Naomi's Reading Palace: January 2016

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 171

Another hectic week outside of blogging. We celebrated Australia Day and had an extra long weekend. So we went to the river to camp and ski all weekend!! It was fun, but it was great to get home. Then I had to prepare the kids for school. They are all at a new school this year and are pretty excited!!

Blogging... well, I'm still pretty far behind. Still haven't managed to visit many blogs, but I promise all things will be back to normal soon!

Saint Nicholas by Jamie Deschain ~ Review & Quote-tastic
Sin & Suffer Pepper Winters ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday
Waiting On Wednesday # 177 – Dare to Run / Assassin's Heart
Night Study by Maria V. Snyder ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

Stripped by Piper Lawson ~ Review & Quote-tastic
Vegas Love by Jillian Dodd ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday
Waiting On Wednesday # 177
Every Time He Leaves by Anna Karington ~ Review & Swoon Thursday
Fighting Solitude by Aly Martinez ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Keen to continue this series!! It was on sale!!
Pucked Up (Pucked, #2)

Pucked Up (Pucked #2)
by Helena Hunting

I was gifted this one through Amazon!
Find Me (Finding Me, #1)

Find Me (Finding Me #1)
by Michelle Mankin

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 171"

Night Study by Maria V. Snyder ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@HqnTeenAus)

If you didn’t know before, I am a fan of Maria V. Snyder’s work. Night Study is the second book in the Soulfinders series, but also the fifth book from the Study series. The Soulfinders series is a new story which you could read without reading the first series.

Title: Night Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Soulfinders #2

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: January 25th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he’s been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander’s mysterious plans, they realise it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Night Study continued immediately after the ending of the first book, with Valek and Yelena together. They were coming to terms with Yelena’s news and recovering after the latest battle with Owen Moon. They are soon travelling back to Ixia, but things aren’t what they appear to be, with the Commander acting strangely and threatening harsh punishments. Their current predicaments are put aside when Valek has to head to the coast to deal with thieves and Yelena needs to return to Sitia, to the Citadel.

But as you can expect, there are many hurdles that the characters have to get past. There are traitors at every turn and they are unsure of whom to trust. Yelena needs to come to terms with her new situation, and Valek has to deal with a few life changing twists. I loved seeing Janco and Ari again and how they continue to be protective of Yelena.

What I loved most was that all my favourite characters made appearances and at one stage were all together and had to work as a team to get out of the predicament they were in. They found new allies, that made my jaw drop, but it was the constant action from beginning to end that kept me immersed in the book.

Maria V. Snyder has a magical way of drawing the reader into the book. I love this world that she has created and every story hooks me! Night Study was a fantastic follow up to Shadow Study, and with the extra perspectives from Valek, Janco and Leif’s, along with Yelena’s, I was able to get a better understanding of what was going on and what they were dealing with. It was a fast paced read that I didn’t want to see the end of… 2017 is a long way away!

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

I just love Valek and Yelena together... this was a beautiful moment between them!

“Till death. I do swear, love.” Valek whispered in my ear.
“Beyond death. My vow to you,” I said.
He drew back to meet my gaze. “So we shall be. Forever united.”
“We shall be,” I agreed.
This time his kiss vibrated to the very core of my soul. Our pledge solidified our connection, creating an unbreakable bond.
“Clothes...off...” I said between kisses.
The speed of our disrobement took what little breath I had away. But then breathing no longer mattered. My senses filled with the intoxicating smell, feel and touch of Valek as he lowered my shoulders to the floor. Nothing in life compared to being linked with him. Together we were one.

Kindle Arc Loc 1578

Hosted by YA Bound

Meteorologist turned novelist, Maria's been writing fantasy and science fiction since she was bored at work and needed something creative to do. A dozen novels and numerous short stories later, Maria's learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her MA degree in Writing from Seton Hill University where she's been happily sharing her knowledge with the current crop of MFA students. She also enjoys creating new worlds where horses and swords rule, 'cause let's face it, they're cool, although she's been known to trap her poor characters in a giant metal cube and let them figure out how to get out. Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Maria V. Snyder
Soulfinders series
Shadow Study #1

Healer series

Touch of Power #1

Scent of Magic #2

Taste of Darkness #3

Waiting On Wednesday # 177 – Dare to Run / Assassin's Heart

OMG!! I am late!! I know, busy week down here, with an extra long weekend for some of us and now organising the kids to go back to school.

I have two reads that I stumbled over on Goodreads that jumped out at me!!

Title: Dare to Run

Author: Jen McLaughlin

Series: The Sons of Steel Row #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: February 2nd 2016

The New York Times bestselling author of the Out of Line Novels takes readers to Boston, where one gang of criminals knows how being bad can be so good...

She knows what he’s like on Boston’s mean streets. Now she’s going to find out if he’s got some heart.

Lucas Donahue is not ashamed of his criminal past, but after a brief stint in prison, he’s ready to go legit and live a normal life. The problem is, no one leaves the gang without permission—even if he is one of the boss’s top men. Plus someone’s placed a hit on him. And then there’s that feisty little bartender who’s going to cause him even more trouble.

Heidi Greene knows to keep her distance from a ladies’ man like Lucas—even if she can’t keep her eyes off him. When he rescues her from an attack in the alley outside her bar, she’s forced to stay by his side for safety. But the longer she spends time with him, the greater her chances are for getting hurt in more ways than one.

Title: Assassin's Heart

Author: Sarah Ahiers

Series: Assassin's Heart #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Expected Publication: February 2nd 2016

In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.

Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.

With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance.

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.

Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday (@PepperWinters)

The conclusion to Cleo and Kill's story has now been released. It was a great ending, and I hope you try this dark romance for yourself!

Title: Sin & Suffer

Author: Pepper Winters

Series: Pure Corruption MC #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: January 26th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

"Some say the past is in the past. That vengeance will hurt both innocent and guilty. I never believed those lies. Once my lust for revenge is sated, I'll say goodbye to hatred. I'll find a new beginning."

SIN & SUFFER

She came from a past Arthur "Kill" Killian never forgot. She made him sin and made him suffer. She tugged him from the shadows and showed him he wasn't as dead as he thought. And with her resurrection came betrayal, deceit, and war.

But then they took her. Stole her. Imprisoned her.

Now Kill's carefully laid plans for vengeance are complete. He craves action, retribution-the blood of his enemies. War has begun. War is all they'll know until they've paid their penance. He will get her back-and rewrite their destiny . . .

I read Ruin & Rule back in June and have been dying to read Sin & Suffer to continue the story after the cliffhanger in the first book. I think it’s necessary to read the first book before jumping into this one because so much happens in the first book that sets up events that occur in the second book.

Sin & Suffer begins with Cleo and Kill in situations out of their control. Cleo is determined to be strong and not allow her past and those old fears get to her. She is stronger now that Kill has come back into her life again. Kill will not allow Cleo to leave her again and does everything he can to get her back by his side. He has plans that have taken years to set right and is determined to see them through.

There were a few tough moments while reading this book. I hoped for a big showdown when Kill and Cleo had to face Rubix and the Dagger Rose MC. While it was fast and made a big impact on my heart, it didn’t go down like I hoped. I wanted them all to get the revenge and closure they all needed, but I could see why it was done the way it was. The series story arc was what it was all about… the end game which they were all aiming for. I liked how it all played out and what they it meant for everyone involved.

I think that Pepper Winters did a great job delivering Cleo and Kill’s story. They are a fierce couple and have lived the horrors and survived. They have strong hearts and can forgive when others wouldn’t. They worked hard to get their lives on track and were devoted to one another. I didn’t like how Kill kept so much from Cleo, but he was afraid and wanted to protect Cleo because he failed her once before. Sin & Suffer was a fitting ending to the duology, and I hope there are more stories from this world in the future, because there are a few characters that I’d like to see get their very own HEA!

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

I loved this kiss... a little dominating, but the sexual tension between them was intense!

“Come here.”
She obeyed.
We met in the middle of the carpet. We stared but didn’t touch.
We breathed but didn’t speak. The tension sprung tighter until the hairs on the back of my neck stood up with need.
We were so close, but still so far apart.
“Goddammit, come closer.” I grabbed her around the nape and smashed my lips to hers. The moment I touched her, the world incinerated.

Kindle Arc Loc 6716

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

Pepper Winters is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller. She loves romance, star-crossed lovers, and the forbidden taboo. She strives to write a story that makes the reader crave what they shouldn’t, and delivers tales with complex plots and unforgettable characters.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. She’s also honoured to wear the IndieReader Badge for being a Top 10 Indie Bestseller.

After releasing two books with Grand Central, Hachette (Ruin & Rule and Sin & Suffer) Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work.

Represented by Trident Media, her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2016.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook Group / Newsetter

Other reviews featuring Pepper Winters

Pure Corruption MC series
Ruin & Rule #1

Saint Nicholas by Jamie Deschain ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@jamiedeschain)

This was a spontaneous buy, the debut novel by Jamie Deschain. There were a few twists, high's and low's, but overall a good read!

Title: Saint Nicholas

Author: Jamie Deschain

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 15th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

"Our love may have been forbidden, but that didn't stop me from giving him my heart."

When I was born I met the man who would destroy my life.
When I was sixteen I met the boy who would help me put it all back together.

Nicholas Rossi was the best thing that ever happened to me. He protected me, loved me, and in the face of all my life had become at home, he gave me hope that maybe someday hell would turn to heaven and everything would be okay.

Then one day he was gone, sending my life into a tailspin I never thought I'd be able to pull out of.

Now, seven years later he's returned, and he's definitely no longer a boy.

The kid everyone used to refer to as Saint Nicholas is all grown up, and only one thing stands in the way of us being together again...

Me.

I picked up Saint Nicholas when it was on sale during the month of its release. I must admit, the cover drew me in and I thought it sounded ok in the description, so I 1-clicked it! The story was pretty fast paced and was a bit of a difficult adventure. It touches on some difficult issues like abuse and drug use and how it can tear families and relationships apart.

The story was told in four parts, and I was able to get the perspectives of both Nicolas and Sarah. I liked seeing each of them, understanding their feelings and the issues they were going through.

Part 1

I enjoyed meeting Sarah and Nicholas, I could see that they had a connection from the beginning and I liked how ruthless Nicholas was to be part of Sarah life. My heart broke for Sarah as I learnt her story. It was difficult for her to have a normal life, she was always scared. A lot of the story was told to me, so I didn’t get to see the interaction between the characters and I was unable to connect with them fully.

Part 2

My heart shattered! I didn't think that! What the hell is going to happen now? It was such a huge jump in time too... and only lasted a chapter.

Part 3

Another huge jump in time. It began ok, but I was like WTF! What mother does that and for that long! It obviously didn't help, just made things harder. I liked seeing the relationship develop slowly, even though there were a few hurdles. Both of their lives have changed drastically. Sarah and Nicolas had a lot to face and I was happy to see them to do so together.

Part 4

This final part made me happy! I was so glad that they were able to find true happiness!

Overall, Saint Nicholas was a good read. There were a few moments in the read that I couldn’t wrap my head around, and that is why it dropped in rating. This was Jamie Deschain’s debut novel, and I think this was a solid start to her writing. I’d be interested to see what she will publish next.

Sigh... This was a long time in the making!

“I—I don’t know what to say,” I blubbered.

He looked back over his shoulder at me. “Just say we won’t wait any longer.”

“Any longer for what?”

He spun and took my face, staring straight into my eyes. I gasped at his warm hands on my skin as my own flesh tingled with nervous anticipation. I knew what was coming, and I didn’t want to stop him.

I didn’t want to wait any longer, either.

His lips crashed into mine. A soft moan escaped my throat and I instinctively placed my hands on his bare shoulders before sliding one back around and cupping it at the nape of Nicholas’ neck, feeling every goosebump on him.

Kindle Loc 1867

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Jamie Deschain lives in Pennsylvania. When not writing, Jamie can be found reading, shopping, and playing Magic: The Gathering.

Find Jamie online at www.jamiedeschain.com

To stay up to date on all the latest news and info, and get a little something special delivered straight to your inbox, join Jamie's mailing list at www.eepurl.com/bzAREX

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 170

Hi all! I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. I have scheduled a few posts, but I am still really far behind! It was good that I scheduled heaps before the break, but I now have to build up again. I am really behind on following up comments, but I hope that once the kids are back to school I will have my routine up and going again.

No purchases this week... but a couple of paperbacks that I forgot to add to my holiday haul!! Have a fab week everyone!

Billionaire With a Twist: Part One by Lila Monroe ~ Review & Quote-tastic
The Baller by Vi Keeland ~ Excerpt & Giveaway
Waiting On Wednesday # 176 – Pucked Over / Starflight
The Mother Road by Meghan Quinn ~ Review, Giveaway & Swoon Thursday

Saint Nicholas by Jamie Deschain ~ Review & Quote-tastic
Sin & Suffer Pepper Winters ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday
Waiting On Wednesday # 177
Night Study by Maria V. Snyder ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

I ordered this through Lili St. Germain... I love it to death!!

Gypsy Brothers: The Complete Series (Gypsy Brothers #1-7)
by Lili St. Germain

And whilst shopping, I had to pick this one up too!!

Kingpin (Cartel #2)
by Lili St. Germain

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 170"

The Mother Road by Meghan Quinn ~ Review, Giveaway & Swoon Thursday (@AuthorMegQuinn, @wordsmithpublic)

Meghan Quinn has delivered a masterpiece with the romantic comedy The Mother Road. I laughed out loud a lot while reading this book, you must grab it for yourself, this road trip was hilarious!

Title: The Mother Road

Author: Meghan Quinn

Genre: NA Romantic Comedy

Published: January 12th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Never in a million years would I have pictured myself as an axe-wielding, dragon lady, chopping up multi-colored flannel shirts into my very own plaid mulch. But here I am, chopping away my frustrations.

It all started when my brother, Paul, convinced me to go on one last family road trip across the Mother Road with him and my dad.. Just like old times, right? Wrong. What Paul fails to mention is his best man, Porter, will be joining us, who just so happens to be my childhood crush and the man who broke my heart four years ago.

What is supposed to be a fun, family bonding experience across Route 66 turns into a war of pranks, awkward moments and bathrooms full of dirty flannel shirts and day old beard clippings. Paul’s know-it-all attitude and Porter’s devilish charm brings me to the brink of my sanity on my seven day trek across the United States with three bearded men in a small 1980’s RV.

First off, I’m just going to come out and say it… I loved this book! It had a great story line, characters that I clicked with and it was a hilarious read! Some of the situations that Marley got herself into or created were laugh-out-loud funny! I highlighted so many lines in this book; there were great one liners, funny situations and plenty of swoon moments.

Secondly, I loved the reason why Marley, Paul and their father Bernie decided to go on the trip; it was the trip that their mother planned out before she died, and Paul decided it was time to do it before he got married. It was great to see them together again despite the way Marley and Paul bicker. But when they pick up an unexpected guest, Porter – Paul’s best friend, Marley’s trip becomes interesting. Not only was he her childhood crush, but the guy who broke her heart before she went to college.

Thirdly, I loved the easy relationship Marley had with her father Bernie and brother Paul. They know each other so well and push each other’s buttons, but you can see they love each other deeply. Then there is Porter, he has been there since they were children and still lives and works on Bernie’s goat farm. The guys are all close, but I could see that both Marley and Porter still have feelings for one another, but they are both hesitant to act on those feelings.

And finally, I loved the storyline. I enjoyed experiencing the trip with them, seeing Marley work on her blog, finding out what Porter has been doing in his spare time. Paul is such a girlie guy and would crack me up with his feminine ways!! But throughout everything, they are a family, despite the distance between them.

To wrap it up, I want to encourage you to read this story! Meghan Quinn did a remarkable job at piecing this story together and she hooked me in from the Prologue. The characters aren’t perfect, they make mistakes but you can see the close connection that they have that they support each other through everything. They were entertaining to read about and Meghan has a way of making you fall in love with each and every one of them!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet moment between Marley and Porter when he got a

My eyes meet his and sincerity runs through him. The ache in my chest is heavy and the urge to wrap myself around him is overwhelming, but I don’t show it, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Rather, I hold the key chain to my heart and say, “Thank you, Porter. This means a lot to me.”
He shrugs and gets up from the dining table. “Hey, anything for my Marbles.”
If ovaries could burst, mine just did. Right there on the spot. The combination of his rugged smile, that small dimple that peeks just past his beard, those almost black eyes smiling back at me, and his nickname for me all do me in. I want to lick the ground he walks on, and I would have no shame in doing so.

Kindle Arc Loc 1760

Hosted by YA Bound

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Connect with the Author:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Amazon Author Page / B&N Page

YouTube Page / TSU

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