Naomi's Reading Palace: April 2016

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 181 – Struggling!

I have really struggled this week... I haven't been able to get back into the swing of things at all. We did have a public holiday on Monday, and a few things on over the weekend, so it could be just that. I will try harder to catch up next week. I will come visiting, I promise! I might even schedule some posts, right now I have done until the end of next week... way behind for me!

I have jumped back into Netball season too. Being in a higher grade I am finding it hard to get my groove, but hopefully that'll happen soon. It is hard to fit into a new team with people you haven't played with before... So far we've won 3, lost 1.

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy ~ Review & Quote-tastic
The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday
Waiting On Wednesday #190 – Mister Org@sm / Ruined
Beat by Amity Cross ~ Review & Swoon Thursday
The Randy Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn ~ Spotlight & Teasers

Viktor by Clarissa Wild ~ Review & Quote-tastic
Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder ~ Audiobook Review & Teaser Tuesday
Waiting On Wednesday #191
Pulse by Amity Cross ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

I received this one a couple of weeks back for a tour, but forgot to send it to my Kindle App!

The Bad Boy's Baby by Cindi Madsen

And something that I have been dying for! Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing!!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

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.

The Randy Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn ~ Spotlight & Teasers (@authormegquinn, @wordsmithpublic)

The Randy Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn was released April 16th and today I'm sharing a couple of quirky teasers from the book. The first book was so much fun and I'm sure this follow up read will be too!

Title: The Randy Romance Novelist

Author: Meghan Quinn

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Published: April 12th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

It finally happened, I lost my virginity. Cue applause and cheers.

For a while life was all rainbows and kittens prancing in a sky full of cotton candy clouds…that was until the demands of the real world set in.

My best friend is getting married and she asked me to be her maid of honor. She’s not worried about flowers, or the dress, or the food at the venue. No, she’s worried about the bachelorette party, what kind of penis crown she will wear, and the nipple size of the stripper who will be attending.

I’m in way over my head trying to balance life with a boyfriend, planning a penis party, and writing my romance novel. Something is bound to give.

This is my life after my happily ever after…

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

Newsletter Link

Other reviews featuring Meghan Quinn

Bourbon series

Becoming a Jett Girl #1
Being a Jett Girl #2
Forever a Jett Girl #3

Repentance: The Story of Kace Haywood

The Virgin Romance Novelist

Newly Exposed
The Mother Road

Beat by Amity Cross ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@amitycross)

I have finally picked up an Amity Cross book... and have found a new author that I love! I love the characters that's she's created and I'm excited to continue the journey!

Title: Beat

Author: Amity Cross

Series: The Beat and the Pulse #1

Genre: Sports Contemporary Romance

Published: October 6th 2014

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Renee "Ren" Miller was five when her Dad left to go to the shops and never came back.
Left to grow up with a cancer riddled mother, things have never been easy for a teenager who had to be wise beyond her years. Then one day they lose the battle and she's all alone.
Now twenty-two, Ren reluctantly goes to find her estranged father. He owns the down and out boxing studio Beat, and Ren finds herself drawn to the ring. She thrives on learning a new way of fighting a life that kept kicking her down...instead of struggling against the current, she kicks it right between the legs.
Then one day Ash Fuller, her Dad's star fighter comes back to town. Mysterious, handsome... Dangerous... Everything Ren doesn't need.
But he's got other ideas...
...and so does she.

I picked up Beat when it was on sale recently, and I am so glad that I did! It’s been a while since I’ve read a fighter book and Beat got me out of a bit of a lull that I was going through. It was a fast paced read that I devoured quickly as I fell head first into the MMA world and the developing relationship between Ren and Ash.

Ren finds herself at Beat, a boxing studio that her father owns, because her mother’s final wish was for her to track him down. My heart broke for her knowing what she went through and she was treated rather poorly by her father. She did manage to make some friends, the meathead twins in the gym, as well as Josie and the local coffee guy Seth. When an intruder enters the gym after hours, and Ren tries to take him out with a cricket bat, she finally comes face to face with Ash; the former star fighter that used to frequent the gym. Ren and Ash bicker constantly, and appear to dislike one another, but the sexual tension was heavy between them.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Beat! Ren was at a low point in her life and was able to find a purpose again by training and learning to fight. I loved that she was so passionate about it that she would practice after everyone had left. Ash started to come back after hours too and gave her tips, but he was drawn to her more than he led on.

The relationship between Ren and Ash was strained in the beginning; Ash was trying to deny his feelings and kept pushing Ren away, but they couldn’t stay apart forever. Ash liked to be in control and was very possessive of Ren, he didn’t want to let her into his world and he would destroy anyone who threatened to hurt her. When these two got together, it was scorching hawt! All their pent up sexual frustration exploded all over the pages and I couldn’t get enough! Ren was also able to calm the beast and anger that Ash has running through him, unlike anyone else.

This is the first book that I have read by Amity Cross, and I loved the way she sucked me into her world! Beat was actually set in Melbourne, Australia and I have been to some of the areas mentioned and I felt a connection to the story that way. She created characters that are flawed but are passionate about fighting and one another. The ending was a killer though… I need to get the next book to continue the story!

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point. So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***

I loved this moment between Ash and Ren... It proved that he wanted her for good!!

“A man should protect his woman from getting hurt.”
My whole body began to tingle. “I’m your woman ?”
“Of course you fuckin’ are, Ren. I thought I made myself clear that once I got a taste, I wasn’t letting you go. I can’t.”

Kindle Page 240
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Amity Cross isn't her real name. That's no secret.
She is the author of wicked stories about rock stars looking for redemption, gritty romances featuring MMA fighters and dark tales of forbidden romance. She loves to write about screwed up relationships and kick ass female leads that don't take s**t lying down.
Amity lives in a leafy country town in southern Australia and can be found chained to her desk, held at ransom by her characters.
Don't send help. She likes it.

Website / Facebook / Twitter
Goodreads / Instagram

Waiting On Wednesday # 190 – Mister Org@sm / Ruined

Honestly, that cover and title sold me on Mister Org@sm... look at it, you know you want it too! I am also lining the sound of Ruined, by new to me author Amy Tintera, I don't have enough fantasy reads in my life right now... :(

Title: Mister Org@sm

Author: Lauren Blakely

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: May 4th 2016

Just call me Mister Orgasm. No, really, I insist. Orgasms are my specialty. Delivering them, administering them, giving them in multiples. Then doing it again for an encore. I'm like the superhero of pleasure, and my mission is to dole out countless toe-curling, mind-blowing climaxes.

But, hey, I'm not just a man with only one superpower. Step right up, and you'll also find a hot exterior, a razor-sharp wit, and a heart of gold. And I don't take a damn thing for granted. Back in the day, I was the quiet guy bent over his notebook drawing cartoons. Now I'm creator of the hottest animated TV show in the world --The Adventures of Mister Orgasm -- and I'm living the good life as the once-upon-a-time-geek-turned-stud. That means I always put the lady first, and her satisfaction is guaranteed.

Then I'm thrown for a loop when a certain woman asks me to teach her everything about how to win a man. Sounds like my kind of mission. The only problem? She's my best friend's sister, but she's far too tempting to resist--especially when I learn that sweet, sexy, witty Harper has a dirty mind too. What could possibly go wrong as I give her some no-strings-attached lessons in seduction?

No one will know, even if we send a few dirty sexts. Okay, a few hundred. Or if the zipper on her dress gets stuck. Not on that! Or if she gives me those sex eyes on the train in front of her whole family.

The trouble is the more nights I spend with her in bed, the more days I want to spend with her out of bed. And for the first time ever, I'm not only thinking about how to make a woman cry out in pleasure --I'm thinking about how to keep her in my arms for a long time to come.

Looks like the real Adventures of Mister Orgasm have only just begun....

**MISTER ORG@SM is a standalone romantic comedy and it follows supporting characters first introduced in BIG ROCK**

Title: Ruined

Author: Amy Tintera

Series: Ruined #1

Genre: High Fantasy

Expected Publication: May 3rd 2016

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war; her parents were killed and her sister was kidnapped. Even though Em is only a useless Ruined - completely lacking any magic - she is determined to get revenge.

Her plan is simple: She will infiltrate the enemy's kingdom, posing as the crown prince's betrothed. She will lead an ambush. She will kill the king and everyone he holds dear, including his son.

The closer Em gets to the prince, though, the more she questions her mission. Her rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life - and her family - on the line, love could be Em's deadliest mistake.

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.

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday (@RichelleMead, @PenguinTeenAus)

Penguin Teen Australia sent me this little beauty while I was away, so it was the first book that I devoured on my return! It was a good read and I look forward to more stories from this world!

The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, #1)

Title: The Glittering Court

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: The Glittering Court #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: April 12th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Penguin Books Aus

A dazzling new fantasy series set in a mix of Elizabethan and frontier worlds that’s dripping with romance from Richelle Mead, #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy.

Big and sweeping, spanning the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies capable of arranging powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together, they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first, as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and later, when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands. . .

I jumped into The Glittering Court without reading any reviews and only reading the description on the book. I’ve enjoyed Mead’s work in the past so I was excited to see this new world that she created. It turned out to be a good fantasy read, where Lady Elizabeth Witmore, Countess of Rothford, takes her future into her own hands by masquerading as Adelaide. She’s trained at the Glittering Court and will become a well presented woman who can pick her own husband, as long as he has the money to pay for her training.

I really enjoyed the concept behind this story; seeing what the girls go through and to see all the girls being transformed into beautiful ladies. It was amusing to see Adelaide stumble through some tasks though, as she had always had servants doing things for her. But she grew throughout the story and built some true friendships, which she hadn’t had before.

Adelaide and Cedric’s relationship built gradually. They began as just acquaintances, Adelaide hiding behind a false name and Cedric wanting to prove to his father that he could go into the family business. When Cedric’s secret was revealed, they worked closer together, trying to get the funds to help him, but they became closer in the process.

This was an entertaining journey, with a few twists to make things difficult for Cedric and Adelaide; however I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. The pace of the story was good, the characters were well developed and I loved journeying over the land and sea, but it lacked a bit of punch that I expect from Mead’s books. I’m usually on edge, waiting for something to happen, where this book kind of coasted along. I will continue the series though, as I am excited to see what happens next for Adelaide’s friends Tasmin and Mira.

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

Hehehe... this was a sweet moment between Adelaide and Cedric!

“I should probably get going,” I said lightly. “I have things to do.”
“I could give you a few suggestions.”
“Important frontier things to do,” I amended. I trailed my ﬁngers along the side of his neck. “Sorry if I led you on.”
“You are not. You’ve been leading me on since the day I met you, and I’ve been dutifully following. One day . . . one day I’ll catch you. And then . . .”
His mouth found mine, and I wrapped myself against him.

Paperback Page 262

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

Richelle Mead is the author of the international bestselling Vampire Academy series, its spin-off series, Bloodlines, and the Age of X series. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, travelling, trying interesting cocktails and shopping for dresses to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pyjamas, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Other reviews by Richelle Mead

Soundless
Bloodlines Series

Bloodlines #1

The Golden Lily #2

The Indigo Spell #3

The Fiery Heart #4

Silver Shadows #5

The Ruby Circle #6
Age of X series

Gameboard of the Gods #1

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@MsMonicaMurphy)

It has been a long time, but I have finally picked up One Week Girlfriend. This series has been on my radar for a long time, and I've finally taken the plunge!

Title: One Week Girlfriend

Author: Monica Murphy

Series: One Week Girlfriend #1, Drew + Fable #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: August 27th 2013

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Temporary. That's the word I'd use to describe my life right now. I'm temporarily working double shifts - at least until I can break free. I'm temporarily raising my little brother - since apparently our actual mother doesn't give a crap about either of us. And I always end up as nothing but the temporary girlfriend - the flavour of the week for every guy who's heard the rumour that I give it up so easily.

At least Drew Callahan, college football legend and local golden boy, is upfront about it. He needs someone to play the part of his girlfriend for one week. In exchange for cash. As if that's not weird enough, ever since he brought me into his world, nothing really makes sense. Everyone hates me. Everyone wants something from him. And yet the only thing Drew seems to want is...me.

I don't know what to believe anymore. Drew is sweet, sexy, and hiding way more secrets than I am. All I know is, I want to be there for him - permanently.

The Drew + Fable series has been on my TBR pile for what feels like, forever! I finally took the plunge and purchased One Week Girlfriend when it was on sale and now I know what I was missing out on, and you know what… I am kicking myself! It was a heartbreaking read, but I loved seeing Drew and Fable grow closer and help each other through a difficult time, especially for Drew.

Drew was the one who approached Fable about accompanying him home for Thanksgiving. I could see that he was using Fable as a buffer between himself and his parents, but Fable didn’t mind because other than her payment, she was getting closer to Drew and was finally able to open up to someone herself. The attraction between Drew and Fable was there early on, their relationship grew gradually and quickly become intense.

Drew’s Father and Stepmother were interesting people. Drew painted his father as an arrogant guy, but I really think he does have Drew’s best interests at heart. His stepmother Adele, rubbed me the wrong way from the start… she is not a nice person at all!

Early on in the book I worked out part of what Drew’s secret was, and with little clues I knew what the whole story was before Drew and Fable did. It really saddened me to see what Drew had to endure and I just wanted to reach in there and hug him!

Monica Murphy is an author that I have become to enjoy. I have read her The Rules series and the first book in her Never Tear Us Apart series, and I continue to enjoy the way I get swept away in her worlds. One Week Girlfriend had heartbreaking moments, but there were sweet times between Drew and Fable that I loved. The downer for me… I didn’t realise that their story continued into the next book, so I need to get my hands on the next book soon!

This was a moment where Drew was baring his feelings.

“What? Are you jealous?”
“Fuck yes, I am!” I roar, unable to stop the words from spilling out. “After everything we’ve shared, especially after yesterday, you have the nerve to ask if I’m jealous? Of course, I am. This isn’t a game to me, Fable. This is my life. And I want you to be a part of it. But if you’d rather fuck around with other guys, then I can’t deal with that. I want you and you only. I’m not sharing you with anyone else.”

Kindle Page 172

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's a workaholic who loves her job. When she's not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

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Other reviews featuring Monica Murphy