Naomi's Reading Palace: January 2015

Review ~ Beautiful Bombshell by Christina Lauren

Title: Beautiful Bombshell
Author: Christina Lauren
Series: Beautiful Bastard #2.5
Genre: Erotic Romance
Published: September 3rd 2013

The gentlemen from Beautiful Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player are out for a wild night on The Strip.

When Max, Henry, and Will steal Bennett away for a weekend of shenanigans and strippers in Vegas, the first stop of the night doesn’t go at all as planned. With their scheme for a Guys Weekend completely derailed anyway, Max and Bennett begin to play a wild game of stealth and secrecy in order to have their bombshells all over Sin City.

Buy Now - Amazon

I loved how Beautiful Bombshell was just Bennett and Max’s POV’s as they sneak around during Bennett’s bachelor party, which happens to be Valentine’s Day! It was certainly an exciting and sizzling encounter for both of them and quite amusing to see the length’s that they would go to be with their women!

Title: Lion's Share

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: Wildcats #1

Genre: New Adult Paranormal

Published: February 23rd 2015

Abby Wade has a dangerous secret.

Two months ago, she disobeyed an order, but instead of kicking her out of the Pride, Jace offered her a job. Since then, she’s been battling a completely inappropriate crush on the young, hot Alpha. But when accepting his job offer seems like the only way to keep her skeletons safely in their closet, Abby doesn’t hesitate.

Jace Hammond has a big problem.

A rogue is slaughtering humans in his territory, and he must eliminate the threat before the entire shifter species is exposed. There could not be a worse time for Abby to accept a job he only offered as a boost to her confidence. Abby is smart, beautiful, and resilient—more than enough to distract any man from the mission. Unfortunately, she may just be the worst enforcer ever to hold the title.

As they hunt the killer, Abby’s secret becomes a threat to Jace’s authority and to her own life. But the real danger is the grip she has on his twice-shy heart.

Pre-Order Now - Amazon

Have you read Rachel Vincent’s Shifters series? It was my first introduction into Rachel's writing and I absolutely LOVED it and Jace! So I am super excited to see that he is finally getting his own book!! I love this cover and I’m counting down the days until it gets here!!

This week is release week for BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION, the next book in the Maddox Brothers series by Jamie McGuire. I enjoyed Travis and Cami’s story (review to come in February) and I am REALLY eager to get my hands on this beauty! Hope you are excited too!!

Title: Beautiful Redemption
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: The Maddox Brothers #2
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: January 27th 2015

If A Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever. But what if he didn't love you, first?

No-nonsense Liis Lindy is an agent of the FBI. Deciding she is married only to her job, she breaks off her engagement and transfers from Chicago to the field office in San Diego. She loves her desk. She is committed to her laptop. She dreams of promotions and shaking hands with the director after cracking an impossible case.

Special Agent in Charge Thomas Maddox is arrogant, unforgiving, and ruthless. He is tasked with putting away some of the world’s toughest criminals, and he is one of the best the Bureau has to offer. Though, as many lives as he’s saved, there is one that is beyond his reach. Younger brother Travis is faced with prison time for his involvement in a basement fire that killed dozens of college students, and the media want a conviction. Travis’s only savior is his unusual tie to the mob. In a deal that will spare his brother, Thomas has agreed to recruit Travis into the FBI.

Liis is stubborn, defiant, and yet somehow softens Thomas’s rough edges, making her the perfect agent to accompany him to the ceremony. Posing as a couple, they must travel to Travis & Abby’s beach vow renewal and give him the news, but when the pretending ends, she finds herself wondering if they were pretending at all.

In the second installment of the Maddox Brothers books, experience firsthand the mysterious world of the elusive Thomas Maddox, and how good love can be when you’re not the first, but the last.

Buy Now - Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | BN

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you insubordinate, Agent Lindy? Is that why you were sent here, to be under my command?”

“You requested me, remember?”

“I didn’t request you. I requested the best language expert we had.”

“That would be me, sir.”

Title: Impulse
Author: Vanessa Garden
Series: Submerged Sun #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published: December 2014 by Harlequin Teen

When Miranda Sun returns to Marin on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, this time of her own free will, she quickly learns that her worst fears have been realised. The glittering underwater city is not as she had left it, nor too is Marko, the young king who has dominated her thoughts and heart for the last twelve months since leaving Marin.

Miranda, however, has not made the journey to Marin alone, and now must contend with not only Marko’s evil brother Damir but more surprisingly her sister Lauren who has an agenda of her own. Marko’s power begins to wane and with cracks beginning to show in the domed Utopian city, and veiled danger lurking everywhere, she quickly learns that in this dazzling city full of beautiful people she can trust no-one but herself.

If Miranda wants to survive, she must decide between the hardened sensibilities in her head and the hungers of her heart. Will her decision cause more heartache or can she help to save Marko’s throne?

Buy Now - Amazon / Harlequin Australia

After reading Captivate last year, I have been eager to read the sequel to see what Miranda would do once she returned to Marin. Impulse continues a year after the conclusion of the first book, and it was still as action packed and surprising as the first book.

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

Beautiful Bombshell

Author: Christina Lauren

Series: Beautiful Bastard #2.5

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published: September 3rd 2013

Hehe!! This was quite the fun, sizzling read that I expected from Bennett and Max!

To my absolute horror, the stripper leaned forward and grazed her teeth across my jaw.

"Hello, Mr. Ryan." Her breath was hot in my ear and I startled at the sound, my entire body going stiff. What in the actual fuck? My hands curled into fists at my sides. "I really, really want to kiss that sexy, angry mouth of yours."

~ Paperback Page 11

Title: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Maybe #1
Genre: YA Romance
Published: March 18th 2014

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance.

At twenty-two years old, Sydney has a great life: She's in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter's cheating on her--and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by Ridge, her mysterious neighbor. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there's something about Sydney that Ridge can't ignore, either. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one...

Original music created for Maybe Someday by musician Griffin Peterson can be accessed through the website listed in the ebook and paperback.

Buy Now - Amazon

Well… that was FREAKING BRILLIANT! I have read so much praise about this book, but actually reading it and listening to the music is just amazing. I knew once I began it, I would not be able to put it down… and so I spent the whole day in bed while reading and listening to the soundtrack. I grabbed the book from the library and each time a song came up, I pulled it up on my iPad, laid it on my chest and listened to it as the vibrations pulsed through my chest… it was simply incredible, entwining it all together like that.

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.

Salt & Stone

Author: Victoria Scott

Series: Fire & Flood #2

Genre: Young Adult

Expected Publication: February 24th 2015

What would you do to save someone you love?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

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

Kiss the Sky

Krista and Becca Ritchie

Series: Calloway Sisters #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 20th 2014

I just loved Connor and Rose's story... Who would've thought Connor had that dangerous side *wink*

“One day,” he breathes, “we’re going to look back and recount all that we’ve done together. And we’re going to think, goddamn we were only twenty-four.”

My eyes well. “We’re the responsible pair.”

“The ones who clean everyone’s messes.”

“The ones everyone turns to,” I add.

“The most adult, even though we’re fairly new at this.”

I laugh into a tearful smile. This is about to happen. We’re going to be together. It feels like the start of a lifetime. Any fears I ever had, any reservations, are gone. I trust that he’ll stay here, for me.

That I am more than just a chase.

“Kiss the sky with me,” Connor whispers, a beautiful smile pulling his lips, “and don’t ever come down.”

~ Kindle Page 432

The Summer Series box set (books 1-3) can now be purchased in one paperback! C.J. Duggan is an Australian author and this series is set downunder, and if you were growing up in the 90’s, like me, I am sure you will enjoy this series!!

Title: Summer Series Boxed Set

Author: C.J. Duggan

Series: The Summer Series

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: November 7th 2014

THE BOYS OF SUMMER

After first shift disasters, rude wealthy tourists, and a taunting ex boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come from working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer, and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love, and heartbreaking chaos.
All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.
It will be a summer she will always remember.

AN ENDLESS SUMMER

With the new threat of putting the Onslow up for sale, Amy reluctantly turns to a local tradesman for help: Sean Murphy, the very same Onslow boy who saved her life all those years ago. With his help and that of some old friends, the task is clear: spend the summer building the hotel back up to its former glory or lose it for good.

In an endless summer, Amy soon realises that sometimes in order to save your future, you have to face your past, even if it’s in the form of a smug, gorgeous Onslow boy.

THAT ONE SUMMER

Now the countdown begins to reach the others at Point Shank before the party is over and the new year has begun. Alone in a car with only the infuriating Chris Henderson, Tammy can’t help but feel this is a disastrous start to what could have been a great adventure. But when the awkward road trip takes an unexpected turn, Tammy soon discovers that the way her traitorous heart feels about Chris is the biggest disaster of all.

Fogged up windows, moonlight swimming, bad karaoke and unearthed secrets; after this one summer nothing will ever be the same again.

Buy Now - Amazon / iTunes

Title: Kiss the Sky
Author: Krista and Becca Ritchie
Series: Calloway Sisters #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 20th 2014

Virgin. Sex addict. Daredevil. Alcoholic. Smartass … Jackass. Her five friends are about to be filmed. Reality TV, be prepared.

Rose Calloway thought she had everything under control. At twenty-three, she’s a Princeton graduate, an Academic Bowl champion, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Fortune 500 mogul. But with a sex addict as a sister and roommate, nothing comes easy.

After accepting help from a producer, Rose agrees to have her life filmed for a reality television show. The Hollywood exec is her last chance to revive her struggling fashion line, and boundaries begin to blur as she’s forced to make nice with a man who always has his way.

Twenty-four-year-old Connor Cobalt is a guy who bulldozes weak men. He’s confident, smart-as-hell and lives with his equally ambitious girlfriend, Rose Calloway. Connor has to find a way to protect Rose without ruining the show. Or else the producer will get what Connor has always wanted—Rose’s virginity.

This New Adult Romance can be described as Friends meets The Real World. Expect fist fights, drugs, sex of varying degrees, crude humor and competitive alpha males. Definitely for mature readers audiences only.

Buy Now - Amazon

It has been a long time coming, but I finally picked up the spin off books in the Addicted series… and I really wished I had done so sooner! I forgot how much that I love the world and characters that the Ritchie sisters have created and I just loved seeing them all 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.

We had a busy week this week! It started with a trip to visit friends, then the kids and I hit Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne to do school shopping. We had it done by lunch with heaps of time to spare, waiting for the hubby, so we went to watch Big Hero 6. That is an awesome kids movie! Then we went to the Big Bash Cricket and the kids enjoyed being so close to the fence! We came home, relaxed then each of the kids went to visit friends.

Me? Well, I have been reading, catching up on comments and doing Teasers for Trisha Wolfe’s Living Heartwood series. The more I do, the easier it gets! I also resent my assessment in, because it was too big in one file, so I had to send 3 separate emails! Hopefully I am done now…