Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: In His Shadows by Tiffany Snow

Posted on 12/07/2014 by shellbellereads

In His Shadow

The Tangled Ivy Trilogy- Book 1

By Tiffany Snow

Release Date: December 16, 2014

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Ivy Mason is hiding—from her past, from herself, and from anyone who could love her. The only kind of love she’s ever known hurts, leaving scars on her body and soul. Now, her world may be boring and predictable, but that’s exactly what she wants. Until Devon Clay walks into her life.

A lonely man in a deadly profession, Devon works as an agent for an underground British agency known only as the Shadow. Nothing about him is safe or ordinary. The danger that consumes his life turns into an addiction Ivy can’t resist…even if it proves fatal.

As Ivy’s past begins to catch up with her, she wonders if love really is the twisted thing she’s always thought it was. Maybe it could be more with this man, who’s shown her that she doesn’t need to protect herself from everyone. Is what she feels for Devon worth the risk? He may save her heart or break it, if she manages to stay alive.

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Guest Post: Getting To Know An International Man of Mystery by Tiffany Snow

Devon Clay, from my romance novel In His Shadow, is a British spy, and the only thing Ivy Mason knows about spies is what James Bond taught her. Ivy’s past gives her an acute ability to read people, and she can read from a mile away the danger emanating from Devon. She doesn’t like him, doesn’t want to get to know him, but Devon doesn’t give her much of a choice.

Ivy’s past has left her with issues no one’s been able to touch…until Devon. Perhaps it takes two damaged souls to recognize the other because he’s able to break through the barriers she’s built around herself.

At heart, Devon is a protector and a warrior, clothed in twenty-first century civility and sophistication. Attracted to Ivy because of her beauty, he becomes intrigued by who she is the more he learns about her. Add to it his innate desire to protect, and Ivy becomes someone his heart can’t resist, even though his head tells him their destiny is bound to be separate.

Secrecy is what keeps Devon alive. Experience has taught him that anyone he loves can become not only a liability, but being involved with him puts them in grave danger. Can he have both? A woman to love, but who he can also keep secret and safe?

Devon turns into an addiction, an obsession, for Ivy. The first man to really show her the depth of feeling and intimacy between a man and a woman, she can’t say no to him despite the multitude of reasons why she should. Could you give up the one thing that makes you feel alive? Neither can she. Is obsession love? Or is it ultimately a selfish emotion? Ivy finds out when circumstances force her to choose between betraying Devon, or sacrificing herself.

In the Tangled Ivy Trilogy, Ivy and Devon grow as characters as their relationship moves from lust, to sex, to obsession, and finally into love. But their love story comes at a price and the stakes for their happily ever after will affect millions.

Excerpt

“Come you need to rest.”

Taking my hand, Devon pulled me to my feet and led me down the hall to the bedroom. He flipped on the switch and a lamp illuminated the room. Although spacious, the huge bed dominated the space and my eyes were drawn inexorably to it.

“You can sleep in here,” he said. “I’ll take the sofa.” The way he said it, almost with a wry smile, had me glancing at him.

“You don’t have to give up your bed for me,” I protested. “I mean, it’s not like you’re a gentleman.” I didn’t know why I added the dig, maybe I wanted to push him and see how far he’d go.

But his lips only twisted further. “I can pretend as well as the next man,” he said.

Devon moved closer until we were nearly touching. I stood my ground though I wanted desperately to take a step back.

“What are you doing?” I asked, immediately hating the throaty sound in my voice.

Devon didn’t answer me. His gaze dropped to my mouth and my pulse leapt. Leaning down, his lips brushed mine in a feather-light touch. His lips were soft and warm, teasing gently and coaxing a response from me as his tongue swiped my bottom lip

It was electric and I moaned softly, opening my mouth so he could deepen the kiss. He tasted of strawberries, his tongue sliding along mine as his hand palmed the back of my head. Devon kissed me as though he had all the time in the world, until I was breathless and clutching his shoulders, my body pressed against his.

“You’re body was made for me, “ he murmured, his lips sliding along my jaw to leave my skin burning. “That’s why you’re not afraid. It knows me. It wants me between your legs, buried inside you.”

The words curled in my ear like the sweet, silky promise of a viper. I stiffened but before I could push him away again, Devon pulled back.

“Good night, sweet Ivy.” Then he was gone, the door closing softly behind him.

How the hell was I suppose to sleep after that?

Michel’s Review

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Romantic Suspense genre. I love the thrill of danger and suspense that place the hot alpha male hero and brave heroine in a world of peril. Tiffany Snow is a master of writing romantic suspense books. Her books are loaded with high octane action, page turning peril, and sizzling hot loves scenes that leave the readers hearts racing.

In His Shadow is the first book in the Tangled Ivy Trilogy. It was a page turner that I couldn’t put down. The first page gives the reader a sense of the dangerous undertones that Devon Clay possesses. It also gives the reader a strong sense of Ivy Mason’s sharp intelligence, quick sense, and a strong intuition of dangerous threats.

As the story begins to unfold Tiffany Snow keeps the reader guessing at why Ivy is being involved in the world to shadows that Devon rules. She is put in perilous situations. She witnesses several murders. She is attracted to man she knows nothing about. She is giving up her innocence and her instincts of self protection all for a man that only brings death and danger to her door. Little does she know is that she was involved before Devon even came on the scene. One innocent moment with a lonely old man placed her on the radar to a world of espionage and mass destruction.

The chemistry between Devon and Ivy is sizzling hot. Devon will make your panties melt off with his sexy English accent and mysterious persona. He brings Ivy to her knees with one look, one touch, and one suggestion. He is a man that knows his way around a woman’s body. When he seduces Ivy he is also seducing the reader.

Ivy is one of my favorite kind of heroines. She is intelligent and compassionate. She has a strong sense of self and does not let Devon walk all over her. She makes her own decisions and accepts the good with the bad. She has an ugly past that would scar anyone for life. She does not let the past rule her present. She has learned from all she endured and has become a strong woman.

In His Shadow kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Devon. I loved the pacing of the story. I loved the intricate plot. The book had a satisfactory ending even though it was not the conclusion to Ivy and Devon’s story. It has me anticipating the next book.

I highly recommend In His Shadow by Tiffany Snow. It is a thrilling reading experience.

About Tiffany Snow

I love to stick with characters over a series of books when I read, which is the same way I write. My first series – THE KATHLEEN TURNER SERIES – includes five books, two companion novels, and features a love triangle. My new series, coming from Montlake Romance December 16, 2014, is the TANGLED IVY TRILOGY, beginning with IN HIS SHADOW.
As for me, I’ve been reading romance novels since I was way too young to read such things, have an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefer Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, think men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, have learned to never stop believing in my beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero. Most of all, romance never, ever gets old.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Happy Holidays! Advent Calendar 2014 from Inkslinger

Posted on 12/06/2014 by shellbellereads

Happy holidays, everyone! Everyone at InkSlinger – the publicists and the fabulous authors they work with – wanted to do a little something special for the bloggers and readers who constantly amaze them with their support, so they put together an advent calendar full of fun prizes!

Each day you can check their advent calendar to check for the giveaway for that date! They’ll be hosted by different bloggers on each day, but the advent calendar will link directly to the posts! And don’t worry if you miss a day – the giveaways will run all month long, so there’s plenty of time!

I’m hosting today’s giveaway – check out the details below!

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Review Blog Tour: Down For The Count Series by Christa Cervone- On The Ropes and Going The Distance- A Fighter Series

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

On The Ropes

Down For The Count Series- Book 1

By Christa Cervone

Synopsis

***Author’s note*** This book is not recommended for readers under the age of eighteen, due to strong sexual content, language, child abuse, and drug reference. Also, this is the first book in a series.

A murderer’s child…A foster child…A troubled teen…Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega has never had an easy life. Being shuffled from one foster home to another after his father murdered his mother, he found himself in and out of trouble with the law. Never giving a damn about himself, let alone anyone else, his life was spiraling out of control; fast. Until one man and one sport changed everything.

Frankie Carbone taught Saint how to handle his anger and rejection; by fighting it out in the ring. On his way to stardom, Saint finds himself pushed into the spotlight and into the arms of more women than he can ever imagine; he’s completely content with one night stands and random sex.

Then Salem Harris comes walking into his life and changes his game plan. Saint finds himself wanting Salem in all the ways that scare him. She is off limits; taken. But that doesn’t stop Saint from going after what he wants, and he wants her.

Frankie showed Saint a new way of life with Boxing, but will Salem give him the one thing he’s never known – love? Will Saint find himself fighting for the one thing he thinks he doesn’t deserve or will Salem end up breaking his heart? Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega has had to fight for every good thing he’s gotten in his life.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

On The Ropes by Christa Cervone is unlike any of the fighter books I have read to date. Most fighter books feature a bull headed, very determined Alpha male that has some kind of issues in his past. He allows these issues to hold him back from being in a successful loving relationship. On The Ropes does have a very bull headed Alpha male, Gabriel “Saint” Vega. He has a horrific past. That horrific past has molded him into the man he is today. Rather than allowing the past to rule his future, he allowed people to help him along the way in his life. He has learned from the positive examples in his life and is determined to be an honorable man. His past is put into the right perspective. He has learned that some things are out of his control and that he has to accept it and move forward in the best direction that he can. He has learned that family is not always defined by DNA.

He is on the verge of breaking into the big league in the boxing world. He has trained hard and followed the rules. He listens to his trainer, Frankie Carbone, and follows his directions. After all , it was Frankie that gave him the break he needed in life. One would think with his new found fame and fighting career that he would have a huge ego. Not the case with the Saint. He is a very humble man. He knows his strengths and weaknesses, he has respect for others, and gives his time to “at risk” kids. He may be a bit of a player where the ladies are concerned but overall he’s a good guy.

When a sponsorship opportunity knocks on the door, Frankie encourages Saint to take this opportunity. This opportunity leads him to meeting the one woman that can change his view on serious relationships. This one woman is the only woman he can’t have. She is the girlfriend of his sponsor and they are in a very serious relationship.

Salem Harris is a spoiled rich girl with her nose high in the air. She has been involved with Blaine all her life. It doesn’t matter that he treats her badly. It doesn’t matter that he cheats on her. He is her destined prince charming.

When Salem and The Saint but heads is more than a pissing match. The sexual chemistry between the two will go the distance. But their relationship is a forbidden one. Nothing good can come from it. And when something does come of it….CLIFFHANGER!

On The Ropes set the pace for the Down For The Count Series. I loved Gabriel “Saint” Vega. His humble personality and dedication to those he loved knocked my socks off. I had a hard time liking Salem. She was incredibly self absorbed and self entitled. I could not understand the attraction that the Saint had for her. But then Christa Cervone waved her magical pen and showed the readers another side to Salem. I am anxious to see her transformation in the next book. The secondary characters made this story work. Their personalities and assigned roles gave this story an insight to the real lives of the fighters behind the scenes and in real life circumstances.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Going The Distance

Down For The Count Series- Book 2

By Christa Cervone

Synopsis

***Author’s note*** This book is not recommended for readers under the age of eighteen, due to strong sexual content, language, abuse, and drug reference. Book 2 in a two book in a series.

Life has been a roller coaster for Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega. From surviving a hellish childhood, to reuniting with his lost brother, only to hit the struggle of helping him battle his drug addiction. Boxing saved Gabriel’s life, and just when his career hits the fast track, he finally finds love with Salem; at least for a short time.

Social differences, obligations, and misguided good intentions tore Gabriel and Salem apart before they could ever really get started.

Will Gabriel be able to save his brother from the whirlpool of addiction that threatens to drag him under? Is Salem capable of breaking away from the ropes that bind her to doing what’s expected rather than what and whom she desires? Can Gabriel convince Salem that their mutual feelings are worth fighting for, and that together, they will be able to go the distance?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

We met the main characters and got a glimpse of their life in On The Ropes. Going The Distance is the sequel to that book and “meat” of the series.

Gabriel “Saint” Vega has fallen in love with the one woman he can never have, Salem Harris. Not only is she out of his league and in a different social class, she is also involved in a very serious relationship.

After a one night mistake, Gabriel vows to stay away from Salem. His desire for her is too strong to abstain. As these two finally start letting down their guard and getting to know one another all kinds of angst will rear it’s ugly head in their lives.

There is the douche bag boyfriend, the junkie brother, the socially correct family, the financially troubled gym owner & trainer, the fighting career, and life in general standing in their way. Can Gabriel and Salem make it through all the obstacles in their way. Can their love survive the storm?

This book was the “meat” of Gabriel and Salem’s story. It was a very emotional, heart wrenching book that took me by complete surprise. My opinion on Salem’s personality drastically changed. She showed her true personality and true strengths in this book. Gabriel “Saint” Vega proved he was a fighter outside of the ring. He fought for those he loved.

I highly recommend the Down For The Count Series by Christa Cervone. It will not disappoint.

Author Bio:

Born and raised in New England, Christa is a married mother of three. She began writing her first book, Broken, in October 2012, as a love story to her husband, Frank. During the writing process, Christa managed to keep her book a secret from the majority of her family and friends, including her mother. She finally revealed that she had written a book on her personal Facebook page just two weeks before Broken was released.

Broken was released in February 2013, and within twenty-four hours of its release, it was on Amazon’s Movers and Shakers list as well as in the Top 20 Erotica. Christa released her second novel, On the Ropes – Book One in the Down for the Count series, in February 2014. On the Ropes has also climbed the charts on Amazon, hitting the Top 10 Sports Fiction and the Top 20 Romance Sports Fiction lists. Book Two, Going the Distance, was released July 2014 and claimed the number 3 spot in the Interracial category as well being in the top 20 in Erotica on Amazon.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Merry Christmas, Baby

By Jill Shalvis

A Lucky Harbor Holiday Novella -Book 12.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

SEASON’S KISSES . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Tracey’s Review

Chloe Thompson knows that she’s been less than easy to live with lately, but, heck, being nine months pregnant should get a girl a pass, right? Then there’s the fact that things between her and her hunky husband Sawyer seems to be less loving than usual, and that he’s gone more than he’s around, making Chloe wonder how he really feels about the impending arrival of their ‘Bean.’

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was my first experience with reading one of Jill Shalvis’ books, and, so, my first introduction to Lucky Harbor. This was a novella, so was very short, but Jill was able to pack a lot of entertainment into it. I love a smalltown romance, and the folks of Lucky Harbor just make the homey feel more evident. Jill’s characters are great; all of them are so unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and, with snappy dialogue and a holiday theme, it was fun to see them interact with each other. My only wish is that I’d read the whole series first, so that I knew more about who everyone is, because I have a feeling that I’d have been in love with them, and with Lucky Harbor, long before now. I recommend this sweet, sexy, and sassy little holiday read for anyone. While it is not necessary to have read the other books first, I do suggest that it may not be a bad idea, but it is completely enjoyable either way.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

A Coming Home Holiday Novella – Book 5.5

By Jessica Scott

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / I Tunes

Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.

Michel’s Review

Wow! All I Want For Christmas by Jessica Scott packed a powerful punch! I cannot believe a novella could be this powerful and dig so deeply into my emotions. The story was beautifully written. Jessica Scott illustrated a very honest glimpse into the lives of those that serve in the Armed Forces. Their sense of “normal ” life is a completely different definition than most average Americans. They have chosen a career that serves and protects. Their jobs are 24/7. They sacrifice their personal and family lives to perform their jobs so that we can have peace in our own personal lives. There isn’t down time when deployed. There isn’t weekends off or nights to unwind. Their sense of normal changes completely, from sleeping arrangements or use of the facilities. It is not a resort vacation or an exclusive campground. It is a wartime arena that is dictated by their surroundings at every moment. Danger is a constant threat. Lives are lost, lives are broken, and lives are saved. No wonder is so difficult for the soldiers to return home and try to blend into our sense of “normal”.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is about a military career couple. They are not married but have been together for years. They have an eight year old daughter and a strong loving relationship. With both of them being in the military , they have deployed at different times so that one parent is always home with their daughter. Their last deployments have caused this couple to have a two year separation. Not only that, Samantha has returned home with some very serious PSTD issues. She is disconnected with the normal world, disconnected from those she loves, and emotionally numb. Rather than reaching out for help, she leaves with the intent of ending her relationship with Patrick.

Patrick is determined to save his family and save the woman he loves. He understands what she is dealing with. Through love, patience, complete honesty, insight into his own war experiences, and guidance in getting the right kind of help, Patrick will show Samantha that there is more to their “normal” life than she realizes. She is worth fixing.

The love they have for each other and the love for their daughter Natalie is all that matters.

This story was beautifully written and very emotional. It is the perfect holiday book that will validate and honor the lives we live. The men and woman have sacrificed their own personal lives to allow all of us to have Happy Holidays. They deserve them too!

Jessica Scott has once again wowed me with her writing and sensitivity to powerful issues.

Read This Book!

$100 American Express Gift Card

Holiday Novellas

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6- Star ARC Review: Bound by Melody Anne

Posted on 12/05/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Title: Bound
Series: Forbidden Series #1
Author: Melody Anne
Publication Date: August 25, 2014

Synopsis

Relinquish Control has just opened its doors in Seattle, and already we are not shy for customers. Relinquish Control is an exclusive escort service catering to the most distinguished customers, from business magnates to foreign royalty. This proven and well-established international business offers an elite selection of women who are ready and willing to attend to your every need with no questions asked. Confidentiality is our special obligation.

Jewell Weston is homeless and desperate at age twenty-four. Two years ago, she quit her job to care for her ailing mother and her young brother; the medical bills incurred because of the cancer that killed her mother two months ago took everything the family had, and the state then took away her brother, now age fourteen. The only way for her to get the boy back is by finding a job and securing a home.

When she’s approached by a woman in cashmere and pearls who tells her she can change her life, and is handed a card with the business name Relinquish Control on it, she thinks she has nothing to lose by calling the phone number. Maybe this will be the answer to her prayers, a way to save her little brother from the nightmarish foster home he’s been placed in.

Blake Knight, known to the world as cold and without a heart, is given an exclusive membership to Relinquish Control by his devilish younger brother, who thinks it would be amusing to make his staid brother squirm. Little does this brother realize that Blake does indeed have unusual desires that Relinquish Control can cater to perfectly. What started as a joke turns out to be just what Blake needs. Though the world sees this man as deliberate and emotionless, it’s nothing but a façade. What lies underneath would shock all those who know him.

When he and his two brothers were six, eight and ten, they were tied up and forced to watch while their parents were murdered. The image has been burned into their minds, though they’ve tried to forget, leaving each of them guarded and unwilling to give their trust to anyone other than each other. No one is allowed to have their hearts. The brothers would never think of letting down their guard with anyone else, certainly not with a woman.

Follow Blake and Jewell’s journey and see if they can find a happily ever after…

Kelley’s Review

I was bound to my Kindle until 2:00 am. This is a read that you will not be able to put down.

Melody Anne is the first author I found after I read 50 Shades of Grey a few years back. She is amazingly talented and creates complex characters and puts them in dire situations. I have read every single book she has put out. Bound had absolutely enraptured from the very first chapter. Melody creates characters that you fall in love with along with those that you want to hate. There are several plot twists in this read and in true Melody style she also throws in a few surprises that you never saw coming.

You will not be able to help yourself when you meet Jewell Weston to want to be her best-friend. She is going through a really tough time in her life and none of it is because of anything that she did. She is struggling to get by and would do anything to get reunited with her brother. There is only blackness at the end of Jewell’s tunnel when she finally finds herself homeless. She had pretty much given up hope. When a beautiful woman hands her a business card and offers her a job Jewell knows it has to be too good to be true but decides to take a risk anyway because she has nothing left to lose.

Blake Knight is a very wealthy and gorgeous man who must have complete control in his business and his personal life in order to feel complete. He does not have any trouble finding women to fulfill his needs and enjoys breaking them. The more resistant a woman is to being dominated the more he gets off on dominating her. He likes to have women fall in love with him and then he ditches them and enjoys watching them walk away broken. So when his friend tells him there is an escort service that can provide a woman who is perfect for his needs and he can return her when he is done he becomes intrigued. What he never expects is the way his heart speeds up once he sees her and when their eyes lock its game over. She will be his. No one will stand in his way. Blake knows that money talks and he will spend whatever it takes to remove the innocence from her eyes and break her.

There is no way that Blake Knight could ever fall in love ….

Must have Broken Melody Anne!! I have to see what happens next.

Click here to pre-order Broken on amazon.

Excerpt

“I’m pleased we’re now business partners. I think this venture will be a success.”

Blake Knight laughed as he shook hands with Rafe Palazzo, happy the man had finally decided to come to visit from San Francisco. Though Blake had known Rafe for many years, this was the first project the two of them had paired up on. The contracts were signed, and the deal would put a few more hundreds of millions into both of their already fat wallets.

“I don’t think there’s a venture out there with your name on it that isn’t a success, Rafe.”

“Ah, my friend, the same can be said about what you and your brothers do,” Rafe replied without missing a beat.

“We’re just that damn good, I guess,” Blake said.

Though at first glance they might come off as smug and self-satisfied, and they might look at multimillion-dollar investments the same way an average person looked at depositing twenty dollars into their savings account, the men were shrewd. They knew how to make money, and they knew they’d always keep making more.

Only a select few ruled the world, and Blake Knight had decided, when he was a young boy and his parents’ lives ended right before his very eyes, that he would never be vulnerable again. He would never be one of the weak, easy prey to a world packed with predators. No one would sneak up on him and catch him unawares.

“Let’s have a drink, and you can fill me in on what you’ve been doing for the past year,” Rafe told Blake. “Too much time has gone by since our last visit.”

The two of them moved toward the conference room doors at Knight Construction.

“You’re the one who sold your soul to a woman and disappeared,” Blake reminded his friend.

“Don’t knock it, Blake. Ari has changed my life and made me a better man.”

“Oh, please, please, for the love of all that’s holy, do not continue,” Blake said, horrified to hear these words coming from a man who was once one of the most ruthless bachelors he’d ever met. “I remember the days when you thought no woman was true, no woman could ever be trusted. Marriage — your second marriage — has ruined you.”

“There was a time, Blake, when I would have thrown you up against a wall for just thinking me the slightest bit weak.”

“Ha! You would have tried,” Blake said.

Neither of them was remotely upset by the exchange, of course. All friendly banter.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Author Bio

Melody Anne is the author of the popular series, Billionaire Bachelors, and Baby for the Billionaire. She also has a Young Adult Series out; Midnight Fire and Midnight Moon – Rise of the Dark Angel. She’s been writing for years and published in 2011. She hold a bachelors degree in business, so she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen.

When Melody isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She lives in a small town that she loves, and is involved in many community projects.

See Melody’s Website at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to all her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or at twitter: @authmelodyanne.

Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff – Review for Play Me Hot – Book 2

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

The Play Me Series

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hot – Book 2

Return to a world of secrets and desires. In the sultry second installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, Aria and Sebastian turn up the heat. But will they get burned?

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

If getting tangled up with her new boss is wrong, Aria doesn’t want to be right. Powerful men usually have a way of thinking they can take whatever they want while giving nothing back, but Sebastian is different. He’s gentle with her body. Rough in all the right places. And hot enough to make Aria break every last rule she’s set for herself. But with her history, it’ll take more than mind-blowing sex to heal the pain deep inside . . . no matter how good Sebastian’s intentions are. She’s spent her entire life fighting for control of her own life, and no one’s going to take that from her. But the more time she spends in Sebastian’s world, the deeper she’s drawn into his sensual games.

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences. Aria and Sebastian’s story continues in Play Me: Hard.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

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The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series. This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas. There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length. Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued. Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more. The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book. The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal. Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot. Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves. Their story is thrilling in so many ways. From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014. Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out. The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market. The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses. It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

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Play Me Hot is the second book in the Play Me Series. Hot is not the right word to describe this book. It was BLAZING!

Play Me Wild finished on a cliffhanger. Sebastian and Aria have met for the first time in his office. He quickly recognized that she was like him. A person that had to be in control at all times. He admired her strength and willpower, but he also saw that she needed something else. He saw that she needed to learn the true meaning of control. He is a master Dom and has learned to that the true power and absolute contra is totally in the Sub’s hands. He wants to give her that power. But before he can properly lead her down that road, his attraction to her gets the best of him. He takes this attraction between them further than he intended. He lets his desire take control of him. Together they are explosive. Although Sebastian has control over her sexually, he does not have her mental submission. Their explosive sex was the best he has ever had but he let his duties fall by the wayside. He took Aria to her subspace but did not take the proper steps in bringing her back to a normal level. His loss of control and failure to do his duties puts Aria in a very bad way. Will he recognize his failure in time or will Aria fall apart on the job?

Sebastian is a determined man. He will take control. He will take Aria to the place she needs to be and he will rectify his mistakes. Play Me Hot ends on less of a cliffhanger but dangles enough teasers that the reader wants to get to Play Me Hard, Book 3.

I am hooked on the Play Me Series. I can’t wait to see where this story is going to lead.

Author Bio:

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Idle Bloom

By Jewel E. Ann

Synopsis

“What lies beneath my veiled perfection is the ugly truth—my truth, my reality, my destiny.”

Vivian Graham has an acceptance letter into Harvard, a badass tattoo, loyal friends, ties to marijuana, a penchant for Dunkin’ Donuts, and her pesky V-card.

Everyday she takes the Red Line to her job at The Green Pot in Boston while her friends enter the coveted, black iron gates to higher learning. The ramifications from a tragic accident have put her life on hold while time marches on for everyone around her.

After graduating from Harvard Law, Boston native, Oliver Konrad, moves to Portland to start his career and his life. Three years later, after a horrific discovery, he returns home to trade in his three-piece suit for leather work boots and his suburban home for a condo in Cambridge.

All he brought back to the East Coast was an aversion to pillows and secrets he keeps hidden behind a mysterious locked door. Oliver’s days are predictable and his nights are lonely until he meets Vivian on the subway. Her long raven hair, green eyes, and mile-long legs are achingly sexy, but the way she “innocently” fingers and licks her Boston Kreme doughnut can only be described in two words—complete torture.

When their paths cross at every turn, laughter is abundant, friendship is easy, and love is unintentional. However, their future seems improbable.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Wow! Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann was a very pleasant surprise. I have never read any of her other books and she is a fairly new author. The synopsis of Idle Bloom sounded intriguing and I was looking forward to reading this book. Let me tell you this, Idle Bloom was outstanding! I love everything about this book!

Idle Bloom had a very unique story line. It was so unique that it is hard to determine what genre it should fall in. It had a mixture of new adult romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and fictional drama. The book was so well written and flowed with ease. It captured my attention from the very first sentence until the very last word. It had the perfect blend of comedic scenes, sensual scenes, emotional scenes, and downright heart wrenching scenes. The characters were in a class by themselves. Their personalities were unique and endearing. The secondary characters were just as promising and gave the book a richer reading experience.

The dialogue was enchanting. It was creative,witty, fun, and made the characters come to life. I loved the snakiness, the sarcasm , and creative analogies.

Although this story was mostly upbeat there was also some very serious issues that molded these characters into the people they were. Their past experiences have broken their lives. They are both learning to live new lives and move on from the past the only way they possibly can manage. When they are together, they are truly inspirational for one another. The love they build is strong, supporting, and unconditional. Sometimes love isn’t the complete answer for healing. They will have to dig deep within their souls to find that answer.

Vivian and Oliver are complete opposites but fate throws them together one doughnut at a time. That one doughnut leads to an entertaining sexy relationship. That one doughnut gives them a second chance at finding the love of a lifetime. That one doughnut provides multiple orgasims in every place imaginable, including the doughnut shop. Boston Cremes have never been sexier. Most of all that one doughnut will lead them on a path to finding the peace within themselves. That one doughnut is going to go down in history as the greatest thing created by mankind. At least that is what Vivian and Oli declare.

Vivian and Oli have become one of my favorite couples. They grabbed my heart in so many ways and made me crave a trip to my favorite doughnut shop.

Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann is a must read book! It is an emotional rainbow! It’s better than your favorite doughnut!

Author Bio

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Cover Reveal: Foreplay by Six New York Times Best Selling Authors- 6 Stand Alone Novels

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Foreplay

Six Stand Alone Novels

Release Date: December 8, 2014

By New York Times Best Selling Authors

Tijan, Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland , Victoria Ashley, Aurora Rose Reynolds, and Lauren Blakely

Synopsis

SIX New York Times Bestselling Authors

SIX Standalone novels

SIX Steaming hot stories

Because who doesn’t like a whole lot of FOREPLAY…

Carter Reed from New York Times Bestseller Tijan

Emma decided to skip the gym and went home early. It was the last easy decision she made because she found her roommate being raped by the boyfriend. She had two choices. Call the cops and be killed by his family’s mafia connections or kill him first and hope to survive. There was no choice to her. She killed the bastard first and went to the one person who could protect her. Carter Reed. He’s a weapon for the rivaling mafia family, but he’s also Emma’s secret. Not only was he best friends with her brother, but she’s the reason he became that weapon in the first place.

Jake Undone from New York Times Bestseller Penelope Ward

Nina Kennedy led a sheltered life ruled by phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn, that life is turned upside down as she develops an intense attraction to her gorgeous roommate.

Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. Jake becomes her tutor, forcing Nina to face her demons. He just wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her.

But Jake has been living his own private hell. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it?

Worth the Fight from New York Times Bestseller Vi Keeland

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

This Regret from New York Times Bestseller Victoria Ashley

Phoenix has been stumbling through life since her brother Adric’s tragic death but after eight years, she is finally piecing what remains together.

When walking into the tattoo shop one day, the last thing she’s expecting to see is Kellan Haze, Adric’s best friend no one has seen or heard from since the day they found her brother’s body. He’s nothing as she remembers him as a child, with his wild messy hair, tattoos that cover most of his undeniably sexy body and eyes so intense it makes her legs quiver with one look. The one thing even she can’t deny is the instant rush she feels just by being in his presence. But . . .

Kellan is sexy, daring and possibly . . . dangerous.

This Regret is a story of love, lust, betrayal and danger with an ending that no one saw coming.

Until Nico from New York Times Bestseller Aurora Rose Reynolds

Nico Mayson knew the moment he saw Sophie Grates that she was the one. His whole life, he has been judged by what’s on the outside, so finding a beautiful woman who sees the real him only makes his feelings that much stronger.

Nico knows the kind of man he is, and the things he is capable of, and he will do everything in his power to help Sophie fight her demons so they can have their happily ever after. Everything in life worth having is worth fighting for.

Playing with Her Heart from New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

A sizzling and addictive story of a woman with a broken past and the man who can’t fight his desire for her…

When you’re acting the role of a lifetime, how can you know if love is real—or all just a part of the show? Twenty-three year old rising theatre star Jill McCormick finds it nearly impossible to resist the director of her first Broadway play – sexy, sophisticated, possessive, all-alpha Davis Milo. The attraction between them is too powerful, and soon their private rehearsals spiral into new, forbidden territory…but will the past stand in the way of a future together?

Release Blitz + Review: Autumn In London by Louise Bay – The Empire State Trilogy- Book 2

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Autumn In London

The Empire State Trilogy – Book 2

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Anna Kirby went to New York to escape heartbreak and have some fun. She wasn’t meant to meet someone . . . someone like Ethan. Now, back in London, she’s faced with another man to get over.

Ethan Scott broke every one of his rules during his week with Anna and now he can’t seem to go back to life before her. A business trip to London gives him the opportunity to change his rules for good. Will he take it?

Autumn in London is the second part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

Life post-Ethan Scott is less than perfect for Anna Kirby. Their week in New York was supposed to be about just sex, but became much more. Scared by her past failed relationships, Anna has made sure that she wouldn’t be able to prolong her experience with Ethan, and stepped right back into business as usual at home in London, doing her best to forget him.

Headed to London to spearhead the takeover of a rival law firm, all Ethan can think about is that he and Anna will be in the same city once again. He’s been unable to forget her or the way that she made him feel during their week together, and it’s been a game-changer for him. But, in a city of eight million people, with no way to contact her, what are the chances that their paths will cross again?

My first experience of Louise’s writing was her book HOPEFUL, and I have been a fan ever since. I have been waiting for AUTUMN IN LONDON since absolutely devouring A WEEK IN NEW YORK when it came out, and have to admit to being completely enamored by Anna and Ethan. These two characters, with pasts that spell relationship failure, are defying odds all around, capturing each others’ hearts, as well as mine. Watching them figure out that some rules are meant to be broken, and that taking a leap of faith is sometimes all that it takes (well, that and some super-HOT sexy time!) made this second book in the series a wonderful continuation of the story. Louise’s great dialogue and her mastery of the art of the supporting characters (I love the repartee between Ethan and his sister Jessica), are the icing on the cake, making her books all the more enjoyable. Now, the hard part: waiting until January to see how this story plays out. Five-plus stars for this hot, sexy, and romantic read.

The Empire State Trilogy

A Week In New York – Book 1

Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She’s tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she’s a magnet for men who don’t deserve her.

A week’s vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.

Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn’t date, he doesn’t stay the night, and he doesn’t make any promises.

It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.

A Week in New York is the first part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Rocking Around The Holidays with RockStar Lit Authors – Featuring Today Avery Flynn

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Rocking Around the Holidays with RockStarLit.com Authors

Hi everyone – welcome to our very first Rocking Around the Holidays. From now until December 23^rd, we’re giving you the inside scoop and behind the scenes info on Rock Star Authors.

AND…

To celebrate the holiday season there’s a HUGE contest to go along with it – which includes 2 iPad Minis, signed books by all of the authors, gift cards galore and much, much more!

Author Bio:

Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Behind the Scenes with Avery Flynn

I wish I could say I cleaned my office before I took pictures of my nerd den, but as you can see I did not. Why? Because a little chaos is good for the writing soul—at least it is for mine. 🙂 That’s why you’ll see my life-sized Dean Winchester is watching out for me while I write the high-tension scenes. Then there is my crystal skull courtesy of the fabulous romantic suspense authors at the Kiss of Death chapter of RWA for evil inspiration. I have a lumber jack scented candle to help get me in the mood for the sexy scenes. Then there is a ton of pure dork-ti-tude such as my Wonder Woman apron, Doctor Who goodies and a stuffed cup of coffee that my daughter won at a fair.

All of that is extra though. I don’t really need any of it to write. All I need to write the smexy is a never-ending pot of coffee (I would totally go for an IV drip if I could), my laptop and a power source. Notice I didn’t say a door. Why? Because my office has a door and everyone in the family—including the dogs—ignores its existence.

Now, for some fun Flynn holiday trivia.

Favorite holiday food: No bake cookies. We call them coal at our house and it is always a true test of will not to eat them all before anyone else gets a chance to sample them.

How do you get ready to start the holidays (listen to music, put up a wreath): We drag out the buckets and buckets of holiday decorations. This year I’m planning to up the ante on outdoor decorations though. The neighbors just might hate me by New Years.

Favorite holiday song: Scarlet Ribbons. Oh I love this one so much. It’s so sad and so happy at the same time.

Favorite holiday story: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas – it’s a classic!

Favorite holiday movie: It’s a Wonderful Life. It still makes me cry. Every. Time. A close second though is A Christmas Story.

Thank you so much for letting me share in a little holiday fun with you! Hit me up on Twitter (@AveryFlynn) or friend and like me on Facebook (AveryFlynn7 or AveryFlynnAuthor) and tell me about some of your holiday loves and loathes!

A Look Inside Avery’s Office

Enter Today:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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