foster home to the next, Allison is determined to keep others at arm’s length. Adopted at sixteen, she knows better than to believe in the permanence of anything. But as she begins her third year in college, she finds it increasingly difficult to disappear into the white noise pouring from her earbuds.

One unsuspecting afternoon, Allison is roped into a social experiment just off campus. Suddenly, she finds herself in front of a crowd, forced to interact with a complete stranger for 180 seconds. Neither she, nor Esben Baylor, the dreamy social media star seated opposite her, is prepared for the outcome.

When time is called, the intensity of the experience overwhelms Allison and Esben in a way that unnerves and electrifies them both. With a push from her oldest friend, Allison embarks on a journey to find out if what she and Esben shared is the real thing—and if she can finally trust in herself, in others, and in love.

180 Seconds was a different read than what I expected. I loved the way Allison and Esben met and that they were so different from one another. They fit together well, but it was also a difficult read as they faced some hard times that almost broke my heart.

Allison wasn’t a very confident girl. She kept to herself and found it hard to let people in. She was raised in the foster care system and was adopted late in her teenage years. Her best friend is the only person she kept close. After meeting Esben and going through the social experiment that rocked them both, she started to see herself—as well as the world and people around her—differently. She grew so much throughout the story, but I had that niggling feeling that something was coming, and boy did it rock my soul. My heart broke for Allison and I may have ugly cried too!

Esben was a nice guy and I loved the way he saw the world through each experiment that he did. I liked the way he encouraged Allison to do things that she wasn't totally comfortable with. He supported Allison and fit into her family easily. It all seemed too good to be true and I was anxious waiting for the penny to drop.

Allison's best friend Steffi confused me and I wasn't sure what her intentions were. There was something about her that threw me off because she was selfish, manipulative and did things that annoyed me. My heart broke for Allison though, because despite what Steffi put her through, she was still kind enough to do anything for her.

I was quite impressed with my first Jessica Park read. She created characters that had their quirks, but together they were perfect. It was a beautiful, gritty yet tragic read that will leave your heart swelling with the belief that love can heal your soul.

The first quote was amusing, and the second I felt in my soul!

When he lowers himself into the seat beside mine, his arm grazes against me. “Hi,” he says softly.
“Hi.”
“How was the rest of your weekend?” he asks with a glint in his eye.
“Less drunk,” I reply.
In the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard, he says, “You’re cute drunk.”

Kindle Page 93

“How can you be this . . .” I look into his eyes. “How can you be this everything?”
“Let’s be clear here. I’m not saying that this is all a total breeze for me, because you’re pretty damn hot, and I would love to be tearing your clothes off, and I’ll probably have to take, like, forty cold showers later today.” His grin is both mischievous and utterly sweet. “But you know what feels better than anything physical?” Esben looks at me for a long time. “How it feels to be falling for someone the way that I’m falling for you.”

Kindle Page 138

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Jessica is the author of CLEAR, The Left Drowning Series (LEFT DROWNING and RESTLESS WATERS), the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (& the companion novella FLAT-OUT MATT), FLAT-OUT CELESTE, and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Man Card by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@SarinaBowen, @Blunder_Woman)

I knew this book would be a hoot, and boy was it ever! There were a few intense moments, but overall it was a highly entertaining read! I'm looking forward to coming back to this world again, and soon!

Title: Man Card

Author: Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby

Series: Man Hands #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 15th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Nothing ventured, nothing banged...
Ash
I still don't know how it happened. One minute I was arguing with my arrogant competitor--our usual trash-talk over who deserves the larger commission. But somehow I went from throwing down to kneeling down...
It can never happen again. I don't even like Braht. He's too slick. He's a manipulating mansplaining party boy in preppy clothes.
So why can't I get him out of my head?

Braht
There are two things I know without question. One: Ash and I are destined for each other. Two: never trust a man with a unibrow.
Ash is my missing my piece. She's the sweet cream to my gourmet espresso. And nothing gets me going faster than her contempt for me. They don't call her the Ashkicker for nothing.
Eventually I'll win her over...if my past doesn't ruin everything first.

I was looking for a read that was a bit lighter and a whole lot of fun, and Man Card was just what I needed! I was introduced to both Ash and Braht in the first book and I was looking forward to seeing their love/hate relationship turn into something more. Throw this couple into the same workplace, add a little danger and you know that these two would explode throughout the pages!

Ash thrived on control of everything around her; her home life, the work place and her love life. Having Braht in her life seemed to throw all her hard work into the air. He pushed her buttons, he allowed her to drop her walls and she somehow let him into her life without realising it.

Braht knew what he wanted since the first time he set his eyes on her, and that was Ash. He had had a taste of her and knew he wasn't letting her go. He appeared to be an over confident man, who loved his manscaping and being pampered, but he had issues in his past that gave him the drive to be the focused man he was today.

Ash and Braht really did compliment each other well, despite the secrets of their pasts coming back to haunt them. I enjoyed seeing the softer side to Braht and how far he would go for the people he loved. Ash grew into a better person too, being able to trust another person once again. She had a strong connection with her parents that made my heart swell with happiness for her. I enjoyed seeing all the characters from the first book again too, and I look forward to seeing how Sadie's life will turn out!

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

*** 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! ***

How I loved Braht and they way he expressed himself! Each time he opened up to Ash, I fell for him a little more!

“It’s the guy who has a firm grip on his man card that can hold your purse. He’s not afraid to be seen with that Tory Burch you like to carry—nice color, by the way. He’ll free up your hands because he likes your hands, and he remembers all the terrific things you can use them for.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1429

“Any man who tells you that chick flicks are for pussies can’t be any good in bed. Because that man does not speak the language of women.

Kindle Arc Loc 1436

On October tenth on this spot Sebastian Braht first seduced the woman of his dreams. Casualties: none. Weaponry: dirty talk and first-class salesmanship. Result: only one party shot his cannon, but both parties declared victory multiple times.

Kindle Arc Loc 2519
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Sarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of HIM and US.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Instagram / Pinterest

Tanya is a member of SAG/AFTRA. She is a narrator and has over 500 titles to her credit. She also narrates under the name of Tatiana Sokolov for books that are particularly saucy (AKA erotica books). When not narrating, she’s working on her own writing. Check out her books: Easy Does It, Blunder Woman, Pepper Wellington and the Case of the Missing Sausage, Foodies Rush In, Tunnel Vision, and Synchronicity. She also has a food blog at dips.tanyaeby.com.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby
Man Hands #1
Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years series

The Year We Fell Down #1

The Year We Hid Away #2
The Understatement of the Year #3
The Shameless Hour #4

True North series

Keepsake #3
Bountiful #4

Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen & Sarah Mayberry

Temporary

Would you like me to add the link up code to this post, so you can add it to your own posts?

Too Late by Colleen Hoover ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@colleenhoover)

I had forgotten that Colleen Hoover had written this book. It was first published on Wattpad and was a bit of a side project. I snatched it up while looking for an Audible read and it was fantastic! Three different and intense characters, one of which had a little crazy about him!

Title: Too Late

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: November 19th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N

Sloan will go through hell and back for those she loves.
And she does, every single day.
After finding herself stuck in a relationship with the dangerous and morally corrupt Asa Jackson, Sloan will do whatever it takes to get by until she's able to find a way out.
Nothing will get in her way.
Nothing except Carter.

Sloan is the best thing to ever happen to Asa. And if you ask Asa, he'd say he's the best thing to ever happen to Sloan. Despite Sloan's disapproval of Asa's sinister lifestyle, he does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead in his business. He also does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead of Sloan.
Nothing will get in his way.
Nothing except Carter.

I know this was written a while ago, but geez it blew my mind! I wish I’d picked it up earlier, and it was a brilliant book to listen to! The story is told from three perspectives: Sloan, Carter and Asa. I enjoyed seeing the lengths that Sloan and Carter would go for someone they loved and I tell ya, it was remarkable seeing into the twisted mind of Asa! It wasn’t always a pleasant read and it was intense too, but I just hoped that Sloan would make it out of the impossible situation they were in.

Right from the opening chapters I could see Sloan and Carter had chemistry, but they soon realised it wouldn’t be easy for them. Sloan is stuck in a situation that she doesn’t know how to get out of, with Asa pulling all the strings and Carter now works for Asa. However not all is at it seems and I had a glimmer of hope that Carter may be able to get Sloan out.

This book was intense! Everyone was on tender hooks around Asa as you didn’t know when he’d crack. He was possessive of Sloan, and had issues from his childhood that would constantly resurface. He had his own set of rules and would take anyone down who was a threat or stood in his way.

This was a different read than what I’m used too from Hoover, but it was still remarkable in its own way. I liked the way that she tackled this difficult situation and how I was hooked to learning more about the characters. The narrators delivered the story perfectly pulling me into the world and that I couldn’t get myself out of. I just wished I'd picked this story up earlier... it was fantastic!

I have a few little quotes from the same interaction between Sloane and Carter. It really was a turning point in their relationship.

“Are you? Interested in fucking me?”
Jesus Christ. What is she doing?
I fight my own hands as they slide to her hips. “Not really,” I say, my voice rough. “I’m much more interested in making love to you.”

Kindle Page 177

“Everything I’ve ever said to you. Every look I’ve given you. Every time I’ve touched you. It was never for the job, Sloan. Not one fucking time. Do you understand that?”

Kindle Page 178

I squeeze my eyes shut and whisper in her damp hair. “You’re all I see, Sloan. Beyond the job, beyond right and wrong. You’re all I see.” I press my lips to the side of her head, and when I feel her mouth press against my neck, I pull her closer. She’s still gasping for breath, probably a combination of fear, anger, and our current proximity. We find each other in the dark, and when our lips finally meet, it’s as if she’s silently begging me to kiss away her doubts.

Kindle Page 179

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Colleen Hoover is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels and five novellas. Hoover’s novels fall into the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories.

Hoover published her first novel, Slammed, in January 2012. Since then, all her eligible works have become New York Times best sellers.

Colleen Hoover is published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. Colleen also has several self-published titles.

In 2013, Colleen’s third novel, Hopeless, was the first self-published novel to reach #1 on The New York Times, where it remained for several weeks. Hopeless went on to become one of the top 20 bestselling ebooks of 2013.

In 2015, Colleen’s novel CONFESS won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. That was followed up in 2016 with her latest title, It Ends With Us, also winning the Choice Award for Best Romance.

Her novel CONFESS has been filmed as a series by Awestruck and is due to release this spring on go90. Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper star in the series.

Ugly Love is slated to begin filming in late 2017.

Colleen founded The Bookworm Box, a charity subscription service and bookstore, with her family in 2015. The Bookworm Box is a subscription service that provides readers with an exciting opportunity to receive signed novels in the mail each month from authors all over the world. All profits from the subscription service are donated to various charities each month. To date, The Bookworm Box has donated over $850,000 to help those in need.

Colleen’s next release is WITHOUT MERIT, a contemporary romance novel due to release through Atria Books in October, 2017.

Colleen’s current work-in-progress is an exciting revisit to a previous novel, not yet announced, due to release in early 2018.

Website / Facebook / Twitter
Instagram / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Colleen Hoover

November 9

Hopeless series

Hopeless #1

Losing Hope #2