Release Blitz + 6 Star Review: Never Never 2 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher – Never Never Trilogy – Book 2

Posted on 05/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Never Never Part Two

Never Never Trilogy – Book 2

By Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Synopsis

*Part two of the Never, Never novella series.

New York Times bestselling authors Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher are back with the much-anticipated, nail-biting sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Never, Never.

“Never forget that I was your first real kiss. Never forget that you’ll be my last.

And never stop loving me between all of them.

Never stop, Charlie.

Never forget.”

Silas races against time as more truths unravel, while others twist tighter together. And now, the stakes are higher as Silas’ control slips and others begin to point fingers. Charlie is in trouble and he must be the one to bridge the chasm between their past and their present. Because somewhere between I love yous and Never Nevers and Never Agains, a truth they can’t imagine, beckons to be found.

“Where are you, Charlie?”

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Smashwords

one sad woman sitting on the floor near a wall and holding her head in her hands

Robin’s Review

Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher ended Never Never with a killer cliffhanger that left thousands of readers desperate for more of Charlie and Silas. If you are anything like me, you’ve probably been wondering, “Where is Charlie?” Never Never: Part 2 is very satisfying, and although it’s not the conclusion to the series, I’m delighted to share it completely surpassed my expectations!

Once again, we find Colleen Hoover writing the chapters for Silas Nash. Sigh. Out of all of her male characters, Silas Nash is my favorite. I love his passion. His intensity and determination. His fierce love for Charlie. “Never forget that I was your first real kiss. Never forget that you’ll be my last. And never stop loving me between all of them. Never stop, Charlie. Never forget.” Silas is a young man who will not be deterred. He’s smart. Determined to find Charlie. Determined to find out why he and Charlie continue to lose their memory.

Tarryn Fisher continues to be the voice of Charlie Wynwood. Even with no memories, Charlie is a very perceptive young lady. She’s a strong protagonist who – underneath all of her bravado – can also be a little vulnerable. Readers, like myself, who are somewhat familiar with Tarryn Fisher? I think we all see a little bit of Tarryn in Charlie. Just like Silas, we were all left scratching our head, wondering what could have happened to Charlie at the end of Never Never. Since we begin Part 2 with a reset, Charlie has no real answers. It was a brilliant way to keep the mystery of “Where is Charlie?” alive.

Plain and simple – I absolutely loved Never Never: Part 2. This story is everything I had hoped for. Everything I had been anticipating. More often than not, the second novel of a trilogy is the weakest installment. Not with Never Never: Part 2. It’s honestly one of the best middle books that I have ever read. It appears to be well thought out. It’s full of classic writing from Hoover and Fisher. Really – anytime you read a story written by either of these authors, you can expect the writing to be exemplary, but it’s also seamless. The story is narrated by Silas and Charlie, the authors choosing to alternate points of view by chapter. The difference in writing styles feels completely natural because each protagonist has a unique personality.

My emotions were all over the place while I was reading Never Never: Part 2. It was thrilling. I was anxious and confused. It even had me in tears. From beginning to end, the story is creative and dramatic. Mysterious. Intriguing. Romantic. Part 1 of Never Never left my mind in a whirlwind – I had questions on top of questions after I finished reading. Have you ever been subjected to information overload? We are given a boatload of information in Never Never: Part 2. Theories are laid to rest. Questions are answered. Never Never: Part 2 has a satisfying conclusion that left my mind at ease, and I am nothing but hopeful for Silas and Charlie in the final book of the trilogy.

Lots of novels receive a 5-star rating. When I review a novel, I sometimes do something a little more. If a 5-star novel deserves more than that rating, if I feel it has something extra-special, I give it a bonus star. Never Never: Part 2 falls directly into this category. 6 stars for Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher!

gentle embrace of beautiful young lovers in the sunlight

About The Authors

Colleen’s Bio

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Maybe Someday, Finding Cinderella, and Ugly Love. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Tarryn’s Bio

Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times bestselling author of Mud Vein. She was born in South Africa, and lived there for most of her childhood. She moved to Seattle just for the rain. She reads and writes more than she sleep. She spends way too much time on Facebook and Instagram and drinks sick amounts of Starbucks.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: #Selfie by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 4

Posted on 05/18/2015 by shellbellereads

#Selfie

#Hashtag Series – Book 4

By Cambria Hebert

Synopsis

It’s all about the #Selfie.

She was the one girl I never wanted.

Until I had her.

One night.

One mistake.

Something we both wanted to forget.

I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both.

At least, I thought I did.

When it shows up on the school Buzzfeed, rumors fly. Friendships are tested and the feels get real.

I don’t do relationships. I don’t open my heart.

Especially for a girl everyone knows I hate.

What happens during spring break, stays in spring break.

Until it follows you home.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Excerpt

I didn’t think. I just reacted.

I leapt over the railing with ease. The distance down and the uneven sand I would be landing on didn’t even cross my mind.

It didn’t matter.

I landed like a cat, no trouble at all, and the second my feet hit the sand, I moved forward. Ivy was almost beneath the deck, but not quite. Her back was to me and she was sitting up, hunched forward over part of herself.

She was muttering some pretty damn colorful curse words beneath her breath, and my face split into a smile. “Another angry crab attack you?”

She stiffened and looked over her shoulder. Long blond hair cascaded down her back and partially over her shoulder, creating a waterfall around her.

God, she was beautiful.

Wait. No. No, she wasn’t.

I cleared my throat.

“Braeden?” She glanced up, surprised. “Did you jump down here?”

“Well, you screamed like you might be dying,” I quipped.

“Hardly.” She tried to roll her eyes, but it turned into a grimace. “I need a Band-Aid,” she said pathetically.

I bit back a smile and crouched down beside her. “Let me see.”

She leaned back a little so her body wasn’t blocking my view. The movement brought her closer against me, and the scent of cinnamon wrapped around me. My stomach muscles tightened and I jerked slightly. There was no way she could have noticed, but her head tilted back and her eyes found mine.

We stared at each other for the span of a few heartbeats, neither of us moving or saying a word until someone called down from above, wanting to know if we were okay.

I blinked, bringing myself back from the edge—the edge I always seemed perched on around her—and motioned for her to show me what was wrong.

She lifted her foot into her lap, and I looked down.

I heard myself mutter something, but I was back to not thinking again.

She had the cap of a beer bottle sticking out of the bottom of her foot. Blood oozed out around it and dripped into the sand.

I cradled her foot in my hand and gently stroked my thumb along her heel. A shudder moved through her, and I glanced up.

“Hurts, huh?” I murmured.

She blinked. “Uh…” She blinked again. “Yeah.”

Using one hand, I reached around to the base of my neck and pulled my T-shirt up over my head. I didn’t say anything when I reached for her again, and without any warning, I yanked the cap free.

Her breath hissed between her teeth and she smacked my arm.

“Hey!” I snapped.

“That hurt!” she yelled, but it came out more like a whimper.

I tossed the cap over my shoulder and glanced back down. Fresh blood welled. “It’s over now,” I said gently and used my shirt to wrap around her foot.

Once the shirt was in place, I pressed her foot between my hands, applying a little pressure.

Really, I just wasn’t ready to let go.

“Braeden?” Her voice caressed me. Being down here mostly concealed by the deck in the cool sand and low lighting brought back last night. It reminded me of the undeniable electricity between us.

I thought for sure it would be gone.

It was still there.

Michel’s Review

I was so excited when #Selfie by Cambria Hebert went live early. I dropped everything I was doing to read the latest book in the #Hashtag series. It was well worth the effort. I devoured this book! It is another #5 Star book in this series!

While reading the synopsis it became very clear that the author wanted the characters to remain a mystery to the readers until they opened the book and read it for themselves. So I am going to do this review a bit different than I do for most books….

#5 Star Review #Selfie #Hashtag Series #Cambria Hebert

#NeverTake Selfie For One Night Stand

#Hate Sex Is Phenomenal

#Collected More Than Seashells On Spring Break

#Player In A New Game

#Never Lose Phone

#Never Do Relationships

#Never Fall In Love

#Never Say Never

#Keep Your Secrets Close

#13 Is New Alpha Hottie To Watch

#Discover Who #BuzzBoss Is

#BuzzBoss Revelation

#Zack Still Haunts AlphaU

#13 New Dragon Slayer

#Love Is In The Air

#HEA

#Maybe?

#Cambria Hebert Nailed It

#Selfie # 5 Stars

Once again Cambria Hebert has given the readers an exceptional book. Her characters come to life and steal the readers hearts.

#Read #Selfie!

#Read#HashTag Series

The Hashtag Series

# Nerd – Book 1

Two people from completely different worlds are about to be thrown together…

In more ways than one.

She wants to keep her scholarship. He wants to stay on the team. An awkward alliance doesn’t even begin to cover Rimmel and Romeo’s relationship.

But that’s about to change.

It starts with a dare. An initiation. A challenge.

Quickly, it turns into more. But when you’re a victim of your status, there is no room for anything real. The rules are clear and simple.

Stick to your circle.

And never fall in love with anyone on the outside.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

#Hater – Book 2

The effect of that look lingered, like an unspoken promise, long after it was gone.

Becoming a couple – becoming the other half of a campus celebrity wasn’t easy. I let down walls guarding my heart and he looked past my glasses and accident prone tendencies. Romeo and I are an unlikely match, a #nerd and a jock. But we made it.

And we’re happy.

Zach doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants Romeo to pay for getting him kicked out of Omega and for the night he spent in jail. He’s going to use anything and everything he can to get his revenge. Including me.

As the weather on campus grows cold and the days become dark, revenge becomes the center of someone’s life and the happiness Romeo and I worked so hard for is threatened.

I can’t help but worry that our love is going to be overshadowed by hate.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

# Player-Book 3

Synopsis

Players gotta play.

Hate is like a poison. It contaminates everything.

So does doubt.

Even though I deny what I overheard, even though I insist it isn’t true, the seed of doubt has been planted. I can’t help but be tormented with the endless what-if’s that have taken over our lives.

Romeo and I were happy in love. The future stretched before us brighter than any star in the darkest sky. Now everything is broken. Literally broken. Romeo’s entire career is at stake, my entire future is threatened… and my past?

It’s coming back to haunt me.

To haunt us.

Romeo says we’re in this together and right now the only sure thing is us. But how far can a love so new be pushed? The lengths we will have to go to save each other puts everything at risk.

Romeo is a #player but how much of the game can one person play?

#About Cambria Hebert

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

#Giveaway

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Cover Reveal: The Song Of David by Amy Harmon

Posted on 05/18/2015 by shellbellereads

The Song of David

By Amy Harmon

Release Date: June 15, 2015

Pre Order: Amazon / Smashwords

Synopsis

She said I was like a song. Her favorite song. A song isn’t something you can see. It’s something you feel, something you move to, something that disappears after the last note is played.

I won my first fight when I was eleven years old, and I’ve been throwing punches ever since. Fighting is the purest, truest, most elemental thing there is. Some people describe heaven as a sea of unending white. Where choirs sing and loved ones await. But for me, heaven was something else. It sounded like the bell at the beginning of a round, it tasted like adrenaline, it burned like sweat in my eyes and fire in my belly. It looked like the blur of screaming crowds and an opponent who wanted my blood.

For me, heaven was the octagon.

Until I met Millie, and heaven became something different. I became something different. I knew I loved her when I watched her stand perfectly still in the middle of a crowded room, people swarming, buzzing, slipping around her, her straight dancer’s posture unyielding, her chin high, her hands loose at her sides. No one seemed to see her at all, except for the few who squeezed past her, tossing exasperated looks at her unsmiling face. When they realized she wasn’t normal, they hurried away. Why was it that no one saw her, yet she was the first thing I saw?

If heaven was the octagon, then she was my angel at the center of it all, the girl with the power to take me down and lift me up again. The girl I wanted to fight for, the girl I wanted to claim. The girl who taught me that sometimes the biggest heroes go unsung and the most important battles are the ones we don’t think we can win.

Pre Order: Amazon / Smashwords

Author Bio:

Amy Harmon is a USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in several countries, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written five novels – the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

6 $25 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Series Spotlight: Gods of the Highlands: Camulus + Sneak Peek at Sirona by Bambi Lynn + Giveaway

Posted on 05/18/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Camulus: Gods of the Highlands Series Book 1

Synopsis

Camulus Vass wants a simple life, absent the power and responsibility that can consume a man. But being laird of a clan as large as the Munro does not offer such luxury. Always under the domineering heel of his uncle, Cam has allowed himself to become a pawn. But the arrival of a mysterious newcomer awakens a beast within him that will not be tamed.

Màili has been given the task of rooting out the spawn of an ancient god. It’s the only way to take her revenge against the man who betrayed her. But getting what she wants means taking the life of the man she loves. Will her hunger for a mortal man wreak further havoc on her already bleak future?

Excerpt

Màili turned and strode across the room towards the back entrance. “She doesn’t act like a maid,” Cam mumbled to no one in particular as he watched her go.

Why did the gods torture themselves by creating such perfect mortals? How was anyone to resist such a creature?

The heat from his body seared her, warmed her right down to her toes. She absolutely tingled with excitement at his nearness.

Màili felt only the slightest twinge of remorse at seducing a man who was promised to another.

Cam made her tingle in places she had not tingled in thousands of years. But he also brought out a softness in her, a compassion better locked away.

It was then Màili knew she was losing herself to Cam. How unfair to find him now, when she was set on a course of destruction that would destroy her future and leave many dead in her wake.

He stared down at her with raw hunger, his breathing ragged. “Your touch makes me feel like…” He kissed her again, swirling his tongue around in her mouth, then sliding it across her lips. “I cannae explain it. ‘Tis like nothing I have ever felt.”

Màili felt a brief flare of jealously at the exchange. Not at their affection for each other, but for the time they would share. Now that the four of them had been reunited, the camaraderie of their childhood restored, they faced a future full of promise and hope, of growing old surrounded by family, friends, loved ones. How she envied that future.

He smiled down at her, tracing the pad of his thumb across her lips before cupping her face in his hand and leaning down to brush his own lips across hers. When he pulled away, Màili did not miss the concern in his eyes. “He can hurt the ones I love.”

FIRST KISS:

Cam pulled the linen from his shaggy, ebony mane and locked his rich brown eyes, glistening with excitement, on hers. He stepped out of the tub, dropping the linen to the floor. “Come to me, woman.” Cam wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. He claimed her mouth with his, prying her lips open and invading her with the sweetest tasting tongue she had ever known.

Màili lost herself in that kiss. The power of it sent jolts of pleasure to every pore in her body. She tingled all over, her senses melding until she could no longer remember anything other than the man before her. She kissed him back with all the self–pity of a woman who had been betrayed by love and yearned to get even a piece of herself back.

The power of her desire for Cam surprised her. Màili was certainly no stranger to the ways of men and women. She had learned a lot over the centuries. This was the first time she had found anyone she thought could teach her anything. A nagging possibility tickled the edge of her thoughts, but she pushed it aside.

Màili dragged her mouth from his, nibbling along his jaw and across the pulse at his throat. With her hands on his chest, she urged him back toward the bed all the while trailing her lips, her tongue down his body. He tasted like nectar and all Màili could think of was more, more, more.

Buy Camulus:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GDfzjs

Sneak Peek at Sirona: Gods of the Highlands Series Book 2

Sirona: Gods of the Highlands Series Book 2

Synopsis

She has the power to heal his body, but can she heal his soul?

Sirona Cleary tries to hide her unholy healing powers from everyone around her, denying her divine heritage even as she saves those who would see her punished. When she is kidnapped by a rival clan, she is sure her execution is near. Rhain Comyn is dying from a mysterious disease, and he couldnâ€™t be happier about it. After the atrocities he has committed, Rhain believes he has no right to a decent life and welcomes the ailment that leaves him with unquenchable thirst and hunger, extreme fatigue, blurred vision and ultimately drives him into a deep slumber from which no healer can awaken him. Can a witch from the clan of his enemy save him?

Author Bio:

Yes, Bambi is my real name.

I grew up on a farm in South Georgia. My high school was very small with a graduating class of less than 100 people. Shortly after high school, I met my wonderful husband who took me to Belgium, where a three-year tour turned into fifteen. While living in Europe, I nurtured my love of all things medieval. I often get homesick for Belgium, but with the world wide web, I’m home with the click of a mouse. I now live with my husband and son in North Alabama.

When not plugging away at my keyboard, I teach World History. I love to ride my big, black Tennessee Walker, Jamaica. My husband and I each have a Harley to go with our collection of classic cars and hot rods.

Website: http://www.bambilynn.net/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BambiLynn.HotHistoricals?fref=ts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6565910.Bambi_Lynn?from_search=true

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hot_historicals

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon Gift Card

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Cover Reveal: A Lover’s Lament by KL Grayson & BT Urruela

Posted on 05/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Today we have the cover reveal of A Lover’s Lament by K. L. Grayson and BT Urruela! They are sharing a giveaway with us to celebrate their release, so be sure to check everything out!

Title: A Lover’s Lament

Author: K.L. Grayson & BT Urruela

Genre: Contemporary romance

Release Day: Fall 2015

About A Lover’s Lament:

In a matter of seconds my entire world changed, and it was in that moment that I stopped living and simply began to exist.

In my grief, I sent a letter to a stranger. I hoped in writing it, I’d find some peace from the nightmare I was living, some solace in my anger.

I didn’t expect him to write back. I wasn’t prepared for his words, and I certainly wasn’t ready for the impact this soldier would have on my life. A deep-rooted hate transformed into friendship and then molded into a love like I’d never known before.

Sergeant Devin Ulysses Clay did what I couldn’t: he put the shattered pieces of my heart back together, restoring my faith in humanity and teaching me how to live again.

But now that I’m whole, I have a decision to make. Do I return to my life as I knew it and the fiancé I’ve left waiting, or do I walk away from it all for the man I’ve never actually met—the man who doesn’t even know that he holds my heart in the palm of his hand.

***

I’ve been living in hell, but you won’t hear me complain.

These men depend on me, as I do them, and this brotherhood is the only family I’ve ever known.

The Army saved me from a callous mother and a life on the wrong side of the tracks that was quickly spiraling out of control. So unlike most of the men in my platoon, going home wasn’t something I longed for.

I was content overseas, spending my days defending this country that gave me my life back. Fighting became my new normal … until her.

A letter from Katie Devora—a letter that I almost didn’t open. Her words put a fire back inside of me that I didn’t know I’d lost. She gave me hope during a time when I was fighting every day to stay alive, and now it’s time I fight for her.

Add on Goodreads

About the Authors:

K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males, brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that order.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/KL-Grayson/1403900879892076?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorklgrayson

IG: @booksbyklgrayson

Taylor Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour in Baghdad, IQ, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador of VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts speaking engagements and he’s a personal trainer for Tampa Sports Academy.

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BTUrruela?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BTUArmy

IG: @BTUrruela

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Review: Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Breaking Noah

By Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

Synopsis

What happens when you start falling for your worst enemy? Fans of Abbi Glines and Monica Murphy will relish this addictive novel of smoking-hot seduction—and revenge gone so wrong, it’s right.

I wasn’t always this jaded. I had a clear head, things I wanted out of life, and a concise plan on how to get there. For being only twenty-one, I pretty much had it all figured out. Until the day my cousin died.

I spent months going over all the details surrounding her death, trying to figure out how I missed the signs, and the only thing I could come up with was she would still be alive if it wasn’t for one person: her professor. So I transferred to his college, enrolled in his class, and set my new plan in motion.

First I’ll seduce him. Then I’ll ruin him. I’ve just got to stay strong and not let his charm and my emotions get the best of me. Because someone has to pay for her death. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to break Noah.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Seductive pose. Subtle color palate. Great use of light and shadow. The synopsis sounds ruthless, yet intriguing.
Looking Deeper:
Written in a first person POV, alternating between Zara and Noah, all clearly defined for easier comprehension.
Wow…. that’s all I can say at first. Within the first few chapters, this seems like a pretty straight-forward cut-and-dry story line. I’ve never been happier to be wrong. The synopsis does a rather good job at setting up the plot, so I’ll not go into that any further at the risk of revealing spoilers. Instead, I’ll get straight to the breakdown. Noah is an awesome lead male. Kind, caring, compassionate. Zara is fiercely loyal to her beliefs, smart, and strong. Together, they have the makings of a power couple. The magnetic pull and chemistry is continuously at war with her thoughts and beliefs making their connection all the more a force of nature. The secondary characters were an interesting blend of wonderfully supportive to love-to-hate-them. They full the full spectrum for a nice variety. The dialogue and interaction was, most of the time, believable and natural, there were a few instances that were eye-roll worthy, but then maybe that’s par for the college-age course. The plot is complex, much more so than I’d expected it to be. It is written very well and flowed quite smoothly. The conflicts are not handled well in some instances, but that lends to the plot more buildup and drama for later. The final conflict is truly fantastic and leaves the reader feeling vindicated and free of the oppressing weight that hung in the shadows. There’s virtually no predictability, in fact there were a few things that surprised me. The conclusion is fantastic. This is, by far, one of the better New Adult / College sub-genre books that I’ve read this year.

____________________________________________

Author Bios:

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

_______________________________________

Ashley Suzanne has been writing as long as she can remember. As a youngster, she was always creating stories and talking to her imaginary friends. Thankfully, her parents also carried this love of fiction, and helped her grow into the writer she is today.

Ashley is a bestselling author and spends equal amounts of time writing and reading. Being the true book whore she is, Ashley would rather dive into a good book before going out of her house. Giving up her career in Real Estate, Ashley has officially moved to hermit status.

When Ashley isn’t coming up with her next story, you’ll most likely find her on the couch with a kindle in her hand (probably watching some crappy reality show while , annoying her husband by telling him all about her new book boyfriend or spending quality time with her two gremlins … Sorry, I mean adorable children.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Playing Dirty by C. L. Parker – Monkey Business Trio- Book 1

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Playing Dirty

Monkey Business Trio – Book 1

By C. L. Parker

Synopsis

For fans of Bared to You and Beautiful Bastard comes the start of an irresistible new series in which competition is the ultimate seduction.

“Loaded with wit and snark, great characters, and lots of hot, steamy, naughty sex, Playing Dirty is sure to satisfy.”—New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner

Shaw Matthews plays to win, and he intends to snag a coveted partnership at San Diego’s hottest sports agency by signing America’s top athlete. Only one woman stands in his way: rival agent Cassidy Whalen. But eliminating the competition will be Shaw’s pleasure when he concocts an ingenious plan to seduce Cassidy and show the beautiful ballbreaker who’s the better man for the job. That is, until Cassidy turns the tables—and their steamy encounters start breaking all the rules.

Cassidy has worked hard to make it in a man’s cutthroat arena, and she isn’t going down without a fight, not even against the six-two alpha hunk whose rock-hard body awakens desires she’s never known before. As Cassidy shares night after night of unending passion with Shaw, the game begins to change. Now Cassidy stands to lose everything—unless a fiery contest of wills can become a winning proposition for two people who keep raising the stakes.

Playing Dirty is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

What’s wrong with a little friendly competition in the work place? Usually nothing unless the two competitors are vying for the same partnership. When the stakes get higher, the two combatants will be fighting over landing the same client. They will battle it out in the workplace. They will take the competition to the next level with red hot monkey sex. Each competitor will do anything to get the other to concede. Let the battles begin.

Cassidy Whalen and Shaw Michaels are vying for the same partnership in the sports agency they both work for. They literally hate each other. In order to get the partnership one of them will have to land star quarterback “Rocket Man” Rockford to their client roster. Their competition becomes a brutal battle of witt, wills, and orgasms. Although these two absolutely abhor one another, their sexual chemistry could compare to a volcanic eruption. A lot of hate sex and monkey business will send both into a tizzy.

The battle is on. The sheets are burning. Cassidy and Shaw may end up destroying each other. The only people finding bliss are their co workers. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am not sure I want to continue with this series.

Playing Dirty had very little romance. Over 75 % of this book was hate sex scenes. Both the characters were not very likable at all. I felt the bad tension between them carried out too long. I just did not feel like there was any substance to the story. It was a book of screwing each other into submission without regard.

Playing Dirty was not my kind of book. I am sure there are other readers that will find this kind of push and pull entertaining.

________________________

Author Bio

C.L. Parker is a romance author who writes stories that sizzle. She’s a small-town girl with big-city dreams and enough tenacity to see them come to fruition. Having been the outgoing sort for all her life—which translates to “she just wouldn’t shut the hell up”—it’s no wonder Parker eventually turned to writing as a way to let her voice, and those of the people living inside her head, be heard. She loves hard, laughs until it hurts, and lives like there’s no tomorrow. In her world, everything truly does happen for a reason.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review… Nice Girls Don’t Ride by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Series – Novella

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Nice Girls Don’t Ride

Loving On The Edge Series – Novella

By Roni Loren

Synopsis

In this erotically charged novella by the New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me, Nothing Between Us, and Not Until You two strangers take an asphalt-burning ride into the wildest night of their lives…

Natalie Bourne thinks she has the perfect night planned for her twenty-first birthday. But when her car breaks down and her boyfriend bails on her, she’s left stranded in an auto shop dealing with a way too cocky, way too hot mechanic, who seems to be intent on pushing every button she has.

Monroe Hawkins knows he shouldn’t be messing with a girl from the uppity private college. Especially when he can tell she sees him as the help. But he’s having trouble resisting the redhead with the smart mouth and the killer legs. So when Natalie’s night goes from bad to worse, there’s no way he’s letting her spend her birthday alone. He makes her a deal–he’ll take her home but not until the sun comes up.

Ten hours, one motorcycle, and the city of Austin at their fingertips…things are about to take a major detour. And soon, there may be no U-turn in sight.

Includes a preview of Roni Loren’s Call on Me

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tracey’s Review

A girl’s 21st birthday should be a big deal. Romantic dinner, celebrating with her boyfriend, memories in the making. Finding herself with a broken-down car on the side of the road is not a good omen, and Natalie Bourne’s day just keeps getting worse. But life has a way of surprising us with gifts that we don’t even know that we’re looking for, and, before the night is over, Natalie will get the best gift of all.

I am a huge fan of Roni Loren. Her Loving On the Edge series is one of my favorites, so I jumped on the opportunity to read this standalone novella. Nice Girls Don’t Ride is an absolute treat. Full of sass, spunk, and some serious spine, Natalie is such a refreshing character to read. Although she’s been keeping her inner goddess under wraps in her current relationship, she’s about to come out with a vengeance, thanks to Monroe Hawkins, Natalie’s unexpected white knight. With his wit, his charm, and his bad-boy swagger, Monroe is much more than meets the eye. Sweeping in on his motorcycle to offer Natalie a night, and more, to remember, he quickly became an immediate favorite.Their instant chemistry, their snark, their openness with each other makes these two the best example of why NA can be so much fun to read.

‘Monroe walks over and swipes the phone out of my hand. “What’s Romeo’s name?”
“Hey, give that back.” I jump to my feet and reach for my phone.
But he steps back and holds it up. “Smile.”
I grit my teeth. “Give.It.Back.”
“Pissed and mean, even better.” He grins and takes a pic with my phone.
“What the hell?” I stalk toward him, but he backpedals until he’s behind the counter, scrolling through my phone.
“There it is, Caleb with the little heart symbol next to it,” Monroe says triumphantly. His thumbs fly over the screen, typing. “Hope…work…is…worth…missing…this.”
“Oh my God.” I lunge around the counter, but Monroe slides out of reach and shows me the screen. He hasn’t hit Send on the message yet, but the pic of me is there–cheeks flushed, eyes a little wild, and my cleavage on prominent display. I don’t look like myself. I look kind of dangerous. And hot. Go me.”

Although this is a novella, so shorter than Roni’s other books, I loved Nice Girls Don’t Ride just as much. It’s fast-paced, joyful, even when dealing with some darker moments, and plenty hot. The sexy moments between Natalie and Monroe are signature Roni, and absolutely fan-worthy. I could not have enjoyed this read more, and highly recommend adding it to your TBR. Five+ sexy, sassy, satisfying stars for this one. Grab it, read it, enjoy the heck out of yourself. You will not be sorry.

‘”It’s going to be amazing”–he takes one of my hands and puts it over his heart, right where his tattoo is–“because we’re chasing our bluebirds, Nat. And nothing feels better than that.”
I swallow hard. “Think we’ll catch them?”
He lowers his face, a breath away from mine, his palms cupping my jaw. “Yeah, I think we will.”
And then he kisses me, and any doubts I have left are lost in the rush of emotions.
This feels good.
This feels right.
This feels…like happy.
I may have even heard a bird sing.’

____________________

About Roni Loren

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has.

Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars concerts.

She is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the The Loving on the Edge series and other sexy things.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5-Star Review: One To Save by Tia Louise

Posted on 05/15/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

One To Save

One To Hold Series – Book 6

Release Date : March 26, 2015

By Tia Louise

Synopsis

Some threats come at you as friendly fire.

Some threats take away everything.

Family won’t let you go down without a fight.

The Secret isn’t as secure as Derek’s team originally thought it was, and a person on the inside of Alexander-Knight is set on exposing him, breaking him, and taking away all he holds dear.

Refusing to let anyone suffer for his crimes, Derek takes matters into his own hands. He’s exposed, he’s defenseless, but his friends are determined to save him.

A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play / ARe

Excerpt

Derek

The muscle in my jaw clenches hard, but my voice stays calm. “Open the door, Melissa.”

“No.”

I step back ready to snap that chain with a swift kick, when she pushes it closed and the noise of that f**king deadbolt sounds again.

“God dammit!” I shout as I shove my key back into the lock. I’m turning it open when I hear scraping noises on the other side. This time when I push against the wood, it doesn’t move at all.

Resting my forehead against the door, I take another deep breath, fighting for control. “Please let me in.”

“You promised!” She yells from the other side. “You looked in my eyes and promised.”

“Baby, I didn’t know how serious this was.”

“I won’t hear any more lies from you. Take your shit and leave. It’s over.”

She’s crying now, and all semblance of control I had is gone. This is not happening. Stepping back, I hit the door with my shoulder as hard as I can. A low growl escapes my throat on impact. The door doesn’t budge.

“Open the door,” I repeat.

Again, she says, “No.”

Stepping back, I kick it with the sole of my foot. The doorjamb shudders, but it doesn’t give.

“Don’t make me call the police,” she shouts from the other side.

That nearly sends me into a rage. My shoulders are rapidly rising and falling as I step back and survey this situation. The woman I love has thrown me out and is now threatening the cops on me. Am I having some kind of f**king bad dream?

The only possible way I might get in the house comes to mind. “I want to see Dex.”

She’s angry, yes, but if we can look at each other, talk it out… Maybe she needs to yell at me. I can listen, hear what she needs to say, and everything can go back to normal.

“I’ll talk to my mom. We’ll work out a schedule for you to visit him.”

My fist is pounding on the wood before I even realize what I’m doing. This is f**king idiotic, and I need to get on the other side of this f**king door and hold Melissa in my arms.

“Stop it!” I can hear the break in her voice, and it rips me apart. “You’re scaring Dex.”

Breathing hard, I rest my head against the wood again. Looking to the side, I can see the cracks that have formed around the doorjamb from my attempts to break it down. Sound filters through the spaces easily. The noise of my Melissa crying is just on the other side. I can’t take this.

“Melissa.” This time I’m pleading with her. “Please open the door.”

“No.” She says softly, between sniffles.

My heart is twisting in my chest. “What do you want me to do, baby? Just tell me what to do.”

“I want you to go away.” Her voice shakes as she says the words.

“I can’t do that.” I’m breathing hard now. “I love you.”

“Not enough to keep your promise.”

“I love you more than enough.” Gripping the wooden frame, I fight my emotions. “Let me in.”

“I’m done talking. Take your bags and go.”

Noises on the other side sound like Dex whining. I hear her go to him and attempt to soothe him. Stepping back, I look at the windows and consider breaking one of them. For several long seconds, I visualize myself doing it. I look around the perimeter and see every place I can force my way inside, go in there and gather her in my arms, make her stop saying these things.

But I don’t. It would scare Dex, it would anger Mel… It would only make things harder for me.

Instead I do what she asks. Ice is in the pit of my stomach as I pick up my duffel and the largest suitcase and carry them to my car. Popping the trunk, I put them inside and go back for the remaining two.

#SaveDerek

Kelley’s Review

Sexy and suspenseful…

I am going to be honest and tell you that I was afraid to read this book. When a couple you have fallen in love with is in jeopardy of losing their happily ever after it makes you a little nervous. I knew Melissa was going to be so angry that Derek kept what he did a secret from her. She made it very clear that she would not live with a man who kept things from her.

Tia really had me on the edge of my seat with this read just waiting to see if Melissa was going to forgive Derek and if Derek was going to be sent to jail. I am so thankful that Tia brought back Laney and Patrick along with Stuart and Mariska. Derek would have had plenty of time to confess his sins to Melissa if he had not been blackmailed. Things just begin to spiral once Derek and Patrick know that someone saw what Derek did.

The character development is fantastic. The plot is twisty turny and kept me on edge. The ending and resolution to the story was realistic. I love this series. To really enjoy this read you will want to read One To Hold and One To Protect. I am looking forward to what Tia has in store for us next.

One To Hold Series

One To Hold- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

One To Keep- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

One To Protect- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

One To Love- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

One To Leave- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

SIGNED COPIES: http://smarturl.it/SignedPBs

Author Bio:

Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories… *wink*)—turned wife, mommy, and novelist.

It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.

Website ~Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Sign up for Tia’s Book News: http://eepurl.com/Lcmv1

Get Exclusive Text Alerts and never miss a Sale or New Release: Text “TiaLouise” to 77948*

*Max 6 messages per month; HELP for help; STOP to cancel; Text and Data rates may apply. Privacy policy available, allnightreads@gmail.com.

Review: The Other Fighter : Uncaged – Part One by Lauren Hawkeye and Tawny Stokes

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

NYT Bestselling Authors Lauren Hawkeye & Tawny Stokes are back with another three part story, THE OTHER FIGHTER. Make sure to get your hands on this sexy, intense read, which is available now!

About Part 1: Uncaged

I want lots of things out of life, but this… this is what I crave most. And with a dead-end relationship in my rearview mirror and a new business ahead, that freedom is finally within reach.

Of course, fate is an evil bitch.

People I have nothing to do with expect me to settle my brother’s debt— and if I don’t pay with cash, I pay with my life. I’ll be dead very soon… but not if a certain sexy-as-sin fighter with a Prince Charming complex has a say in the matter. One who’s decided to help me out of this mess, whether I want him to or not.

I might escape all of this with my life. But I already know it won’t be so easy to hold on to my heart…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / Kobo

Part 2 & Part 3 of THE OTHER FIGHTER coming soon.

Grab the complete bundle of THE OTHER BROTHER here!

Excerpt

I turn my attention back to Dream Girl. Her hands are on her hips, and she’s glaring at me. “I had it under control. I didn’t need the white knight routine.”

“I’m sorry.” I cock my head, my eyes drinking her in. I like the sass in her voice. “I didn’t realize being a gentleman was a crime.”

“I guess you didn’t get the memo.” She smirks.

“Nope, I guess I didn’t.” I shuffle my feet because the girl is shooting eye daggers at me, and I’m feeling… uncomfortable. Which is weird. I’m a laid back guy, comfortable in most situations, but something about this woman has me on alert.

“Prince of Pain.” She snorts out a laugh, which should look inelegant, but doesn’t. Maybe it’s her big brown eyes or her luscious plum stained lips, but I think this woman would be stunning any time, anywhere. “What is that? The name of your boy band?”

My mouth drops open a bit—I can’t help it. I can’t remember the last time a woman spoke to me like that. Can’t remember the last time my gut quivered with need.

I’ve never had butterflies before, not even back in high school. And because fate’s a cruel bitch, she’s looking at me like I need to turn my white ass around and march it back into the warehouse. Clearly I have zero play here.

“Well, then.” I swallow thickly. Where are my moves when I need them? “I guess I’m going to go.”

“Good idea.” She crosses her arms and leans up against her car, arching an eyebrow at me.

I turn and force myself to deliberately saunter back toward the warehouse, not wanting to show her how off my game she’s making me feel. At the door, I stop and look back over my shoulder. Her stare instantly snaps upward.

Was she checking out my ass? A little confidence seeps back into my bones.

“I’m Tristan, by the way.” I cast her my trademark grin.

“I don’t care.” She rolls her eyes, but I notice that her body is angled just the slightest bit in my direction.

“All right, baby. If you say so.” I smirk. “Then you won’t be watching my ass as I walk away, right?”

Before I turn back, I catch a slight twitch to her beautiful mouth.

Michel’s Review

It is really hard to review a book like this. It is the first installment in a three volume serial. It is a very limited segment of the overall story. With each volume being more of a novella or short story length installment the reader is only getting a brief glimpse. Without having the whole story it is almost impossible to make an overall judgement. Therefore I am going to have to rate this book on my reactions and thoughts.

The Other Fighter: Uncaged – Part One starts with the introduction of the leading characters. The reader gets a good sense of what they look like, where they are in their lives at the time, and an insight into their personalities. The reader also gets the overall backdrop of the story. They are introduced to the underworld fighting, friendship & family dynamics with the secondary characters, and an idea of where the plot may be heading.

It was a good start but there was not enough for me to become connected to the characters and their story. When I finished this installment I did not feel the burning need to have the next installment in my hands. I do want to continue with this serial because I think it has a premise of being an enjoyable story.

The good thing about The Other Fighter Serial is that each installment is going to be released weekly. The reader will not have to wait weeks and months for the rest of the story.

About Lauren Hawkeye

Lauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she’d wind up telling stories for a living… though when she looks back, it’s easy to see that she’s the only one who is surprised. Always “the kid who read all the time”, Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she’d finished a book… and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter

About Tawny Stokes

Tawny Stokes has always been a writer. From an early age, she’d spin tales of serial killers in love, vampires taking over the world, and sometimes about fluffy bunnies turned bunnicidal maniacs. An honour student in high school, with a penchant for math and English, you’d never know it by the foot high blue Mohawk and Doc Martens, which often got her into trouble. No longer a Mohawk wearer, Tawny still enjoys old school punk rock, trance, zombie movies, teen horror films, and fluffy bunnies. She lives in Canada with her fantastical daughter, two cats, and spends most of her time creating new stories for teens.

Tawny also writes adult paranormal/urban fantasy fiction under the name Vivi Anna, and is an aspiring screenwriter.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Monthly Archives: May 2015

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review: Never Never 2 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher – Never Never Trilogy – Book 2

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: #Selfie by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 4

Cover Reveal: The Song Of David by Amy Harmon

Series Spotlight: Gods of the Highlands: Camulus + Sneak Peek at Sirona by Bambi Lynn + Giveaway

Cover Reveal: A Lover’s Lament by KL Grayson & BT Urruela

Review: Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

Review: Playing Dirty by C. L. Parker – Monkey Business Trio- Book 1

5 Star Review… Nice Girls Don’t Ride by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Series – Novella

5-Star Review: One To Save by Tia Louise

Review: The Other Fighter : Uncaged – Part One by Lauren Hawkeye and Tawny Stokes

NYT Bestselling Authors Lauren Hawkeye & Tawny Stokes are back with another three part story, THE OTHER FIGHTER. Make sure to get your hands on this sexy, intense read, which is available now!