Naomi's Reading Palace

The Villain by L.J. Shen ~ Review & Teaser (@lj_shen)

The Villain is the second book from the Boston Belle's series, and although I like this world, this particular read was a bit of a miss due to Cillian. He wasn't a gut I gelled with, unfortunately...

Title: The Villain

Author: L.J. Shen

Series: Boston Belles #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 16th 2020

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From #1 Amazon and USA Today Bestseller L.J. Shen comes an arranged marriage romance novel with teeth and claws.

Cruel. Coldblooded. Hades in a Brioni suit.
Cillian Fitzpatrick has been dubbed every wicked thing on planet earth.
To the media, he is The Villain.
To me, he is the man who (reluctantly) saved my life.
Now I need him to do me another, small solid.
Bail me out of the mess my husband got me into.
What’s a hundred grand to one of the wealthiest men in America, anyway?
Only Cillian doesn’t hand out free favors.
The price for the money, it turns out, is my freedom.
Now I’m the eldest Fitzpatrick brother’s little toy.
To play, to mold, to break.
Too bad Cillian forgot one, tiny detail.
Persephone wasn’t only the goddess of spring; she was also the queen of death.
He thinks I’ll buckle under the weight of his mind games.
He is about to find out the most lethal poison is also the sweetest.

I've read a lot of L.J. Shen's books now, and they are usually a hit or a miss for me. I must admit that this particular read wasn't one that blew me away; I was left a little disappointed, if I need to be honest.

Right from the start I could see that Belle had always crushed on Cillian, but he was not a very nice guy. It appeared that he didn't want anything to do with her, and that she was more like a nuisance. When Belle came to him for help, he was cold and after some time, he gave her a plan with an ultimatum.

I liked that Belle was a strong girl, who went after what she wanted. She didn't want to go to her family for help though, she was determined to get Cillian to help her, even though he treated her badly. Cillian, I did not care for at all, he was an ass most of the time. I did like that he softened a little, the more time that he spent with Belle, but he appeared a bit to set in his manly ways.

I liked seeing the characters from the first book in this read, and I'm looking forward to more reads about the other guys. So even though I was left disappointed in this particular read, I am looking forward to more stories from this world.

These two didn't really get along to begin with, but over time, things got better.

“You’re not my Prince Charming,” I blurted out, my thoughts going back to the conversation I’d had with my sister in her car the night I told her about my engagement. “You’re the villain.”
“Fear is my greatest asset.” He tipped his head down, pretending to nuzzle my throat, his hoarse, low baritone reverberating deep inside me. “But what are villains, my dear wife, if not misunderstood heroes?”

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L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

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Other reviews featuring L.J. Shen
Blood to Dust

Sparrow

Midnight Blue

Playing with Fire

In the Unlikely Event
The Kiss Thief
Dirty Headlines
All Saints High
Broken Knight #2

Angry God #3

Boston Belles series

The Hunter #1

Layla by Colleen Hoover ~ Review & Teaser (@colleenhoover)

If Colleen Hoover puts out a book, there is a fair chance that I will grab it. After reading the description, I was intrigued and I had hope that I would get lost in this new world!

Title: Layla

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: December 8th 2020

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love.

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.

I always go to Colleen Hoover when I need a read that packs emotion and grit. I must admit that this book isn't like any of her books that I have read, and I honestly couldn't pick what direction this book was headed.

I enjoyed watching as Leeds and Layla first met, they hit it off right from the start! Layla was a little quirky, and Leeds just fell for her hook, line and sinker! As they spent more time together, their connection grew and I knew that these two were perfect for one another. Throw in a twist and everything changes, their lives are thrown into turmoil and Leeds was trying to get back the girl he first fell in love with.

In true Hoover form, this read had some unusual twists in it. I was often contemplating the direction of the book, whether it was going to head that way or not. At some points I was skimming through the book, as I wasn't as connected to the characters that I hoped I would be. I honestly have to say though, that this was probably one of my least favourite books of Hoovers', but I have every hope that she will redeem herself with her next book!

Leeds and Layla were so sweet together, right from the beginning!

I close the cover to the piano and then slowly spin around on the bench. She’s wiping her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. “Wow,” she whispers. “I wasn’t expecting that. I feel like you just stomped on my chest.”
That’s how I’ve felt since I first laid eyes on her tonight.
“I like how it ends,” she says. She sits up on the couch and tucks her legs beneath her. “You just stop in the middle of the sentence. It’s so perfect. So powerful.”

Kindle Page 17

I kiss her neck, then her breast. Then my mouth is resting against hers again. “I think I’m glad I met you.”
She pulls back a little, then smiles up at me. “You think? Or you are?”
“I am. I am very glad I met you.”
She trails her fingers over my mouth. “I’m very glad I met you.”
We kiss some more, and it’s full of lazy anticipation, as if we know we have all night and there’s no rush.

Kindle Page 20

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty novels and novellas. Hoover’s novels fall into the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thriller.

Colleen Hoover is published by Montlake Romance and Atria Books. Colleen also has several indie titles, including her psychological thriller, Verity.

In 2015, Colleen’s novel CONFESS won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. That was followed up in 2016 with her latest title, It Ends With Us, also winning the Choice Award for Best Romance. In 2017, her title WITHOUT MERIT won best romance.

Her novel CONFESS has been filmed as a series by Awestruck and is available on Prime Video via Amazon and iTunes. Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper star in the series.

Colleen founded The Bookworm Box, a charity subscription service and bookstore, with her family in 2015. The Bookworm Box is a subscription service that provides readers with an exciting opportunity to receive signed novels in the mail each month from authors all over the world. All profits from the subscription service are donated to various charities each month. To date, The Bookworm Box has donated over $1,000,000 to help those in need.

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Instagram / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Colleen Hoover

Hopeless series

Hopeless #1

Losing Hope #2

The Cabin by Jasinda Wilder ~ Review & Teaser (@JasindaWilder)

I picked up The Cabin after reading the blurb, hoping that it would be amazing... and it was, I tell you! I was blown away with Jasinda Wilder's characters and how this stoey touched my heart!

Title: The Cabin

Author: Jasinda Wilder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 22nd 2020

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One year ago, I buried my husband.

One year ago, I held his hand and said goodbye.

Now I spend most of my days lost somewhere between trying to remember every smallest detail of our lives, and trying to forget it all. I fill my hours with work until I’m too exhausted to remember him, to feel anything at all.

One year, 365 days—and then one knock at my door changes everything. A letter from him, a last request, a secret will:

My dearest Nadia,

Trust me, my love. One last time, trust me. Sometimes the epilogue to one story is the beginning of another.

If there is one book that you MUST pick up, it has to be The Cabin. It is a truly moving read that will take you through all the emotions... love, loss and how to learn to live again. It was such a beautiful read that I will never forget.

Nadia and her husband had one of those amazing love stories and were incredibly happy, but soon there were changes and he was doing his best to shelter Nadia and to help her on the right path after he was gone. A year on and she is in a cabin and starting to have feelings for someone else, which she never thought would happen again.

It broke my heart throughout the first part of the story as I watched what decisions were made and what Nadia lost. In the second part I had hope that she would allow herself to move on, and I am glad she found comfort with someone so kind and gentle. They both had suffered throughout their lives so far, so it was sweet for them both to find happiness again. I was also surprised with some of the small twists and enjoyed how the story unfolded.

Jasinda Wilder delivered such a magnificent read, with two great love stories. She created such beautiful characters and I loved seeing them work through their tragedies and learned to grow together. This story will sit with me for a long time to come, so I hope that you pick it up and experience all the heartache and excitement that I did!

Here are a couple of teasers, both were moving moments for me!

“Live,” he snarls. “You don’t stop living. You don’t fucking give up. Mourn me, as long as it takes. Remember me.” He clutches my hands in his, so hard my joints and bones throb. “Love again. Don’t spend the rest of your life alone.”
I shake my head. “I can’t—you’re my husband, Adrian. How can I…?” My voice cracks, breaks, and words fail me.
“Promise. You have to promise, and not just to get me to shut up. Promise and mean it.”

Kindle Page 109

“You look…” I hunt for an appropriate but accurate word, and settle for lame but true. “Beautiful.”
She grins, teasing. “You had to think about that one, Nathan.”
“Only because there’s a lot of words I could use.” I smile at her. “Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Stunning.” She blushes, ducks her head.
“Thanks.”

Kindle Page 319

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her six children and menagerie of animals.

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Goodreads / Instagram

Other reviews featuring Jasinda Wilder

Falling series

Falling Into You #1

Little Lies by H. Hunting ~ Review & Teaser (@HelenaHunting)

I have read a few books by H. Hunting before, and I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It was nice to see some old characters and to meet all the new ones!

Title: Little Lies

Author: H. Hunting

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: November 16th 2020

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

I don’t want you.
You mean nothing to me.
I never loved you.
I turned my words into swords.
And I cut her down. Shoved the blade in and watched her fall.
I said I’d never hurt her and I did.
Years later I’m faced with all the little lies, the untruths, the false realities, the damage I inflicted when all I wanted was to indulge in my obsession.
Lavender Waters is the princess in the tower. Even her name is the thing fairy tales are made of.
I used to be the one who saved her.
Over and over again.
But I don’t want to save her anymore.
I just want to pretend the lies are still the truth.

*Little Lies is a 105k standalone new adult romance.

For those who have read H. Hunting before, you will dive into this book to meet some of the offspring from the Pucked series. Lavender and Kodiak have grown up together and know each other very well, but never took anything further... but we all could see it coming!

I liked that we were able to see some interactions from the past as well as getting the current story. Lavender and Kodiak both had their own personal issues which made some ordinary situations that much worse for them. Lavender always had the protection of her brothers and was finding it hard to spread her wings at her new school with them always around her. Kodiak was focused on his career, but having Lavender around made it hard for him. He worried about her constantly and his attraction for her continued to grow until they both almost combusted!!

Little Lies was a moving read and touched on some moments that were hard. I thought that Hunting did a beautiful job telling their story, but I did get confused by a lot of the side characters as there was so many to wrap my head around! Other than that it was quite the enjoyable read!

You just got to love the people in your life that stick up for you like this, and tell you how it really is.

“Kodiak was a douche, I called him out, we exchanged a bunch of words, and now we’re figuring things out.”
“What does that mean? Figuring things out how?”
“It’s complicated.”
“It’s really not, though. It’s always been simple, and you two just make it complicated.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He laces his hands behind his head. “He’s been in love with you since you were kids. He just didn’t know how to love you without taking over your entire world, or letting you take over his. He needed you to be strong enough to put him in his place, and you are, which means things are finally going to be as they should.”

Kindle Page 226

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.

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Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Helena Hunting
All In Series

A Lie for a Lie #1

A Favor for a Favor #2

A Secret for a Secret #3

Shacking Up series
Shacking Up #1
I Flipping Love You #3
Handle With Care #5
Pucked series
Pucked #1
Pucked Up #2
Pucked Over #3

Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole ~ Review & Teaser (@tillie_cole)

I haven't read anything by Tillie Cole before, so I was quite surprised by this one! So much happened... I really don't know where to begin!

Title: Lord of London Town

Author: Tillie Cole

Series: Adley Firm #1

Genre: Dark Romance

Published: October 10th 2020

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Cheska Harlow-Wright was born into a life of luxury and privilege. She has never wanted for anything. A comfortable future as a married London socialite ⁣awaits her. But since the age of thirteen, Cheska has harboured a secret—an unshakeable fixation on a boy who could never offer her anything close to ⁣comfort. A boy steeped in sin and draped in depravity. A boy born into the possessive embrace of darkness. ⁣ ⁣

When Cheska’s seemingly perfect world is ripped apart by an unknown but deadly enemy, there’s only one person she can run to. One person in the world ⁣who has the power to keep her safe. The one person her weak and shattered heart craves. ⁣ ⁣

Arthur Adley. The new head of the most feared crime family in London. ⁣ ⁣

Forced too young to take the helm of the Adley firm, Arthur has become even more ruthless, formidable, and cold than ever before. His enemies are circling, and he must fight—and kill—to maintain his family’s place at the top of the London crime underworld. There is no room for weakness, emotion, or loss of control.⁣ ⁣

But then Cheska smashes back into his life with the force of a wrecking ball. She has no place in this dark, vicious, and bloodthirsty world. And worse, she is the solitary chink in his impenetrable armour. He’s already pushed her away once, but this time she desperately needs him. She’s broken, lost, and in danger, and he is the only one who can help.⁣ ⁣

Arthur must protect her. He must destroy those who dare to threaten her, hunt down those who would take what is his. He would raze all of London to the ⁣ground to keep her safe… but can he also protect himself?⁣ ⁣

The infamous Dark Lord of London Town faces his most brutal battle yet—the crippling weight of the past, the unrelenting enemies lurking in the shadows… and the havoc that Cheska’s presence is wreaking on the granite fortress that was once his heart.⁣

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but I tell you it had it all... so much action, blood baths, chemistry and heartache! I was introduced to some unusual characters and a crazy dark world that left me gasping!

Cheska and Authur had a connection from the opening chapters, and over the years they had an unusual relationship... it wasn't conventional and some people may not be happy with certain events, but I could understand the dark world that they were part of.

When some gruesome situations brought Cheska back to Authur, it became apparent that he would do everything that he could to protect her and seek revenge. I liked that his close group of friends would do everything that they could for him too, as they were practically family!

I really did enjoy how this story unfolded and was left gasping at the end! I can see that there are going to be more books for Aurthur's friends! I just hope that they come soon.

This was a big moment for Cheska and Authur... the moment that secured their future!

“I am your queen. And you are my king. Your dark kingdom is now ours.”
I removed my bloodied hand from his chest and drew a cross over my heart with my finger. “Forever.”
And that was when he broke. My world shook as Arthur smashed his mouth to mine. He wasn’t gentle—but I had never expected him to be. He was savage and cursed with a wickedness that was born from loss at a young age and a father who saw violence and death and the suppression of feelings as a form of bonding.

Kindle Page 202

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

After several years living in Italy, Canada and the USA, Tillie has now settled back in her hometown in England, with her husband and new son.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than spending time with her little family, curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, and convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that last square of chocolate.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Goodreads / Instagram

Blood to Dust by L.J. Shen ~ Review & Teaser (@lj_shen)

I do enjoy each read that I pick up by L.J. Shen, as she introduces new characters and unique worlds that you can get lost in! Blood to Dust had some dark moments, but there was no mistaking the bond between them.

Title: Blood to Dust

Author: L.J. Shen

Genre: Dark Romance

Published: July 17th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon Aus

His name is Beat, and I should hate him.

Bound, blindfolded and bruised, I'm tied in his basement, waiting for the men who stripped me from clothes and humanity to collect his debt to them. Me.

His name is Nate and I should hate him, but I don't.

I'm not supposed to know his real name, even worse, I'm not supposed to care. He is nothing to me but means to an end. The plan is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and run away.

His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, and I've never seen his face, though I hear that it's beautiful.

Behind the rugged and handsome exterior, there's a quiet murderer, a killer who thinks guns are for pussies and ends people with his bare hands.

His name doesn't matter, neither does his face, but what does matter is my heart. And right now, sadly, it's his.

Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.

This was quite a raw and gritty read as we learn about Prescott and the demons in her past that landed her into the situation that she was in. She had quite the horror past, but she was a strong and determined girl that would do anything to get her revenge on those who made her life hell.

Nate made a mistake that landed him behind bars, and in the end, under the protection of an evil man. Doing a job for him is how he managed to be Prescott’s captor, and the connection would grow between them.

It’s the dark parts of this story that sucked me in and I had to know how these two would break away and seek their revenge. They had a strong connection and grew more attached to one another the longer they were on their quest.

Some parts of the story felt a little odd and I was left confused as to why it happened, or how easy things worked for them. One show- down was quite peculiar, and I was left bewildered by the events, considering the soul searching reasons they had to be there.

Although this was not my favourite L.J. Shen read, but it will not stop me from reading her work again. She creates characters that have you wanting more and a world so addictive you cannot help but get lost in.

THese two had quite the unusual relationship, but you can't mistake the connection between them!!

“You’re beautiful,” I say breathlessly.
“You’re safe,” he answers reassuringly. Exactly what I needed to hear.
“Make peace to me, Beat.” I call him by his nickname purposely, my smile sly and cunning.
“Make fucking storm to me, Pea,” he says, doing the same.

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