Naomi's Reading Palace

The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@LaurenBlakely3)

I always enjoy a Lauren Blakely read and I snapped this one up a little while a go, and I decided it was time to dive in! This was a good read, but didn't blow me away as I hoped.

Title: The Sexy One

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: One Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 17th 2016

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

From NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes a sexy new standalone romance…

Let me count the ways why falling into forbidden love is not my wisest move...
1. She works with me every single day.
Did I mention she's gorgeous, sweet, kind and smart?
2. She works in my home.
Playing with my five-year-old daughter. Teaching my little girl. Cooking for my princess. Which means...
3. She's the nanny.
And that makes her completely off-limits... But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. All of her.

***

The other nannies in this city don't call him the Sexy One for nothing. My boss, the amazingly wonderful single father to the girl I take care of every day is ridiculously hot, like movie star levels with those arms, and those eyes, and that body. Not to mention, the way he dotes on his little girl melts me all over. But what really makes my knees weak are the times when his gaze lingers on me. In secret. When no one else is around.

I can't risk my job for a chance at something more... can I? But I don’t know how to resist him much longer either...

Abby had been working as a nanny for a while, looking after Hayden. She had a crush on Simon, but never acted on those feelings. However, Abby and Simon kind of connected while they watched an eagle family grow online. Their attraction continued to intensify until they both combusted.

Simon interacting with his child was definitely swoon worthy, and Abby had her own sweet relationship with Hayden which was sweet to watch. I Liked how they both easily worked together, both having Hayden's best interests at heart.

I liked that they both had close friends that they could turn to for advice and support. Abby was a bit younger than Simon and an impulsive moment was a big hurdle for both her and Simon, and impacted her relationship with a few people. However, I liked how Simon stood up for Abby when she needed it.

I’m really not sure how I felt about this book, it was a bit of a meh read for me. I liked the characters enough, but I didn’t really connect to them like I hoped I would. The Sexy One was a sweet romance, with a couple that bonded well together. They were both smart and had a lot in common and despite the 8 year age gap, they made their relationship work.

*** 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 picked three little teases today, mostly from Simon's perspective. I liked how he was all alpha male and was willing to put his heart on the line!

I’m totally the motherfucking hunter, and this is my prize for the woman I so badly want to woo.

Kindle Loc 305

I inch closer, our faces nearly touching. I can feel her breath on me. Our noses brush, then I slant my mouth to hers. Our lips touch, and it’s like a world that was ordinary has now turned extraordinary.

Kindle Loc 1000

“I will. I’ll tell you what’s happening to me, and it’s this,” he says, stopping to take a breath, holding my gaze. “I’m in love with you.”

Kindle Loc 1946
Originally inspired by YA Bound

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs.With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she’s sold more than 2.5 million books.

In December she’ll release UNZIPPED, a fun & sexy romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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Other reviews featuring Lauren Blakely
The Real Deal
The Knocked Up Plan
Big Rock
Mister O

No Regrets series

The Start of Us #0.5
The Thrill of It #1
Every Second with You #2
Caught Up In Love series

Caught Up in Us #1

P.S. I Miss You by Winter Renshaw ~ Review & Quote-tastic (#WinterRenshaw)

This was a fun, light read that I really enjoyed. I liked watching the attraction between Melrose and Sutton grow!

Title: P.S. I Miss You

Author: Winter Renshaw

Series: P.S. #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 3rd 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

Dear Melrose,

The first time I met you, you were a stranger. The second time, you were my roommate. The third time, you made it clear you were about to become the biggest thorn my side had ever known.

You sing way too loud in the shower and use all the hot water.

You’re bossy as hell.

You make my life all kinds of complicated.

But no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about you.

Truthfully … I can’t stop wanting you.

I was going to tell you this. I was going to sit you down, swallow my pride, hang up my noncommittal ways and show you a side of me you nor anyone else has ever seen before … but then there was a game-changing confession; a bombshell so nuclear it stopped me in my tracks.

How I didn’t see this coming, I’ll never know.

Sutter

P.S. I miss you.

It'd been a while since I've read a book by Winter Renshaw, and the P.S. series has been on my radar for a while so I decided to snap this one up. This book had me a little annoyed about some aspects, but overall it was quite enjoyable, and I definitely would read more in this series!

This book had it's good moments and it's not so good moments. I really enjoyed the enemies to lover aspect, as I watched Melrose and Sutton bicker with each other. I could see that their attraction was growing and I couldn't wait for them to fall for one another.

What I didn't like was how Melrose was so hung up on Nick, he was a bit of a jerk actually and should've stayed, firmly, in the friends column! I also didn't like how easy it was for Sutton to step aside when things got hard. He did it a couple of times and I was like WTF! Fight for her you jerk!

Other than that I did enjoy this read, I liked meeting Sutton's brother and watching both Melrose and Sutton interact with him. It saddened me that Sutton carried so much guilt when it came to his brother, but Melrose helped him see that he was a good person and could do so much for him. I liked the change in Melrose, and seeing her fall for someone that wasn't Nick. I really hope I can read more from this world in the future!

I've got two little teasers today... as he Sutton realises that Melrose is someone he wants.

I fully expected to meet a Bel-Air princess today, a junior Paris Hilton with an entitlement complex. What I got was a whip smart beauty who wasted no time putting me in my place.
And that’s … if I’m being completely honest with myself … really fucking hot.

Kindle Loc 283

“Go upstairs.” Sutter leans in and speaks against my ear, voice low despite the fact that no one else can technically hear us. “I’m not done with you yet.”
I bite a half-smile and linger, debating whether or not to indulge his wishes. But it doesn’t take long for me to accept the fact that I want this release as much as he does.
“Fine,” I say. “But only because I want to. Not because you’re telling me to.”

Kindle Loc 1474

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

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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Good Time by Jana Aston ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@JanaAston)

I had a fabulous time reading this one! It was light, quirky and damn funny! I cannot get enough of Jana's writing, and I am on edge waiting for more!

Title: Good Time

Author: Jana Aston

Genre: Romance

Published: November 6th 2018

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

There’s one thing you should know.
I wasn’t that drunk.

I was more than sober enough to put a stop to it.
The truth is, it was my idea. I’m the one who suggested it.

I knew it was crazy, but it’s not as if I’d be the first girl to get married on a whim in Las Vegas. I wouldn’t even be the last girl to get married on a whim in Las Vegas.

So what’s my excuse? I liked him. I liked the idea that he’d be stuck with me, just for a little bit.

Because nothing good ever lasts, so you might as well have a good time while you can.

GOOD TIME is a standalone romantic comedy set in the same world as Good Girl.
This is Payton & Vince's story.

What a freakin' entertaining read Good Time was! It was just what I needed to brighten my hectic week. It was hilarious right from the beginning and I loved watching Payton's big personality click with Vince, and also Canon. It was an addictive read that I legiterally could not put down.

Payton was priceless! I loved the way she saw the world and did things a little unconventionally, like sampling a life coach. She was quite spontaneous and she had a personality that was infectious, and you would always have a good time with her. Although, underneath all that bravado was a girl who did question herself at times, and whether she did the right thing or not.

Ahhh Vince! It was fun getting to know him through Payton. He didn't reveal all of himself to her, but the more I learned about him, the more I liked him. I could see that he was intrigued by Payton's quirks, and after the whole marriage debacle, he kept coming back for more!

This book was packed with amusing situations from cover to cover. It crossed over with Good Girl, so I could see a few scenes from that book from a different perspective. I loved seeing Lydia and Rhys again, but also Canon! He is the one I want to see in his own book.

Jana Aston is one of my go-to-authors when I'm after something a little quirky, naughty and packed with humour, so it didn't surprise me that she delivered all that and more with Good Time! She's a master of Romantic Comedy and she always brings me characters that are unique and comical to read about! Bring on your next book Jana, I want Canon!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

*** 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! ***

This was the perfect build up to the perfect moment!

“You look at me like I’m interesting. Or at the very least pretty.”
Somewhere in this exchange he’s stepped half a foot closer, but he’s still not touching me.
“You like my ass,” I add in a last-ditch effort because he’s neither saying anything or kissing me.
He moves another inch closer and smiles. I have to tilt my head back to meet his eyes and I’m holding my breath because sexual tension is tense.
“I look at you that way because you’re nuts and I never know what’s about to come out of your mouth.”
“Oh.” Oh. I blink. Wow, did I get this wrong. My cheeks heat in embarrassment and I drop my gaze to his shoulder. I’m still really into the way the jacket fits him. Perfectly cut, the seam running from to neck to sleeve really does it for me, so there’s that.
“And because you’re beautiful.”
Oh. Okay. We’re doing a mixed signals thing. I bite my lip and risk another look at him.
“Game-changing beautiful.” The words are whispered against my ear. “Possibly crazy, definitely trouble.” This whispered against my lips.
And then he kisses me.

Kindle Arc Loc 696
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Jana Aston likes cats, big coffee cups and books about billionaires who deflower virgins. She wrote her debut novel while fielding customer service calls about electrical bills, and she's ever grateful for the fictional gynecologist in Wrong that readers embraced so much she was able to make working in her pajamas a reality.

Jana's work has appeared on the NYT, WSJ and USA Today bestsellers list, some multiple times. She likes multiples.

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Other reviews featuring Jana Aston

Good Girl
Sure Thing
Wrong Series
Wrong #1

Right #2
Fling #2.5
Trust #3

The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@katee_robert)

This was a fun beginning to a series that I can't wait to get more of! It was intense, and I loved how even though Teague and Calli were thrust into the marriage, they actually fell for one another.

The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1)

Title: The Marriage Contract

Author: Katee Robert

Series: The O'Malleys #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 2nd 2015

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

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert begins a smoking hot new series about the O'Malley family-wealthy, powerful, dangerous and seething with scandal.

Teague O'Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family's name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a "business" alliance, Teague's ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O'Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn't aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they're in. Because Callie's keeping a dark secret-and what Teague doesn't know could get him killed.

I actually got this one as an audio-book freebie, and I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was intense, the chemistry was hot, and the suspense had me on edge! These Mafia reads really hook me, and I like that this one had a real danger element in it! I was on edge and experienced a few tough times for all families involved.

Both the O'Malley family and the Sheridan family were hard core families and were willing to remain strong by forming alliances. Even though Teague and Callie weren't ready to be married, they were willing to do anything to try and prevent war.

I liked how quick Teague and Callie formed their connection, and how their life paths took a turn they didn't expect. They were craving company from one another although they hadn't been together long. They both faced some tough times and I thought they were stronger together.

I really enjoyed the narration by Charlotte North, she portrayed all the characters well and drew me into the world and kept me hooked. I enjoyed Katee Robert's writing style and the emotion she wove through the pages as well as showing me the connections that all three families have. I'm looking forward to how some of these relationships will develop in future books, as they were intense in this read!

This was an interesting little twist, I hope it has you intrigued.

“Didn’t arranged marriages go the way of the dinosaurs a couple decades ago?”
“Maybe for other families. Not for ours.”
He knew that. Fuck,he wished he didn't know it so well. The rules of polite society were different for his family than they were for your average Joe. He’d learned a long time ago that the money and connections came with more strings than a spider’s web. And walking away wasn't an option, because that same money and those connections would be ruthlessly deployed to bring any prodigal sons or daughters back into the fo1d—whether they wanted to come or not.
Teague took a healthy swallow of the whiskey. “You can’t seriously be asking me to marry some woman I‘ve never met from a family we were raised to hate."
"I‘m not." Aiden paused, and it was like the whole room held its breath. "Father is.”

Audiobook 20 minutes

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee.

Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it "a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension." When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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Pierced by J.A. Huss & Johnathan McClain ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@jahuss, @MisterJMcClain)

I am so glad that we got to visit this world again and see Pierce and Myrtle act on their feelings that they were trying to hide! It was so much fun and I loved every situation Myrtle put Pierce in!

Title: Pierced

Author: J.A. Huss & Johnathan McClain

Series: Tall, Dark, and Handsome #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 30th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

MYRTLE
I’m a just an erotic woman who likes control.
And edgy sex.
And hard men.
At the same time.
So starting an outreach class at the TDH community center to teach other women how to put the dom in dominatrix was inevitable. Even if I was only doing it to use my boss, Pierce, as my submissive example and pay him back for humiliating me in front of the whole world last summer.

PIERCE
I regret what I did to Myrtle. She’s the best assistant I’ve ever had and I’ll play along—for now—because I want to make things right. But... come on. Me? A submissive? Ha. Myrtle Rothschild might have the upper hand at the moment… but I’m bringing my A-game. I’m gonna take back control.

She can wear her hot, thigh-high latex boots. She can crack that whip all she wants. Hell, I’ll even let her leave marks.

But I’m about to school Ms. Rothschild in the art of who’s the boss.
And she’s about to get Pierce-d.

After reading The Sexpert, I didn't think I could enjoy this duo's writing any more... but I was wrong! Pierced was an even better read as I watched Pierce and his ex-secretary, now VP of Social Media, Myrtle work through their issues to fall for one another. It was another quick and amusing read, that was full of sexual tension and quirky moments that had me hooked!

Pierce was a strong, good looking and successful man, and he grew a lot throughout this read. I loved the way he was willing to give over a bit of control to Myrtle, so he could get his favourite person in the world to forgive him. He still was a little self absorbed, but I could see that he cared deeply for Myrtle, and he worked hard to get her to like him again. With a little push from Andrew and Eden, from the previous book, he was willing to fight for what he wanted.

I loved Myrtle in the first book, so I was excited to see what she was really like. She showed us that there was a different person that she was hiding, and often appearances aren't what they seem to be. It was amusing to watch Myrtle try to tame Pierce, and she doubted herself at times, but Pierce would be there to comfort her as well.

Pierce and Myrtle together were entertainment plus! The sexual tension between them was off the charts and I could see how deeply they cared for one another. Every situation that Myrtle put Pierce into was hilarious, but he was willing to do anything for her!

I just love the way that J.A. Huss and Johnathan McClain deliver these books together; they complement each other so well and I get lost in their worlds. Each character is created well, and I can't help but want to know more about them. I just don't know how they will top this book, but I'm sure they will try!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

*** 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! ***

Here's a couple of cute litte teasers that made my heart melt jus ta little!

“Please don’t move on,” he says quickly. “Please don’t go. Whatever it is you need, I want to give it to you.”
And then, very abruptly, he leans in and kisses me hard.

Kindle Arc Loc 3582

“I love you, Pierce Constantine Chevalier. I absolutely do. You’re a lot, yes. You’re too much for most, in fact, but you’re just the right amount of everything for me.”

Kindle Arc Loc 4853
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Two accomplished writers come together to create unforgettable sexy romance. JA Huss is the New York Times bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today bestsellers list eighteen times. Johnathan McClain is a veteran actor and writer whose work, either performed or written, is probably airing on at least one of the channels on your television right now. You can contact them on their website www.hussmcclain.com or find them at their social links below.

STALK JULIE

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STALK JOHNATHAN

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Other reviews featuring J.A. Huss & Johnathan McClain
Tall, Dark, and Handsome series
The Sexpert #1
Other reviews featuring J.A. Huss