Naomi's Reading Palace: 2024

Review ~ Bugrov Bratva Duet by Nicole Fox

Midnight Purgatory by Nicole Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book started pretty well - I was quickly pulled into the story and the humorous situations that Alyssia got herself into. I enjoyed watching the connection grow between her and Uri, and the chemistry was undeniable. Uri was in denial throughout this book, not understanding his feelings for Alyssia and how deep she got under his skin. I liked how protective he was over his family but at times he went too far.

How he kept Alyssia in such a captive state was a bit too much, and I understood why things went pair shaped. It’s not easy to gain Uri’s trust and Alyssia tried time and time again until it was too much. I liked how she built relationships with Uri’s siblings.

There were moments that were a little far fetched for me, and it annoyed me about the story. Considering the fast pace of the book and how much time passed it was a good read.

Title: Midnight Purgatory

Author: Nicole Fox

Series: Bugrov Bratva #1

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 6, 2023

My gorgeous neighbor just found my box of "personal toys."
And my mission to steal them back...
Ended in his bed.

It was supposed to be a joke:
Give my best friend raunchy toys for her bridal shower and embarrass her in front of her family.
But when my package is wrongly delivered to my gorgeous, mysterious neighbor,
I’m the one who ends up mortified.

I sneak over to his place to try stealing it back before he finds it.

The problem is, I get caught mid-heist...
And then he makes me stay for dinner.

Dinner leads to dessert and dessert leads to... other dessert, if you get my drift.
Several courses of sweet, sinful temptation.
In my defense, he's even more gorgeous up close than he is from my bedroom window.

When I finally get back home the next morning, I open my stolen prize.
But it seems I grabbed the wrong package.
And the violent mess I find inside will change my life forever.

Turns out my hot neighbor is a Russian Bratva boss, with some deep, dark secrets.
Turns out he got me pregnant, too.

MIDNIGHT PURGATORY is Book 1 of the Bugrov Bratva duet. Uri and Alyssa’s story continues in Book 2 of the Bugrov Bratva duet, MIDNIGHT SANCTUARY.

Midnight Sanctuary by Nicole Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I jumped into this read immediately after the first as I had to see how Alyssia and Uri’s story concluded. There were a number of twists throughout this book, intense moments and plenty of action. I was still annoyed on how hard it still was for Alyssia to gain Uri’s trust. His emotions were all over the place. He doubts his family at times, and they are the ones that have always been there for him.

There were plenty of moments where I skimmed through this read. I could see the twists coming and couldn’t believe how quickly Uri turned on Alyssia and his brother. The last 30% or so I skimmed through, just to see how it would all turn out. There was plenty of intense moments, and I liked how dedicated Uri was in the end, I just really hoped he did so earlier.

Title: Midnight Sanctuary

Author: Nicole Fox

Series: Bugrov Bratva #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 6, 2023

One unexpected mistake.
Two unexpected babies.
Three lives changed forever.

Uri Bugrov caught me trespassing, and suddenly, my life is out of control.
I’m pregnant with his baby—correction, his babies.
I’m also a prisoner of his enemies.

Uri comes to save me, because of course he does.
But my rescue comes with collateral damage.
Because now, Polly is missing.

And even though I’m back under Uri’s protection, there are more uncertainties between us than ever.
What happens if we don’t save her?
What happens when these babies come?
What happens if this is all my fault… and Uri never forgives me?

It’s midnight in our story.
But these babies are coming, one way or another.
I just have to pray that we all make it to dawn.

MIDNIGHT SANCTUARY is Book 2 in the Bugrov Bratva duet. Uri and Alyssa’s story begins in Book 1, MIDNIGHT PURGATORY.

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Review ~ What I Should've Said by Max Monroe

What I Should've Said by Max Monroe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun read, and I couldn’t help but laugh while reading it. There were so many funny moments as I got to know both Norah and Bennett. Norahs world had turned upside down and she flew back to see her sister Josie for support. The first time Norah and Bennett met was quite amusing, as he was the broody type of guy. The second one was better, and I loved seeing the protectiveness of him when it came to Norah.

The more these two were together the more I liked them. Bennett was just what Norah needed, someone kind and honest that wanted to protect her. Norah was growing as a person, and getting the job as his assistant was beautiful and I knew it would break my heart. I tell you that I ugly cried through this one; as the story unfolded my heart fractured for all of them. What they all lost was so heartbreaking.

Bennett and Norah became stronger people, and I liked how they were there for one another. Norah’s mother and ex were quite the crazy and despite what was going on in their lives they were willing to do anything they could for one another. This was such an emotional ride, and another read I found hard to put down. The chemistry was amazing, and I loved getting to know all characters, and cannot wait for more.

Title: What I Should've Said

Author: Max Monroe

Series: Red Bridge #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 19, 2024

When grumpy, muscled-up artist Bennett Bishop bothers to speak, it’s usually to say something you’re not ready to hear.

When he first speaks to Norah Ellis, a rambling runaway bride who hitchhikes a ride from him, it’s to tell her to get out of his truck and walk because she’s a pain in the a-s-s.

By appearance, Norah Ellis is a fancy fashionista who’s spent the last several years living the good life in the city—expensive apartments, highbrow events, and a fiancé with wealth and good looks. The only problem is that she didn’t choose any of it for herself.

On the day of her July wedding, thanks to a letter from a stranger, Norah’s world turns upside down. She runs for the hills of Vermont to start a new life, but what’s waiting for her, between her estranged sister, the townspeople, and bad-boy Bennett Bishop himself, is way more than she bargained for.

Enemies turn to lovers, strangers become friends, dark secrets bust open like cans of worms, and most of all…Summer will never be the same.

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Review ~ Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant

Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wasn’t a bad read - getting to know Goldie and Fletcher. I laughed so hard at all the moustache jokes and comments, and how these two got along. Goldie had strong friendships with older ladies and they all supported each other through everything. Fletcher was trying to get on Goldie’s good side to get her to help him out with his image. The problem was Goldie’s brother, who was quite protective of her.

I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Goldie and Fletcher. They really were good together. Goldie helped Fletcher when he needed it and I liked how well they got along. I loved how Goldie was so focused on her own goals and tried hard not to let Fletcher deter her. These two were great together and I enjoyed watching all characters grow. Her old lady friends were amusing!

Title: Until It Was Love

Author: Pippa Grant

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: April 11, 2024

There are a million reasons why I shouldn’t date Fletcher Huxley.

He’s a growly-faced, stubborn-streaked, international rugby legend trying to revive his flailing career in the US after being canned by his team overseas.

While he might have the good kind of thunder thighs, intriguing tattoos, and a booty of steel, he also holds the top position on my very short nemesis list thanks to what happened the first time we met.

Plus, his mustache is as terrible as the reason he’s picked me to be the woman he wants to date.

But he has one big checkmark in the why this date is a good idea he’s my brother’s new teammate.

They already hate each other.

And my brother has made an unfortunate habit of interfering with my love life recently.

So a revenge date with Fletcher to make my brother mad? While letting Fletcher think this date is merely for the good of the team?

Yep.

I’m in.

I’m moving to London for work in a month. And it’s just one date. What could possibly go wrong?

Until It Was Love is a banter-tastic romcom featuring an overgrown snack of a man with a soft spot for his purse dog, a normally optimistic life coach trying to live her best life, a mustache catastrophe, and one little tiny fainting spell. It stands alone and comes complete with a swoony happily ever after that will leave your heart in a happy puddle of joy.

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Review ~ Falling Like Stars by Emma Scott

Falling Like Stars by Emma Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable read, although not an easy ride for either character. Rowan had lost so much throughout her life, and was floating through each day not wanting to be happy, but to just be. When she met the famous Zach things turned and she had stirrings of happiness. Zach was struggling with his ex and making a break from her. But there was no denying the moments that he was having with Rowan were something good.

The more time that Zach and Rowan together I could see their feelings getting stronger. However, both characters had issues they needed to work through for them to be together. I liked how Rowan grew through the read and sought out the help she needed to move on from her past. Zach too had to find closure with his ex.

These two were good for one another and I was happy to see the growth and change in them both. They were fantastic together. Despite the trauma that they had to face, this really was a sweet read that I enjoyed.

Title: Falling Like Stars

Author: Emma Scott

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 20, 2024

From USA Today and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Full Tilt comes an emotional romance...

She kept her heart guarded and locked away...until she gave it to the world's biggest movie star.

In the dazzling world of Hollywood where fame and glamour reign supreme, award-winning megastar Zachary Butler longs for something more than red carpet events and paparazzi flashes. As he navigates fame and tries to extricate himself from his celebrity ex-fiancée, he discovers an unexpected spark with Rowan Walsh, a production assistant on his latest project.

Rowan, haunted by a devastating moment in her past, shields her heart behind walls of guilt, letting no one in. But Zachary's genuine affection and desire for a meaningful life begin to chip away at her defenses. As their connection deepens, Rowan must battle the self-destructive patterns that have held her back from embracing her passions and finding true love, while Zachary must reveal his own hidden scars—wounds he’s borne in silence for years—if he hopes to heal.

Can Zachary and Rowan confront their pasts to build a future together, or will the storms of scandal, tangled relationships, and the scrutiny of stardom ruin their hopes for a perfect Hollywood ending?

** this book contains sensitive subject matter that may not be suitable for all readers. Please take note of the trigger warnings and/or email emmascottpromo@gmail.com for a more detailed description.**

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Review ~ Moonshine Kiss by Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley

Moonshine Kiss by Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cassidy had always loved Bowie, but when they were young, he pushed her away and she had to do life without him so close. His sister Scarlett was her best friend, and he was always going to be in her life especially in the small town of Bootleg Springs. Cassidy took her job of Deputy seriously and was willing to do anything to protect her town.

The Callie Kendell case was still being investigated and the detective that had come to town made her job more difficult. He didn’t trust her to make the right decisions. Cassidy and Bowie’s chemistry grew throughout the read and they were soon acting on their feelings but trying to keep it on the downlow so it wouldn’t affect her job. I understood that and Cassidy should be able to do that if she chooses.

I was annoyed that Scarlett made Cassidy feel crappy for not sharing with her immediately even if they were best friends. I felt she was a demanding and selfish friend and Cassidy should be able to share when she was ready. I felt that Bowie was a bit selfish too, forcing Scarlett to make hard decisions between her job and the people she loved.

Over time, little snippets from their past were uncovered and some misunderstandings were put straight. Overall, the story was fun, and I liked how the series story arc was developing and look forward to see how it all comes together.

Title: Moonshine Kiss

Author: Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley

Series: Bootleg Springs #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 7, 2018

All those years of adolescent fantasies and this was how Bowie Bodine first touched my boobs. And he apologized. Real life was stupid and unfair.

Small town deputy Cassidy Tucker's dating life is a train wreck on repeat. All she ever wanted was a solid partner. A man to share pajamas with. The handsome, big-hearted Bowie Bodine. Wait. Scratch that. Mr. You're-Like-a-Sister-to-Me is not welcome in her fantasies.

She and Bowie aren't going to happen—that's been clear for a long time—and as for the rest of mankind? Cassidy's officially giving up on love and adopting cats. Good thing the cold case disappearance of Callie Kendall is heating up to keep her distracted. Except the investigation is testing her friendship with all the Bodines—Bowie in particular.

Bowie knows he can't have his little sister's best friend. He made a promise and he's determined to keep it. But putting distance between them isn't easy—not when she lives right next door.

Having her poke around trying to prove his father's guilt isn't helping either. All Bowie has ever wanted is to shed the No-Good Bodine reputation. It's looking like he'll never be free of that shadow.

But one nocturnal animal, a feverish against-the-wall kiss, and absolutely zero pajamas has a way of changing everything.

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Review ~ Straight Fire by Abbi Glines

Straight Fire by Abbi Glines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was wondering which girl would be the one to tame Gage and it was interesting to see that there was a girl that was able to five years prior. I liked getting snippets of the past and seeing them both differently in the present.

Shiloh was a different girl to who she used to be; she was more tolerable and better for Gage. I liked seeing their chemistry rekindle and they certainly were electric together.

The world Gage is in is not an easy one, and it took time for Shiloh to understand it. She didn’t realise how intense and possessive that Gage could be, however she loved him anyway. To me I felt he was a bit much and really need to take it down a notch. It seemed too toxic, and I understood how they combusted years prior.

Things weren’t easy and there was some suspense entwined through the story. I knew that Gage would do all he could to ensure her safety. I felt the story wrapped up quite quickly and was annoyed by how Blaise handled it. It seemed very manipulative, and difficult for Shiloh.

Title: Straight Fire

Author: Abbi Glines

Series: Smoke #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 9, 2023

Twisted, unhinged, insane—all words used to describe Gage Presley by those closest to him. A pretty boy with a face that misleads you. He’s one of the deadliest members of The Family.

Five years ago, his possessiveness and insane jealousy over a girl unleashed his crazy and in the wake of his retaliation he was given the prison or the United States Marines. The girl who owned his soul turned her back on him and left town without a goodbye.

Shiloh Ellis became a name he never mentioned again.

When she walks back into Gage’s life, no one in The Family is happy about it, especially Gage. It’s clear they all loathe her but she has no memory of them at all…

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Review ~ The Price of Scandal by Lucy Score

The Price of Scandal (Bluewater Billionaires)

The Price of Scandal by Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Price of Scandal was an entertaining read that I devoured quickly. I really enjoyed getting to know both Emily and Derek. Emily was such a strong character, determined to be a successful businesswoman. When a scandal threatened to ruin her career, Derek swooped in to save the day. Together these two were fun: the banter, the flirting and chemistry. They were both successful, but I could see them wanting more.

I loved Derek, he always had Emily’s best interest at heart. He was determined to fix her reputation. Derek started bringing out the real Emily; she was softer and easier to relate to. They were both very strong characters, and I could tell they would be good together. Seeing their families and friends brought things into perspective for both of them. Emily’s friend group were fantastic, but her family were questionable. I loved everything about Dereks friends and family. He always had the right support around him.

Title: The Price of Scandal

Author: Lucy Score

Series: Bluewater Billionaires

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 27, 2019

“I’m the fixer your board hired to clean up your mess.”
“So you show up here, break into my house, and take a bath?”

Emily Stanton’s perfect life just became a disaster. She has a trust fund brother looking for a handout, a father who is more board member than dad, and a mother who thinks she should give up on this whole billionaire CEO thing and meet a man with a pre-nup and a yacht.

Oh, and then there’s that “misunderstanding” with law enforcement witnessed by Miami’s paparazzi. Now her billion-dollar deal is on the line, and there’s a naked man in her bathtub who claims he’s going to make all her problems disappear.

Charming—and happy to bend the rules when necessary—Derek Price has made a living polishing the tarnished images of the rich and famous. He’s never lost, and he never takes clients to bed. Until the dazzling Emily. Derek promised her a win and offered up a lifetime supply of orgasms as part of the deal. But if he can’t stop her enemies, he’ll end up losing much more than he bargained for.

Author Notes: An enemies-to-allies-to-lovers workplace romcom with a meet-nude, four lady billionaire BFFs, a hero whose many talents include styling hair and picking pockets, the best dang drag queen brunch in Miami, and a shameless romance novelist cameo.

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Review ~ The Ghostwriter by A.R. Torre

The Ghostwriter by A.R. Torre
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an gut wrenching read. Right from the opening chapters you can tell it’s not going to be a happy read, and by the end I was a blubbering mess. I enjoyed how the story slowly unfolded and we were able to get to know Helena and her family how Mark did. It wasn’t an easy story, as I could see how much Helena struggled socially but did so much to please her husband, even though it didn’t seem right.

I liked how dedicated she was to her books and writing and this final book was going to be epic. As the story unfolded, my heart ached for Helena. She tried hard to be the right person, but her husband and mother constantly reminded her of the mistakes she would always make. I enjoyed how the friendship between Helena and Mark grew. He was good for her and dragged her out of her shell a little. Even Helena’s agent Kate was a kind person and helped Helena when she needed it or not.

By the end of this book, I couldn’t put it down. Tears streamed down my face as the story neared its end and most characters got closure. My heart broke for Helena, of the secrets she kept and how big they were.

Title: The Ghostwriter

Author: A.R. Torre

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Published: October 2, 2017

From New York Times Bestseller Alessandra Torre...

Four years ago, I lied. I stood in front of the police, my friends and family, and made up a story, my best one yet. And all of them believed me.

I wasn't surprised. Telling stories is what made me famous. Fifteen bestsellers. Millions of fans. Fame and fortune.

Now, I have one last story to write. It'll be my best one yet, with a jaw-dropping twist that will leave them stunned and gasping for breath.

They say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but this story? It will be the one that kills me.

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Review ~ Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann

Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sunday Morning was a read that captivated me from start to finish. It was one of those reads that when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. Sarah and Isaac’s journey wasn’t an easy one, considering that Sarah was in a relationship with Matthew, Isaac’s younger brother to begin with. I liked that Isaac ‘saw’ Sarah and wanted her to find her own feet. The people around her had their own expectations for her. They didn’t really listen to what she wanted or what she wanted to do.

The love triangle aspect was muddled there for a while, and I wanted nothing more for it to be sorted out. I loved seeing Isaac with Sarah as he really got her to open up and be her true self, even putting her in some situations out of her comfort zone. There was a huge incident that occurred through this story and my heart ached for Sarah as she struggled with her emotions. She wanted to be comforted and found it hard to publicly do so.

The way the story unfolded, I was sad for Sarah for a while there but I had hope she would find her way. Isaac took a lot of troubles from his family and I could see that he was actually not so much of a bad boy. His family had so many secrets and he shouldered them all. This was a fantastic read that will sit with me for a long while.

Title: Sunday Morning

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Series: Sunday Morning #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 26, 2024

Her boyfriend’s older brother should be off-limits, but he’s a sinful temptation.

Sarah is a preacher’s daughter and a people pleaser. She’s also on the verge of graduating high school and following her dream of singing in Nashville. The only thing standing in her way is that the entire town of Devil’s Head, Missouri, thinks she will marry Matt, the son of the town’s richest rancher.

But Sarah’s not sure he’s her future husband, especially when his older brother, Isaac, returns home after serving six years in the Army. He has tattoos on his arms and bad habits that are not “father-approved.” When he’s not working on the ranch or roping at the rodeo, Isaac hangs out in the barn, playing his guitar. He’s trouble, but Sarah's music-loving heart gravitates toward him.

Isaac loves consuming Sarah’s mind, crawling under her skin, backing her into corners, and whispering inappropriate things in her innocent ears.

After weeks of playful banter and guitar lessons blurring the line between right and wrong, Issac makes Sarah a proposition she can’t refuse.

But when the unthinkable happens, and everything she knows is destroyed, will Sarah make the right choice?

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Audiobook Review ~ The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute, #1)

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick and fun read to listen to. I liked how T & C met at such a young age and built a friendship over time, despite never meeting. The first part of the book is mostly via email, and the interaction was amusing. They shared a lot of moments and it was going to be a matter of time before they actually met. I enjoyed how it all unfolded, I just wished it was longer and we got more of the characters.

Title: The Exception to the Rule

Author: Christina Lauren

Series: The Improbable Meet-Cute #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella

Published: January 23, 2024

On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

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