Naomi's Reading Palace: June 2017

Blade Bound by Chloe Neill ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@chloeneill)

The final book in the Chicagoland Vampires series has been published!! Although I'm sad that it's ended, and was wrapped up so well, I'm excited at a glimpse of what we may get in the future!

Title: Blade Bound

Author: Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #13

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: April 25th 2017

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The thrilling final installment of Chloe Neill’s New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series sees a sinister sorcery advancing across Chicago, and it may usher in the fall of Cadogan House…

Since the night of her brutal attack and unwilling transformation to vampire, Merit’s stood as Sentinel and protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House. She's saved the Windy City from the forces of darkness time and again with her liege and lover, Ethan Sullivan, by her side.

When the House is infiltrated and Merit is attacked by a vampire seemingly under the sway of dark magic, Merit and Ethan realize the danger is closer than they could have ever imagined. As a malign sorcery spreads throughout the city, Merit must go to war against supernatural powers beyond her comprehension. It’s her last chance to save everything—and everyone—she loves.

I've been a fan of the Chicagoland Vampires series since I picked up the first book in August, 2013. After almost four years my love affair with this series has come to an end... and even though I was excited to get the last book, I'm sad that the series is over. Blade Bound was the perfect ending to the series, where I was able to see one of the happiest moments of Merit and Ethan's lives and I saw the epic showdown that tested everyone that I've come to love!

Since I first met Merit, she has grown into her position as Sentinel in Cadogan house; she is a fierce protector of those she now calls family. Along with Ethan, and their friends they will do anything to protect Chicago from the new threat on their city. However, this book wasn't just about hard times, there were plenty of happy moments that had me smiling as I saw the love and devotion that Merit and Ethan had for each other.

Blade Bound was a challenge for everyone, as the threat took over Chicago, but it was hard for Merit as Gabriel's prophecy hinged on the outcome of this showdown. It was always in the back of my mind while I was reading, and I had my fingers crossed throughout the story. I did see some hints dropped throughout the book, but it just added to the excitement of what was unfolding.

Chloe Neill has a writing style that hooked me every time. I love her world building, how attached I became to the characters and the humour that she entwined throughout the story. I will never forget Merits love for mallow-cakes and pizza, her love for Darth Sullivan, and the strong person she had become. But what I loved most was the Epilogue! My heart melted and I was excited to get that final glimpse... because I think we'll be getting more from this world in the future!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley 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! ***

I just love Ethan! He has melted my heart, and he loves Merit with everything he has!

I love you, he said. Truly, madly, fiercely. So much that I’m nearly drunk with it.

Kindle Arc Loc 1347

“... Recall that on our first meeting you marched into my House, with your pale skin and dark hair, and those hauntingly pale eyes—eyes that were filled with so much pain and anger. You looked like the duchess of some strange and beautiful land. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”

Kindle Arc Loc 3436
Originally inspired by YA Bound

Chloe Neill is the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires Novels, the Devil's Isle Novels, and a YA series, the Dark Elite. Chloe was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When she's not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys--her husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout.

Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.

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Other reviews featuring Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires series

Some Girls Bite #1

Friday Night Bites #2

Twice Bitten #3

Hard Bitten #4

Drink Deep #5

Biting Cold #6

House Rules #7

Biting Bad #8

Wild Things #9

Blood Games #10
Dark Debt #11
Midnight Marked #12
Phantom Kiss #12.5
Devil's Isle series
The Veil #1
The Sight #2

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The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@SarinaBowen)

I started this series last year, reading the first two books quickly, and even though it's been a while since I read Scarlett and Bridger’s book, I was excited to dive back into Sarina Bowen's fabulously crafted world!

The Understatement of the Year (The Ivy Years, #3)

Title: The Understatement of the Year

Author: Sarina Bowen
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton & Christian Fox

Series: The Ivy Years #3

Genre: NA, Sports Romance, M/M

Published: June 20th 2016

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What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.
Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexual preference from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Contains sexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

It's been a while since I read the first two books in the Ivy League series, and why not jump straight back in with a M/M romance!! I actually haven't read a M/M before, but I was quite surprised as to how much I enjoyed it. The way one of the guys acted was a bit of a surprise for me. But nevertheless, it was a sweet and intense sports romance that had me hooked until the final page.

Michael Graham and John Rikker (Graham and Rikker) were close friends at high school. They had a strong connection and gave into their feelings until an incident occurred and Rikker was sent away. Fast forward five years and Rikker walks back into Graham's locker room after a controversial transfer.

I loved how open and honest Rikker was, although he was a bit of a loner as he didn't have any friends at this new college. The team learned early on what his sexual preferences were, and even though most of them treated him the same, there were others that didn't handle it so well. It surprised me the way that Graham reacted having Rikker around again. I could see that he was struggling with what happened in the past, his feelings towards Rikker, and his public appearance.

I liked seeing Graham and Rikker together, although it took a while before they crossed those lines. Graham's feelings were getting stronger and Rikker couldn't deny his first love. They were sweet and caring when they were together, but in public they hardly interacted.

It still boggles me the way some people see same sex relationships and that people go to extremes to keep their straight lifestyle, regardless of who they love, I just wanted Graham to forgave himself and own who he was.

I can see why people are addicted to M/M romances. They have their own set of challenges but are just as intense and sexy as any other read I would pick up. I am continuing to love this world that Sarina Bowen has created, and even listening to the book was remarkable too. Teddy Hamilton & Christian Fox delivered both characters superbly and I was pulled into the story by their strong voices. I am keen to get my hands on Bella's story next!

I'm sharing a couple of teasers today so you can get a feel of Graham and Rikker's connection and the passion that they have for one another.

“Rik?”
It took me a second to answer, because I was swallowing tequila. “Yeah?” I stood up to put my glass onto the desk beside his.
Before I could retreat again to my corner, he moved into my space. When his big hand landed at the side of my neck, I quit breathing. Time slammed to a halt for a second, until I realized that he was examining the place under my jaw where Eros had slashed me with his stick.
“How bad does it look?” I whispered, just to say something normal.
But Graham wasn’t even listening. He dropped his hand, only to put it on my bare waist. And then his mouth dipped down to graze the juncture between my neck and my shoulder. A pair of soft, moist lips began to nibble at my skin.

Kindle Page 117

“Rik,” he whispered. “I had fun tonight.”
“Me too, G.”
He moved then, hitching across the seat to reach me. “One more,” he breathed. “For old time’s sake.” Then he turned my face toward his, capturing my mouth in a kiss.

Kindle Page 156

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Sarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of HIM and US.

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Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen

The Ivy Years series

The Year We Fell Down #1

The Year We Hid Away #2

True North series

Keepsake #3

Love, Chloe by Alessandra Torre ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@ReadAlessandra)

Love, Chloe was a freebie that I picked up from an author's newsletter (for the life of me I can't remember which one!). I've read a few of Alessandra's books and was excited to get into this sweet read!

Title: Love, Chloe

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Published: March 14th 2016

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You know girls like me. You hate girls like me. The privileged blonde who skips her Ivy League classes when she's had too many Soho martinis. The one draped on the asshole's arm because he drives a Bugati and screws like a champ.

I was that girl. I loved being that girl.

Then, my door was broken in. Literally.

And in that moment? Everything changed.

Love, Chloe was such a fun cute read! Chloe, a privileged rich girl, had her world turned upside down after everything she had was ripped from her. Seeing her struggle through life, trying to find her feet for herself was an eye opener, but it made her such a stronger and better person.

I liked seeing Chloe grow throughout the story, she wanted her diploma and took on a job that was well beneath her. She pushed through, sleeping on a friends couch before she scraped together enough cash to get her own space once again. I was sad for her too though, because I could see that she wanted the support of her parents, but they seemed to have pushed her aside for their own selfish needs. I did love how she had such strong friends that stood by her despite her fall from her socialite status.

Chloe developed a few new friendships while in her new job, ones that she will keep forever. She also fell for someone that she wouldn't look twice at if she still had money. She was vulnerable and opened her heart to him, and I think this change in her was what I enjoyed the most.

I love the way that Alessandra Torre told Chloe's story, with short chapters spread out over about 14 months and tweets from Chloe. I was able to get Chloe's full picture and understood her struggles. I've read a few of Alessandra's books now, and whether it be a light or darker read, she sure does suck me into her world! I'll be keeping an eye out for her next project, I assure you!

*** 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! ***

Hehe... the tension was building between these two, it was only a matter of time!

“Are you sure you lost your keys,” he grumbled, “or did you wake me up for something else?”
I put my hands where I’d wanted to for the last ten minutes, sliding them down the bumps of his abs and over the line of his hips, hooking my fingers underneath the waist of his pajama pants. “Both?” I whispered.
There was a moment of silence, his eyes on mine. They were wary, as if he didn’t trust me. And hungry, as if he was fighting just to keep away. I stared up at him, my breath catching in my throat, and begged him for more with my gaze. He sighed, his eyes falling to my mouth, and I felt the moment he gave in, his head lowering, his lips pressing to mine.

Kindle Loc 1648
Originally inspired by YA Bound

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written nine novels, five of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, became a breakout hit, rising to the top of the charts on Kindle and Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for her erotic thriller The Girl in 6E.

From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

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Other reviews featuring Alessandra Torre
Love in Lingerie
Hollywood Dirt
Black Lies

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Anarchy Chained by JA Huss ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@jahuss)

The final mind tripping book in the SuperAlpha series is finally here! I've loved every moment of being in this twisted world and meeting these Alphas, and the women that are their weaknesses!

Title: Anarchy Chained

Author: J.A. Huss

Series: SuperAlpha #3

Genre: Superhero Romance

Published: June 12th 2017

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Everyone wants revenge.
That’s what I tell my new would-be partner in crime, Sadie Scott.
“You’re crazy,” she says. “Certifiably insane.”
Just a little. But isn’t everyone a little crazy?
“And I’m gonna get the hell away from you as fast as I can.”
She’s so cute when she’s defiant.
“As soon as I get my memory back and figure out who I am.”
Yeah. That little problem is definitely working in my favor.
“So stay away from me, Thomas Brooks. Or I will…”
She’ll what? We’re perfect for each other and she knows it. But if she needs a little more convincing… Well, there’s a friend of mine she needs to meet.
He’s very convincing.
Yes, Sadie Scott, you’re mine now. We were made to be together.
Body, mind, and soul.
We were made to be together.
Just the three of us.
Together. Forever.

What a mind trip Anarchy Chained read was! But really, I should be used to it when I pick up a read by Huss! I knew that the final book was going to be an epic conclusion to the series, and the twists... I did not see them coming!

It was interesting to get inside of Thomas' head... that man is one odd but calculated character. I didn't think I would get a good grasp on him, but he's just a complex person and was determined to pull off the plan. There were times I was sure he was doing his own thing, and he did twisted things that had my jaw dropping, but as the story unfolded, I began to understand him better.

I liked Sadie, she was a weapon herself, but after meeting Thomas, she was a little lost. I liked that she got to know Thomas and was able to form her own opinions of him, because he was one odd man! But they fit well together and were a great team. Her back-story was revealed slowly, and I was glad that she found Thomas!

This was an intense read, with twists and turns that had my head spinning! I loved seeing the connection grow between Sadie and Thomas, even though it was touch and go there for a while. J.A. Huss sure knows how to create complex characters, put them into a warped world and write an intriguing plot that I can't help but get lost in! Huss may be a little perverted and crazy, but she's damn good at it... that's why she's a must read author for me!

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

I've picked a few snippets from the book today, so you can get a real taste for the connection built between these characters, and a little bit of fun that's injected into the story!

“Why do you want me?”
“Because you’re special, Sadie. So obviously special.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1386

“We can change things, Sadie. We can make them pay for turning us into little science projects. For stealing our childhoods away. Taking our innocence. Us,” he whispers as his mouth covers mine once again. “We are the enemy they’ve been waiting for.”
I give in. Hell, who am I kidding? I practically melt against him. I want more. I want him to touch me again. I want him to take what he wants and not ask for permission. I want him to control me the way they did. I want my submission to set me free.

Kindle Arc Loc 1432

“Cathedral City belongs to us, Sadie,” Case says. “It’s ours. And we want it back.”
“We can do this,” Lincoln says. “With your help, Sadie. So what you do ya say? Wanna join the team? Wanna be on Team Take Down the Assholes?”

Kindle Arc Loc 4316

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).

If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

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