Naomi's Reading Palace: August 2014

Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up #103

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.

Hmmm… I might have gotten a little carried away with my 1-click button this week! I grabbed but I wanted so many more! I picked up a few freebies and cheap books that I am keen to read! Oh well, these things happen. But look! No NetGalley books!!

I am pretty much up to date on the blogging front, a few reviews to fill in for September and I have started posting in October too. Feeling pretty good about being ahead!!

Netball went well this week too. We had a big win and we are playing the top side this week. Winner goes straight into the grand final… fingers crossed!

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The Millionaire Affair (Love in the Balance, #3)

Title: The Millionaire Affair
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Series: Love in the Balance #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 24th 2014

LOVE IS A DEAL BREAKER . . . Millionaire ad executive Landon Downey has a policy: no romantic relationships allowed. So when he's saddled with his six-year-old nephew for a week, he doesn't think twice about asking Kimber Reynolds to act as live-in nanny. What he doesn't expect is the undeniable attraction to the woman he hasn't seen since they were kids. And not only does she like him back-she suggests they work their way down a list of extracurricular activities in the bedroom. How can he resist? Kimber wants to prove once and for all that she can love 'em and leave 'em with the best of them. All she has to do is keep her sixteen-year crush on Landon out of the equation. No problem . . . until she realizes she may not be the only one whose heart has gotten completely tangled up in their no-strings agreement.!

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I picked up The Millionaire Affair because I wanted something light, fun and spicy to read… and let’s face it, a hawt Millionaire is worth reading about. So I was introduced to Landon Downey, the wealthy bachelor who needs help with his nephew and his sister’s friend Kimber is the one that sweeps in and turns his life upside down!

Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3

Genre: TA Fantasy

Published: September 2nd 2014

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

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I love a great fantasy read and I think that the Throne of Glass series delivers it every time. It has that ancient feel, with magic and kingdoms, with all the plotting and manipulation that has you flicking the pages. I was immersed in the storyline, in the magic and the characters that I have come to love. And now that I am finished, I am dying to see what is going to happen next!

FOLLOW has now been released and I have been hanging for it (it has arrived on my kindle and I will squeeze it in soon). I just had to share some teasers from the book and if you scroll down, you will see the cover for the next book, LIKE!!

Title: FOLLOW

Author: J.A. Huss

Series: Social Media #1

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: August 27th 2014

#Women.

I fuck them. I use them. I pay them off. I find another. My demands are never denied. My contracts are always signed. They submit to me. Willingly. Completely. Temporarily. This is how it’s always been.

Until I saw that filthy tweet.

@VaughnAsher My bare pussy. Your tongue. #ThingsIThinkAboutToGetOff

“FilthyBlueBird” thinks she can tease me with hashtags and then hide behind a Twitter handle? She thinks I wouldn’t be more than happy to #RockHerFilthyWorld? She’s wrong.

Her online fantasy is about to collide with her public reality, and it’s about to happen… now.

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

Hard Knox

Author: Nicole Williams

Series: The Outsider Chronicles #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: August 12th 2014

This was a great start to Nicole's new series... Knox is yummy!

“Are you going to make me say it again? Because it was hard enough the first time.”
I bit my lip, trying to sort through a mountain of confusion. “You . . . care . . . about me?”
Knox looked almost ashamed. “More than I should, but still less than you deserve.”
Swinging my leg over his lap, I somehow managed to wrangle around the steering wheel. My free arm wound around him at the same time my mouth crushed into his.

~ Kindle Arc Loc 1674

Title: Kick
Author: Holly S. Roberts
Series: Completion #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 1st 2014

Cami Avesque is a shy, wannabe journalist, working for the largest newspaper in Ohio. She’s stuck editing classified ads until she lands her big break. That break comes when the only female sports reporter goes on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. For some reason, Cami is chosen to cover The Slam, a rugby team in Colt, Ohio. They have a chance of going all the way to the Rugby League Championship.

Unfortunately, Cami has a poor track record with jocks and going all the way is one of her problems. Because of her past, she hides her assets behind clothes that are a size too large and big glasses that camouflage the sexual sizzle that eats ripped bodies for lunch. Shy, she must remember she’s shy. If only man muscle didn't bring her wild side out to play she might survive a rugby try.

Gorgeous brothers, Van and Joel Stelson, own, manage, and play for The Slam. They see through Cami’s cover up and attack in order to make their goal. Who will be the first to get her in bed? Who will be the first to win her heart?

Remember in rugby… 80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Lets Ruck!

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To be honest, I was a little hesitant going into this book knowing it had rugby players in it. For those who don't know, I'm an Aussie and both forms of rugby (league and union) are big down-under. I'm a bit of a sports fan and tend to enjoy watching Rugby League, having grown up around it. But I was pleasantly surprised how much I ended up enjoying Kick. I can see that there may be a few differences as this one is set in Colt, Ohio but the general gist seems to be the same. I was a little confused at first as some of Cami's research didn't match up, but she really didn't understand the game, so it may have just been her trying to come to terms with the game.

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.

House Immortal

Author: Devon Monk

Series: House Immortal #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Expected Publication: September 2nd 2014

One hundred years ago, eleven powerful ruling Houses consolidated all of the world’s resources and authority into their own grasping hands. Only one power wasn’t placed under the command of a single House: the control over the immortal galvanized....

Matilda Case isn’t like most folk. In fact, she’s unique in the world, the crowning achievement of her father’s experiments, a girl pieced together from bits. Or so she believes, until Abraham Seventh shows up at her door, stitched with life thread just like her and insisting that enemies are coming to kill them all.

Tilly is one of thirteen incredible creations known as the galvanized, stitched together beings immortal and unfathomably strong. For a century, each House has fought for control over the galvanized. Now the Houses are also tangled in a deadly struggle for dominion over death—and Tilly and her kind hold the key to unlocking eternity

The secrets that Tilly must fight to protect are hidden within the very seams of her being. And to get the secrets, her enemies are willing to tear her apart piece by piece.…

Title: Torrent
Author: Gemma James
Series: Condemned #1

Genre: NA Dark Romance

Published: July 22nd 2014

She sent an innocent man to prison. Now, eight years later, he's returning the favor...

I’ve been obsessed with Rafe Mason since I was thirteen. The twisted part of this story is that I still want him, even now.

Now that he's holding me captive on an island.

Rafe has his reasons for doing what he's doing, and if I'm honest, I can't blame him. I’m the girl who sent him to prison for a heinous crime he didn't commit.

But now he's free and the tables have turned...now he's the one driven by obsession.

TORRENT is a new adult dark romance with disturbing themes and explicit content, including sexual scenes and violence that may offend some. Intended for mature audiences. Part one of the CONDEMNED series. This is not a stand-alone read. Approximately 43,000 words

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iBooks – Kobo – Smashwords

What can I say but wow… I don't think I have ever read a book that has had me conflicted like this! I even stopped reading to talk to my hubby about it. Imagine you drew a line in the sand and above is good, below is bad… well some circumstances in this story hovered just above that line, because the storyline is that intense! I was shocked at what Alex has been through, and shocked all over again as to what Rafe was doing to her. In the end, I decided that I really loved this book, even with all the dark issues and I CANNOT wait for more.

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

Kick

Holly S. Roberts

Completion #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 1st 2014

This was a fun read and had to share a bit of sexy humour today!

Van rolled to his side before dropping his feet over the table. Somehow the towel slid forward and pooled between his legs. I gulped.
He grinned, and his eyes took a quick scan of my body. “I’m walking to the shower and I’ll be out in two. Your choice if you wanna watch, but the towel isn’t going with me.”
~ Kindle Arc Loc 353

Title: Flame
Author: Clarissa Wild

Series: Fierce #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: May 8th 2014

When trust is challenged and desire takes control, is love enough to conquer fear?

When geeky book nerd Autumn Blakewood falls for the cocky, confident fighter Hunter Bane she knows she’s in for life. Their undeniable connection, fueled by the desire to protect, grows stronger every passing second. However, the need to feel cherished threatens her college graduation, family bonds, and future, tearing her apart, but she won’t give up on Hunter so easily …

After he was abandoned by his family, Hunter Bane struggles to cope with daily life. Having a learning disability turns every task into a challenge. With his brother now free, Hunter feels the pressure to succeed and take care of the people he loves, forcing him to choose between college and a job. Hunter’s devotion to Autumn keeps him on the right path. His infatuation with her turns lust into passion, drawing out his alpha tendencies. But with affection comes admission, putting a strain on their relationship as secrets are exposed and unforeseen circumstances spiral out of control.

Being complete opposites, their love is flaming hot, but it burns away all inhibitions, unveiling the fears that were locked deep inside. As past and present collide, difficult choices must be made. Can Autumn and Hunter’s love survive this ultimate test?

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Flame was a very hot and sexy sequel in the Fierce series as Autumn and Hunter continue exploring their relationship. It had a slight yo-yo effect as Autumn and Hunter struggled with their desires, but they manage to work through it together. Things aren't always smooth, but each time they make up, it is scorching hot!

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.

This week I was able to catch up on a lot of review posts. I was a bit behind but now I am feeling a bit better. I caught up on cross posting too… So really it was a very productive week!

I began the final module in my Proofreading and Editing course. The first section is dealing with authors and how to interact with them when editing their work and I was a little proud of myself because I do things like that already.

Netball is going well too. We have made finals and are in the home stretch! I want to win this year after the poor finals experience we had last year!!

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Title: Fight
Author: Clarissa Wild
Series: Fierce 0.5

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: April 4th 2014

Mocked. Scolded. Smeared. Betrayed.

From an early age, shy nerd girl Autumn Blakewood didn't know how to fend for herself. Teased and bullied her whole life, she's withdrawing more and more. Not even her broken family can help her get through high school.

Her only friends, Brody and Evie, are both social recluses too, and they seek comfort in each other's support. However, Autumn's friends can't always protect her from her malicious classmates who seem set on destroying what's left of her heart.

When Autumn thinks her life can't get any worse, devastating news rips her family apart. It's up to her to pick up the pieces of her life and find a way to fix everything. Will she find the courage to fight?

Fight is a short story prelude to the Fierce series and contains about 8500 words.

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Fight was a great companion novella in the Fierce series, as it took me back to see what Autumn's life was like before she began College. It gave me a deeper insight into Autumn's struggles with bullying and her self esteem. Evie and Brody were her only real friends. Brody left her and went to college, so she had to deal with high school on her own until Evie came along.

Title: Rules of Survival
Author: Jus Accardo

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: June 2nd 2014

If you want to survive, you have to follow the rules…

Mikayla Morgan is wanted for her mother's murder. She's been on the run for almost a year now, avoiding not only the police but the real killer. Tired of running and desperate to clear her name, she breaks one of the most sacred rules: never return to the scene of the crime.

Every bounty hunter on the Eastern Seaboard is after the Morgan girl—but Shaun Denver and his partner snagged her. She's a piece of work, and Shaun can't decide if he wants to kiss her or kill her. When things take a sharp turn south, Shaun does the only thing he can think of to keep her close—he handcuffs them together.

As the danger mounts and the killer closes in, the chemistry between them threatens to explode. Shaun and Kayla will need to break all the rules if they hope to get out of this alive.

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Rules of Survival had a unique storyline for the NA genre. Instead of the college dramas, we actually have Mikayla on the run because she was framed for murdering her mother. The whole book is quite intense as she is trying to figure out the real killer, whilst shackled to Shaun, a bounty hunter… A hot, sexy bounty hunter at that!

Click on the banner above to view the tour schedule

Today I have an excerpt and giveaway for Joss Landry's newest release I Can See You. It sounds like an intense read, check it out!!

Title: I Can See You
Author: Joss Landry

Genre: Young Adult

Published: April 23rd 2014

“Emma stuck her face to the window to watch the rain. Lightning in the background drew a fiery specter in the sky while her eyes traced the water droplets running down the pane like tears.”

Emma Willis is ten years old and has a secret. She not only inherited her grandmother's power of sight, she can accomplish much more. Like most children without siblings growing up amongst adults, she is precocious yet at times lonely.

When a murderer is loose in Newark, a maniac with a thirst for killing little girls, she begins to understand why her Granny Dottie called her sight a curse. She will need all her powers to catch a killer and help the people in her life: Detective Hank Apple, her teacher Christina Tyler, and her little family of three. Only … the madman knows who she is!

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

Rules of Survival

Author: Jus Accardo

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: June 2nd 2014

This was a fun read and I had to share a fun moment between Mikayla and Shaun.

"I want to help…"
And then the most unbelievable—badly timed and terrifying—thing happened.
He kissed me.
Not a peck on the cheek like I’d braved, but an act fueled by fire and passion. My heart pounded, and I was positive it would explode. Could an eighteen-year-old girl in good health just drop dead from a sudden heart attack? Could a kiss even do that?

~ Kindle Loc 1768

Title: FOLLOW

Author: J.A. Huss

Series: Social Media #1

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: August 27th 2014

#Women.

I fuck them. I use them. I pay them off. I find another. My demands are never denied. My contracts are always signed. They submit to me. Willingly. Completely. Temporarily. This is how it’s always been.

Until I saw that filthy tweet.

@VaughnAsher My bare pussy. Your tongue. #ThingsIThinkAboutToGetOff

“FilthyBlueBird” thinks she can tease me with hashtags and then hide behind a Twitter handle? She thinks I wouldn’t be more than happy to #RockHerFilthyWorld? She’s wrong.

Her online fantasy is about to collide with her public reality, and it’s about to happen… now.

Pre-order Now - Amazon

Series Release Dates
27th August- #1 FOLLOW
10th September - #2 LIKE
24th September - #3 BLOCK
8th October- #4 STATUS
22nd October- #5 PROFILE
5th November - #6 HOME