Naomi's Reading Palace: February 2014

Release Day Review ~ Souls Divided by Rachel Carrington

Title: Souls Divided

Author: Rachel Carrington

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: February 28th 2014

As an Angel of Death, I wasn't supposed to focus on my own happiness, but becoming involved with Derek, another Angel, changed all that. For the briefest of times, our existence revolved around more than escorting the dearly departed over the mortal threshold. Until the Council discovered our liaison.

Angels weren't supposed to be intimate with one another. So Derek gets a promotion, and I get stuck without him for three long weeks. He only comes back to tell me that my best friend on Earth will be dying in a couple of days, and I don't get to help her cross over. Of course, he knows I've always been a rule breaker which, I think, is why he told me.

My mission to help my best friend becomes a cluster of mistakes, problems, and miscalculations that could very well end with either me or Derek losing our status. Maybe even both. But we're together again, and in spite of Derek's insistence that we can't stay this way, I'm not going to give him up this time.

Title: Tattoo Thief (Gavin & Beryl)

Author: Heidi Joy Tretheway

Series: Tattoo Thief #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: October 8th 2013

22-year-old Beryl doesn't know why Gavin Slater trashed his penthouse, abandoned his dog and fled the country. But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the front man of the white-hot rock band Tattoo Thief.

When ultra-responsible Beryl confronts the reckless rock star, she wants to know more than just what to do with his mess. Why is he running? What’s he searching for? And is he responsible for the death of his muse?

New York newbie Beryl must find her footing in Gavin’s crazy world of the ultra-wealthy to discover her own direction and what can bring him back.

Steamy, sassy and tender, Tattoo Thief is a story of breaking from a comfort zone to find a second chance.

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

Lingerie for Felons

Author: Ros Baxter

Genre: Romance

Expected Publication: March 1st 2014

This was a fun quirky read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Wayne is a very successful Aussie, living in America. He is oh-so-yummy!!

I turned my face to him and looked into those eyes again. They were so dark and cautious, still half-closed with the effects of what we’d been doing. I reached across and traced a finger down his forehead. He closed his eyes and sighed. I leaned in close. I felt the pull of this man, like my skin and his skin were both laced with magnets, drawing us together. Over and over again. Despite all the false starts.

I kissed him then, with the full force of everything I had. His touch was soft and slow, at first. Like he was asking permission.

But not for long.

Soon he was twisting his hands in my hair and arching my head back as he burned kisses down my face and neck. He licked my clavicle, and then his mouth made its way south, my nipples aching for his tongue. When it got there, I gasped with shock.

~ Kindle Arc Loc 979

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 Assassin's Blade

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass 0.1-0.5

Genre: YA Fantasy

Expected Publication: March 4th 2014

Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

Title: White Hot Kiss

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: 25th February 2014

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

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

Masquerade

Nyrae Dawn

Games #3

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 7th 2014

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It was a fun read with lots of swoon-worthy moments!! I have to share 2 teasers today!!

“You can dance,” I whisper.

“There are a lot of things I’m good at.”

I don’t doubt that. “Okay, then I’m surprised you are dancing.” Sure, I asked him to but I don’t know if I thought he would really do it.

His mouth drops to my ear. “There are a lot of things your body inspires me to do.” Again, I wish we weren’t in public.
~ Kindle Arc Loc 2141

~~~~~~~

“Which door?” Maddox’s gravelly voice sounds almost like a growl.

“What if I don’t tell you?”

His grip on me tightens. “Then I’ll use the wall.”
~ Kindle Arc Loc 2583

Title: Masquerade

Author: Nyrae Dawn

Series: Games #3

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 7th 2014

A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime.

Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he's ever seen. She's wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her.

Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker's body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more.

Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . .

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 had a relatively quiet week this week, yay!! Did all the normal blogging things and surfed NetGalley (as you do). Netball training started already… blah!! But I will endure because extra exercise always helps!! Hope you all have a great week!!

read more "Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up #76"

BOMB: A Day in the Life of Spencer Shrike (Rook and Ronin Spinoff)

Title: BOMB: A Day in the Life of Spencer Shrike

Author: J.A. Huss

Series: Rook and Ronin Spinoff

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: February 17th 2014

Spencer Shrike is a plotter. Known for his ingenious, albeit illegal, plans that keeps the Team running efficiently and out of jail, he carries this same love of order into his personal life. He’s kept his long-time main squeeze on the sidelines for years as he builds the Shrike Bikes empire.

Veronica Vaughn is an explosion ready to happen. Ronnie lives in the here and now. She lives for today. She knows what she wants, and she wants it now. And right now Ron the Bomb Vaughn wants Spencer shrike to leave her the hell alone. She’s done playing his game. She’s done waiting around. She’s moving forward with her own plots, plans, and dreams and she’s moving forward tonight. Ron the Bomb is finally—finally—gonna get some satisfaction.

Too bad Spencer Shrike is standing in her way.

Title: Tyler & Stella

Author: Heidi Joy Tretheway

Series: Tattoo Thief #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: February 20th 2014

Stella Ramsey always says bad boys can’t break your heart. They don’t call, don’t cuddle and don’t send flowers—but what do you expect? For Stella, no strings means no regrets.

When the biggest story of her fledgling career as a music journalist nearly ruins her relationship with her best friend, Stella has one chance to redeem herself. Tyler Walsh could be that chance.

Stella promises the bassist for the rock band Tattoo Thief anything in exchange for behind-the-scenes access. But Tyler doesn’t want anything. He wants everything—and that’s more than Stella is prepared to give.

When Tyler’s explosive secret thrusts Stella into the media spotlight, she must choose between the selling the story and telling the truth—and exposing the truth about herself as well.

Tyler & Stella (Tattoo Thief #2) is a sizzling story of lust, lies, and sacrifice, revealing how much love can forgive.

I am so excited to share this book with you!! I am loving this series and I'm excited that you can get your copy now as well!! Tyler is hawt and I just luuuv TATTOO THIEF!!

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

Chaos Born

Author: Rebekah Turner

Series: Chronicles from the Applecross #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: November 14th 2012

I began this series last week and now I am hanging for more. It is a fun Urban Fantasy and I had to share a tease.

‘I want you to understand: there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I would never try to change you. I would always stand by you, always back you up.’ I heard the truth in his words, the sweetness of them. Words I had once hoped Seth would tell me, but hadn’t. ‘I want you, Lora Blackgoat.’

The words were a hot whisper in my ear. I knew he was going to kiss me. Blood pounded in my ears, keeping in time with my thudding heart, and I could only make out my own ragged breath. His lips lowered to mine, brushing softly, his breath carrying a faint trace of spice. For a blissful moment, we were both alone in this small slice of a lost paradise, our past and future left back in the city. Roman consumed my thoughts, and my never-failing smart mouth had nothing to say as he kissed me again, his tongue stroking my lips open. For this moment in time, I was his, and he was mine, and that was enough.

~ Kindle Arc Loc 1156

Title: Chaos Bound

Author: Rebekah Turner

Series: Chronicles from the Applecross #2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: December 1st 2013

The long-awaited sequel to Chaos Born takes us back into the Applecross, where Lora faces increasing threats to her survival and her chance at love.

Lora Blackgoat — mercenary and smuggler — has only just recovered from the last threat on her life and hasn’t even begun to sort out the mess of having both a nephilim warrior and a reborn hellspawn as potential lovers. Work should be a refuge, but a job finding missing persons puts her in the crosshairs of a violent gang and a merchant with a taste for blood sport.

Reluctantly, Lora turns to the two men in her life for help. Roman — the nephilim — professes to be her soul mate and turns to her when he feels the darkness of nephilim madness descending. But though Lora is drawn to Roman, it is Seth, ex-lover and reborn hellspawn, who Lora must ultimately ask to protect those she loves. Can she trust Seth to save Roman and her adoptive family, or will this be a fatal mistake?

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.

Fire & Flood

Author: Victoria Scott

Series: Fire & Flood #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Expected Publication: February 25th 2014

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Title: The Deep End of the Sea

Author: Heather Lyons

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

Published: February 4th 2014

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

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

The Deep End of the Sea

Heather Lyons

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

Published: February 4th 2014

I adored this book and had to share a knee buckling tease today!! Hermes is so sweet!!

“You want to know why I haven’t married yet? Because I have yet to ask the girl who owns my heart entirely, let alone actually tell her what she means to me. I’ve been too selfish to do so, because I’ve been fearful that once I do, things will change between us for the worse if she does not feel the same way, and I know I can’t lose her. So I’ve held on to what we have, even though I want to be with her more than anything else in the entire universe. See, I am completely, irrevocably, in love with the best person I know. And I have been for a very long time.”

Kindle Arc Loc - 1795

Title: Panic

Author: J.A. Huss

Series: Rook and Ronin #3

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: October 15th 2013

Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.

Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.

Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?

read more "Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up #75"

The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #2.5)

Title: The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild

Author: Maya Rodale

Series: Bad Boys & Wallflowers #2.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 4th 2014

The second installment of a sexy, whirlwind romance about a modern-day heroine writing historical novels based on her romantic misadventures with the Bad Boy Billionaire.

Being good hasn't exactly worked out well for Jane Sparks. Her ex-boyfriend dumped her for being too predictable, and her fake fiancé, Duke Austen, is counting on her good-girl image to repair his bad-boy reputation. But everything changes with the publication of the historical romance novel she wrote based on her fauxmance with the Bad Boy Billionaire. Suddenly she's notorious, scandalous, and causing lots of trouble.

Duke Austen always admired Jane's poise and perfectly demure behavior … qualities that seemed to have vanished once she helped him land a big investment deal. But now that his company is on the verge of a 20-billion-dollar IPO, the stakes have never been higher—and Jane has never been more shocking, provocative, or wickedly irresistible. She's not at all the woman he bargained for, yet she's the only one he wants.

Duke is determined to woo his girl gone wild. She's determined to keep him guessing. But Jane is discovering that there's nothing so appealing as a billionaire who's mad, bad, and dangerously seductive …

The contemporary love story connected to Wallflower Gone Wild.

Title: Crash Into Me

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series: Shaken Dirty #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 14th 2013

Jamison Matthews has lusted after Ryder Montgomery since she was a preteen. But now that Ryder and her brother's band, Shaken Dirty, has made it huge, she's just one of many pining for the brooding lead singer. Too bad Ryder still sees her as a little sister. Not that it matters. Her brother would never allow it, and the last thing Jamison wants is to be another notch on a rock star's bed post. Even if it's Ryder's.

Ryder doesn't deserve happiness. After his fame destroyed his last girlfriend, he swore he'd never fall in love again. So when Jamison, the girl he's been in danger of loving for years, joins the band on the road, he'll do anything to deny the sparks between them--even after one hot night together. But Jamison is determined to show Ryder that he's worthy of love--her love--and that she's all grown up and ready to play.

Title: Fierce

Author: Clarissa Wild

Series: Fierce #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 25th 2014

Fight for your dreams. Fight for your life. Fight for love.

Nerdy girl Autumn Blakewood is the prime example of a goody two-shoes. She studies every night, is never late for class, and always follows the rules. She has never felt the need to step out of her comfort zone. That is, until she meets Hunter.

Hunter Bane is a cocky, confident bad-boy, who's nothing but trouble. He’s a dangerous distraction to everyone around him. Sexy and strong, Hunter enjoys the swooning effect he has on women. Especially those who aren't used to attention, like Autumn.

Autumn finds it hard not to give into Hunter’s advances, even though it all seems like a game to him. Trying to understand him is impossible, because he shrouds himself in mystery.

What she doesn't know is that Hunter has more baggage than anyone should have to carry. When she discovers he's in an illegal frat club to save the one person that matters to him, Autumn realizes this could mean the end of her undeniable connection to him. Even their lives are at risk.

But it's too late to turn back now ...

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

Collaboration

Michelle Lynn and Nevaeh Lee

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 26th 2014

There are SO MANY sweet Swoon moments in Collaboration, but this one just shows the chemistry that Taryn and Trace have *sigh*

The sheet slowly starts to descend as our hands and legs move around each other’s bodies. Trace’s long fingers spread through my curls as his lips tentatively linger above mine. He gently pulls my lower lip between his teeth and then kisses it tenderly, while reaching his hands behind my back and expertly unhooking my bra. His fingers slowly pull the straps down each of my bare arms, keeping my body firmly against his as he tosses it to the floor. Our kiss becomes more urgent and he slips his tongue in between my slightly parted lips. I open fully and my tongue quickly unites with his. As we gradually shift closer, I can’t miss the way his body responds to mine—one part of his body, in particular. I have no doubt he can feel how wet I am, since there are only a few thin pieces of material separating us.

~ Kindle Arc Loc 1443

Title: Chaos Born

Author: Rebekah Turner

Series: Chronicles from the Applecross #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: November 14th 2012

A fresh and exciting debut novel introducing the Chronicles from the Applecross.

Lora Blackgoat, smuggler and mercenary, has been lying low after a job gone bad made her a laughing stock in the industry. When a childhood friend turns to her for help, Lora leaps to restore her reputation and starts hunting a killer who is stalking the gas-lit streets.

She never expects that her path will lead her to the Order of Guides, a sadistic militant religious organisation - or to Roman, a deadly and dangerously attractive half-angel warrior who also hunts the killer.

When Lora discovers that the killer has broken fundamental laws of magic to enter the city, she also uncovers a conspiracy that leads back into her own dark past.

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.

White Hot Kiss

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #1

Genre: NA Paranormal Romance

Expected Publication: February 25th 2014

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.