Naomi's Reading Palace: March 2015

Release Day Review ~ The Virgin by Tiffany Reisz

Title: The Virgin
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Series: The Original Sinners: White Years #3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Published: March 31st 2015

The controversial story before the story continues in the critically acclaimed and award-winning series The Original Sinners.

For years, Kingsley Edge warned Eleanor the day would come when she, the mistress of a well-respected Catholic priest, would have to run and hide. She always imagined if that day came she'd be running away with Søren. But instead, she's running from him.

Knowing Søren and Kingsley will their use their influence to bring her back, Eleanor alone, penniless and scared takes refuge at the one place the men in her life cannot follow: the abbey where her mother has taken orders. Behind the cloistered gates of the convent, Eleanor hides from the man she loves and hates in equal measure

She cannot, however, hide from her true nature. When Eleanor befriends a young virginal nun, she faces a startling sexual awakening. But Eleanor can't stay forever, and the lure of her real life beckons beyond the locked gates. But to follow her fate means to leave Kyrie behind, a sacrifice Eleanor refuses to make

The lure of the forbidden. The temptation to sin. The price of passion has never been higher, and Eleanor will have to pay it if she ever wants to go home again.

Buy Now - Amazon

If you didn’t know, I have read each of the novels in this Original Sinners and the White Years series and have enjoyed each and every one. So, of course I am going to jump all over the next one, because I the glimpses into the pasts of the people I have come to love are just so intriguing. This particular story was a difficult time for all involved, and was a huge turning point in all their lives. It was heartbreaking, emotional and something that would make them all stronger.

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

Three Years

Lili St. Germain

Gypsy Brothers #5

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Published: July 20th 2014

Dornan scares the crap out of me, her is one of his moments.

“I might be a monster, baby girl, but if I’m a monster, then so are you. Do you think we’re born like this? A knife in one hand, a gun in the other? It’s life, baby girl. Life happened to me just as surely as it happened to you.”

~ Kindle Loc 578

Title: Three Years
Author: Lili St. Germain
Series: Gypsy Brothers #5
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Published: July 20th 2014

**Please note this book is a dark romance and deals with serious themes.*

Every day for six years, I used to pray that I would find my way back to the boy I loved.

Until finally, one day, I did.

But that’s the funny thing about life. Nothing good ever lasts, not for me, anyway. You think you’re the one with the power, at least I did, but then I got careless. One tiny mistake, and now I am powerless to stop what comes next.

People think money equals power, but all the money in my bank account, the dirty notes laundered clean that my father left for me, are useless.

Money does not equal power. Power is held by the one with the knife in his hand, tracing shallow cuts into your skin.

Power is held by the one who owns you.

I had power once.

Now, I have nothing.

Buy Now - Amazon

What a freakin heartbreaking and intense read! The situation that Jules is in would break any person, but Jules is such a strong character that I just wanted her to get through it. There are so many difficult things that she has to face in Three Years, and I know I would've crumbled way before she did.

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.

Another busy week for me, the kids had their sports carnival, I worked a few nights, did my Easter shopping because the kids are home next week and netball started on Saturday. My daughter is old enough to play now, so it means a long day at the football! Oh well, the things you do when you’re a parent!

read more "Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 131"

Title: Holding Strong
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Ultimate #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: March 31st 2015

An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster's irresistible new novel

Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn't share. That's why he's been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry's about to need more than she knows…

Denver's combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she's been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can't hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who'll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she'll trust him enough to let him…

Buy Now - Amazon

I have loved Lori Foster’s Ultimate series so far and Holding Strong didn’t let me down either!! These fighters are under my skin! The guys are tough, hot and dominant and they chase after the girls that steal their hearts. They are a close knit group and they will do anything for those they consider family. And it was no different for Denver and Cherry.

Deep by Kylie Scott is out on the 31st of March... I have read it already and loved it! Pre-order your copy today!!

Title: Deep

Author: Kylie Scott

Series: Stage Dive #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 31st 2015

Don't miss a beat with the fourth and final novel in the USA Today bestselling Stage Dive series from Kylie Scott.

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins' ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben's the only man she's ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn't looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She's his best friend's little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he's not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he's always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible...but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

Buy Now - Amazon / Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

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

Holding Strong

Author: Lori Foster

Series: Ultimate #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: March 31st 2015

Denver and Cherry are an amusing couple... And Denver often had naughty thoughts running through his head. I had to share one!!

“You like the idea of getting your backside warmed?”

Instead of embarrassing her, the question made her smile bright enough to stir him.

He almost got hard before she said, “No, so don’t go getting any ideas.”

Too damn late for that. He’d had ideas from the moment he’d laid eyes on her.

~ Kindle Arc Loc 164

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 Girl at Midnight

Author: Melissa Grey

Series: The Girl at Midnight #1

Genre: YA Paranormal

Expected Publication: April 28th 2015

For readers of Cassandra Clare's City of Bones and Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, The Girl at Midnight is the story of a modern girl caught in an ancient war.

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, but if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

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

Four Score

Lili St. Germain

Gypsy Brothers #4

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Published: May 26th 2014

This was a sweet moment in this book. Looking forward to some more!

“Can you forgive me?” I whisper desperately in between my tears.

“I already have,” he says. “Damn it, Julz, you could burn the whole world down and I’d still forgive you.”

~ Kindle Loc 819

Title: Four Score
Author: Lili St. Germain
Series: Gypsy Brothers #4
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Published: May 26th 2014

Love and hate aren’t all that different.

Two sides of the same coin, the yin and the yang.

Once upon a time, Jason Ross loved me. And now that he knows what I’ve done, I see the love and the hate warring within him.

I see the way he looks at me.

The way he wonders how I could do the things I’ve done.

I hear it in the way he begs me to stop, to leave this life and run away with him.

But there’s only one way I’m leaving LA.

And that’ll be when Dornan and the rest of his sons are dead and buried.

Jase might forgive me for what I’ve done.

But will he forgive me for the crimes I’m yet to commit?

Buy Now - Amazon

Holy shit people! Four Score was freakin' awesome! This was a big book for both Jules/Sammi and Jase, and I just didn't want things to change. They grew as people, found comfort with one another… But it was only a matter of time before the crap hit the fan.

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 busy! I worked a few shifts, ran around with the kids and we made a quick dash to NSW for a christening. I was up at 5.30am Saturday morning, and I am definitely not a morning person!!

read more "Nomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 130"

Title: Time Served
Author: Julianna Keyes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 23rd 2015

Dean Barclay had nothing to do with my decision to flee my old life, but he is 100 percent of the reason I vowed to never look back.

I've never forgotten how it felt to follow Dean—dangerous, daring, determined—away from the crowd and climb into his beat-up old Trans Am. I was sixteen and gloriously alive for the first time. When I felt his hand cover my leg and move upward, it was over. I was his. Forever.

Until I left. Him, my mom, and the trailer park. Without so much as a goodbye.

Now Dean's back, crashing uninvited into my carefully cultivated, neat little lawyerly life. Eight years behind bars have turned him rougher and bigger—and more sexually demanding than any man I've ever met. I can't deny him anything…and that just might end up costing me everything.

Buy Now - Amazon

Time Served was a story of personal growth for both of the main characters, Rachel and Dean. They both seemed lost and were just going about their days as normal, not realising they were missing something, until they were united again.

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

Time Served

Title: Time Served

Author: Julianna Keyes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 23rd 2015

This was a nice read, of personal growth and second chances.
Dean wants to do anything for Rachel!

“I want to be good enough for you. Suit, tie, whatever it takes.”
“You are.”
“I’m not. But I’ll try. You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. You’re the smartest woman I know. The hottest fuck of my life. If I’ve gotta dress up for that, then I will.”
Does it mark me as cheap if I say those are the nicest things any man has ever said to me?

~ Kindle Arc Loc 3904

Title: Pocketful of Sand

Author: M. Leighton

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 15th 2015

“She’s beauty for my ashes. And I’m hope for her heartache.”—Cole Danzer.

I don’t know what makes a great love story. Is it that instant attraction when boy meets girl? The passionate kisses and the fairy-tale ending? Or is it a lifetime of tragedy, paid in advance, for a few stolen moments of pure bliss? The pain and the suffering that, in the end, you can say are worth it for having found the missing piece of your soul?

The answer is: I don’t know. I don’t know what makes a great love story. I only know what makes my love story. I only know that finding Cole when I did, when Emmy and I were running from a nightmare, was the only thing that saved me. That saved us. He was more broken than I was, but somehow we took each other’s shattered pieces and made a whole. If that is what makes a great love story, if that is what makes an epic romance, then mine…ours is the greatest of them all.

Buy Now - Amazon / Barnes & Noble

iTunes / Kobo / Google Play

I read Pocketful of Sand before it was released, and like all of Michelle's books, I loved it! It was a beautiful read and I loved the twists at the end!!

Right now, I am hanging for Handful of Tears, but today I wanted to shared some teasers with you and let you decide for yourself whether of not to grab it for yourself!

To see my 5 STAR REVIEW, click HERE to check it out!

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.

Cold Burn of Magic

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Black Blade #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Expected Publication: April 28th 2015

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

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

Five Miles

Lili St. Germain

Series: Gypsy Brothers #3

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Published: March 31st 2014

I just love the banter between Jase and Sammi/Julz!

“Hurry up,” he says. “Or I swear to God, I’ll knock you out and drag you back to the clubhouse by your hair.”

I can’t help myself. “Sounds kinky,” I reply,

~ Kindle Loc 998

Title: Five Miles
Author: Lili St. Germain
Series: Gypsy Brothers #3
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Published: March 31st 2014

My father taught me the importance of an eye for an eye—a cardinal rule, ingrained in every club member.

A life for a life.

Seven lives in payment for an unimaginable list of sins.

People might wonder why I’m doing this. If this vengeance is borne from some noble cause. If I’m trying to prevent others from suffering at the hands of Dornan Ross and his sons.

But I’m no selfless vigilante.

I’m doing this for me. I’m doing it because I want to.

I’m doing this because I just want to be able to sleep at night without seeing their faces.

This is the fate they have earned. The penance for their crimes.
Time to send some of these brothers off with a bang.

Buy Now - Amazon

This series just gets better and better! This particular instalment was big for Julz/Sammi as well as Elliott and Jase. I got to know more about Elliott and Julz/Sammi's relationship, the things they gave up in the past and what is important to them now. Elliot had more of an impact in her plans too, and I liked his take control attitude, it showed me what he would've been like when he was a cop.