Excerpt Reveal + Giveaway : The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely

Posted on 10/12/2016 by shellbellereads

the-sexy-one-excerpt-reveal the sexy one cover

Releasing October 17^th, THE SEXY ONE will bring readers more of Simon, the hot single dad you met in MISTER O.

Check out this fantastic cover created by Helen Williams

with photography by Perrywinkle Photography.

Pre-Order THE SEXY ONE now!

Sign up for Lauren’s newsletter to receive an alert when THE SEXY ONE is live on Kindle on release day at http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/.

Blurb

Let me count the ways why falling into forbidden love is not my wisest move…

She works with me every single day.

Did I mention she’s gorgeous, sweet, kind and smart?

She works in my home.

Playing with my five-year-old daughter. Teaching my little girl. Cooking for my princess. Which means…

She’s the nanny.

And that makes her completely off-limits…But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. All of her.

***

The other nannies in this city don’t call him the Sexy One for nothing. My boss, the amazingly wonderful single father to the girl I take care of every day is ridiculously hot, like movie star levels with those arms, and those eyes, and that body. Not to mention, the way he dotes on his little girl melts me all over. But what really makes my knees weak are the times when his gaze lingers on me. In secret. When no one else is around.

I can’t risk my job for a chance at something more…can I? But I don’t know how to resist him much longer either…

______________________________

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Excerpt

“Your language skills are better than your French-braiding skills,” she teases as she shuts her iPad.

I pretend to be insulted. “So not true. I can do French braids with my eyes closed.”

She shakes her head. “Somehow, I doubt that.”

“I’ll prove it to you.”

She tilts her head, and her hand freezes on her purse. “Prove it?” she asks quietly.

Somehow I’ve thrown a gauntlet I didn’t realize I was tossing. I do the only natural next thing—follow through. “Sure. Got one of those hair tie things?”

She nods slowly. “Yes, but . . .” Her voice trails off. Then she resumes the thought. “You really learned to French braid?”

I nod. “Hayden insisted on it,” I explain then study her face. Her pupils are dilated, and she blinks. Ah hell, I’ve made her wary with my remark. “I don’t have to prove it. I was just teasing,” I say, giving her an out. Mildly flirty comments are one thing—hands in hair are another.

A small grin spreads on her face, as she dips her hand into her purse and produces a black elastic band. “No, I insist. You were horrible last time. Have at it.”

She drops to the floor, scoots over to me, and with her shoulder, she nudges my right knee.

Hello, slippery slope. Funny to see you again so soon.

Her other shoulder bumps my other knee. There’s no need to think—I widen my legs more and let her settle in between them. I’m seated on the couch, she’s on the floor, and she waits for me to braid her hair.

As I stare at her lush, blond locks, the breath escapes my lungs. For a moment, it’s as if I’m hovering in a state of suspended want. Like this is the real line we’re crossing. Not me bringing her dessert, or touching the corner of her lips, or gazing at her face longer than I should. Not even sending texts about a pair of wild birds or making comments about showers and nudity.

But this.

Touching her hair.

Fuck, I love her hair.

I slide the tie over my wrist, then gather up some strands near the top of her head. “Confession,” I say in a quiet voice. “I watched a few YouTube videos after you taught me.”

She leans back, and I can feel her smile. “Like I said, prove it.”

“It’s on.” I focus on the task of separating her honey-blond hair into three sections, running my fingers through them like a comb. I lift the first strand and lay it over the middle one, then the left, gathering more hair into the next section.

After I failed at her first French braid lesson, I took it upon myself to learn. I don’t like not being able to master basic skills. A man should be able to braid his daughter’s hair.

And his woman’s hair.

“How does it look?” Her voice sounds a little breathy.

“Like it was braided by a man who learned by watching YouTube videos,” I answer.

She laughs lightly and leans into me more, inching closer. My hands still for a moment. I feel like I’m in high school again. Like I have a crush on a girl, and I don’t know what to do, where to go next, what to say.

The thing is, I do know. I just don’t know that I should. But I know what I want. There’s no doubt in my mind. I want to touch her, to kiss her, to feel her body press against mine. Even the chance to touch her like this is intoxicating, a rush of blood to the head. Her waves of hair are soft, and they feel spectacular falling through my fingers. I can’t picture a single thing besides running my hands through these strands as I kiss her, as I touch her, as she moves beneath me.

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________________________________________

About Lauren Blakely:

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With ten New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than fifty times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK and MISTER O, which were both instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she’ll release WELL HUNG, another romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter:laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads |Lauren Blakely Goodreads

Giveaway

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the sexy one cover

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Mr. Mysterious by J.A. Huss

Posted on 10/12/2016 by shellbellereads

Mr. Mysterious
J.A. Huss
(The Mister Series, #4)
Publication date: October 12th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance

Paxton Vance isn’t as cryptic as he thinks. That broody nature and tough-guy exterior aren’t fooling me one bit.
I know everything about him. I listen in on his most personal phone calls. I read his mail before he does. I even know what his mother got him for Christmas last year.
You’re the man of my dreams, Paxton Vance. You just don’t know it yet.
But don’t worry, I’ll remind you. I’m here to give you everything you need, before you know you need it.
So don’t get defensive because I take a challenge seriously. You have to open up to someone, and that someone is me.
Besides, you can’t stay Mr. Mysterious forever. Why play the game if you never want to win?

The Mister Series
Mr. Perfect
Mr. Romantic
Mr. Corporate
Mr. Mysterious
Mr. Match (Final Book Releases 12-7-16)

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

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—

EXCERPT:

“You want to go to bed?”

“With you?” I ask, a tingle running up my body at the thought. He’s so fucking handsome in this gray suit. His tie is loose around his neck, probably from the frustration of my drink demands, because it was tight before he left for the store. I bite my lip as he stares at me, that tingle turning into something more urgent as I stare back.

“Why not? We could make it fun. Turn this day around. End it on a high note.”

I have dreamed about sex with Mr. Mysterious for years. Since I was a kid, actually. And I know we’ve fucked three times already, but that was different. That was the other me. This is the real me. And now that my plans are all falling into place, it feels… fake. Like I forced this.

“I wouldn’t want to force you,” I say, that word stuck in my mind.

He laughs. Maybe a real one. “You’re the most striking girl I’ve ever dated. You’re not forcing me to do anything.”

He has no idea how well-planned this relationship was. “Are we dating?” I ask, suddenly sad.

I know he’s looking at me. And I know I’m being weird. I also know that I should make a decision right now and then never look back. Either stay here, sleep with him, and tell him the truth tomorrow—since we’ve decided not to talk about it tonight—or walk out and never look back.

I’m on the verge of option two when I feel his hand slip around my waist. “Whatever it is that’s bothering you, can it wait until tomorrow? Or is it urgent?”

I like the feel of his hand over the thin fabric of my dress. It’s large, and warm, and when he pulls me closer, I feel weak with want.

“That was a lot of information to take in. From your mother. Don’t you think?” I chance a look up at him and regret it immediately. He’s somber. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him somber.

“Are we talking about it?” he whispers. “I don’t mind talking about it. If that’s what you want.”

I lean up and kiss him. Softly. Right on the mouth. He doesn’t kiss me back and when I open my eyes, he’s looking at me. He takes the drink from my hand, sets both glasses down on a nearby table and then wraps his arms around me and holds me close. His lips are on my neck, and that urgent feeling I had turns into unquenchable desire.

He holds my face, turning me towards him, and then his lips find mine and we are kissing again, only this time it’s him leading the way. It starts slow, his hands dropping back to my waist. My hands reaching up for his shoulders. His kiss remains soft. Such a contradiction between the man on the outside I’ve come to know and the one I stalked all these years.

But I don’t know him, do I? Not one bit.

He frightens me a little. His perfectly planned childhood, his unplanned past, and his unorthodox present. Like he’s drifting through life, just waiting for something to happen as he takes bad opportunity after bad opportunity and tries to make something good out of them.

“Let’s go to bed,” Pax says again.

I don’t challenge him in any way this time. I don’t care what the meaning is behind his words.

He takes my hand, leading me back into the house and towards the stairs, taking those two at a time so my much shorter legs have to struggle to keep up. A shoe falls off my foot halfway up, the other follows a second later. The floor is cool and feels good as I follow him across a long catwalk that overlooks the living room and into a dark bedroom.

He doesn’t turn on the lights and he wastes no time touching me. His fingertips are lifting up my dress, feather-light touches across the bare skin of my outer thigh. Kissing me, fisting my hair, finding the wetness between my legs as the tingle becomes urge, becomes starvation and hunger for more.

“Take off my clothes,” he says. “Start with the tie.”

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—

COMING UP NEXT – MR. MATCH!

Mr. Match

Mister Series – Book 4

Release Date: December 7, 2016

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

Oliver Shrike thinks ahead. He likes to make lists and tick off boxes. He plans, he plots, and he’s got everything under control.
Until one day he sees my videos on his dating site. The private erotic videos I make just for him.
When I’m looking at the camera I can practically see his face. Hear the internal arguments. Feel his desire.
Because I’m that kind of woman.
You should delete my videos, Oliver Shrike. It’s your job to keep that dating site on the up and up.
But you don’t, do you?
You watch them. You get off to them. You crave them.
Every week I make a new one with you in mind. I’ve got you addicted to my body, my moans, my secrets.
I’ve hooked you now, Mr. Match. You’ve been in control for way too long and this is where it ends.

Mr. Match is the last book in the Mister Series. NOT a standalone book.
Mr. Perfect
Mr. Romantic
Mr. Corporate
Mr. Mysterious
Mr. Match

_______________________________________

Author Bio:

JA Huss is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her blog, New Adult Addiction (www.jahuss.com).

If you’re interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter / Pinterest / Instagram

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: Sugar Free by Sawyer Bennett – Sugar Bowl Series – Book 3

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

Sugar Free

Sugar Bowl Series – Book 3

By Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: October 11, 2016

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Sela and Beck’s deliciously sinful tale of sex, lies, and vengeance reaches its explosive conclusion in the final chapter of Sawyer Bennett’s Sugar Bowl trilogy, which began with the novels Sugar Daddy and Sugar Rush.

For years Sela Halstead dreamed of revenge, but the quest for payback has been anything but sweet. Now, once again, she finds herself at the mercy of Jonathon Townsend, his hands crushing the very breath from her body. And even though she escapes with her life, Sela fears she may never recover. In desperate need of shelter and comfort, she runs to the one man she can trust. Beckett North has stood by Sela since the beginning. But can he handle the brutal truth?

Beck will do anything to protect what is his—and make no mistake, Sela belongs to him, heart and soul. The passion between them runs hot, even as their world begins to unravel. With the legacy of his ruthless business partner hanging in the balance, Beck stands to lose everything: his fortune, his family, his freedom. But each touch of Sela’s mouth on his skin, her nails down his back, makes it harder to let her go—and it might not even be his choice to make.

________________________________

Michel’s Review

The Powerful Conclusion in the Sugar Bowl series by Sawyer Bennett has released!

Thrilling… Chilling… Edge Of The Seat Suspense… Erotic Romance with a twist…

Be Careful what you wish for… it may come true!

Sela Halstead had a mission.

Infiltrate

Murder

Repeat

Beckett North will do anything to protect the woman he loves.

Lie

Destroy

Sacrifice

Jonathon Townsend is dead… his secrets did not die with him… his secrets will destroy everything Beckett North loves.

I could not put this book down! The twists and turns kept me enthralled. The shocking revelations stunned me. Sawyer Bennett has outdone herself and delivered one of the most chilling and suspenseful erotic romances I have read. The Sugar Bowl series is by far one of 2016’s best series published.

Read the Sugar Bowl Series!

_________________________________

Releasing May 24, 2016

Sugar Daddy

Book One in Sugar Bowl Series

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Sela Halstead lost her innocence in a way that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. She’s spent years trying to forget that night even while wondering about the identities of the monsters who brutalized her—until a telltale tattoo flashes across Sela’s TV screen. The incriminating ink belongs to Jonathon Townsend, the millionaire founder of The Sugar Bowl, a website that matches rich older men with impressionable young women. Obsessed with revenge, Sela infiltrates Townsend’s world, only to come face-to-face with a tantalizing complication: Beckett North, his charismatic business partner.

The tech mastermind behind The Sugar Bowl, Beck always gets what he wants, in business and in bed. And yet, for a man who’s done every dirty thing imaginable, there’s something about the naïve, fresh-faced Sela that sparks his hottest fantasies. Because with her, it’s not just about sex. Beck opens up to her in ways he never has with other girls. So why does he get the feeling that she’s hiding something? In a world of pleasure and power, the shocking truth could turn them against each other—or bind them forever.

Note: Sugar Daddy ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story continues in Sugar Rush and Sugar Free!

*****

Sugar Rush

Sugar Bowl Series – Book 2

By Sawyer Bennett

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

Synopsis

In the steamy and suspenseful sequel to Sugar Daddy (“A totally gripping take on romance and revenge!”—Lauren Blakely), a heartbreaking rift threatens to unravel a dangerous alliance . . . and a fragile new love.

After posing as an escort for the Sugar Bowl online dating service, Sela Halstead is looking for one thing: payback. She’s closing in on the site’s heartless founder, Jonathon Townsend, and she needs Beckett North, Townsend’s business partner and her lover, by her side. She’d thought that their intimate nights together had forged an unbreakable bond, but after a shocking betrayal, Sela begins to doubt the brilliant bad boy. When push comes to shove, can she trust Beck to do the right thing?

Now that he understands the truth, Beck will stop at nothing to secure the reckoning Sela deserves. But between his desire for her and his disgust for JT, Beck doesn’t exactly have a lot of control over his emotional state. Left with no other choice, he must summon all his discipline to maintain JT’s trust and pretend that they’re still friends. But how far will Beck go to prove his loyalty to Sela? He nearly lost her once. To keep her, Beck might have to kill for her.

Note: Sugar Rush ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story concludes in Sugar Free!

*****

Sugar Free

Sugar Bowl Series – Book 3

By Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: October 11, 2016

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

Synopsis

Sela and Beck’s dark, riveting love story reaches its epic conclusion in the final chapter of Sawyer Bennett’s Sugar Bowl trilogy that began with the novels Sugar Daddy and Sugar Rush.

__________________________________

About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Release Blitz: Savage Mafia Prince by Annika Martin – Dangerous Royals Series – Book 3

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

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THE SAVAGE IS HERE.
“I LOVE this book. One of my absolute favorite reads of 2016. I want…no, I NEED my own savage!!!” ~USA Today bestselling author Natasha Knight

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BUY Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/29TwIBb
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2a5ADpy

iBooks:http://apple.co/2cs5GiV
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2c1EfA1
Nook: http://bit.ly/2e617xv

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2cEULl6

Synopsis:

Where is Kiro?

He’s the lost Dragusha brother, heir to a vast mafia empire—brilliant, violent, and utterly savage…and he’s been missing for years.

Ann

I’m supposed to be doing simple undercover research at the Fancher Institute for the Mentally Ill & Dangerous, but I can’t keep my mind off Patient 34. He’s startlingly young and gorgeous, but it’s not just that. He’s strapped way too tightly to that bed. And there’s no name or criminal history on his chart. What are these people hiding? My reporter’s instincts are screaming.

Here’s the other thing: the staffers here believe he’s so sedated that there’s not a thought in his head, but I catch him watching me when nobody’s looking. Our connection sizzles when I enter the room. When our eyes meet, I know he understands me in a way nobody else ever has.

I’m supposed to follow my editor’s orders—I have secrets, too—but everything about Patient 34 is suspicious. How can I not investigate?

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Start the series now!

Dark Mafia Prince – now available!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2934GBU
iBooks: http://apple.co/28WBWJe
Google: http://bit.ly/2962PLk
Kobo: http://annikamartinbooks.com/dark-mafia-prince/
Nook: http://annikamartinbooks.com/dark-mafia-prince/

Synopsis:

They destroyed his family, stole his kingdom, hunted him to the ends of the earth.

Now the beautiful prince is back as a dark killer, ready to take everything.
And it starts with her.

Aleksio
Don’t look at me like that. So trusting.
Like you think I’m not a monster.
Like I won’t wrap your hair in my fist and bend you to my will.
Like I won’t sacrifice you, piece by bloody piece, to save my brother.

I’m the most dangerous enemy you’ll ever have.
Because every time you look at me, you see somebody good. That friend who died.

And when you look at me like that, I die again.

Mira
I spent years making myself invisible. A good girl, apart from the noise.
Then you returned, beautiful and deadly in your Armani suit.
Don’t look at me like you still know me, you say.
But I remember your smile. And I remember those sunny days.

Before they lowered your small casket into the ground.
Before they told us the prince was dead.

—————————————————

Wicked Mafia Prince – now available!

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Amazon US : http://amzn.to/2aiG6gW
Google: http://bit.ly/2a8SoZy
iBooks: http://apple.co/29EIuyY
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/wicked-mafia-prince

Nook: http://bit.ly/2cwfqaX

Synopsis:

Who is the nun who never shows her face?

She’s trapped in twisted brothel, stuck behind a webcam…or is she? Viktor doesn’t need to see this mysterious nun’s face to know she’s the woman he once loved…the assassin he once killed.

Viktor

You were the love of my life, beautiful and deadly.
Then you betrayed our mafiya family—the only family either of us ever knew.
Heartbroken, I did the honor killing. I threw you off a cliff.
When I learned you were innocent, it ripped me apart.Now, years later—somehow, impossibly—there you are, alive.
The nun who never shows her face, trapped on the other side of a computer screen.
How can it be? My brothers think I’m obsessed. Imagining ghosts. But I’ll always know you. And I’m coming for you.

Author Bio:

Annika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who enjoys writing dirty stories about dangerous criminals! She loves helping animals and kicking snow clumps off the bottom of cars around the streets of Minneapolis, and in her spare time she writes as the RITA award-winning author Carolyn Crane.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Dirty quote newsletter

Release Blitz: It’s A Fugly Life by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff – Fugly Series – Book 2

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

HE’S
PERFECT FOR HER IN EVERY WAY,

EXCEPT FOR ONE SMALL ISSUE.

HE’S TOO LATE.

IT’S A FUGLY LIFE

Fugly #2

Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Releasing Oct 11th, 2016

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi
Jean Pamfiloff, Comes a New Standalone Contemporary Romance.

HE’S
PERFECT FOR HER IN EVERY WAY, EXCEPT FOR ONE SMALL ISSUE. HE’S TOO LATE.

My name is Lily Snow. And I was once
the kind of ugly that turned heads and made people stare. The worst part was
how I let it ruin my life and destroy my relationship with the love of my
life—Maxwell Cole, one of the sexiest, wealthiest, enigmatic men on the planet.
All because I felt ugly and certainly not good enough for a man’s love.

But not anymore.

One car wreck, three reconstructive
surgeries, and some unexpected money have changed my life.

I’ve started my own company, I’ve
finally learned to like myself—not love, but like (hey, it’s a journey)—and
I’ve met a wonderful new man who’s helped me put Max in the past where he
belongs.

There’s only one problem: After six
long months, Maxwell Cole is back, asking for the one thing I can’t give him.
And he’s not taking no for an answer.

NOTE: This is a continuation of the
story FUGLY, but is a standalone.

BUY NOW

Amazon US | UK | AU

B
& N | iTunes | Kobo

Start from the Beginning…

iBooks | KOBO | NOOK | AMAZON | PAPERBACK

MIMI JEAN
PAMFILOFF is a USA Today and New York
Times bestselling romance author. Although she obtained her MBA and
worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that
it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dream.

Mimi
lives with her Latin Lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and the
rat terrier duo, Snowflake and Mini Me, in Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh
when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make
a big comeback for men

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Review: Going Down Fast by Carly Phillips – Billionaire Bad Boys Series – Book 2

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

Going Down Fast (Billionaire Bad Boys Book 2) by Carly Phillips

Date of Publication: October 11, 2016

Blurb

A stand-alone Billionaire Bad Boys novel.

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Lucas Monroe dropped out of college only to become a multi-billionaire and tech world God. He can have any woman he desires in his bed, but the only woman he’s ever wanted is off limits and always has been. When Maxie Sullivan finds herself in dire straits, the only man she can turn to is the one she’s always secretly loved: her childhood best friend. Can they trust their hearts and make a future, or will their complicated pasts stand in the way?

This bad boy is going down fast …

And going down fast has never felt so right.

Available From

Amazon (Kindle)
B&N (Nook)
Kobo
iBooks
Google Play

_______________________________

Tracey’s Review

Lucas Monroe and Maxie Sullivan have always had some unfinished business. The friendship that they shared as children has stood the test of time, but Lucas’ competitive and vindictive brother saw to it that their relationship never went any further. When unexpected changes throw Lucas and Maxie together again, neither one is willing to hide their feelings any longer.

Man, this series! Carly Phillips and her new bunch of characters are winning me over, one sexy book at a time. I knew that I was going to love Lucas just from meeting him in GOING DOWN EASY, but I didn’t know how much. Lucas resonates with the late bloomer in me, the nerdy gamer boy that has turned into one of the über-successful owners of a hot cyber business. But one thing hasn’t ever changed for Lucas, and that’s the way that he feels about Maxie. His childhood best friend, he’s always wanted more, but never acted on it, and then it was too late.

I adore Maxie. She’s always looked to Lucas as her port in the storm, calling on him to help her through the rough times in her life. Maxie has always wanted more than friendship with Lucas, too, but life just didn’t give them that opportunity. When Maxie’s life is turned upside down, she does what her heart has always called her to do, and goes right to Lucas. Determined now to be the strong, self-sufficient person that she was before her life took a detour, Maxie is single-minded in her intention to live her life on her terms, and that life includes Lucas in a big way.

The backstory involving Lucas’ brother is a nice counterpoint to the relationship between Lucas and Maxie, and makes GOING DOWN FAST that much more engaging. This story is just as sexy, just as appealing, and just as romantic a read as GOING DOWN EASY, and I enjoyed every bit of it. An easy 4.5 stars, I highly recommend this book and this series, and am looking forward to Derek’s book, GOING DOWN HARD, which can’t get here quickly enough. Grab these now; you’ll be so glad that you did!

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

About Carly Phillips

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at http://www.carlyphillips.com.

Find Carly Phillips Online

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Release Blitz: Midnight Untamed by Lara Adrian – A Midnight Breed Novella

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

We are thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for MIDNIGHT UNTAMED by Lara Adrian, a novella in her Midnight Breed Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Grab your copy of this sexy novella today!

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EXCERPT:

Savage lifted his field glasses to his eyes and peered at the mansion. Although his vision as one of the Breed was superhuman, the lenses allowed him to zoom in on the illuminated window of the grand salon where Massioni and his men were gathered.

The seven Breed males evidently had plenty of cause for celebration. They greeted one another with a lot of laughter and back patting, a lot of ingratiating smiles and kowtowing for the dark-haired, hawk-nosed Vito Massioni from his underlings. No doubt the Red Dragon dealer and his cronies had been handsomely rewarded for their part in the spike of Rogue attacks the past few nights. Savage couldn’t wait to send them all to their final reward tonight.

“Light it up at your ready,” Trygg advised.

Savage smiled behind his binoculars. “With pleasure.”

Glancing away from the meeting taking place inside the mansion, he reached to retrieve the remote detonator. Normally he didn’t get invested in witnessing a target’s demise, but it was hard not to take some satisfaction in crashing Massioni’s little party tonight.

He brought the field glasses back up to his face—just in time to see that a woman had entered the room. The petite blonde wore a flashy red dress that clung to her slender body like liquid silk. The neckline plunged low in front, the slit in the skirt slicing high up her leg, baring a lot of creamy thigh with each gliding step she took toward Massioni.

What the f*ck?

Savage hadn’t realized there was a female in the mansion. Not that he felt much sympathy for anyone who associated with a thug like Massioni. And not that it should stop him from pushing the button on the detonator. But still…

His thumb froze, hovering over the trigger.

“Unidentified female on the premises,” he murmured into his mic. “Stand by, base.”

“Standing by,” Trygg said. Then he made a low, appreciative noise that might as well have been a wolf-whistle, coming from the eternally inscrutable warrior.

Yeah, the female was hot. Savage barely contained his own primal growl at the sight of all those slender curves poured into a column of scarlet silk. He’d long avoided blondes—for personal reasons of his own—but everything male in him responded to the sight of this one like flame to gasoline.

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About MIDNIGHT UNTAMED:

The mission was supposed to be simple. Infiltrate an enemy’s stronghold outside Rome and eliminate its leader. For a Breed warrior as lethal as Ettore Selvaggio, AKA “Savage”, stealth assassinations are only one of his many cold-hearted specialties. But the last thing Savage expects to find behind enemy lines—in his target’s bed—is a woman he once adored.

It’s been years since Savage last saw beautiful Arabella Genova. Years he’s strived to banish to his past, along with the fierce desire he once felt toward Bella . . . and the irresistible calling of her blood that stirs in him even now, despite the fact that she belongs to another male.

But when fate throws Savage and Bella together again in a race for their lives, will his long-lost love prove to be the one woman he can’t live without, or the perfect weapon to destroy him?

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Cute blonde lady with soft and delicate skin

About Lara Adrian:

Lara Adrian is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 internationally bestselling author of the Midnight Breed vampire romance series and seven award-winning, historical romances, previously released under the pen name Tina St. John.

Lara’s Midnight Breed series is available in hardcover, mass market paperback and e-book through Random House, and in limited edition through Doubleday Book Club, Rhapsody Book Club, Book of The Month, and the Science Fiction Book Club. Unabridged audio editions are available through Tantor Media, Random House Audio, Amazon, iTunes, etc. Lara’s new releases regularly appear on all of the key bestseller lists including the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Indiebound, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, etc. There are more than 2 million copies of the Midnight Breed novels in print in the United States.

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Release Day Blitz + 5 Star Review: Bound To Submit by Laura Kaye – Blasphemy Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

About Bound to Submit:

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

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Excerpt

Griffin stood in front of her. “We’re practicing Sunday night’s demonstration position. I want to make sure you’re comfortable with it and that it’s not too taxing before we do it in front of an audience, especially since the demos always run a little longer.”

“Yes, Sir,” Kenna said, kneeling naked at his feet.

“I’m going to tie you up. Flog you until your skin is hot and pink. And make you come you until you’re mindless. Understand?” His voice was like gravel, and the bulge in the front of his jeans told her that he was as turned on as she was.

“Yes, Master Griffin. I’m ready.” She shivered.

“Then let’s begin. I want you to sit on your bottom, back straight, knees bent.”

Moving as quickly and gracefully as she could, Kenna got into position. He never revealed what the position would be or exactly how she would be bound, so there was always a thrill of discovery about his bondage that she loved. She took a deep breath as the twine fell against her skin. First, he wrapped a long length around her breasts, squeezing them and making them sensitive, and then he had her sit forward so that her upper body was against the fronts of her thighs.

Each brush of his fingers aroused her. Each wrap of the rope excited her. Each pressing knot pushed her into that place she loved to be.

Next, Master Griffin worked loop after loop around her lower back and the backs of her thighs, holding her in a folded position. His hands moved in what felt like intricate patterns against her spine as he connected those ropes to the ones around her breasts in what felt like some sort of erotic harness.

And then he came around the front of her. “How are you?”

“All Green, Sir.”

He nodded, and then he worked the twine in a stunning pattern down each arm before binding her arms flat against the fronts of her shins, folding her tighter over her legs. It was as he worked on her front that she noticed that he used black rope that matched her prosthetic—had he planned it that way? She wouldn’t put it past him, because the effect was absolutely beautiful against her skin. And part of the point of Shibari was the artist quality of the bondage.

She moaned at how good it felt and looked, and at the fact that Master Griffin was the one who made her feel this way—the only one who had ever made her feel this way.

“You look so fucking beautiful, Kenna,” he ground out as he secured her wrists to her ankles, and then her elbows to the soft spots behind her knees. “There.” He rose and walked around her, and just his observation made her breathe harder, faster. What did he see when he looked at her? Did he see the beauty of his work? Or did he see the damaged woman who’d come home from war?

Focus.

“Now it’s time for the suspension, little one. Once I start lifting you, just give in to the motion.”

“Yes, Sir,” she said, her voice breathy, her pussy already wet with her need.

She concentrated on her breathing and the music and the sounds Master Griffin was making. She couldn’t see what he was doing with the ropes behind her back and the pulley system he’d lowered from the ceiling, so she didn’t concern herself with it, she just gave herself over to what was about to happen, even though she didn’t know exactly what that was.

And then she rose into the air…

________________________________

Michel’s Review

Laura Kaye’s new series, Blasphemy, is more than BDSM romance. It’s a true emotional experience. Laura has created dynamic characters that touch the readers hearts. She delves into their psyche, as well as their emotional conditions and delivers an honest insight into their motivations for choosing a lifestyle in the Blasphemy series. This series is not about a BDSM sex , it’s about the members searching for completion within themselves. They are surrendering more than their bodies and controlling more than sexual needs. They are gaining control of their lives outside of their club roles.

Bound To Submit is a second chance romance for Master Griffin and Kenna Sloane. In their previous relationship mistakes were made that left them both with regrets. As they moved forward in their individual lives their personal experiences molded them into different people. Now they are in each others lives for very different reasons. For Kenna it’s gaining control in her life. Being a submissive isn’t completely about giving control to someone else with complete trust, it is a total exercise of complete control that allows the individual to completely let go and find release in the mind as well as the body. For Kenna it is therapeutic and healing.

Master Griffin had regrets when he let Kenna go. Now that Kenna is back in his life, he sees the differences in her entire being and is completely in tune with what she needs. What he realizes is that he needs her as much as she needs him.

Kenna and Griffin’s relationship is sizzling hot. I felt every moment this couple experienced together.

Although I am not a fan of BDSM romance, I felt Laura Kaye did a wonderful job writing Bound To Submit. She packed a powerful and emotional story in a BDSM club setting that showcased the characters rather than the scenes.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Blasphemy series.

_______________________________

“A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I’m eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!“

~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

“Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye’s Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can’t wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one.”

~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available in paperback and ebook

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Release Blitz: Searching For Disaster by Jennifer Probst

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

Today we are celebrating the release for Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst. This book is part of the Searching For series and you can buy your copy now! Don’t miss out on getting a chance to chat with Jennifer, and some fabulous guest authors, today through October 12th! You can join them HERE.

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Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst

Searching For series novella

Purchase Now

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BLURB:

The next highly anticipated novella in the Searching For series, a romantic spin-off of the Marriage to a Billionaire series from New York Times bestselling sensation Jennifer Probst.

When Isabella MacKenzie tries to move on from her disastrous past, Officer William Devine is determined to show her that love is the only way to heal. This sexy enovella, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s heartwarming Searching For series, follows the high-powered women of the popular matchmaking agency Kinnections, located in the small, picturesque town of Verily, NY.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jennifer Probst – Bio:
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.
She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at http://www.jenniferprobst.com.

AUTHOR LINKS:

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New Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken – The Bachelors of Arizona Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

Are you ready to Meet Brock Wellington?

*****

The Bachelor Auction

The Bachelors of Arizona Series- Book 1

By Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: October 4, 2016

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

Synopsis

Jane isn’t entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn’t she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes—or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire—maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn’t anyone’s dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk—even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it’s karmic retribution that he’s tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can’t have. But while they can’t have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

Excerpt

“Bentley!” Brock barked and shook his head.

“What?” Bentley shrugged then smoothly walked over to Jane and pulled out a box of black high-heeled pumps in a size eight and a half. “Your foot, milady?”

Brock rolled his eyes. “Give it a rest, Bentley. She can put on her own damn shoes.”

Bentley completely ignored him. “I love a woman’s foot.” He grabbed Jane’s broken shoe and tossed it to the side while his hands danced along the arch of her foot. His fingertips danced along her skin. Seduction by foot rub? That was new.

“It’s sexy, the arch.” He leaned over her, his lips parting just enough to give her the impression he was thinking about kissing her. “The curve of a woman’s foot reminds me of her body…see? Sexy.” He slid the shoe on a very terrified looking Jane and stood. “Perfect fit.”

Jane’s mouth opened then closed as a rosy flush crept over her face. “Th-thank you.”

“I bought you my favorite brand.”

Her eyebrows arched. How did he know about Manolo Blahnik? “Oh.” And then she nodded and said loudly, “Ohhhh! That makes sense!”

Bentley’s eyes narrowed. “Me buying women’s shoes?”

“You wearing them,” she explained. “That’s great. I mean, good for you. I’m sorry I’m so awkward at things like this, but it’s good you’re…you know…” She bobbed her head and sputtered. “Out and…comfortable with it.”

“Out?” Bentley repeated. “I’m confused.”

“Of the closet,” she said slowly then saw the scowl on Bentley’s face. “Or maybe you just like to dress like a woman?” She straightened her shoulders and tried again. “In either case, congratulations on your choice to wear women’s clothing!”

Brock about died laughing as Bentley’s horrified expression went from stunned to genuine confusion.

“You heard her.” Brock held his laughter in check. “Congratulations, brother. I’ll take care of the press release: Bachelor Playboy Bentley Wellington and his private women’s shoe collection.”

Bentley let out a strangled laugh. “Yes, and while we’re at it why don’t we remind the press that the clock is ticking on that auction of yours? Hmm?”

“Auction?” Jane asked.

“Don’t.” Brock shook his head. “You don’t want to know.”

“But she probably already does.” Bentley pointed out. “Unless she doesn’t read the news…?”

They both stared at her, waiting for an answer.

“I, uh…” She ducked her head, blushing again. “I read books.”

“How pure.” Bentley smiled and sat down next to her. “And just so we’re clear.” He leaned in as though he was going to kiss her. “My bat only swings one way…and I can assure you, every time I get thrown a pitch, I hit it out of the park.”

Michel’s Review

Looking for a fun loving, romp roaring fun fairy tale? Do you love Cinderella? Would you like to see Prince Charming a little bit flawed with a set of younger, crazy twin brothers that make his life more difficult. Rather than having the kingdom handed to him, he has to be auctioned off the highest bidding princess. Yet when he meets his Cinderella not only does she come with two evil sisters but also an evil Cock and a magical mule.

Brock Wellington has always been the yes man in his family. His grandfather has decided that it is time for him to marry and show the board members and investors that the Wellingtons are stable businessmen. His other two grandsons are not ready to take on the responsibility. Brock is ready but doesn’t want a woman changing his life. When he’s forced to become the hottest item on a charity bachelor auction, the press is having a field day. The only thing he can do is hide out at the family ranch.

Jane was hired to get the Wellington ranch in order for the upcoming marriage of the oldest grandson. This is a golden opportunity to make some good money and get away from her spoiled, demanding sisters. It’s like a working vacation until Brock Wellington shows up and interferes with her job. The only thing she can do is work around him. She doesn’t count on him being so charming yet beautifully flawed. Nor did she count on his brothers showing up and playing cupid. Dealing with three Wellington men can make a woman crazy. Their crazy pets are much easier to deal with.

Jane and Brock find love in a hopeless situation. She is a real life Cinderella, the poor girl without a chance. He is the determined Prince Charming. He is going to find Jane her own fairy godmother to help her win him fair and square.

Jane and Brock never realized that Brock’s grandfather was the author of their fairytale romance. He has his own fairy godmother doing her what she does best, meddling in the love lives of the next upcoming generations in the Titus & Wellington families. Grandma Nadine ( from The Bet series) is on the job and working her magic.

This isn’t a Disney movie… it’s Grandpa Wellington’s and Grandma Nadine’s script. Let the fun begin. Look out Wellington twins, the fairy godparents have already waved their wands and set the world into a spin.

Rachel Van Dyken has once again made me laugh and swoon at the same time. This book may not be overly angsty or dramatic, it is a purely delightful romance to lighten your day.

_______________________________________________________

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

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Going Down Fast (Billionaire Bad Boys Book 2) by Carly Phillips

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About Carly Phillips

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We are thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for MIDNIGHT UNTAMED by Lara Adrian, a novella in her Midnight Breed Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Grab your copy of this sexy novella today!

About MIDNIGHT UNTAMED:

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Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

About Bound to Submit:

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Buy:

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo| Barnes & Noble

Add to your Goodreads

“A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I’m eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!“

~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

“Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye’s Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can’t wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one.”

~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available in paperback and ebook

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————————–

Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst

Searching For series novella

Purchase Now

Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay

BLURB:

The next highly anticipated novella in the Searching For series, a romantic spin-off of the Marriage to a Billionaire series from New York Times bestselling sensation Jennifer Probst.

——–

Purchase Now

Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…