Naomi's Reading Palace: April 2019

The Wrong Kind of Love by Lexi Ryan ~ Review & Teaser (@writerlexiryan)

I found this on Netgalley the other day, and since I haven't read anything by Lexi Ryan in a while, I snatched it up! It was a fun read, but I could see it was going to backfire on poor Nic!

The Wrong Kind of Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbor, #1)

Title: The Wrong Kind of Love

Author: Lexi Ryan

Series: The Boys of Jackson Harbor #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 12th 2018

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From New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan comes a sexy new romance novel about a runaway bride, a single dad who’s sworn off love, and the kind of family secrets that can threaten to break even the deepest bonds.

You never forget your wedding day. Or the moment your twin sister pukes on your bouquet and confesses she’s pregnant... with your fiancé’s baby.

I wanted to get away, to hide until my heart mended. I found myself in a strange town with a mysterious stranger whose talented mouth and hands almost made me forget it was supposed to be my wedding night.

Afraid to go home to face my broken life, I pretend to be my twin so I can take her job in Jackson Harbor caring for a six-year-old girl. Imagine my surprise when I find out my new boss is my mysterious stranger — Dr. Ethan Jackson.

I never meant for Ethan to discover my secrets. I never meant for them to matter. But the longer I work with him and his sweet daughter, the harder I fall, and the clearer it becomes that I’m not the only one carrying a secret that could tear us apart.

Get ready to fall for the boys of Jackson Harbor in Lexi Ryan’s sexy new contemporary romance series. These books can all be read as standalones, but you’ll enjoy reading them as a series!

I know when I'm looking for something to read, I can never go wrong if I pick up a Lexi Ryan read! The characters are memorable and she has an easy way of creating a world that I always want to come back to. I can say that I was addicted to The Wrong Kind of Love right from the start and didn't want the story to end!

Right from the first time we met Ethan, Nic could tell by his eyes that he harboured a lot of sadness. He was a broody character and we got a few little glimpses of the fun man he could be when he was with Nic. He had lost someone he loved and found it hard to let someone close again. The chemistry between them was intense, and even though they found themselves in a difficult situation, it was hard to bury their feelings.

Nic didn't want to deceive Ethan, but was encouraged to do so to make the transition easier for a few people close to Ethan. She was as honest as she could be, but I could see that it was going to come back and bite her. I liked that Nic made an instant connection with Lily, Ethan's daughter, and they enjoyed doing a lot of things together.

The Wrong Kind of Love was a fun and entertaining read. Although it started with a bit of heartbreak and betrayal, it soon became apparent that Nic never truly found the right love before. I really enjoyed getting to know Nicole and Ethan, watching the sparks ignite and their friendship grow! I also enjoyed meeting the rest of Ethan's brothers and his sister, and I look forward to meeting them again in future books. Well done Lexi Ryan, I want to come back to Jackson Harbour again!

These are both amusing teasers that I had to share!

She rounds the corner on the second floor and uses the same key to unlock the door to her room. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For tonight. For lending me your coat and walking me.” Her gaze drops to my mouth and stays there. She lowers her voice and adds, “For kissing me when I needed to be kissed.”
“It’s been my pleasure.” The corner of my mouth quirks into a smile. “All of it.”

Kindle Loc 668
Under my lacy cami, my nipples are at full attention. They, apparently, don’t care that he’s an asshole.
“We’re turning over a new leaf, you little hussies,” I whisper. “No more assholes.”

Kindle Loc 1424

New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance novelist Lexi Ryan is a former college English professor turned full-time writer. Author of over a dozen novels, her books have been translated into German, French, and Italian and produced in audio. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found enjoying yoga, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.

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Other reviews featuring Lexi Ryan
Playing with Fire
Here and Now series

Lost in Me #1

Fall to You #2

All for This #3

Reckless & Real

Something Reckless #1

Something Real#2

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard ~ Review & Teaser (@VictoriaAveyard, @harperteen)

I devoured this one as soon as I finished the second book. I was so keen to see what happened after the dramatic ending, and I was not disappointed!

Title: King's Cage

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #3

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: February 7th 2017

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In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down.

I jumped into King's Cage immediately after reading Glass Sword, because that ending... Whoa! It was exciting to head back to the castle and get more of Maven, seeing the vulnerable boy behind the crown and what he had to endure growing up. Like Mare, my heart broke for that boy, but the King he was now had me seething! He was cruel and conspiring behind the scenes.

I felt sorry for Mare in the first half of the book while she suffered and lost hope. She was at breaking point, however there was always that little spark still inside her. I was shocked to see new alliances that were formed and enjoyed every twist that was thrown at me.

I liked that I saw other points of view in this installment as well. That way I knew what Cal was doing and a few of the other members in the crew. Cal appears to have grown a lot since losing Mare and I liked that change in him. He is more determined to get her back and to fight for his people and country.

I really enjoyed King's Cage and the direction that the author has taken this journey. The neighbouring countries are becoming involved and alliances have changed. It was quite the thrilling read and I cannot wait to return to see what happens next!

Two teasers, one featuring each of the brothers...

With a deep breath, I poke at the only weakness I suspect he might still have.
“Were you here?”
Blue eyes snap to mine. It’s his turn to look confused.
“Through this." I glance at the bed, and then far away. It's painful to remember Samson’s torture, and I hope it shows. “I dreamed you were here."
The warmth of him recedes, drawing back to leave the room cold with oncoming winter. His eyelids flutter, dark lashes against white skin. For a second, I remember the Maven I thought he was. I see him again, a dream or a ghost.
“Every second," he answers.
When a gray flush spreads across his cheeks, I know it’s the truth.

Paperback Page 62

I look different too. A skeleton, an echo. He runs a limp lock of hair through his fingers, watching the brown fade to brittle gray. And then he touches the scars. At my neck, my spine, ending with the brand below my ruined dress. His fingers are gentle, shockingly so after we almost ripped each other apart. I am glass to him, a fragile thing that might shatter or disappear at any moment.
“It’s me," I tell him, whispering words we both need to hear. “I’m back.”
I’m back.
“Is it you, Cal?” I sound like a child.
He nods, his gaze never wavering. “It’s me.”
I move because he won’t, taking us both by surprise. My lips mold to his with ferocity, and I pull him in. His heat falls like a blanket around my shoulders. I fight to keep my sparks from doing the same. Still, the hairs on his neck rise, responding to the electric current jumping in the air. Neither of us closes our eyes. This might still be a dream.

Paperback Page 334

Victoria Aveyard is an author and screenwriter, born and raised in a small town in Western Massachusetts. Both her parents are public school teachers, as well as avid film, television, and literature fans. Victoria grew up on a steady diet The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and LOST. She pursued a degree in Writing for Film & Television at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. After graduating college in 2012, Victoria moved home from Los Angeles and began writing the manuscript that would become Red Queen.

She has since published three #1 New York Times bestselling and USA Today bestselling books, two New York Times bestselling novellas, and continues pursuing her writing career while living full-time in Los Angeles, California.

The Red Queen series is currently being translated into 37 languages and counting.

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Other reviews featuring Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen series
Red Queen #1
Glass Sword #2

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard ~ Review & Teaser (@VictoriaAveyard, @harperteen)

I am glad that I jumped back into this world again. It was very exciting and intense especially in the second half of the book!

Title: Glass Sword

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #2

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: February 9th 2016

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If there’s one thing Mare Barrow knows, it’s that she’s different.

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they’ve always known—and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul.

I began this book in October last year, then put it down for a while before picking it back up in February. It was a little slow to get back into, but when I picked it back up in February I was determined to read more. What a ride it turned out to be! Trusts had been broken, decisions needed to be made, the characters needed to recruit others and there was enough action to keep me hooked! However, it wasn't always smooth sailing, as I shed a tear and I was left in shock at the end of the book... so much, that I picked up the third book immediately.

It was interesting to see Mare and Cal work on building their relationship once again. They had both been through so much and due to sacrifices that were made, they found it hard to trust one another again. Mare had a good support crew around her and Cal was the outsider, but in the end they worked well together and became a good team as they recruited other people to join their cause.

Maven was always looking for them and was doing what he could to try and catch them or hinder their plans. I was always on edge when he was close because I think he was more unstable than I thought!

Although this story began a little slowly, I did appreciate the authors way of telling her story, creating her world and the characters that I feel close to. The story is building, and building! There were a few WOW moments for me that I didn't see coming and my heart broke for Mare and some of her crew. I see this story is getting a lot bigger and I'm excited to see where it goes next! That ending OMG! If you are going to read this series, have the third book handy, because you will want more!

The first tease is where Mare and Cal are starting to find their connection again and the second is from Kilorn, and the passion that he has for their cause and Mare.

Would that Maven were here now, so I could rip out his horrible, haunting eyes. “Well, he can't have me.” I realize the consequences of this and so does Cal.
“Not even if it stops the killing? Not for the newbloods?"
Tears bite my eyes. “I won’t go back. For anyone.”
I expect his judgment, but instead he smiles and ducks his head. Ashamed of his own reaction, as I am of mine.
“I thought we would lose you.” His words are deliberately chosen, carefully made. So I lean forward, putting a hand on his fist. It’s all the assurance he needs to press on. “I thought I was going to lose you. So many times.”
“But I’m still here,” I say.
He takes my neck in his hands like he doesn’t believe me. I'm dimly I reminded of Maven’s grip, but fight the urge to flinch. I don’t want Cal to pull away.

Paperback Page 249

“Mare saves people.”
Kilorn's voice sounds different, older. The longing ache in my chest returns.
“Mare saved every one of you from prison or death. She risked herself every time she walked into your cities. She’s not perfect, but she’s not a monster, not by any measure. Trust me," he adds, still refusing to look at me. “I have seen monsters. And so will you, if we leave newbloods to the mercy of the queen. Then she’ll make you kill each other, until there’s nothing left of what you are, and no one alive to remember what you were.”

Paperback Page 332

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Other reviews featuring Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen series
Red Queen #1

Wait for It by Mariana Zapata ~ Review (@marianazapata_)

Mariana Zapata is a new to me author, and I can tell you now that I'll be reading more of her work in the future! She has a fabulous way of developing her worlds and introduced me to characters that are loyal and passionate! I loved meeting Diana and Dallas! They were sweet and perfect together!

Title: Wait for It

Author: Mariana Zapata

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 7th 2016

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If anyone ever said being an adult was easy, they hadn't been one long enough. Diana Casillas can admit it: she doesn't know what the hell she's doing half the time. How she's made it through the last two years of her life without killing anyone is nothing short of a miracle. Being a grown-up wasn't supposed to be so hard. With a new house, two little boys she inherited the most painful possible way, a giant dog, a job she usually loves, more than enough family, and friends, she has almost everything she could ever ask for. Except for a boyfriend. Or a husband. But who needs either one of those?

I found this book when I was browsing Amazon the other day. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to read, but after I read the blurb I had to read it. It started a little slow, as the author built up the world and introduced the characters, but soon I was hooked and found it hard to put it down! I loved all the main characters and enjoyed watching them struggle with current feelings and the demons in the past.

I could see a lot of myself in Diana, she was fun, a little quirky and didn’t hold back with her sarcasm. She loved fiercely, but had lost so much, but she was determined to build the best life for herself and her boys. I loved how truthful she was and that she would sacrifice herself despite the consequences... she was such a delight to read about.

Dallas was broody and closed off to begin with, but each time he interacted with Diana, he opened up a little more. Despite his appearances, he was a kind, thoughtful and sweet guy who found it hard to let people in.

I loved this read so, so much! The way Diana and her boys interacted was sweet, and the banter between them was amusing. When things were serious, they would fight hard for one another, Diana would do anything for those boys and they in turn protected her as well. I loved how Dallas slowly embedded himself into their lives. Mariana Zapata is an author I will pick up again. Her stories feel real and are packed with emotion that touched my soul. I laughed, I cried and I swooned my way through this read, and I will definitely pick up more of her work, soon!

I just love the way that Dallas, the quiet, broody man, was able to express his feelings for Diana!

“If something had happened to you—” I choked. Me? He’d been worried about me too? The hand connected to the forearm I’d been touching came up to my eye level. His fingers went to my chin, cupping it as he looked directly into my eyes. “If something happened to you, I wouldn’t be okay. I would never be okay,” he practically hissed.

Kindle Loc 5255

“You told me you were a little in love with me, do you remember?”
How could I forget?
“But I wouldn’t use ‘little’ to describe what I feel for you, Diana. I think you know that already.”
It was my turn to blink. I squeezed our palms together. “So I’m not imagining it?” I pretty much whispered.
“No, baby, you’re not.” Dallas squeezed my fingers between his.

Kindle Loc 6627

Mariana Zapata began writing love stories soon after she learned how to spell. She probably shouldn’t admit that she started sneaking romance novels from her aunt’s bookshelves way before she was old enough to even understand what it meant when a man flipped up a woman’s skirt… don’t tell her mom. Luckily, she stuck to stories about princesses and princes for a while. In her teens, she wrote boy band fanfiction (there’s still a website up somewhere on the internet with those masterpieces), and in her early twenties, she picked it back up again with Sookie Stackhouse and Twilight. Eventually, her significant other finally told her to do what she wanted to do and she began working on her original work. Her novels tend to include potty humor, bodily functions, and bad words. Mariana lives in a small town called Pagosa Springs, Colorado with her husband/best friend, Chris Letchford, and their two well-beloved (and emotionally manipulative) Great Dane children, Dorian and Kaiser. When she’s not pretending to write, she’s reading sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk or historical romance novels. You can usually find her harassing her dogs, being a hermit at home or cracking jokes at the expense of her family members.

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Decker by Eden Summers ~ Review (@EdenSummers1)

If you didn't know, Eden Summers is an Australian author that I simply adore! Each time I read one of her books I am swept away with her words, the characters and the situations they are in! Decker was action packed, intense and a little spicy... everything I need in a read!

Title: Decker

Author: Eden Summers

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: December 25th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

He protected me from danger and became my biggest threat.
He's my defender. My savior.
A brutally determined man with a cocky smirk and an equally cocky attitude.

Broad. Strong. Focused.
He seduces me with his flirtation.
Warms me with his care.

But he's hiding something.
There are ulterior motives beyond his concern for my security.
A thirst for more than my safe keeping.

I can't fall for him. Can't be tempted by his touch.

Not when he can't be trusted.

But questioning my protector means I've now become his target.

From bestselling author, Eden Summers, comes another seductively thrilling STANDALONE destined to leave you breathless.

Whenever Eden Summers releases a book, there is no doubt that I'm going to snatch it up. Once Decker hit the shelves I devoured it as soon as I could. I really enjoyed being back in this dark world, after meeting some of the characters in Hunter, and I cannot wait to come back for more!

I really enjoyed how action packed this read was... right from the beginning, the story was intense and our main characters Decker and Keira were thrust together and on the run. I liked that they had a small connection, and it grew as they spent time together without Keira's family breathing down their throats. They had to remain on their toes as the danger was constantly following them.

Decker had a reason to be thrust into this situation and it was good to see the depth to his plans. He was passionate and was willing to do anything to get to get what he wanted. It was good to see Keira open up and trust Decker with her secrets, and really show how determined and kind she really was. Decker and Keira were both strong, passionate and feisty characters, and despite the dark world they were in, they were perfect for one another.

I thoroughly enjoyed coming back into this world and getting Decker's story. Eden Summers knows created two powerful characters that were willing to sacrifice themselves for family. There were a few aspects and characters I was left wondering about at the end of this read, and I really hope we get more of Torian, and soon! You need to try Eden Summers now, if you haven't already!

I'll tell you what, Decker and Keira were intense! They were brutally honest most of the time and I loved that Decker was taking what he wanted in this tease!

“If you’re looking for nice, you’ve come to the wrong guy.” I grab the front of her blouse and tug her close. “If you want sweet, I’m not that guy either.”
There’s no room for weakness in this world. Not around her family and definitely not in the bedroom. If she expects a limp dick, she’s got another thing coming.
“I just want you,” she whispers. “The real you.”
I tug her blouse harder, forcing her lips to mine. She whimpers as our mouths collide, and I keep tug, tug, tugging her forward until she climbs onto the bed. Onto me. She straddles my hips, her skirt creeping higher up her perfect thighs.
There’s no sweetness. Not one fucking thing kind about our kiss.

Kindle Loc 1229

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.