Happy Release + Review : Exposed by Brighton Walsh – Captive Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Exposed

Captive Series – Book 2

By Brighton Walsh

Synopsis

In this sexy, suspenseful New Adult novel, a young woman escaping her criminal past is snatched away and taken into hiding by her ex-boyfriend, the ultimate bad boy.

Evie is about to embark on the perfect life. Beautiful, poised, and engaged to the son of a Senator and a rising lawyer, she fits the part of trophy wife perfectly, except for one thing: her entire identity is a lie.

Five years ago she created a new identity for herself, but it all crashes back when something she witnessed years ago comes back to haunt her. Now she’s in danger of losing more than her social status.
Determined to protect the careful life she’s built for herself, Evie doesn’t want anything to do with Riley, the criminal for hire who stole her heart years ago. But Riley has other ideas. He’s never forgotten Evie, and to protect her, he steals her away. Hidden from the world, sparks begin to fly as old memories resurface and their passion reignites.

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Michel’s Review

Exposed is the second book in the Captive series by Brighton Walsh. It is a New Adult Romantic Suspense book.

I loved the first book in the Captive series. It was intense, fast paced, and had a surprising plot. I was looking forward to Exposed because it featured Riley,the younger brother of Ghost. These young men were brought up on the streets of Chicago and learned a life of crime at a very young age. Although his older brother tried to keep Riley out of the crew, life circumstances made it impossible. Their involvement with the crew taught them both some very harsh lessons. Gage (Ghost) lost his own identity, Riley lost the love of his life. He lost his girlfriend when he was sixteen. He has been seeking revenge for years her death.

As it turns out, Evie is not dead. She became involved in something too dangerous and lost control. She faked her death and became a new person. For five years she has been Genevieve Meyer, socialite and now finance to a prominent family. She knows her time is numbered and her past is going to catch up with her sooner or later. She is hoping for later.

When the past finally comes knocking on her door it comes as a complete surprise. Riley has come to her rescue. Ghost gave away her secret and sent Riley.

Riley not only has been betrayed by his only love but also by his brother. They shattered his soul. When he finds out why he is ready to fight and kill if necessary.

Evie’s secrets will be exposed. She and Riley will have to figure out a way to survive and defeat their enemy once and for all. Time is not on their side.

This book had a good plot but was not as intense as I hoped it would be. It was predictable throughout the story. I really had a hard time connecting with Evie. I sympathized with her past issues but at times had a hard time understanding her reactions. Riley seemed to accept everything too easily. Somehow their story just didn’t seem to connect all the dots. I just could not invest myself in their relationship.

Overall the plot was good but not terrific. This book lacked the intensity we have come to expect in this series.

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The Captive Series

Captive

By Brighton Walsh

Synopsis

He’s the most dangerous man she’s ever met…and she’s falling in love with him.

Madison Frost is desperate to escape her life. Daughter of a prominent businessman, she has everything a girl could ask for. Except for a family who’s present in her life, and anyone to talk to outside the four walls of the prison she calls home. Madison dreams of one day leaving her life behind. She never thought being kidnapped is how it would happen.

Now she’s being held captive by a man who’s as frightening as he is sinfully gorgeous. Enormous, muscular, and filled with secrets, the man they call Ghost is an enigmatic mercenary, and Madison is trapped with him. She doesn’t know who hired him or why, but the more time she spends at his mercy, the more she realizes he’s not what he seems. Beneath his rough exterior lies an unexpected gentleness and a heart as broken and battered as her own.

But as Madison lets down her walls, Ghost holds tight to his, hiding secrets that could destroy everything.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Exposed

Captive Series – Book 2

By Brighton Walsh

Synopsis

In this sexy, suspenseful New Adult novel, a young woman escaping her criminal past is snatched away and taken into hiding by her ex-boyfriend, the ultimate bad boy.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_____________________________

href=”https://saucysouthernreaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/brighton-author-photo_color.jpg”>Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before deciding to take her storytelling in a different direction and reconnect with writing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Sirona: Gods of The Highlands Book 2 by Bambi Lynn

Posted on 07/21/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

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 couldn’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?

Buy Sirona on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1KhwJY2

Excerpt

Alone with her patient, Sirona relaxed a little. She crept closer to the bed and leaned over him. Rhain Comyn was by far the handsomest man she had ever seen. Long, thick lashes, dark as soot, laid against cheekbones made more prominent by whatever ailed him. She wondered if behind that facade, softened in slumber, was a cruel bully, equally revolting as his brothers.

Without remorse she realized that if Fergus were lying there instead of Rhain, she would not hesitate to let him die. She was already damned to Hell, was she not? Everything about her existence went against God. Saint Peter would never allow such an abomination past the gate. She tried to deny the powers that marked her a pagan, in the hopes He would not punish her for her tainted blood. But in the end, she could no more ignore her gift than she could refuse breathing.

What if she defied God and saved this man, only to discover he was the spawn of another sort, evil and deviant, and she had unleashed him on the world? Was it worth the risk for the promise that she would be returned to her home? Could she trust that promise?

Sirona eased down on the bed. She took one of his gaunt hands in both of hers. Warmth spread through her at the touch. Her heart clenched at the possibility she could not save him. She closed her eyes and let her thoughts fall away, focusing all her energy on the sensation of his skin against hers.

His hand was limp in hers, cold and frail. She sensed his longing for death, born of a sorrow so deep it seeped into his bones. Tears clogged her throat as she was overcome with profound despair.

What had happened to him to cause such anguish and torment, such hopelessness? She tried to recall what little she knew of the clan. The Munro had been feuding with them for generations, but it wasn’t until the laird, Gregor Munro, had been killed, that the hatred and fighting had escalated. Now there were skirmishes every few months.

Comyn men were renowned for their ruthless brutality. Legend stated they came out of the womb filled with bloodlust and savagery. Comyn women seldom survived childbirth. The laird’s own sons had been born to three different wives.

Despite the frailty of their women, the boys grew strong and healthy, populating the clan with a merciless fighting force. Their only weakness was their small number.

Rhain, the youngest of the laird’s sons, was rumored to be the most ruthless of them all. He had hired himself out as a mercenary, it was said because there weren’t enough Munros to quench his thirst for blood.

Sirona shuddered and opened her eyes. Her heart tripped when she found him staring at the rafters over the bed. She dropped his hand as if it burned and shot to her feet. She took several deep breaths as she watched him. When he did not move, indeed he did not even blink, she inched closer. “Can you hear me?” she whispered.

No reaction.

She pressed the backs of her fingers against his cheek. No fever. With one finger beneath his chin, she gently turned his face toward her until she was in his line of vision. She stared into rich brown eyes, windows to a deep, dark abyss that promised endless suffering.

“Rhain?”

His eyes focused on hers when she whispered his name.

“I’m here to help. Can ye speak to me?” His eyes wavered back and forth between hers. “D’ye want something to drink?” She surveyed the room for the first time. Near the hearth stood a table, laden with food and drink. She crossed to it and poured a cup of water from a flagon.

Returning to the bed, she sat next to him and slid her free arm beneath his shoulders. With her help, he sat up enough to the drink from the cup she held for him. When he’d drained it, he fell back, what little strength he had depleted from the exertion.

Sirona cradled him against her. She brushed silky locks from his face and spoke to him in a soothing voice. “I need you to tell me what you feel. Do ye ache?” He was weak, but did not seem to be in any pain. She cast relief over him just the same. “Can ye speak to me?” she asked again.

He seemed to be trying to say something, but his voice was so faint, she had to lean close to hear him. His breath was warm on her ear, but sent a cold shiver down her spine.

“Let-me-die.”

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?

Buy Camulus:

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

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

$20 Amazon Gift Card

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Wild Nights by Karen Erickson – Vegas Nights Series – Book 3

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Wild Nights

Vegas Nights Series – Book 3

Erotic Romance

By Karen Erickson

Synopsis

A guy of her own? She’s not holding her breath—until he steals it away.

Vegas Nights, Book 3

Natalie’s girls-only weekend in Vegas is shot to hell, thanks to her friends ditching her for very sexy, very famous guys. Not that she blames them. She knows what lonely feels like. A nurse’s long hours leave little time for a social life.

Then she collides with and spills her drink all over a very fine, very exposed male chest. A chest belonging to Noah Wilde, lead singer for the infamous Wilde & Wicked rock band. Thankfully, he’s merely amused as she tries to take care of the mess she made.

Noah sure would like to make a mess of the gorgeous, petite lady with luminous blue eyes. There’s no resisting the urge to tempt her along for an adventurous night of gambling, drinking, eating, and sin.

But during the harsh light of day, Noah has a change of heart. Not about the fact he likes Natalie—a lot. He’s not sure he wants to drag this sweet lady through his sordid life. Even though sparing her could cost them both a chance at forever.

Warning: Contains a nurse who thought she knew all there was to know about anatomy, and a rock god who’s about to show her a few spots she missed. To say they both hit the jackpot would be an understatement.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

This is the final book in the Vegas Nights series. I have dubbed them the Lunchtime series. Each book is a novella and reads quickly with some sizzling hot sex and a promise of love.

The third book features the rock star, Noah Wilde. One would think he is the wildest of the group, it is far from the truth. Noah is craving something real. When he meets Natalie she turns his world upside down with her straight forward attitude and untarnished beauty. Her beauty from within outshines the beauty that the world sees. Noah is taking notice and paying attention.

Natalie is going to rock Noah’s world in a very good way.

Wild Nights is my favorite out of the three novella’s. I loved the interaction between the characters and the realism of their wild weekend.

Vegas Nights Series

Wicked Weekend – Book 0.5

What happens in Vegas…could be a fantasy come true.

Vegas Nights, Book 0.5

Between nursing school and starting their careers, Reagan, Andrea and Natalie have had no time for dating. After saving up for a special vacation, they’re on their way to Vegas for a long-awaited weekend of fun, sun, gambling and partying.

When their luggage goes missing, an impromptu shopping trip leads them to James, who makes them an unusual offer—to be part of the female scenery at his boss’s upcoming party. Not just any scenery, but women who are pretty in a real way, not the nipped, tucked and dyed Hollywood version.

Accept a “private party” invitation from a complete stranger? These ladies weren’t born yesterday. Yet before “no thanks” crosses their lips, Reagan discovers who James’s boss really is: Declan Carter, an actor she’s crushed on for, well, forever. Now she’s determined to be the eye candy who catches Declan’s eye. No matter what it takes…

Warning: Epic shopping trip results in meeting hot men. It is recommended that all credit cards be placed out of reach before reading.

: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Reckless Nights – Book 1

Sometimes dream crushes do come true.

Vegas Nights, Book 1

Reagan can’t believe her luck—and not in a good way. One minute she’s hanging out with her friends at an exclusive party in Las Vegas. The next, she’s attracted the attention of a famous actor. Not just any actor. Declan Carter, the man on whom she used to—okay, might still—have a fangirl crush. Whose blue eyes leave her embarrassingly tongue tied.

All Declan wants is to meet a nice, normal woman who won’t use him as a stepping stone to fame. Something about Reagan tells him she could be that rare woman, and he follows his instinct to invite her back to his suite—where they proceed to have wild monkey sex. All. Night. Long.

What was supposed to be one night of no-regrets sex stretches out into a blissful weekend of two people who can’t get enough of each other. But when the glamour of Sin City wears off, they’re standing on the edge of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn a weekend fling into something lasting. Will they take the jump?

Warning: Smokin’ hot sexy weekend with a gorgeous actor? There shouldn’t be a warning—more like encouragement to indulge your fantasies!

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Endless Nights – Book 2

Sometimes dream crushes do come true.

Vegas Nights, Book 1

Warning: Smokin’ hot sexy weekend with a gorgeous actor? There shouldn’t be a warning—more like encouragement to indulge your fantasies!

: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Wild Nights – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

__________________________________

About Karen Erickson

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson lives in central California with her husband, three kids, one dog and too many cats. Being a romance writer and bringing her characters to life is her greatest dream come true.

She also writes new adult romance as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway:

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Taste of Summer by Beverly Preston – The Mathews Family Series

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

A Taste of Summer

A Mathews Family Novel

By Beverly Preston

Synopsis

Most people know Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Summer, as Ryan, no last name required. But once upon a time, he was just Summer to Carrie Ann—before a decade of blockbuster hits skyrocketed his success into superstardom.

Summer was smart, gorgeous, and cocky as hell. Nothing was out of his reach. Not even Carrie Ann Lowell. He was the love of her life—until he shattered her heart. Their breakup left more than a profound rift in her soul. It crushed her.

When Carrie Ann’s college flame forces his way back into her life, his dirty-talking, bold self-assurance re-ignites a passion she thought had long since been extinguished. Carrie Ann didn’t believe in second chances.

Not even for him.

No matter how deliciously tempting.

With sparks flying and hidden truths unraveling, will Carrie Anne be able to deny her desires to save herself from another heart break?

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Excerpt

Carrie Ann tugged the earbud free from her ear, tossing the handsome young man a small smile. “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you. What did you say?”

He crossed a lanky somewhat defined arm in front of her, casually gripping the handlebar of her bike. “I said, you must be exhausted—” Before she could reply he continued, “—from running through my mind all day.”

Surely she must’ve heard him incorrectly. He was probably fifteen at most sporting a baby face and a patch of ten whiskers on his chin. Her brows tucked into a furrow. “Excuse me?”

A dose of youthful overconfidence drifted over his mouth in a sharp grin. “I seem to have forgotten my number. Can I have yours?”

“My phone number?” Carrie Ann scanned the near vicinity, row after row of workout equipment, for the practical jokester responsible for the madness. “Ha ha. Very funny. Who put you up to this?”

Her amusement only encouraged the boy’s macho bravado. “No one put me up to anything. I need a date. I just got into LA and I’ve got this Red Carpet event—”

“A date?” she scoffed at the ludicrous suggestion. Though she looked young for her age, Carrie Ann was still all of thirty-four years old.

“Yeah, you know. A date. You, me, hundreds of fans screaming as we stroll down the Red Carpet.” His voice cracked emphasizing the words Red Carpet…for the second time. A self-absorbed twinkle gleamed in his brown eyes as if he expected her to melt and drop to her knees right there in the gym.

“Kid, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“I’m totally serious. My uncle has this movie premier and I can’t just bring anyone.” A chunk of blond hair fell on his forehead and he flipped his head to the side. My date needs to be…hot, and well, you’re the hottest girl I’ve seen since I got to LA.”

She sneered at the absurdity. Silliness turned to annoyance. Carrie Ann switched gyms a few months back, paying out the nose to invest in her fitness and more importantly her privacy. Her last gym was more crowded than a cattle call casting session.

Carrie Ann rolled her eyes. She moved around him, gathering her workout towel and reaching for her bag. “Look kid, you seem real sweet, but—“

“You’re right about one thing.” A familiar voice, deep and perfectly modulated, approached from behind. “She is the most beautiful woman you’ll ever lay eyes on. But, you’re reaching for the stars with this one, Drew. She’s a heartbreaker.”

An ice cold tickle ascended up her spine raising the hair on the back of her neck. Her head snapped, glancing over her shoulder, colliding with a pair of rich amber eyes from her past. Without breaking eye contact, Ryan Summer strolled right into her personal space sporting athletic shorts, a fitted muscle shirt and a killer smile.

Nowadays, most people knew the Hollywood heartthrob as Ryan. Just Ryan. No last name needed. But after nearly a decade of blockbuster hits and infamous relationships that skyrocketed his success into superstardom, to Carrie Ann, he was still just Summer. Her old college flame.

“Funny, I could say the same about you,” she countered his jab, marshalling a bit of annoyance in her tone to combat the rush of heat spreading to her already pink cheeks.

A sexy smile caught the curve of his wide firm mouth. “Hello, Red.”

“Hello, Summer.” Carrie Ann tossed a trivial nod toward the teenager. “Who’s this? Your new apprentice?”

“Apprentice?” Moving a step closer, he dragged his fingers through the short cropped layers of sandy blond hair. “This is Mark’s boy. Do you remember my nephew, Drew?”

“Your brother’s boy?” she questioned in surprise. Avoiding the view of his bicep curling into the size of a softball, Carrie Ann ran a quick scan over the young man at his side. “Whoa, you had to be four or five years old the last time I saw you.”

“I don’t remember meeting you.” Drew’s eyes flickered with bemusement and optimism.

She extended her hand. “I’m Carrie Ann. I knew you when you were—“

“You’re Carrie Ann? The Carrie Ann?” The boy spun toward his uncle, his blue eyes broadened in disbelief. “The One?”

Her stomach twisted hearing the title. A flash of perspiration instantaneously flooded her palms. Before she had time to renege on the clammy greeting, Drew clasped her hand, giving it a polite shake.

A low rumble of laughter simmered in Summer’s chest and a rosy shade of red burnished high on the bridge of his nose. He nodded, “This is The Carrie Ann. The One who got away.”

No matter how many years had passed, it never got any easier to see him. Each time she did, she suddenly found it harder to breath.

The pounding of her heart quickened as her gaze slipped over his rugged well-defined features. A three day scruff accentuated the slight dimple at the bottom of his chin. The disheveled layers of hair were wet from exertion near his temple and nape. Time had been very good to him.

She felt the warmth of his hand close around the back of her bare arm. The early morning stubble of his beard brushed against her cheek as he leaned closer pressing a small kiss near her temple. Carrie Ann squirmed at his nearness, ducking to the side attempting to put some space between them.

“I’m…I’m all sweaty,” she insisted breathily.

“It’s okay,” he murmured softly in her ear. The heat of his breath brought chill bumps to the damp skin near her neck. “I remember enjoying you all sweaty.”

Ryan’s golden eyes locked onto hers, anchoring her feet to the floor. The penetration of his stare momentarily tied her tongue in a knot, turning the awkward moment even more difficult. Carrie Ann hadn’t bumped into Ryan in at least three years and she hadn’t seen him covered in sweat in ten. An image of him, gloriously naked, flashed in her mind and her thighs. Frustration mounted as her body willingly betrayed her.

Carrie Ann’s jaw set rigid contemplating the idea of flipping off her hooha for its insubordination.

“That was a long time ago,” she snipped abruptly.

“Seems like only yesterday to me.”

The Mathews Family Series

Haven’t read this series yet?

Fall in love with the Mathews Family for ONLY $3.99

(Four Books for one low, low price)

The Mathews Family Box Set

Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_________________________

>Author Bio:

#1 Bestselling Author, Beverly Preston has been a stay at home mom for 21 years, although she prefers the title Domestic Engineer. Along the way, Beverly worked side by side with her husband Don, the love of her life, designing, building and selling custom homes. As her children begin to venture out on their own, she’s left to shed a tear—for a minute—wonder what’s next in life, and embrace the feeling of empowerment that surely must’ve been wrapped in a present she received on her fortieth birthday.

If Beverly isn’t at home riding her spin bike, you’ll find her spinning richly emotional and sinfully sexy romance stories.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

GIVEAWAY

In honor of Carrie Ann’s favorite line Beverly will be giving away this Triple F necklace and a $50 Amazon GC.

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Cover Reveal: Love Like We Do by Lori L. Otto

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

COVER REVEAL

Title: Love Like We Do – Side A

Author: Lori L. Otto

Cover reveal date: July 21, 2015

Release date: not set yet.

lovelikewedo-coverfront

lovelikewedo-coverpost

Cover designed by DCPdesigns

BLURB

The odds were stacked against Max Rosser when he was born sixteen years ago. A month before his birth, his father was put in jail for breaking parole, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. His single mother was an alcoholic, struggling to keep her job and her home. Already, she could barely take care of eight-year-old Will and twelve-year-old Jon.

Max’s older brothers hid their mother’s disease from him as best as they could, and they made sure Max had everything he needed to be a normal, well-adjusted kid, despite the fact that they lived at or below the poverty line for much of his childhood. When his oldest brother became engaged to Livvy Holland, the daughter of the richest man in the state, Max befriended her little brother, Trey, and the two remained best friends even though their home lives couldn’t be more different.

Through Trey, Max made more friends, including star athlete Callen McNare. Over the years, the boys played team sports, went on group dates, and worked summer jobs together. They became close; closer than anyone would have guessed. Before a real relationship could even begin, Max and Callen were forced apart when their secret was discovered.

In LOVE LIKE WE DO – SIDE A, family and friends reevaluate their associations with the boys. Callen’s parents are in denial. Trey feels betrayed by his two closest buddies and wonders how their friendship will change. Jon struggles to keep his family together, despite his mother’s devout beliefs and his brother Will’s immoral ways. Interactions with the people around them could bring enlightenment and understanding, or they could keep Max and Callen apart while doing irreparable damage to their families.

* This is Trey and Jon’s side of the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

loriotto

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Happy Release + Review : Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow – Beyond The Cage Series – Book 1

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Breaking Her Rules

Beyond The Cage Series – Book 1

By Jennifer Snow

Synopsis

MMA fighters go the distance in this all-new series from Jennifer Snow, author of the Brookhollow novels.

Walker Adams was supposed to follow in his lawyer father’s footsteps, but instead he’s training to be an MMA fighter. And while he works for his chance to make it in the Maximum Fight League, he’s bunking on his baby sister’s best friend’s couch. Gracie Andrews is all grown up—in all the right places. But she’s engaged to the fight match-maker who holds Walker’s career in his hands…

Gracie had almost convinced herself that she’d put her silly childhood crush on Walker to rest. But the sight of him sleeping in only a pair of boxer briefs makes it clear that some things never change. And as old sparks turn to flames, Gracie is forced to decide between the future she thought she wanted or the man she’s never stopped loving…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow is the debut book in her new series Beyond The Cage. This is a promising MMA Romance series that I think readers are going to embrace whole heartedly.

Walker and Gracie are from the same small town. Adam is the older brother to Gracie’s best friend. During her teen years Gracie crushed on Adam but he was out of her league. He was a super star jock, popular, and privileged. Now the tables are turned. Adam is down and out, homeless. He dropped out of law school to pursue his dreams of being a professional MMA Fighter. His family cut him off but he is still determined to make a go of it. When Gracie offers her couch he is grateful.

Adam is breaking into the fighting world at a late age. Luckily Gracie has connections that help him get a fight that could make or break his career. The fight is in three weeks. Is he ready?

Adam has too many distractions. He has to work. He has a popular female journalist sinking her claws into him. He also has Gracie. Suddenly he knows she’s alive and he wants her. The problem is her boyfriend. The man that is controlling his career.

Adam is in for the fight of his life and it may not be in the cage.

Gracie has rules. She is determined not to be like her flighty mother. Her world was going perfect until Adam showed up on her couch. He is making her want to break her own rules. Can she stay true or is her destiny to be ruled by her emotions?

Breaking Her Rules was a solid start to the Beyond The Cage series. The leading characters were well developed and the secondary characters were interesting enough for readers to want more from this series. The book was well written although very predictable. It seemed a bit like a cookie cutter romance. I would of liked to see more grit. The sex and steaminess was moderate. Again I would of liked to see more sexual tension and chemistry.

Overall Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow was fun and entertaining. It’s the perfect kind of book for escaping. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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Beyond The Cage Series

Breaking Her Rules – Book 1

MMA fighters go the distance in this all-new series from Jennifer Snow, author of the Brookhollow novels.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Fighting The Fall – Book 2

Release Date: October 20, 2015

MMA fighters go Beyond the Cage in the new series by the author of Breaking Her Rules. This time, it’ll take some fancy footwork for a gym owner to keep from falling in love…

Hollywood actress Parker Hamilton will do anything to get back in the spotlight. Since breaking up with one of the industry’s most successful directors, she’s been in a string of box office busts. Now, she’s found the role of a lifetime in a film about a female MMA fighter and she knows exactly who to ask for help learning the ropes…

When Tyson Reed sees a blonde bombshell walk into his gym looking for training, he wants to refuse. He knows her type and he doesn’t need any unwanted distractions while preparing for his upcoming title fight. But if he can’t pay off his brother’s debts, Tyson could lose his gym… and the reputation his family has had in the MMA world for three generations.

Tyson never thought he’d be going one-on-one with a spoiled, out-of-shape Hollywood actress. But this is one bout he just may not win—or want to…

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

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Author Bio:

Jennifer Snow lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband and four year old son. She is a member of the Writers Guild of Alberta, the Romance Writers of America, the Canadian Author Association, and SheWrites.org. She is also a regular blogger on the Heartwarming Authors site and is a contributing author to Mslexia Magazine, WestWord Magazine and RWR. She has also taught RWA Chapters courses online. Her 2013 Holiday Romance-The Trouble With Mistletoe was a finalist in the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and the Heart of Denver Aspen Gold Contest.
Her publishing credits include two holiday novellas, previously published by The Wild Rose Press, now re-released or being re-released as self-published editions through Amazon. The Mistletoe Fever was an Amazon bestseller for two weeks in the category of Kindle Short Reads. Her six book small town, Brookhollow series is published through Harlequin Heartwarming and she has a new MMA sports romance series releasing through Berkley/NAL Intermix in 2015. RT Reviews has given each of her Brookhollow series books 4 stars.
She also hosts an annual SnowGlobe Award contest in recognition of holiday themed romance stories, with over forty entries each year. More information about the contest can be found at http://www.snowglobeawardcontest.vpweb.ca
She is active on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and various blog sites and has a monthly author newsletter.
More information can be found at www.jennifersnowauthor.com

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Release Blitz: Release Me by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers – Chasing Fire Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win

$50.00 Amazon eGift Card

RELEASE ME

Chasing Fire #2

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Releasing July 21st, 2015

Berkley/Intermix

The second in the “seriously sexy and sinfully steamy”* Chasing Fire series, about a pain too deep to forgive and a passion too hot to forget…

Alessandra Sinclair knows that Hudson Chase is the last man she should want. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has grown into a man who would do anything to get ahead, even if it means breaking Allie’s heart. But whenever she’s near him, the attraction between them is undeniable. And now that they’re working together, keeping her distance from Hudson is almost as impossible as keeping her feelings in check…

Hudson already lost Allie once and he refuses to lose her again. He’s determined to use their new business partnership to rekindle the spark he knows is still there. Only the closer he gets to winning her over, the clearer it becomes there are still secrets that could tear them apart for good…

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As Allie watched the Chicago River flow into Lake Michigan, she thought about the last time she’d seen Hudson Chase. It was the morning she’d uncovered the truth about his plan to take control of Ingram Media. She stared unseeingly at the gray horizon and her thoughts began to drift back to that day. Hudson standing in his foyer, a towel slung low around his hips as water dripped onto the hardwood floor. He’d begged her to let him explain, but what explanation could have possibly justified his lies and betrayal? She’d refused to hear him out, and while in her heart she knew it had been the right decision, the look on his face as the elevator doors slid closed that morning had haunted her ever since.

Behind her the conference room door opened with a soft click and the low murmur of voices told her the other board members had begun to filter into the room. But instead of greeting them and engaging in the sort of sympathetic small talk that had consumed the past few days, she remained by the windows, enjoying the last moments of calm before the eventual storm.

There was a sudden flurry of activity outside the meeting room, and instinctively she knew he had arrived. A wave of anxiety rolled through the pit of her stomach, but she took a deep, calming breath. These board meetings, while infrequent, would be inevitable. The sooner she got used to seeing him in this setting, the better.

She turned around, and a moment later Hudson Chase strolled into the boardroom. The hum of quiet conversation ground to a halt and all heads turned as one to assess the corporate raider who’d quietly amassed the second largest percentage of Ingram shares right out from under their noses.

The sight of him nearly took her breath away. Wearing a charcoal suit, white shirt, and silver-gray tie, he looked every bit the powerful, in-control CEO. But Allie knew the passion that burned behind those eyes, and when she looked at his dark, unruly hair, she knew he’d run his fingers through it just before stepping into the room. He moved with measured grace, his muscles flexing beneath his perfectly tailored suit. Allie knew every inch of that body intimately, how it felt beneath her touch, how it moved over her . . . inside her. She knew the man, not the corporate myth. He was the one who she’d fallen for. He was the one who’d broken her heart.

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Though thousands of miles apart, Ann
Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines
and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British
supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and
@Amy_KRogers.

Amy K. Rogers

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Ann Marie Walker

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Haven’t Joined the #HudsonChasers?

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Cover Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans – Real Series – Book 6

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Legend

Real Series – Book 6

By Katy Evans

Release Date: February 9, 2015

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

Synopsis

Can love really conquer all? – Book 6 in Katy Evan’s breakout New York Times bestselling series that began with REAL.
Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town–and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she’s none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who’s supposed to root against him and a girl he’s supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

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

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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

Release Blitz + Review: Outside by Michelle Mankin

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Get ready for rock stars, surf, and second chances in Outside by Michelle Mankin

Outside

By Michelle Mankin

Release Date : July 19, 2015

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

Outside

Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances

When handsome California surf god Lincoln Savage suddenly rolls into Ocean Beach like a rogue wave, shy beauty Simone Bianchi’s foundation is shaken. No longer under the thumb of her domineering father, she’s made a simple quiet life for herself and her fluffy fourteen pound Havanese pup running a surf shop in her hometown of OB. Long ago she gave up her dreams for a future with Linc.

But now the notorious lead singer of the Dirt Dogs has returned, and Simone is reluctant to admit that she’s still vulnerable to his killer dimpled smile and easy charm. She finds that although she’s stowed away the mementos, it hasn’t been as easy to erase the memories of their epic summer love.

It seems he hasn’t forgotten, either.

Is the recording contract he’s offering merely a pretense?

Or does he have something more in mind?

Does he really believe that they can just pick up where they left off, despite all the bad luck and heartache?

And is she willing to risk everything again for one last chance at love?

Pre Order: Amazon

The walls vibrated as soon as the spotlights hit them. Feet stomped. Fans yelled. Some even stood on their chairs. Camera lights clicked on and so did Lincoln. Brightly. He strode to the center of the stage. Confident. Compelling. Controlled. A cosmic force.

He plucked the mic from the stand glared at the audience daring them to come along with him or get the hell out of the way, before he and the guys launched into a cover of ‘Satisfaction’ that kicked ass as righteously as the original.

It went uphill from there. Ramon on guitar flashing his flirt. Ash slamming sexy on his drums. Patch firm and steady on bass. And Linc my gorgeous warrior with depths of worth that he still failed to recognize eclipsing them all. The Dirt Dogs might still a bit rough around the edges but they were undeniably on the ascent. What had started out as something to occupy their time when the surf wasn’t up had transformed into a magical mélange of Pacific saltwater, California sun and hard rocking in your face attitude.

I moved quickly across the parking lot shielding my eyes from the glare when I reached the sand. The tension inside my stomach instantly ratcheted tighter. I recognized Lincoln right away. Even in his wet suit the way he moved across the surface of the ocean on his board was as unique as he was.

Under the curtain unleashing his fins.

Maxing out of the tube.

Finding steep wall and going nearly vertical.

Those were the maneuvers I knew, the others I didn’t but that didn’t make them any less awe inspiring.

`My favorite inspirational surf youtube video with music that captures the tone and spirit of Outside perfectly`

“You afraid?”

I shook my head. I was never afraid of him. Never.

He studied me a beat seeming to notice my parted lips, heavy breathing, hard nipples and trembling.

“Turned on?” he guessed.

I nodded.

“Get on my board then, babe. I aim to please if you’ll let me.”

Michel’s Review

If you are a fan of second chance romance, Outside by Michelle Mankin might be the book for you.

What happens the odds of your relationship are stacked against you? What happens when your dreams are blown to pieces without warning? What happens when your life takes a new direction that is beyond your control? While all of this is happening you are not secure enough or mature enough to handle it all. When love enters the equation it makes all the more difficult.

Michelle Mankin did a wonderful job of laying out a story where two young people lose each other because they weren’t really ready to hold onto to each other. They did not have the confidence, the courage, and the maturity to handle life events. Fifteen years later neither Linc or Mona have moved on. Their hearts are still in limbo.

While one went on to be a great success , the other went home licking their wounds. Linc hid behind fame. Mona hid within the four walls of her surf shop.

Linc turns back up at Ocean Beach to offer Mona an exclusive music deal. It is merely an excuse to get back into her life once again. He wants the girl that captured his heart back in his life. Has he left too many scars on her heart?

Mona wants nothing to do with Linc’s offer. She has built a safe quiet life for herself. When he reveals his real reasons for returning her heart begin to beat once again.

Personally I had a hard time embracing the characters. Their personalities seemed a bit flat. Their back story felt like I was being told the story rather than experiencing it. The back story itself did not have the build up that would convince me that both of these characters would pine for each other for fifteen years.

Overall the writing is solid and the story is well developed. It was a decent second chance romance book.

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About Michelle Mankin

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

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

5 Star Review: First Verse by Emily Snow – Prequel Novella for Second Verse

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

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Tracey’s Review

After being passed from place to place as a ward of the foster care system, all that Kinsey wants is a safe place, a place where she’s wanted, a home. And she’s finally found that security with Mrs.Hudson, her guardian angel of a surrogate grandmother. Until he shows up. Emmett Hudson is country music’s newest darling, six-foot-plus of unadulterated hotness, and Mrs. H.’s grandson, and his arrival just made life a lot more complicated.

Emily Snow knows how to write a hot rocker like nobody’s business. Emmett is sex-on-a-stick, all country charm and panty-melting superstar in the making. He’s been warned away from Kinsey by Mrs. H., but they’re like spontaneous combustion, and I can’t blame Kinsey one bit for being unable to stay away from him. And it’s not just the hot factor, it’s that he’s so supportive of her own musical talent, encouraging her in her singing. Sexy knight in a pick-up truck, check. Damsel alone in the world and threatened by the hero’s evil sister, check. This read had me flipping pages right on up to the end to see what was going to happen next.

First Verse is a prequel novella to Book 2, Second Verse, so ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, written in typical Emily fashion, which means it is full of angst and heartache. And, I think that Hazel may well make it to the top of my ‘Wenches I’d Love To Throat-Punch’list for this year. I mean, Emmett’s sister is pure conniving witch, and I cannot wait to see what’s waiting for her in the next book. So, yeah, grab this 5 ‘swoony, sexy, dang it’s hot in here, oh, no she DIDN’T’ star read, and settle in for the ride. You will not be sorry.5

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SECOND VERSE EMILY SNOW FULL JACKET FINAL FOR SHARING

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Title: Second Verse

Author: Emily Snow

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: LM Book Creations

Release Date: July 2015

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Synopsis

Kinsey Brock knew Emmett Hudson would be a star the moment he swaggered into her life. Hell, by the time she was released for the crime his scheming sister accused her of he already had a number one single.

Now, eight years and a helluva lot of heartache later, Kinsey’s long since given up on the boy who stole her breath away and took all the love she had. She has someone in her life, and he’s all she needs. She’ll challenge anyone who tells her otherwise. But after a chance encounter sends Emmett hurtling back into her life, every emotion she’s forced herself to forget since he gave up on her is pushed to the surface.

Because this time, the country megastar’s not giving up on her.

No matter how furious he is about the discovery of the other man who’s become Kinsey’s world.

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Emily Snow is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Devoured series, Tidal, Wrecked, and Uncovered. She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about naughty rockers. Visit her on Facebook, on her blog at emilysnowbooks.blogspot.com, or chat with her on Twitter @emilysnowbks for news, teasers, and contests.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Monthly Archives: July 2015

Happy Release + Review : Exposed by Brighton Walsh – Captive Series – Book 2

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Sirona: Gods of The Highlands Book 2 by Bambi Lynn

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Wild Nights by Karen Erickson – Vegas Nights Series – Book 3

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Taste of Summer by Beverly Preston – The Mathews Family Series

Cover Reveal: Love Like We Do by Lori L. Otto

COVER REVEAL

BLURB

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Happy Release + Review : Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow – Beyond The Cage Series – Book 1

Release Blitz: Release Me by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers – Chasing Fire Series – Book 2

Cover Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans – Real Series – Book 6

Release Blitz + Review: Outside by Michelle Mankin

5 Star Review: First Verse by Emily Snow – Prequel Novella for Second Verse

Tracey’s Review

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COVER REVEAL

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Tracey’s Review

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