Naomi's Reading Palace: May 2019

Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans ~ Review & Teaser (@authorkatyevans, @AmazonPub)

When I come across a read by Katy Evans, there's a fair chance I will snatch it up! I really enjoyed reading Million Dollar Devil, and that one little dare turned their worlds around!

Title: Million Dollar Devil

Author: Katy Evans

Genre: Romance

Published: May 28th 2019

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Big-city sophistication meets carnal hunger in this devilish contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.

Heir apparent to her father’s company, Lizzy Banks needs a man. The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.

James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?

Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…

It's been a long time since I've read anything by Katy Evans, so when I came across this one, I quickly snapped it up! It was amusing as to how Lizzy and James met, and he was willing to go along with everything that she wanted to begin with, but it was sweeter watching them fall for one another.

Lizzy was determined to impress her father by finding the perfect model for the campaign for her Father's suit range. She found James and indeed she did turn him into the perfect model. The more time that they pent together, I could see the sparks flickering between them.

I liked seeing Lizzy grow through the story. She saw the world a lot differently through James and it was sweet to see her drop her guard a little when he was around. He confused her, and she didn't know how to act on the feelings between them. I liked that James was willing to take on this job of Lizzy's, but didn't lose focus on his own goals. He also changed for the better throughout their journey, being a little more polished, but his personality was still there.

There was a moment in the book where the drama threw me a little, and I was like NO, NO, NO! It annoyed me that Lizzy was a little childish and jumped to conclusions, and that James didn't fight harder for what he wanted and to set the record straight. Other than that, I really did enjoy the read and had hopes for Lizzy and James to find their happiness.

I loved this moment between Lizzy and James, it made my heart pitter-patter!

“This is so beautiful,” I say, very much aware that he’s not making an effort to leave the seat.
“Best view in Atlanta.” He’s consuming me with his eyes, seemingly unconcerned with the city lights.
“I bet you say that to all the women.”
“I’ve never brought one up here.”
For some reason, I believe him, and that makes me feel very vulnerable.
“Well, maybe you should.”
“I’ll see how this goes and decide from there.”
“How what goes?”
His gaze darkens, and he looks at me, his voice quieting. “This.” His lips devour mine as his hands cradle my hips. He quickly lifts me to him, forcing me to part my legs and straddle him.
I’m undone. I wrap my hands around his neck. Wanton, aching, wanting him. This daredevil, the guy that does stunts for a living, my first stunt—the first risk I’ve ever taken in business and maybe even in life as well.

Kindle Arc Loc 2903

My Life in 8 Words: “Hectic, wonderful, complete; everything I ever wanted.”

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

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Other reviews featuring Katy Evans
Manwhore series
Manwhore #1
Manwhore +1 #2

Real series

Real #1

Mine #2

Remy #3

Rogue #4

Ripped #5

Hard Sell by Lauren Layne ~ Review & Teaser (@_LaurenLayne)

I've been wanting to read Matt's book since I met him in the first book, and I wasn't disappointed! It really was a fun read and I liked how they both fell for one another, even though they tried not to!

Title: Hard Sell

Author: Lauren Layne

Series: 21 Wall Street #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 18th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | B&N | Kobo

He’s a Wall Street wolf. She’s been hired to tame him. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes a wildly sexy novel of business and pleasure.

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

I read the first book in this series a while ago, and decided that now was time to get back into it! I was excited to get Matt and Sabrina's story as in the first book, I could see they had great chemistry! It was a bit of a frenimies to lovers kind of read, and one I found hard to put down!

Like the first book, it started with Matt landing himself in trouble, and to fix his image he needed the help of Sabrina, his workmates best friend. They had crossed paths numerous times before, in and out of the bedroom, so it was inevitable that these two would develop real feelings for one another.

Sabrina was a strong, successful and well connected woman, who was great at her job. She had a difficult childhood and was determined to keep that behind her. Matt came from new money, so he never lacked for anything, but he too was successful and had his own goals that he wanted to achieve. When these two got together, I could see they were meant to be, but they tried hard to fight the feelings developing for one another.

I really enjoyed being back in this world, seeing the characters that I adore, and meeting a new one that I hope to see again. I really enjoy Lauren Layne's writing, the way she develops her characters and how she keeps me hooked to this entertaining world, right until that final page! I'm looking forward to coming back to this world again!

These teasers made me swoon! I couldn't get enough!

Even through the anger, the frustration—or maybe because of those feelings—Matt Cannon’s hands on me deliver a sort of pleasure that’s somehow both soothing and earth-shattering.
His mouth moves restlessly over mine, one hand on the back of my head, the other pressed between my shoulder blades, holding me close.
“I’ve missed this,” he murmurs, his lips gliding under my chin, nuzzling my jaw. “I’ve missed you.”

Kindle Page 156

“Sabrina,” he says. “This enjoying-each-other’s-company thing you speak of . . .”
“Yeah?”
“Care to enjoy each other’s company . . .” His mouth moves down my neck. “You care to enjoy each other in the bedroom?”
I manage a nod, and when Matt stands and scoops me into his arms, I have the breathtaking realization that despite my words, I’ve been wrong about not having avoided the “messy, painful stuff.”
I’m horribly, awfully aware that . . . I’m already in the middle of it.
I’m already all the way, painfully in love with a man who will never love me back.

Kindle Page 192

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies, in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She’s based in New York City.

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Hold You Close by Melanie Harlow & Corinne Michaels ~ Review & Teaser (#MelanieHarlow, @AuthorCMichaels)

I really enjoyed reading Hold You Close by this writing duo. It was an amusing and sweet second chance romance, that had had it's challenges!

Title: Hold You Close

Author: Melanie Harlow & Corinne Michaels

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 19th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

From NYT Bestseller Corinne Michaels & USA Today Bestseller Melanie Harlow, comes a second chance standalone romance novel.

Ian Chase broke my heart at seventeen, and I’ve spent the last eighteen years hating him for it.
He makes it easy, with his smart mouth and playboy lifestyle—which I unfortunately have to observe since he lives behind me. Every time I see him climbing out of his pool, practically naked and unreasonably sexy, my blood boils.
I’ve always loved to loathe him.
I never planned to need him.
~ ~ ~
London Parish is my little sister’s best friend, not that it stopped me from falling for her.
Our history is complicated. The only thing we have in common is being godparents to my sister’s three adorable kids—until our lives are changed in one tragic moment.
Now we’re trying to raise the children we love, mourn an unthinkable loss, and fight an undeniable attraction.
My life is already upside-down, and the last thing I need is for old feelings to resurface.
Because I’ll never be able to keep her, no matter how hard I try to hold her close.

Melanie Harlow is an author I go to when I'm looking for a breathtaking read. Harlow has paired up with Corinne Michaels and together they delivered Hold You Close. It was gut wrenching, sweet and exciting, all wrapped up into a memorable read!

I was able to see the history between Ian and London in the opening chapter. I could tell they both had feelings for one another, however Ian didn't want to hold London back. Fast forward into the future, they are brought together through unimaginable circumstances, however they do not get along. They bicker constantly and do not see eye to eye. They try to put their differences aside, and it isn't long before buried feelings resurface.

I did enjoy the chemistry between Ian and London, they had a lot of years to make up for! The loss they had both suffered intensified their feelings and old habits were hard to kick. It was good to see them work together and try to be better people for the kids. The three kids were great too! They pulled together and would pull up their uncle when he needed it, which was amusing!

I really enjoyed Hold You Close and I think this writing duo really complement one another. The characters they created were strong and stubborn at times, but they learned to bend to help one another. I enjoyed the plot, and the hurdles the characters had to work through, and I hoped that Ian would wake up to himself! It really was a good read and I know I'll read more of their work again!

I just loved the kids in this one, and how they would throw their Uncle under the bus! The second tease made me swoon!

“You’re just special, Lon.”
“Yeah, don’t forget it.” I tap his chest.
His eyes meet mine and the carefree joking we had a moment ago vanishes. There’s heat in his gaze and my pulse roars in my ears. “I never forgot, I just couldn’t tell you the truth.”
Every breath I take makes my chest tight. “What’s the truth?”
“That he likes you!” Morgan yells from the living room and we both take a step back.
“You have horrible timing!” Ian points to the twelve-year-old that seems hell-bent on driving her uncle to drink.
“I always knew I liked that kid.”

Kindle Loc 1264
Ian does something that completely takes me off guard. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his solid chest. My heart begins to race as his one hand glides up my back, securing me to him.
“Ian,” I breathe. “The kids.”
“I don’t give a shit,” he mutters.
“They . . .”
“Shut up, London, and let me kiss you.”
I don’t say a word because before I can even try, his lips press against mine. It’s one of those head-spinning kisses too. Where the world fades away around us, and even surrounded at the airport, all that exists is Ian.
He does this to me, which is the scary part.

Kindle Loc 2026

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. Her stories are about modern couples falling in old-fashioned love, and even though romance is a fantasy, her heroes and heroines are everyday people with real problems who stumble on their way to happily ever after. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

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Corinne Michaels is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller author. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife.

After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love.

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Other reviews featuring Melanie Harlow
After We Fall
Man Candy
Frenched series
Frenched #1
Happy Crazy Love series
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Wrong Bed, Right Girl by Rebecca Brooks ~ Review & Teaser (@BeccaBooks, @entangledpub)

Although I haven't read the first book in this series, I snapped it up and found that it was easy to read as a standalone. It was a quick and sweet romance, and I really hope I can get back into this world soon!

Title: Wrong Bed, Right Girl

Author: Rebecca Brooks
Series: Accidental Love #1

Genre: Romance

Published: May 13th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | B&N | Kobo

Falling head-first into the wrong woman’s bed was not how Reed Bishop’s night was supposed to go. Now a gorgeous, half-naked ballet dancer was threatening his manhood…with a book. He can’t blame her.
It wasn’t how it seemed—he was just doing his job, tracking down his lead informant, who, unfortunately, took off, leaving him to figure out what to do with her friend. Staying in her apartment was no longer safe.
And that’s how he got himself into this mess.

Now she’s sleeping in his bed while he tosses and turns on the couch.
There are pink tights in his bathroom.
Pointe shoes next to his boots.
He swears he won’t touch her like that…but he can’t ignore his fantasies.

As a tattooed, muscled DEA Agent, Reed’s seen some things. Drug dealers, murderers…He can’t let Talia get close. Even though she’s made it clear they’re both fighting the same hunger. And he definitely can’t use his handcuffs on her…no matter how much she begs.

Rebecca Brooks is a new-to-me-author and when I stumbled across this new read of hers I decided I needed to read it. It was a sweet romance, as Reed and Talia accidentally crossed paths, and Reed took Talia into his home, and slowly they fell for one another.

I liked that Talia was a ballet dancer, and we had glimpses into her world. She was training hard for her upcoming lead role, but was distracted by the big, tough DEA Agent at home. I was able to see her feelings grow, and that she was willing to do anything to spend more time with him.

Reed wanted to keep Talia at a distance, but this big burly man had a soft spot for her, and she slowly broke down his walls. He had been hurt before, and has reluctant to let anyone in. When these two took the leap together, they were explosive and passionate, however, Reed found it hard to express his feelings and tried to keep those walls up between them.

Wrong Bed, Right Girl was a quick, delightful read. It had a touch of suspense as Talia put herself in a little danger to help Reed and a case that he was working on. I rarely read books in the third perspective any more, but once I started the book, it didn't take long to be swept away with Brooks' writing style.

This was a sweet moment, where Reed an Talia, tried but failed, to keep their distance from one another.

“I clearly have a type,” she said. “And my type sucks.”
“Then it’s not a date if I do this.” Reed took the hand that had been holding hers and used it to brush her hair over her shoulder.
She shook her head ever so slightly. “No.”
“Or if I do this.” He used his finger to raise her chin.
Her eyes looked up at him, full and liquid in the whispering light. Again, that small flick of her head: no.
“And it’s definitely not a date if I do this.”
He kissed her.

Kindle Arc Loc 1049

Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than write about them.

She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx.

She likes outdoorsy guys with both muscle and heart and independent women ready to try something new.

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The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata ~ Review (@marianazapata_)

After I finished my first Mariana Zapata read, I decided I needed more. I can tell you that I wasn't disappointed! It was another fabulous read, where this marriage of convenience developed into something real!

Title: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

Author: Mariana Zapata

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 28th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | B&N

Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?

After reading my first Mariana Zapata book, I had to read more, so I picked up The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, which is Vanessa and Aidan’s story. I briefly met Vanessa and Aiden in Wait for It, so I was curious to see how they fell for one another. It certainly was an interesting ride: acquaintances to friends to lovers. It was frustrating at times, but definitely sweet too.

Vanessa actually worked for Aiden to begin with, and when she had enough she decided to branch out to work for herself. I loved that she was so determined to succeed in her new business and even set personal goals for herself. When Aiden approached her with a business proposal, she thought carefully before accepting, knowing it was going to help her moving forward.

Aiden was really hard to get to know. He was focused on his career: training hard and eating well. He didn’t have time for relationships, and he came across quite abrupt. He really didn’t like a lot of people, and very few people that he trusted were in his inner circle. However, those who made it were his closest friends that he would do anything for. I loved watching Vanessa and Aiden as their relationship grew into friendship and more, how they skirted around their feelings and neither of them were willing to make the first move.

I loved that Van had a great relationship with Aiden’s roommate Zac, who she convinced to train with her to do a marathon. She was able to turn to her best friend Diana when she needed to talk or vent. Aiden had a close group of friends that meant a lot to him, that I met briefly too. They both had great support when they needed it.

I really enjoyed this story, how it was shaped, and how the characters blossomed when together. The tender moments between Van and Aiden made me swoon, and I liked how comfortable they became together. Van and Aiden both had issues with their family, and found people that were able to help them and shape them into the amazing adults that they became. I've only just begun reading Mariana Zapata's books, and I know I'm going to read more soon!

I really like both these teasers... It was sweet to see Aiden finally show some emotion when it came to the arrangement between them.
The second tease *fans self*

Aiden was pissed. Pissed. The king of control looked like he wanted to rip apart my sister’s boyfriend/ husband/ whatever the hell he was.
And it was what he said next that tore me in half.
The Wall of Winnipeg stared down at the much smaller man, and in a voice that was as close to a cool, unattached statement as possible, he said, “Touch my wife again, and I’ll break every bone in your goddamn body.”
My wife. Not Vanessa. He’d gone with my wife.

Kindle Loc 4890

One of Aiden’s palms slid down the length of my spine, ending at the small of my back. He seemed to talk into my hair. “I don’t know anything about relationships, Van, but I know I love you. I know I’ve waited my entire life to love you, and I’ll do whatever I have to, to make this work.”

Kindle Loc 6755

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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Other reviews featuring Mariana Zapata
Wait for It

Ashton Scott by Nina Levine ~ Review & Teaser (@NinaLWriter)

This is the first time I have picked up this Aussie Authors work, and I was a little excited. Although I didn't love it, I will definitely be picking her work up again in the future!

Title: Ashton Scott

Author: Nina Levine

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 24th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

It was a bad start to my week.
Or shall I say, he was a bad start to my week.
Ashton Scott.
Presumptuous, arrogant asshole.
He barrelled into my office and demanded I sell him my property.
I said no. Never.
He said everything is for sale.
He also said he always gets what he wants.
Well, Ashton Scott can kiss my ass. He’s not getting this.
There's one problem with that.
The man just doesn’t give up. And now he’s decided he wants me, too.
He’s sexy AF.
He wears a suit like nobody’s business.
And his bossiness turns me on in ways I can’t even understand.
But I’m not going down without a fight.
Or at least, I wasn't...
My fight is what Ashton loves the most.
Of course it is.
Send wine.

From the opening chapters I could see this was going to be an entertaining ride. I liked how Lorelei was so gutsy, willing to stand up for herself, and not back down, even from intimidating men! What she didn't count on was Ashton Scott... the way he persisted, he took control and tried to be in charge all of the time, especially in the bedroom!

These two had insane chemistry, and it wasn't long before we saw Ashton's dominating side. He knew what he wanted and won her over pretty quickly. I liked that he was protective of Lorelei, however he needed to share more with her instead of doing things and expecting her to be happy with the outcome. They both needed to communicate better with each other, and be more assertive of people from their pasts.

I was hoping to enjoy this one, but there were a few issues that arose which annoyed me. Ashton was quick to take over some aspects of Lorelei's personal life, even though he should've been more worried about demons from his past. The communication should've been better, Ashton was certain he was always right and he wasn't willing to see any other side to an argument. I did love his relationship with his sister, though. I liked how close and supportive they were of one another.

This was the first book that I've picked up by Nina Levine and I don't think it will be the last. She did created two strong characters that were better together. Although I didn't love the read, it was still a solid story and the writing was well done.

The first is a little sweet, and the second one is honest and a little naughty!

“I’m good with a guy calling to organise a date. Just so you know.”
He halts and looks back at me. “I’m not. I can’t see you over the phone.”
And then he’s gone.

Kindle Page 84
“... Any bending to be done in this relationship will be done by both of us. Not just by you. You will never have to fight for this relationship on your own. I will be right there with you fighting, because I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you. You are everything to me.”
Her response takes a moment. “You do realise I’m going to be challenging you forever, right? Like, if you think I’m ever going to take it easy on you, you’re dreaming. Although, this spanking thing you’ve threatened a couple of times now does sound good, so maybe I could be tempted to ease up a little until you take your hand to my ass.”

Kindle Page 374

USA Today Bestselling Author Nina Levine is an Aussie author who writes alphas with a side of dirty and sassy women who don't hand their hearts over easily.

When she isn't creating with words, she loves to create with paint and paper. Often though, she can be found curled up with a good book and some chocolate.

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