Release Blitz + Review: Clash: A Legal Affairs Story by Sawyer Bennett – Book # 1 of Cal and Macy’s Story

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Clash: A Legal Affairs Story

Book # 1 of Cal and Macy’s Story

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

Clash (verb): to conflict, disagree.

It might be fair to say that I despise Macy Carrington. She slings insults with precision, not caring about the destruction she leaves in her wake. We clash in a battle of wills every time we’re around each other, and yet… I still fantasize about being lodged deep within her body.

Clash (verb): to come together or collide.

I have never encountered someone that grates me the way Cal Carson does. His pompous, arrogant demeanor. A holier-than-thou attitude. Any interaction with “Saint Cal” ends in a verbal clash of epic proportions, and yet… there’s no one I’d rather have in my bed than him.

Clash (noun): a battle, fight or skirmish.

Her breathy moans mingle with the sound of our flesh coming together, clashing with the silence that surrounds us, dispelling any notions I once had about Macy Carrington.

Maybe I can break down her walls if we can call a truce to this battle.

He whispers filthy words in my ear, provoking feelings I never knew were possible. The burning desire in his touch clashes with everything I once believed about Cal Carson.

Maybe he can be the balm I need to soothe my broken soul, if only temporarily.

**Clash is the first book in this Legal Affairs trilogy and is releasing on 4/7/15. Grind will be released on 4/21/15 and Yield will be released on 5/5/15.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Google Play

Michel’s Review

Clash: A Legal Affairs Story by Sawyer Bennett is a spin off of the best selling Legal Affairs Serial. The characters were secondary characters in the Legal Affairs Serial. Macy Carrington and Cal Carson are starring in their own story. It is going to be a wild ride in and out of the bedroom.

Cal Carson is Mac’s law partner. They formed a close friendship as well as a successful law practice. Although Mac really likes Cal, the jury is out as far Matt Conniver is concerned. He still has trust issues over their former friendship. Macy Carrington has reached her verdict, she cannot stand the self righteous, strait laced, stick up his butt Cal Carson. She thinks he is the biggest jerk she has ever met. But she tries to stay civil for her best friend Mac’s sake.

Although Cal Carson values his friendship with Mac, he has deep reservations about her best friend Macy Carrington. Macy is a spoiled rotten rich princess. He assumes that she is self entitled and can’t understand how Mac can tolerate her. She is known for her loose morals and vicarious sexual appetite. She has no qualms about her sexual activity. It’s hard for Cal to understand because most of his experiences with women revolve around them wanting a committed relationship. He has reached the point in his life where he wants to be settled and start a family. So he is looking at Macy through rose colored glasses.

Needless to say, these two clash. It is like trying to mix oil & vinegar. But one encounter in the pantry of a kitchen will result in some down and dirty angry sex. Both will walk away with battlescars. Both will be surprised by their opponent. Both will be desiring more of the “angry” sex. Can they still be adversaries and still screw like bunnies? Or was the kitchen incident a one time thing? Stay tuned in for the next installment….Grind.

Sawyer Bennett has done it again. The latest in the Legal Affairs world is a red hot and sensual. Cal and Macy’s story is completely different from Mac and Matt’s story. Their erotic journey is going to be full of some wild monkey sex and more. I have a feeling that Cal Carson has some delicious surprises under his Armani suit. Macy Carrington has met her match!

Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Giveaway: Once Upon A Dare by Jennifer Bonds- Risky Business Novel

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

It’s release day for Jennifer Bonds’ Once Upon a Dare. I am so excited for this sexy new contemporary romance. Jennifer is sharing an excerpt with us and a fantastic giveaway, so be sure to check out all the release day festivities!

Exclusive Excerpt:

“Look, the other night was fun, but it had nothing to do with this place, right? We both got what we wanted. Now we forget about it and move on.”

“You can’t seriously expect me to act like it never happened.” Cole’s words were carefully measured, his playful smile nowhere to be seen. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought he was offended. His words flowed like silk, but his gray eyes held a different emotion as he pinned her with his gaze. Was she imagining it or did he look… disappointed?

Shifting in her seat, she tried to quell her own warring emotions. They needed to be able to work together, at least until she could figure things out. And despite her racing pulse, she didn’t want him to know how hard this was for her. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Was it her fault she couldn’t look at him without her blood pressure spiking? Or that she couldn’t stop thinking about the smoking hot kisses he’d lavished upon her body?

“And it would be so easy for you to forget?” he challenged, forcing her to remember the feel of his sinful hands claiming her body and the way he’d made her come over and over again. Damn him!

“Yes,” she lied, struggling to keep her tone light. She stood and moved to the window. It was a desperate attempt to put more space between them. The room had grown insufferably hot, a fact that had little to do with the temperature and a lot to do with the way his gaze lingered on her mouth, like he was imagining all the dirty things she could do with it. Only he didn’t have to imagine, did he? He had firsthand knowledge.

“Olivia.”

She froze at the feel of his breath on her neck. With the protection of the desk gone, she was defenseless. His hand snaked around her waist, crushing her body to his. He leaned in, his breath hot on her cheek as he pressed her body to the cool glass of the window with his massive weight. His arousal found the swell of her ass and she melted against the hard muscles of his chest, an unexpected gasp escaping her lips as desire ripped through her.

It was all the invitation he needed.

About Once Upon a Dare:

The first night was a dare. The second night was trouble…

Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play. But on the eve of earning her dream promotion, her best friend dares her to drop her ice queen façade for one night and seduce a sexy stranger. Olivia’s worked her ass off to get where she is-why the hell not?

Cole Bennett never thought he’d run into his feisty one-night stand at the office, furious that he stole her promotion. No matter how hard she tries to ice him out, they can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves…or their clothes on.

Olivia’s talented-maybe even more than Cole-so when his dropped hints to the boss net her a promotion of her own, he’s ready to celebrate…until she accuses him of fueling office rumors that she slept her way to the top. She wants to earn her own way? Fine. So what the hell does a guy have to do to permanently melt an ice queen?

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | iTunes | Goodreads

Jennifer Bonds Bio:

Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and a whole lot of mischief. When she’s not writing or wrangling toddlers, she can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She’s lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

Twitter | Facebook | Website | GoodReads | Pinterest

Enter Jennifer’s giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Marked by Charisse Spiers

Posted on 04/07/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Title: Marked (Shadows in the dark, #1)
https://www.facebook.com/charissespiersauthor
Illustrator: Clarise Tan, CT Cover Creations
https://www.facebook.com/CTcovercreations
Author: Charisse Spiers
Cover Reveal: April 7,2015
Release Date: Summer 2015

Welcome to my fucking world. My name is Kaston Cox and I’m a
criminal’s worst nightmare. Most people run from darkness, but I live
in it, require it, and thrive in the night. Some call me a monster, some
a lover of evil, and others, the devil himself, but they’re all wrong. I’m
just a shadow in the dark. I speak for the innocent when no one else
will. Once I have marked you, you better beg for forgiveness, because
your time has run out…

Revenge is the ultimate wage for evil. Some just can’t stomach to do it
themselves. That’s where I come in. I am the ultimate judge when
called upon for justice. I will decide who lives and who dies. Blood
may be on my hands, but it’s not the blood of the innocent. Remorse
is nowhere to be found. I don’t give a shit if you understand. I can live
with the man I look at every day in the mirror. My soul was tainted
the day I was conceived. You think you know me? You have no
fucking idea. I am who I am because of what they did to her, and to
him. They were my family. This was the only form of restitution he
believed in. I owed him everything. I took over the empire he built.
This is how I repay him. There was only one rule: never allow
emotions to form. Numb and heartless are the only two ways to live.

What I never included in the plan…was her.
My name is Lux Larsen. My life is as perfect as it can get. I’m a
partier, a seductress when it comes to something that I want, and the
ultimate sexual con artist. I use my body to get what I want and I’m
not ashamed. Designer tags are what I’m after. I love sex. I’m good at
it. Fuck double standards. Guys can do it, well guess what, so can I. I
will never be caught back on the other side of the tracks for as long as
I live. I left that hellhole years ago. I’ll do anything to stay away. You
can call me a whore if you want, but I just look at it as I’ve decided to
become a player in a man’s game, and I’m a fucking pro at it. Love is
for the weak minded. Weak is something I’ll never be.
I never anticipated the predator that would find me. I’m now his
prey…but I’m not sure I can run.

The world likes to think that love is only pure, only for those that do
good, but what no one considers is when bad has to be done to
formulate a different type of good. Two of the most random people
can be a perfect match, being placed together like pieces to a puzzle.

Being in the wrong place at the right time can be terrifying and it can
also be exactly what is supposed to happen, because sometimes…love
is born in the dark.

Add TBR:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22880309-marked

“Here. Good play. I can’t say with that view it was the worse time I’ve ever
lost money.” He turns and walks away as they announce last call over the

“Does that mean I get half? I’d say I earned it.”
I look at Makayla as she turns toward me and hangs her legs over the side. “You

“I didn’t see you pulling your dick out as bait. My pussy was the one on
display so you could win.”

I move in front of her and grab her chin, closing in toward her. She starts
to close her eyes until I speak. “Let’s get one thing straight, baby. I would have
won whether your pussy was present or not, but since you helped by sending
him to the bathroom to take care of the hard-on you just created, I’ll repay you in
orgasms here in a few minutes. How does that sound?”

She grabs a handful of my shirt in her fist, pulling me closer. “Damn, just
take me already. I’ve never been so turned on in my life.” She presses her lips to
mine and the alcohol takes over, directing all of my muscle movement. I grab her
hips and pull her toward me as I roughly kiss her back. She instantly wraps her
legs around my waist. I grind her against my now hardening cock. She grabs the
waistband of my pants, no longer concerned with where we are.

“Starting without me?”

I release her lips and look at Danyel standing next to the pool table. It’s
just now that I realize the bar is completely empty. “Where is the rest of staff?”

“I sent them home and locked the doors. Since I’m the manager I can do
that. No one ever complains when being sent home early at closing. No work for
them and a good time for me after a long night. It’s a win/ win situation.”
Makayla groans out, clearly frustrated and not wanting to share. I nod for
Danyel to come closer and look at Makayla, locking my eyes with hers. “I’m your
partner. You trust me in the field, right?” She nods, her eyes flitting from my eyes
to my mouth and back again. “Trust me now. Be open-minded. Just because you
try something new doesn’t mean you have a label. We’re all straight. Danyel
probably likes dick more than you do. Got me?”

She breathes deeply, clearly nervous, but nods lightly. “Yeah, okay. I’ll
try…for you.” I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear longing in her voice and hope like
hell I don’t regret this at work Monday.

I reach out and hook my index finger over Danyel’s waistband, pulling her
closer. I kiss her, starting things slow. She slides her tongue inside my mouth,
allowing each of our taste’s to mix, creating one of its own. I stop and turn to
Makayla, doing the same. She moans into my mouth before I release her lips.
“See. You taste her. You taste me. It’s no different.” I continue to look at her.
“Danyel. Come show her how gentle you can be. I want to watch.”

I step back, allowing Danyel to take my place. I can see the
disappointment written all over her face, but she remains silent. Danyel touches
her knee and skims her fingertips up Makayla’s thigh, tracing the side of her body
until her hand is on the side of Makayla’s neck. “Relax, Makayla, and I’ll reward
you later.” Her shoulders immediately drop.

Danyel lowers her face and kisses Makayla, slowly at first, but then you
can tell the moment Danyel slides her tongue between Makayla’s lips, because
she completely lets go, and places her hands in Danyel’s auburn hair, wanting
more. My dick presses against my pants, wanting free, as I watch two beautiful
women experiencing each other for the first time. The room is hazed from the
alcohol, but that’s exactly where I need to be.

I walk up to Danyel’s backside, pressing my front against her. I press my
lips next to her ear as they continue to kiss. “Do to her as I do to you.”

Author Bio

I found books when I was going through a hard time in life. They
became my means of escape when things got bad. I realized quickly
how much I loved to take a backseat to someone else’s life and watch
the journey unfold. That began my journey with books in November
of 2012. I constantly had a book open on my Kindle app. Never in a
million years would I have imagined myself as a writer, because I
never thought I was creative enough. I’m living proof that things will
fall into place when they’re meant to be. People will make their way
into our lives when we don’t expect it, setting the path for what we are
meant to do. Never give up on people. Never stop taking a chance on
others. Someone took a chance on trusting me with her work when
she didn’t know me from a stranger on the street and gave me the
opportunity of a lifetime as our relationship progressed, which led me
to editing and writing as well. This is my dream I never knew I had.
As soon as I sat down and gave writing a shot, it was like the
floodgates opened. Now, I am lost in a world of fiction in my head,
new characters constantly screaming for their stories to be told.

Continue to dream and to go for them. No one ever found happiness
by sitting on the sidelines. Sometimes we have to take risks and put
ourselves out there. Thank you for all of your support, and may there
be many books to come. XOXO- C

http://www.charissespiers.com

https://www.facebook.com/charissespiersauthor

http://www.tsu.co/charissespiersauthor

https://plus.google.com/+CharisseSpiers

https://instagram.com/charissespiers/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7443394.Charisse_Spiers

Amazon Author Page:

Accepted Fate (Fate, #1)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19004013-accepted-fate

Twisting Fate (Fate, #2)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22663964-twisting-fate

Lasting Fate (Fate, #3)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19212140-lasting-fate

MMA Darkness series of standalones –

Fight For You (MMA Darkness, #1)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20579062-fight-for-you

***All books are available on the following platforms***

Amazon – All channels

Barnes and Noble Nook

Amazon US quick purchase for all books:

Cover Reveal: Baited Series by Ali Parker

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Baited Series

Three Volumes

By Ali Parker

Release Date: April 20,2015

Synopsis

Rebecca Martin has achieved most things one might hope to by thirty. She is a successful business owner, drives a nice car and is wrapping up the details on a custom built home on the lake. The only thing she is missing is someone to share her accomplishments with.

One man has never been far from her thoughts – Kade McMillian, but his return to town after far too many years of chasing his dreams couldn’t be more poorly timed.

With a younger man demanding Rebecca attention at the office, she has to decide between reconstructing a relationship from her past or diving in deep to something new and seemingly forbidden.

Trust what you know or step out and hope that you don’t end up Baited …

Huge News Alert: Berkley Books Acquires New Contemporary Romance Trilogy from Jasinda Wilder

Posted on 04/06/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Berkley Books Acquires New Contemporary Romance Trilogy from New York Times Bestselling Self-Published Author Jasinda Wilder

MADAME X, the first book in the trilogy, comes out on November 3

New York, NY: April 6, 2015 – Berkley Books, a division of Penguin Random House, will release New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling self-published author Jasinda Wilder’s first traditionally published series it was announced today by Berkley President and Publisher Leslie Gelbman. Cindy Hwang, Vice President and Executive Editor, acquired World English rights in print and e-book to the contemporary romance trilogy in a 7-figure deal with Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency. MADAME X, the first book in the trilogy of the same name, will be published as a trade paperback original on November 3.

Jasinda Wilder is one of the most successful self-published authors writing today. She has written more than 40 novels and novellas and sold more than two million e-books.* Wilder and her novels have been featured in PEOPLE, New York Daily News, Publishers Weekly, “CBS This Morning,” and Sirius XM, among other national and international media outlets.

“Jasinda Wilder has been one of the trailblazing authors in self-publishing. I’m excited she is now partnering with Berkley to release an incredible new series that will thrill her many dedicated fans while also appealing to new readers,” Hwang said.

“I have been sitting on this MADAME X story for a while now, waiting for the perfect moment. It’s a special story, with drama, intensity and very sexy characters. Fans have asked for years when they’ll be able to buy a book of mine in stores. This trilogy is my response. It was the perfect opportunity to partner with a traditional publisher to reach the broadest audience,” Jasinda Wilder said.

The MADAME X trilogy is a dark, sexy and atmospheric modern-day fairytale about a mysterious woman drawn to two very different men.

The second and third books in Wilder’s trilogy are planned for publication in early 2016.

About Jasinda Wilder:

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include Alpha, Stripped, Wounded, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller Falling Into You. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her five children and menagerie of animals. Visit her online at www.jasindawilder.com, www.Facebook.com/jasinda.wilder, www.goodreads.com/JasindaWilder and on Twitter @JasindaWilder.

About Penguin Random House:

Penguin Random House (http://global.penguinrandomhouse.com/) is the world’s most global trade book publisher. It was formed on July 1, 2013, upon the completion of an agreement between Bertelsmann and Pearson to merge their respective trade publishing companies, Random House and Penguin, with the parent companies owning 53% and 47%, respectively. Penguin Random House comprises the adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital trade book publishing businesses of Penguin and Random House in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa, and Penguin’s trade publishing activity in Asia and Brazil; DK worldwide; and Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial’s Spanish-language companies in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile. Penguin Random House employs more than 10,000 people globally across almost 250 editorially and creatively independent imprints and publishing houses that collectively publish more than 15,000 new titles annually. Its publishing lists include more than 70 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Ricochet Friendly Fire by Heather C. Leigh- Ricochet Series- Book 2

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Richochet: Friendly Fire

Richochet Series- Book 2

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

Rick “Ricochet” Brennan served eight years as an elite Marine special ops Force Recon soldier. After an injury, and the terrible memories from that night, he retires and goes to work for his former Command Officer, Howard “Mack” McEvoy, at his training center in Atlanta.

Sanctum MMA appears on the surface to be a normal gym, training elite fighters to be the best. Except each trainer, hand-picked by Mack, possesses a special background that allows Mack to run one of the best-kept secrets in the country.

When twenty-three year old Quinn Wallace finally escapes her abusive husband, she turns to her father’s old Marine Corps buddy, Mack, for help. Broken and skittish, Quinn finds herself surrounded by large, intimidating men— men who could easily overpower her. She avoids them the best she can, but when Rick turns out to be more than just a rough fighter with bruised knuckles, she finds herself wondering if she can allow herself to trust again.

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts. Friendly Fire is part 2.

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt

“Law breaker? Hardly,” she scoffed. “I just don’t want to go through the trouble to get a license and then have to change my…” The conversation came to an abrupt halt. Quinn looked up at Rick slack-mouthed, with discernible fear in her wide eyes.

“Change? Change what?”

She waved a shaky hand in the air dismissively. “Nothing. I don’t know what I was saying.”

Rick knew she was lying. He didn’t even need the extensive interrogation training he received in the Marines to see the blatant lie.

What in the hell is she hiding from me?

He was getting damn sick of the evasiveness and the games that Quinn played. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the time or the place to get into an argument with her and he promised that he wouldn’t push her to discuss things. Rick silently seethed, clenching his hands under the table.

The rest of the meal was finished quickly. Neither of them touched on subjects other than safe, impersonal ones, sports, traffic, and the weather.

Fuck! I’m sitting here discussing the mother fucking weather while the girl I love slips through my fingers.

Love? A bolt of fear shot through Rick’s heart, jump starting it until it was pumping erratically against his chest.

I love her?

Rick mulled it over as they drove back to Quinn’s apartment, turning it over in his mind a hundred different ways with no clear answer. He walked her up the stairs, waiting for her to unlock the door. As he stood there watching her, the sun glinting off of the golden highlights in her dark hair, it finally hit him, sucking the air from his lungs.

Without a doubt, I fucking love her.

Quinn opened the door, turning to say good-bye. This time, Rick wasn’t going to let her push him away. There would be no more keeping him at arm’s length. He loved her, and he wasn’t going to give up. Pride be damned, he’d fucking grovel on his knees if that’s what it took.

Rick inhaled a deep breath and moved into the apartment, forcing Quinn to step back so he could fit through the doorway.

“Rick, what—”

Done with the bullshit dance they’d been doing, he silenced Quinn by crushing his mouth over hers, spinning them until her back hit the partially open door, slamming it closed. Rick pressed his weight against her, pinning her soft body against the thick slab of wood as he dominated her, thrusting his denim-covered cock against her abdomen. He could sense the exact moment Quinn stopped fighting, giving herself over to the pleasure. Her tense muscles relaxed and her mouth joined in, yet she allowed Rick to control the kiss.

Lips and teeth mashed together brutally, Rick’s tongue plunging into the depths of her mouth. This wasn’t a gentle kiss meant to be romantic. No, it was a rough display of possessiveness, of pent up desire. It was all of Rick’s love and anguish coming out in one overwhelming display of need and power.

He slid his arms around Quinn’s waist, gripping her round backside and pressing his fingers deep into the soft flesh. He tugged her hips forward, grinding their groins together almost painfully. Quinn moaned into Rick’s mouth, her desperate sounds acting like gasoline on the fire roaring through his body.

“Fuck, doll.”

Michel’s Review

Richochet: Friendly Fire is the second book in the Ricochet series by Heather C. Leigh. This book cannot be read as a stand alone, the first book in the series must be read.

This second installment was exactly as I predicted. It was an intense delivery of Rick and Quinn’s relationship. It also built up to the suspenseful event that happens at the end. It gives the reader an idea of who Rick and Quinn are. They both have secrets. They both are harboring scars from the past. They have finally given into their attraction, but can they let go of their secrets? Can they move forward? Neither one is ready to admit their true feelings and it could cost not only their love, but possibly their lives.

This installment in the Ricochet series kept me enthralled. I loved the pacing, the chemistry between the characters, and the build up of suspense. It ended on the perfect cliffhanger that will leave readers begging for more.

The third book will be out on April 12, 2015. I am ready!

Ricochet: Locked & Loaded

Ricochet Series – Book 1

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

When twenty-four year old Quinn Wallace finally escapes her abusive husband, she turns to her father’s old Marine Corps buddy, Mack, for help. Broken and skittish, Quinn finds herself surrounded by large, intimidating men— men who could easily overpower her. She avoids them the best she can, but when Rick turns out to be more than just a rough fighter with bruised knuckles, she finds herself wondering if she can allow herself to trust again.

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts.

***This book contains hot sweaty men, sexy scenes for those over 18, and uncomfortable, sometimes violent scenes.***

Buy: Amazon

Ricochet : Friendly Fire

Ricochet Series – Book 2

Release Date: April 5, 2015

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts. Friendly Fire is part 2.

Buy: Amazon

Ricochet : Extraction Point

Ricochet Series : Book 3

Release Date: April 12, 2015

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts. Extraction Point is part 3.

Buy: Amazon

___________________

About Heather C. Leigh

I’m the author of the Amazon best selling Famous series. I like to write about the ‘dark’ side of fame. The part that the public doesn’t get to see, how difficult it is to live in a fishbowl and how that affects relationships.

I was born and raised in New England and currently live outside Atlanta, GA.

I love the Red Sox, the Patriots, and anything made of chocolate (but not white chocolate, that doesn’t count).

My favorite authors are Dan Wells, Tina Reber, Ken Follett, and Stephen King. Happy reading!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
$25 Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Star Review: Sea of Stars by Amy A. Bartol- Kricket Series- Book 2

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Robin’s Review

If you have not read the novel Under Different Stars, this review may contain spoilers. I would like to express my appreciation to NetGalley and 47North for the opportunity to read and review Sea of Stars.

I’d like to introduce you to the world of author Amy A. Bartol. She writes novels in the young adult genre. Paranormal, science fiction and fantasy with a touch of romance. She is probably better-known as the author of the Premonition series. I plowed through every novel of the Premonition series during the early months of 2013. Although her paranormal romance series about angels continues to be a work in progress, Bartol surprised readers with something completely different back in December of 2013. It was a novel titled Under Different Stars, and it was the first novel of a brand new series.

The Kricket series is a combination of science fiction and fantasy. Science fiction is not my usual cup of tea, but I knew Amy A. Bartol was capable of writing a creative and exciting new story. This review is specifically for the second novel of the Kricket series, Sea of Stars, but I’ll give a brief summary of Under Different Stars for readers who are interested in this series.

In Under Different Stars, we learn eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell grew up in the foster care system of Chicago, Illinois. In recent years, Kricket has become an expert at evading case workers, learning how to blend in and live on her own. She has always longed for someplace she could call home. Trey Allairis is given the assignment of locating Kricket. He is to retrieve her from Earth and bring her to Ethar. Kyon Ensin knows just how special Kricket is. She’s not just your average teenager from Chicago, and he is also in the process of locating Kricket.

Trey is from the House of Rafe; Kyon is from the House of Alameeda. Kricket learns her father is Rafian, and her mother is a Priestess from the House of Alameeda. She learns her ability to see the future is a catalyst for a war between her parent’s clans. Under Different Stars is a fantastic start to the Kricket series. We learn about the differences and conflict between the five houses of Ethar and why Kricket is so important to their future.

This brings me to Sea of Stars. If you have read any of her novels, you already know Amy A. Bartol has a fantastic imagination! Under Different Stars sets the stage for the rest of the Kricket series. We are introduced to the world of Ethar, which is very different from Earth. When I think of the differences, it makes me realize the amount of thought Bartol put into this series! Bartol created a unique language specifically for the Etharians. When I sat down to read Sea of Stars, it had been months since I read Under Different Stars. I had forgotten what many of the Etharian words mean, so I was very happy to discover Bartol included a glossary for her readers to refer to. And that glossary was a lifesaver for me – don’t be afraid to use it!

Sea of Stars is full of strategy and nonstop action and completely unexpected twists and turns! I really thought I understood who the bad guys were after reading Under Different Stars, but now I’m not so sure. We have an antagonist who I am strangely empathizing with. This is confusing for me because I absolutely love the relationship between Kricket and Trey. We are introduced to new characters who are in pursuit of Kricket in Sea of Stars. What are their agendas? Do they have good or bad intentions? And, finally, war breaks out on Ethar. All of that nonstop action that I mentioned earlier? Sea of Stars just steamrolls into pure awesomeness throughout the entire story! It keeps getting better and better until we finally reach the climax! For all of these reasons, I am giving Sea of Stars a 5-star rating and placing it on my list of 2015 favorites! Don’t be afraid to try something different. I highly recommend the Kricket series!

The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kricket Hollowell never wished upon stars. She was too busy hiding in plain sight, eluding Chicago’s foster care system. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she now eagerly anticipates the day she’ll stop running and finally find her place in the world.

That day comes when she meets a young Etharian soldier named Trey Allairis, who has been charged with coming to Earth to find Kricket and transport her to her true home. As danger draws close, he must protect her until she can wield the powers she cannot use on Earth…and he soon realizes that counting a galaxy of stars would be easier than losing this extraordinary girl.

Kyon knows the powerful depths of Kricket’s gifts—gifts he’ll control when he takes her for his tribe and leads the forces that will claim Ethar and destroy his enemies, starting with Trey Allairis. Now, Kricket faces the most difficult choice of her life: whether to wage a battle for survival or a fight for love.

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

______________________________

Author of Inescapable: The Premonition Series (Volume 1), Intuition: The Premonition Series (Volume 2), Indebted: The Premonition Series (Volume 3) , and Incendiary: The Premonition Series (Volume 4). Currently working on a fifth novel in the Premonition Series entitled Iniquity.

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.weebly.com

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Tempest Raging Box Set by Michelle Mankin

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Temptest Raging Box Set

Tempest Raging Series- Books 1-4

By Michelle Mankin

Your all access backstage pass to the world’s most dysfunctional rock band.

Meet the sexy rockers of Tempest!

Four Best selling full length novels.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $1.99!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Synopsis

Four Best selling full length novels.

Your all access backstage pass to the world’s most dysfunctional rock band.

Tempest rocking.

Tempest rolling.

Tempest raging out of control.

IRRESISTIBLE REFRAIN

Two years ago everything changed for the remaining members of the Seattle rock band Tempest.

Two years is a long time.

Too long to keep on remembering.

Not nearly long enough to forget.

In trouble with nowhere else to go songstress Lace Lowell seeks refuge with the band during their stop in New York City. It’s a risky move for her because they are both there, two impossibly good looking men whose lives are inseparably entwined with hers. One who bruised her heart and one who smashed it into pieces.

Warren “War” Jinkins, the mercurial lead singer of Tempest, has always had a thing for Lace. But then again so does his best friend and band mate.

Bryan “Bullet” Jackson, the sinfully handsome tat-sleeved lead guitarist, has a bad boy reputation befitting his nickname. For the past two years Bullet’s had a rule with the groupies: one time, never twice, leave ‘em satisfied, but always leave ‘em.

Two guys, one woman, and a host of dark secrets all together within the tight confines of a tour bus as the group travels cross country.

Can the past be forgotten and buried?

Will friendships prevail?

Or will the three of them succumb to seductive impulses too addictive to resist?

ENTICING INTERLUDE

To the talented vocalist Justin Jones, love is merely a game that he plays by his own rules.

But to Bridget Dubois, love and heartache are one and the same.

Broken too many times before, the delicate beauty keeps her emotions carefully concealed. Bridget has her own set of rigid rules when it comes to men. She prefers to avoid them altogether, especially dangerously seductive auburn haired emerald eyed players like Justin.

But the new lead singer of the rising rock band Tempest doesn’t like to be ignored. Justin is used to getting what he wants, and now he’s set his sights on Bridget.

Suddenly, it’s no longer a game.

What do you do when the one you can’t have turns out to be the one you can’t live without?

As the pressure builds, will it temper them or will it shatter them both like fragile crystal?

CAPTIVATING BRIDGE

Warren “War” Jinkins is that guy.

The bad one.

Tempest’s ex front man, an arrogant rock god.

The only thing larger than his ego is his capacity for self-destruction.

His bad attitude has cost him. His woman. His best friend. His band. Everything.

Shaina Bentley is that girl.

The good one.

Hollywood’s pink candy-coated sweetheart.

The star of Pinky Swear, television’s top rated teen show.

She’s been practically perfect since that horrible day. But she’s starting to crack under the strain of being everything to everyone.

He’s a one man island. She’s a fragile captive soul.

Is love a current too dangerous to cross or will it be the bridge that brings them together?

RELENTLESS RHYTHM

The one she really wants is out of reach.

The one he really needs is already taken.

Dizzy Lowell, rhythm man for the rising rock band Tempest is a wizard on the guitar and a wonder with women. But the hookup specialist hides his emotional scars beneath his suave exterior. He never lets anyone truly touch him.

April Reynolds, the confident bartender of the Diamond Mine, knows her way around a cocktail, but Dizzy has her all mixed up. She knows what’s safe. She’s tired of settling, though. It would be so easy to fall under his spell.

Except for that ring around her finger.

Two searching souls separated by a thin metal band.

Some dreams are dangerous.

Some secrets shouldn’t be shared.

Sometimes what we wish for most can never be.

Excerpt

“Why do you stay with him?” I laid it all out there. “You don’t love him, and you’re obviously afraid of him. How does that even work?”

“Don’t.” She tried to turn away, but I framed her delicate face so she couldn’t. Her cheeks turned pink and her eyes got even brighter. “I don’t want to talk about him. Please. I don’t even want to think about him.” Her impassioned tone and her expression revealed her desperation. “Just for one night. I want to pretend he doesn’t even exist. To pretend I’m a woman a guy like you might be interested in.” She squeezed her eyes tightly shut as if wishing with all her might.

“Oh, Kitten. I’m interested all right.” I swept the pad of my thumb over the pink gloss of her plump bottom lip. Her eyes fluttered open, and I saw the raw desire in them.“ I’ve got no problem with forgetting about him.” I wanted to help her wipe every trace of sadness from her life.

Audio Books

Irresistible Refrain
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/irresistiblerefrainsample

Enticing Interlude
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/enticinginterludesample

Captivating Bridge
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/captivatingbridgesample

Relentless Rhythm
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/relentlessrhythmsample

Reimagining classic stories with sexy rock stars and thought provoking issues.
For many years she worked in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn’t kill her but the hours and hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.
Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and Love Resolution are a Brutal Strength centered trilogy, combining the plot underpinnings of Shakespeare with the drama, excitement, and indisputable sexiness of the rock ‘n roll industry.
Things take a bit of an edgier, once upon a time turn with the Tempest series. These pierced, tatted, and troubled Seattle rockers are young and on the cusp of making it big, but with serious obstacles to overcome that may prevent them from ever getting there.
Rock stars, myths, and legends collide with paranormal romance in a totally mesmerizing way in the Magic series.
When Michelle is not prowling the streets of her Texas town listening to her rock music much too loud, she is putting her daydreams down on paper or traveling the world with her family and friends, sometimes for real, and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
4 audio books 4 paperbacks, Tempest tour lanyard, a couple of temporary tattoos and an adjustable chain ring from soul of rose jewelry
(> than combined $100 value)
1 WINNER

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Seth & Greyson by Jessica Sorensen- The Coincidence Series – Book 7

Posted on 04/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Jessica Sorensen and her new book SETH & GREYSON! We are so excited to be sharing a sneak peek into the book with you. Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ebook copy of this book! #NeverBeAfraidToLove

After being betrayed by someone he thought he loved, Seth leaves for college hoping to get a new start. But leaving his past behind is more complicated than he expected, and underneath his upbeat attitude, Seth struggles with opening up to people.

Then he meets Greyson.

Seth is instantly drawn to Greyson and his sweet and charming personality. But even though he feels a strong connection with Greyson, Seth’s still hesitant to open his heart to love.

With the help of his best friend Callie, Seth realizes he needs to overcome his fear of commitment. But will he be able to finally admit how he truly feels about Greyson?

As I sit down in a desk toward the back of the room, I try not to think about what my mother said this morning, but I find myself assessing each person as they enter.

It’s not until the object of my stalking walks through the doorway that I consider maybe my crazy mother was right. I quickly realize how insane that would make me for believing her and force myself to stop thinking like my mother. I’ve always been more levelheaded than both my parents, and I want to hold onto the trait.

Tearing my attention away from him, I lean over to grab my textbook and a pen out of my bag. When I sit up, I’m surprised to find he’s taken the desk right next to mine.

Up close, he’s even better looking, but there’s a hint of nervousness in his eyes that I didn’t notice while looking through the lens, which is kind of strange. Usually, I see more when I’m taking pictures. Or maybe he was just happier when he was around his friend.

“Hey,” he greets me with a slightly nervous smile.

“Hey.” I rack my brain for something to say that won’t make me sound awkward, but he beats me to the punch.

“I’m Seth,” he says, extending his hand to me.

“Greyson.” I take his hand, noting it shakes a little in mine. “Is this your first class?”

“For the fall semester, yeah.”

“You’re not a freshman?”

“No, I am,” he replies. “I just started the year this summer.”

I smile, and decide to flirt a little, see where it goes. “So you should be a pro at classes by now.”

“You would think so,” he muses. “But I’m not a fan of school and being a fantastic student is at the bottom of my list, right between getting a good night’s rest and becoming friends with my slobbish roommate.”

“You live in the dorm?” I ask and he nods. “I actually thought about doing that, but my parents insisted I need a place of my own. That it’s good for my aura.”

His brow cocks. “Aura?”

“Yeah, they’re a little crazy like that, but in a good way.” I try to pick up on the vibe he’s giving. Is he just being friendly? Or is he interested in me?

I watch as his eyes trail down over my neck and chest, suddenly realizing that we’re still holding hands. Definitely a bit awkward, but in a good way. And that means he’s interested, right?

When his gaze reaches our joined hands, he startles and quickly pulls away. I catch a flash of alarm in his eyes as he scans the room before looking back at me.

He clears his throat. “So, you just moved here?”

I wonder why he’s acting so weird suddenly. Maybe I misread his interest. Doubtful, though, so what is it? “Yeah, from Florida.”

His eyes snap wide. “Holy shit. How the hell did you end up going from the sunshine state to cowboy central?”

“Is Wyoming cowboy central? I thought that was Texas?”

“Clearly, you haven’t been around when the fair rolls in. It’s like rodeo central. Nothing but cowboy hats, boots, and ridiculously tight pants as far as the eye can see.”

“Sounds… interesting, I guess.”

“Try horrifying. Some of the stuff I’ve seen through those tight jeans,” he shudders, “still haunts my nightmares.”

I laugh at him and he grins, obviously pleased with himself. Like how he was with the girl earlier, he seems to enjoy making people laugh.

I consider what my mom said about finding friends and going out on dates. He’s hot, nice, and funny. As long as I can keep the conversation going and find the right moment, I might ask him out. Get myself out of the damn rut I’ve been in.

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

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The Coincidence Series Reading Order

1. The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / ITunes

2. The Redemption of Callie and Kayden

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

3. The Destiny of Violet & Luke

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4. The Probability of Violet & Luke

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5. The Certainty of Violet & Luke

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes