Naomi's Reading Palace

Cinderella Screwed Me Over by Cindi Madsen ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@CindiMadsen, @entangledpub)

This was a fun little read and I can always count on Cindi Madsen to deliver a cute read that I can get lost in!

Title: Cinderella Screwed Me Over

Author: Cindi Madsen

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit

Published: October 22nd 2013

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Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She's sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she's happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she's culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.

If you are looking for something light and sassy you need to pick this one up! I had so much fun reading Cinderella Screwed Me Over and meeting Darby as she analysed all her failed relationships which she matched up to Princes that we’ve all read about. But also why the growing relationship with Jake, a guy she likes, would not work.

Darby has basically given up on dating, because of all the failed relationships that she’d had. Learning about each one was heartbreaking for her, and I could see why she thought that she wouldn’t be able to find love. But Jake had her question every thing as he won her over with his kindness, his charm and his eagerness to get her to see how good they were together.

These two were great together! I loved they way Darby would speak her mind, but Jake was able to put her back in her place. I liked that Jake was willing to go slow and that Darby was beginning to realise that it may be possible to fall in love. It wasn’t always easy, but there comes a time that you need to go after something you want. I enjoyed meeting Darby’s step brothers too! They were all close and supported one another all the

Cindi Madsen is an author that I go to if I’m looking for something light hearted and sweet. I enjoy meeting each character and in this case how close Darby’s family is. There were a few hurdles that they had to get through, but I had faith in these two! Well done Cindi, another fantastic read!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

I loved these moments... these little kisses!

“I thought you were trying to send me a message with this movie,” I said.
“I was.” His lips hovered inches from mine. “I’m making sure to keep myself out of the friend zone.”
He closed the gap and kissed me again. Then I was pulling him closer, getting lost in the feel of his body against mine, his lips, his tongue.

Kindle Loc 1320

“So you brought me here to dump me?”
“No, I brought you here to have a reason to.” I looked up to find him looking down at me. “You messed it all up, though. Now I just like you more.” I grabbed a fistful of his T-shirt, pulled him to me, and kissed him.

Kindle Loc 3378
Originally inspired by YA Bound

USA Today Bestselling author Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Blog / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Cindi Madsen

Taking Shots series
Getting Lucky Number Seven #1
Crazy Pucking Love #3
Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny #4
Hope Springs series
The Bad Boy's Baby #3

12 Steps to Mr. Right

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The One by Kiera Cass ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@kieracass)

I just can't get enough of this story! I am loving America and Maxon and I have my fingers crossed that these two fall for one another.

Title: The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #3

Genre: YA Romance

Published: May 6th 2014

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The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

Alright, you know I'm binge reading this series so I picked up the third book immediately! I need more of America and Maxon because I really want them to get their happily ever after! And what a conclusion this turned out to be! It was full of drama, danger and sweet moments that had me excited about what would happen!

America continued to be a strong and independent woman, even though she was constantly under pressure. The selection was down to the final 4 and it all hinged on America’s feelings and whether or not she could fall into line. I know that America was scared to give her heart to Maxon, but I just wished that one of them would take the plunge... the back and forth was doing my head in!

I liked that we got a bigger insight into some of the rebels, and that America was able to call on new acquaintances to strengthen her spot within the game. I liked seeing the girls become closer, despite fighting for he same guy. It was sweet to see the queen interact with the girls too. But what I loved was getting to know Maxon, seeing his passion and that he was finally opening up to America as well.

Until I picked up the forth book, I didn’t realise that this was the end of America’s story. My heart broke in this read, but I was relieved that there was enough love to bring people together so that they could be stronger together. Although America went through some difficult moments, I was happy with how it all unfolded. I just felt that it was a little rushed and I would’ve enjoyed a little more depth into the rebels.

I've got a couple of big quotes today, they flowed into one another. I found it an amusing moment of America going over the top for Maxon.

“I know this is silly, but my maids put this new perfume on me today. Is it too strong?” I asked, tilting my neck so he could lean in and breathe.
He came near, his nose hitting a soft patch of skin. “No, dear, it’s lovely,” he said into the curve that led to my shoulder. Then he kissed me there. I swallowed, trying to focus. I needed to have some level of control.
“I’m glad you like it. I’ve really missed you.”
I felt his hand snake around my back, and I brought my face down. There he was, eyes looking into mine, our lips millimeters apart.
“How much have you missed me?” he breathed.
His stare, combined with his voice being so low, was doing funny things to my heartbeat. “So much,” I whispered back. “So, so much.”
I leaned forward, aching to be kissed. Maxon was confident, pulling me closer with one hand and stringing the other through my hair. My body wanted to melt into the kiss, but the dress stopped me. Then, suddenly nervous again, I remembered my plan.
Sliding my hands down Maxon’s arms, I guided his fingers to the zipper on the back of my dress, hoping that would be enough.
His hands lingered there for a moment, and I was seconds away from just asking him to unzip it when he burst out laughing.
The sound sobered me up pretty quickly.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, horrified, trying to think of an inconspicuous way to check my breath.
“Of everything you’ve done, this is by far the most entertaining!” Maxon bent over, hitting his knee as he laughed.
“Excuse me?”
He kissed me hard on my forehead. “I always wondered what it would be like to see you try.” He started laughing again. “I’m sorry; I have to go.” Even the way he stood held a sense of amusement. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
And then he left. He just left!

Paperback Page 12-13

He bit his lips. “I’m sorry I laughed, but really, what else could I do?”
“I had plenty of ideas,” I muttered, still embarrassed at my attempt to seduce him. “I feel so stupid.” I buried my head in my hands.
“Stop,” he said gently, pulling me in for an embrace. “Trust me when I say, it was very tempting. But you’re not that girl.”
“But shouldn’t I be? Shouldn’t that be part of what we are?” I whined into his chest.
“Don’t you remember the night in the safe room?” he said, his voice low.
“Yes, but that was basically us saying good-bye.”
“It would have been a fantastic good-bye.”
I stepped away and swatted at him. He laughed, happy to have broken through the uneasiness.
“Let’s forget about it,” I proposed.

Paperback Page 17-18

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

I am a graduate of Radford University with a B.S. in History. I grew up in South Carolina and currently live in Christiansburg, Virginia with my electrical engineer hubby, car-obsessed son, and princess-loving daughter. I'm a #1 New York Times bestseller, woohoo! I'm also a valued customer at my local cupcake shop.

Things I hate:

When people fail to use turn signals, flying, salads.

Things I love:

Office supplies, boy bands, desserts.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Tumblr / YouTube

Other reviews featuring Kiera Cass
The Selection #1
The Elite #2

American Queen by Sierra Simone ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

Looks like I've found a new series to get addicted to! I picked this one up not expecting to be as hooked as I was! I'm looking forward to American Prince and more of Sierra Simone's work!

American Queen (New Camelot Trilogy, #1)

Title: American Queen

Author: Sierra Simone

Series: New Camelot Trilogy #1

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published: October 25th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

It starts with a stolen kiss under an English sky, and it ends with a walk down the aisle. It starts with the President sending his best friend to woo me on his behalf, and it ends with my heart split in two. It starts with buried secrets and dangerous desires…and ends with the three of us bound together with a hateful love sharper than any barbed wire.

My name is Greer Galloway, and I serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States.

This is the story of an American Queen.

I didn’t realise what I was getting into when I grabbed American Queen, but boy was it amazing! It was raunchy, it was intense and it was beautiful... it is going to be a read that will sit with me for a long time to come and I know I’ll be grabbing the second book soon!

This book was told from Greer’s perspective. I was able to see her as a young girl, the loss she suffered and the environment she was raised in. She was the grand daughter of an ex-vice president and mingled at parties where she gathered information. It was at one of these parties when she was sixteen that she met Maxen (Ash) who would one day become president of the United States. They formed a connection, and he brought forward feelings and desires that she wanted to explore. However, it would be years before they would cross paths again, and circumstances changed between them. Meeting another man was monumental for Greer and it looked like things were looking up for her... the passion and desire between them was off the charts as well. It would eventually bring the three together as they try to sort out their feelings, their relationships and the intense sexual attraction they want to explore.

With dating the president, there always is a sense of danger, as he deals with aspects of politics that he’s passionate about. This sat in the back of my mind as Greer attended parties and with certain conversations that she had. I could see that throughout it all that Ash and Embry would move heaven and hell to ensure Greer was safe.

This story was far from over, and I have been left dumbfounded as to how impressed I am by Sierra Simone! This is the first book I have read of hers and I know I will be reading more. The characters weren’t perfect, and had their faults, but made up for it with passion and determination. I am excited to get my hands on Embry’s book, I’m sure it will leave me shattered!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

Three little quotes that take you inside Greer's mind, and the world she wants to be in.
These aren't exactly swoons, but moments that really stood out to me and were pivotal in the growing chemistry between the three.

I don’t want boring, common ways of being bad. I want ways that rattle me to my bones, that send me to my knees in repentance, I want to be the kind of bad that leaves me wrung out with bite marks blooming purple on my body. I want to go to the brink of not knowing myself, I want someone to take me there and hold me by the neck and make me stare at an entire reckless realm of possibility. What’s the point of sex if you don’t feel like every dark crevice of your soul has been exposed to the light?

Kindle Page 56

I fell in love with Ash, only to watch him marry another woman. I slept with a different man, only to never hear from him again.

Kindle Page 68

“I suppose I’ll never know if it was your hair or seeing you on your knees that captivated me at first. I’ll also never know if it was you noticing my sleeplessness or watching you bleed for someone you loved that made you unforgettable to me.”

Kindle Page 100
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Sierra Simone is a former librarian who spent too much time reading romance novels at the information desk. She lives with her husband and family in Kansas City.

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The Elite by Kiera Cass ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@kieracass)

Oh wow! I am loving this series and how addicted I am becoming to this world! I loved America in this one, she really stayed true to herself!

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #2

Genre: YA Romance

Published: April 23rd 2013

Buy Now - Amazon | Paperback | B&N | Kobo

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

After reading the Selection, I dove into the Elite straight away! The Selection was down to the final six, and things were getting interesting. America’s feelings for both Maxon and Aspen were strong, and it was hard for her to work through what she wanted.

America was such a sweet girl throughout this read too. She was trying to stay true to herself and tried to look after those she was close to. There were times of danger once again, but there were also situations where America was required to stand up and she did so beautifully!

It wasn’t always smooth sailing though, and my heart ached for her in numerous situations. She knew it would be hard but she was ignored, put down and reminded of how low she was in the game. I could see her frustration with everything and even some lack of support from Maxon. I even thought Aspen tried to manipulate America at times. But throughout it all I could see that they both had strong feelings for her.

This read was full of ups and downs! The author has definitely stepped it up with this sequel. I enjoyed seeing Maxon and America interact and the secondary storyline kept me on edge. There was times of sadness, but overall I still had hope for America and Maxon, as well as the people of Illea, despite how hard the king made it for her.

I loved these moments! They certainly made my heart ache for the both of them, because I was beginning to think these two would be perfect together.

“Maxon, they were part of the reason I stayed in the beginning, but they’re not why I’m here now. You know that, right? I’m here because …”
“Because?”
I looked at Maxon, his adoring face so hopeful. Say it, America. Just tell him.
“Because?” he asked again, this time with an impish smile coming to his lips, which made me soften even more.
I thought about my conversation with Marlee and the way I’d felt the other day when we talked about the Selection. It was hard to think of Maxon as my boyfriend when there were other girls dating him, but he wasn’t just my friend. That hopeful feeling hit me again, the wonder that we might be something special. Maxon was more to me than I’d let myself believe.
I gave him a flirtatious smile and started walking toward the door.
“America Singer, you get back here.” He ran in front of me, wrapping an arm around my waist as we stood, chest to chest. “Tell me,” he whispered.
I pinched my lips together.
“Fine, then I shall have to rely on other means of communication.”
Without any warning, he kissed me. I felt myself dip backward a bit, completely supported by his arms. I placed my hands on his neck, wanting to hold him to me … and something shifted in my head.

Paperback Page 38

“It’s you,” I said. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“Me?”
I nodded.
“You want me?”
I giggled at his bewildered expression. “That’s what I’m saying.”
He paused a moment. “How—But—What did I do?”
“I don’t know,” I said with a shrug. “I just think that we’d be a good us.”
He smiled slowly. “We’d be a wonderful us.”
Maxon pulled me in, roughly by his standards, and kissed me again.

Paperback Page 39-40

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

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Other reviews featuring Kiera Cass
The Selection #1

FEBRUARY WRAP-UP

Well February was busy! We moved into our temporary house and have settled pretty well. Most of the unpacking is done and it feels like our own home! The kids have moved onto new buses and are enjoying the start of the school year.

At the moment, we still don't have internet on... We've had a little trouble, but somehow we are surviving!

I haven't had a chance to read a lot this month, but I'm sure I will make up for it soon!

Click on the covers to take you to my reviews.

Book of the month...

Click on the covers to take you to my reviews.

These are the books I've picked up over the past month!

(Click on covers to take you to Goodreads)

Just a little something I splurged out on!! 😜😜

A little surprise from Hachette Aus!

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

Never Kiss a Stranger by Winter Renshaw ~ Audio book Review & Swoon Thursday

It's been a while since I've read an Audio Book, so I picked up an author that's been on my radar for a very long time.

Title: Never Kiss a Stranger

Author: Winter Renshaw

Series: Never #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 4th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N

It was an innocent mistake…

All workaholic real estate broker Addison Andrews wanted was one night of pleasure, and picking the right guy was no different than shopping from a catalog thanks to the dating app on her phone. His name was Wilder, and his profile was blank – just a sexy picture of a man who promised every wicked intention of a one-night stand.

The agreement was simple. One night. No last names. But the second their bodies melded together in the sheets of their posh Manhattan hotel room, there was no denying they fit together like two pieces of a broken puzzle.

There’s just one problem…

Addison unknowingly swiped right on the one man she wasn’t supposed to be with – her new stepbrother. All it takes is one bite of forbidden fruit to become addicted, but being with him has major consequences for their entire family. And if anyone found out about them, the career she worked so hard to build would crumble to the ground.

But Wilder Van Cleef doesn’t care about the possibility of a scandal. He wants her, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes.

Winter Renshaw is another author that I've seen around, and I decided that it was time to give her a go! The blurb hooked me and I thought that this would be a lot of fun... So why not listen to it? I hadn't listened to Thomas Fawley and Katie McAble before, and I really enjoyed listening to them as they told Addison and Wilder's story.

It was interesting the way that Addison and Wilder met, and how Wilder was so dominant in the bedroom. Addison was so set in her ways, so it was nice to see her give control over to Wilder. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but Wilder couldn't let it go and they kept crossing paths, over and over!

I don't think either Addison and Wilder realised how much that they would like one another or the situations that they would find themselves in. Every time though, I knew they were meant to be. They were hot and sexy together, but complications always arose. I liked that Addison was loyal to her family, but Wilder could not let her get away.

These two were hot and cold, and each complication made it hard, and I kind of lost a little interest after a while. Then the ending changed and wrapped up so quickly, that it didn't seem believable... I wanted to love this one, but sadly I didn't. But I don't think it has deterred me too much, because I want to see more Coco! I love Addison’s sister, so I need to revisit this world!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

A little bit of interaction between Addison and Wilder and a little advice in the second one from Coco.

“Of course you want to be with me again,” I said. “I just let you tie me up and have your way with me.”
Wilder winced in pain—the emotional type, not the physical. I was quite positive most women threw themselves at him.
“I meant it when I said I don’t do relationships,” I said.
“I did too.” His teal eyes searched mine. “I don’t do relationships. Hooking up on a regular basis does not constitute a relationship, Addison. Not in my world.”

Kindle Loc 255

“You know that dating app everyone’s using right now?” I asked her.
She furrowed her perfectly sculpted brows. “Yeah, we just did a story on that not too long ago. It’s supposed to be for dating, but most people use it to find casual sex and hook-ups.”
“I was doing a little shopping, and I came across him,” I said quietly. “It all just happened a lot faster than I thought it would.”
Coco’s mouth hung open in disbelief. “So you met a random stranger on a dating app and had sex with him?”
I nodded, rearranging the silverware at my place setting until the bottoms all lined up. “So unlike me, right?”
“Addison,” she said, staring at me intently “Never kiss a stranger. Not in this city. You never know who you’re really kissing.”

Kindle Loc 446
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw is a bona fide daydream believer. She lives somewhere in the middle of the USA and can rarely be seen without her trusty Mead notebook and ultra portable laptop. When she’s not writing, she’s living the American dream with her husband, three kids, and the laziest puggle this side of the Mississippi.

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