Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 139

I started off the week ok, but the sniffles and sore throat has set in by the end of the week. I’m feeling a little run down, but doing ok. On Thursday I filled in to coach my daughters netball side… that was a new experience for me and I will be coaching our netball side on the weekend as our coach is away, so a bit more pressure on my shoulders to win!

Blogging wise, everything has been running a bit smoother, I am up to date on posts and reading as usual.

Jet by Jay Crownover ~ Review & Quote-tastic

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday

Waiting On Wednesday # 142 ~ Kingpin & Trailer Park Fae

Thoughtful by S.C. Stephens ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

Catch and Release by Ella Fox ~ Blog Tour

Rome by Jay Crownover ~ Review & Quote-tastic

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday

Waiting On Wednesday # 143

Forever A Jett Girl by Meghan Quinn ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

Beyond the Cut by Sarah Castille ~ Blitz

Rumor Has It (Limelight #1)

by Elisabeth Grace

Playing with Trouble (Capital Confessions, #2)

The Veil (Devil's Isle #1)

by Chloe Neill

Playing with Trouble (Capital Confessions #2)

by Chanel Cleeton

Something I picked up for just $4!!

Up in Flames

by Nicole Williams

Naomi’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.

read more "Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 139"

Catch and Release by Ella Fox ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

This is one series I want to get in to... and why not do so while it's just 99c during the release week!

Title: Catch and Release

Author: Ella Fox

Series: Catch #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: May 25th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon

Love endures all things.

Darby McKenzie’s heart started beating funny the day that she met Trace Chamberlain. She was four, he was five, and that meeting altered the course of both their lives forever.

Trace was born into a nightmare. Before meeting Darby and her family, the only love he ever knew was that of his twin brother. The two of them endured years of abuse that left scars. The permanent kind.

For Trace, meeting Darby was like catching a rainbow. She exploded into his life in a pop of Technicolor that awakened his senses. She wasn’t just his best friend—she was his life. His touchstone, his safety, his heart—she was everything.

Darby had been through it all with Trace and her love for him never wavered for a second. But no amount of love could make Trace believe that he was worthy of her. Knowing that she deserved better, Trace pushed her away, when what he really wanted was to pull her closer. Emotionally destroyed and bitter from the back and forth, Darby finally let go and decided to move on.

Sometimes hitting rock bottom is the only way to understand that you need to change. Realizing that losing Darby means losing everything, Trace knew it was time to man up and fight for the girl he loved.

Is it too late for Darby and Trace to have a happily ever after?

**Content Warning: This isn't a book about an Alpha male. In fact, the Hero in this story isn't Trace, it's Darby. If the idea of the female being the strong one bothers you, this isn't your kind of book.**

You’re playing dirty,” he said huskily.

“Who, me?” I scoffed. “Never. What makes you say that?”

He rubbed his hand along the back of his neck as he stared at me, his eyes taking in every inch of my face.

“I don’t know, Darby. Maybe it’s the fact that you’re naked except for a pair of high heels? I don’t stand a chance.”

“Oh!” I answered with a laugh as I gestured down at my body. “This old thing? This isn’t me playing dirty,” I assured him.

“You don’t think so?”

“No,” I assured him. “But this is.”

I dropped to my knees without warning, and I smiled as I came face to face with the fact that he had a very visible hard-on.

“This is crazy,” he groaned as I ran my hand over his erection.

“Something like that,” I agreed.

I worked fast to get his tuxedo pants open, quickly pulling them down along with his boxers so that I could grip him. Gripping his erection, I looked up at him and wiggled my brows suggestively.

“Did you still want to sleep on the couch?”

The pained look that flashed across his face was priceless, and I choked out a laugh as his eyebrows shot up toward his hairline.

“I should go sleep on the couch,” he answered huskily. “But I can’t.”

Ella Fox writes like a woman possessed whenever she gets the chance! She is the author of The Hart Family Series, The Renegade Saints Series and The Catch Series.

When she’s not writing, Ella indulges the gypsy in her blood and travels the country. Ella loves reading, movies, music, buying make-up, reading Tmz, Twitter and pedicures… not necessarily in that order. She has a wild sense of humor and loves to laugh. Her favorite thing in the world is hanging out with her family and watching comedy movies.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Email | Website

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Thoughtful by S.C. Stephens ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

I just had to get Thoughtful to read Kellan's perspective on meeting Kiera and seeing the way she tore his heart apart. I enjoyed this one more and today's swoon shows the heartache Kellan was going through... sigh!

Title: Thoughtful

Author: S.C. Stephens

Series: Thoughtless #1.5

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: February 24th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

A new novel in the Thoughtless series from #1 New York Times bestselling author S. C. Stephens!

Every story has two sides, and in this new book, the epic love story between Kiera and Kellan is shown through his eyes.

All Kellan Kyle needs is his guitar, and some clean sheets of paper. Growing up in a house that was far from a home, he learned a hard lesson: You're worthless. Now his life is comfortably filled with passionate music, loyal band mates, and fast women... until he meets her.

Kiera makes him ache for more. Makes him feel for the first time that he's worth more. But there's one problem— she's his best friend's girl.

Just when Kellan thought his emotional defenses were rock solid, Kiera's indecisive heart wreaks havoc on his soul, changing him forever. Losing Kiera is not an option.

I read Thoughtless not long ago, and before continuing with the series, I was told to read Thoughtful because it was told from Kellan’s point of view. I am glad that I did because a lot of the details were still fresh in my mind and I was able to follow the same situations with ease. This book made me love Kellan that much more as I saw the depth of his pain and struggles with Keira.

Kellan had a difficult childhood and used women to feel wanted. His parents treated him badly and he was looking to other people to fill that void. When Keira and Denny come to live with him in Seattle he realised that he wanted that kind of easy relationship too, but knew he couldn’t step over the line with his best friend’s girl.

Kellan and Keira’s relationship started as friends, but changed after Denny went away for work. Keira was becoming depressed and Kellan pulled her out of it, but their connection became stronger and harder to ignore. Every touch, every caress and every kiss made it harder for Kellan to give her up and when things escalate to the next level he realises how deep his feelings are for her. But Keira… argh! She continued to break his heart and I think it was worse from his point of view! I knew it was going to happen, but seeing what he did to move past it was heartbreaking. She was so frustrating for both Kellan and me and I wanted to yell at her to wake up to herself!!

I enjoyed Thoughtful more than the first book because I was able to feel the emotion and struggles that Kellan had to deal with. He tried so hard to give Keira up, but she continued to hold onto him. His friendship with Denny was important to Kellan as they went through some tough times in the year they were together, but he couldn’t stop his feelings toward Keira from growing. The time and emotion he put into his music was beautiful too, I could see how much his relationship with Keira was torturing him. If you are a fan of this series, you will want to read this book!!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I emotionally released everything built up inside of me, from the pain of not having Kiera’s love to the pain of never having my parents’. I cried for hurting Kiera. I cried for betraying Denny. I cried for my nonexistent childhood. I even cried for the mountain of meaningless encounters I’d had over my lifetime, because meaningless encounters were probably all I would ever have now.
Kiera didn’t run away from my breakdown. She held me, cradled me, rubbed my back, even pulled a blanket over my shivering body and used her heat to warm me. I’d never felt so much love and comfort from another human being. Ever.

Kindle Arc Loc 5202

Hosted by YA Bound

S.C. Stephens is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

Other reviews featuring S.C. Stephens
Thoughtless series
Thoughtless #1

Waiting On Wednesday # 142 – Kingpin & Trailer Park Fae

I am so eager to get my hands on Kingpin!! And Lilith Saintcrows new one with an interesting title... YES PLEASE!

Title: Kingpin

Author: Lili St. Germain

Series: Cartel #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: June 1st 2015

The second scorching novel in the Cartel trilogy from the smash hit author Lili St. Germain.

Mariana and Dornan struggle to define their twisted relationship amid the wreckage of their warring families. With their forbidden love built on a foundation of lies, it's only a matter of time before everything they've built comes crashing down around them.

Trailer Park Fae (Gallow and Ragged, #1)

Title: Trailer Park Fae

Author: Lilith Saintcrow

Series: Gallow and Ragged #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Expected Publication: June 23rd 2015

New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow returns to dark fantasy with a new series where the fairy world inhabits diners, dive bars and trailer parks.

Jeremy Gallow is just another construction worker, and that's the way he likes it. He's left his past behind, but some things cannot be erased. Like the tattoos on his arms that transform into a weapon, or that he was once closer to the Queen of Summer than any half-human should be. Now the half-sidhe all in Summer once feared is dragged back into the world of enchantment, danger, and fickle fae—by a woman who looks uncannily like his dead wife. Her name is Robin, and her secrets are more than enough to get them both killed. A plague has come, the fullborn-fae are dying, and the dark answer to Summer's Court is breaking loose.

Be afraid, for Unwinter is riding...

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight upcoming releases that I’m eagerly anticipating.

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry ~ Review, Giveaway & Teaser Tuesday

Nowhere But Here is being released today!! I loved being in this world and meeting the complex characters that Katie McGarry has created. I am excited for you all to meet Oz and Emily!

Title: Nowhere But Here

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: Thunder Road #1

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Published: May 26th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N| Kobo

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Nowhere But Here is not like any bikie book that I have read before. It was still quite intense with elements of danger, but it showed what it’s like for kids that have grown up or are related to this world. My emotions were all over the place, I laughed at times and certain moments brought tears to my eyes and my heart actually shattered as well. It was a fabulous first book in the Thunder Road series.

Emily was quite reserved in the beginning, but considering how sheltered she has been, it was totally understandable. Her parents and Eli have kept so much from her and she finds it difficult to adjust to this complicated world. She grew throughout the story, slowly learning more about her history, and standing up for herself when needed.

Emily and Oz begin this story loathing each other with a passion! Oz knew some of Emily’s secrets and couldn't wait to see her leave. But the more time they spent together, that dislike grew into a gradual friendship, with a heap of sexual tension! Oz’s character changed throughout the story too, he began as an angry boy, but definitely was a man by the end. I saw a soft side to Oz that I wasn't expecting and my whole perspective of him, the club and its people changed.

There were so many great secondary characters introduced, most of them are club people. Olivia, Emily's grandmother played a major role; she changed everyone's lives in one way or another. Eli sacrificed so much for those he loved; my heart broke for him because he wanted to be part of his daughter’s life so badly, and was willing to lay his feelings out there. Chevy and Violet have history, and I have an inkling of what happened and I am keen to read their story to find out for sure! And then there’s Emily’s adopted father Jeff, he was definitely her rock and safe person to fall back on.

I absolutely loved this story. I was learning everything right along with Emily and witnessed the passion and loyalty that the club have for those they consider family. My heart soured and was shattered with each secret and/or twist that was introduced. I think that Katie McGarry has done a remarkable job at introducing us to this new world; I loved the characters, the chemistry and the threats that were wrapped up in this brilliant and well written read. I want the next book NOW!!

Complimentary copy provided by Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review.

“And if we’re swapping compliments, you’re fucking gorgeous.”
Heat flashes on my cheeks and I immediately look down.
“Don’t do that,” says Oz.
“Do what?”
Strong fingers underneath my chin and I swear it’s harder to breathe. Oz lifts my head so that we’re staring at each other again. “Don’t deny a true compliment by looking away. You’re braver than that.”
I bite my bottom lip and Oz swipes his thumb over my mouth, causing me to let it go. His thumb stays at the corner of my mouth and I swear he must feel my pulse pounding in my veins.

Kindle Arc Loc 3011

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads
Pinterest / Tumblr / Instagram

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Other reviews featuring Katie McGarry
Pushing the Limits Series
Pushing the Limits #1
Dare You To #2
Crash Into You #3
Take Me On #4

Jet by Jay Crownover ~ Review & Quote-tastic

When Asa was released, I decided to binge read the Marked Men books that I have missed... I had only read Rule, so I had four others to read. Over the next few weeks, I will bring you my reviews of the rest of the books in the series!

Title: Jet

Author: Jay Crownover

Series: Marked Men #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: May 28th 2013

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.

Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.

Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

It has been almost a year since I read Rule, the first book in the Marked Men series. Now that the series has been concluded with the sixth and final book, I decided it was about time that I finished it up. So I binge read the last five books, back-to-back. Jet had everything that I love from this world tied with an interesting plot and all the aspects I love from a good New Adult read.

Ayden had a difficult past and she has tried so hard to become a better person because of it. She doesn’t want to fall back into her old habits, so she was very hesitant about acting on her feelings. But as her past catches up with her, she was quick to distance herself to keep those she loves safe. Jet had a difficult childhood too, and didn't know that he could have a better relationship than the one that his parents had. He loves his work, especially the recording side of things, and is determined to have a better life than what he had as a child.

These two are so perfect for one another, but they try everything to keep the distance between them. They had a moment in Rule, and since then have not acted on it. It was amusing though to find out that they are now living together! Ayden and Cora would make fun of each and every conquest that Jet brought home and I was cracking up at that! No matter what they would do though, I could see the sexual tension building between Ayden and Jet.

Ayden's brother Asa is a pivotal character in this book as his actions are the ones that cause the drama between Ayden and Jet. He’s a shady character, and only thinks of how he can benefit from the things he does. I really didn't like him at all, as he is so self-centred and can't see the effect he is having on someone he loves.

I liked watching the relationship develop between Ayden and Jet. They struggled with their demons and really didn't want anyone to help with their problems. Their friends are great as they offer support and advice, even if they don't want it, but it in turn helps to set them on the right path. After the epilogue though, I am keen to get onto Rome’s book to see how things go for him!

“I wanna have sex, Ayd. Lots and lots of sex . . . with you and only you. Does it have to be more than that right now? After last night how can you deny that you want it, too?” I shook my head a little and let out a slow exhale. I was going to ask him what had changed, since all the complications he seemed stuck on when we first met still existed, but he went on and rendered me silent. “I’m not saying it couldn’t eventually lead to more, but right now I feel pretty broken and I’m not really sure there are enough pieces lying around to put me back together.”

Kindle Pg 103

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Being native Coloradan is a source of pride if you ask Jay. She loves all the things her home has to offer, and that is why she set her books in this familiar place. Writing about what she knows is why her stories feature plenty of rock and roll and body modification.

Jay has been a bartender since she was in college, spending over forty hours a week watching interactions between men and women. This 9 to 5 job offered great insights into relationships - how they start and how they evolve in a social setting.

This cutting-edge author likes to write New Adult novels because she remembers being in her early twenties and thinking she had it all figured out, only to be proven wrong time and time again. When she looks back, she see's that those years defined who she is today, and, good or bad, those decisions ultimately set her current path.

Other reviews featuring Jay Crownover

Marked Men series

Rule #1

Asa #6