Naomi's Reading Palace: July 2018

Tackled by Lucy Snow ~ Review & Quote-tastic

I purchased Tackled a couple of years ago, and while scrolling through my Amazon books, I decided to give this one a go. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one as much as I hoped.

Title: Tackled

Author: Lucy Snow

Series: The Alpha Ballers #1

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: March 11th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon

College football’s most infamous wide receiver wants to show her that everything’s bigger in the pros.

If I know what's good for me, I'll stay as far away from Drake Rollins as I can...

I have loved football since I was a kid, and now I cover a team professionally.

So it’s just my luck that I get stuck following Drake Rollins around as he tries to make my favorite team.

We knew each other in college, and though I can't stop thinking about him, I know I have to stay away.

He's radioactive, in danger of throwing his life away, and it looks like I'm one of the only people on Earth who sees any potential in him.

How long can I resist this gorgeous and sexy man?

When I finished Tackled, I was actually a little disappointed... I didn't really like the characters, and I felt I was told too much about their story, instead of experiencing what went on. In the beginning the story started at the draft, then went back 8 hours, then jumped forward three days. It was just a little too confusing for me.

I really didn't like Drake. He was arrogant and full of himself, but then he would show how much football meant to him, and all that emotion would pour out of him. Then he flipped back into the asshat he was and I was left thinking that he was nothing but a jerk!

Then there’s Lily – she was a little timid, but was determined to do well at her job. She had a long time crush on Drake, and even though he was a jackass most of the time she lets him in to her world.

Drake and Lily really didn't gel well together and would often have arguments and disagree about things. You would think that they would walk away from one another, but then he'd ask her to dinner and she would say “yes, meet you in an hour”... What the?! I’d be like hell no! Make him actually work for it! Don't just give in to him, because you have a crush on him. She really did annoy me.

Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. I don't mind alpha reads, but this one was hard to get into. A few times I considered giving up on the book, but I pushed through, hoping it would get better. I did enjoy the football aspect, but the characters really let me down. Oh well, you win some, you lose some!

This was a moment where Drake and Lily had a little sweet moment...

“You helped me a lot with that last week when I was struggling, and look at me, I’ve made the first couple cuts. I’m still here when everyone thought I’d be out on the street by now. It’s all because of you, do you understand?”
That sounded so nice coming from him. It sounded like exactly what I wanted him to say, exactly what I needed him to say.
But still, I couldn’t help but feel like this might not be the right path for me. “I’m still not sure…”
“How can I convince you?”

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Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

You can find Lucy here:
Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

The Sexpert by J.A. Huss and Johnathan McClain ~ Review, Giveaway & Swoon Thursday (@jahuss, @MisterJMcClain)

I love, love, LOVED this book! It was such a light, amusing and smexy read that I could not put down! I loved the quirky characters and how the story unfolded! I hope we come back to this world, SOON!

Title: The Sexpert

Author: J.A. Huss & Johnathan McClain
Series: Tall, Dark, and Handsome #1

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Published: July 24th 2018

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

EDEN

I’m just a simple girl who likes dessert. And sexy men. And social media. So starting an anonymous video channel called The Sexpert as a side hustle to make up for my low-paying marketing job at Le Man Magazine seemed like a perfectly sensible career decision. Until we went viral, my boss accused my anonymous personality of stealing his idea, and now my super sexy new boyfriend, Andrew, is out to get me.

Her. Me. Whatever.

ANDREW

I don’t want it to be her. I do not want this… sweet, delicious, shy social media nerd working at my best friend’s magazine to be the face behind those perky cupcakes on the Sexpert channel. I don’t want it to be her… because I like her. A lot. She’s funny, and quirky, and smart, and creative… and… I really, really like her. It just can’t be her.

But it is.
And now I have to choose.
My best friend?
Or… The Sexpert?

I had so much fun reading the Sexpert that I didn't want the book to end! It was all that I could hope for in a romantic comedy! The chemistry between the characters was electric, it was a funny read and Eden was so damn cute! I was often smirking at things she did, and I just couldn't put the book down!

Eden was the boobs behind the Sexpert! She was nerdy, quirky and had a sweet personality. You wouldn't think that she could do these videos when you get to know her as she appears to be a little shy, but with the support of her best friend and partner, she nails each topic in her own unconventional way.

Andrew was smart, rich and so soooo sexy! I loved seeing the effortless way he fell for Eden. He loved all of Eden's quirks and everything she did pulled him in deeper! I liked his loyalty to his friend, but I could see him struggle with the old friendship and his potential relationship with Eden. It was amusing each and every time they got together, but I could feel the story building for inevitable heart break!

I've always enjoyed Huss's reads, however this is the first book that I have read by this duo, and I have come to realise that I have been missing out! It was an addictive and playful read, with a cast of characters that felt so real that they hooked me to their world! The side characters were just as fun and I'm eager to get back into this world again!

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! ***

I didn't pick any kissing scenes to swoon over, I did pick one that was leading into the kissing... the other made me melt, just a little!

“What should we do?” Andrew asks. “Hmm? Get you out of those wet clothes and put you into something dry?”
“What’s my other option?” I whisper back, unable to take my eyes off his.
He shrugs, grips my hip with his other hand, and says, “Get you out of those wet clothes and not put any back on?” His eyebrows shoot up and do a little wiggle. Which makes me smile and let out the breath I was holding.
“Will you eat me like dessert?” I say. “Swirl your tongue around in my frosting and hit my cherry button?”

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I take her hand, hold her wrist, and look her in the eye. “Hey. Trust me.” She draws her chin back into her neck. “Do you trust me?” She nods, slightly and warily. “Good. Will you let me pick out what you’re gonna wear tomorrow?”
“Why do you want to?”
I take a beat, stroke her cheek, and tell her, “Because. I love beautiful things.”

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Originally inspired by YA Bound

Two accomplished writers come together to create unforgettable sexy romance. JA Huss is the New York Times bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today bestsellers list eighteen times. Johnathan McClain is a veteran actor and writer whose work, either performed or written, is probably airing on at least one of the channels on your television right now. You can contact them on their website www.hussmcclain.com or find them at their social links below.

STALK JULIE

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Instagram / Pinterest

STALK JOHNATHAN

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK FAN GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shrikebikes/

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Other reviews featuring JA Huss

Jordan’s Game
The Pleasure of Panic #2
Turning series
Taking Turns #1
Turning Back #2
SuperAlpha series
Anarchy Found #1
Anarchy Missing #2
Anarchy Chained #3
Mister series
Five #0.5
Mr. Perfect #1
Mr. Romantic #2
Mr. Corporate #3
Mr. Mysterious #4
Mr. Match #5
Mr. & Mrs. #6
Rook and Ronin series
Tragic #1
Manic #2
Panic #3
Happily Ever After #3.5

Rook and Ronin Spinoff's

SLACK: A Day in the Life of Ford Aston

TAUT: The Ford Book

BOMB: A Day in the Life of Spencer Shrike

GUNS: The Spencer Book

Dirty, Dark, and Deadly series

COME #1

Come Back #2

Coming for You #3

Meet Me in the Dark

Three, Two, One (321)

Wasted Lust
Social Media series

Follow #1

Like #2

Block #3

Status #4

Profile #5

Home #6

Sexy
Eighteen (18)
Rock

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The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@LaurenBlakely3)

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely was a fun and sweet read that I easily devoured. I love these kind of reads that start as a set up, but they end up falling for one another!

Title: The Real Deal

Author: Lauren Blakely

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 10th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Get ready for your next favorite romantic comedy, THE REAL DEAL!
April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on GigsforHire since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family's summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the GigsforHire ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.
Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau -- the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.

He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.

They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?

I know that when I pick up a Lauren Blakely read, that it's going to be fun... and The Real Deal was just as entertaining as I hoped it would be. It had the right mix of flirty banter, light hearted fun and characters that I adored. It really was the complete package that I enjoy in a read.

April and Theo were the type of characters I like. They both were pretty easy going and had a connection from their first meeting. April was out of the dating game as she had been hurt by her previous guy and was solely focused on her career. She hated that her family put so much pressure on her and always set her up with guys. It was amusing to see her seek out a guy to be a buffer between her and her family.

I really loved Theo! He had cleaned himself up and was doing ok for himself. He was working at a bar and running a boyfriend for hire gig on the side for extra cash. His ad was hilarious and I knew that it would hook April immediately. I love the way he treated April and really made her family like him and they even backed off a little, which was nice.

The more time these two spent together, the harder they fell. I could see they had real chemistry that was going to explode once they hit the sheets! I enjoyed how well these two interacted around April's family, it was effortless for both them. Lauren Blakely sure wove this story together perfectly, so much that I didn't want to leave this world. I'm looking forward to what she may bring us next!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

These two were just starting to fall for one another, and this moment was so sweet!

“She’s taken.”
That voice is like a note being plucked on a guitar, held long and lasting, and spreading through my body. It’s possession. It’s ownership.
Theo steps onto the porch, the ends of his hair still wet from the shower, his skin smelling fresh and completely lickable, his brown eyes dark and intense. He loops an arm around my waist, yanking me close; then he drops a kiss to my lips.
Stars.
I see stars.
The world winks off as his lips dust mine, soft and gentle and lasting barely more than a second or two.

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Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy-five times, and she's sold more than 1.5 million books. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, FULL PACKAGE and THE SEXY ONE. In February she'll release THE HOT ONE, a standalone contemporary romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Lauren Blakely
The Knocked Up Plan
Big Rock
Mister O

No Regrets series

The Start of Us #0.5
The Thrill of It #1
Every Second with You #2
Caught Up In Love series

Caught Up in Us #1

JUNE WRAP-UP

June was a slack month here in the Palace... I was behind on reading, so I didn't have enough books to Blog about. I neglected the blog a little, but hopefully I'm back on track!

In life news, we went camping on our block over the long weekend and had a great time with a good group of friends. The kids were able to ride their motorbikes and we kicked back around the fire and enjoyed the serenity! It was great to unwind for a few days!

Netball and football are all going strong! My retired husband has come out of retirement (surprise, surprise) and is playing footy once again.

Click on the covers to take you to my reviews.

Ace of Hearts (The Cursed Ravens MC, #1)

These are the books I've picked up over the past month!

(Click on covers to take you to Goodreads)

Everless by Sara Holland

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

The Way We Burn by M. Leighton ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@mleightonbooks)

M. Leighton is an author that I must read every time she releases a book! She has faced a few tough times in the last few years and you can really feel it while reading her most recent work. The Way We Burn was devastatingly beautiful... and I couldn't put it down!

Title: The Way We Burn

Author: M. Leighton

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: June 24th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon

Irresistible attraction. Unimaginable danger.

I knew from the moment Noah Williamson walked into the diner that he was haunted—deeply haunted—but I couldn’t resist the lure of him. He was gorgeous and fascinating and mysterious, and like a delicate moth to a brilliant blue flame, I was drawn to him. Drawn to his fire.

But if I’d known about his job, about what happened to his wife, I’d have run the other way. Before I got caught up in the red-hot blaze of his life. Before everything in my world got burned to the ground.

It’s too late to run now. I hesitated and that was it. I fell. I fell for him before I knew there was danger in loving him.

Noah once told me that this is the way we burn—together or not at all. At the time, I didn’t know what that meant.

Now I do.

I've read a lot of Michelle Leighton's books, but her recent work has been more emotional and more touching than ever. She has taken it to a whole other level with The Way We Burn. It seemed to be a sweet romance, but once I understood how much Noah had lost, I was devastated!

The storyline unravelled slowly as I was introduced to both Noah and Poppy. Noah was the quiet, broody guy who came to the diner every day. He sat in Poppy's area because they he liked her, and she seemed to be drawn to him as well. Poppy was very shy, but was grateful that she saw Noah everyday, and was shocked when he asked her on a date. I enjoyed seeing their connection grow, and how they slowly opened up to one another and took the next step.

There were a few twists thrown in that had me on edge and add in a touch of suspense, which kept me eagerly flicking the pages! There was also a moment that had me wondering... and later in the book I realised I was on the right track!

Overall, this story was put together perfectly! The love was amazing, but the loss... gut wrenching! How the whole book wrapped up was still a little sad, but it was perfect, just what these two needed – a way to be happy in the future! Well done Michelle! You know how to blow my mind!

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! ***

This was a sweet first kiss for Noah and Poppy!

Wordlessly, he watches me. Seconds pass. Or days. I can’t be sure which. Time ceases to exist, to even matter when he looks at me.
A few achingly slow heartbeats thump by before he tilts his head and leans in, softly brushing his lips over mine.
Finally. I exhale the breath I’d been holding. I was so nervous, I don’t think I’ve breathed since I opened my door.

Kindle Arc Loc
Originally inspired by YA Bound

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a rarely ever comfortable speaking about herself in the third person, but here goes. Michelle is a former nurse who has always harbored a passion for the written word, a weakness for alpha males, and a profound love of all things romantic. Never in her wildest dreams did this Yankee-turned-Southerner imagine her life as it is today. She has the best job in the world, a husband who treats her like a princess, and a dog that's so smart she may one day write a novel, too. You can often find Michelle hidden away in her cave, crafting a new story, or out in the sunshine enjoying some quiet time with her man. Movies, wine, and good food are frequently thrown into the mix, and exercise on days that start with Q. She loves laughter, chocolate, the color red, and you can find out more about her at www.mleightonbooks.com. Sign up for her newsletter here: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonNews
She promises not to spam your inbox:)

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