Naomi's Reading Palace

Review ~ The Trap by Beverley Kendall

Title: The Trap
Author: Beverley Kendall
Series: Trapped #0.5

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: May 6th 2014

Looking back, I should have seen it coming.

Paige didn’t like that I went so far away to university. But it was going to only be for two years. She'd join me after she did her two years at community college. I thought we could swing that no problem. We were solid.

But she hated the distance. She hated not seeing me every day. She complained that I didn’t come home enough. She hated that for months on end, texting and phone calls were our only form of communication. It wasn’t enough.

She'd ask about the girls on campus. She’d gotten it into her head that girls were always making a play for me. I laughed and told her, even if that were true, I’d never cheat on her. She didn't seem completely reassured by that.

The bottom line is, Paige thought she was losing me. She wanted me home with her. But I could never imagine the level she'd sink to—the trap she’d set to make that happen.

And like an idiot I walked right into it.

And it’s a mistake I'm going to have to pay for the rest of my life.

Buy Now - Amazon

This is the first book that I have read of Beverly's and I really enjoyed it. It is a short novella which gave me insight into what happened between the two main characters: Paige and Mitch.

Title: Kill Devil Hills
Author: Sarah Darlington
Series: Kill Devil Hills #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: August 5th 2014

He’s twenty-four. She’s eighteen.

His life is exactly the way he’s always wanted it to be...stable.
She’s quite possibly the very definition of unstable.

Noah saved her.
Georgina never wanted to be saved.

Growing up, Noah Clark was passed from one relative to the next until he finally ended up living with his abusive, alcoholic uncle in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Thanks in part to the unwavering love and support of his best friend, Ellie Turner, Noah survived those years, escaped his uncle, and grew into the man he is today. Now he runs his own business and lives a pretty normal, no-nonsense life—one where he maintains a high level of control.

Georgina is Ellie’s younger sister. Four months ago, Noah saved Georgie’s life, but he thought that was where his involvement with his friend’s sister would end. Now Georgie has returned home from the recovery facility her parents sent her away to and Noah, still haunted by the night that connects them, can’t stop himself from continuously trying to protect this girl he barely knows. But is he willing to give up all of the control he’s worked so hard to build in his life and risk everything for her? Even more importantly, would she do the same for him?

Buy Now - Amazon US / Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble / Kobo

This is the second book of Sarah’s that I have read and it was another sweet read that I enjoyed. It started out introducing some of the main characters, before being thrown into a situation that had me gasping. I had to keep reading to see what happened and why Georgie did such a thing.

Title: Blood Games
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #10

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: August 5th 2014

While Merit didn’t choose to become a vampire or Sentinel of Cadogan House, she vowed to fight for her House and its Master, and she’s managed to forge strong alliances with powerful supernaturals across Chicago. But even though Merit has had wild adventures, this may be her deadliest yet...

A killer is stalking Chicago, preying on humans and leaving his victims with magical souvenirs. The CPD hasn’t been able to track the assailant, and as the body count rises, the city is running out of options. Vampires and humans aren’t on great terms, but murder makes for strange bedfellows. Can Merit find the killer before she becomes a target?

Buy Now - Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

iBooks | IndieBound | Tantor

I just love immersing myself into the Chicagoland Vampire world, and after 10 books, Blood Games was another action packed instalment in the series. I was off with Merit once again and watching as she unravelled yet another mystery.

Swoon Thursday is a super HOT meme created by the fabulous girls over at YA Bound.

Blood Games

Author: Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #10

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: August 5th 2014

I haven't shared a paranormal swoon in a while, but I had to share a Merit and Ethan moment... I love them to bits!

My breath hitched at the sight of him, at the sudden silvering of his eyes . . . and his sudden and obvious arousal. “Merit,” he said, the word a low and lusty growl. We were predators in a haze of bloodlust, facing each other like warriors prepared for another battle.

“Ethan,” I managed, gripping the doorjamb to stay upright. “Blood.” He stalked forward, steam rising from his body, and took my face in his hands. His mouth crushed down onto mine, tongue and fangs and lips entwining. We sparred with our kiss, antagonizing and provoking. He was moved by lust, maybe love. I was moved by lust for body and blood. For all that he could offer, and all that I would take.
~ Kindle Arc Loc 2827

Title: Revenge Bound
Author: Heidi Joy Tretheway
Series: Tattoo Thief #3

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: July 31st 2014

Companion to the first two the books in the Tattoo Thief series (Tattoo Thief and Tyler & Stella) which can be read as a standalone.

On the Internet, secrets never die…

Violet can’t imagine anything worse than having her very private, very naked photos strewn across the Internet.

Until they multiply like a virus.

With her name, address, and phone number attached.

And her boss finds out. And a stalker finds her.

Violet’s refuge is a rock star known for going through groupies faster than guitar picks. Letting Jayce get close enough to protect her exposes her secrets—and her heart—to a man whose celebrity could ruin her.

That’s because being a nobody is the one thing that keeps Violet’s photos from making headlines. And it’s the reason she can never fall for a rock star.

Secrets spread like wildfire when a celebrity fans the flames.

REVENGE BOUND is a full-length, standalone novel, and a companion to the Tattoo Thief books. It contains steamy scenes and strong language intended for mature readers.

Buy Now - Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iTunes / Kobo

I am a huge fan of this series after reading the first two books and I have been eager to read Jayce’s book. I tell you, I wasn’t disappointed at all! This book went in a slightly different direction compared to the others and deals with ‘revenge porn,’ where people post naked pictures of their ex’s and their details online to get revenge. It is shocking and often had my jaw hitting the floor as to the devastation it can cause, not only to the victim but their family as well.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight an upcoming release that I’m eagerly anticipating.

Storm Siren

Author: Mary Weber

Series: Storm Siren #1

Genre: Fantasy

Expected Publication: August 19th 2014

" I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you. "

In a world at war, a slave girl s lethal curse could become one kingdom s weapon of salvation. If the curse and the girl can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth meaning, she shouldn t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn t want to be the weapon they ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, "Storm Siren" is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

The House of the Four Winds (One Dozen Daughters, #1)

Title: The House of the Four Winds
Author: Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
Series: One Dozen Daughters #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Published: August 5th 2014

Mercedes Lackey is the New York Times bestselling author of the Valdemar series and romantic fantasies like Beauty and the Werewolf and The Fairy Godmother. James Mallory and Lackey have collaborated on six novels. Now, these New York Times and USA Today bestselling collaborators bring romance to the fore with The House of Four Winds.
The rulers of tiny, impoverished Swansgaard have twelve daughters and one son. While the prince’s future is assured, his twelve sisters must find their own fortunes.

Disguising herself as Clarence, a sailor, Princess Clarice intends to work her way to the New World. When the crew rebels, Clarice/Clarence, an expert with rapier and dagger, sides with the handsome navigator, Dominick, and kills the cruel captain.

Dominick leads the now-outlawed crew in search of treasure in the secret pirate haven known as The House of Four Winds. They encounter the sorceress Shamal, who claims Dominick for her own—but Clarice has fallen hard for Dominick and won’t give him up without a fight.

Full of swashbuckling adventure, buoyant magic, and irrepressible charm, The House of the Four Winds is a lighthearted fantasy romp by a pair of bestselling writers.

Buy Now - Amazon

I have always had a soft spot for fantasy novels, (thanks to my sister for introducing me to them) so when I read the blurb to this one, I was excited to dive into the world of sailing and pirates!!

As you can tell by the blurb, Clarice is a princess and she has left home to make a life for herself. To do so, she has disguised herself as a boy and set sail looking for adventure. She formed a strong friendship with Dominick and together they faced many twists and turns from threats on and off of the ship.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Lead

Kylie Scott

Stage Dive #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 29th 2014
Lead (Stage Dive, #3)

I LOVE the Stage dive series and had to share a couple of teasers today.

“You don’t mind me taking your picture, do you?”
“No.”
“Excellent. Can you take all your clothes off for me please? I’d like to get some nude shots.”

~ Kindle Arc Loc 4045

Title: Lead
Author: Kylie Scott
Series: Stage Dive #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 29th 2014

Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic New Adult series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble. 　

Lena's not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.

Buy Now - Amazon

I just LOVE the Stage Dive series!! I’m three books into it and I love every character even more! After each book I think I have a favourite band member, and then I read the next book and fall in love all over again!! I just love them all… David, Mal and now Jimmy… How will I survive once I get Ben’s book?? *sigh*

This week begins the 2nd week of my 2 Year Blogoversary celebrations! Week 2 is my International Paranormal giveaway!! The books up for grabs are ones that I have read and loved.

One winner has the chance to win all the ebooks and swag (if in the US) that are shown in the banner above.

There are 17 eBooks from 8 authors!

This week’s giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

(All giveaway details are listed below the widget.)

Entry -Form

Giveaway 2 is a Paranormal Giveaway. There are 17 eBooks from 8 authors and Annie Wall has donated some swag for a US winner.

(The giveaway is international.)

Giveaway Includes:

Title	Author
Trisha Wolfe	Astarte's Wrath
Trisha Wolfe	Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars, #1)
Trisha Wolfe	Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars, #2)
Rainy Kaye	Summoned (Summoned #1)
Ashley Nemer	Blood Purple (Blood Series)
Ashley Nemer	Blood Yellow (Blood Series)
Ashley Nemer	Soul Mates
Amy Kessler	In the Light of the Moon (Dark War Chronicles #1)
Amy Kessler	Dance in the Moonlight (Dark War Chronicles #2)
Amy Kessler	Midnight Symphony
Annie Walls	Taking on the Dead (The Famished Trilogy #1)
Annie Walls	Controlling the Dead (The Famished Trilogy #2)
Annie Walls	Swag (US)
Hanna Peach	Angelfire (Dark Angel #1)
Hanna Peach	Angelstone (Dark Angel #2)
Hanna Peach	Angelsong (Dark Angel #3)
Victoria Scott	The Collector (Dante Walker #1)
Wynne Channing	I Am Forever

Giveaway 1 is an Australian Only giveaway. It has 9 physical books (4 signed) and a tonne of swag!
Click on the banner to go to the giveaway.

(I am making it an Aussie giveaway due to postage, so sorry international people!)

Giveaway 3 is a Contemporary Romance giveaway (Starts 10^th August). There are 21 eBooks from 13 Authors.

(The giveaway is international.)

Each giveaway will have 1 winner each.

All ebooks, paperbacks and swag have been donated by the authors, Harlequin Australia and myself.

All eBooks will be sent from each individual author.

Harlequin Australia donated 5 titles in the Australian Giveaway… Thank you so much!

I would like to thank all authors for their donations, without all your help this giveaway would not be possible!

EARLY REVIEW ~ Hard Knocks by Lori Foster

Title: Hard Knocks
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Ultimate #0.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 4th 2014

In the stunning prequel novella to her new mixed martial arts series, New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster brings together an elite fighter and the woman he’s determined to win.

Power. Brute strength. Unforgettable moves. It’s no wonder Harper Gates hasn’t been able to get her fling with Gage “Savage” Ringer out of her head. Months have passed since she laid eyes—or any other body parts—on him. Months without a word of contact… until, sidelined by injury, he comes back to town.

Staying focused on his training seemed like a smart move to Gage, even if he thought about Harper every day. Seeing her again only makes it clear how much is at stake. He’s got one night to earn back her trust. One night to show her that behind his breathtaking skill and ripped body is a man who’ll give her everything she needs.

Don’t miss No Limits, the first novel in Lori Foster’s Ultimate series.

Buy Now - Amazon

Hard Knocks is the prequel novella in Foster’s new Ultimate series, and boy have I been excited for this one… because I have a bit of a thing for fighters *wink*. In Hard Knocks we meet Harper and Gage.

Nomi’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. I’ll share news, post a recap of the past week and tell you what will be happening on my blog in the week ahead. I will also tell you about the books and goodies that I have managed to pick up.

It has been a bit of a difficult week on the blogging front this week. I managed to use almost all my internet usage in 3 weeks, so I have had to use it sparingly the last week. I haven’t been able to visit as much as I usually do, so I apologise!! The internet resets tomorrow, so I will be back into the swing of things. I was able to do a bit of reading though, so I have a few reviews ready to post.

The second giveaway in my 2 year Blogoversary started today, click on the banner to enter...