Naomi's Reading Palace

Audiobook Review ~ Throttled by Lauren Asher

Throttled by Lauren Asher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maya and Noah's story was a nice read to listen to. The narration by Ramona Master and Aiden Snow really flowed nicely and I enjoyed how they delivered Lauren Asher's story.

I liked seeing how Maya became what Noah focused on. He was determined to win her over, but his family put a lot of pressure on him. It was sweet how Maya's family was so close. I thought Noah may've been one to hold a grudge, but I liked how he would do a lot for his team. It was great to see Maya carving her own path seperate from her brother. Maya and Noah were a cute couple.

Title: Throttled

Author: Lauren Asher

Series: Dirty Air #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 9, 2020

What happens when my brother's rival becomes my secret crush?

Noah Slade is a Formula 1 legend in the making.
Focused. Unapproachable. Ruthless on and off the track.
A man with walls higher than the Grand Canyon.
And my brother's new teammate.
I want more of the prince who disguises himself as the villain.
But while I crave a happy ending, he wants to destroy his.

Maya Alatorre is a forbidden temptation.
An ambitious post-grad I should stay far away from.
And chaos wrapped with a bow.
We're a ticking time bomb, about one wrong move away from exploding.
I want to trip the wire, detonating together in passion and pain.
Because in the end, all's fair in lust and war.

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Review ~ Under Locke by Mariana Zapata

Under Locke by Mariana Zapata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mariana Zapata builds worlds and characters that I can’t help but love. She spins some elements that pull on your heart strings, but you can’t deny the passion and loyalty that the characters have for one another. Iris and Dex were such beautiful characters to get to know and watching Iris find her own feet after what she had been through and what she lost was was hard but sweet.

Dex didn’t make it easy for her. He was hard on Iris to begin with, but I could see that she was getting under his skin, especially when she started to stand up for herself, and trouble landed at her feet. I loved how possessive Dex became and how he let Iris take her time to come to realise her feelings. They were perfect together, and it was surprising to see the big behemoth be won over by the little lady. I also loved the Motorcycle Club, Dex's employees and how close they all were.

Title: Under Locke

Author: Mariana Zapata

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 19, 2014

He was my boss, my brother’s friend, a Widower, an ex-felon, and a man I’d seen casually with a handful of women. But he was everything that gripped me, both the good and the bad. Worst case scenario if things turned awkward between us, I could go somewhere else. I’d gotten over epic heartbreak before, one more wouldn’t kill me.

After moving to Austin following six months of unemployment back home, Iris Taylor knows she should be glad to have landed a job so quickly... even if the business is owned by a member of the same motorcycle club her estranged father used to belong to. Except Dex Locke might just be the biggest jerk she’s ever met. He’s rude, impatient and doesn’t know how to tell time.

And the last thing they ever expected was each other.

But it was either the strip club or the tattoo shop.

… she should have chosen the strip club.

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Review ~ Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton

Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I read the first book in this series, so it was hard to get into this one. I did like seeing both Caroline and Simon again, however their lives were still kind of seperate. They were still amusing, and still had a lot of chemistry, but their lives were changing. Simon travelled less and started making decisions without talking to Caroline. I could see the changes were ineviable, but it would be nice for them to make them together.

With Their friends going away, Caroline took on a lot more work at the business and could see herself doing a lot more in the future. It put a bit of strain on her and Simon and they each looked at how their lives were changing. Clive - even though he's a cat - still ruled his humans, which was still amusing!

This was a good continuation of the story, but I would've enjoyed it more if I had re read Wallbanger first.

Title: Rusty Nailed

Author: Alice Clayton

Series: Cocktail #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 24, 2014

In this sequel to Wallbanger, fan favorites Caroline Reynolds and Simon Parker negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in Sausalito.

Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on an extended honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy-long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel. And with Simon, her hotshot photographer boyfriend, gallivanting all over the world for his job, the couple is heavy-duty into "absence makes the heart grow fonder" mode. No complaints about the great reunion sex, though!

Then a trip back east to his childhood home has Simon questioning his nomadic lifestyle. He decides to be home more. A lot more. And he wants Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort out their relationship. Sure, more togetherness is a good thing—but does less traveling and working have to mean the other extreme? Apple pie and picket fences?

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Review ~ Fall Into You by J.T. Geissinger

Fall Into You by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few books in this world now and some have been good and others I find hard to get into. This one sounded good so I thought I’d give it a whirl. I found that the start of this book was amusing, but really drawn out. The first 20% of the book was the night where Cole and Shay first met. Things started to pick up after that and towards the end of the book, months would pass by in a blink of the eye.

I thought Cole and Shay were good together, but she seemed like a bit of a push over at times. Cole seemed like a strong alpha male, but other times was a bit of a wuss. I liked what he did after hours, and it was an interesting thread to the story. The situation near the end of the book was a bit of a shock, but I liked how it unfolded. The Killian Black crossover was a bit confusing. Overall it was an ok read.

Title: Fall Into You

Author: J.T. Geissinger

Series: Morally Gray #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 28, 2023

Ruthless. Arrogant. Ice cold.

Everyone warned me that the CFO of McCord Media was a nightmare to work for. I knew it going in, but I figured I could keep my head down and stay under Cole McCord’s radar.

I figured wrong.

Because a month before I started as his assistant, Mr. Ruthless and I spent one scorching hot night together in bed.

In my defense, I had no idea that the gorgeous stranger I hooked up with at my girlfriend’s birthday party would turn out to be my new boss. But company policy forbids work relationships, so it’s strictly business from now on.

If only we could stop falling into bed together.
If only he didn’t make me feel things I’ve never felt before.
If only he wasn’t keeping a secret that could destroy us both.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's note: Fall Into You is a standalone romance with dark themes and spicy bedroom scenes intended for mature readers only.

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Review ~ The Hustler Next Door by K.A. Tucker

The Hustler Next Door (Polson Falls, #2)

The Hustler Next Door by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! The banter between Justine and Garrett was so much fun. There was definitely an intense connection between them, despite Garrett’s business dealings and Justine’s passion to standup for the small town she recently moved to. My heart ached for Justine, considering how she was treated by her ex, and how close his family still was to hers. It made it hard for her to move on and find her own way.

The more time she spent with Garrett seemed to ease those feelings. They managed to put aside their rivalry when their two worlds collided in a big way. Garrett realised how badly she had been hurt and did everything to make things easier for her. I could see the shift in Garrett too, and how he was changing to keep the town on his good side. I just loved how Justine didn’t refrain for voicing her opinions.

I think I would’ve liked a little more things fleshed out - I really wanted to know how the green dress went down. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I honestly didn’t want it to end. Tucker seems to have this amazing way of creating worlds and characters that I can get lost in!

Title: The Hustler Next Door

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: Polson Falls #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 3, 2023

From the international bestselling author of The Simple Wild and Ten Tiny Breaths comes a new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance.

Justine MacDermott is in what she would call a transition period: squatting in her best friend’s house and working in an appliance store in Polson Falls while the man she was supposed to marry starts a new life with someone else.

She’s definitely not thinking about slashing his tires and wishing his vital extremities would fall off.

When newcomer Garrett Harrington strolls into Murphy’s looking to buy a refrigerator, Justine convinces herself she’s found her rebound. Or the next love of her life. Either works. But a chance encounter leads her to discover that Garrett isn’t who he made himself out to be, and he’s more interested in hustling her kindly old boss out of his family business—and using her to do it.

Furious at being fooled by yet another man and itching for retribution, Justine enlists the help of unlikely townsfolk to battle Harrington Group’s big-city development plans for Polson Falls.

It’s all going to plan … until Justine finds herself crossing enemy lines.

The Hustler Next Door is set in the Polson Falls world. Books in this series can be read in any order.

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Review ~ Accidentally, Scandalously Yours by Nina Levine

Accidentally, Scandalously Yours by Nina Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Accidentally, Scandalously Yours was quite enjoyable. I was able to see the relationship between Kristen and Bradford grow over 10 years, seeing them in relationships, but the connection between them was always there. They were both determined people, and were fighting for what they wanted, but the stars never aligned for them. Kristen got into some dark times and wasn’t able to stay on track. Bradford would always give her the hard truth.

They were good friends with an attraction, but there were times that they would walk away from each other. I knew they were going to be good together and boy were they! I loved Bradford and how his world really evolved around Kristen. He had his goals, but made sure she was everything to him. I liked that despite all that they had been through, Kristen became stronger and would stand up for herself. Kristen and Bradford were perfect for one another.

I felt that at times we missed parts of the story. Some threads were left open, and we didn’t see a few elements of the story. It would build up and you think it’s coming, then a gossip piece was added and then big gaps of time were jumped. I think a few things should’ve been a bit smoother. Overall, I enjoyed it and would be interested to read more stories from this world.

Title: Accidentally, Scandalously Yours

Author: Nina Levine

Series: Only Yours #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 4, 2023

A standalone accidental marriage, billionaire romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nina Levine.

He's destined for the White House and engaged to be married next month.
Except, he just married me instead.
While drunk in Vegas.

Bradford Black.
He's powerful and rich as sin.
And, he's now my husband.
His fiancée hates me.
His political advisors want me gone.
The world can't get enough of me and the scandal we've caused.
I want to run.
I want to hide.
I want to pretend none of this is happening.
But, oh God.
My husband doesn't care about the scandal because all he cares about is me.
He's possessive, grumpy, and determined for us to stay married.
I'm everything he's ever wanted.
And he's not letting me go.

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.

Accidentally, Scandalously Yours is a standalone woke-up-in-Vegas accidentally married, billionaire romance featuring a grumpy hero, a heroine in the midst of a hilarious suspected early mid-life crisis, mutual possessiveness, the most delicious and fun scandal, and years of mutual pining & missed connections because this couple have always been a right person, wrong time couple.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Wedding Confession by J.J. Knight

The Wedding Confession (Wedding Meet Cute, #1)

The Wedding Confession by J.J. Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found The Wedding Confession to be quite amusing. Right from the beginning - from the spilt wine, being sent out into the rain, and to being holed up in a shed… where things became a little steamy. I could tell that Ensley and Drew were going to be fun together and I was excited to see where it went between them.

Drew was hesitant to begin with and when Ensley turned up in his town he was quick to offer her a job. It wasn’t really what she had planned, but it bought them together. There were a few little misunderstandings - which would come back to cause trouble for them - but really they were cute together, despite how grumpy Drew was at times. It was sweet to see him grow out of his playboy ways and realise that he could change.

Once again it was the narration that swept me away in this world. Their storytelling was captivating and I know I will listen to both Laurie West and Stephen Borne in the future. JJ Knight wove this story nicely and I know I will read more of her work.

Title: The Wedding Confession

Author: J.J. Knight

Series: Wedding Meet Cute #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 13, 2023

She sparkles. He growls. Baring their true feelings could be the start of a wild love story—or the end of it—in a sexy romantic comedy by a USA Today bestselling author.

One spilled glass of wine and bridesmaid Ensley James is ejected from a country club wedding in the rain. Ensley looks on the bright side. That would be her longtime crush Drew Daniels. The moody, broody, skin-pricklingly sexy groomsman is tossed out with her. Waiting out a hot spring storm in a cozy shed for two, it’s time for Drew’s confession: he’s strictly a one-nighter. Ensley’s dare? Give her three date nights and see where it goes.

A veterinarian like Drew is great when it comes to puppy love, but he has his reasons for his rules about women: no true feelings, just flings. So why agree to Ensley’s three-date challenge? Easy. Miss Ray of Freaking Sunshine is absolutely irresistible. Night after night, Ensley and Drew can’t ignore the heat, the growing intimacy—and the unexpected complications. Drew’s walls may be crumbling, but Ensley’s still at risk of being another tryst.

Especially with Ensley’s final confession. This one could be their rockiest challenge yet.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke

The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Palmer and Cole were a couple that I enjoyed getting to know! Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter delivered the story perfectly and they took me on an incredible journey.

I liked seeing Cole out of his comfortzone, where Palmer didn't bend to his will immediately. Palmer was a beautiful, single mother that everyone adored, but used to attract douchebags. I liked how she was looking out for herself and her son first. She didn't fall for Cole immediately and he started to see himself in a different place. However he had a secret and together they worked through their feelings to try and find out what they wanted.

This was a beautiful read by Adriana Locke, and it really touched on some hard life content.

Title: The Sweet Spot

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: November 29, 2022

Published: Sports Romance

She wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance.

Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability. Nothing about Cole says forever. So why is he so hard to resist?

Cole is swinging through town to visit his parents when he meets the kind of down-to-earth distraction he’s been looking for since retiring from the majors. True, his long-term relationship score is zero. But even though raising his average with Palmer seems impossible, it’s worth a shot.

As promising as the summer nights are, fate turns small-town dreams upside down, and some lessons are learned the hard way. But having faith in love and choosing hope over fear might get Palmer and Cole to the sweet spot they’re looking for.

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Audiobook Review ~ Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant

Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maisey and her daughter came back to her Uncles home town after he left the house to her. She had walked away from a bad relationship, and a career that made her look bad. She wanted a clean start for herself and her daughter. Her initial meeting with Flint was quite dramatic and I laughed at Earl the bear and what unfolded!

Seeing what Maisey endured made my heart ache, she wanted the best for Juni and her decisions held her back. Flint realised that what he initially thought of Maisey wasn’t true and he had underestimated her. The attraction between them continued to grow, but Maisey was determined to keep Juni as her first priority and her happiness was second.

I enjoyed all the small town stories and how close this community was. Not My Kind of Hero was a fun and sweet read, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. The narration by Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais was done perfectly, and I liked how they portrayed the characters. They told Pippa Grants story so well that I was easily drawn into the world.

Title: Not My Kind of Hero

Author: Pippa Grant

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 15, 2023

From USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant comes a rollicking romantic comedy about a single mom and a grumpy math teacher tackling their differences on a Wyoming ranch.

I knew fixing up my life with a fresh start on the hobby ranch I inherited in Hell’s Bells, Wyoming, would come with challenges. Things like snow. Wildlife. Local gossip about why my daughter and I are here.

But the biggest challenge?

My surly new tenant.

He’s like a bear. Fascinating from a distance, but don’t get too close, or he’ll bite.

His personality should be a good thing. I have no need of a new man in my life. But he’s not only my tenant; he’s also my daughter’s math teacher and soccer coach. I keep running into him. He keeps thinking I need to be saved.

Maybe I do, but here’s what I don’t expect: he’s a fixer-upper in need of saving too.

And I might be the only woman for the job.

Hell’s Bells, help me.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson

The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This was an easy read to get into, but wasn’t the kind of book that blew me away. Anna was a cosmetic chemist, she was a bit of a dork and had a crush on her boss Craig. She was very stuck in her head about making decisions, but ended up making a huge decision to act on her crush. She made me cringe as she turned up to a function in a costume, and ended up a crying mess when she met Marco, Craig’s brother

I liked Anna and Marco together, they had a lot in common, which they figured out over time. Both were hesitant to act on those feelings and even though they were working on a plan, their feelings were getting stronger. They were both a bit dorky together and I cringed at the dad jokes, but Anna and Marco were sweet. Marco had family issues that hurt him in the past. Together, these two were cute.

Em Eldridge did a great job of narrating this story, I quite enjoyed the way she delivered the characters. I'm continuing to enjoy Sariah Wilson's stories.

Title: The Chemistry of Love

Author: Sariah Wilson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 1, 2023

True love requires a little research and development in a funny, heart-racing romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Paid Bridesmaid.

How can Anna Ellis, a geeky, brilliant, and hopelessly smitten cosmetic chemist possibly win over Craig Kimball, the man of her dreams—who also happens to be her boss? The answer is Craig’s empathetic (and handsome) CEO half brother, Marco. The makeup mogul knows Craig for the ridiculously competitive rival he is. Whatever Marco has, Craig wants. That can be Anna, if she’s game to play.

All Anna and Marco have to do is pretend they’re falling in love and let the rumors begin. If the experiment in attraction works, a jealous Craig will swoop in and give Anna her happily ever after—if it weren’t for one hitch in the plan. There’s more to Marco than meets the eye. With every fake date, Anna’s feelings are starting to become dizzyingly real.

Blame it on chemistry. It’s unpredictable, exciting, and occasionally combustible. If Anna and Marco are really falling in love, who are they to argue with science?

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