Naomi's Reading Palace: August 2016

Waiting On Wednesday #208 – Playboy Pilot / Magic Binds (@PenelopeAuthor, @ViKeeland, @ilona_andrews)

I've been loving these romances by Ward & Keeland... I must get more, and a pilot! Whoo hoo!
And Kate Daniels #9... Hell yeah! Gimme!

Title: Playboy Pilot

Author: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: September 19th 2016

From the New York Times bestselling authors of Stuck-Up Suit and Cocky Bastard, comes a sexy new standalone novel.

Money or love? Which would you choose?

You probably just answered the question in your head thinking it's an easy decision.

For me, it's not. Did I mention it's a lot of money? A hell of a lot.

I needed to go far away to think it through.

As I embarked on an impulsive trip, I hit a detour when I met sexy Carter in the airport lounge. We struck up a heated conversation.

Then, he left.

I thought I'd never see him again.

But fate had other plans.

Surprise! He was the pilot of my flight.

The bigger surprise was the adventure that followed after the plane landed.

Carter was dangerous and always on the move.

Even though our connection was magnetic, I knew it was only temporary.

He would give me tickets, and I would follow him around the world to exotic places.

A bevvy of flight attendant exes and rumors about Carter's reputation were never far behind.

I didn't know what to believe.

But I was addicted. Nothing else mattered anymore. And I was going to get hurt. Because a part of me wanted to be the one to finally ground the playboy pilot.

At the very least, he was taking me on a thrilling ride.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.

Title: Magic Binds

Author: Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #9

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Expected Publication: September 20th 2016

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

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.

Never Too Far by Abbi Glines ~ Audiobook Review & Teaser Tuesday (@AbbiGlines, @SimonSchusterAU)

I have fallen hard for the Rosemary Beach series! I love Blaire and Rush, but there are a lot of other characters that I can't get enough of either!

Title: Never Too Far

Author: Abbi Glines
Narrator: Jennifer Bronstein

Series: Rosemary Beach #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: October 22nd 2013 (first published February 25th 2013)

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Our relationship had been short. Intense and brief. I wondered what it would have felt like to curl up in Rush's arms anytime I wanted. To know I was safe and that he loved me. We'd never had that chance.

Just when Blaire allowed herself to fall for her stepbrother, Rush, he revealed a life-altering secret so devastating that she couldn't forgive him. Unable to face him again, Blaire leaves the promise of true love behind in Rosemary Beach and returns to the comforts of her small town in Alabama, wanting nothing more than to put the summer behind her.

But unexpected news complicates Blair's plans, and she's forced to trust the one man she shouldn't. Trapped between Rush's fierce desire to win her back and her own sense of self-preservation, Blaire doesn't know if she's doing the right thing . . . or if she's making the biggest mistake of her life.

After listening to Fallen Too Far, I had to dive into the next book immediately, because that ending... argh! I love both Blaire and Rush, but the couldn't seem to get things right. However, everything was about to change in Never Too Far.

When Blaire returned to Sumit, she was living with Cain's Granny Q and she was struggling to find her feet again. A run in with Cain and a visit from a new friend sent Blaire back to Rosemary Beach, if only for a short while. Blaire's life becomes complicated and she realises she has friends and support in Rosemary Beach and she can't run away again.

Both Blaire and Rush needed to step up throughout Never Too Far. They belong together, but struggle to get their lives to line up. There are constant hurdles for them to over come and they really need to learn to trust one another. At times I wished Blaire wouldn't hold back and fight for what she wanted. She was a sweet girl and deserved to be loved. Rush, well he seemed to be there but he kept pushing Blaire away when she wanted to be there for him and he probably needed it most. I wish that he would follow through with what he says, and keep Blaire as his number one priority.

There were a lot of twists throughout the story which had my jaw hitting the floor! Just when I thought I had their stories straight, confessions and truths turned everything upside down once again. I love how Abbi Glines always keeps me in the dark about where the story is heading and I have no idea until the twist hits me! I've continued to enjoyed the narration by Jennifer Bronstein as well. Her easy story telling and switching between characters has kept me engrossed in the story. I look forward to finishing Rush & Blaire's story with Forever Too Far.

Here are a couple of lines from the book, Rush showing how much he wants Blaire in his life and what she means to him.

“I’m driving you because I’m a desperate man who will take whatever the hell he can get when it comes to you.”

Kindle Page 94

“And as for making my life difficult. You, Blaire Wynn, make my life complete.”

Kindle Page 288

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

Abbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. She has a new YA series coming out in the fall of 2015 titled The Field Party Series . She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but alas she was born in Alabama. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, shopping (major shoe and purse addiction), sneaking off to the movies alone, and listening to the drama in her teenagers lives while making mental notes on the good stuff to use later. Don’t judge.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Goodreads / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Abbi Glines

Rosemary Beach
Fallen Too Far #1
Sea Breeze

Breathe #1

Because of Low #2
While It Lasts #3
Just for Now #4
The Field Party
Until Friday Night #1

The Vincent Boys

The Vincent Boys #1
The Vincent Brothers #2

Leo by Mia Sheridan ~ Audiobook Review & Quote-tastic (@MSheridanAuthor)

I've been doing a bit of travelling in the car by myself, so I've listened to a lot of audiobooks lately, so it was no surprise that I was going to continue my Mia Sheridan experience! Leo was another good read, that pulls at your heart!

Title: Leo

Author: Mia Sheridan

Series: A Sign of Love Novel
Narrators: Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 19th 2015 by Audible Studios
(first published March 11th 2013)

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love, and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job. She has friends. She's content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?

Recently, I listened to my first Mia Sheridan read — Archer's Voice — and decided I had to read more of her work. So I decided to grab her first book Leo. Like Archer's Voice, it was beautifully written, with well fleshed out characters. The story alternated between the past – Evie and Leo, and present – Evie and Jake, as I learned why Evie was so broken and quiet, and why she seemed alone in the world with only a few close people in her life.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Evie and Leo. They began as two kids in foster care and grew close at such a young age. They both had been through hard times, but were able to open up to one another and would protect the other with everything they had. It was sweet to see them together, but sad when they parted, and I just wanted a HEA for them.

The relationship between Evie and Jake grew gradually, as Evie finally let someone new into her life. She was heartbroken after losing her best friend so many years ago. She slowly opened up to Jake, but it irked me that Jake was holding so much back from Evie. I kind of figured out what was happening, but it was still a bit of a surprise when it was all revealed. I kind of don't know how it was missed, but it was explained away throughout the story. If you look past it, and take on the explanations, it really is a beautiful read.

The narration was done well by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden (epilogue). I enjoyed Maxine's voice, as she told 98% of the book, and I could feel the emotion and passion in her voice. This was another fantastic read by Mia Sheridan; it was gritty, intense and sweet, and I can overlook the part that I found a bit unbelievable, to enjoy the book as a whole. I'm continuing to enjoy my Mia Sheridan experience; bring on the next book!

I thought this was a sweet moment between Jake and Evie... he was laying it all out there for her!

"You told me you were mine, Evie. This is not some fun fuck. This is not casual to me. I thought I had conveyed that to you."
"So, what? You're like my boyfriend or something now?"
"Boyfriend, man, lover, whatever label you like, you can use it, but what it means is that we take care of each other in and out of the bedroom. And part of me taking care of you means me offering to give you the money it takes to make your dreams come true."

Kindle Page 114

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Mia Sheridan
Archer's Voice

Bad Judgment by Meghan March ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@Meghan_March, @InkSlingerPR)

Bad Judgment by Meghan March was released this week and I found it to be an enjoyable read with plenty of sexy banter! These two were fun together and I loved my first Meghan March book.

Title: Bad Judgment

Author: Meghan March

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: August 22nd 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

He’s so arrogant.

She’s so self-righteous.

I can’t stand him.

I want her.

He’s a distraction I don’t need.

She’ll say yes eventually because I’m not giving up.

Justine Porter is stuck between a rock and a stripper pole. She lost her law school scholarship, which means she has two choices to keep her life on track: strip for her tuition or tutor the most distractingly sexy guy in her class—the one she’s been turning down for two years straight. It should be an easy choice, but tutoring Ryker Grant could derail her plans to graduate with honors faster than two-for-one night at the Déjà Vu. Then again, topless has never really been her color.

She could take the easy road, just this once . . . but the deal has enough loopholes to trip anyone up.

Who knew they taught bad judgment in law school?

I don't know what cave I've been living in, but I just read my first Meghan March book and I know I have missed out on a lot of great reads! I read the blurb to Bad Judgment and knew I needed to read it, as you know I enjoy the New Adult genre. It turned out to be a pleasant read which I devoured quickly, filled with flirty banter and a slow growing attraction.

Justine was a focused student, she had a hard childhood growing up with parents that were questionable. She was eventually taken in by her Grandfather, and was able to focus on school and was good at it. Their plan was for her to go to law school, because she wanted to help people. Nowhere in that plan was there room for dating or a boyfriend, which is why for the past two years she had turned Ryker Grant down. He's a cocky playboy and she planned to stay far away from him, despite how attractive he is. When her world was turned upside down she checked out ways to pay her way through law school.

Ryker came across as confident and self assured, but he's hiding things that made him vulnerable. He had wanted Justine for some time, and knew that she was more than a one night stand, but he couldn't break through her walls. When he saw Justine in a strip club, it caused him to push her a little harder and they soon came to an agreement. They studied together and the chemistry between them continued to grow until the sexual tension was so thick that I knew they would ignite once they got together!

Bad Judgment was a very enjoyable read! I liked seeing Justine fight her attraction, and Ryker was amusing to watch as he flirted with her. After just one kiss they were so hot together and I knew there would be more between them! However, deals were struck and lines were blurred, but I could see that they were both good people. Justine knew when things changed she'd have to change her agreement. But I could see that Ryker was hiding something too. For my first Meghan March read I found it to be a sizzling read, with a lot of sexy moments and amusing banter. There was a touch of intensity that made my heart stop for both characters as demons resurfaced from their pasts. I know I have been missing out with this author, which I intend to fix!

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

*** 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! ***

There were a lot of fun moments in this story... so hard to pick just one, so here are two!

“Babe, you’re already Wonder Woman without the cape and tights. With them, you’ll be a fucking wet dream come true.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1894

Justine Porter is in my kitchen, naked except for my shirt, making pancakes.
I must have done something very, very right in another life to be rewarded this way.

Kindle Arc Loc 2106
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest / Amazon Author Page

Waiting On Wednesday #207 – Well Hung / Empire of Storms (@LaurenBlakely3, @SJMaas)

You all know I love a good romantic comedy... so I think I'll need Well Hung!
And I'm dying for Empire of Storms... Hurry up and get here!

Title: Well Hung

Author: Lauren Blakely

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Expected Publication: September 12th 2016

Here’s what you need to know about me — I’m well-off, well-hung and quick with a joke. Women like a guy who makes them laugh—and I don’t mean at the size of his d*ck. No, they want their funny with a side of huge… not to mention loyal. I’ve got all that plus a big bank account, thanks to my booming construction business. Yup. I know how to use all my tools.

Enter Natalie. Hot, sexy, smart, and my new assistant. Which makes her totally off limits...   Hey, I’m a good guy. Really. I do my best to stay far away from the kind of temptation she brings to work.

Until one night in Vegas…   Yeah, you’ve heard this one before. Bad news on the business front, drowning our sorrows in a few too many Harvey Wallbangers, and then I’m banging her. In my hotel room. In her hotel room. Behind the Titanic slot machine at the Flamingo (don’t ask). And before I can make her say “Oh God right there YES!” one more time, we’re both saying yes—the big yes—at a roadside chapel in front of a guy in press-on sideburns and a shiny gold leisure suit.   

But it turns out what happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas. And now, my dick doesn’t stay in my pants when she’s around. I try to resist. Honest. But the more we try to keep our hands to ourselves, the more we end up naked again, and the more time I want to spend with her fully clothed, too.

The question now is…do I take this woman to be my ex-wife?

*WELL HUNG is the next sexy, funny standalone romantic comedy to feature characters first seen in BIG ROCK and MISTER O. *

Title: Empire of Storms

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #5

Genre: Fantasy

Expected Publication: September 6th 2016

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

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.

Once Upon A Half-Time by Sosie Frost ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday

After reading and enjoying my first Sosie Frost novel, I knew I had to get more, so I snapped up Once Upon A Half-Time and devoured it too! It was another amusing, fun and sexy read!

Title: Once Upon A Half-Time

Author: Sosie Frost

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: June 15th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon

Once Upon A Half-Time…

Lachlan Reed is the Ironfield Rivets’ most-anticipated rookie…and he’s also my biggest mistake. Our three-day Vegas sextravangza is a hazy blur, but seeing him at training camp rings a bell...wedding bells.

As the Rivets’ team photographer, it’s my job to document the players, not marry them. But Lachlan proposes a deal. If we stay married, he promises that I’ll fall madly in love with him by the sunset of our third date.

Good thing I don’t believe in fairy-tales.

But after one night, I’m head-over-heels. Two, and I’m secretly pregnant. Three dates, and he’s either the worst thing that’s ever happened to me…or he’s the only one who can help me save the team from a season-ending league scandal.

A dark secret threatens the Rivets’ organization, and only I can expose it. But when Lachlan struggles in his new position, taking on the coaches will risk both of our careers. If I fail, I’ll lose the love of my life and the perfect father for my secret baby.

Maybe it’s not a fairy-tale romance…

But Lachlan and I will make our own happily-ever-disaster.

I recently read my first Sosie Frost book, so I knew I had to read more of her work. I picked up Once Upon A Half-Time for only 99 cents, and squeezed it in when I was looking for something lighter and fun to read. This was a second chance at love for Lachlan and Elle, as I learned that they hooked up once before and are both fighting the attraction they have for one another.

Elle and Lachlan's first altercation in this book was when she saved his ass and left him in front of the Ironfield Rivets grounds. It was quite amusing to see them interact, but since Elle was dealing with her own issues she left him and fled. Elle was the team photographer and would do whatever she could to protect the team as they were like family to her, and she had a few strong friendships with some of the players. But as they both work for the same team they continued to cross paths and it soon became apparent they had met before, although that time was a little hazy for Elle.

Lachlan was the newest rookie for the Ironfield Rivets and was finding it hard to fit into the team, but being around Elle made it hard too. He knows what he wants, and that's Elle, and he was willing to do anything to win her back.

I liked seeing Lachlan and Elle together, they often bickered and flirted with one another, and the sexual tension between them was off the charts. I could see why they were so good together before and it was going to be a matter of time before they hooked up again. There was a secret between them, that changed everything for Elle, and I loved that Lachlan wanted to get her back.

This was a fun read and I enjoyed watching Lachlan and Elle face each hurdle. I liked that they weren't the conventional couple either, being from different races. But there was no denying that they were great together. Sosie did a fantastic job at weaving their story together, with a little controversy, an intense relationship with plenty of hurdles! I look forward to the next story from this world!

One sweet tease, one funny one!

“I’ve wanted you every minute of every day since you walked out of that hotel room.” His voice lowered, deep and rasping. “I was crazy to let you go, and I’ll be damned if you’ll get away this time. You’re the most beautiful and amazing woman I’ve ever met.”

Kindle Arc Loc 658

“Okay, when I go into labor? You aren’t allowed to do anything. I’ll drive us to the hospital, and you do the stupid breathing exercises.”

Kindle Arc Loc 3267

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

Sosie Frost is no stranger to quirky, embarrassing, and wild situations, and she’s channeling all that new adult angst into fun romances.

From marching at the high school homecoming game without her trumpet (a punishment for forgetting the instrument on the band bus), to regretfully tucking her prom dress into the back of her tights before pictures, and even accidentally starting a chemical fire in the college chem lab, Sosie has the market cornered on crazy stories.

But hey, writing is a better outlet than therapy right? 😉

If you want funny, charming, and steamy romances, you’ve found the right author!

Sosie lives in Pittsburgh with her hubby, her two cats, and thrives on a near constant stream of gummy bears.

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Sosie Frost
Beauty and the Blitz

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan ~ Audiobook Review & Quote-tastic (@MSheridanAuthor)

I've been told to read Mia Sheridan's work,and when I saw that her books were on sale I snapped a couple up. I began with Archer's Voice, because I had heard good things about it... well it blew me away! You NEED to read this one!

Title: Archer's Voice

Author: Mia Sheridan

Narrators: Kris Koscheski & Emily Durante

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 9th 2014

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

I'm not sure what I expected when I went into this book, but I will tell you that I was blown away by how touching and beautiful Archer's Voice was! Both characters were broken in some way, but were able to find a sense of peace together. I loved getting to know both Bree and Archer, learning about their difficult pasts and how the loss they both suffered brought them together.

Bree turned up in Pelion because she was running from the demons in her past. She was finding it hard to move on and decided that the best way to get past it was a change of scenery. Her first encounter with Archer was hilarious! I could just imagine her embarrassment and I laughed hard at her reaction. However when she learned more about Archer, it was sweet to see they had so much more in common than either one of them realised. Bree was able to understand Archer better than anyone and he needed someone in his life, even though he believed he was better off alone.

Archer had lived a very sheltered and lonely life since he was seven. He lived with his uncle who homeschooled Archer, so he didn't interact with people. When his uncle died, he had to learn to do everything for himself and only ventured to town when he needed to. It broke my heart to learn how difficult Archer's life was, and how he struggled with everything that we take for granted, especially with how hard it was for him to communicate with people. But Bree swept into his life and turned everything he knew upside-down. She showed him what it was like to be loved again, to see the world differently and to show him passion that he hadn't experienced before.

Bree and Archer were a couple that will be imprinted in my mind for a long time to come. This story was executed perfectly; the relationship between them grew slowly, and was quite intense. There was an element of suspense tied into the story that sat in the back of my mind the whole way through. But experiencing the love that Bree and Archer had for one another was what made my heart feel whole! This was also my first Mia Sheridan book, and you can be assured I will read more from her! I also think that listening to the book was what made it such a good experience for me. Kris Koscheski and Emily Durante did an amazing job portraying the characters and giving Archer his voice! I will definitely be listening to more books by them and reading more of Sheridan's work very soon!

This moment was a big step for Archer, sorting out his feelings and all! It was so sweet!

He let out a breath on a loud whoosh. I wanted to kiss you, to touch you. I just didn't know . . . if you wanted that, too—
I smiled, looking up at him through my lashes. Archer, I said, taking his hand and bringing it to my heart, which was beating wildly in my chest. "Do you feel that?" I whispered, using my voice since my hands held his against me. "This is how you affect me. My heart is pounding, because I want you to kiss me so badly that I can barely breathe."

Kindle Page 130

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup