Naomi's Reading Palace: NetGalley

Showing posts with label NetGalley. Show all posts

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

Million Dollar Marriage was quite the enjoyable read. It's a mash up of a few TV shows, so if you like The Amazing Race with a few twists (like being married to a stranger right from the start) you should grab this one! I found it to be a light and amusing romance!

Million Dollar Marriage (Million Dollar, #2)

Title: Million Dollar Marriage

Author: Katy Evans

Series: Million Dollar #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 23rd 2019

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

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans comes a hot romance about two strangers and their race to fall in love.

If someone had bet Nell a million dollars that she would be saying “I do” to a complete stranger on national television, she’d have called them crazy, but with her crushing student loan payments sending her deep into the red, she’s out of options. This should be nothing more than a business transaction—until she sets eyes on her groom, and everything changes.

The game is on the instant Luke spots Penelope “Nell” Carpenter. He’s out for the money, yes, but getting a little dirty with Nell doesn’t sound too bad either. Everyone knows he’s not the marrying kind, so it’s a good thing it’s just for show. God knows he’s the worst guy his pretty wife should pick for real.

They have nothing in common, but if they want the grand prize, they’ll have to beat out eight other couples. Proving that total opposites attract should be easy enough…as long as they don’t fall in love in the process.

I really enjoyed Million Dollar Devil, the first book in this series, so I knew I needed to continue in this series. Million Dollar Marriage features Luke and Nell; Luke owns the bar from the first book where James and Lizzy met, so I was so excited to get his story!

Nell was one of those quiet girls who studied hard and never really took risks until her friend talked her into trying out for a new reality TV show. It was amusing and a little corny, but I thought it was hilarious to watch these two interact. Nell would try and push Luke away, and Luke just bided his time!

Luke had his reasons for wanting to win this game, but I could see that he was attracted to Nell from their first meeting. He respected her and I could see that he would do anything for her. I loved the banter between them and how they worked well as a team as the show progressed.

These two were explosive once they hit the sheets, there was all this built up tension and I could see they were meant to be. They trusted one another right up to the end, however a little doubt crawled in, and I was yelling: NO! NO! NO! That twist GRRR! Any way... I read through and enjoyed how it all played out.

Once again, I am loving Katy Evans new series. I enjoyed how this book crossed over with the first and we were able to see those characters growing. I enjoy the chemistry, the banter and the sexy times all rolled into an entertaining read! I hope we get more, and soon!

Nell was found it hard to make connections, so I just loved these two teasers!

He’s the first person who gets me. The first person who took the time to take care of me. And the first person in this world I think I might actually trust.

Kindle Arc Loc 2532

His voice is tortured, desperate. “Don’t do that.”
My every nerve ending is tingling as I unsnap my jeans and wiggle my hips out of them. It’s hard to speak without my voice trembling, but I want him to see that I have control and I know exactly what I’m doing. “Do what? I’m getting ready for bed.”
Suddenly, his hands fly out from his sides and he grabs my wrists, holding them immobile. “Don’t fuck with me, Penny. I can’t fucking do this now. You said you want to save yourself for the man you marry.”
I’m breathless, my body quaking for him. “Right. I’m married to you.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2606

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…

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / BookBub

Other reviews featuring Katy Evans
Million Dollar
Million Dollar Devil #1

Manwhore series
Manwhore #1
Manwhore +1 #2

Real series

Real #1

Mine #2

Remy #3

Rogue #4

Ripped #5

Handle With Care by Helena Hunting ~ Review & Teaser (@HelenaHunting)

Hey guys! I realised I missed a week of posting on the blog... sorry about that, but I'm back today with a book that was released 2 weeks ago. It's been a while since I've read Helena Hunting, and I quite enjoyed this one! Wren was a take charge kind of girl, and Linc was a man trying to create his own path in life... it was a fabulous journey!

Title: Handle With Care

Author: Helena Hunting

Series: Shacking Up #5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 27th 2019

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

HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.
Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman

SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.

I've read a few of the books in this series, but not all of them, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed meeting Linc and Wren. Their initial meeting was hilarious, despite Linc not really remembering it. So it was entertaining to see their relationship grow and how Linc remembered bits and pieces.

I admired what Lincoln actually did for a job, and despite being drawn away from his work to step into the family business, he was able to juggle everything, with the help of a pushy Wren. She took control of everything to create a positive image for Linc, and even though they clashed a little in the beginning, I could see the attraction growing between them.

Wren was a no-nonsense woman, and I loved her take control attitude. The way she put Linc's brother in her place was amusing, and she didn't allow people to run over her. She took her time with Linc, allowing him to open up to her and she's probably the first person who understood him.

I didn't really like Linc's mother or brother, however I did love his grandmother. She was an honest and kind woman who did all she could to look out for her grand children.

This was a good read, but there were moments where I rolled my eyes, however I loved how believable Wren and Linc were. A little of the drama was dragged out, but I was happy that they both stood up and took control. They had amazing chemistry and were definitely stronger together!

This was quite an amusing and awkward first kiss... but Linc was obsessed with Wren's lipstick!

“What the—”
He’s still gripping my hair in his fist, so when he comes back in and sucks my bottom lip roughly between his, all I can do is yelp. He backs off again, still wearing that furrowed brow as he rubs over my lips with his thumb. It’s tender from all the kissing, so I whimper.
“How is that lipstick still on?” He swipes the back of his hand across his mouth and checks for marks. “It should be smeared all over your damn face.”
I bark out an incredulous laugh. “It’s a stain. It doesn’t come off.”
“What?”
“It’s a lip stain; it’s not supposed to come off. I can eat a burger, and it doesn’t go anywhere.”
“Well . . . damn.” Lincoln is still frowning. “How do you get it off?”
“I have a special remover.”
“Oh. Huh.” He’s still staring at my mouth, still holding my hair while I straddle his lap. “So, kissing you isn’t going to make it come off?”
“No.”
“Not even if we kissed for, like, the next six hours?”
“I’m sure it would wear off by then, but then, so would my lips. Any other questions?” I’m snarky because this is a bit awkward.
He shakes his head. “No. Uh, actually, yeah.” He moves his hand around to cup my ass through my skirt and pulls me in tight against him. “What do you think about taking this to the bedroom?”

Kindle Arc Loc 1980

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance with all the feels to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Helena Hunting
Shacking Up series
Shacking Up #1
I Flipping Love You #3
Pucked series
Pucked #1
Pucked Up #2
Pucked Over #3

The Eyes of Tamburah by Maria V. Snyder ~ Review & Teaser (@HqnTeenAus)

When it comes to Maria V. Snyder, there's every chance I am going to snap up her reads and devour them... and that's precisely what I did with The Eyes of Tamburah. It was an amazing new fantasy world, which I quickly became part of, watching Shyla struggle and fight for her life!

The Eyes of Tamburah (Archives of the Invisible Sword, #1)

Title: The Eyes of Tamburah

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Archives of the Invisible Sword #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: June 17th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus | Kobo

Treasure hunting has never been more dangerous... Tomb Raider meets Poison Study!

New York Times bestselling author Maria Snyder begins an action-packed new fantasy series.

'He thinks you are the thief...'

Shyla is a researcher who resides in the underground desert city of Zirdai, which is ruled by the wealthy Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess. Even though Shyla is sun-kissed - an outcast, considered cursed by the Sun Goddess - she is still renowned for uncovering innumerable archaic facts, lost artefacts, ancient maps, and obscure historical documents. Her quiet life is about to change when Banqui, an archaeologist, enlists her services to find The Eyes of Tamburah: legendary gemstones that bestows great magic to its wielder. These ancient objects can tip the balance of power and give whoever possesses them complete control of the city.

But chaos erupts when The Eyes are stolen soon after they're found - and Shyla is blamed for the theft. Forced to flee, with the Prince's soldiers and the Priestess' deacons on her trail, Shyla must recover the jewels and clear her name. A quest that will unearth secrets even more valuable than The Eyes of Tamburah themselves...

Maria V. Snyder is one of my favourite fantasy writers, so when I came across this new series of hers I was excited to dive in! She did such an amazing job creating this world and city, which is at least 98 levels of city under the soil. It was interesting to meet the characters, seeing who ran the city and what their beliefs were.

The story focuses on Shyla, a girl raised by monks, who had moved to the city and was treated like an outcast because of the colour of her hair and her skin. She kept to herself and took on small jobs to earn her money. When her one friend loses something that she helped him locate, she finds herself working for the Prince and threatened by the Heliacal Priestess. She faced a lot of challenges, she was betrayed, and was always in danger. But no matter what happened, she found the strength to get back up and push herself to succeed.

Shyla was always watching her back, but had such a kind soul. She met a lot of new people, but it was hard to trust them, as they could betray her at anytime. I’d like to see more of them to figure out what their role is in this story and whether they can be someone that Shyla can trust. It also looks like she has a potential love interest, and I'm excited to see how this relationship goes.

The Eyes of Tamburah was a fascinating read! I loved the detail of the world, trying to imagine it expanding under ground. My heart ached for Shyla a number of times, as people judged her because she was that little bit different. She was a determined girl with a big heart and was willing to do anything to save a friend. She sacrificed so much, but also learned a lot about herself. This book was just the beginning of Shyla's journey, and I'm looking forward to coming back!

It was sweet to see a little emotion from Rendor...

“You owe me a favor,” he’d said.
She waited.
“I’d like to use it.” He held up his hand, stopping her.
“This is a rather simple request. Come back alive. Not cooked by the sun or shot by an arrow or stabbed or drugged with holy water.”
“Is that all?” she teased, but Rendor was not in a teasing mood. “I’ll try.”
“Not good enough.”
“I’ll try really hard.”
“Shyla.”
“What do you want me to say? I don’t want to be injured or killed. But I can’t promise something like that.”
“All right, then I’d like something else instead.”
That seemed too easy. “What else?”
“A kiss.”

Kindle Arc Loc 3993

When Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over a dozen novels and numerous short stories later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member. Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.

When she's not writing she's either playing volleyball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Maria V. Snyder
Soulfinders series
Shadow Study #1
Night Study #2
Dawn Study #3

Healer series

Touch of Power #1

Scent of Magic #2

Taste of Darkness #3

Kickin' It by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review & Teaser (@RachVD)

I loved the first book in the series and I couldn't wait to read Kickin' It! It was a little more serious than the first book, touching on some delicate areas, but it really was a sweet romance!

Title: Kickin' It

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Series: Red Card #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: June 11th 2019

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

Love breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance.

Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be both her agent and her coach. Professional common sense says she’s off-limits. But what can he say about the raw attraction between them?

Parker plays soccer with her heart and soul. But after the events of the last year, she’s shaken. She’s already seen what a powerful man can do to a female athlete’s career. And her beloved dream is in the hands of a sexy, gorgeous man with the uncanny ability to slip past her defenses…and into her heart.

Now Matt and Parker are about to learn that when it comes to love, the only way to win is by breaking every rule they know. And by playing nice. Real nice.

After meeting Matt in the first book, Risky Play, I was excited to pick up Kicking It to see what girl would win the broody manager over. After his sister decided to follow in his footsteps, she brings a surprise of her own, her best friend, a female soccer star with a bad reputation, who was in need of a new manager.

I really enjoyed getting to know both Matt and Parker. Matt was extremely good at his job, and although he was quite abrupt, he knew what he was doing. Parker had demons that she hadn’t quite dealt with, and she was hoping to forget them with her move to a new city and club. But we all know secrets resurface, and Parker needed to confide in someone to help her get through.

Parker and Matt had a love/hate relationship to begin with... they bickered over everything, and they were both easily angered and neither of them would back down. They both developed feelings for one another, but were reluctant to cross any lines. Matt treated Parker with care and helped her to open up which was really sweet.

The Red Card series has become one of my favourite Sports Romance series. The characters felt real, weren’t perfect, but found happiness together. Matt and Parker both made an impact on my soul, and I enjoyed every moment of being in their world, although it was difficult for both of them.

This was such a sweet moment, and just what Parker needed!

“You scored the winning goal at the championships two years ago, you were wearing your hair in a braid, and all I kept thinking when I looked at your tape was, Damn, that woman is too beautiful for words, and now I know—now I know, you’re beautiful everywhere, inside, outside.” He licked, he sucked. “You’re perfect.”
I grabbed his head with one hand and let out a scream.
“All you needed…” He looked up at me, slowly crawled up my body like a panther ready to stake claim on its prey. “Was someone who cared.”
“No.” I cupped his face. “I just needed you.”
His eyes darted to my mouth.
I lunged for him, tasting myself on him, tasting us, and I forgot all about my past.

Kindle Arc Loc 2848

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and, adorable son. She loves to hear from readers!

Website / Facebook / Twitter
Goodreads / Instagram

Other reviews featuring Rachel Van Dyken
Red Card
Risky Play #1
Curious Liaisons
Cheater #1
The Bachelors of Arizona
The Playboy Bachelor #2
Ruin series
Ruin #1
Toxic #2
The Bet series
The Bet #1

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

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

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