Naomi's Reading Palace

Review ~ Restraint by Adriana Locke

Restraint by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to read Restraint and get to know Blaire and Holt, and I found it to be a good read. It was a whirl wind romance that grew over a week long period. Blaire and Holt were both strong willed and work orientated people who didn’t really have time to date, or fall into a relationship. However, the chemistry between these two was strong right from the start. It was quite a sweet read, I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters and the effect they had on their lives, especially the relationship between Sienna and Blaire. I will be definitely reading more stories from this world!

Title: Restraint

Author: Adriana Locke

Series: Mason Family #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 3, 2020

Blaire Gibson knows better than to have one-night stands.

She prides herself on her decision-making skills. It’s the one asset that has never let her down. But even the best thinkers have weaknesses. Hers is a delicious business mogul with a quick tongue.
Unfortunately for her, that tongue is good for more than just talking.

Holt Mason doesn’t need to justify anything to anyone.

He wants Blaire. He pursues Blaire. And he gets Blaire because that’s how his life works. Until it doesn’t.
What begins as a single night in a hotel room spirals into an unusual agreement. As late nights provide the space to trade secrets and walls come tumbling down, more is shared than just pillow talk.

They both should’ve known better. They should’ve shown restraint. Because when guards are dropped, hearts get shattered.

A one-night stand turns into something more in this heart-filled, steamy romance from USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

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Review ~ Arrogant Boss by Olivia Hayle

Arrogant Boss by Olivia Hayle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Arrogant Boss was the first book that I have read by Olivia Hayle, and I found it to be an an ok read. Emily and Julian were attracted to one another early and took time to act on their feelings. Emily was reserved about her relationship with Julian, due to working for his business. Julian wanted no secrets and it took time for them to get on the same page. The romance was sweet and I liked the secondary characters as well. A shame it didn’t blow me away liked I hope but I enjoyed being in the world. I will definitely try another read by Olivia Hayle again.

Title: Arrogant Boss

Author: Olivia Hayle

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 17, 2019

Julian Hunt is a legend. A tech billionaire and a playboy philanthropist.

He’s not someone you meet, not without a six-month wait. Except I did—and not in that sweet, meet-cute kind of way. I wish.

No, I manage to run head-first into Julian Hunt in a nightclub. It’s the spill-my-drink-over-his-suit kind of headfirst, the break-my-heel kind.

But the arrogant bastard doesn’t leave. No, he carries me to my car. He implies that I fell on purpose to catch his attention—how dare he!—and after I’ve chewed him out, he asks for my number.

I don’t expect to see him again. After all, lightning doesn’t strike twice. Except it does, when Julian’s involved. Because when I walk into a business negotiation the next day, who’s sitting on the other side?

Julian Hunt.

He’s wearing a smirk and a perfectly tailored suit, and he’s not there to play. He dominates. I walk out of the negotiation having—somehow!—been offered my dream job. It's an offer far too sweet to refuse.

But if there’s one thing more intimidating than Julian Hunt at a nightclub, it’s Julian Hunt as a boss. A persistent, dominant, sexy-as-hell boss.

He might have decided that we’d be perfect together, but I won’t be tempted by his broad shoulders and wicked tongue.

Julian might be a hunter.

But I refuse to become prey.

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Review ~ The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary

The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This was quite the amusing read right from the beginning as I watched the banter between Sebastian and Sara! They really didn't like one another and found themselves in counseling!! But it was soon obvious that the chemistry was brewing and it wasn't long before things were hot and steamy between these two. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and how deep they fell for one another despite trying to keep things light. Their attitudes changed and it was nice to see the arrogant Sebastian fall for the perfect Sara. They were such a sweet couple when they gave into their feelings!

Title: The Worst Guy

Author: Kate Canterbary

Series: Vital Signs #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 28, 2021

Eight weeks of forced proximity is a long time to hate someone you’re trying not to love.

Sebastian Stremmel doesn’t need another headache. He has enough of his own without Sara Shapiro, the noisy new reconstructive surgeon, stomping all around his surgical wing with her chippy, chirpy cheerfulness.

But Sebastian doesn’t usually get what he wants.

No one gets under his skin like Sara - so much so a heated “debate” and an exam room left in shambles later, they land themselves in eight weeks of hospital-mandated conflict resolution counseling. Now they’re forced to fight fair…which quickly leads them to playing dirty when no one’s looking.

They know it’s a mistake.

They promise themselves it will never happen again.

They swear they got it out of their systems.

They didn’t.

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Review ~ Empire of Sin by Rina Kent

Empire of Sin by Rina Kent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Anastasia and Knox had a tonne of chemistry and always gravitated to one another. They both had demons in their pasts, but wouldn't open up to one another. Anastasia tried to escape from a dark world, and was eventually pulled back into it. Knox was a strong and confident character, and although he didn't want to settle down, he couldn't let Anastasia go and did everything to keep her.

Although this book is the second one in the series, I was able to pick it up and dive into this world without missing out on anything. I found Empire of Sin to be an ok read for me as I found it hard to connect to the characters. However I did like the world and a few of the secondary characters intrigued me, so I know I will be picking up more from this series.

Title: Empire of Sin

Author: Rina Kent

Series: Empire #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: January 1, 2022

My boss. My sin.

I’m not the type who has one-night stands.
It wasn’t supposed to happen, okay?
A couple of drinks and a sinful British accent later and I’m in bed with a stranger.
Of course, I left first thing in the morning because I’m a responsible adult.
An adult who has a new job that I need in order to keep my double life a secret.
Little did I know I’m not, in fact, responsible.
Because the stranger I left in bed? Yeah, he’s not a stranger after all.
He’s my new boss.
Knox Van Doren might have a charming smile, but a true villain lurks beneath it all.
And like any villain, he’ll use my sin against me...

Empire of Sin is a complete STANDALONE. No other books should be read prior to this.

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Review ~ Breaking the Rules by Lucy Score

Breaking the Rules (Sinner and Saint, #2)

Breaking the Rules by Lucy Score
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Breaking the Rules is set 5 years into the future. Xavier is the same broody man he was in the first book, however he is determined to get his girl back. I felt that Waverley was a completely different character to the first book, involved in darker issues and getting involved in secret operatives. The chemistry was still there between than and together they were a good team once they realised they were both stronger people. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the first, but it was a good end to the duo.

Title: Breaking the Rules

Author: Lucy Score

Series: Sinner and Saint #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 22, 2016

From #1 Amazon bestselling writer of Pretend You’re Mine, Lucy Score delivers once again with the conclusion to the Sinner & Saint story.

In this suspenseful sequel to Crossing the Line, movie star Waverly Sinner has a gunshot wound and a missing fake boyfriend and the only man who can help her now is the one who broke her heart five years ago, Xavier Saint. When charming leading man Dante Wrede offered Waverly a new way to use her acting talents, she jumped at the chance. Undercover work is exciting and challenging. But when their assignment is cut short by a hail of gunfire, Waverly is left bleeding and alone with a cover story that could ruin her career.

It’s been five years since Waverly almost died because of a mistake he made. But when Xavier Saint catches the latest mess the actress has gotten herself into, he faces facts. He’s never stopped loving her and she still obviously needs his protection. But when he tracks her down in secluded paradise, it’s clear she’s not working on her issues in rehab as the media reported. And she’s definitely not happy to see him or willing to trust him with anything more than half-truths.

They have an attraction that won’t die, but without trust there’s no hope for a future together. The only shot Xavier has at winning her back is helping her find Dante Wrede, the man he thinks she loves. When a plot to frame her for kidnapping and murder materializes, their rag tag team of conspirators need to work fast and play dirty to clear her name. He’s got just one shot at proving her innocence and winning her back forever.

Author’s Note: This is the conclusion of Waverly and Xavier’s story that began with Crossing the Line. It takes place five years after the end of Crossing the Line.

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Review ~ Crossing the Line by Lucy Score

Crossing the Line (Sinner and Saint, #1)

Crossing the Line by Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crossing the Line was a read that I easily got lost in. I enjoyed meeting Waverley and Xavier and how their chemistry burned right from the beginning. Xavier underestimated Waverley and often thought she was a spoilt actress, but over time he realised the pressures she was under and that her parents weren't the great role models they portrayed themselves to be. The storyline was a bit intense and I enjoyed the building suspense. This book is the first in a duo, so be prepared to continue with the next book - Breaking the Rules.

Title: Crossing the Line

Author: Lucy Score

Series: Sinner and Saint #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 26, 2016

From #1 Amazon bestselling writer of Pretend You’re Mine, Lucy Score delivers once again with the two-book Sinner & Saint story.

Xavier Saint’s by-the-book rules are thrown out the window when he finds himself crossing lines to keep his beautiful client in line. His business is protecting clients—often from themselves—and as co-founder of one of the top private security firms in the country, he’s seen it all. But when he’s contracted to protect Waverly Sinner, the stunning and rebellious actress, he finds that some rules are made to be broken.

Waverly Sinner is a second-generation Hollywood goddess living in the gilded cage of expectations. She’s reluctantly playing her role while counting down the days to her escape from the life she never chose. But meeting sexy, rule-bound Xavier Saint slams the door shut on her own private prison. She doesn’t trust him and will do anything to shake him loose.

Sparks fly and ignite when Waverly and Xavier’s agendas clash. But when a dangerous stalker threatens her life, can Waverly trust Xavier to stand between her and a potential killer? Or will their growing feelings for each other endanger them both?

Author’s Note: This is the first novel in a two-book series. The stories take place five years apart so my astute readers can guess that this one doesn’t have the happily ever after we all love. But I promise, I more than make up for it with the conclusion of Xavier and Waverly’s story in Breaking the Rules.

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Review ~ Asher Black by Parker S. Huntington

Asher Black by Parker S. Huntington
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Asher Black began strongly and I really was swept away into the world that Parker S. Huntington created. I enjoyed the first few interaction’s between Asher and Lucy. She was scared to begin with when she realised who Asher was, but it didn’t take her long to break him down. I felt she had strong opinions, but would then backtrack and do the opposite. I loved Asher, he was definitiely my favourite character in this read. He was such a nice guy and really wanted to protect Lucy.

I felt that some moments were a bit confusing and that there were big timelines that were skipped past. The ending of the story felt rushed and I was disapponted on how quickly it wrapped up.

Title: Asher Black

Author: Parker S. Huntington

Series: The Five Syndicates #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 21, 2017

From USA Today bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes a steamy, slow-burn love story full of unexpected love and banter.

It started with my bladder.

I didn't mean to witness a shady deal in the restroom hallway.
I didn't think twice when I called the cops.
And I certainly didn't know who the club belonged to.

Asher Black.
Former mafia hitman.
Billionaire CEO.
New York's most eligible bachelor.

When he shows up at my college, looking for the girl who called the cops on his business, I know I'm as good as dead.
What I don't expect is his offer--he'll pay my tuition and set me up with a cushy job after I graduate.
All I have to do is... be his fake fiancée.

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Review ~ No Ordinary Gentleman by Donna Alam

No Ordinary Gentleman by Donna Alam
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 Stars

The start of this read was pretty amusing, experiencing Holly in an awkward situation that Alexander bailed her out of. I enjoyed watching the sparks fly between them, as well as their steamy encounter. When they crossed paths, I could tell that Alexander had deeper feelings than he realised and did all he could to help Holly and to keep her in his life.

As this story unfolded, I was quite invested, but then Holly made some silly decisions and I was left confused. I felt part of this story was quite awkward, especially when someone resurfaced that wasn't expected. I felt this story took some weird turns and was quite drawn out. In the end it was just a meh read and I'm surprised I made it to the end.

Title: No Ordinary Gentleman

Author: Donna Alam

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 19, 2021

The duke, his brother, and the lie. Or in other words, how I came to be trapped between two men in a remote castle in Scotland.

Once upon a time, in a more carefree life, I met a man.
Our gazes connected over the top of his newspaper as he watched me suffer through the most embarrassing moment of my life.
Older, sophisticated, and so hot, he saved me from that awkward encounter,
Then tried to send me away with a pat on my head.
But I wasn’t ready to let him go . . .

And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Passionate, heart-stopping, the night of my life kind of history.

But there was just one tiny problem. I lied to him.

I told him I was a tourist and only in town for one night.
So he wasn’t too impressed when I turned up again.
In his Scottish castle.

Yes, his freakin’ castle.

His killer suit traded for a kilt, and his seductive smile for a frown.
When he glowers my way, I don’t know if I should be worried or turned on.
Because the Duke of Dalforth has secrets he’s not sharing.
And a brother who’d like nothing more than to cut in on him.

So I do the wrong thing for the right reason.
And I have to believe it’ll work out in the end.
Because the duke is No Ordinary Gentleman.
And I’m just a normal girl, fighting not to fall in love with him.

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Review ~ Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout, #1)

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things We Never Got Over was a read that I quickly got lost in! It was amusing watching Naomi sweep into this small town from one difficult situation, straight into a bigger and crazier one, with Knox in her face through every moment. The banter between them was entertaining as they were trying to fight off their attraction to one another. I enjoyed getting to know all their family and friends, and I really hope we get to see more of them in the future. The only downside was that suspense element towards the end felt a little rushed, but overall it was a good read!

Title: Things We Never Got Over

Author: Lucy Score

Series: Knockemout #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 13, 2022

Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon. Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.

Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.

Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.

There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.

At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.

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Review ~ Beckett Pearce by Nina Levine

Beckett Pearce (Escape With An Alpha #3)

Beckett Pearce by Nina Levine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I picked up Beckett Pearce after reading the blurb and was excited to see how this story unfolded. I was drawn into the opening chapters and surprised that Beckett had what seemed to be a little crush on Jenna. Bennett and Jenna had known each other for some time, however she seemed to dislike Bennett due to how forward and abrupt he was towards her. Now that they were both single, Bennett wanted to get to know Jenna better, and did all he could to change her opinion of him.

This was an ok read for me. I felt there was a lot of inner dialogue that wasn't overly exciting. Jennas ex was a real jerk and I could see there was more to his involvement in both Bennett and Jenna lives. It's a shame that this wasn't my kind of book.

Title: Beckett Pearce

Author: Nina Levine

Series: Escape With an Alpha #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 29, 2021

My ex’s best friend just paid a million dollars for a date with me.

I’ve known Beckett Pearce for two years.
I’ve disliked him for just as long.
He’s been voted New York’s most eligible bachelor twice.
And it’s not just his billions they want him for.
He’s an eleven in a ten world, but I can’t imagine anything worse than dating him.
He may have money, power, and good looks, but he’s also arrogant and infuriating.
Yet here I am.
On a million-dollar date with my ex’s best friend.

Beckett Pearce is a standalone frenemies-to-lovers, billionaire romance featuring opposites who most definitely do attract, a hilarious bachelorette auction, crazy family antics, and the kind of steam that might make your e-reader self-combust. All the feels, laughter, and a HEA you’ll be swooning over.

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Review ~ Fallen Empire by K.A. Tucker

Fallen Empire by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fallen Empire was a good conclusion to the Empire Nightclub series. There was plenty of suspense right from the beginning. I liked the change in Mercy - she didn’t want to be in this world, and she fought hard to get herself out. I could see how much Gabriel loved Mercy and would do anything for her. My favourite character has to be Caleb, and I hope to see more of him! The only disappointment for me was how rushed the end of the book felt, and I didn't get real closure to their story.

Title: Fallen Empire

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: Empire Nightclub #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 15, 2021

From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the thrilling conclusion to the dark and steamy Empire Nightclub series.

Mercy Wheeler and Gabriel Easton’s sordid tale ends in Fallen Empire as Gabriel must save Mercy and escape his father’s grip once and for all.

Fallen Empire is the fourth book in the Empire Nightclub series and should be read after Sweet Mercy, Gabriel Fallen, and Dirty Empire.

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