Naomi's Reading Palace: May 2014

Review ~ Clockwork Princess 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 finishing the Infernal Devices series with Clockwork Princess.

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, #3)

Title: Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #3

Genre: YA Paranormal/Steampunk

Published: March 19th 2013

Tessa Gray should be happy—aren't all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

Title: Every Second with You

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: No Regrets #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: February 10th 2014

Every Second With You = Sex. Love. Addiction. Heartache. Pain. And Hope.

In the sequel to the bestselling THE THRILL OF IT, Harley and Trey face new challenges that will make battling blackmail, sex addiction, and a virgin call girl past look easy…

I used to think love was a lie. Now I know it’s real, powerful, and I don’t want to lose it…But my future scares me, and there’s no way this can be happening, especially since I’ve finally broken free from all the people who wanted pieces of me. I don’t even know how to start over, but I have to find a way. So when I discover what my mother’s been keeping from me, it doesn’t make me hate her. It gives me hope for a new life, outside of New York. But the ties that bind me to this city are so strong, sometimes they are chains. If only I could leave with…

Trey...

I will do anything for her. She owns me, heart, mind and body. But when Harley tells me this, I am rocked to the core, and terrified of what happens next. Especially when this time it’s not her past that chases me, it’s someone from my own. And that someone is messing with my head when I’m trying to be strong for Harley. But all I really want is to escape with the girl I love…For the rest of our lives.

How can you move forward when the past keeps chasing you?

Title: Ink Slapped
Author: A.M. Jones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: May 31st 2014

The heart wants what the heart wants—a concept that free-spirited author T.M. Dabney, never understood until she laid eyes on her new cover model, Eli.

Eli Gregor, a struggling musician and mechanic, thinks he knows the true meaning of heartbreak—that is until he accepts a business venture with the alluring Taylor Dabney. With her help, he pieces his life back together when his dreams dangle within reach and once again everything falls apart. And his success comes with a price he doesn’t want to pay.

Caught between better judgment and desire, they find themselves at a crossroads—should they make the best decision for their careers or give in to their undeniable connection?

A torrid tale that weaves humor, drama, and sexual tension, Ink Slapped will leave you reeling and wanting more

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

Every Second with You

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: No Regrets #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: February 10th 2014

This was my favourite book in the series... such an emotional ride.

“What do you feel like doing?”
“Making up,” I say, then I kiss him, and even though his lips have touched mine countless times, it feels like our first kiss, all over again. But a new first kiss, a kiss that comes from knowing someone and hurting someone and loving someone and promising you’ll do everything not to hurt them again.
He kisses me slowly, taking his time, sliding the tip of his tongue across my lips, parting them. There’s something both sweet and dirty in how he kisses me, like it’s a kiss and a teaser of all the other things he can do with his tongue, all the ways he touches me. I moan as he kisses me, roping my arms around his neck, tracing the soft ends of his hair. Then the kiss becomes more urgent, a desperate kiss because we need each other so much.

~ Kindle Loc 979

Title: Angelblood
Author: Hanna Peach

Series: Dark Angel #4

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Published: June 5th 2014

Seven days…

Israel’s life has been saved, but Alyx had to make a deal with the Devil to do so. She has to hand Israel over to Lucifer unless she finds a way to defeat Samyara. But first she has to find him. And the only way she can is by delving deep into the mind of Adere, Israel’s ex-girlfriend and an ex-Darkened. To do this Alyx will need Israel and Jordan, the two men fighting for her heart, to work together. But can they put aside their differences long enough?

Seven days until Israel is sentenced to Hell. Seven days to find Samyara. Seven days to raise an army.

This will be Alyx’s greatest battle yet.

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.

Hexed

Author: Michelle Krys

Series: The Witch Hunter #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Expected Publication: June 10th 2014

If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn’t want to be her?

Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.

Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

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

Shredded

Tracy Wolff

Extreme Risk #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 4th 2014

This was such a good book. Z is a fun, confident character who hides his true feelings. This was a sweet an tender moment between Z and Skye.

“Shh, baby. It’s okay. I get it.” Z shifts, turning us until we’re stretched out on the bed. Then he trails soft kisses along my jawline, down my neck. “I’ll make you feel good. I promise.”
~ Kindle Arc Loc 2110

Title: Shredded

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series: Extreme Risk #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: February 4th 2014

In this intense and exhilarating New Adult series debut, a hotshot snowboarder and a vulnerable rebel with a cause try to let go of the past—and find a future in each other.

Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s reckless behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.

Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans high society, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But laying low is her only option after her ex, a rich boy who couldn’t take no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage. Following that terrifying encounter, the last thing Ophelia needs is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and arrogant as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.

Tormented by their pasts and feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But with Ophelia hiding the details of her life in Louisiana and Z’s death wish reaching terrifying new heights, their relationship seems to be going downhill before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.

Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe 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 managed to get a lot of posts done this week. My June schedule is almost completed; I just have a few review books to finish up. I am pretty happy to be so far ahead.

I managed to get some more of my next assessment done, I have one part to go.

And my first week of work went well, I have picked up a few shifts, so it must be a good thing if I am asked back! Who would’ve thought pouring beers and preparing salads could actually be fun!!

read more "Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up #89"

Title: Because the Night

Author: Kristen Strassel

Series: The Night Songs Collection #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: November 5th 2013

Sex, Blood, and Rock n' Roll.

Immortal Dilemma is the hottest band in the Las Vegas vampire rock scene. They draw insatiable fans from around the globe, thanks to a supernatural attraction called Bloodlust. Tristan craved such an opportunity to fill his empty mortal life, and now he has eternity to earn his place along the legends of rock n roll debauchery.

Callie always feared that Tristan’s excesses would get him into trouble, but she never thought they’d lead him to immortality. To reconnect with him, she must weave her way through a world not only she had no idea existed, but does not welcome her.

Blade turned down a spot in Immortal Dilemma after learning what he must sacrifice for that lifestyle. He finds Callie a refreshing change from the girls in the vampire rock scene. When Callie drags Blade back into the world of Immortal Dilemma, his resistance drives her into the waiting arms of Tristan, who shows her the true meaning of Bloodlust.

But the very things that Callie fights so hard to save are the very things that fight to destroy her.

Title: The Thrill of It

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: No Regrets #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: November 21st 2013

A new adult story of Love. Sex. Addiction. Blackmail. And Power...

Some say love can be an addiction. Others say it's the thing that makes life worth living. Let me tell you everything I know about love...Love isn't patient, love isn't kind. Love is a game, a chase. A thrill. Love is wild and war-like, and every man and woman must fight for themselves. At least that's how it was for me. A high-priced virgin call girl by the time I started college, I was addicted to love and to sex. Even though I've never had either. I controlled love, played it, and held the world in the palm of my hands. Then I fell down from those highs, and I'm being blackmailed for all my mistakes, forced to keep secrets from everyone, except the only guy I don't regret.

Trey...

With all the other women, I knew what they were. They were temporary. They were pills, they were bottles, they took away all the pain, and numbed the awful memories that wore down my ragged, wasted heart. Until I met Harley. She's the only girl I ever missed when she walked away. But now she's back in my life, every day, and there are no guarantees for us, especially since I don't know how to tell her my secrets. What happened to my family. All I know is she's the closest I've ever come to something real, and I want to feel every second of it.

How can you love with no regrets when regret is all you know?

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

The Thrill of It

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: No Regrets #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: November 21st 2013

It was exciting to continue Trey and Harley's story... And there are so many swoons I could choose... Here is a sweet one!

I step toward him, cup his cheeks. “I’m tired of waiting for you,” I say, shedding all my walls. He knows all my secrets and lies. He can know my truth. “I’m so tired of it,” I say softly, then I hold his gaze and trail my fingers along his jawline, from his earlobe, across his scar to his chin, watching the expression in his eyes shift from surprise to desire. To desperate want. I run my index finger across his top lip, and he closes his eyes briefly, his chest rising and falling, his breath catching. He opens his eyes again, watches me. I touch his bottom lip, and he nips on my finger, then flashes a quick grin that fades as he whispers, “I’m tired too.”
That’s it. That’s all. I can’t wait. I don’t want to. I’m sick of it. I need this contact with him. I need this moment. I need to know what it’s like again to have this kind of connection.
I kiss him.
Slow. Soft. But full of need. Full of hope. Full of my wish for this, us, him and me, to become more than just friends.

~ Kindle Loc 820

Title: Mortal Enchantment

Author: Stacey O'Neale

Series: Mortal Enchantment #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: May 5th 2014

“Mortal Enchantment spins a unique twist on elemental mythology. This series is not to be missed.”
Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

In Kalin Matthew's world, elementals control the forces of nature. They are divided into four courts: air, woodland, fire, and water. At sixteen she will leave the life she's built with her mortal mother. Kalin will move to Avalon to rule with her father—the elemental king of the air court. Along the way, she's attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, a swoon-worthy elemental with a questionable past.

Worst of all, she learns her father is missing.

To rescue him, Kalin will have to work with a judgmental council and a system of courts too busy accusing each other of deceit to actually be able to help her. But, they aren’t her biggest challenge. With the Midwinter’s Ball only five days away, Kalin must take over her father’s duties, which includes shifting control of the elements—power Kalin has yet to realize.

As Rowan attempts to train her, a war looms between the four courts. If Kalin fails, her father will die and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more...

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.

Shield of Winter

Author: Nalini Singh

Series: Psy-Changeling #13

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Expected Publication: June 3rd 2014

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…

Title: Fall to You
Author: Lexi Ryan

Series: Here and Now #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: June 2014

Fall to You is the second book in the Here and Now series. It is not a stand-alone and is intended to be read following Lost in Me. Hanna’s story concludes in book three, All for This.

Torn between two men…

When I woke up after the accident, I couldn’t remember anything from the last year—including my relationship with Max Hallowell or anything about Nate Crane. Now my memories are returning, but instead of answering my questions, they’re leaving me with more.

The man who broke my heart and wants to be my future…

Max is all I ever wanted, and now he wants to marry me. He’ll do everything he can to fill my life with love, family, and security. I need those things now more than ever. But can I trust him?

The man who stole my heart and wants to let me go…

Nate never made me promises, and I never asked him to. I’d been on the rebound, looking for a distraction, and he made me feel beautiful and wanted when I needed to feel those things most. He says he has to let me go, but what if I can’t let go of him?

With every revelation and every passing day, I feel more like Alice down the rabbit hole. I’m falling. Who will catch me?

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

Picture Perfect

Elisabeth Grace

Limelight #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: April 3rd 2014

This was a fun, sweet read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Landon picked up one of my feet and placed it in his lap. “Look at these things…what is this heel…four inches?”
I giggled and it sounded nervous even to my own ears. I hoped Landon hadn’t noticed. “You are such a man. No, that’s actually only three inches.”
He laughed in return, his chocolate eyes shimmering with mirth. “Still, three inches can’t be easy to take.”
“I’ve taken more before.”
“I’m sure you have.”
Wait. Were we still talking about high heels here?
~ Kindle Loc 1174

Title: Picture Perfect

Author: Elisabeth Grace

Series: Limelight #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: April 3rd 2014

*****THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE*****

Being the daughter of a big-city mayor, twenty-one year old Skye Summers has giant shoes to fill in her first real job out of college. With the public spotlight on her family, and her dad’s expectations running high, she jumps at the chance to work side-by-side on an important project with her sexy new boss.

Playboy entrepreneur Landon Steele has built a successful entertainment PR firm and broken more than a few hearts along the way. He’s counting on his enthusiastic new assistant to help him expand his business into LA… until he discovers she’s a pampered rich girl who’s in the public spotlight as much as his famous clients. Still, he agrees to give her a chance, and soon the two are heating up the bedroom as well as the boardroom.

But when Skye’s ex-boyfriend threatens to reveal a dangerous secret from her past, her job, relationship with Landon, and her father’s career are suddenly all on the line. Will she be forced to leave Landon? Or will she pursue her heart, regardless of the cost?

***Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***

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.

This week has been an eventful week. I have been busy with the blog (as per usual), I have worked a little on my second assessment in my Proofreading/Editing course and I began my new job, working in the local Pub! It was fun and I look forward to doing more shifts when they need me.

read more "Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up #88"

Title: If I Stay

Author: Tamara Morgan

Series: Montgomery Manor #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 12th 2014

Ryan Lucas would rather be anywhere but Ransom Creek, Connecticut. After losing his high-adrenaline career as a Hollywood stunt driver, he's had to tuck his tail between his legs and take up employment as a chauffeur for the Montgomerys, a wealthy hotelier family.

Amy Sanders has returned home to Ransom Creek to take over her mother's former position as nanny to the Montgomerys—bringing her close to dashing Jake Montgomery once again. She grew up with a major crush on Jake, and it's not easy to leave those feelings behind, even though her friendship with the hard-edged family chauffeur, Ryan, has a sizzling undercurrent of undeniable attraction.

Amy's determined to prove to Ryan that life at Montgomery Manor isn't all bad, but each time they draw closer Jake swoops in. Amy is torn between two men—and two worlds. And Ryan is rapidly coming to learn that if he wants to make Amy his, he'll have to prove to her that life downstairs can be everything they both want.

Title: The Start of Us

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: No Regrets #0.5

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: November 15th 2013

A new adult story of First Times. Last Times. Connections. And No Regrets...

I only wanted a tattoo. A mark on my body to remind me of who I used to be. Something to hold onto when I started my penance for all the things I’d done wrong, the bad choices I’d made by the time I turned nineteen. Instead, I found a night of possibility, of truth, of hope for the future. And the most intense physical connection I’ve ever had.

The only one I’ve ever had, and one I will never forget.

Trey...

When she walked into my tattoo shop, I knew she was like me. Harley had secrets. She had a messed-up past, and things she wanted to run from, or forget ever happened. I couldn’t let her go. So we agreed on one night – to spend it together wandering around the city, getting to know each other, the clock ticking because we knew tomorrow would bring an end to the possibility of an us.

Unless tonight was only the start.

How can one night be the start of something when tomorrow it has to end?

Title: True North: Finding Us

Author: Allie Juliette Mousseau

Series: True North #2

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Published: May 14, 2014

Nathaniel Morrisey thinks he has a handle on his affections for the one woman he’s ever cared about, Julia North, who happens to be his boss’s daughter and best friend’s little sister. But Jules is about to blow that calm self-control he's had a tight grip on all to hell.

The North brothers are wild, adrenaline-junky thrill-seekers who thrive on challenge, speed and danger. Their little sister, Jules, is a sweet, quiet, bookworm who’s been overprotected all her life by her hulking big brothers … but she is a North after all, so she has her own wild streak—a secret that none of them expected, especially not Nate!

Nate's desire to protect Jules—especially from himself and the overwhelming emotions he feels for her—have waged a war inside of him. He is plagued by painful secrets and shame because of a childhood full of abuse he knows he can never escape. How can he possibly love a woman like Julia North the way she deserves to be loved?

Julia North knows Nathaniel Morrisey is the only one for her, but with a past like a dark shadow, Nate's as turbulent as the wild horses he rides.

Will Jules be strong enough to hold on unconditionally, or will she decide it’s finally time to let go?

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.