Review + Giveaway : King Of Hearts by L. H. Cosway

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to L.H. Cosway and her new book King of Hearts! The King of Hearts release week event begins tomorrow. Be on the lookout for what the blogs have to say about Oliver King’s story! Take a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! Good luck!

Welcome to the City, London’s most prestigious square mile, where finance reigns and Oliver King is a rising prince.

I used to rule the world.

There might be wolves on Wall Street, but there were crocodiles in Canary Wharf. Some of us craved money. Some of us craved power.

I liked money, and power had its advantages, but what I really wanted was to excel, to surpass the men who came before me. I never cared much for love and romance until I met Alexis.

I could feel it the very moment she walked into the interview, with her outspoken charm and vivacious personality. She cast all the others in shadow, made me laugh when life held no humour. Our friendship should have remained professional, but it wasn’t long before the lines started to blur.

You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I never foresaw where my plans would lead, and only in my darkest hour did I finally see the light…

You can have all the money and prestige in the world and still be the poorest man alive. And love, well, I hate to use a tired old cliché, but love can be the thing that truly sets you free.

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What he said made me curious, so I went on, “What do you do to deal with the stress?”

He gave me a wan smile, and there was something in his expression that struck me as sad somehow. Rubbing at his chin, he answered, “Hmmm, when I’m stressed out…a nice glass of top shelf whiskey usually does the trick.”

“That makes sense,” I said and walked around his desk before taking a seat in front of him. “You know, I always thought it was poor people who did drugs, to escape the bleakness of their realities. Now I’m thinking maybe the practice is most common at the top and the bottom of the ladder. Perhaps the best place to be is somewhere in the middle.”

“Not necessarily. I’m at the top. Do I look high to you?”

The deadpan way in which he said it made me laugh. I leaned forward and teased, “I’m not sure. Let me have a look at your pupils.” Surprising me, King rose from his seat, walked around his desk and came to kneel in front of me. Before I knew it his face was mere inches from mine.

“Go ahead,” he said, voice low.

Whoa, Oliver King’s face right up close…I wasn’t sure what to do with that. I guess he didn’t realise the effect he had on this very non-gay lady, because he seemed entirely unselfconscious. His eyes were beautiful, his lashes long and golden, his skin smooth with a hint of stubble around his jaw, and his lips were just…I had no words. Sculpted and masculine was probably the only way I could think to describe them.

I realised I was staring at those lips a little too closely when my eyes flicked back to his. A moment ago he was smiling, but now that smile was transforming into a thoughtful frown.

I cleared my throat. “Your pupils look fine.”

King exhaled a small breath and I watched as his attention went from my eyes to my cheeks, nose, chin, and then finally to my lips. He looked like he was about to say something when suddenly Gillian’s voice filled the room.

“Mr King, Jenson Gellar is on the phone. Shall I put him through?”

Robin’s Review

Author L. H. Cosway introduces readers to Oliver King in Hearts of Fire, a contemporary romance written with the colorful backdrop of a traveling circus. He’s more specifically known as King in Hearts of Fire, the bad-tempered drunk of Circus Spektakulӓr. We are told King carries a photograph of a woman with him at all times. He guards this photo like his life depends on it, so protagonist Lille Baker decides to do some digging. If she can figure out who this woman is and what she means to King, maybe she can help him sober up. Lille has a heart of gold, and before the end of the novel, she writes a letter to a woman named Alexis Clark.

King of Hearts is the newest contemporary novel from L. H. Cosway. It’s the third novel of the Hearts series, and it focuses on Oliver King and Alexis Clark. It’s their story – their mysterious past is fully revealed to those of us who have a soft spot for King. King of Hearts can be read as a standalone. It’s not necessary to read Six of Hearts or Hearts of Fire before reading King of Hearts, but I think you will add to your reading experience by doing so. King of Hearts is divided into “before” and “after” by a series of events which cause King and Alexis to part ways.

We meet twenty-seven-year-old Alexis Clark as she prepares to interview for the executive assistant position to Oliver King at Johnson-Pearse Bank, an investment bank located in the major business district of Canary Wharf in London. Alexis is not the most qualified applicant. She’s a former bartender at a pub. She doesn’t even have a university degree, but Oliver King gives her the position based on her quick-thinking, vibrant personality and wit.

By the second chapter, I already knew that I really liked both protagonists. Alexis is quirky, funny and charming. She’s smart and to the point with her opinion. She also has no filter – she opens her mouth and speaks her mind. Those who have read Hearts of Fire will barely recognize King early in this novel. He is charming, extremely handsome and very well-spoken.

The entire novel is great, but my favorite part of King of Hearts is the first half! I absolutely loved it from the beginning! King and Alexis settle into an easy working relationship, and they quickly become friends. Their flirting, banter and interactions made me smile. The pages were flying by because it was so much fun to read! But King of Hearts is not without an underlying tone of foreboding, and it’s for good reason. Those of us who have read Hearts of Fire know what’s in store for King’s future. Expect a very powerful conclusion to the first half of King of Hearts.

The second half of this story takes place six years later. I love second chance romances, and King of Hearts is essentially two love stories. While I thoroughly enjoyed this couple falling in love when they were younger, it is also very sweet to see them come together after a six year separation.

Cosway shows an immense amount of growth and change in each of these characters. Alexis is a milder version of her younger self. She has matured, and her priorities have changed. King is completely different because of his years of alcohol abuse, neglect and living the circus lifestyle. He’s harder – more feral and skittish. But we are able to see real growth in King by the end of the novel. He’s not the man he used to be, but something new and different.

One thing I notice about Cosway’s writing is that it really flows nicely. She’s a fantastic writer. It’s also apparent L. H. Cosway has put a considerable amount of planning into writing the Hearts series. Each story is unique compared to the others, but they are also connected by the characters. Overall, I think King of Hearts is an enjoyable, easy read! I’m giving King of Hearts a 4.5 star rating and adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

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♥ READ THE BOOKS ♥

Six of Hearts

Hearts of Fire

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King of Hearts

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L.H. Cosway KING OF HEARTS Release Week Event

Summer Reads: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

Posted on 07/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Ride Steady

The Chaos Series – Book 3

A Biker MC Romance

By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

The ride of her life . . .
Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy—until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa’s pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . .
In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he’s the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa’s acting, it’s clear she’s falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker’s secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa—or ride away forever . . .

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Robin’s Review

During the summer of 2012, I found myself on a serious Kristen Ashley reading marathon. I read at least twenty-five of her novels over a three-month period. I was addicted. Plain and simple. Kristen Ashley is incredibly witty. She has a knack for writing the best alpha male characters. She has her own, unique writing style. So, when presented with the opportunity to read Ride Steady: A Chaos Novel, I didn’t hesitate.

It began with a wildly popular novel titled Motorcycle Man of the Dream Man series. We now have the Chaos series, a well-received spinoff of Motorcycle Man. Kristen Ashley absolutely nails writing a contemporary romance/romantic suspense novel set within a motorcycle club! The Chaos MC of Denver, Colorado is her baby. Her creation. It’s a very realistic look into the world of a motorcycle club. Brotherhood, comradery, danger and suspense are all prevalent in each novel. You’ll find all of this and more in Ride Steady.

Carissa Teodoro was the height of popularity in high school. Not only was she a cheerleader, but she dated the quarterback of the football team. Carson Steele couldn’t figure out why she would want to date the likes of Aaron Neiland. She was perfect for Carson, everything he could ever dream of. She was beautiful and sweet and kind to Carson. Carissa was the light of his world – a sixteen-year-old boy who had been abandoned by his mother and abused by his father – and she didn’t even know it.

It’s now been seven long years since high school. Carissa is a single mom who has recently been through a divorce. She finds herself stranded on the side of a highway with a toddler in her arms, when a biker named Joker pulls up to assist her with a flat tire. Joker is sort of scary. He’s dressed in leathers and is hiding behind a beard and sunglasses, but he is nothing but kind to Carissa. She doesn’t realize it, but she knows this man. His name is Carson Steele, and she’s about to get to know him a whole lot better.

Ride Steady absorbed my interest. I’m not really sure why, but I was especially taken with what Carissa has experienced at the hands of her ex-husband. She’s a victim, and her story called out to me. Scenes involving Carissa’s ex-husband are very tense; however, Kristen Ashley adds humor at just the right moments to balance out the seriousness of the plot. In fact, there are moments when Ride Steady is super funny!

I noticed a few passages where the writing wasn’t as polished as it could be, and I struggled to understand what was being communicated. That being said, I want to emphasize this was not a widespread issue. Most of Ride Steady is well-written. I love Kristen Ashley’s writing style. Conversations between her characters feel authentic, heartfelt and full of emotion. Consider how a biker might speak to his woman. Think attitude. Bossiness. Slang. Kristen Ashley does a fantastic job of communicating the authenticity of the character with her written words.

It’s always entertaining when the Chaos MC family gets behind a person who is unsuspecting! The Chaos MC is a family unit that reaches far and wide. It always includes Elvira and her posse, but characters from the Dream Man, Chaos, Unfinished Hero and Rock Chick series all play a role in Ride Steady. I probably left some out, but you get the picture. Kirsten Ashley ties in characters from her other novels, which only adds to the fun. It was such a joy to read another Kristen Ashley novel! She earns 4.5 stars for Ride Steady: A Chaos Novel, and I am definitely adding to my list of 2015 favorites!

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Author Bio:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

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Release Blitz: Sinfully Mine by M. Clarke- Book 2 of My Clarity

Posted on 07/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Meet Seth & Josefina in this second-chance romance

My Serenity

Book 2 of My Clarity

By M. Clarke

Synopsis

When tragedy strikes, Seth Stewart is forced to return home after the death of his beloved father. The unexpected detour forces him to oversee the family’s auto shop and restaurant business, and Seth must kiss the prestigious internship goodbye after his first year at Berkeley Business School. When he collides with his first crush after his arrival, Seth wonders what possibly could have happened to Josefina Anders.

Josefina has hidden many secrets she is too ashamed to share with anyone, especially Seth. When they cross paths again, the urge to relive their past lingers in her mind even though she knows he couldn’t accept her sketchy past. Things get even more complicated when her mother returns, as well as her overly possessive ex, who decides to crash into her fragile existence all over again.

Will Seth’s connection for Josefina be strong enough to see past her secrets, or will he realize he can’t rekindle an old flame?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Exceprt

When she pulled away to look at me, our eyes locked and thousands of emotions rocketed through me. I felt so much, almost too much for my heart to handle…for my body to control. My hands glided up her back, and the soft silky blouse lured me to rip it off her. Lacing through her hair with my hands, I gave in to the temptation I could no longer control and kissed her in madness. Josie kissed me back and her tongue swirled in hunger. I got hard when she rocked back and forth on me. I thought I could come just from this action alone. I wanted so much of Josie, but not here…not now.

~*~*~*~*~*~

VIEW THE My Serenity Soundtrack (Lyrics by M. Clarke) HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYe1JeIJ9yU&feature=youtu.be

Available for download at: http://amzn.to/1O2pYKp

~*~*~*~*~

Join the Facebook release party HERE:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1017187578292699/

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My Clarity Series

My Clarity -Book 1

* * * READERS’ FAVORITE GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER–ROMANCE 2014 * * *
Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she had imagined.
Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.
An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love-will it be enough

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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Author Bio:

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed

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Release Blitz + Giveaway : King of Hearts by L. H. Cosway – Hearts Series – Book 3

Posted on 07/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Welcome to the City, London’s most prestigious square mile, where finance reigns and Oliver King is a rising prince.

I used to rule the world.

There might be wolves on Wall Street, but there were crocodiles in Canary Wharf. Some of us craved money. Some of us craved power.

I liked money, and power had its advantages, but what I really wanted was to excel, to surpass the men who came before me. I never cared much for love and romance until I met Alexis.

You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I never foresaw where my plans would lead, and only in my darkest hour did I finally see the light…

You can have all the money and prestige in the world and still be the poorest man alive. And love, well, I hate to use a tired old cliché, but love can be the thing that truly sets you free.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Smashwords

What he said made me curious, so I went on, “What do you do to deal with the stress?”

“Not necessarily. I’m at the top. Do I look high to you?”

“Go ahead,” he said, voice low.

I realised I was staring at those lips a little too closely when my eyes flicked back to his. A moment ago he was smiling, but now that smile was transforming into a thoughtful frown.

I cleared my throat. “Your pupils look fine.”

“Mr King, Jenson Gellar is on the phone. Shall I put him through?”

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♥ READ THE BOOKS ♥

Six of Hearts

Hearts of Fire

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King of Hearts

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L.H. Cosway KING OF HEARTS Release Week Event

5 Star Review…2015 Favorite : Craving Trix by Nicole Jacquelyn – The Aces Sons – Book 1

Posted on 07/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Craving Trix

Ace’s Sons Series – Book 1

Spinoff of Aces MC Series

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Release Date : July 13, 2015

Synopsis

Bellatrix White had loved Cameron Harrison for as long as she could remember. He was her best friend and her closest confidant, and she knew one day he’d be her forever.

Then he broke her heart.

After five years of complete silence between them, the motorcycle club they grew up in comes under attack, giving Cam the opportunity he needs to work his way back into Trix’s life.

Because while Trix was nursing her broken heart, Cam was realizing exactly what he’d given up.

They fall into a relationship easily, but when new tragedies mix with old memories, neither of the lovers are prepared for the fallout.

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Michel’s Review

The Aces MC series by Nicole Jacquelyn is one of my all time favorite series. The moment a book releases I am devouring it. The characters in this series have captured my complete attention. I am connected to every character in the series and feel like they are a part of my own personal inner circle.

Nicole Jacquelyn is an extremely talented writer. Her characters come to life on the pages. The reader feels every emotion they experience. Her vivid descriptions and expressive words bring the Aces world to life. I always feel like I am a part of the story.

Each book in this series has gotten a 5 + Star Rating and has made the Smut Book Junkie Reviews 2015 Favorite List and 2014 Favorite List.

Her latest release is the start of a new series. The Aces Sons. This new series features the children of the Aces MC. They are now older and making a place in their fathers world. The have been loved hard, taught well, and are warriors.

The series starts off with Craving Trix. Trix is the daughter of Dragon and Brenna. She is now an independent young woman attending her final year of college. She has worshipped Cameron “Hulk” Harrison , the son of Casper and Farrah, since she was a six year old girl. Because of their six year age difference they matured at different paces. Trix ended up with a broken heart during her teenage years. Cam ended up clueless as to why he lost his closest friend. Time has caught up with them and now they are on an even playing ground.

When the Aces MC starts noticing hidden threats and unknown sources cutting into a part of their world they decide to go on high alert. This is Cam’s opportunity to win Trix’s heart once again. He moves in with her for protection. He steals her heart with his overbearing biker ways. But can he hang onto it?

Trix is a complex woman. She is fiercely independent and strong willed. She is also vulnerable in many ways. She has a truck load of issues that she was unaware of . Her childhood affected her in many ways. When a mistake happens that tears her and Cam apart, her life spirals out of control. She is striking out at the person she loves the most. She is destroying Cam’s love.

Cam has loved Trix all his life. When she does the unforgivable, he is shattered. He never thought he could hate a person more than he does Trix. He has lost his family once, learned to love again, but Trix’s betrayal is too much. There is no turning back until… the ultimate devastation happens to the Aces MC. It’s time to dig in, hang onto the ones you love, and fight for your family.

This book was shocking. It devastated me. I had to put the book down and walk away because I was so torn up. My emotions were wrecked! After a much needed break and time to reflect I went back to reading Craving Trix with HOPE that their world would be okay.

I finished the book on a happy note but was still devastated in my heart.

Trix was not an easy heroine to like. I still don’t know if I really like her but I do understand her. I understand where she was coming from and why she felt the way she did. This girl had her demons that nobody could fix for her. She had to work through them on her own. I never questioned her love for Cam, only her selfishness.

I fell in love with Cam. He was the best of Casper and Farrah. He bent over backwards for Trix. He fought for her until he was blue in the face. He could not slay her demons. He could only love her.

Cam and Trix’s relationship may drive some readers crazy but keep in mind we all know people with relationships like this. They were lucky to have a strong supportive family and good friends to have their back when times were low. Their families did not coddle them, they made them open their eyes to their flaws and weaknesses. They helped them utilize their strengths to see it through. They made them live up to their full potential.

As for the rest of the Aces and the Aces Sons. They have a long hard road to travel. Their world is in their hands and it’s up to them to conquer it.

Nicole Jacquelyn was very bold with her delivery of this story. She took calculated risks that were necessary for this story/ series to unfold. She kept the Aces world from becoming stagnant and predictable. I am anxious for the next book. Readers are going to experience life in the Aces MC through Will Hawthorne’s ( Grease and Callie’s son) eyes.

These kids are going to make their parents proud and build the same kind of legacy their parents laid out for them. They are going to give their parents gray hairs but also make them beam with pride. They are The Aces Sons.

The Complete Aces MC Series

Over 400,000 words.

Four complete novels.

Four never before seen bonus scenes.

Four protective men.

Four strong women.

Four stories that will break your heart and then piece it back together again.

Craving Constellations- Dragon and Brenna
Craving Redemption- Callie and Grease
Craving Absolution- Casper and Farrah
Craving Resurrection- Poet and Amy

Come meet the Aces MC, the loyal men who carry its banner and the women who love them.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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About Nicole Jacquelyn

Nicole Jacquelyn is the mom of two little girls and a full time college student. She hasn’t watched television in well over a year, she still does things that drive her mother crazy, and she loves to read. At eight years old, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told people she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve her answer changed- to author. By the time she was eighteen, when people asked her what she wanted to do with her life, she told them she really wanted to be a writer- but the odds of that happening were so slim that she’d get her business degree “just to be safe”. Her dreams stayed constant. First she became a mom, then she went to college, and during her senior year- with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool, she sat down and wrote a story.

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Cover Reveal: Sinful Desire by Lauren Blakely

Posted on 07/15/2015 by shellbellereads

We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Lauren Blakely’s SINFUL DESIRE, the second title in Lauren’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling erotic romance Sinful Nights series releasing September 22^nd! SINFUL DESIRE follows a new couple in the series! Yes, technically it can be read as a standalone, but you’ll likely enjoy it more if you read the first book, SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS.

Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories –one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. You can expect nothing different from her Sinful Nights series! First, there was SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, and now Lauren brings you the passionate and suspenseful SINFUL DESIRE filled with sexy moments that will keep you up all night! Lauren worked with her regular cover designer, Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations, and photographer, Stephanie Bowers Photography, for this fabulous cover and we are so delighted to share it with you!

Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22^nd

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

EXCERPT from SINFUL DESIRE:

“Do you know why you’re so fascinated with my tie?” he asked huskily, his eyes pinned on her. He practically fucked her with his gaze. His was so intense. His confidence set her on fire. It torched a path across her body, sizzling her skin.

“Tell me,” she said, eager for more of his words. “Since you seem to know me so well. Tell me.”

He brushed the backs of his fingers against her cheek. Oh god, she was dying for him to kiss her. She was so eager to feel those lips. To taste him.

He grasped a wrist with one hand, yanking it up his chest, and loosely wrapping the end of his tie around her hand. “You want me to tie you up.”

“How do you know that?” she asked, her voice stripped to the bones. He knew her. He read her. He could sense everything she wanted. He crowded her against the wall. Heaven Leigh belted out her song on stage. The inky black of the backstage cloaked them.

“Am I wrong?” he asked, arching an eyebrow. “If I’m wrong, tell me and I’ll walk away.”

She shook her head. “Are you going to take it off? Tie me up?” she asked in a voice that barely sounded like it belonged to her. It belonged to the part of her that had been untended for years.

He grinned wickedly. “No. I have other ways to tie you up,” he said, and in a flash, he gripped her wrists in his big strong hands, wrapping his fingers around her, binding her as he yanked her hands behind her back. Heat flared in her body, spinning through her, settling between her legs. Her gorgeous, sexy panties were so damp right now they were useless.

She ached for his touch. And she could do nothing but wait for it since she was his hostage.

He was so strong, she couldn’t wriggle away if she wanted to. His thumbs dug into her wrist bones, pinning her hands above her ass, rendering her helpless. The pressure from the twist in her arms bordered on pain, and felt oh so good.

His body was aligned with hers. There was no space between the two of them. Only breath. Only words as he spoke in a bare, husky voice, “Do you know what else I’ve been thinking about all day?”

She shook her head.

He inched closer, his mouth mere centimeters from hers. Her lips parted, so ready for him. God, she needed him to kiss her. Needed it badly. He was making her wait for it. Making her nearly ask for it. His mouth hovered so close she wanted to dart out her tongue and lick him. Draw him to her. His forehead brushed hers, and her breath fluttered.

Somehow, she managed a please.

“Please kiss you?” he asked. “Is that what you want me to do?”

She nodded, too turned on to form another word. Even a yes.

“That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about all day,” he whispered.

Then he kissed her and he wasn’t gentle. He wasn’t sweet. He was rough as he claimed her mouth, kissing hard. She moaned as he drew her bottom lip between his teeth, then fused his mouth to hers.

His stubble rubbed against her cheek. She’d have whisker burn later. She longed for the redness, the proof, the evidence of a bruising kiss.

The kiss lit her up. She felt it everywhere. In her toes, in her hair, in her belly.

And, deliciously, between her legs.

Where she ached for him. She angled her hips closer as he kissed, desperately seeking contact from him. God, how she wanted him. And she didn’t even know his name.

NOTE FROM LAUREN:

Dear Readers:

I’m so excited to share the cover of Sinful Desire with you! I’m in mad love with this cover and I hope you are too – I searched far and wide for just the right image to convey the passion, desire and chemistry between Ryan Sloan and Sophie Winston, and I think this image does them justice! The couple on this cover is a real-life couple, and their passion for each other truly shows through! I love the lush colors too and the sparkly, glamorous feel that my designer crafted in the look of the cover! Sophie and Ryan might just be my hottest couple yet, and I can’t wait for you to read their story!

xoxo

Lauren

ABOUT SINFUL DESIRE:

Scorching. Passionate. Suspenseful… Be consumed by the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Sinful Nights Series!

Their passion was beyond control…

Control.

It’s what Ryan Sloan values most. Control of his business, control of his secrets, control of his days and nights. With the way his life spiraled in the past, he needs to stay in charge of his present.

Giving up control.

It’s what Sophie Winston craves. After a wildly successful career, she’s stepped away from the business world and is now focused on her work as her city’s most noted philanthropist.

When she meets Ryan Sloan, the chemistry is scorching, and utterly undeniable. Their desire for each other runs red hot. He wants everything she’s willing to give him in bed, and she wants him to take her to new heights as only he can.

Soon, he has to have more. All of her — heart, mind and body.

The only trouble is, he hasn’t been honest about how he met her and the dangerous connection he has to her brother.

When the truth is revealed, he’ll have to give more of himself than he’s bargained for or risk losing the only woman he’s ever let into his heart.

SINFUL DESIRE is book two in the New York Times Bestselling SINFUL NIGHTS series, a four-book series. Each full-length novel features a new couple. This high-heat, high-stakes sexy romance series follows the Sloan family as each sibling falls madly in love against the backdrop of sin, money, greed, passion, mystery and suspense…

Pre-order SINFUL DESIRE and Enter to Win!

Preorder and win special, one-of-a-kind prizes including:

One of FIVE LIMITED EDITION SIGNED PAPERBACK COPIES of SINFUL DESIRE. What makes these books a Limited Edition? Lauren has annotated certain scenes in the book and each one is unique. You will see what her thoughts and inspiration were for several of the plot twists in the book.

You will also have the chance to win:

~ Skype Video Chat with Lauren Blakely and several of your friends to discuss SINFUL DESIRE.

~ Sinful Desire Tote filled with signed books, a Vegas Prize Candle (could be worth up to $20,000), and $25 Bath and Body Works gift card.

~ $100 Gift Card to the retailer of your choice.

Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22^nd

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble

✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

And don’t miss the first book in the Sinful Nights Series

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS!

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ iBooks US ✦ iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble

✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

About Lauren Blakely:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and thirteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. This summer she’ll release Consumed by You, her next title in her NYT Bestselling Fighting Fire series about sexy firemen and the women they love. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

Website Facebook Twitter SINFUL DESIRE Goodreads Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Review : Inspiring You by Jessica Sorensen – Unraveling You Series – Book 4

Posted on 07/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Jessica Sorensen and her new book INSPIRING YOU! This is the final book in the Unraveling You series about Lyric Scott and Ayden Gregory! Take a sneak peek below!

Ayden knows it’s time to remember what really happened four years ago, so he can help save his sister. With the help of Lyric, he faces his past head on.

But dealing with the truth is difficult.

Will Ayden finally be free of his past so he can move forward to his future?

Michel’s Review

Inspiring You by Jessica Sorensen is the final book in the Unraveling You series. This epic series has had readers biting their nails to see the final results of Aiden’s haunting past.

Aiden has taken the final steps to regain his memory. He is trying the experimental hypnosis therapy. Although this therapy could be very dangerous to Aiden , he feels like this is his only option.

The revelations are frightening. Aides now knows the truth. But is the truth in time to save his missing sister.

This final installment is astounding. The reader’s are finally getting the answers to Aiden’s past and present danger.

I have loved this series from beginning to end. It was great to have a satisfying resolution.

Read the Unraveling You series by Jessica Sorensen. It is outstanding.

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

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

♥ READ THE SERIES ♥

Book 1 – Unraveling You

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / ITUNES

Book 2 – Raveling You

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / ITUNES

Book 3 – Awakening You

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / ITUNES

Book 4 – Inspiring You

AMAZON / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

ARC Review: The Luckiest by Mila McWarren – M/M Romance

Posted on 07/15/2015 by shellbellereads

The Luckiest

Contemporary M/M Romance

By Mila McWarren

Synopsis

When New York-based memoirist Aaron Wilkinson gathers with his high school friends to marry off two of their own, he is forced to spend a week with Nik, the boy who broke his heart.
As they settle into the Texas beach house where the nuptials will be performed, Nik quickly makes his intentions clear: he wants Aaron back. “He’s coming hard, baby,” a friend warns, setting the tone for a week of transition where Aaron and Nik must decide if they are playing for keeps.

Amazon

Tina’s Review

** Provided by Author via Promotion in Exchange for an Honest Review. **
Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Sketch effect and sun drenched, it’s not vibrant and eye-catching like many book covers on the market today, but it is simple and whispers of a warm contemporary. The synopsis backs the idea of this.
Looking Deeper:
Give this format points for uniqueness, although it makes the story a little more difficult to follow for it; it’s comprised of text messages, emails, and blog posts – as well as a third-person narrative from Aaron’s perspective. Most of it centers, day by day, on the week leading up to one of Aaron’s best friend’s wedding. The whole group of high school friends, including his ex that he still has feelings for despite the years apart, are there to help Alex and David prepare for their big day. Nik still has feelings for Aaron and he knows he’s going to have to work hard and long to make up for the hurt he’s caused Aaron. It’s a sweet and touching story of second chances. After about four years with only sporadic and awkward “same place, same time” situations , Aaron and Nik find themselves face-to-face, together again. Now both single, Nik is on a mission to right the wrongs and clear the miscommunications between them, which were many. The conflicts were more of the old and festering type than the current time and place type. The now older, more mature young men were able to resolve their conflicts and the secondary conflicts easily and efficiently. Predictability was not really an issue, nor were there any fun surprises. The conclusion is solid, there’s a series of quickie wrap-ups in an epilogue that provide closure to several of the the characters outside of Aaron and Nik as well. It was a nice read, I enjoyed it.

_________________________________

Author Bio:

Mila McWarren grew up in Texas, but has happily made her home on the East Coast for the last decade. In her day job she works as a social scientist and has spent the last 10 years developing her fiction writing online. She lives with her husband and their two kids. When she isn’t using working, writing, or hanging out with her family, she likes knitting and watching television, because they go together like peanut butter and chocolate, two of her other great loves.
@milamcwarren
milamcwarren.tumblr.com
www.milamcwarren.com

Teaser Tuesday: Overtime by Toni Aleo – Assassins Series – Book 7

Posted on 07/14/2015 by shellbellereads

Overtime by Toni Aleo

Series: Assassins Series #7

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads

PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON

Down and out with an injury keeping him away from the game, Assassins’ defenseman Jordie Thomas lives for the blades of his skates on the ice and the feeling of oblivion off it. With no choice but to heal, he’s forced away from the sport that runs through his veins. With everything at stake and darkness setting in, he quickly finds himself spiraling even further out of control. As his life begins to come crashing down around him and his contract with the Nashville Assassins on the line, he’s given an ultimatum. Ready or not, Jordie is forced to face his past, the fears that consume him, and the one woman he let walk away.

Kacey King had her professional dreams come true, yet her heart was battered and broken. With an Olympic gold medal around her neck, she’s ready to look forward to the future but without the one man she wanted in it. She’s missing the key pieces of her heart she left months ago with the only person who was capable of destroying it, causing her to falter in all her plans to move on.

In the game of life, there are winners and losers, and neither Jordie nor Kacey want to be on the losing bench. If only Jordie could convince Kacey he’s a changed man and that he wants her right by his side as his MVP for the biggest and best parts of a life they build together. With emotions running high and the game on the line, can two proud people find happiness with each other, or will their hearts and souls be left in the cold? Will they see that sometimes having someone by your side who knows the good, bad, and broken is better than going it alone and losing everything through the back of the net? They are out of time on the game clock and fighting for the win of their lives.

But overtime was made for an Assassin like Jordie.

———- Teaser ———-

He had consistently been making bad decision after bad decision. Each one was staring back at him from behind his closed lids, and he wished he could make them all go away. But still they flashed in his face, demanding his attention.

Going in for the puck when he knew there was a goon of a player behind him and ending with his leg in two. Which resulted in his career being up in the air.

The drinking. Fuck, the drinking.

Getting involved with his best friend’s sister.

Falling in love with said sister, and then pushing her away, like he always did everyone.

And all of Louisiana.

It was time to make the right choice for once.

He had to, because he had already lost the one person who meant everything to him, and he couldn’t lose hockey too.

That couldn’t happen.

———- About the Author ———-

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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

Posted on 07/14/2015 by shellbellereads

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…

Pre-Order

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | GooglePlay

Hudson’s eyes flared. “Taunting me?” he asked. But he didn’t wait for an answer. Instead he lurched forward in a few powerful strides, palming the back of the couch with his free hand and leaping over it.

Shit.

With her heart pounding, Allie took off in the only available direction. When she reached the stairs, Hudson was right behind her, taking them two at a time. She gasped as his fingers grazed her hip before dropping to catch her ankle.

He yanked her down as he prowled up her body, his hips surging against her backside as he lowered his mouth to her ear. “I’ve caught you, baby.” He buried his hand in her hair and pulled her head to the side. She moaned when his lips found the spot on her neck that never failed to drive her wild. Pleasure shot through her as he sucked on the sensitive skin and she writhed beneath him. “Now, what shall I do to you?”

Allie’s lips parted on a raged breath. “Whatever you want.”

Join the Read-a-long

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

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Ann Marie Walker

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Monthly Archives: July 2015

Review + Giveaway : King Of Hearts by L. H. Cosway

Summer Reads: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

Release Blitz: Sinfully Mine by M. Clarke- Book 2 of My Clarity

Release Blitz + Giveaway : King of Hearts by L. H. Cosway – Hearts Series – Book 3

5 Star Review…2015 Favorite : Craving Trix by Nicole Jacquelyn – The Aces Sons – Book 1

Cover Reveal: Sinful Desire by Lauren Blakely

Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22^nd

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

Pre-order SINFUL DESIRE and Enter to Win!

Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22^nd

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble

✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

And don’t miss the first book in the Sinful Nights Series

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS!

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ iBooks US ✦ iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble

✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

Website Facebook Twitter SINFUL DESIRE Goodreads Lauren Blakely Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review : Inspiring You by Jessica Sorensen – Unraveling You Series – Book 4

ARC Review: The Luckiest by Mila McWarren – M/M Romance

Teaser Tuesday: Overtime by Toni Aleo – Assassins Series – Book 7

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

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Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22nd

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22nd

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble

✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

And don’t miss the first book in the Sinful Nights Series

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS!

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ iBooks US ✦ iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble

✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** SINFUL DESIRE Goodreads ** Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22^nd

Pre-Order Links for SINFUL DESIRE coming September 22^nd

Website Facebook Twitter SINFUL DESIRE Goodreads Lauren Blakely Goodreads