Naomi's Reading Palace: 2023

Review ~ Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels

Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Keep This Promise began a little odd, and it seemed all very convenient how Theo was able to put a plan into place that would put Sophie and Eden back with Holden. However, I liked seeing their relationships grow throughout the story. I enjoyed meeting other couples from the first two books, and seeing how close they were due to the things that they had been through.

There was quite a suspense element, which filtered through from the previous books. I wasn’t sure where the bad people were coming from - Sophie’s old world, or Holdens world - that had been quite intense.

Keep This Promise was a hard read for me to fully get into as it was the last book in a connected series and the series had a story arc that it was coming to the end of. I think this read would’ve been better if I read them all, but this was ok.

Title: Keep This Promise

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: Rose Canyon #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: January 23, 2023

I am about to lose everything.

My home. My name. My future.

My husband was involved in something that could cost us our lives, and on his deathbed, he demands my daughter and I flee Britain. I had no idea he found her biological father, Holden James, in Rose Canyon, and that’s where we’d start over.

The moment we see each other, feelings I’d long forgotten rush over me. Holden doesn’t hesitate to care for us. We find ourselves reaching for each other, even when we should hold back. His smile warms me, his arms protect me, and against my better judgment, I fall for him. All the possibilities of a future are threatened by a looming past.

I’m being hunted, and it’s just a matter of time before someone finds me guilty of crimes I didn’t commit. Whatever trouble my husband was involved in won’t evade me forever.

I am trying to keep my promise and stay for Holden, but I don’t know how long it’ll be before we have to run.

My name was Sophie Pearson, but I vanished, just like my hope to ever find love again.

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Review ~ Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberly Lauren

Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberly Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was looking forward to Jace and Audrey's story and after re-reading the first book, Beautiful Broken Rules as an audible read. Once I finished it I jumped straight into Beautiful Broken Mess, for Jace and Audrey's story.

Audrey was a bit of an odd character in the previous book, seeming to get herself into situations and being a bit bitchy. Seeing her in this book I saw another side to her. Jace I always liked, but I saw more to him in this read too. He was an ass to Audrey at times and it made it hard for both of them. I wasn't sure I liked these characters for a while, but they soon grew into better people.

The story was good, but for me, I didn't enjoy the narration by Eva Kantor as much as I would like. I think she was a little too high pitched and made it hard for me to enjoy the read.

Title: Beautiful Broken Mess

Author: Kimberly Lauren

Series: Broken #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 1, 2012

Jace Riley and Audrey Mills had a tender and irresistibly passionate romance…until Audrey shattered his heart. Years later, she still can’t stop thinking about him. They shared kisses that she’ll never forget, and one brief, explosive encounter that she wishes she could. But no boy could rescue Audrey from her nightmarish home life, so she rescued herself, got through college and got into graduate school…only to find herself at the same school as Jace and his identical twin brother, Jaxon, who has his own complicated history with her.

It takes only one glimpse of Audrey’s long legs and brown eyes for Jace to ache for her once more. Yet he’s determined not to fall for her again. She ripped apart his heart and betrayed his brother…or so he thought. But what if Jace made a terrible mistake about Audrey? And what if he has one last chance to fix it?

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up.

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Review ~ If This Is Love by Jewel E. Ann

If This Is Love by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jewel E. Ann is an author that I adore and I was instantly swept away in Milo and Indies world. I enjoyed seeing them come together after the passing of her favourite person. Her father lost his true love and was miserable. Indie was not quite a teen, and Milo was 18 and he took her under his wing to ensure she was taken care of. Their friendship continued to row over the years, where Indie’s crush was growing.

Milo had secrets, and soon he was forced into a marriage agreement. Neither of them were happy about it as their feelings continued to grow. Milo had secrets that he couldn’t reveal which kept the distance between them. There was a breaking point for Indie and she had to decide whether to run. This story was quite the ride and their connection was so strong. I enjoyed seeing the different world they were in .

This read kept me hooked from start to finish. My heart broke for Indie multiple times as she continued to lose people that she loved. Their connection got stronger every day and despite the lines that were never to be crossed, it was inevitable that it was going to happen. These two were destined, however the secrets kept them apart. Jewel E Ann sure knows how to create a world and characters that I love.

Title: If This Is Love

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 6, 2023

He's mine ... don't ever forget that.

Milo lives in the barn, a cowboy through and through.
I live in a castle, but I'm not a princess.

When the only person who loves me dies, Milo's there.
As I get older, I no longer look at Milo like a big brother. I look at him like the man God made just for me.

With the first glimpse of freedom from my pathetic excuse for a father, I imagine a future with Milo. I dream of the day when we won't have to hide our feelings.

But Milo has a secret. He is not free.
The man I love is marrying the woman I hate.

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Review ~ Until I Get You by Claire Contreras

Until I Get You by Claire Contreras
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Until I Get You began so well! I enjoyed watching Lachlan win over Lyla. They were so sweet together and I loved the way that Lachlan changed his ways because he knew Lyla was the one. Lyla had some demons that she was dealing with and tried to keep away from Lachlan, but he was a determined man.

The middle of the story threw me as Lachlan's personality changed so drastically. He knew of Lyla's past and jumped to conclusions. He kept Lyla at arms length and acted like he didn't want her but was determined to keep everyone away from her.

He soon come to his senses and became the Lachlan that I loved, protecting Lyla with everything that he had. He was determined to win Lyla over again, and it was enjoyable to watch their love grow once again. The ending was quite intense as Lylas demon resurfaced. In the end it turned into an enjoyable, suspense read.

Title: Until I Get You

Author: Claire Contreras

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: January 14, 2018

3 years ago, she ruined my life. Now I'm going to return the favor...

My reputation at Fairview University preceded me. I was the projected number-one pick in the NHL draft and the fan favorite at the rink. People wanted to be me or be with me. Except for Lyla James Marichal. She didn't look at me like I was her next meal. She eyed me with disdain. Instead of vying for my attention, she ignored me and pushed me away. She was completely unattainable, and I became obsessed with her. When I finally got her, it felt like I was on top of the world. I was going to help the team win another championship, going into the draft, and had Lyla by my side. And then, without warning, she left me. Vanished. It took me three bitter, angry, long years to find her, but I did, and now she owes me a lot more than just an explanation. Three years ago, she ruined my life. Now, I was going to become her worst nightmare.

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Review ~ God of Malice Rina Kent

God of Malice by Rina Kent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite an addictive read, and Killian was certainly an interesting guy. He lacked emotion, was loyal to his family, and protected fiercely - especially once he found Glyndon. Glyn was working through some issues and was struggling with what direction that she was heading, and Kill definitely shifted her perspective on her own life. They started quite unconventionally, but there was definitely a connection growing between them.

Kill and Glyn’s chemistry was off the charts; Kill pushed her to her limits and Glyn loved how he treated her, despite his lack of emotion at times. Kill became quite possessive and protective of Glyn and would bring down the world to ensure her safety. There were a few twists and turns along the was, and if you’ve read other books by Kent, you would enjoy the crossover from the parents that make cameos in this.

Title: God of Malice

Author: Rina Kent

Series: Legacy of Gods #1

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: July 14, 2022

I caught the attention of a monster.
I didn’t ask for it.
Didn’t even see it coming.
But the moment I do, it’s too late.
Killian Carson is a predator wrapped in sophisticated charm.
He’s cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage.
The worst part is that no one sees his devil side.
I do.
And that will cost me everything.
I run, but the thing about monsters?
They always chase.

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Review ~ Consider Me by Becka Mack

Consider Me by Becka Mack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Consider Me is the first book that I have read by Becka Mack and I really enjoyed it.

Carter was a total player, not wanting to be tied down to a girl, but things changed drastically once he set his eyes on Olivia. His parents had a great relationship, and his mother had hopes that he would be able to get out of his playboy ways, so to see the change in Carter once Olivia was in his life was cute! He was focused on her 100% and was doing anything in his power to win her over.

Olivia made Carter work hard to gain her trust. His past was often an issue, however she tried to look past that to the vulnerable guy he was underneath. He loved fiercely and would do anything to protect her. I enjoyed watching them grow and fall in love. They had a couple of hurdles, but they were stronger together. They have a good group of friends and family that support them.

Title: Consider Me

Author: Becka Mack

Series: Playing for Keeps #1

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: March 22, 2022

Carter Beckett is the NHL’s resident bad boy, top player both on the ice and in the bedroom, and quite possibly the sexiest man to ever grace my field of vision. But worst of all? He knows it.

He’s arrogant, self-centered, and the man doesn’t seem to know what a filter is, let alone how to use one. He’s had everything served to him on a silver platter, including endless strings of women, and apparently, I’m up next. His only problem? I have no intention of falling for his shi—um, charm.

I have the solution to all my sexual frustrations in a drawer at home, and it’s far less complicated than Carter Beckett. Sure, he may be pretty, but he’s also a walking, talking reminder for you to wrap it before you tap it.

But then I start letting my guard down, and he starts showing me pieces of himself I had no intention of seeing. The bricks surrounding me may be tumbling down one by one, but I’m not sold yet, which means for the first time in his life, Carter’s the one begging.

For my time, my trust, for a single chance.

For me to just…consider him.

Consider Me is book #1 in the Playing For Keeps series, a series of interconnected standalone mature hockey romance stories that contain lots of heat, swoon, laughs, and a ride on an emotional rollercoaster!

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Review ~ My Roommate the Rockstar by Emily Childs

My Roommate the Rockstar (For Love and Rock, #1)

My Roommate the Rockstar by Emily Childs
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

After Alexis' life was turned upsidedown by her douche fiance, her brother asked his friend Bridger for help to get Alexis back on her feet. Soon an agreement was formed but it was only a matter of time before these two fell for one another. I enjoyed watching the connection between Alexis and Bridger grow, and how their lives became entwined. Alexis found it easy to build friendships with Bridgers close friends.

This was a bit of a cute read. I haven't read anything by Emily Childs before, so I was glad that it was one that I enjoyed.

Title: My Roommate the Rockstar

Author: Emily Childs

Series: For Love and Rock #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 27, 2021

A chatty librarian and an introverted rockstar ending up as unconventional roommates? It might be a match made in heaven. Or a total disaster.

When Bridger Cole sings, the women of America think he's singing right to them. No one needs to know every lyric is inspired by his best friend's little sister--the woman who annoys him and makes him want to grow old in matching rocking chairs at the same time.

She definitely annoys him more.
Usually.

Everything changes when she shows up in a crisis--and she's looking for a roommate.

But when the press catches wind of a new woman in his life, Bridger's management is quick to use the opportunity to repair his wicked rockstar reputation with the public.

Use his lifelong frenemy in a good-girl changes the bad-boy ploy? Easy.
Watch her sing in his kitchen each morning and become besties with his dog? Harder.
Avoid the feelings he's never admitted for his best friend's sister? Impossible.

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Review ~ Heartsong Series by Jennifer Hartmann

An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak (Heartsong, #1)

An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak by Jennifer Hartmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak, I could see that it would take me on an emotional ride. Lucy was determined to find closure with her childhood friends; however, she had secrets of her own. Moving into the house next-door to her childhood home unearthed a lot of memories, and I was soon on a journey getting to know Emma, and to see Cal and Lucy in the present day.

Cal tried to keep Lucy at arm’s length, he was determined not to get into any sort of relationship, but I could see the chemistry growing between them. Cal became quite possessive of Lucy, and the will to protect her was strong, even if it was from himself. He was such a closed off guy and tried to have no attachments, friends, family or girlfriends.

Lucy was such a sweet and charismatic young lady, and her personality drew her friends to her. She had such a great support crew, even if some were oblivious to her issues. I enjoyed watching her find her place in the world, but tried to keep Cal at a distance as she didn’t want him to get attached to her either.

This was a great start to the duet. I was pulled into the story and was eager to see what happened in the past. There were a couple of secretive threads that kept me guessing, building the story for that inevitable twist. I am excited to see how things go for Lucy and Cal.

Title: An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak

Author: Jennifer Hartmann

Series: Heartsong #1

Genre: Jennifer Hartmann

Published: January 17, 2023

Dear Diary,

There once was a girl with fireflies in her eyes and music in her soul.

(Remember her... she's important.)

She's the reason I panic-bought the little brick house on Maple Street; the one I lived next door to for eight magical years. Now that I'm back digging up floorboards and lost journals, I can’t stop thinking about the two people who grew up here.

You see, that girl was my best friend, and this house was once hers. She also had a big brother who was my everything before circumstance turned us into nothing more than memories.

That’s why I applied for a job at his auto shop—unprepared to discover that my new boss, Cal Bishop, is now gruff, built, and covered in tattoos.

I'm the sun to his overcast sky. The smile to his surly solitude.

A reminder of everything he longs to forget.

But my heart has a secret, and we’re running out of time to fix our torn pages.

Maybe the same girl who used to be the glue still holds the key to putting our pieces back together.

(See? I told you she was important.)

Toodles,
Lucy

A Pessimist's Guide to Love (Heartsong, #2)

A Pessimist's Guide to Love by Jennifer Hartmann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

The second book in the Heartsong duet started so well! I could see the effect that Lucy’s condition had on Cal and how hard it was for him to process. He constantly worried about Lucy and wanted her close to him.

Lucy continued to be drawn to Cal, however there was a lot of push and pull between them. The more time that these two spent together I could see that they were supposed to be together, but not being 100% truthful to one another was always going to throw a spanner in the works.

The dual point of view was different too, considering that the first book was entirely Lucy’s perspective except for Emma’s entries. It was interesting getting Cal’s perspective to really understand his hesitation and demons as to why he kept Lucy away.

There was something about this book that didn’t quite live up to the first book. It did wrap up nicely though. It just didn’t have the same impact that I had after the first book. I did enjoy the emotions that this whole series drew from me.

Title: A Pessimist's Guide to Love

Author: Jennifer Hartmann

Series: Heartsong #2

Genre: Jennifer Hartmann

Published: January 25, 2023

Within the tangled roots of grief, we stand to lose so much. But no one ever acknowledges what we stand to gain.
Strength. Perspective. Appreciation. Resilience.
And sometimes, every once in a while, if you’re truly lucky…
There is love.

After an emotional cliffhanger, we finally get inside Cal's head and discover his secrets, along with more details of his tragic past, that have been keeping him from Lucy.

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Review ~ When the Stars Fall by Emery Rose

When the Stars Fall by Emery Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the Stars Fall was quite the emotional ride. Part 1 of the book was getting to know Jude and Lila as they grew up together - facing challenges, loss and love. It moulded them into strong young people who loved one another fiercely. With Brody they were a tight trio but it was obvious that Jude and Lila only had eyes for one another.

Part 2 was heartbreaking witnessing how life experience can tear people apart. Jude struggled a lot and continued to let Lila down over and over.

Part 3 was seeing them work on the mistakes and issues from the past, learning to forgive and mend hearts. I liked seeing the new Lila and Jude, and the changes in them. Lila wasn’t quick to forgive and really made Jude work to earn her trust again. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and it will be the type of read that will stick with me for a long time.

Title: When the Stars Fall

Author: Emery Rose

Series: Lost Stars #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 17, 2020

Growing up, Jude McCallister was the bane of my existence.
My best friend. Fiercest ally. The most annoying boy in the world.
At eighteen, the boy I loved to hate became the man I couldn’t live without.

We were young. Madly in love. Invincible.
Strong enough to weather any storm.
Cocky enough to believe that no amount of time or distance could destroy us.

When Jude finally returned home from overseas, it should have been cause for celebration. But the man I’d fallen in love with was gone, and in his place was someone I no longer recognized.

𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑. 𝐼’𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦.

Now, after six long years he’s back. Only my heart ... it doesn’t beat just for him anymore.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson

The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

I listened to this book over a few weeks and I found it to be a nice book to listen too. I enjoyed the narration by Sarah Naughton, and felt she executed this book perfectly.

I enjoyed the relationship growth between Rachel and Camden, even though Rachel was hiding her true self from him. Rachel built a real friendship with the bride she was working for. She was quite the selfless person as she did all she could to ensure the wedding would run smoothly. Camden was a charming guy, and was doing all he could to win Rachel over. Even though she was encouraged to break her own rules, she desperately tried to keep the lines drawn. There were plenty of amusing moments between them and over time Rachel tried to let Camden in.

The Paid Bridesmaid was sweet read that didn’t have any real drama. The book didn’t blow me away, but it was an easy read to get lost in for a while.

Title: The Paid Bridesmaid

Author: Sariah Wilson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 1, 2022

From Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of Roommaid, comes a captivating romantic comedy about what happens when a wedding party mixes business with romance.

Rachel Vinson is a bridesmaid for hire: part confidante, part wedding planner, and one hundred percent pretend BFF. Discretion guaranteed. Her next gig is a destination wedding—livestreamed and sponsored—for an Instagram influencer. That means a paradise of new contacts, which could be a boon to her already booming business. If Rachel can keep the very handsome and slightly too interested best man at bay, that is.

High-tech entrepreneur Camden Lewis must know: Who is this gorgeous, intelligent, and mysterious woman? Too good to be real. Convinced she’s a corporate spy out to tank his company, Camden’s not letting her out of his sight. But the constant surveillance is also opening his eyes to things about Rachel that he likes. If she’s a spy, she’s certainly the cutest one he’s ever seen.

As the week’s worth of wedding events march along, Rachel and Camden are learning almost everything there is to know about each other. Rachel’s made a career out of always a bridesmaid…but perhaps there’s a chance for her own trip down the aisle?

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Review ~ Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Royally Not Ready was a really fun read. I really enjoyed watching Lilly grow into an amazing person. She didn’t know about her heritage, and took it well despite all the challenges she had to overcome. I liked Keller, and the way he took Lilly under his wing to teach her what she needed to learn. It wasn’t always easy, and often boring, so I enjoyed the way that Lilly pushed Keller. The banter between them was hilarious.

There was a point that I felt Keller changed and dropped his beliefs. He was a strong alpha male that had precise requirements in the bedroom, and he basically submitted. I would’ve liked him to remain the strong and broody character that he started out as.

Overall it was a good read and I enjoy the way Meghan Quinn combines the wittiness into her romances. I enjoyed the laughs, the chemistry and the intersting characters. I hope to read more from this world!!

Title: Royally Not Ready

Author: Meghan Quinn

Series: Royal #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 9, 2022

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a fresh take on a royal romance with a twist. Laugh out loud funny and full of some of her steamiest scenes yet, Quinn takes you on an unexpected, sizzling fairytale journey.

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.

Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.

So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.

Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.

Good idea, right? Wrong.

Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?

We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

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Review ~ Chasing Love by Kat T. Masen

Chasing Love by Kat T. Masen
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

After 25 chapters, I’ve decided that I can’t read this one anymore. I don’t mind alternating points of view, but this read will recap parts of the previous chapter from the other perspective. The repetitiveness was driving me crazy. I found Alex/Lex to be quite the selfish jerk. I get that he wasn’t happy in his relationship, but it doesn’t give him the right to act on his feelings.

Charlie was young when things developed between her and Alex/Lex, and it truly broke her when he made his decision that broke her heart. 9 years later she was finally settling down, only for Alex/Lex to come back and stir up old feelings. I was frustrated with her too, making poor decisions, being a 27 year old woman. Alex/Lex is now 34 and a selfish rude jerk.

Title: Chasing Love

Author: Kat T. Masen

Series: Dark Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 5, 2020

He was my first love.
Shattered me, then left without a goodbye.
Eight years have passed, and now he's back.
But, I'm engaged.
And he will do anything to make sure I'm his...again.

I've fought hard to rebuild my life. So when the ever-so-perfect Julian Baker proposes marriage, I'm ready to forget the past and move on with my new love.

In a cruel twist of fate, my past and future collide. I'm forced to face the man who destroyed my heart back in high school.

Lex Edwards, turned billionaire tycoon, is ruthless, cunning, and will not stop until I'm his.

A complicated love triangle was never something I imagined when Julian proposed to me. Especially not involving Lex.
Hearts and egos are bound to be broken.
But whose heart will capture mine when the darkness fades?

**This title was previously published as Into the Darkness. It has been extensively rewritten, re-edited, and has a steamy new cover**

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