Naomi's Reading Palace: July 2016

Vampire Creed by Rain Grey ~ Excerpt & Giveaway (@XpressoReads)

Vampire Creed is the debut novel by a new author - Rain Grey. Her first book is currently FREE at all retailers right now, so check it out!!

Title: Vampire Creed

Author: Rain Grey

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Published: May 21st 2016

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Grab your copy today for FREE!

Barnaby Blaine Rice was a Vampire born in the depression with a very special power to see who people truly were. After a long, empty existence of witnessing the darkest points of humanity, Blaine happens to encounter a beautiful married woman named Mary Slate. Unable to handle his love for the beautiful human, Blaine accidentally kills another Vampire over her and is put under a serious debt with the Vampire Council.

Blaine reluctantly forces himself to forget the woman and allows her to live her life without his intervention. It wasn’t until 50-years-later that the distant memories of the captivating Mary are brought back to the surface. Blaine has the pleasure to encounter the young Wendy Slate, granddaughter of Mary Slate after a criminal vampire keeps her hostage. Blaine got there in time to stop the criminal, but not to stop the beginning of Wendy’s transition into Vampirism.

As he was forced to sire her into this new world, he discovers that Wendy is the most amazing person he’d ever met. Wendy has to make a life-altering decision as Blaine has to deal with his blooming feelings for a woman who was identical to his first love. This modern love story introduces the most influential turning point of these lover’s lives.

Wendy Slate

I got to the library minutes before nine thirty, Archer walking a few feet behind me.

"You don't have to act like my vampire bodyguard,” I murmured as I caught a small group looking at him with scared gazes, knowing he could hear me.

"Of course I do. I'm a vampire and your bodyguard."

Rolling my eyes, I paused, letting him catch up to me before wrapping my arm around his. "It wouldn't hurt to smile. Next thing I know, someone is going to report you to campus security and have you kicked out. Then you won't be much of a bodyguard, will you?"

This time he rolled his eyes, but he did relax his facial features.

Together we walked up the steps. My group was meeting in a study room on the third floor. When we arrived at the room, only Jason was there. Opening the door alerted him of our arrival and he looked up with a smile.

Wait a second. For a split second, it looked like he was glaring at Archer. His expression changed so fast I wasn't too sure I saw right, even with my keener eyesight since becoming a vampire.

"Who's this? New boyfriend already?" he asked, a smile on his lips.

Brushing away my suspicions, I shook my head. "He's a friend. He goes to school here too. Engineering major. Fifth year."

I was quite impressed with myself having come up with a lie on my toes. I was going to introduce Archer as a friend anyway, but Jason question kind of caught me off guard.

Jason nodded, accepting my words. "The other two said it will be a while before they get here. They wanted to stop by their dorm first,” he spared another glance at Archer. "Will he be staying?"

In response to that, Archer plopped himself into a chair in the corner of the room. "You won't even know I'm here," he said before taking out his cell phone.

I had a feeling that wouldn't be the truth if he planned on continuing watching his wrestling show. Ignoring him, I sat at the table across from Jason.

"I started developing some samples for the project," I stated as I took my notebook and laptop from my backpack.

I started to go over what I had so far with him briefly as well as sharing our other ideas. Though, honestly, I was ready to leave before I even got here. I still had yet to convince Archer to take me to where Theo had brought me. And by not convince, I meant not even approach to the subject. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I was guarding my thoughts so Archer would be none the wiser.

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Imperfect Truth by Ava Harrison ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@avaharrison333)

This book was incredible! It takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride, believe me! There are some conflicting issues that are dealt with, but there is a deeper message in it for the reader! Give this one a try!

Title: Imperfect Truth

Author: Ava Harrison

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 13th 2015

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I’m a blogger. He’s a writer.
He was my weakness.
I was his muse.

Once upon a time my marriage was built on love...
Until it wasn’t.

Where had we gone wrong?
I had given up hope…

But then he messaged me,
And his words intoxicated me.
Made me believe in love again.

Made me believe in truth.
My imperfect truth…

I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into when I started this book, but I certainly wasn’t ready for sad and isolated world that Ava was living in. So it was no surprise that she would be pulled toward a guy who showed her just the slightest bit of attention. It was an eye opening read that hit some hard issues that a lot of readers dislike, but seeing the whole picture I felt that I appreciated this story.

From the beginning my heart broke for Ava; it looked as though she was in a loveless marriage, spending time with a guy who hardly paid attention to her. You could see that she was lacking self esteem and confidence. Her husband barely paid attention to her and wouldn’t step up for her. When Ryder, an author, asked for her help with promoting his work, she jumped at the chance and soon they developed a friendship and often flirted with one another.

The relationship that Ava built with Ryder helped her come out of her shell. She started to feel beautiful and wanted once again. In my head I was thinking that it was wrong, but it was great to see a happier side to Ava, instead of the depressed girl she was.

Her mother-in-law was a piece of work, and I just wanted to shake her. Alexandre wouldn’t back Ava when she was being put down by her because neither of them liked confrontation. It saddened me to see Ava being treated so poorly, when all she wanted was acceptance and love from her new family.

Imperfect Truth is not your typical love story. It turned out to be a journey of self discovery for not only Ava, but the reader too. A lot of what happened in the last 15% of the book made me stop and think about my own life and opened my eyes to deeper issues than what you can see from the surface. You need look past your flaws to love yourself… I know that I closed this book happy how it all turned out and I hope that you will give it a try for yourself. Ava Harrison has certainly won me over with her beautiful writing, deep and emotional storyline. I will be reading more from this author for sure!

*** 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! ***

This book had ups and downs, but this moment here was a long time in the making, and was beautiful!!

He gently swipes the tear that trails down my cheek. His fingers trace the outline of my lips. My eyes flutter closed. The warmth emanates off his skin as he descends upon me. He smells like home. “I want you to keep me this time,” I whisper against his lips.
“Now that I have you… I’m never letting you go.” His lips capture mine, and I feel the tender brush of his tongue along my bottom lip. My mouth parts allowing him in. A heady feeling blossoms in me…
I welcome his touch.
I crave it.
I need more.
I snake my arms around his neck, getting as close as I can to him as he deepens the kiss.
Slow.
Gentle.
This kiss… it’s everything. This kiss… it’s perfect.

Kindle Page 292
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Ava Harrison is a New Yorker, born and bred.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.

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Waiting On Wednesday # 203 – It Ends with Us / A Promise of Fire (@colleenhoover, @AuthorABouchet)

Those of you that love Hoover would be waiting impatiently for this too, yes?
And I saw A Promise of Fire over @The Eater of Books! book blog... I like the sound of it!

Title: It Ends with Us

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: August 2nd 2016

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up. She graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant and has a total soft spot for Lily; and the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his no dating rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan, her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all too human characters, “It Ends with Us” is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #1)

Title: A Promise of Fire

Author: Amanda Bouchet

Series: Kingmaker Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Expected Publication: August 2nd 2016

Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

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.

Enthrall Him by Vanessa Fewings ~ Audiobook Review & Teaser Tuesday (@VanessaFewings)

I finally squeezed in time to read the third book in the Enthrall Sessions series! I have really enjoyed the series so far and was torn heading into Enthrall Him. I am so glad things ended like they did!

Title: Enthrall Him

Author: Vanessa Fewings

Series: Enthrall Sessions #3

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published: November 23rd 2014

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This is the reward of the forbidden. This is the ecstasy of Enthrall.

Billionaire Cameron Cole is the one in control. He makes the decisions of both pleasures and punishments. He is the ultimate master.

Owner of L.A.’s preeminent BDSM clubs, Cameron has yet to relinquish the all encompassing control of his submissive, twenty-one year old Mia Lauren.

Mia’s training unlocks a maelstrom of passion. A powerful connection. An unpredictable result. Her uninhibited journey intensifies by the day, but there are new complications on the horizon.

A powerful rival of Cameron’s has emerged with a relentless desire to make Mia his own. Lance Merrill has the means and the will to take what he believes is his and bring down an empire in the process.

Mia is taken by Cameron to London for her protection. Her obedience will be tested in ways she could not have foreseen. Richard Sheppard, her former master, has decided it’s time to take her back. Will Cameron give her over?

Or will the choice be hers?

In the rousing third novel of the renowned Enthrall Sessions, author Vanessa Fewings guides her readers through the uncharted territories of raw passion into the most heated corners of the human heart.

This is true obsession. This is the time for Mia to Enthrall Him.

It’s been a couple of months since I listened to the first two books in the Enthrall Sessions series, but I was so excited to get back into this world again to see what happened to Cameron, Richard and Mia. I must say, I think this was my favourite book in the series! There were some sweet moments, they faced some hard decisions and sacrifices were made for happiness.

Enthrall Him begins with Cameron taking Mia to London while Richard deals with the threats from Lance. It was interesting to see Cameron and Mia in a different city, one that Mia has longed to visit. Whilst they are there, they are supposed to be continuing with Mia’s training while waiting for Richard to arrive. I enjoyed going with Mia as she took in the sights of London and she learned more about Cameron.

The relationships between Mia and her men went in different directions throughout Enthrall Him. One became stronger, where the other confused her, however she didn’t like to hurt either of them. She was a sweet girl who only wanted to keep the peace, but she still required time to spend with both Cameron and Richard.

I loved how Mia still interferes in all their lives!! She pushes Cameron too far most of the time to get him to open up. Richard has withheld information from her and she confronted him about it. She supported her friend Bailey and partner Tara with the decisions they made. And she even went out of her way to see someone that she has heard about but never met. She has a kind heart and is willing to help anyone close to her.

Once again I enjoyed the narration by Abra Neville. However, it was the storyline that had me hooked! There were hot and sexy moments, but the intensity and the suspense in this story is what had me listening for long periods of time. Vanessa Fewings has quickly become a must read author for me and I am looking forward to listening to more stories from this world!

I have a scene that I loved from this book and here are a couple of teasers from that moment!

“Whoa.” He laughed, his arms ﬂailing for balance, his legs giving way as he tipped and slammed ﬂat on his back.
I collapsed on his chest, giggling.
“Are you okay?” I said breathlessly.
“Now I am.” He cupped my face with his hands and kissed me, crushing his lips against mine, his tongue searching my mouth, forcing mine wider. His kiss alighted every sense, every cell, until all I knew was him.

... and then ...

“lt’s probably a good thing you’re not mine,” he said.
“Why?”
‘‘I’d possess you beyond all understanding.”
I sagged against him, resting my head on his chest.
“You will never submit to any man the way you submit to me.” His tone was ﬁrm and masterful.
I raised my head to look at him. “No, I won’t.”

Paperback Page 173
(Not sure of Audio page.)

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

Vanessa Fewings is the bestselling romance author of the highly acclaimed Enthrall Sessions.

Vanessa is also the author of The Stone Masters Vampire Series. Prior to publishing, Vanessa worked as a registered nurse and midwife. She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. She has traveled extensively throughout the world and has lived in Germany, Hong Kong, and Cyprus.

Born and raised in England, Vanessa now proudly calls herself an American and resides in California with her husband.

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Other reviews featuring Vanessa Fewings
Enthrall Sessions series
Enthrall #1
Enthrall Her #2

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips ~ Audiobook Review & Quote-tastic (@carlyphillips)

I've been on a bit of an Audiobook binge lately, and grabbed this one, my very first Carly Phillips novel! It was a good book to listen to, as I got to know the Dare family!

Title: Dare to Love

Author: Carly Phillips (Sophie Eastlake - Narrator)

Series: Dare to Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 17th 2014

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New York Times Best-selling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family...siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her...and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men - until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she's stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything.

I hadn’t read a book by Carly Phillips before and when I noticed this one was free, I grabbed it. It wasn’t until I was looking for an audiobook to listen to that I decided to add the Audible narration and get right into it. It turned out to be a good read, where the characters were attracted to one another at first sight, but took a while to get together.

Ian and Riley first meet at a fundraising event and the sparks between them were immediate. Ian isn’t happy that she’s friends with his half brother, who he has no interest in knowing, but Riley and Alex’s relationship goes back a long way. When Ian decides to ignore Riley, and she loses her job he does everything he can to make it up to her and in the end they become close.

It was sweet to see the relationship between Ian and Riley grow. They have a lot of dinner’s together and become very comfortable around one another, so it’s only a matter of time before they give into their desires. Once they hit the sheets though, it’s anything but sweet as Ian’s dominance in the bedroom is revealed – it was hot and exciting, and exactly what Riley needed.

I liked that Ian grew a lot throughout this book and stepped outside of his comfortzone. He’s not close with his father, and the details of why made my heart ache for the boy he was. I could see why he wasn’t interested in his half siblings, but when he made a deal with his father, he made the effort to bridge the gap between them. It was sad to see what happened with that situation and how let down he was, because he doesn’t usually show his emotions like he did there.

Riley was a nice girl who took a chance with throwing out the name Ian Dare. When it backfired on her, she didn’t expect to see him again, or to get the offer of a lifetime either. I liked seeing her get to know him, but I was a little peeved that she didn’t support him when he obviously needed her. I could see her point of view, but I could see that Ian was struggling with this big step.

Dare to Love is told in the third person perspective, alternating between Riley and Ian, and I felt that Sophie Eastlake did a great job at telling the story and was easy to listen to. I enjoyed my first Phillips read and I’m interested to read books featuring the other Dare siblings.

This was a sweet moment between Ian and Riley. I could see how much we wanted Riley and for her to let down her walls!

“I think that dress needs a little something more.” With his free hand, he reached behind him and held out a long box.
“Ian, no.” She’d already compromised her usual beliefs by letting him buy her this dress and the shoes, not to mention the complete spa day.
His eyes lost some of their earlier sparkle. “Let me give you this, please. It makes me happy. I want you to have something that… when you wear it, you think of me.”
She swallowed hard. “I always think of you.”
“Then let me in.” He leaned in and pressed his lips against that sweet spot behind her ear, and she let out a soft moan. “Let me do things for you.” He took her hand and placed it on the box. “Please.”
She could see and feel how much this meant to him. It was a gift, and she’d hurt him if she didn’t accept it. “Okay.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1806

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today's readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites ...

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P.S. I Like You by Kasie West ~ Early Review & Teaser (@KasieWest)

I picked this book up and devoured it in a day! I just loved the easy flowing writing style and meeting the characters along the way. The use of lyrics that bought two people together was sweet too!

Title: P.S. I Like You

Author: Kasie West

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: July 26th 2016

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What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery?

While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?

From beloved author Kasie West (The Distance Between Us) comes an utterly charming story about mixed messages, missed connections, and the magic of good old-fashioned secret admirer notes.

I felt like I needed something a little lighter to read when I came across P.S. I Like You by Kasie West, so I decided to head back to high school! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story too, experiencing what Lily was going through in school and forming a connection with someone through letters. It was an amusing, sweet and highly addictive read that I found hard to put down!

Lily was struggling with chemistry and found it hard to focus. She wrote lyrics to quieten her mind, so then she could try and concentrate on class. When her professor caught her not paying attention, he told her she could only use one piece of paper to take notes and that he would check her work, which lead to her scribbling on the desk. When she returned to class, someone had written the next line in the song and the anonymous friendship began.

I just loved this concept!! Forming a connection with a faceless person and finding it easy to bare your soul and emotions through letters. It was sweet to see them both open up and comfort one another, with advice, lyrics or by using humour to brighten their days.

Lily was a character that I could connect to as well. She was a little quirky, loved to sew, was passionate about her lyrics and was a self taught guitar player too. She comes from a large family, who all seem to love and care deeply for one another, and I could see where she got her quirkiness from! I loved that she had a strong connection with her best friend Isabel and they could talk to each other about everything. She tried to stay out of the spotlight at school, but there were a few people that she did not get along with.

This is the first book I have read by Kasie West and it was a pleasure to experience her writing! I enjoyed meeting all the characters and I liked how the romance took it's time to develop. It was a real eye opener as she showed me how we can see people differently to how they actually are. And it had all the feels! I laughed, I cried and swooned! I can tell you I'll be on the hunt for more books by West in the future!

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

Two little teasers today, one a smart-ass comment, and the second showing how passionate Lily was.

“Did you guys get started?”
I smirked. “Yes, the people who need help in Chemistry went ahead and taught each other. We’re super good at Chemistry now.”

Kindle Arc Loc 855

“It’s just, this was my thing, you know?” The tears fell down my cheeks now and I couldn’t stop them. “It was the one thing I was really good at. The one thing that brought me perfect peace and happiness. I don’t need much, but I need this.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1261

I write YA. I eat Junior Mints. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. My novels are: PIVOT POINT and its sequel SPLIT SECOND. And my contemporary novels: THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, ON THE FENCE, THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND, PS I LIKE YOU, and BY YOUR SIDE. My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.

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