Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Chasing River by K. A. Tucker – Burying Water Series – Book 3

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Review Tour for K.A. Tucker’s CHASING RAIN! CHASING RIVER is a Suspenseful Romance novel, and the third novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. CHASING RIVER is set to be released July 7, 2015! If you haven’t already, be sure to grab BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series!!

CHASING RIVER US Links:

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CHASING RIVER UK Links:

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About CHASING RIVER:

Armed with two years’ worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn’t let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it’s because he saved her life, or maybe it’s because he’s completely different from everything she’s left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn’t the kind of guy she’d want to catch.

Robin’s Review

Author K.A. Tucker’s writing portfolio includes series written in the young adult paranormal fantasy, new adult contemporary romance, and new adult romantic suspense genres. Although I have never read her Causal Enchantment series, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each of the novels of the Ten Tiny Breathes and the Burying Water series. Much of the Burying Water series is based in a small town named Sisters, Oregon. Chasing River is different because the majority of the story takes place in Dublin, Ireland. If you have read any of the Burying Water series, you may remember Amber Welles is the daughter of retired sheriff Gabe Welles and the twin sister of Jesse Welles. Chasing River is Amber’s story.

On a normal day, twenty-four-year-old River Delaney would be getting up to open his family pub. But today, River is following his brother Aengus into St. Stephen’s Green. It’s only 7:30 in the morning, and Aengus is acting sketchy, carrying a black leather satchel close to his body. When he reaches a field, Aengus kneels down, unzips the satchel and lays a pipe bomb in the grass. When River sees what his brother is doing, he attempts to talk him out it, but Aengus warns him to immediately get out of there. That’s when River notices a woman jogging straight for the bomb.

Amber is on a leave of absence from her work as a nurse. She plans to visit fifteen different countries over a four-month period. After spending three and half weeks in Canada, Amber is now in Dublin, Ireland. She’s running late for a day tour, so she decides to take a shortcut through a field in St. Stephen’s Green. She doesn’t realize it, but she’s jogging towards a pipe bomb that is just about to detonate. Before she has time to process what is happening, a man plows into Amber, sending her flying through the air. He lands on top of her just before an explosion rips through the field. When the dust settles, the man checks to see if she was injured. After he sees that she is okay, he runs off. Amber realizes two things: he was protecting her from the explosion, and she didn’t get to thank him.

Besides the sweet romance between the main characters, what I love most about Chasing River is the history I was able to learn about Ireland. Tucker begins her novel with a three-page author’s note. She addresses the political and religious divisions between Ireland and England, which eventually led to Ireland’s attempt to break away from England. More important to this story is what we learn about the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and the role it has played throughout Irish history. The Delaney family has a long history of being involved with the Irish Republican Army, so pay close attention to the author’s note because what you learn will be very relevant to this story. This Irish history lesson lends to the suspense element in this story, making Chasing River one of the best romantic suspense novels that I have read in recent months.

We also learn more Irish history through River and his family. I really liked how the author shows us how much each member of the Delaney family values his or her Irish heritage. At one point in the novel, Amber sits in a pub and listens to a real Irish storyteller. We are able to enjoy the story as Amber listens to what is being said. I thought this was very creative feature of Chasing River. K.A. Tucker quickly captured my attention with this story. The unique setting of Dublin, Ireland feels very authentic when you combine it with the dialect, expressions and history Tucker includes in her writing.

I was able to discern real character growth in both protagonists, but especially in Amber. Before she leaves on her trip, Amber is encouraged by a friend to step outside of her comfort zone, and I feel there are several times in this story where she does just that. Amber takes a good look at her life, and she realizes that she wants to make the best decisions for her, not based on what others expect of her. I truly enjoyed River and Amber as a couple. Long distance relationships are never easy, and I would love to read more about their relationship in a future novel of the Burying Water series. So far, they are my favorite couple written by Tucker. I also consider 6-star Chasing River to be my favorite novel written by K.A. Tucker, and I am adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

Michel’s Review

Chasing River is the third book in the Burying Water series by K.A. Tucker. It is my favorite book in the series so far.

K.A. Tucker created an interesting plot and unique set of characters that is original, informative, emotional, and entertaining. This book is not a fast paced high octane story like the other books in this series. It is more of a look into the reality of life in modern day Ireland. She painted a vivid picture of daily life, family dynamics, and the political arena in which most Irish families experience. Living in North America has kept readers removed from the plights of the Irish people. Most of us don’t have an understanding of their politics, their laws, and their convictions. We assume they have the same kind of liberties and values that we have. It is an arrogant assumption and ignorant way of thinking. This book opens the readers eyes and gives them a clear insight while at the same time delivering a beautiful romance.

Amber Welles has lived an enchanted sheltered life in a small town environment. She was the queen of her high school , made good grades, stayed out of trouble, excelled in college, and began making a successful career as a nurse. Her parents gave her an easy life. Her mother was a successful surgeon that taught her to love medicine. Her father was the town sheriff that taught her to live an honest and trouble free life. Unlike her twin brother, she has never been in trouble, never been exposed to people outside her social circle, and most certainly never skirted the law. She has always dreamed of traveling abroad and exploring the world. She has been saving for this dream and plans to take a year off to follow her dreams. After a harsh break up she decides to pursue her dream sooner. She may not have enough money to spend a year abroad but she does have enough to have several months of travel and adventure. Just before she embarks on her trip she makes a bucket list for her adventures.

Her first day in Ireland is beyond the adventure she was dreaming of. She is nearly blown up in an explosion in the park. If the sexy stranger with green eyes hadn’t saved her she would of been seriously injured or dead. Now she wants to find this Irish stranger and thank him for saving her life. When she does find him she gets more than she bargained for. She will find that her world was much smaller than she thought it was. She will find that not every thing is black and white. She will find there are many gray areas that are neither right or wrong. She will open herself up to new people and accept their beliefs. She will discover that old casual acquaintances can become the dearest of friends. Most of all she will find that once in a lifetime love with a man that doesn’t fit into her neat and orderly life. Amber Welles is falling into River. It is up to her whether she wants to sink or swim in the murky waters we call life.

River Delaney is the middle son in your typical Irish family. His family has owned a pub for over 200 years. Their family history is rich with stories of love, passion, heartbreak, struggle, and strife. Their convictions run deep. Their connections to the IRA and RIRA are part of their heritage. It is a dangerous life. His choices have molded him into the man he is today. His family history has made him target for the law as well as RIRA. Falling for an American girl that stirs his soul is not a good idea. The heart dictates what it wants. Their relationship may sink or swim. He may drown from the heartache or sail into a beautiful relationship. Either way, both he and Amber are treading in dangerous waters.

I could not put this book down. Amber and River’s story was beautiful. Both had convictions from their upbringings that should of kept them apart. Both found a love that was pure and beautiful. Both had to make choices that their families had a hard time grasping. In the end they found the once in a lifetime love that was worth sacrificing for.

K. A. Tucker did a thorough job with her research in Irish history. The reader will walk away with a better understanding of Irish heritage that is not leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, and blarney stones.

I loved how she incorporated some of the characters from the previous books and gave them a stronger role in the series. Gabe Welles in the kind of father that every girl should have. Ivy Lee is the kind of friend that Amber didn’t know she needed. She proved that beneath the hostility and icy veneer lies a true and loyal soul.

Chasing River can be read as a stand alone or in series order.

I highly recommend Chasing River by K. A. Tucker. It is fantastic.

And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

BURYING WATER

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BECOMING RAIN

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About K.A. Tucker:

Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Toxic by Kim Karr

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Toxic

By Kim Karr

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling romance that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite. Meet Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, brooding entrepreneur who goes after what he wants, and Phoebe St. Claire, a socialite-turned-CEO who’s been drifting through life searching for something she thought she’d never find again–the right man to share her future.

Phoebe St. Claire has devoted herself to saving her family’s hotel empire–but her best efforts have not been good enough. With her whole world in turmoil, the tenacious go-getter turns to the once love of her life. Far from innocent, Jeremy McQueen was the guy from the wrong side of the tracks who her parents would never have approved of. Their years apart have only made the sexy bad boy more irresistible than ever–and their reunion is explosive.

When she asks Jeremy to help her salvage her family business, he agrees immediately, with only one condition–he wants her in his bed.

But soon surprising circumstances leave Phoebe reeling. Was this fairy tale romance just too good to be true? Will Jeremy’s secrets pull them apart all over again?

THIS IS A STANDALONE SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE WITH NO CLIFFHANGER ENDING.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Phoebe St. Claire

Feeling a bit drunk and overwhelmed with so many and so few choices at the same time, I needed some time alone and snuck off toward the beach path.

I ran toward the ocean and twirled in the sand as the wind blew around me. Once I started to feel dizzy from twirling, I still wasn’t ready to head back to the party, so I took the path that would lead me to the large Olympic-sized pool. I tugged my sandals off with thoughts of putting my feet in the water to rinse the mud and sand away. As I approached the pool, I noticed how it glowed like it was lit by small pale fires. Lost in the enchantment of it, the sudden movement beneath the surface startled me.

A fair-haired boy emerged from the water. He pulled himself up and out so quickly that I was momentarily stunned. And then when he drank me in with his eyes, I shuddered.

I couldn’t help it, the way he looked at me just made me shiver. No one had ever looked at me like that before and I found myself gazing back into his intense eyes.

He was utterly beautiful. His bare chest was sculpted but not overly bulky like Danny or Jamie. They worked out every day pumping obnoxious amounts of iron to look the way they did. In contrast, the boy standing before me had a swimmer’s build.

He stood stoic and a cautious look crossed his face. He was long and lean in a pair of bright green neon swim trunks.

Right away I could tell he didn’t care what anyone thought about him.

I loved the idea of that.

So I smiled at him.

He shook his head and his hair fell into his eyes.

I wanted to reach out and push it away. It wasn’t long, but it wasn’t short. It was perfect.

“Hey,” he said, grabbing a towel off the ground.

It didn’t belong to the club. It was small, beige, and a bit worn—not the large hunter-green fluffy ones monogrammed in white I’d always gotten when I used to come here to swim as a kid.

“Hey,” I said back, swinging my sandals nervously.

He grabbed a pair of jeans that lay next to where the towel had been and walked right by me.

I turned to watch him as he strode into one of the cabanas and dropped his trunks. I froze and squeezed my eyes shut, thinking I shouldn’t be watching him but then opened them quickly when I couldn’t resist maybe catching a glimpse.

“Didn’t your parents ever tell you it isn’t polite to stare?” His voice was low and sexy, and it tugged me out of my own head.

I put my hands on my hips. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to undress in mixed company?”

He pulled his jeans on and laughed. “My mother might have mentioned that once or twice but I’ve never been good at following the rules.”

And it didn’t escape my notice that he didn’t put any underwear on first.

Hot. Totally and completely hot.

I didn’t see anything I shouldn’t have seen, it was too dark, but something inside me electrified at the thought of seeing him naked and I stepped closer. That’s when I noticed the scuffed-up black work boots on one of the lounges with a T-shirt thrown next to them.

I raised a brow. “Is this your changing room?”

He laughed again but this time added a smile and put his hands up. “Okay you caught me. I better get out of here before anyone else does.”

He was adorable and charming and my heart skipped a beat or two.

Then I stepped even closer and entered the cabana entrance, effectively blocking his way. “Why? You’re not doing anything wrong.”

He shrugged but he didn’t try to move around me. “I usually swim in the ocean but when the water is too rough, like tonight, I come here.”

I bit my lip in contemplation before speaking. “Does it really matter if you get caught?”

He crossed his arms over his bare chest. “Let’s just say it’s not just the swimming. It’s more that I’ve been caught doing a few too many things that I shouldn’t have been doing in the past.”

A bad boy.

The thought made my pulse thunder. “So you’re not a member at this club?”

He cleared his throat and shifted from foot to foot. “No,” he laughed but his laugh was anything but genuine. “Are you?”

I hesitated as I considered my answer. “No, I was just walking the beach and wanted to rinse my feet. I’m Phoebe,” I said extending my hand. Technically, I wasn’t lying. I wasn’t a member, my parents were. I hadn’t even been here in years. And I was out for a walk.

Amusement danced in his blue eyes. “Jeremy,” he said back.

When I chewed on my lower lip, I noticed how his eyes focused on it.

Mine focused on the entirety of his mouth—his strong, firm jaw, his sensuous lips, and his tongue that had snuck out to lick his lips.

That mouth.

It was almost too much.

Almost.

Michel’s Review

I have to admit I was not looking forward to this book. After reading the synopsis I was filled with dread because I am so tired of millionaire romances. The typical theme of the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks becoming a ruthless millionaire to ruin the spoiled socialite heiress that broke his heart when they were teens… yeah … read that story over and over…different names…different author. But then I thought… Toxic is written by Kim Karr…Kim Karr can write a book like no other. She has never disappointed and her books are fresh, exciting, and take on a life of their own. My thoughts were still a bit skeptical but willing to take on Kim Karr’s millionaire experience. I can honestly say that I am so glad that I did. This book is not like any other book I have read and kept me glued to the pages. This story, when stripped bare, is something that can happen to any couple if they let their insecurities take over their relationship. It was a beautiful relationship that quickly turned toxic because of personal insecurities rather than agendas that drove the characters apart.

Rather than recap the entire story or give away spoilers I am going to list the things I loved about the book and it’s characters.

1. I liked both of the leading characters.

Phoebe St. Claire was born a privileged socialite and heiress to a hotel empire. Even though she was raised with a silver spoon she never came across as entitled. She worked hard, fought for her independence, and stayed loyal to those she loved. She always showed respect to others whether they were from her social class or the working class. When the odds were against her she dug deeper and worked harder to succeed. She never sacrificed her beliefs or integrity to get what she wanted or needed. She was determined to prove her worth by earning it. She was a confident woman in many aspects but also vulnerable in many other aspects. Her problem was trusting in herself.

Jeremy McQueen was more than your typical bad boy sexy millionaire. At first it appears that he was a resentful young man that hated the wealthy. He had issues but rose above them. His drive to become a successful businessman was because of his personal ambitions and not because of his resentments. He truly wanted to build an empire based off of his own merits. When he achieved his success he didn’t shove it in the face of those he resented in his youth. Sure he had some bad feelings towards Phoebe St. Claire for breaking his young heart but it was not his motivating factor. He was smart enough to look beyond their past and see the people they were in the present. He showed Phoebe the respect she deserved.

2. The secondary characters were fantastic. Their support to the story made this book come to life. Phoebe’s life long friends may have been just as privileged as she was but they were not snobs either. They were real people with their own unique strengths and flaws. They were supportive and loyal to Phoebe. Her family was very interesting and surprising. Jeremy’s support system was just as surprising. The main villain in this story was unpredictable. Although there was a villain in the story, he was not the driving force in the plot. He was more of a catalyst to what was beneath the surface.

3. The plot was unique. The delivery was subtle until it was explosive. Once the reader is at the point of explosion it is a complete surprise. The book starts with one impression of the characters world and quickly moves into the high powered world of business and finance. The twists and turns as well as Phoebe and Jeremy’s adult relationship keep the readers glued to the pages. When the climax and true grit of the story finally reveals itself it is quite a surprise. You reach an OMG moment realizing that it was there all along, in black and white, in your face but you were so wrapped up in everything else going on that you missed it.

4. The romance. The relationship between Phoebe and Jeremy was truly beautiful. There was never a question of these two people loving each other. They were magic together when they stepped outside of their own skins. The problem was what they kept buried within themselves that led their relationship to being toxic.

5. Emotional rewarding reading experience. This book did not feel like I was reading a truck full of angst and despair. It did not revolve around scorching sex ( which was there in the hottest form) that kept the characters together even though there were problems. It tapped into the human psyche in it’s purest form.

6. It was interesting how she tied her previous stand alone book, The 27 Club, into this story even though it had nothing to do with it. It may open doors for future books.

In the end I can honestly say that Toxic is the best book that Kim Karr has written.

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I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Maybe Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Maybe In Another Life

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Release Date : July 7, 2015

Synopsis

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college, but on the heels of a disastrous breakup, she has finally returned to her hometown of Los Angeles. To celebrate her first night back, her best friend, Gabby, takes Hannah out to a bar—where she meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

It’s just past midnight when Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. Ethan quickly offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay.

Hannah hesitates.

What happens if she leaves with Gabby?

What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into surprisingly different stories with far-reaching consequences for Hannah and the people around her, raising questions like: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Robin’s Review

I have a few questions for you to consider. Do you believe our future is directed by destiny? Does fate drive the steering wheel of our lives? Have you ever considered the consequences of your own decisions? Where would you be if you had chosen to attend another college? What would your life be like if you had chosen a different career? Would you be married to the same person? Taylor Jenkins Reid demonstrates how one simple decision can impact our future in her newest novel titled Maybe in Another Life.

Hannah Martin has never found a place she could call home. It hasn’t been a conscious decision for her to move around so much, but Hannah gets a feeling she’s not where she belongs. Hannah is now twenty-nine-years-old. She has no career to speak of. She’s floated from place to place, working jobs as a waitress. She’s been in several dead-end relationships. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life. It’s been over a decade since Hannah left Los Angeles to go to college, and now she is returning to the city where she was raised to start over.

Her closest friend, Gabby, plans an evening out with several of their old friends from high school. This includes Ethan Hanover, who was Hannah’s boyfriend during high school. Hannah and Ethan have stayed in touch over the years, but she has always felt the two of them have unfinished business. As the evening comes to an end, Hannah realizes she has a decision to make. If she doesn’t want to rush things with Ethan, she can take a conservative approach with him and go home with Gabby. Or she can choose to stay out late with Ethan and see where the evening takes the two of them. With this decision, the novel splits into side by side scenarios, so we are able to see the consequences each choice.

The first few chapters of the novel are full of background information about our protagonist. We learn about her family. Friends. Old boyfriends. We see how Hannah has come to be where she is in life, and what we learn in these chapters is relevant to the plot of each scenario. When you reach the point of Hannah’s decision, the story really takes off! Reid alternates between the two stories by chapter. I found myself looking forward to each new chapter, wondering what would happen next for Hannah.

It was hard for me to put this book down while I was reading. When life seemed to get in the way, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. I connected with many of the characters in this novel. I love the deep friendship between Hannah and Gabby. I believe soulmates can be friends. It almost feels like they are soulmates, and I wonder if anyone else will sense this too? I felt so many different emotions while I was reading. I was sad. I had tears. I laughed. I felt nervous. And when I finished reading Maybe in Another Life, I had a smile on my face.

Both scenarios are truly enjoyable, but the outcomes are very different. We are able to see how one choice can change so much in Hannah’s life. Is this really destiny or fate? Or is this the consequences of a choice? This is the premise of the entire novel. Maybe in Another Life is my first novel written by author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Every so often, I choose to read a novel in the women’s fiction genre, and I am extremely happy that I chose to read this 5-star novel! I’m looking forward to reading more novels written by Taylor Jenkins Reid in the future. Maybe in Another Life is added to my list of 2015 favorites!

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Author Bio

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. Her first novel, Forever, Interrupted, was named one of the “11 Debuts We Love” by Kirkus Reviews. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Rabbit.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review : The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole – Second Circle Tattoos Series – Book 1

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

The Strongest Steel

Second Circle Tattoos Series – Book 1

By Scarlett Cole

Synopsis

Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning. The scars that decorate her back are just one more reminder of things she’d rather forget, the past she wants to leave far behind her, but before she can move on she needs him.

Trent Andrews has his own reasons for specializing in inking over scars. And there’s no way in hell he’s going to turn Harper away. Not when a swirling mix of tenderness and desire slams into him every time her sees her. Being with Harper is like going 10 rounds in the ring-exhilarating, powerful, and dangerous. She stirs feeling in him he thought were long gone… if he can only get past her carefully constructed defenses.

Running was the only thing that saved Harper last time, but each session at Second Circle Tattoos brings her closer and closer to Trent. His lingering touches seduce her, making her believe in a life without fear, where she can be happy, whole, in love. But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper’s phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. She ran from her past once before, this time will she have the strength to fight back?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Wow! What a great debut book for author Scarlett Cole. The Strongest Steel is an emotional story about healing, acceptance, fear, inner strength, friendship, and love.

Harper Connelly has been living in fear for the past four years. She fled her hometown and changed her name because of a horrific attack that left her brutalized. Not only has she been living with her physical scars , she is also weighed down by her emotional scars. She was forced to give up everything who she was and what defined her as a person. She has been looking over her shoulder for the past four years.

She fled to Miami to start a new life. She has lived a very quiet existence . She has very few friends and keeps her secrets close to her chest. She is working in a coffee shop rather than teaching. She has hidden herself well. Even though she has a new identity she is still fearful that her attacker, who is someone that was very close to her once, is going to find her.

When she gets up the courage to enter Second Circle Tattoos to have a consultation about covering her scars, it is a life changing moment for her. Not only will she find herself once again, she will find the kind of love that is the kind of love she deserves.

Trent Andrews, owner of Second Circle Tattoos, has never met a more courageous person than Harper Connelly. He is appalled by her scars but also sees them as a badge of courage. She is a survivor. He wants to give her a tattoo that will illuminate her strength and courage. Their lengthy sessions will lead to a beautiful relationship.

As Trent and Harper build a strong relationship their life begins to spiral out of control. Trent’s career is heading towards fame and fortune. Harper’s attacker is getting out on parole. Threatening text messages have Harper wanting to run. Trent wants her to let go of her fears and reclaim her life.

The Strongest Steel was a very moving and powerful story. I connected with the characters and loved their story.

The pacing in this book was a bit off. It started out strong but became a bit slow towards the middle of the story. The build up to the ending was suspenseful and frightening. When the climax arrived it was rushed and a bit uneventful. Overall the story was very good regardless of the pacing.

I am looking forward to future books in the Second Circle Tattoos series. Scarlett Cole has proven that she is an author that needs to be on my “to read ” list.

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Author Bio:

The tattoo across my right hip says it all really. A Life Less Ordinary. Inked by the amazingly talented Luke Wessman at the Wooster Street Social Club (a.k.a. New York Ink). Why is it important? Well, it sums up my view on life. That we should all aspire to live a life that is less boring, less predictable. Be bold, and do something amazing. I’ve made some crazy choices. I’ve been a car maker, a consultant, and even a senior executive at a large retailer running strategy. Born in England, spent time in the U.S. and Japan, before ending up in Canada were I met my own, personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. Both of us are scorpios! Yeah, I know! Should have checked the astrological signs earlier, but somehow it works for us. We have two amazing kids, who I either could never part with or could easily be convinced to sell on e-bay.

I’ve wanted to be a writer for a really long time. Check through my office cupboards or my computer and you’ll find half written stories and character descriptions everywhere. Last year, the stars aligned to give me an opportunity to write my first fully, edited book, The Strongest Steel and it has been a most incredible journey. It is Book One of the Second Circle Series set in Miami, Florida.

I am represented by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, NY.

Scarlett

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Blog Tour + Giveaway: Tightrope: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 6 by Bella Juarez

Posted on 07/07/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Synopsis

Navy SEAL Dan Gamez’s plans for extended leave are derailed when he uncovers a plot targeting Homeland Security facilities monitoring illegal traffic along the United States-Mexican border. It’s a doomsday-prepper’s worst nightmare but it’s a day in the life for Dan–until Rio crosses his path and old embers ignite new flames.

Border Patrol Agent Rio Jensen and her team of brush hogs have their hands full stopping the illegal traffic pouring across the US-Mexican border. The last thing she needs is more complications when an old high school crush shows up on her door step.

Dan has a secret he’s never revealed to any lover. With alarming ease, the tiny but fiery CBP agent takes command of his heart. When Rio is targeted by a cartel with terroristic intent, Dan finds himself walking a tightrope to save the woman who understands and accepts him like no other.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JOG0Xg

iBooks: http://apple.co/1M4mxlA

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/tightrope

Excerpt

Danny crawled to the chair where she’d moved and planted himself on the floor at her feet. He curled his arm around her leg and leaned his head against her knee. His touch made her tremble and his need to touch her made her nervous especially after what he’d told her. What had changed? She looked down at him and curled her fingers to avoid running them through his hair. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes as he rubbed her calf. When a moan slipped, her eyes flew open and she looked down. He was staring at her and the hot, glazed look was back. What the hell did that look mean? The vision of making him kiss every inch of her legs made her squirm. While they stared at each other, he planted a kiss to her knee and her pussy clenched making her breath catch as the aftershock of his kiss made every nerve in her body hum. She pushed him away and stood.
“Danny, what’s going on?”
“What do you mean?”
Anxiously, she cleaned away the food from the coffee table because she had to put some distance between them.
“Rio? What do you mean?” He asked as he followed her into the kitchen carrying the rest of the dishes.
“I mean, why now? You’ve never noticed me before, why now?” she insisted as she grabbed the dishes from his hands and shoved them into the sink.
“What makes you say that?” he asked taking her hands.
“What the hell do you want from me? Just say it!” she demanded pushing his hands away.
He took a step backwards, “I can’t make what I want any more obvious, what do you really want?”
Asking that question rendered her speechless for a moment and told her he’d figured out what everyone had known for years. She’d been crazy in love with him when they were growing up. Every waking fantasy she had involved Danny. Stepping into her space, he cupped her face and mesmerized her with the heat in his coal black eyes while her skin flushed and warmed. In her wildest dreams she never imagined a touch that could set her on fire the way his did. The heat radiating from her had to burn his hands when he held her. She grabbed his wrists to push him away because this was about to get beyond her control.
“I need you to tell me what to do,” he murmured pulling her close. Before she could answer, he took her mouth in a searing kiss. Something inside her snapped as she grabbed the nape of his neck and pulled him closer. She broke away and looked at him determined to take him over completely. If he wanted a kiss, she’d do this her way and give him a kiss he’d never forget. She understood what guys wanted. They talked about it all the time in front of her and with her. Bemoaning how they wished their wives or girlfriends would take over and show them what the hell to do. She knew it was crap. The minute some woman actually gave them what they claimed they wanted, it scared the hell out of them. But Danny was different, and she almost believed that was exactly what was he asking from her.
“Then quit fucking around, and kiss me like you mean it,” she said.
“Show me,” he said.
Grabbing his face, she locked her mouth onto his, asserting her control by sliding her tongue into his mouth and brushing it over his tongue. She gripped his arms and dug her nails into the skin over rock-hard muscles. He groaned at the sudden, aggressive turn of the tables. It surprised her when his body went slack and he let her take control. Other men she’d known fought her and would bend only when it suited them. Danny was different and surrendered under her touch. Her body responded hungrily as he yielded to her, but she refused to get sucked in. It was her turn to devour him and make him a little crazy. At the thought of carrying through with some of the ideas he’d planted in her head, her nipples beaded and sent a fresh surge of arousal to her pussy. He grabbed her, pulled her close, and thrust his hips forward, letting her know his cock was hard and ready. Finding her control was slipping at his onslaught, she broke and looked at him.
“If you want me to show you and tell you what to do, you’ll do this my way, understood?”
“Yes.”
When Danny leaned in for another kiss, she put her hands on his chest and stopped him. She smiled knowingly and looked at him for a long time. His heartbeat increased, pounding against her hand. She rubbed his chest, soothing him when his eyes closed, and he took a deep breath. She cupped his face, and rubbing against his scruffy face made her fingers tingle. She didn’t want to stop but knew she had to. She couldn’t let him have his way…yet. She kissed his cheek tenderly.
“It’s time for you to go.”

Playlist

Other books in the Black Ops Brotherhood Series:

Rapid Dominance: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 1

Synopsis

Engineering student, Victoria Saenz, lands a dream job as a housekeeper while she attends graduate school. Major Reese Thompson, USMC, is no ordinary master of the house. His hard body and strict military manner is male perfection. Reese is stuck in a loveless marriage with a hypochondriac wife. He returns from Iraq to divorce papers left with his maid. Victoria agrees to stay, to help him pick up the pieces, but Reese’s attraction to Victoria grows every day as the house seems to get smaller. The brunette beauty is there at every turn, tempting him. They discover a deep, sometimes dark, love for one another, as danger looms. The terrorist cell Reese has worked tirelessly to take down has a secret weapon in their war against Reese. Will Reese’s and Victoria’s love withstand the storms of war, despite all the forces threating to tear them apart?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1CUluj4

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NJs0Qa

iBooks: http://apple.co/1JOUC9e

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/rapid-dominance

Hostile Homefront: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 2

Synopsis

Special Agent Gavin “Bad Ass” Walsh of the FBI is sent to South Texas to investigate terrorist activities. While out on a disturbance call, Gavin encounters a mysterious seductress. Compelled to attend a local social function, Gavin is introduced to the woman who has become his growing obsession: Dr. Amy Livingston. As they fall in love, they deal with challenges from their damaged pasts. After twenty four years as a SEAL, Gavin is haunted by demons of war. Amy carries on the quiet life of a Librarian but the facade hides a damaged soul. As the pieces of a dangerous plot come together, Gavin must survive terrorist, dirty cops, and gang bangers all taking aim at him. Gavin walks a razor thin line when terrorist decide to use Amy as bait. As Amy’s life hangs in the balance, Gavin realizes that failure is not an option to save the woman he loves.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LMt0nn

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NJs0Qa

iBooks: http://apple.co/1evDJ8D

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/hostile-home-front

Dominant Deception: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 3

Synopsis

Navy SEAL Captain Jack “Rock” O’Malley is playing a deadly computer game with a hidden enemy. Jack must look outside his SEALs to an unlikely savior. Anna Santiago keeps her head down as a quiet system administrator hiding a painful past. Anna buried her outgoing, confident personality along with her husband and daughter. Jack sees behind the glasses and is drawn to the irresistible Anna. Both fight the pull of a powerful attraction. Can Jack keep his relationship with the unwilling Anna professional? In fighting an enemy he can’t see Jack drags the reluctant Anna into his BlackOps world. They are sucked into cyber rabbit hole of dire consequences. Jack and his SEALs discover that his beloved Anna is the terrorist’s next target and is faced with a choice that could end his military career and possibility his life. Can Jack and his SEALs keep Anna alive before the terrorists stalking him decide its GAME OVER?

Buy Links:

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

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CedfU3

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Cedlec

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/dominant-deception

Tactical Error: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 4

Synopsis

Master Chief James “JJ” Jones is at the end of a thirty-two year Navy SEAL Career. At a chance meeting in San Diego, he meets recently widowed and retired teacher Irene Ortiz. JJ and Irene feel an undeniable attraction that pulls them together for one night. He draws passion from the lonely Irene the likes she has never known. When JJ becomes the target of a traitor his life and his budding love for Irene are put in jeopardy. He leaves his beloved SEALs to track down the people responsible planning his demise when he discovers a plot that could bring the United States military to its knees. JJ is recalled back to Special Warfare Group Five and sets out on a worldwide chase. Irene decides to follow her heart and at JJ’s side she helps him to stop insane terrorist from unleashing a deadly pathogen. Will JJ and Irene be able to keep the terrorists from unleashing a nightmare?

Links to Buy:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Re0fEQ

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NJwN3Z

iBooks: http://apple.co/1JHs8B0

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/tactical-error

Minefield: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 5

Synopsis

Dr. Isabel Vasquez joins Doctors Without Borders, insisting on serving in post-Taliban Afghanistan. She hates the pain and devastation caused by her country’s actions in that war-stricken land and openly protests US global militarism. While treating injured and sick Afghanis, she is captured and held prisoner by terrorists. Navy SEAL Senior Chief Alex “Doc” Richards must find the war-protesting doctor who witnessed the effects of a deadly pathogen known to be in the hands of the same terrorists. He doesn’t count on finding a tempting dusky beauty. As a powerful attraction grows, Izzy and Alex find themselves working to stop terrorists from turning Afghanistan into a lifeless wasteland. A mysterious Turkish wanderer reveals a secret to Izzy that Alex has hidden since joining the SEALs. Can Izzy submit to Alex’s dark desires? When Alex is faced with an impossible choice, can he save the woman he adores from terrorists who have her in their crosshairs?

Links to Buy:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1H1lvT0

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1KEc2Z5

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Re2qbl

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/minefield

Author Bio:

Bella Juarez has a passion for writing and tells her stories with a high level of military suspense and erotic romance. A few years ago, Bella was an IT technician with a craving for military and espionage history and would devour anything, fact or fiction, about the subject. Today, she lives on a south Texas ranch with her family and dogs.

With stories of intrigue running through her imagination, she always dreamed of writing a novel. Finally, in 2012, she wrote and released Rapid Dominance, book 1 of the Black Ops Brotherhood Series. Since then, she has released five more novels in this series. Branching out, she’s written three erotic romance novellas all with military elements.

Her stories blend today’s headlines into thought provoking, intricate plots interwoven with razor-sharp suspense, intrigue, and scorching, white-hot romance.

Bella’s idea of a perfect day starts out with a run, followed by a pot of strong French roast coffee, to keep her going while she sits at her keyboard tapping away on another story.

https://www.facebook.com/bella.juarez.35

www.bellajuarez.com

http://bellajuarez.blogspot.com/

http://www.bookstrand.com/bella-juarez

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00AAYDAJY

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/bella-juarez/id580302000?mt=11

Giveaway
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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy – The Fowler Sisters Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Taming Lily

The Fowler Sisters – Book 3

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Emma Chase, and Maya Banks, the anticipated finale in New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy’s sexy contemporary romance series about three fiery and determined sisters with their own ideas about life and love.

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .
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Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Excerpt

“Looks like Maui agreed with you.” Violet greets me as I walk toward her, practically falling into her welcoming hug. I squeeze her back, closing my eyes for the briefest moment as I absorb her love and warmth, so incredibly thankful to be with her again.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in person,” I tell her before I withdraw, though I don’t let her go my hands still clasp her shoulders and she’s holding on to my arms.

“I know.” Violet’s smiling at me, looking gorgeous with all that dark hair falling down her back in luxurious waves, her dark eyes sparkling as bright as the giant diamond on her finger. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Violet look so genuinely happy.

I could almost get choked up, having her here in front of me. I didn’t realize I missed my sister so much until now. “Skype just doesn’t cut it, you know,” I say, my voice rough as I clear my throat past the emotional bubble clogging it.

Violet rolls her eyes and smiles. “I totally agree. But guess what? You’re stuck with me now. No more going back to Lon- don for us except to visit.”

I’m so grateful for her warm acceptance of me that I can feel the tight knot in my chest slowly unravel. I was scared to death this morning as I prepared to come into Fleur. Seeing Daddy, Grandma, Rose, and Violet . . . and worst of all, that evil witch Pilar . . . I wasn’t looking forward to it, and that’s the understatement of the year.

I was petrified really, afraid of what any of them might say. I’d rather pretend the fact that I ran away to Maui to escape my problems—especially a problem that neither I nor Pilar wants made public knowledge, I’m sure—was swept under the rug.

I don’t even want to talk about Maui and what happened there. The man I met. The man who somehow, some way, double-crossed me. Stole from me . . .

I have my suspicions about why Max did what he did. Nothing confirmed yet, but come on. I had jewelry in my suitcase— expensive jewelry. Cash in my wallet and stashed away in my travel bag. Yet he took my laptop and that’s it. The fucker stole from me.

Why?
Could he be working for Pilar?
No. It couldn’t be possible, just some weird coincidence.

Maybe he didn’t steal from me. Maybe one of the hotel employees snagged my Mac. I hadn’t checked on it in days. For all I know, it could have been missing since the day I stashed it up on the shelf in my closet.

That’s the problem. I don’t know what happened, when it was stolen or why. I can suspect Max all I want. It makes sense in a way. He held me close until I fell asleep and when I woke up in the morning, groggy and hung over, he was gone. Disappeared like he’d never existed in the first place. He didn’t even leave a note. I searched for him everywhere. By the pool, in the lobby, down by the beach, in the hotel restaurants, but he wasn’t there.

I went to his hotel room only to find the door cracked open and the maids inside, cleaning. His stuff was gone. The maids let me know he’d checked out that morning.

He didn’t even bother saying goodbye.
It hurts that he didn’t believe me worthy of a goodbye. Worse, he lied to me. Said that we would see each other again and then ditched me. I don’t get it.

What did I do wrong? That last night, when we had sex, I gave him everything I thought he wanted. I wanted to please him, wanted to be the submissive woman, not only to make him happy, but because it made me feel…good. I liked handing over the control to Max so I could get lost in the pleasure. It aroused me, his controlling ways, the words he said, the demands he made on my body. I wanted more. I wanted all of him . . .

And he didn’t want me at all.

Michel’s Review

Taming Lily is the final book in the Fowler Trilogy. We have met both of her sisters and witnessed their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the first two books Lily gives the readers a lot of negative impressions. She is the troubled sister out of the Fowler trio.

I was hoping that Lily was going to come out and show her true colors. I truly wanted her to shine and snub her nose at her overachieving sisters. It just didn’t happen. I do like Lily’s character because I am always one who embraces the underdog. I also appreciated her hacking skills.

In the beginning of the book we are introduced to Max, the private investigator hired by Pilar, to get Lily’s laptop. Max has been stalking Lily and followed her to Maui. Lily can sense that someone is watching her but does not have enough sense to take extreme precautions.

When she almost drowns Max is there to save her. One thing leads to another and they end up in the steamiest sexual relationships of this series. These two add a new definition to the term vacation fling. Once Max achieves his goal, stealing her laptop, he leaves her high and dry. What a douche.

Once Max realizes why Pilar wants the laptop he is ready to switch sides. He will have to prove that his new found loyalty is not just for Fowler Cosmetics but for Lily as well. He must show his intentions are pure and honest. He will work with the Fowler sisters to bring Pilar down.

Overall the book was so so. Monica Murphy wrapped this series up and satisfied the readers with the ending. I don’t think this series is one of her more popular series. There was just something off with the complete Fowler trilogy.

__________________________________________________________

The Fowler Sisters Series

Owning Violet

The Fowler Sisters Series- Book 1

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.

I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Taming Lily

The Fowler Sisters – Book 3

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Synopsis

______________________________________________

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a4a59a0b174/?

Release Blitz : Gold by K.A. Linde – All That Glitters Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Gold (All That Glitters, #2)
The second stand alone book in the All That Glitters series. Follows Bryna Turner in her second year of college and the tumultuous road she has taken to go from golden girl to gold digger in fabulous Las Vegas.

The prey becomes the predator.

Love. That cursed four-letter word no longer belongs in Bryna’s vocabulary. The only four-letter word she knows now is gold.

…and fuck.

She’s well acquainted with that one. And that’s exactly what she plans to do. She’s no longer the golden girl, and when she meets a businessman who promises everything she could ever want from the arrangement, she intends to get her money’s worth.

Follow the conclusion to Bryna’s gold digging story in this scandalizing, duplicitous second book to the USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s All That Glitters series.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19344912-gold?ac=1

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Excerpt

The doorbell pulled her from her thoughts. She scrubbed her hands over her eyes and jogged downstairs. She wrenched open the door.

“Hey,” she said to the deliveryman.

“Package for Bri. Is that you?”

“The one and only.”

“Sign here.”

She scrawled her name on the line and took a small box from him. After what the last package had contained, she couldn’t control her excitement as she tore into the wrapping. When she saw the label, she bit her lip in delight.

Agent Provocateur.

Inside was a black strappy bra and thong set, plus the garter belt and stockings. It even contained the matching black leather paddle. Her heart fluttered. She had always been a La Perla girl, but Agent Provocateur was overtly sexual and suited her very nature.

Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone and dialed his number.

“Hey,” she breathed lightly into the phone when he answered.

“Bri.” He sounded happy to hear from her.

“Where and when do I get to wear my present?”

He laughed. “It’s good to hear you got it. Straight to the point.”

“Always.”

“Well, I’ll be in town in two weeks. Pack a bag. I think, this time, you won’t be leaving at the end of the night.”

We are SO excited to share with you the cover reveal for the new series by K.A. Linde – ALL THAT GLITTERS! Make sure to add it to your Goodreads TBR. This is a series you don’t want to miss! Enjoy the HOT sneak peek teasers into Book 1 – Diamonds below!

Diamonds (All That Glitters, #1)

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Synopsis

Bryna feels his eyes on her.

Hot, seductive, enticing.

He’s at least ten years older than her seventeen years, and he knows exactly what he’s doing to her with that look.

Walking away would be the smart thing to do…

But she can’t. Not that first night when he takes her home and claims her body. Not when he shows up in her life again with expensive gifts to win her trust. Not even when she’s falling for him, and everything else is falling apart…

Find out how Bryna goes from golden girl to gold digger in this tantalizingly scandalous first book to USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s All That Glitters series.

Gold (All That Glitters, #2)
Summer 2015. The second stand alone book in the All That Glitters series. Follows Bryna Turner in her second year of college and the tumultuous road she has taken to go from golden girl to gold digger in fabulous Las Vegas.
Goodreads http://bit.ly/1t1Qm0r

Platinum (All That Glitters, #3)
Release TBD. The third stand alone book in the All That Glitters series. Follows Trihn Hamilton, one of Bryna’s best friends, in their junior year of college as she navigates her parent’s expectations and the heady lifestyle she and her friends have created in fabulous Las Vegas.
Goodreads http://bit.ly/1zMi5jb

Silver (All That Glitters, #4)
Release TBD. The fourth stand alone book in the All That Glitters series. Follows Stacia Daniels, the second of Bryna’s best friends, in their senior year of college as she struggles with the consequences of her jersey chasing desires in fabulous Las Vegas.
Goodreads http://bit.ly/1Mve90q

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde has written the Avoiding series and the Record series as well as the new adult novels Following Me and Take Me for Granted. She grew up as a military brat traveling the United States and Australia. While studying political science and philosophy at the University of Georgia, she founded the Georgia Dance Team, which she still coaches. Post-graduation, she served as the campus campaign director for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An avid traveler, reader, and bargain hunter, K.A. lives in Athens, Georgia, with her fiancé and two puppies, Riker and Lucy.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Giveaway

Kyla is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card

Direct Link: https://gleam.io/scVwi/ka-lindes-gold-release-week-giveaway

Release Blitz : Manwhore + 1 by Katy Evans – Manwhore Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Manwhore + 1

Manwhore Series- Book 2

By Katy Evans

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The unexpected love story that began in MANWHORE continues heating up the pages in MANWHORE +1 by New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans…

Billionaire playboy? Check.

Ruthless businessman? Check.

Absolutely sinful? Check.

Malcolm Saint was an assignment. A story. A beautiful, difficult man I was supposed to uncover for a racy exposé.

I intended to reveal him, his secrets, his lifestyle–not let him reveal me. But my head was overtaken by my heart and suddenly nothing could stop me from falling. I fell for him, and I fell hard.

Malcolm Saint is absolute Sin, and I’ve become a hopeless Sinner.

Now that the assignment is over, Saint wants something from me–something unexpected–and I want this wicked playboy’s heart. But how can I prove to the man who trusts no one that I’m worthy of becoming his plus one?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

FOUR WEEKS

I’ve never been so hopeful as when I board the pristine glass elevator at the M4 corporate building. A handful of employees ride along with me, murmuring perfunctory greetings to each other and to me. I think my mouth must be on vacation because I can’t seem to force it to speak. But I smile in reply—my smile nervous, nervous but hopeful, definitely hopeful. My riding companions step out on their floors one by one until I’m alone, riding up to the executive floor on my own.

Toward him.

Toward the man I love.

My body is raging. My blood is pumping—my blood is storming—my thighs are shaking. My stomach feels filled with little earthquakes that just won’t quit, then they turn into a full-fledged roil when I hear the elevator ting at his floor.

Stepping out, I’m in corporate nirvana, surrounded by sleek chrome and pristine glass, marble and limestone floors. But I hardly have eyes for anything except the tall and imposing frosted glass doors at the far end of the room.

Framing those doors to each side is a pair of sleek designer desks, for a total of four.

Behind these desks are four women in identical black-and-white suits, sitting behind their gleaming dark-oak desks, working quietly behind their flat-screen computers.

One of them, the forty-year-old Catherine H. Ulysses—right hand of the man who owns every inch of this building—stops what she’s doing when she sees me. She arches her brow, then seems both tense and relieved as she lifts the receiver on her desk and murmurs my name into it.

Am. Not. Breathing.

But Catherine doesn’t miss a beat as she motions me toward the huge frosted doors—those intimidating doors—that lead into the lair of the most powerful man in Chicago.

The human being with the most powerful effect on me.

This is what I’ve been waiting for, for four weeks. This is what I wanted when I left a thousand messages on his phones and what I wanted when I wrote a thousand others that I left unsent. To see him.

For him to want to see me.

But as I force myself to step forward, I don’t even know if I’ll have the strength to stand before him and look him in the eye after what I did.

I’m wracked so hard with nervousness and anticipation and hope—yes hope, small but bright, even as I shake like a leaf.

Catherine holds the door open, and I struggle to hold my head high and walk into his office.

Two steps inside I hear the swoosh of the glass door shutting behind me and my systems halt at the familiar sight of the most beautiful office I’ve ever been in.

His office is all vast marble and chrome, twelve-foot ceilings, and endless floor-to-ceiling windows.

And there he is. The center of its axis. The center of my world.

He’s pacing by the window, speaking into a headset in a low, low voice—the kind he uses when he’s pissed. All I can make out are the words have to be dead to let her fall into his clutches …

He hangs up, and as if he feels me in the room, he turns his head. His eyes flare when he sees me. His green eyes.

His achingly familiar, beautiful green eyes.

He inhales, very slowly, his chest expanding, his hands curling a little at his sides as he looks at me.

I look back at him.

Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint.

I just walked into the eye of the most powerful storm of my life. No. Not a storm. A hurricane.

Four weeks, I haven’t seen him. And he still looks exactly as I remember. Larger than life, and more irresistible than ever.

His striking face is perfectly shaven today, and his sensual lips look so achingly full I can almost feel them against mine. Six-feet-plus of perfectly controlled male power stand before me, in a perfect black suit and a killer tie. He’s the very devil in Armani; strong-boned, square-jawed, gleaming dark hair and those penetrating eyes.

He’s got the best eyes.

They twinkle mercilessly when he teases me, and when he doesn’t tease me, they’re mysterious and unreadable, assessing and intelligent, keeping me guessing about his thoughts.

But I had forgotten how cold those eyes used to be. Green arctic ice looks back at me now. Every fleck of ice in those eyes gleaming like diamond shards.

He clenches his jaw and tosses the headset aside.

He looks as approachable as a wall, his shoulders stretching his white shirt, which clings to his skin like a groupie. But I know he’s not a wall; I’ve never wanted to throw myself at a wall like this.

He’s walking towards me. Every step he takes makes my heart pound as he moves with that quiet and confident own-the-world stride of his.

He stops a few feet away and shoves his hands into his pants pockets; and he seems so big all of a sudden, and he smells so utterly good. I drop my eyes to his tie as the little candle of hope I walked in with starts to flicker with doubt.

The Manwhore Series

Manwhore

Manwhore Series – Book 1

By Katy Evans

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Synopsis

Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I’ve been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I’m the one discovering him…or if he’s uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Google

Manwhore + 1

Manwhore Series- Book 2

By Katy Evans

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The unexpected love story that began in MANWHORE continues heating up the pages in MANWHORE +1 by New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans…

Billionaire playboy? Check.

Ruthless businessman? Check.

Absolutely sinful? Check.

Malcolm Saint was an assignment. A story. A beautiful, difficult man I was supposed to uncover for a racy exposé.

I intended to reveal him, his secrets, his lifestyle–not let him reveal me. But my head was overtaken by my heart and suddenly nothing could stop me from falling. I fell for him, and I fell hard.

Malcolm Saint is absolute Sin, and I’ve become a hopeless Sinner.

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

________________________________________________

About Katy Evans

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

Katy Evans is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Real series.

To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she’d also love to hear from you!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Excerpt + Giveaway: Call On Me by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Series – Book 7

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Call On Me

Loving On The Edge Series – Book 7

By Roni Loren

Synopsis

Oakley Easton wants two things: to be a good mom to her daughter and to ditch her less than ideal night job. Hooking up with bad boy drummer Pike Ryland? Not on the agenda. She needs a promotion. Not sex, tattoos and rock ’n’ roll.

Pike isn’t about to let Ms. Prim and Proper shut him down so easily, especially when he stumbles upon Oakley’s sexy night job. She’s only playing a role on those late night calls with strangers, but when he gets her on the line, all bets are off. He won’t stop until that sultry voice is calling his name for real.

But as they move from anonymous fantasies in the dark to the flesh-on-hot-flesh reality of the bedroom, the risk of falling in love becomes all too high. And the safe, quiet world that Oakley’s worked so hard to create is about to be exposed to the one person who could ruin it all.

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

Excerpt

She startled and stiffened, instantly yanked out of her less than PG thoughts. “What?”

He leaned back in his chair, vague confusion on his face. “I asked if wanted to keep working in that back room? We could rehearse at the studio once they’re close to being ready to record. But until then, it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth to cart everyone over there. It’s not that big of a place.”

“Rehearse in the back room?” she repeated, running the words back in her head to make sense of them. “Oh, right, yes, that’s fine. I’m sorry. I thought you said something else.”

She eyed the small bellini she’d ordered with her meal. Maybe that had been a bad idea. She was hearing things now.

Screw in the bathroom? How the hell had she gotten that out of what he’d said? Of course, now all she could think of was him doing just that—taking her by the elbow and leading her to that dark alcove at the back of the restaurant, pushing her up against that wall with the faded Italian flag on it and putting his hands all over her. She licked her top lip, tasting the sweet remnants of her drink. Pull it together, woman.

Apparently, once her libido had been brave enough to peep its head out, it had decided it was Groundhog Day and needed to run around, declaring spring was coming early. She hated to break the news, but nothing and no one was coming anytime soon.

“What did you think I said?” Pike took a long sip from his drink, his snake charmer eyes never leaving hers.

She followed suit, hoping the fruity drink would cool off more than her throat. “Doesn’t matter.”

His lips twitched. “You’re all red.”

“I think it’s the bellini. I don’t drink very often.”

“No way.” His expression turned smug. “You thought I said something dirty, didn’t you?”

“Huh?” She smoothed her napkin in her lap, trying to loosen the tightness in her voice. “No. Why would I think that? You’ve been very professional since we got here—which I appreciate by the way.”

His gaze slid lazily down her body, like butter melting over toast, and goddamn it all to hell, she could feel her nipples go hard and obvious beneath her bra. No wonder he’d figured it out. Her body was waving all kinds of flags in his face. Hey! Over here! Horny girl, booth eight!

“I am capable of being professional, you know,” he said, but his tone was all sex and sin. “I’m also more than happy to turn that off when the occasion calls for it. So why don’t you tell me what you thought you heard and why it’s gotten you all flushed and nervous?”

“I’m not nervous.”

He grinned.

Dammit. She schooled her face into a stoic expression. “The music is too loud in here. I thought you propositioned me to defile the restroom.”

Hie eyebrow ring twitched. “Now you’re just trying to turn me on with those big, stiff words of yours.”

All she heard was big and stiff at first, but she managed to rein in her temporary insanity. “We’re so not going to do this.”

“Well, probably not here, you’re right. I saw those bathrooms. But—“

“No, I mean, any of this. Flirting. Teasing. Whatever this is.”

He leaned onto his forearms, looking all too pleased that he’d gotten a confession out of her. “You got a guy?”

“No,” she said before she could get wise and fib.

“Then why can’t we do this?”

“Because I’m not interested.”

“Liar.”

She huffed. “Are you always this cocky?”

“No, it’s dialed down right now. I can get way worse.”

She stirred her drink. “Not. Possible.”

His lips spread into a menacing smile. “Challenge accepted.”

_______________________________________

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

Custom 4-Pack of Brownies from Wicked Cupcakes (US ONLY), a $25 Gift Card will be sent if winner resides outside of US.

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Release Blast + Giveaway: Making A Comeback by Kristina Mathews – More Than A Game Series – Book 3

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win a

$15.00 Amazon or B&N eGift Card

MAKING A COMEBACK

More Than a Game #3

Kristina Mathews

Releasing July 7th, 2015

Lyrical Press: Shine

With a divorce in the works, Annabelle Jones heads out to Southern California, the land of sun and starting over. She wants to prove to herself and her young daughters that she still has what it takes to turn heads as a swimsuit model—that she doesn’t need a man to take care of her. Until an accident forces her to rely on the hunky, yet mysterious man next door…

Nathan Cooper is trying to revive his own career. Once a top left-handed relief pitcher, he tried to get over a hidden injury with the aid of banned substances. Not only was he caught and suspended, he was traded and missed out on winning the championship. Now he’s a free agent without a contract, and that means life is ready to play ball…

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Today was a good day. A glorious day. Sitting at the stoplight in the Southern California sunshine, Annabelle Jones did a drum solo on the steering wheel of her convertible Mercedes. She didn’t care if people stared at her singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing.” She hadn’t stopped believing, and look at her now, fresh off her first modeling job since filing for divorce. So it wasn’t the cover of Sports Illustrated, still, it was a job. Something she could be proud of. Her daughters could be proud of her.

It wasn’t about the money. The income she earned from this modeling job was more about pride. Having something to offer the world, even if it was just her face.

Annabelle wanted to show her daughters that a woman didn’t need a man to take care of her. She could stand on her own two feet, and return to the career she’d given up when she married Clayton Barry. She might not fly off to exotic locations or work with the world’s most famous photographers, but she was working.

She lifted her face to the sun, soaking in its warmth. It was as if the fog of the last few years had finally lifted. Nothing but blue skies ahead for her and her six-year-old twin daughters.

Today’s shoot was just the beginning. Her agent had two more jobs lined up for her before the end of the month. He’d also scheduled her to attend the televised celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She hadn’t been able to make the photo shoot last fall in New York for the magazine, but he thought making an appearance on the live show would give her plenty of exposure.

Hopefully, she’d be able to juggle it all. Part of what appealed to her about today’s job was that it was close enough that she’d be able to shoot for a few hours and still get home in time to meet her daughters when they got off the school bus.

Annabelle glanced at the clock. If the light didn’t change soon, she wasn’t going to make it to the bus stop in time.

The song ended and Annabelle turned down the volume. She’d started listening to Journey during the Goliaths’ World Series run. So the song was five years older than she was, the message still rang true. It was about hope. Starting over. Believing.

The traffic light turned green, and she pulled into the intersection. A flash of yellow appeared out of the corner of her eye. She turned in time to see an SUV blow through the stoplight. Before she could react, the vehicle struck her Mercedes just behind the driver’s side door.

Her head slammed into the side window. Glass shattered and she looked down at the blood on her blouse. A thousand black pixels danced before her eyes.

And then nothing.

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Kristina Mathews doesn’t remember a time when she
didn’t have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn’t until she turned
forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer
was because she was busy writing.

While she resigned
from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she’s remained an educator in
some form. As a volunteer, parent club member or para educator, she finds the
most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster
confidence and a lifelong love of books.

Kristina lives in
Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a
black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She
hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to
Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball
Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Monthly Archives: July 2015

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Chasing River by K. A. Tucker – Burying Water Series – Book 3

CHASING RIVER US Links:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Google ** Kobo

CHASING RIVER UK Links:

Amazon Apple Barnes & Noble Kobo Waterstones ** Foyles

And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

BURYING WATER

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

BECOMING RAIN

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Toxic by Kim Karr

5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Maybe Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Happy Release + Review : The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole – Second Circle Tattoos Series – Book 1

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Tightrope: Black Ops Brotherhood Book 6 by Bella Juarez

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy – The Fowler Sisters Trilogy – Book 3

Release Blitz : Gold by K.A. Linde – All That Glitters Series – Book 2

Release Blitz : Manwhore + 1 by Katy Evans – Manwhore Series – Book 2

Happy Release + Excerpt + Giveaway: Call On Me by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Series – Book 7

Release Blast + Giveaway: Making A Comeback by Kristina Mathews – More Than A Game Series – Book 3

CHASING RIVER US Links:

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Books-a-Million ** IndieBound ** Apple ** Blio ** Google ** Kobo

CHASING RIVER UK Links:

Amazon ** Apple ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo ** Waterstones ** Foyles

And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

BURYING WATER

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

BECOMING RAIN

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

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