Naomi's Reading Palace

Swoon Thursday #92 – The Start of Us by Lauren Blakely

Swoon Thursday is a super HOT meme created by the fabulous girls over at YA Bound.

The Start of Us

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: No Regrets #0.5

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: November 15th 2013

This was a great novella to begin the series... get ready to fall for Trey!!

“Harley,” I say in a low rasp. “If you tell me you want me to kiss you, I will.”
She nods once and I thread my hands through her hair as she says, “I want you to kiss me, Trey.”
The moment slows and I’m hovering inches from her. I force myself to take a beat, so I can recall this kiss when it’s over. Because I know it’s different than any other I’ve ever had. I want to savor every fucking second of her deliciousness.
“I’ve wanted to kiss you ever since you walked into my store.”
Then I curve my hand around her neck and brush my lips against hers.

~ Kindle Loc 408

Title: Play

Author: Kylie Scott

Series: Stage Dive #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 25th 2014

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl. Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight an upcoming release that I’m eagerly anticipating.

The Immortal Crown

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #2

Genre: Fantasy

Expected Publication: May 29th 2014

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Torn from You

Nashoda Rose

Tear Asunder #1

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 20th 2013

I loved this book and just had to share a tease today. I posted my review yesterday if you want to check it out HERE.

“Sculpt, I’m different now.”
He moved in close, arm snug around her waist. “Yeah. You’re stronger, sexier, and have an attitude. Makes me want you more.”
~ Kindle Arc Loc 2547

Title: Tempting the Bodyguard

Author: J. Lynn

Series: Gamble Brothers #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 12th 2014

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

He can protect her from everyone except himself.

Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

Title: Maverick Touch: The Highway

Author: Ashley Nemer

Series: Maverick Touch #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: March 24th 2014

Nadia and Anabella head down to Houston, Texas, for what they thought would be a relaxing vacation. Nadia could work on her travel news articles for her boss in Cedar Rapids while Anabella caught a few rays of sunshine. Or that was the plan. Little did they know what trouble lurked inside the luxurious hotel nestled in the center of downtown Houston.

When Carlisle Ali introduces Anabella to his friend and brother-in-arms, Carter Jackson, all hell breaks loose for the Mavericks. Trouble never has a problem finding Nadia when she is out and about looking for a story. Be it Cedar Rapids or Houston, it doesn’t matter. Nadia finds a way to cause chaos and disaster.

What happens when Mr. A and Mr. J go out on a hunt for the man who is terrorizing people along I-45, the interstate running through the heart of Houston? More importantly, what happens to Nadia and Mr. A when they are forced to face the feelings that have been boiling between them for over a year now?

Buy Now - Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

All Romance Ebooks / Bookstrand

This was quite an enjoyable read and something different from Ashley Nemer. She has taken a focused reporter, coupled her together with a hot assassin and sent them on a working holiday where they step into danger. It was an intense read at times, but mostly sweet as Nadia and Carlisle’s relationship built.

Title: Torn from You

Author: Nashoda Rose

Series: Tear Asunder #1

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 20th 2013

Love is like an avalanche. It hits hard, fast and without mercy.

At least it did for me when Sculpt, the lead singer of the rock band Tear Asunder knocked me off my feet. Literally, because he’s also a fighter, illegally of course, and he taught me how to fight. He also taught me how to love and I fell hard for him. I mean the guy could do sweet, when he wasn't doing bossy, and I like sweet.

Then it all shattered.

Kidnapped.
Starved.
Beaten.
I was alone and fighting to survive.
When I heard Sculpt's voice, I thought he was there to save me.

I was wrong.

(It is highly recommended to read "With You" the novella first).

*Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content. Over 18 years.

This is a love story with some dark elements. Dark contemporary romance. No cliffhanger and next in the Tear Asunder series is Ream's story (the band's lead guitarist).

Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. I’ll share news, post a recap of the past week and tell you what will be happening on my blog in the week ahead. I will also tell you about the books and goodies that I have managed to pick up.

Hello everyone! Happy Mother’s Day! I have started the day well, getting to lounge in bed, read and sleep in! I also was able to have breakie in bed. For lunch we are off to our local pub for a nice lunch. I am sure I will be exhausted by the end of the day.

Yesterday I played my first game of netball for the year. We are already 5 games into the season and I ummed and ahhed about playing and I finally took the plunge. It was a cold and wet day, but I survived! Lol

On the blog and book front, I managed to get some reading done, caught up on posts and emails. Otherwise it was quite uneventful! Have a great week all!

Review ~ Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My friend Chanzie over @ Mean Who You Are and I decided to recommend some great 5 Star books to one another to read and review for ourselves. This time I am continuing the Infernal Devices series with Clockwork Prince.

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)

Title: Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #2

Genre: YA Paranormal/Steampunk

Published: December 6th 2011

In magical Victorian London, orphan Tessa found safety with the Shadowhunters, until traitors betray her to the Magister. He wants to marry her, but so do self-destructive Will and fiercely devoted Jem. Mage Magnus Bane returns to help them. Secrets to her parentage lie with the mist-shrouded Yorkshire Institute's aged manager Alyosius Starkweather.

Title: Caught Up in Us

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: Caught Up In Love #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 20th 2013

A second chance at first love...

Five years ago, Kat Harper fell into a dizzying summer romance with her brother's best friend Bryan. It was a mad, crazy love full of kisses all through the night -- but he broke her heart and she had to move on. Five years later, Kat is finishing her graduate degree and building her business as a jewelry designer, when Bryan, head of his own successful company, walks back into her life. Bryan has been assigned to Kat as her new business mentor and the rules are clear. No hanky panky permitted. Kat can handle that because she's totally over him... right? Except, he still makes her laugh, and he remembers all the things she likes. Not to mention that he's even more handsome now than he was then. Then there's the spark between them -- the simply undeniable chemistry, and the tender ways he shows he still cares for her. Can they resist each other the second time around or will first love trump all?

Click on the banner above to view the tour schedule

Title: Fractured Truth

Author: Rachel McClellan

Series: Fractured Light #3

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: April 8th 2014

Llona is determined to end the fight with the Vykens once and for all. All she needs is to find and destroy the Shadow–the ultimate source of dark power. But when she makes a startling discovery about someone she loves, Llona has to fight the toughest battle yet in this exciting conclusion to the Fractured Light series.

Swoon Thursday is a super HOT meme created by the fabulous girls over at YA Bound.

Caught Up in Us

Lauren Blakely

Caught Up In Love #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 20th 2013

This was a sweet read and my first introduction to Lauren Blakely's writing.

“Hi,” he whispered in that voice he’d used when he talked about Paris.
“Hi.”
He reached a hand towards me, slowly, his eyes on me the whole time, as if he were asking if it was okay. I nodded a yes. He ran his fingers through my dark brown hair, then his mouth met mine, and we kissed until the credits rolled, slow and sweet kisses. His lips were the softest I’d ever felt, and his kisses were of the epic kind, the kind that made you believe that movie kisses weren’t just for actors or for stories, that they could be for you, and they could go on and on, like a slow and sexy love song that melted you from the inside out.

~ Kindle Loc 410

Click on the banner above to view the tour schedule

Title: Out of Mind
Author: Jen McLaughlin

Series: Out of Line #3

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: April 29th 2014

Reaching for sunlight...

Finn survived the ambush and came home to me, but in his head, the battle is still raging. He’s falling apart and I’m trying my best to pick up the pieces of him, to find the us we used to be. I love him as much as I ever did, but love isn’t enough to fix this. I thought telling my father about our relationship would be the hardest thing we’d ever have to face. I was wrong.

Lost in shadows...

All I wanted was to be worthy of Carrie. One mission, just one, and I’d be able to give her the future she deserved. Then everything went wrong, leaving me tainted and broken. Carrie wants me to be who I was, but all that’s left is what they made of me. I’m no good for her. No good for anyone like this. I have to figure out how to move forward. Alone.

Sometimes love isn’t enough…

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight an upcoming release that I’m eagerly anticipating.

City of Heavenly Fire

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments #6

Genre: YA Paranormal

Expected Publication: May 27th 2014

ΕRCHOMAI, SEBASTIAN HAD SAID.

I am coming.

Darkness returns to the Shadowhunter world. As their society falls apart around them, Clary, Jace, Simon and their friends must band together to fight the greatest evil the Nephilim have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Nothing in the world can defeat him — must they journey to another world to find the chance? Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world changed in the sixth and last installment of the Mortal Instruments series!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

The Forever Song

Julie Kagawa

Blood of Eden #3

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Expected Publication: May 1st 2014

I loved this final instalment of the Blood of Eden series, and I really love Jackal and his sense of humour. Here is a couple of teasers that had me laughing! There are plenty more throughout, I assure you!!

“You two can go around, if you want. Keep chasing the psychopath. I’m going back to my city, and I’m going to bash in some heads until they remember who their king is.”
~ Kindle Arc Loc 805

Title: The Forever Song

Author: Julie Kagawa

Series: Blood of Eden #3

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Expected Publication: May 1st 2014

Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON

Excerpt ~ Special Assignment by Niki Becker

Today I am spotlighting a book a read a while ago, Special Assignment. I am a fan of Ashley Nemer/Niki Becker's books and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. So sit back, relax and enjoy the little excerpt I have for you today!

Title: Special Assignment

Author: Niki Becker

Genre: Erotic

Expected Publication: December 17th 2013

Jake left Justice, Kansas shortly after the wreck. His life had been forever changed and he didn’t know how he could stay in the one place that was a constant reminder of both women. Now on a quest to prove himself he taps into the one thing better left alone.

Charlie knew that eventually she’d have to run again. Resolution, California wouldn’t be safe forever, someone would learn about her past. She just never imagined it would be the one person she’s spent a decade trying to forget.

Charlie and her brother Justin have made a new life in their beach side house on the banks of California. Justin stripping and Charlie hooking - neither wanted these jobs but they both paid the bills. Life was calm until trouble happened inside one seemingly friendly hotel.

Jake and Charlie, face to face with each other and their past.

Will they both overcome their shadows that haunt each of them?

Is there ever a way to forgive and forget when death is involved?

Special Assignment - The only thing special about this assignment are the two people involved.

Release Day Blitz/Giveaway ~ The Gramm Curse by Candace Knoebel

Today is release day for The Gramm Curse by Candace Knoebel. I love the sound of this series! What do you think??

Title: The Gramm Curse

Author: Candace Knoebel

Series: Night Watchmen 0.5

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Published: May 4th 2014

Set before Everlasting, the addicting start to the Night Watchmen Series, The Gramm Curse is a novella told from Jaxen Gramm’s perspective.

How far is one willing to go for love?

Before finding a love that shakes the entire foundation of his world, Jaxen Gramm only had his Witch, Jezibelle Beaumont, to worry about. He’s her Hunter, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe from the curse placed on his bloodline, even if it means keeping her far from his heart.

But when a spell is offered that has the power to remove the curse, temptation clouds the ethical judgment of the Gramm brothers and their Witches.

In this action-packed novella, enter the dark recesses of Jaxen’s mind as he battles with himself over a decision that could not only cost him his life, but the life of fellow Coven members. Reunite with Gavin, Cassie, Mack, and Jezi as they dance around the dangers of a civil war on the brink of beginning.

Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. I’ll share news, post a recap of the past week and tell you what will be happening on my blog in the week ahead. I will also tell you about the books and goodies that I have managed to pick up.

I have had sinus issues this week which has left me with a headache for a few days. I just wish I was fully recovered before I celebrate my BIRTHDAY on Monday! Whoo hoo! I went to the races on Friday to celebrate!

On the blogging front… I had a fair few books roll into the Palace! Looking forward to them all!