Blog Tour: Fakers by Meg Collett

Posted on 10/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Fakers Banner.jpg

Fakers

By Meg Collett

Synopsis

Kyra Aberdeen is a Youtube sensation. Her bubbling personality and fresh beauty capture the hearts of millions each week through her videos. But she’s just faking it. Because beneath the surface is a simmering darkness that threatens to pull Kyra under some days. She masks her depression with a sunny smile and bright laugh.

When Kyra moves to Canaan Island and buys her deceased mother’s childhood home, she is hoping to confront the lurking darkness that haunts her every step. But life never goes according to plan, and when Kyra meets her grumpy contractor, Hale Cooper, it seems he’s not going to make things any easier for her. Yet Kyra is drawn to him, to a man whose every emotion plays across his face as he feels it. But she’s never let herself get too close to anyone before, and she finds herself in uncharted waters.

If she lowers her guard and allows herself to love Hale, will the darkness creep in too?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / Kobo

Excerpts

“Well,” Stevie started, picking her spatula back up. “I’m going to start with the most obvious question: Is he a good kisser?”

Kyra bit her lip and nodded, making Stevie roll her eyes dramatically. “It was probably the best kiss I’ve ever had, but that really isn’t saying much since my kissing experience is pretty limited. His skin was warm from where he’d been working. He wasn’t quite sweaty yet, but I could still smell it. When I kissed him, I tasted the salt of it around his lips. I had my legs around his waist—”

“What?” Stevie screeched, throwing her hands in the air and flinging icing everywhere. “That is so not just a kiss! You pounced on the poor guy! You’re a freaking animal!”

“I did,” Kyra agreed, smiling rather dreamily. “I jumped onto him, and he caught me. I could feel the muscles in his arms go all tight to hold me. And then I kissed him, but that didn’t last long.”

“He stopped it?” Stevie asked, slightly breathless.

“No. He starting kissing me back, and it was like…”

“Like what?” Stevie yelled.

“Like he needed to taste every part of my mouth. Like maybe he had wanted to kiss me too, but I was the one that did it first. It kind of felt like he wanted every inch of me, but all he had was my mouth. So he took it. And all I could do was just hold on.” Kyra shrugged when she was finished.

Stevie was wide-eyed with her mouth parted slightly. She blinked as if she was waking up from a dream. Then she shivered. “Well, I’m good to go for another few months.” She squeezed her legs together and made another face. “Oh, yeah. That’ll do.”

Tracey’s Review

Kyra Aberdeen is hoping that returning home to a place she’s never been will bring her the peace she’s never had. Although she appears to the world as cheerful and upbeat, delivering peppy Youtube videos and social media posts, it’s all just an act. For as long as she can remember, Kyra has been fighting a darkness inside of herself, one that she can only find relief from in unhealthy ways. In an effort to stop her destructive behavior, she’s decided that smiling big and putting on a happy front will be her way of dealing with things. Until she goes home to Canaan Island, GA, and meets Hale Cooper. Hale hates fakers, and has no problem pushing every one of Kyra’s buttons until she’s willing to get real.

FAKERS was an interesting read for me. I think that Meg Collett did a good job of addressing the need for openness and discussion about hot button issues like depression and addiction. She managed to make her characters funny and engaging, even while they were less than perfect. Stevie is absolutely the best friend that anyone would want to have, and I found myself laughing out loud at her antics. I had a bit of a hard time getting a bead on Hale, but he stood by Kyra like a champ, and I really liked him a lot by the end of the book.

Ultimately, I did enjoy FAKERS, and would recommend it, especially to fans of New Adult reads, and give it 3+ stars.

Author Bio

Meg Collett lives deep in the hills of Tennessee where the cell phone service is a blessing and the Internet is a myth of epic proportions. She is the mother of one giant horse named Elle and two dogs named Wylla and Mandy. Her husband is a saint for putting up with her ragtag life. End of Days is her first series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour: The Choisie Series by Lori L. Otto- Experience First Love A Second Time

Posted on 10/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Series: Choisie

Titles included: Contessa, Olivia, Dear Jon, and Livvy

Author: Lori L. Otto

Released: Feb 2014

Find on Goodreads

Series Synopsis:

The Choisie series is a Young Adult/New Adult story following a teenage girl as she struggles to find her footing under the scrutiny of local media and the cautious eye of her overprotective father.

Livvy Holland was adopted by a generous and wealthy couple as a child. Now sixteen, she is a burgeoning artist, encouraged by her mother and inspired by a man she was never able to meet. Feeling estranged from a loving father whose mind works much differently than her own, she questions whether or not she was paired with the right guardians. In her plight for independence, she reconnects with a fellow art student who grew up alongside Livvy.

Jon Scott has led anything but a privileged life. After his father passes away, he is left to care for his two half-brothers while his mother’s alcoholism threatens to tear his family apart. All he wants for himself and his brothers is a better life. His dreams for an Ivy League education are coming to fruition, thanks to a lifetime of hard work and ambition. This is not only important to Jon himself; he also knows that the man who will win Livvy’s heart has to be someone exceptional. Her father would accept nothing less–and Jon believes that Livvy deserves the best of everything, too.

That may be the only thing Jon and Livvy’s father agree upon.

Over the course of their courtship, these two teens will experience the bliss of true love, but their immaturity and differing lifestyles will also threaten to tear them apart. They both begin to question the other’s devotion and commitment; only time will tell if their first love is meant to last a lifetime.

This series, comprised in totality of four books, allows the reader to experience first love for a second time. The first three books–Contessa, Olivia, and Dear Jon–are available now, with the fourth book–Livvy–slated to be released December 9!

Buy Links:

Contessa – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Olivia – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Dear Jon – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Livvy – Coming Dec 9, 2014 – Amazon | iTunes

Excerpt

Jon shakes his head. “It’s weird, because I’d never really thought about ‘love’ when it came to my dad. It wasn’t something I’d ever really looked for. I knew some kids had that–hell, I knew you had that, with the way your dad doted over you–but I just assumed you were all lucky, or special, or somehow extraordinary. I never knew it was something I should expect. I mean, my dad never even told me he loved me. And when Will and Max came along, their dad was the same. Emotionally dead.

“And Mom wasn’t much better. She was too hurt by my dad–and then too drunk in the wake of what happened. She’d tell me she loved me, but it was rarely when she was in a coherent, sober state.”

“I love you, Jon,” I tell him spontaneously, moved to say so by his story and by my own genuine compassion for him. “How could anyone not love you?” Sadness overwhelms me as I look into his eyes, and I feel myself begin to cry. “Don’t believe it for a second. Just because they didn’t say it doesn’t mean they didn’t feel it.”

Another tear falls down his cheek, but he never breaks down. He looks at me for a few seconds, his thumbs wiping away the wetness from my face, and returns my involuntary verbal outburst with an instinctive physical one of his own. His lips crash hard against mine, moving quickly as his hands lace through my hair and rest at the nape of my neck.

Both of us in need of a breath, he turns his head to the side slightly, resting his temple against mine. My hands press on his chest, feeling the fast rise and fall of his breathing that mirrors my own. His left hand trails down my right arm until it reaches my hip. His fingers grasp my hipbone as his right hand gently caresses my cheek.

“I need you,” he whispers in my ear. I nod my head against his, and I know he can feel my response. He continues to stroke the corner of my mouth with his thumb. I kiss it sweetly, and he lets it linger over my lips. I kiss it a few more times before I grasp his t-shirt in my hands and start to take it off. He lets go of me to pull it over his head.

His eyes trained on mine, he stands up in front of me, offering his hand to help me to my feet. Once standing, I kiss his lips, then his jawline, then his neck, and he turns his shoulder like clockwork, bending down ever so slightly so I can kiss the dream and the sleep.

Robin’s Review

Contessa by Lori Otto

If you have not read the Emi Lost & Found series, this review may contain spoilers.

Do you remember your first true love? Do you remember the passion, the overwhelming feelings that you experienced? For me, everything felt incredibly intense. I felt completely safe in the arms of my partner, as if nothing from the outside world could hurt me. I existed in an imaginary bubble. I felt protected. Imagine experiencing your first love at the age of sixteen. When you couple the experience of falling in love with teenage hormones, you have a real recipe for drama, angst and heartbreak. The immaturity and inexperience of a teenager makes it especially hard to maintain an ongoing relationship. Author Lori Otto has done a fantastic job of capturing this scenario in Contessa as Livvy Holland falls in love with Jon Scott.

Although not required, I recommend reading the Emi Lost & Found series before beginning Contessa. There are events, family history and background information found in that series that is extremely relevant to the Choisie series. Reading the Emi Lost & Found novels will help you to appreciate and better understand the family dynamic found in Contessa. As an extension of the Emi Lost & Found series, the Choisie series focuses on the adopted daughter of a wealthy philanthropist and his wife who live in Manhattan.

Olivia Sophia Holland was adopted by Jackson and Emi Holland at the age of four. At the beginning of Contessa, Olivia is nearing the age of sixteen when she is reunited with Jon Scott. Jon and Livvy previously shared a workspace at Nate’s Art Room, a program for underprivileged kids who show promise with the arts. Livvy is a talented and flourishing artist. Although clearly not from an underprivileged home, she has been allowed to attend classes because both of her parents are part of the foundation for Nate’s Art Room. Jon is two years older than Livvy, but his age difference doesn’t deter him from approaching her father to ask for permission to date her when she turns sixteen.

Relationships are a primary focus in Contessa. Livvy is young, but she is at the age where she wants to exert her independence. She has always had a close relationship with both of her parents, but more recently, she seems to be growing closer to her mother, while simultaneously pulling away from her father. Jacks is a wealthy philanthropist, well-known in Manhattan, which places their family in the crosshairs of the paparazzi. Jacks can be overbearing and protective as he struggles for some semblance of control over her social life, preferences and decisions. This includes micromanaging time and experiences between Livvy and her first love, Jon. Livvy has also developed a fatherly-type of affinity for a talented artist whom she never met, which further drives a wedge between her and Jacks. All of this combined has created a division between them that seems too great to overcome.

I have mixed feelings for Livvy in Contessa. She is a hard character to love in this novel, but I do. She can be impulsive, selfish and hurtful towards her parents, but I also see the good in her. There are moments that her inner beauty shines through. This leads me to believe that Livvy will grow by leaps and bounds as this series progresses. Her relationship with Jon is both intense and extremely sweet. Because of his age and family obligations, Jon is more mature than Livvy. He has lifelong goals and sees Livvy as a part of his future. I can only wonder what Lori Otto might have planned for this couple.

Contessa is the first novel of this series, the main characters are young, and there is a whole lot of story that remains to be seen for Jon and Livvy. There is plenty of room for character growth for many of the characters, including Jacks and Emi. Novels written by Lori Otto tend to bring out the strongest emotions in her readers – anger, sadness, joy and satisfaction. Lots of tears. To this day, Otto is responsible for the ugliest cry that I have ever experienced from reading a novel, and I totally mean that as a compliment! With Contessa, she was able to bring out the best and worst of my emotions, and that is a sign of a great book. Contessa is most definitely a 5-star read! Congratulations to Lori Otto for an outstanding start to her new series!

Author Bio:

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review Tour + Giveaway: Chains by Kelli Maine

Posted on 10/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Chains

An MMA Romantic Suspense

By Kelli Maine

Synopsis

Chained To The Past.

On the brink of going pro in MMA, Tyler Graves has defied his past—a past where going to jail for beating the hell out of his foster father took him away from the girl he loved and swore to protect, leaving her in the house of the man who abused them both.

Chained To Regret.

No matter how much time has passed, Danielle Debasco weighs on Ty’s mind and conscience. He was supposed to save her, instead he abandoned her.

Chained To Love.

To free Danny from the abusive man who still haunts her, Ty’s faced with sacrificing his future by finishing what he started four years ago—taking vengeance. But, this time will be different. This time he won’t stop until the horrors of their past are sealed not just in blood, but in death.

-ADULT CONTENT-
Sex, Language, Violence

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

I grabbed a plastic cup and filled it with vodka. Weaving through a group of women who were dancing, I found myself surrounded, trapped by hungry, grinding hips, fingers that snuck up my t-shirt and lips that whispered in my ear. I couldn’t hear her words, but had enough sense to know when I was being invited into a woman’s bed.

I tipped my cup back and opened my throat, letting ounce after ounce of burning vodka slide down. When it was gone, I tossed the cup aside and grabbed the waist of the girl in front of me. I pulled her ass against me and grinded into her. She threw her head back against my chest, lifted her arms over her head and swiveled as she bent her knees, lowering herself below my waist. She turned, hooked her fingers behind my belt and looked up at me with smoldering eyes. She licked her lips. My cock twitched in anticipation. I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up. “Outside,” I said. “Now.”

We pushed through the crowd and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Her hand squeezed my ass. I reached over and tweaked her nipple, hard through her tight, stretchy shirt.

We rounded the corner to the side of the motel. A few people stood down at the far end of the building, but it was dark enough she could blow me. She put her hands on my chest and groaned low in her throat. “God, I want this body,” she said.

“I want your mouth on me.” I squeezed her tits, and her hands ran down over my stomach. She squatted down, unbuttoning my jeans. The zipper followed, and her hand pulled me out. I leaned back against the brick wall as her lips closed around my head. Her mouth was hot, and she knew how to stroke a cock. After the day I had, coming in this chick’s mouth was about all I had the strength left in me to do.

I watched her as she sucked me in. Her hand disappeared up her skirt, getting herself off at the same time. That should’ve done it for me, but I was distracted. I wasn’t even enjoying it. I don’t know what the fuck my problem was.

“That’s enough,” I said, hauling her to her feet.

“What’s wrong?” She stumbled in her heels, and I held her up.

“Nothing. It was perfect. I’m just　 not into it tonight.”

She looked disappointed. And pissed. “Yeah. Well. Whatever. No big deal. Your dick’s not that big anyway.” It was a lie. We both knew it.

I tucked it back in my pants and watched her retreat around the corner of the building. I waited a few minutes until my cock settled down, then went back around to the sidewalk. I should’ve stayed in my room. I was in no mood for a party and all the fake bullshit that went along with it.

When I got to the door to the party, this one chick wouldn’t move to let me by. “Hey,” I said. “Excuse me. I need by you.”

She turned and locked her bloodshot blue eyes on me.

Time froze as we stared at each other.

Her blond hair was dull, her complexion sallow, her body too thin. Drugs. I’d know their effects anywhere.

“Danny,” I said, catching her by the elbows. “Do you know who I am?”

Her eyes trailed over my face. Jesus, she was rocked out of her mind. Her pupils were dilated and sweat dripped down her neck between her small breasts into her low-cut shirt.

“Danielle,” I said, leaning closer. “It’s me—Tyler.”

“Tyler,” she said, and threw her arms around my neck.

Guilt crushed against my sternum. I left her, and look what she became. “Let’s get out of here.” I turned her around and steered her down the sidewalk.

Michel’s Review

If you are looking for a short book to read you may want to consider Chains by Kelli Maine. It is a gripping story of an MMA fighter stepping outside of the ring and taking on a new fight in the real world of life.

Tyler Graves has a bright future in the world of MMA fighting. He is about to turn pro. He just needs a few more fights in the amateur circuit. While competing in one of those fights his contender starts running his mouth about Danielle Debasco. The one and only girl he ever loved. A girl that shared his abusive past. A girl that he left behind when he escaped at age eighteen. A girl that deserves more than his desertion. A girl that owns his heart.

Learning that Danny’s life has gone even farther downhill than the abusive past they shared, Tyler is determined to find her. He will have to make choices that could ruin his life now. The choices can ruin his career. But if he can save Danny, any choice he makes will be worth it.

After Tyler beat their foster father to near death and left home, Danny has been subject to harsher abuses from him. Her escape is in the world of drugs. She is an addict that will do anything for another fix. She doesn’t want Tyler to rescue her from her life.

As this story unfolds the readers will experience the horrific past that Tyler, Danny, and their foster brother endured. Each came out of those experiences scarred. Each chose a different path in life. For Tyler it was professional fighting, for Alex it was controlling his life and wealth by dealing drugs, and for Danny it was escaping in drug abuse and trying to stay one step ahead of her obsessive foster father. These three will reunite and become the family they once were.

There will be some horrific events that will shatter them all. The one thing that ties them together will be the one thing that can destroy their lives. Their foster father, Striker.

Danny and Tyler will find the lasting love they have always craved but they will have to pay a high price for that love.

Chains was a good short book. I would of liked to seen this book a bit longer. The plot was strong and held me captive, but I did feel it was rushed. The events throughout the book happened in a matter of days. To me it didn’t seem like enough time for Danny to give up her addiction, for Danny and Tyler to form a strong relationship, and to escape the clutches of Striker. I was also unclear of the background of the story, such as where they were from, how Striker could easily find them, and what happened to Alex in the in between years.

If you are looking for a short book to read , Chains by Kelli Maine will fit the bill.

Author Bio:

Kelli Maine is the erotic romance author of USA Today Bestseller and #1 Nook book, Taken, and the Give & Take series, along with the Dolls & Doms novellas and Chains. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, Kelli enjoys watching reality T.V., getting lost in random Wikipedia pages and searching online ads for vintage muscle cars.

Favorite Author: Diana Gabaldon
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Superhero: Spiderman
Favorite Place I’ve Been: Yucatan Peninsula
Writing Must Haves: Coffee and chocolate
Plotter or Pantser: Proud Pantser

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Cover Reveal: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Posted on 10/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Never Never

By Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Release Date: January 2015

Unofficial Blurb

Never Never
Best friends since they could walk. In love by the age of fourteen. Dating for over four years.
She’ll do everything she can to never forget.
He’ll do everything he can to never remember.
Too bad it’s not up to them.

__________________________________________________________________________

New York Times Best Selling Authors:Author Bio:

Colleen Hoover’s love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled “Mystery Bob” and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest. Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, “Slammed.” She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT’s bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT’s bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term “author” still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn’t work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting. Colleen’s newest novel, UGLY LOVE, releases August 5th, 2014. She is currently working on a new novel, CONFESS, which she is writing as fast as she can before she wakes up from this crazy dream.

You can follow Colleen on Instagram and Twitter @colleenhoover. You can also find her on her blog at http://www.colleenhoover.com where she holds a daily book-a-day giveaway, or on her very active Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/authorcolleenhoover where she loves to give away more free stuff when her husband isn’t looking.

Colleen also wants the world to know that writing short biographies in third person is incredibly awkward.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

____________________________________________________________________________
I am a real life villain, truly. I drink sick amounts of Starbucks. Most of the time my hair smells like coffee. I was born in South Africa, and lived there for most of my childhood. I moved to Seattle just for the rain. Rome is my favorite place in the world so far, Paris comes in at a close second. I read and write more than I sleep. When I was eleven, I wrote an entire novel about runaway orphans, using only purple ink. I am addicted to Florence and the Machine and will travel to see concerts. I love scary movies and giraffes. I spend way too much time on Facebook. Meet you there?…

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

______________________________________________________________________________

Review: Status by @JA Huss- #Social Media Series- #Book 4

Posted on 10/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Status

Social Media – Book 4

By @ JA Huss

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Grace @FilthyBlueBird
@VaughnAsher I own #DirtyHeaven, bitch. #VaughnAsherIsMyBitch

MovieStar @VaughnAsher
@FilthyBlueBird #FlashbackTime Get ready.

Grace @FilthyBlueBird
Come here and take off my lip gloss @VaughnAsher #OnMyKneesWaiting

MovieStar @VaughnAsher
@FilthyBlueBird #Flashback to last night. Oh, you weren’t wearing lip gloss. But you are now. #GetOnYourKneesAndWait

Grace @FilthyBlueBird
@VaughnAsher – Dabbing lips with a napkin. #ThatAllYouGot?

Finally… Grace sees me in a different light. The banter is flirty, the sex is fun, and the future looks fabulous.I just hope she feels the same way when she finds out what I did.

Review

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie–

Grace@FilthyBlueBird has disappeared! Runaway bride?

#Yes?

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads–

Did she run from MovieStar@VaughnAsher or the media?

#Tell

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie–

Past exposed! Secret out! MovieStar@VaughnAsher cut!

#Fail

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads

What is secret? #HotMovieStar can’t direct this act?

#Scary

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie–

Grace can’t even direct! Wait til she finds out about

#Vegas

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads–

Don’t tell me there were wedding bells?

#HolyMatrimony!

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie–

#Ring-A-Ling! But more! #InvisableMan is visible!

#Horror

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads

#HotMovieStar is not #InvisableMan?

#InvisableHusband

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie–

Good question.

#HotMovieStar is #InvisableHusband

#Not #InvisableMan

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads

#MustRead! #HotMovieStar may have trouble.

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie

#SecretsExposed-

#Cliffhanger

#GraceInTrouble

Michel’s Review

Status is the fourth installment in the Social Media series. Status was quite different from the first three episodes. In the previous episodes we got a taste of hot sex, kinky diversions, a movie star willing to do anything to get his way. We witnessed a beautiful woman get hit by the freight train known as Vaughn Asher. Instead of it being her ultimate fantasy it has become her living nightmare.

Grace’s past is exposed because of her involvement with Vaughn Asher. The worst part of the exposure is that it has made her a target once again. This time there is nothing even the rich and powerful movie star can do.

Vaughn Asher has fallen in love with Grace Kinsella. He will do anything to protect her, take care of her, and keep her. Even if he has to marry her. He is ready to for a life with Grace. What he doesn’t realize is that he has opened the door to her living hell.

As Grace’s past story unfolds and comes back to haunt her it will end on a major cliffhanger that has the readers chewing their nails down to the quick.

We have seen a glimpse of Grace’s past and in the next episode, Profile, we will find out more. I also have a gut feeling that Vaughn Asher’s profile might not be exactly what we were lead to believe. We will find out more in Profile, releasing on October 22, 2014.

Pre-Order: Amazon

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

FOLLOW – AUGUST 27, 2014

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

LIKE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

BLOCK – SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

STATUS – OCTOBER 8, 2014

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

PROFILE – OCTOBER 22, 2014

Pre-Order- Amazon

HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

Author Bio:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Thoughtful by S.C. Stephens- Thoughtless Series-Book 1.5

Posted on 10/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Thoughtful

Thoughtless Series- Book 1.5

Release Date: February 24. 2015

By S.C. Stephens

Pre Order: Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

A new novel in the Thoughtless series from #1 New York Times bestselling author S. C. Stephens!

Every story has two sides, and in this new book, the epic love story between Kiera and Kellan is shown through his eyes.

All Kellan Kyle needs is his guitar, and some clean sheets of paper. Growing up in a house that was far from a home, he learned a hard lesson: You’re worthless. Now his life is comfortably filled with passionate music, loyal band mates, and fast women…until he meets her.

Kiera makes him ache for more. Makes him feel for the first time that he’s worth more. But there’s one problem – she’s his best friend’s girl.

Just when Kellan thought his emotional defenses were rock solid, Kiera’s indecisive heart wreaks havoc on his soul, changing him forever. Losing Kiera is not an option.

The Thoughtless Series

Thoughtless

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Effortless

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Reckless

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

S.C. Stephens is a bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Jessie Evans Takes Over Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews Tonight 8-10pm EST ~ Lots of Prizes

Posted on 10/16/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

We’re so excited to reveal the new covers for Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans’ WILD RUSH series! And, as a bonus, the first three books in the series are on sale this week! If you haven’t dived into this super sexy NA series yet, now is the perfect time!

OneWildNight_final2_contrast About One Wild Night – FREE!

A dark, sexy, emotionally charged romance series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans

“I will love you forever, until men are fairy tales.” –Gabe Alexander

One night can change your life…

Gorgeous Gabe. He makes my skin hot and my lips tingle, makes my heart race and banishes the exhaustion that’s been my constant companion since I quit school to be a surrogate parent.

He also wants me to become a thief.

I’m standing at the threshold of a moment that will change my life, and not necessarily for the better. I know that, but still I nod. And take his hand. And let him lead me out into the night.

Please note: The reading order for the Wild Rush series is One Wild Night, followed by This Wicked Rush, One Perfect Love, This Sweet Escape, and One Beautiful Revenge. The first three tell Gabe and Caitlin’s complete love story. The next two books tell Danny and Sam’s story and will release Fall 2014

WARNING: The Wild Rush series contains graphic sensuality, unconventional morality, and good people forced into making bad choices. Read at your own risk.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

About This Wicked Rush – on sale for $1.99

A dark, sexy, emotionally charged romance series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans

If loving him is bad, I don’t want to be good…

I’m starting to forget why it’s a bad idea to get in any deeper with a man who is a walking, talking contradiction. A man who’s introduced me to a life of crime and dark pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever known. I’ve spent my life putting aside my own needs and cleaning up after other people’s mistakes. Now, I want to make a mistake of my own.

I know I’m playing with fire, but for Gabe I’m willing to beg to be burned.

WARNING: The Wild Rush series contains graphic sensuality, unconventional morality, and good people forced into making bad choices. Read at your own risk.

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About One Perfect Love – on sale for $2.99

A dark, sexy, emotionally charged romance series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans

Sometimes two imperfect people …

It has been almost a year since that night in the attic, since something inside me died, and a new Caitlin Cooney was born from the wreckage. The months that followed nearly killed me, but I survived and fought for the happiness Gabe was determined to give my family.

I believe the worst is over, until I’m forced back to my hometown and realize how many lies have been told to snuff out the wicked rush I found in Gabe’s arms.

WARNING: The Wild Rush series contains graphic sensuality, unconventional morality, and good people forced into making bad choices. Read at your own risk.

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About This Sweet Escape

A dark, sexy, emotionally charged romance series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans

Can you run far enough, fast enough, to escape a broken heart?

Samantha

For six months I’ve hidden my shameful secret behind my “good girl” image. Perfect grades, perfect smile, perfectly fractured family, with a stepbrother who swears he loves me, and a stepmom who buys me designer clothes—even a perfect boyfriend. I’m the only one who knows that Danny’s life has been anything but picture perfect. He’s always trusted me with his truth; I only want to escape mine. But now I know that’s impossible, and I have to get out before it’s too late. Reality has let me down for the last time. From here on out, I’m making my own reality, and taking Danny with me.

Danny

Since we were kids, I’ve known Sam and I were meant to be. Her smile is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and her laughter is a mystery I want to spend the rest of my life solving. No one believed we would last for the long haul, but I never doubted it. Not until this summer, when Sam meets me at the airport, and says it’s time for a great adventure. As we hop a plane to New Zealand, I want to believe we’re just getting an early start on the world travel we’ve been planning, but deep down, I know something’s wrong. Sam is running from something bad, and the bad things always catch up with you, sooner or later.

And when they do, they have a habit of tearing people who love each other apart.

THIS SWEET ESCAPE release October 28^th on iBooks, everywhere else on November 4^th. Preorder it here!

About One Beautiful Revenge

A dark, sexy, emotionally charged romance series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans

They say revenge is a dish best served cold…

DANNY

It’s been a year since I learned the truth about the scandal at Sterling University. Since then I have become a cold bastard with a block of ice and hate where my heart used to be. But when I board the plane to Costa Rica I look like a laid back surfer without a care in the world. I haven’t decided whether to kill Todd, Jeremy, J.D., and Scott while they’re living it up on their senior trip, or just make them wish they were dead, but I know one thing—whatever I decide, no one is going to suspect I’m the one responsible.

I have planned the perfect revenge. At least I think I have. Then I see her…

SAM

They say great minds think alike, but I’m shocked when I return from the beach in Costa Rica to find Danny waiting on my balcony. After all we’ve been through, I was afraid there would be no way back to the easy love we once had. But soon I learn that our shared enemies have made us stronger and our connection more powerful and passionate than it was before.

Now we just have to decide—carry through with our dark plans, or get out before it’s too late.

Preorder it here for just $2.99!

About Jessie Evans writing as J. Evans

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.

Connect with Jessie Evans

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Pre-Release Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Rowdy by Jay Crownover- Marked Men Series- Book 5

Posted on 10/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Rowdy

Marked Men Series-Book 5

By Jay Crownover

Synopsis

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with this sizzling, sexy story of love, heartbreak, fate, and second chances.

After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned.

Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister.

Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

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EXCERPT:

WHEN I PUT THE key he had given me in the door to his apartment it felt like the end of a long journey. Really it was only a little over twelve hours and I had stopped to nap once along the way, but it still felt like too long since I had seen his face or been able to touch all that toned and tattooed skin. Jimbo greeted me at the door when I pushed it open. His tongue lolled out of his mouth and he jumped up and put his paws on my legs. He was going to be huge when he finally grew into his fuzzy body and I was overwhelmed at how happy I was to see him. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my face in his neck as he licked me all over my face. I was obviously missed and I had to say it was just one more reason I knew I was finally where I was supposed to be. It was late, so the apartment was dark.

I checked the dog’s food and water, trying to be quiet in case Rowdy was already asleep. I was winding my way toward his bedroom when a haphazardly discarded sketch pad lying on the couch caught my eye in the dim light. I paused for a minute to pick it up and felt my heart stop and then start to race as I flipped through the first few pages. There were a couple of drawings that were obviously for clients, tattoos that hadn’t made it from paper to skin yet, but most of the pristine white pages were covered with images wearing my face. There was mermaid me, and naughty- sailor- girl me. There was sassy Indian girl me with long Pocahontas braids and there was sexy devil me standing next to angelic me. There were dozens of them all in different shapes and sizes, but every single image was undoubtedly modeled after my distinct look. I wasn’t sure if he had drawn them all over this last week while I had been gone or over the months we had been chasing each other in circles.

Either way it made my heart swell and the full certainty that I was it for him settle deep inside my bones. I set the pad down and tiptoed through the hall. Jimbo took one look at where I was going and huffed out a disgusted- sounding snort. The poor guy had learned early on that he wanted no part of what happened between his humans when they were together in the bedroom. The light was off and Rowdy was sprawled on his stomach across the covers. His blond hair was sticking up every- where and he hand one arm bent up under his head. The only thing that could have made the sight better would have been if he hadn’t bothered with the black boxers before crashing out.

Even with them obscuring the view, I couldn’t complain. I let out a breathless sigh and crept closer so that I could lean over and touch my lips to that anchor on the side of his neck. I felt his pulse leap and tasted the salt on his skin as he murmured sleepily and rolled over onto his back. Those infinitely blue eyes glowed at me in the dark as a grin pulled up the corner of his mouth.

“Hey.”

Michel’s Review

I have been a huge fan of the Marked Men Series by Jay Crownover since the beginning. This series has captivated the readers because of the dynamic characters and their close knit connections that make them a family. Each of the characters has their own story and individuality that makes them stand out amongst each of their friends and family members. Their individuality and unique personalities add the perfect balance in the family unit. The strong bonds of friendship and love are what makes this series endearing. Through out this series there has been one character that has stood out. His wisdom, unconditional support, and relationship advice has made the friends better men. His understanding and huge heart has made each of the women in their group value his advice. He has earned their love and trust. Throughout this series his past has remained a mystery. It is clear that his past has made him dead set against having a committed loving relationship. This mysterious past has also given him the insight on how valuable a true loving relationship really is. His advice comes from his past experiences and mistakes. What happened to Rowdy St. James in the past that made him the man he is today? What happened to make him a man that won’t commit to a steady relationship? What happened to make him so understanding when it comes to love, but cannot accept it for himself?

Readers are finally going to unravel the mystery of Rowdy St. James. When the mystery is finally solved and all of Rowdy’s dirty laundry is aired out, the readers are going to love this man even more.

When Salem Cruz joins the Marked team, she throws the doors wide open to Rowdy’s mysterious past. It is clear that she and Rowdy have a history. A history that ended on a bad note. It has all the gang wondering what that past is. For the first time they are seeing the easy going and charming Rowdy acting like an ass. Clearly they are shocked by his reactions to Salem. As the story unfolds it will surprise everyone, including Salem.

Salem has been a wanderlust for the past ten years. She ran away from Texas and left Rowdy alone. What happened in those missing ten years molded both her and Rowdy into the people they are today. The one thing that has always been a constant for Salem is her love for the boy she left behind. When the opportunity to be a part of Rowdy’s life once again knocks on her door, she takes it with no hesitation.

Rowdy and Salem will have to come to an understanding of what really happened ten years ago. They will have to let go of the past resentments to be able to move forward. They will both find that their bonds are much more than a shared past. Together they can build a loving future. The past will come knocking on the door and both of them will have to figure out where that past fits in their lives now. They will make some new choices that will be good for everyone involved. Rowdy will get a surprise that will change everything he thought he knew about family relationships. Salem will find the boy she left behind is nothing in comparison to the man she is running towards.

When Rowdy and Salem finally come together it is explosive. Their passion for one another goes much further than mutual attraction. They are finally free to give their hearts completely without the restraints that clearly held them back. They not only have sizzling chemistry in the bedroom, they also have a passion that will last forever.

I loved everything about this book. It showed the importance of friendship, family, and love. The characters from the past books were present and in rare form. Their lives are moving in new directions. These new directions will make this group even tighter. We also got to meet some new characters that are going to lend strength to the entire cast. I am hoping they will get books as well ( they might end up being the stars of the new series). And…yes…Asa and Royal were building up intrigue and angst that has the readers dying for their book. Yes…it’s coming…April 14, 2015. In the meantime, enjoy Rowdy in all his sexy, good ole boy glory. I know I did!

Jay Crownover has written an unforgettable series. The readers are going to love Rowdy even more than they already did. I highly recommend the Marked Men series.

Rowdy can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She will also be introducing the dark and sexy world of The Point in a new series this summer starting with ROWDY. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Left Behind by Vi Keeland & Dylan Scott

Posted on 10/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Left Behind

Release Date: October 16, 2014

By Vi Keeland and Dylan Scott

Synopsis

Two stories so deeply intertwined, you’ll think you know how they intersect…but you’ll be wrong….

Zack Martin

The day I met Emily Bennett my whole world changed. Sure, we were just kids, but I was old enough to know my life would never be the same. She was my best friend. My destiny. My fate. I wasn’t wrong…I just didn’t know how twisted fate could be.

Nikki Fallon

After the death of my mother, moving from my dark and dreary trailer park to sunny California, I was focused on one thing – finding a sister I’d only just learned existed. Falling in love with him wasn’t part of the plan. But he filled a void I never knew was possible to fill. He had to be my fate. My destiny. Until the day I finally found out who my sister was…and how twisted fate could be.

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Except

He looks up and I watch his eyes take me in. Slowly. They rake over me, dropping from my eyes to my glossed lips down to my exposed shoulders. Taking his time, he follows the neckline of my simple, yet body contouring sundress, lingering when he reaches my full breasts. I’m sufficiently covered, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aware that the dress showed off my assets well. Tight around my chest, gathering snuggly at the waist, with a scant amount of cleavage. Just enough coverage to still leave something for him to imagine. And I watch his face change as his imagination takes off running.

His eyes drift down my legs, tanned now from the eternal California sun. Momentarily he’s lost in what he sees and doesn’t even notice I’m watching him leer. Totally worth the extra effort getting ready tonight, I couldn’t be happier at the reaction I get. Eventually, his eyes make their way back up to mine and I arch one eyebrow, letting him know he’s been caught. A normal reaction might be to look embarrassed or perhaps even flustered a little. But not Zack. Instead, he flashes me a wicked grin. “You look incredible.” He’s the one doing the leering, yet I’m the one who ends up blushing.

Author Bio:

Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Dylan Scott

Dylan Scott is a New York trial attorney, wife and mother of four. She believes her job as a trial attorney is a subcategory to the field of entertainment more than law. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature she believed teaching English was a destined career choice until she realized her life long talent of “argument” could actually be her job. A recent, fairly boring, midlife crisis resulted in a brief stint as a middle school English teacher which confirmed that she wasn’t ready to give up the law. Dylan has also taught legal courses at the college level and worked with at-risk inner city youth in the roles of mentor and coach. She is co-author Vi Keeland’s biggest fan.

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Giveaway

$25 Gift Card

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Teaser: Here With Me by Heidi McLaughlin-Coming October 23, 2014

Posted on 10/16/2014 by shellbellereads

HERE WITH ME by New York Times Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin will be released in just 1 more week (on October 23rd!)! Today we have a few teasers from the book.

Synopsis for HERE WITH ME:

Ryley Clarke has grown up with the military in her blood, with both parents serving their country. Ryley knows the risks of being married to the military. But when the unthinkable happens, and her future husband is killed in action, Ryley can barely survive… until Evan’s twin brother, Nate, helps her pick up the pieces.

After serving on a special mission with the military for six years, Evan Archer returns home to find the unthinkable – the love of his life, Ryley Clarke – engaged to his brother, Nate. With Nate on deployment, Evan needs to figure out what happened in his absence, and more importantly, how to win Ryley back from the man he once considered his best friend, but now thinks of as his rival.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18948703-here-with-me

AUTHOR INFORMATION

BIO:

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Author Links:
Website: http://heidimclaughlin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMcLaughlinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiJoVT
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Monthly Archives: October 2014

Blog Tour: Fakers by Meg Collett

Blog Tour: The Choisie Series by Lori L. Otto- Experience First Love A Second Time

Review Tour + Giveaway: Chains by Kelli Maine

Cover Reveal: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Cover Reveal: Thoughtful by S.C. Stephens- Thoughtless Series-Book 1.5

Jessie Evans Takes Over Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews Tonight 8-10pm EST ~ Lots of Prizes

Pre-Release Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Rowdy by Jay Crownover- Marked Men Series- Book 5

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Left Behind by Vi Keeland & Dylan Scott

Teaser: Here With Me by Heidi McLaughlin-Coming October 23, 2014

HERE WITH ME by New York Times Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin will be released in just 1 more week (on October 23rd!)! Today we have a few teasers from the book.

Synopsis for HERE WITH ME:

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18948703-here-with-me

AUTHOR INFORMATION

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Amazon US ** iBooks ** Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** IndieBound

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HERE WITH ME by New York Times Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin will be released in just 1 more week (on October 23rd!)! Today we have a few teasers from the book.

Synopsis for HERE WITH ME:

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18948703-here-with-me

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Share this:

Amazon US iBooks Barnes and Noble Kobo IndieBound