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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Declan by Caitlyn O’Leary – Shadow Alliance Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/26/2016 by shellbellereads

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You want to know about me? I believe in three things: loyalty to my friends, helping those in need and

the end justifies the means.

Declan (Shadow Alliance Book One) by Caitlyn O’Leary

NOW AVAILABLE!

*****

Declan

Shadow Alliance Series – Book 1

By Caitlyn O’ Leary

Release Date: October 26, 2016

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

Some serious shit went down when I was in the Army. I mean brutal. After my last tour, I created the Shadow Alliance. Me and my team know how to get things done, and will take on all those jobs that others won’t. My name is Declan McAllister and when it comes to keeping people safe, I’m your man. Mess with me and I will rain hell-fire on you like you’ve never experienced before.

Few things get my motor running like beauty and brains. Okay, a nice ass doesn’t hurt either. Getting a chance to work with FBI Agent Allison Davies, who is the whole package, normally would be great, except when she followed my butt down to the flood ravaged country of Paraguay to track down a traitor, and ends up putting her career on the line.

Now here we are attempting to keep things professional, but the more I watch Allison pour her heart and soul into this case, the more I want to see what that same passion would be like between the sheets.

5Star

Kelley’s review

Sexy and sweet start to a new steamy Seal series!

5 Action-packed stars!

Declan is a former navy seal who will go on the rescue missions that even the government will not touch. Declan goes in when all hope is lost and he leads his team deep into the trenches to save the lives of those who would have been left behind. I fell in love with Declan’s hard ass attitude right from the start especially when he first meets Allison and from the start gives her a nickname.

Allison needs Declan’s help. She sure as hell doesn’t want to reach out to him but does not have much of a choice. Declan has intel and access to more that she needs. She had heard he was sexy as sin but what she didn’t plan to find was this man who would lay his life down to help a mother and child who were among the wreckage.

I really enjoyed how this book was written in first person male P.O.V. You really got know what was going on inside of Declan’s head. Caitlyn did an excellent job getting in enough dialogue so the reader could get to know how Allison was feeling as well. This story kept me on my toes until the very end. If you like romantic suspense that is action packed in and outside of the bedroom you will love Declan. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Excerpt

She pressed her lips to mine. Soft and gentle. I reciprocated. Loving the feel. I wanted—needed—to give her comfort. But then she changed the pressure. Her movements became urgent.

“Baby,” I tried to caution her.

“Declan, I need you. I need this.”

I’d take her to bed and just hold her. She needed comfort. Then, as if she could read my mind…

“Declan, I’ve known you were special since I read your file. I’ve wanted you since I saw you searching for Anna. I’ve needed you since you convinced me I’m beautiful in your eyes.”

“Oh, Allie, you’re the one who’s the diamond. I see all of your facets, all of your depths, and you shine, baby. You shine.” Her eyes lit up at my words, and I was so happy I’d found the right ones. I eased her off my lap and stood up. The hungry look in her eyes almost brought me to my knees. Before she started to stand, I whisked her into my arms, and her eyes melted. Good, I wanted her to feel as special as she was.

I headed to the bedroom I’d recently vacated. As soon as I got her to the room, I let her slide down my body. Since I was just wearing my boxers, there was no doubt how I was feeling. But I needed to be sure this was truly what she wanted. After I turned on the bedside light I found her sitting on the bed. I knelt in front of her.

“Allie, are you sure?”

“Aren’t you?”

I looked at my dick and then back up at her. She laughed.

“I really want this too,” she whispered.

“Then you might be wearing a few too many clothes,” I whispered back. Leaning forward, I captured her mouth for a kiss. Her lips parted and I unbuttoned her blouse. Slowly, I drew the cotton sleeves down her shoulders, touching the silk of her skin as I went. She gasped as I traced the curves of her breasts above the cups of her bra. I broke away from her lips.

“God, look at you.” I unclasped the front enclosure and her breasts spilled into my hands. I thumbed her pink nipples and she moaned, and pressed hard into my hands. She liked it when I plucked and pinched the tips of her breasts.

“Declan, that feels so good.”

I dipped my head and sucked her nipple into my mouth and flicked it with my tongue, loving her whimpers and gasps. She grabbed my head and her nails bit into my scalp. I wrapped my arms around her, and laid her down on the bed. She was rubbing her jean clad legs together. I thrust one hand between them and she slammed her legs together, locking it in place. Like I wanted it anywhere else. I rubbed against the seam of her jeans, and licked at the tender flesh of her swollen breasts.

“So good.” She sighed.

She arched up, but it wasn’t enough. I pulled off her jeans and panties. She was truly beautiful.

“Now you.”

“Huh?”

“Your boxers,” she said.

“Not yet. First I want to play some more.” The woman had legs that wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t believe that she ever doubted her attractiveness. Whoever had been her past lovers had been absolute assholes.

She reached out to me, and I lowered myself into her arms, kissing those plump lips of hers, reveling in the jolt she once again gave me as our lips met. Having our bodies meet was bliss. Her breasts touching my chest was heaven. I dragged my chest hair against her nipples and she groaned.

“Again. Do that again.” I did. Slowly I inched downwards, kissing silken flesh along my way. Peaches. I smelled peaches, until finally I smelled peaches and musk. Divine. Parting her thighs, I found glistening pink magic. Allie tensed.

“Relax.”

“I am.” Sure she was.

I pressed her legs wider apart, but it was a bit of a struggle. “Honey, I just want to play.”

“I know.”

“You like this, don’t you?” I blew against her folds.

“I don’t know.” Yep, she had only been with assholes.

I parted her slick flesh and licked her. She shuddered, but didn’t make a sound. Peaches, spice, and Allie. So good. I looked up, and she was biting the base of her thumb. Oh that was a challenge. Her body betrayed her, it showed me exactly what kind of touches it liked, and when I added my fingers, she started to pant.

Up and down, around and around.

“Declan? Come inside me now.”

“Not until you scream.”

My fingers found what they’d been searching for, and she squeaked and tightened in a good way. Carefully, I sucked.

“Declan! It’s too good.” She was drenched in pleasure.

Almost there.

I stroked inwards, and bit her clit gently, flicking my tongue against her swollen flesh. She let out a shriek, and pulsed her release.

I moved up to the nightstand and ripped off my boxers. I tore open the condom and looked at Allie.

“Please, now!”

Slowly, I entered her tight depths. I thought I was going to lose my mind. It was pure bliss. Those long legs curled around me, and she pulled me in.

“More!” I gave her everything. She gasped, but then smiled. “Perfect.”

“Thank God.”

I began to move, and she met me. We danced and twined, moving ever upwards. I felt my orgasm begin at the base of my spine. I wasn’t going to last. That beautiful face, those eyes that shimmered. I dipped in for another kiss that shot sparks.

“Allie?” I was hanging on by a thread.

She thrust up against me, her heels digging into my ass. I felt her sheath begin to tighten and I thought my head would explode.

This woman, this beautiful woman let out a joyful sound that was my name, over and over again.

“Yes, God yes, Allie.”

I shot ever upwards until I found heaven.

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Author Bio

Caitlyn O’Leary is an avid reader, and considers herself a fan first and an author second. She reads a wide variety of genres, but finds herself going back to happily-ever-afters. Getting a chance to write, after years in corporate America is a dream come true. She hopes that her stories provide the kind of entertainment and escape that she has found from some of her favorite authors.

Her Series Include:

THE FOUND:

It’s a bit Paranormal, a bit Sci-Fi and 100% Action/Adventure. The characters have special abilities, that make them targets.

MIDNIGHT DELTA

This is focused on a group of Navy Seals. What makes them special is their bond to one another, and the women they come to love.

FATE HARBOR

This is the series that started her career, it is a Menage Series that takes place in Fate Harbor Washington. It focuses on a tight knit community who live and love and care for one another.

She loves to hear from her readers. caitlyn@caitlynoleary.com

Keep Up With Caitlyn O’Leary

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/nuhvey2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaitlynOLearyNA

Pinterest: http://tinyurl.com/q36uohc

Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/nqy66h7

Website: www.caitlynoleary.com

Email: Caitlyn@caitlynoleary.com

******

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declan

Cover Reveal: In This Life by Christine Brae

Posted on 10/26/2016 by shellbellereads

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In This Life

By Christine Brae

Release Date: November 15, 2016

Synopsis

Secrets ruin lives, and lies protect those secrets…
Wanting to escape her life in New York City before starting medical school in the fall, Anna Dillon convinces her best friend Dante to travel with her to Thailand on a medical mission. While volunteering in a coastal village recently ravaged by a tsunami, Anna meets Jude Grayson. They share an instant attraction that leads to a brief, passionate affair. When she has to rush home for a family emergency, he promises to stay in touch.
But Jude never calls, and Anna tries desperately to forget him.
Five years pass, and Anna finally moves on with Dante after giving up hope that Jude will ever return—until they come face to face again in a chance encounter. Reeling, Anna discovers the life-altering secret of why Jude never contacted her—and why they can’t be together. But the passion that ignited between them on an exotic beach years ago never died, making it impossible to stay away from each other.
And Dante? Anna discovers that the friend she grew to love—and trust—has a secret of his own.

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cb_about-the-author
Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. That’s what happened with her first book, The Light in the Wound, published in July, 2013. Her second book, His Wounded Light was released in December, 2013.
Christine’s third book, Insipid, is a standalone that was released in June, 2014. Christine’s fourth book, In This Life was released in January, 2016 and has been optioned for film and TV rights by Adrian Bellani.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago.

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Excerpt Reveal: Blow by Heidi McLaughlin – Virtuous Paradox Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/26/2016 by shellbellereads

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Blow

A Virtuous Paradox Novel

Release Date : November 8, 2016

Synopsis…Coming Soon!

Pre Order:

Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / BAM / Google Play

________________________________

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Excerpt

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” Her tone is playful and gives me hope. And I need hope. Not to score with her, but to get through my days.

“You should join me in the shower.” I waggle my eyebrows at her and rub my hand over my abs, pushing up my shirt a little so she can see what’s underneath.

Kim shakes her head, but her smile tells me that she likes the idea. She covers her mouth to stifle a laugh, and I chuckle.

_____________________________________

heidi-mclaughlin-bio Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, two Parakeets, Gonzo & Hedwig, and their newest addition of a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, Jill.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Release Boost: Written In The Scars by Adriana Locke

Posted on 10/26/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: Written in the Scars

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 20, 2016

Blurb

Falling in love is easy.Falling out of love is the hardest thing in the world.

And Elin and Ty Whitt are terrible at it.

The first time the local basketball star smiled at Elin, she was a goner. It was just so damn easy to fall for the dark-haired hometown hero with his charming smile and strong, athletic build.

Thousands of sleepy smiles, aimless drives down country roads, and squeaks of the backdoor after a swing shift later, reality hits. And it hits hard. Falling in love was definitely the easy part. Watching it break apart was impossible.

Through the tears, the second-guesses, the memories of a life built together, the world keeps spinning. With each turn comes clarity and hope—sometimes in the form of a pair of muddy boots by the back door or from the words of a wise friend.

When Ty shows back up with a new found determination to put his family back together, Elin’s torn between the fights of the past and the possibility of a new start. This is the man that holds her heart, the man she loves beyond anything else. But this is also the one person in the world that can cause her the most pain.

Life’s not always easy. Love’s not for the faint of heart. But with life comes lessons and Ty and Elin have the scars to prove it. But it’s their love written in those scars that will hold them together … or break them apart.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Don’t miss these release week events!!!

Join some of your favorite authors LIVE on Adriana’s Facebook Page to celebrate this release! On Friday, October 21st, authors will hop on and chat with you. Don’t miss it!

FACEBOOK PAGE

Lots of fun things and giveaways will be happening in Adriana’s Facebook Group. Make sure you join the festivities!

FACEBOOK GROUP

Check out Adriana’s website for a Week of Giveaways, starting Monday, October 24th. You don’t want to miss this!

WEBSITE

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK

Available in Kindle Unlimited

PRAISE FOR WRITTEN IN THE SCARS

“Locke has created magic!” – NYT Bestselling author SL Scott“A book you must read—just keep the Kleenex close.” – NYT Bestselling author Melanie Moreland

“Written in the Scars is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I give it all the stars.” – author Rachel Brookes

“This book … one of the most emotionally powerful and beautifully written books I’ve ever read.” – BB Belle, Goodreads review

“A top read of 2016 … Impeccable and stellar!” – Dawn, Divas Book Lounge

“The words will seep into your soul.” – Books and Boys Book Blog

“What a beautiful book that left me in tears.” – Minxes Love Books

“There are no words to express how much this book affected me.” – Kristin, Book Lovers Obsession

Excerpt

I pull her into me, trying to put her, me, our life back together with my embrace. Her arms find my waist, and I hold her in the middle of the driveway, swaying back and forth in a moment I’ll never, ever forget. The feeling of my world careening back into focus, into the places it should be, nearly drops me to my knees with my girl in my arms.“I should go in,” she says, looking up at me.

“It’s cold in there.”

She shrugs and I see her start to slip away from me again. Frantic, I struggle to find a way to stop it.

“Let’s go for a drive,” I suggest.

She looks at me warily.

“It’s just a drive,” I promise. “The house can warm up and then I’ll drop you back off, if that’s what you want. What can it hurt?”

“You won’t try to make out with me or anything, right?” she teases. “Because I know that look in your eye, Tyler Whitt.”

“Only if you ask,” I wink, opening the door to my truck and watching her climb in. Before I shut it, I lean in and whisper into her ear. “Hey, E.”

“Yeah?”

“Please ask.”

______________________

Tracey’s Review

What do you do when the person that is your other half isn’t the same any more? When the life that you’ve built together has crumbled, and your happily ever after doesn’t look so likely? Do you do everything you can to keep the dream alive, or give up?

I’m a sucker for a second-chance love story, and WRITTEN IN THE SCARS by author Adriana Locke delivers in every possible way. This is a story about love, loss, and renewal, and Adriana has done a wonderful job of writing it in a way that will resonate with readers.

Elin Whitt thought that she’d have forever with her husband, Ty. Together since they were young, Elin and Ty were building the life that they’d always dreamed of, until an accident derailed them and changed everything. Just when the dust has settled, and Elin is doing what she can to adjust to her new normal of life without Ty, he’s back, and determined to win back the love that he walked away from.

I think that one of the reasons that this book resonates so deeply with me is that Adriana has written from the heart, put so much of herself and her life into it. The comfort and safety of a long-time relationship, the betrayal when things go wrong, and the joy of finding love again make WRITTEN IN THE SCARS a book that I could not put down. Love, passion, anger, bitterness, the emotions of life, are all grittily present in this book. It’s not always an easy read, because, second-chance love or not, there is angst aplenty, but the constancy of friendship and love make it so worth the journey with Ty and Elin and their crew.

Adriana continues to surprise and delight me with the stories that she writes, and this is easily one of my favorites of hers. It is completely different from her other books, but no less powerful, and redemptive. WRITTEN IN THE SCARS is an easy 4.5-star read for me, and one that I heartily recommend be added to your list of BOOKS TO READ NOW.

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

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Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

Author Links

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER

GOODREADS / INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST / NEWSLETTER / AMAZON
FACEBOOK GROUP / GOODREADS GROUP

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Release Blitz + Review: Beneath The Shadows by Meghan March

Posted on 10/25/2016 by shellbellereads

From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes another dangerously sexy alpha hero…

The only permanent thing in my life is the ink I put on my clients.

I drift form city to city, in and out of beds, from one tattoo shop to the next.

Every time I start to put down roots, I rip them up.

Until New Orleans.

Until her.

She’s everything I’m not.

Full of fire and life. An innocent where I’m a sinner.

I want to consume her. Protect her. Keep her.

But first, I have to escape from beneath these shadows.

Beneath These Shadows is a STANDALONE romance set in the world of the Beneath series. You DO NOT have to read any other books in the series to enjoy it.

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK / AMAZON CA / AMAZON AU / iBOOKS / KOBO / B&N

“You ever broken the law before this, Eden?”

I expected a quick and unequivocal no, but it didn’t come as fast as I thought it would.

“I don’t think so. I mean, I’m sure I have by accident sometime. I’ve jaywalked. But I’m not some kind of criminal.”

Well, that makes one of us, I thought.

My anger from earlier started to fade and be replaced by the heat of the knowledge that Eden’s naked tits were only inches from my chest, separated by water I could see right through. Last time I’d seen them under her pink bra, she’d been too fucked up for me to take advantage . . . but tonight she was completely sober.

I raised my gaze from her chest, expecting her cheeks to be red when she realized I was staring at her nipples, but she wasn’t watching my face. She was staring down at my body.

“Like what you see?”

That got her attention.

Eden jerked her head up to meet my eyes, and the blush colored her skin like I’d timed it.

“You’re . . . big.”

A booming laugh broke free from my throat at her unexpected response, and her cheeks flamed even brighter.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I mean . . . everywhere. Not just, in the . . .” She looked down, then jerked her gaze back to mine. “I’m going to shut up now.”

That kind of awkward and fumbling response couldn’t be faked, and protectiveness rose in me again. Eden was no con artist. She was a girl who couldn’t even say the word cock without turning red.

“Ain’t no shame in my game.”

She reached out a hand and covered my lips with her fingers. “Stop. You’re just making it worse. I wasn’t checking out your . . . package. I mean, I did before you got in the pool, but that’s only because I thought you’d have underwear on because who doesn’t wear underwear?” The babbling continued, and so did my laughter.

Hell, I hadn’t laughed this much since Delilah had given in to a customer’s request and tattooed a flexing veined eggplant cartoon on a client so he could send pictures of it instead of dick pics.

Eden pulled her hand back and covered her face. “I’m going to stop talking now. I seriously can’t be trusted to say anything that’s not completely humiliating when you’re standing this close to me naked.”

“I disagree, and since I’m not ready to get out and put my clothes on, you’re going to have to deal with it.”

She mumbled something under her breath.

“Come again?”

Eden pressed her lips together for a beat before saying, “I don’t know how to deal with it. This isn’t something I’ve ever dealt with before.”

A crazy thought popped into my brain. “Are you a virgin?”

If there was a red brighter than fire engine, that was the color of Eden’s cheeks. “No! Of course not. Really. I’ve touched a dick before. I mean, just the one, but it still counts. Well, I didn’t really touch it. Except, you know, inside me. Oh my God, I’m just going to shut up now.”

Realization dawned on me as her babbled protest silenced. “You’ve had sex with one guy? Once? How old are you?”

Eden turned to bolt, but instead smashed her tits into my arm. I stepped close enough so that only an inch of water separated us.

Her gaze went skyward. “This is so humiliating.”

That’s where she and I had differing opinions. “Why? Because you haven’t fucked every guy you’ve ever met? What’s wrong with that?”

Eden’s gaze snapped down to mine and her brows drew into slashes. “Hey, whoa now. You can toss that double-standard crap right in the trash. What if I had screwed every guy I ever met? Would that make me less of a person? I mean, it’s not like you probably haven’t been with dozens and dozens of women. I’m not judging you. Except for maybe that Kitty girl. I mean, really? You’ve got to have some standards.”

My laughter boomed out again across the courtyard. “Cupcake, just because I can get most any pussy I want, doesn’t mean I do it.”

“Still, double standards are—”

When she started on another tirade, I decided to silence her the best way I knew how.

I leaned down and covered her lips with mine.

_____________________________

Tracey’s Review

All right, here’s the disclaimer: I’ve never ever previously read a book by author Meghan March. But, let me be the first to tell you, once I recover from the heat, intensity, and edge-of-my seat feelings that were sparked by BENEATH THESE SHADOWS, I will. Oh, yes, I will.

This is the 6th book in the Beneath series by Meghan, and, even though I’m new to the series, I had no trouble keeping up at all. I’m trying to imagine knowing so many beautiful, powerful, interesting people, because, man, the folks in this book just have it. Alpha men, beautiful, feisty, independent women, and New Orleans. I didn’t need much more to grab me and keep me reading from the first to the very last page.

Bishop. Oh, my goodness, this man. He comes off as the strong silent loner, but there’s much more there. When he gives his heart, he goes all in, whether it is his family, his friends, or Eden.

“You don’t have a…choice anymore, Eden. You’re mine. I don’t have much, but what’s mine I keep. I protect. I don’t ever let it go.”

And, flames. That’s me going up in flames. That’s Bishop all over, and, while I’ve met some yummy alpha men before, he’s right up there at the top of the ‘Keeper’ list.

Eden may be young and inexperienced, but she’s not to be written off as an ingenue. Having grown up as the illegitimate daughter of a crime lord, she knows the game, but, given the chance, chooses to live life on her own terms. It may take him a hot minute to figure it out, but Bishop has totally met his match in her.

BENEATH THESE SHADOWS is a sexy, intriguing, emotional read, and is definitely worth a spot on your “I need to read this really soon” list. It’s made a fan of me, and I will most certainly be going back to read the earlier books. 4.5 stars; you don’t want to miss it, I guarantee.

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

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About Meghan March:

Meghan March has been known to wear came face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered books, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

FACEBOOK / WEBSITE / INSTAGRAM / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE / TWITTER / PINTEREST

Sneak Peek: Bedwrecker by Kim Karr

Posted on 10/25/2016 by shellbellereads

Bedwrecker by Kim Karr

Release Date: November 3, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Shanoff Formats

Cover Model: Robson Costa

Synopsis:

Every girl has had a broken heart.

Every girl knows love hurts.

Every girl has a story.

This is mine…

My name is Maggie May and I met him under a haze of purple lights. As cliché as it sounds he was tall, dark, and handsome as hell, and I had fireworks in my eyes…literally.

It was New Year’s Eve and beneath the magic of all that glitters and shines, I fell for him and his wicked ways. The way he moved, the way he touched me, the way he brought me to orgasm over and over.

You should know that I don’t believe in love. Fairytales and happily-ever-afters are never anything I’ve dreamed of…until him.

Something changed the moment our eyes met. It wasn’t insta-lust or insta-love, it was simply him and me, and the dance floor at our feet.

The problem is our story ended three days after it started.

But now he’s back.

And he says he’s sorry.

Can I believe him?

Do I want to believe him?

He calls me his bedwrecker…but what if he wrecks me?

Add to Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/z2pzrp8

Pre-Order Links:

★ Sign up for Amazon Alert: http://amzn.to/2e8tV8D

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★ Kobo: http://bit.ly/2dOjMuj

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BEDWRECKER is a super sexy second chance, office romance! #standalone #novel #romance#bedwrecker

SNEAK PEEK:
Talk about two different worlds—Manhattan and West Hollywood couldn’t be more different. And strangely enough, I’m finding myself being drawn into this world.
City boy.
California girl.
Cocky versus sassy.
Nah, it could never work.
Jamming the Porsche into park, I want to slap my own face—man up, dude, and stop overthinking everything. You’re not a chick.
I check my phone for the time.
Dates are like meetings—you should never be too late or too early. Late screams disinterested and early bleeds of overeagerness. Six fifty-four. Perfect. A minute to get to the door and then five minutes early. Just like when I’d slide into the boardroom on Wall Street.
The text I sent her an hour ago remains unanswered.
Hmmm…I think I need to remind her that proper phone etiquette dictates acknowledging the receipt of a message.
And I know just how to do that.

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About the Author:

Reader * Writer * Coffeelover * Romantic

Kim is a daydreamer. So much so that if daydreaming could be a hobby it would be her favorite. It’s how her stories are born and how they take root. An imagination that runs wild is something to be thankful for, and she is very thankful. 🙂

She grew up in New York and now lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and with the rest of her time embraces one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read.

She likes to believe in soul mates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

Connect with the Author:

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Incredible You by Lili Valente

Posted on 10/25/2016 by shellbellereads

Incredible You
Author: Lili Valente
Release Date:October 25th 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

From the USA Today Bestselling author of Magnificent Bastard comes a sexy, flirty, dirty standalone…on ice.

They say Jake “The Dragon” Falcone earned his nickname by setting fire to the ice his first season in the NHL. But just between us ladies, I’m pretty sure he earned it for the dragon in his pants.

Lord have f*cking mercy, but the man’s been given a gift. (And I’ve heard he knows exactly how to use it.) From my first hug as his fake girlfriend, it’s clear he’s packing below the belt. After a few fake dates I realize he’s packing…everywhere.

Heart, brains, sex-vibe, and the ability to make me laugh so hard I almost pee my pants—Jake is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.

He’s also my client and OFF LIMITS. Oh, and he has an ex who’s completely crazy and out for my blood.

I should steer clear, and I would, if my dragon weren’t so completely incredible…

***

The name sounded like a joke. Who in his right mind wants a “Miraculous Mess” running damage control on his f*cked up love life?

Well…me, it turns out.

By the time I leave her apartment on day one, I’m halfway gone on Shane “Miraculous Mess” Willoughby. By the end of our first date, I know my life won’t be complete until I’ve had this beautiful, sexy, perfectly wild woman in every filthy way I’ve imagined since our first kiss.

I want her, all of her, from the smart mouth that makes me smile to the wounded heart I know I can heal. If she’ll let me.

Can a Madison Avenue princess and a dragon from the wrong side of the tracks live happily ever after?

If I have my way, the world is about to find out.

Warning: Incredible You is a sexy, standalone romantic comedy told from BOTH the hero and the heroine’s point of view. No cliffhanger. Lots of hot steamy sexy times, laugh out loud textual healing, and an aw-out-loud happily ever after.

EXCERPT:

“You’re not a klutz,” I say, guiding her closer. “I love the way you move.”

“Yeah?” She bites her lip, bringing to mind that list of bitable body parts I hope to be getting from her later.

“Yeah,” I say, my gaze fixed on her sexy mouth. “I could watch you walk across a room all day long. Just the way your hips shift beneath your clothes drives me crazy.”

“Real life crazy,” she says softly.

“Real life crazy,” I confirm. “So crazy that on the way up in that elevator, it was all I could do not to flip the emergency switch.”

Her lashes sweep down and back up, heat flickering in her eyes. “And what would you have done after you flipped the switch, dragon?”

“I would have kissed you, princess.” I don’t bother to hide the hunger in my voice. “I would have pushed you up against the wall and kissed every part of you not covered by that sexy as fuck dress. And then I would have gone after the covered parts, just to see how far you would let me go before you told me to stop.”

“And what if I didn’t tell you to stop?” Her tongue sweeps across her lips and my cock jerks hard in my pants, losing the battle against what this woman does to me.

“Then I guess our first time would have been in an elevator.” I pull her closer, jaw clenching as her stomach presses against where I’m hard enough to slay dragons with my cock.

“Good God,” she mutters, her breath rushing out with this sexy little moan that destroys the last of my self-restraint.

“I would have had you up against the wall,” I say, speaking low so my words are for her and no one else. “But first, I would have made you come, princess. On my fingers, my mouth, my tongue. I’ve been dreaming about fucking you with my tongue since I left your apartment that first afternoon.”

“Me, too,” she whispers, arching closer. “But you have to stop.”

“No, I wouldn’t have stopped,” I promise, deliberately misunderstanding her, because I need to make that blush staining her cheeks spread across her entire body. “I wouldn’t have stopped until you were completely fucking useless, Willoughby. Until you’d come so hard your knees were weak and I had to carry you out of the elevator.”

“Jake, I—”

“But I wouldn’t have carried you into the party,” I push on. “I would have hit the ground floor button, carried your fine ass straight into a cab, and told the driver to break every traffic law required to get us to my place in five minutes. Because I wouldn’t have been able to wait more than five minutes to have you, to be inside of you.”

She trembles against me as her forehead falls to rest against my shoulder. “This is so wrong. So wrong.”

“No, it’s not,” I insist. “It’s the rightest thing I’ve felt in so damned long. And as long as you want me, too, I don’t—”

“Oh, I do.” Her words send a fierce wave of relief rushing through me. “I want you, Jake. I want you so much I can barely think of anything else.”

“And I want you. I want to be inside you so fucking bad, princess,” I whisper, my balls aching miserably between my legs. “I want to feel you come on me. I want you naked and wet and—”

“Screw the pictures.” Her breath rushes out as she grabs a fistful of my shirt and pulls me to a stop at the edge of the dance floor, her eyes hungry and wild. “I need to be alone with you, Falcone. Right fucking now.”

And that’s all I fucking need to hear.

Without another word, I wrap my arm around her waist and aim us both toward the cocktail lounge.

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32452739-incredible-you

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iBooks: http://apple.co/29NFFYT

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

_______________________

Tracey’s Review

It’s a jungle out there, and not even the biggest and the baddest among us are immune to the danger.
That’s why I took this job for Magnificent Bastard Consulting–get revenge on your ex or your money back. Jake “the Dragon” Falcone may be a professional hockey player with a body built for tossing boulders up mountains, and legs thick enough to snap defensive guards in two with one flex of his manly thighs, but sometimes even a dragon needs a princess to help him get out of trouble.

Sometimes being a member of the fairer sex comes in handy. When Shane Willoughby is pressed into service as a temporary employee of MBC, it’s because, underneath the girly girl facade, she’s New York tough, more than able to hold her own, and has the skills to get the job done. Shane shouldn’t notice that Jake sets her senses alight like no one has in, well, forever, because that just wouldn’t be professional. But like the Magnificent Bastard and the Spectacular Rascal that have gone before her, Shane’s about to find out that business can sometimes be a real pleasure.

I have been waiting for this book since Shane showed up and stole the show in SPECTACULAR RASCAL. She is savvy, sassy, and totally someone that I would want to hang out with. There are layers to Shane that are revealed over time, showing her to be much more than she appears on the surface. And Jake, he’s more than a pretty face and a beast on the ice. Refusing to be a product of his past, he’s determined to bring the best of who he is and shine that light into the world.

The chemistry between Shane and Jake is, as to be expected, off the charts. It’s fast, it’s hot, and I loved every minute of it. I don’t even care that sparks flew as quickly as they did, because, dang, just, phew!

I have to say that Lili Valente has found her calling with these romantic comedies. The story lines, the characters, and, oh, my gosh, the TEXTING, they are wonderful. As an aside, I will say that the texts that are such a big part of all three of the stories in this series are some of the best parts of the books. They capture perfectly the spirits of the characters and how they interact with each other, and had me laughing out loud every single time.

INCREDIBLE YOU is a great addition to Lili’s catalog of work, and one that I enjoyed absolutely. Shane and Jake, their kids, their friends, I can’t think of a more enjoyable group of characters to spend time with. 5 classy, sassy, sexy stars for another fun read. These books are guaranteed to entertain and delight, so grab them and read them. You can thank me later.

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

________________________

Meet the Author:
Lili Valente has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Connect with Lili:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLiliValente
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13418410.Lili_Valente
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bIVDHS
Website: www.lilivalente.com

Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Keepsake by Sarina Bowen – The True North Series – Book 3

Posted on 10/25/2016 by shellbellereads

Keepsake

True North Series- Book 3

Release Date: October 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Synopsis

There’s a first time for everything.

Lark Wainright used to be fearless. Her life was a series of adventures, each one more exhilarating than the last. But her recent overseas adventure was one too many. Now she’s home and in one piece. Mostly. But her nights are filled with terror.

When her best friend offers her a stay at the orchard in exchange for help at the farmers’ markets, Lark jumps at the chance to spend fall in Vermont. But her nightmares don’t stop. Desperate to keep her fragile state a secret, she relies on the most soft-spoken resident of the Shipley Farm to soothe her when her dreams prove too much.

Zachariah is a survivor, too. It’s been four years since he was tossed aside by the polygamist cult where he grew up. He’s found a peaceful existence on the Shipley’s farm, picking apples and fixing machinery. But getting thrown away by your own people at nineteen leaves a mark on a guy. He doesn’t always know what to make of a world where movie quotes are the primary means of communication. Before hitchhiking to Vermont, he’d never watched TV or spoken on the phone.

Actually, there are a lot of things he’s never done.

Zach and Lark slowly grow to trust one another. One night they become even closer than they’d planned. But Lark may still be too broken to trust anyone. When she pushes Zach away, he will have to prove to himself that he’s good for much more than farm labor.

________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Throughout the True North series by Sarina Bowen, Zach has been a mystery. The brief glimpses readers have encountered in the previous books has given the impression that he is a hard working, reliable young man that takes everything in stride. We were also given little clues to his past. He was ousted from an occult and turned up on the doorstep of the Shipley’s neighbors, who also had been members of this occult. He was badly beaten, half starving, and desperate. Coming from a sheltered environment left him clueless on how everyday life works in the outside world. He had never seen movies or television, he had only read the bible, and he was a virgin. Living with the Shipley’s for the past three years has gently introduced him to modern day society. He’s become an avid Star Wars fan, an insatiable reader, and a part of the Shipley family. His upbringing has left it’s mark on him, he is still extremely private and doesn’t express emotions easily. On the other hand it has taught him to value friendship, love, and family.

I couldn’t wait to read this book. I knew it was going to take a very special woman to peel back the layers that encompass Zach’s soul.

Lark Wainwright has known the Shipley’s for years through her college friendship with May. After a horrific and terrifying experience abroad while working, she needs time to heal before she can immerse herself back into the world. The Shipley Apple Farm is the perfect place to begin the healing process. It’s harvest season and they can use the extra help. Their family dynamics and easy acceptance is just what Lark needs. She is secretly suffering with severe PTSD. The only person that has discovered her secret is Zach. His quiet understanding and steadfast presence gives Lark the support and courage she needs to face each day. What begins as a friendship turns into a deep abiding love. The problem is that Lark needs more that Zach’s strength. Zach also has his own demons he keeps locked away and helping Lark is bringing them to the surface.

Both Lark and Zach have their own personal journeys to travel before they can have a healthy relationship. They both have the strength to accept that.

The past will resurface in Zach’s life. His insecurities will begin to make him question his life. His true fear will weigh heavily on his soul.

Lark has more than PTSD to deal with. She has to deal with her ex boyfriend, meddling parents, and the beginnings of a troublesome relationship that could ruin her friendship with May.

Once again Sarina Bowen delivered a powerful story. Her gift of creating dynamic characters with life issues outside of the norm makes their stories come to life. She added extra spice to the story by creating a little love triangle, a troubled friendship, and more than two lost souls trying to find their way in the world. She gave the story depth and value by bringing life on the Shipley Apple Farm as the center of their world. The emotional love story was the bonus.

I highly recommend the True North series. Keepsake by Sarina Bowen is a solid 5+ star book.

______________________________________

Bittersweet

The True North Series – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

BITTERSWEET (TRUE NORTH #1)
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the orchard.

The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.

At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.

Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.

They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

*****

Steadfast

True North Series – Book 2

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis

Jude lost everything one spring day when he crashed his car into an apple tree on the side of the road. A man is dead, and there’s no way he can ever right that wrong. He’d steer clear of Colebury, Vermont forever if he could. But an ex-con in recovery for his drug addiction can’t find a job just anywhere.

Sophie Haines is stunned by his reappearance. After a three year absence, the man who killed her brother and broke her heart is suddenly everywhere she turns. It’s hard not to stare at how much he’s changed. The bad boy who used to love her didn’t have big biceps and sun-kissed hair. And he’d never volunteer in the church kitchen.

No one wants to see Sophie and Jude back together, least of all Sophie’s police chief father. But it’s a small town. And forbidden love is a law unto itself.

*****

Keepsake

True North Series- Book 3

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Synopsis

There’s a first time for everything.

Actually, there are a lot of things he’s never done.

_____________________________________________

&nbsp Author Bio:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Sign up for Sarina’s Mailing List

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads ~Amazon Author Page

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: One Step Closer by Kahlen Aymes

Posted on 10/25/2016 by shellbellereads

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The only had each other…

Until one forbidden night ruined everything.

******

One Step Closer

By Kahlen Aymes

Release Date: October 25, 2016

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis

STEPSISTER. He hated that f*cking word.

When their parents got married, the only thing Caleb Luxan had in common with Wren Brashill was that they both hated their parents. When he was sixteen, Caleb discovered Wren’s closely guarded secret and vowed to protect her: from that day forward she became the reason for every decision he made.

Jealousy and long-suppressed desire overpowered Caleb’s fierce protectiveness and they spent one forbidden and unforgettable night in each other arms, but the aftermath left Caleb panicked, Wren heartbroken, and their relationship in shambles. In the time since that fateful night, he’d only seen her once and had only managed to make the situation even worse.

The sudden death of his estranged father calls Caleb home and face-to-face with Wren for first time in years. He is presented with a choice that forces him to confront the painful memories of his youth and his many regrets with Wren.

Like it or not, his father’s last, hard lesson, will demand Caleb deal with his long denied emotions for Wren, or let go of her forever.

_________________________________

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Excerpt

Caleb’s muscled frame was rigid and as Wren looked at him, she studied his profile, and could feel his coiled tension. The fingers in his right hand curled into a fist. “I was so mad. So many times, I wished he’d been the one to die.” His voice was full of pain, as the words tore from him. “I fucking hated him with every breath I took. You saw how much.”

Wren nodded, though he didn’t see her acquiescence. She knew what he went through growing up when they had formed an affable alliance against their parents. She hated her mother at least as much as Caleb hated his father and she understood his anger and pain; then the apathy that became a welcome alternative. They’d been unlikely allies against a common enemy.

“Maybe I deserved his indifference.”

Wren got up and went to Caleb, standing behind him as he stood still as stone, and staring out the window. Her heart ached with love and grief for Caleb. She wanted to touch him; to offer reassurance, to take away the ache in his voice and heart. Without considering her actions, her arms slipped around his waist and she pressed up against his strong back and leaned her head against him, between his shoulder blades.

Caleb was massive in comparison to her, and she was like a flower curling around him. Her hands fanned out against his hard stomach, her fingers finding the definition of his abs beneath his shirt. “Stop, Cale. I won’t let you do this to yourself. Your dad wouldn’t want that. None of it was your fault.” Her arms slid fully around him and held him tight against her body. “I can’t bear it. You’ve had enough pain. Enough.”

Caleb sucked in a deep breath, the action bringing her even closer. He could feel every curve of her body pressed so closely against his back. He could feel her breathing, could feel how she shared his pain. His hand came up and he ran the flat of his hand from her elbow down to her hand, and then wrapped his fingers around hers.

“When did you turn into the strong one?”

Wren’s arms tightened around him. “When I met you. ”

“Oh, Wren.” Should he just spill his guts? Would it fix everything? “I’ve got so much to say to you. How long can you stay?”

She nodded against him, unwilling to end the contact between their bodies; needing the closeness as much as he did.

He wanted to apologize for how he acted the last time he’d seen her, he wanted to say a hundred things… he needed her forgiveness.

“How long do you need me?”

In that moment a miracle happened; a sort of beautiful irony that taunted Caleb with it’s fragileness. It was as if he’d never screwed everything up between them. But would it stay this way?

How long do I need you? Caleb thought. His heart raced to the point of exploding, and he wondered if Wren could feel it.

Forever.

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_________________________

kahlen-aymes-bio I’m a single mother of one daughter, Olivia. She’s amazing in every way.

I was born in the Midwestern United States and educated at a private university where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

I’ve always been creative with art, music, theater and writing. I decided to write a story as a way to build a network for a business venture. The reader support of my stories and my overwhelming desire to find out where my characters would take me, soon had the writing morphing the business. No one was more shocked than I. When readers began nominating my work for online awards, it took my breath away and only made me love it more. It soon became clear that writing was, and should be, my focus.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Bound by K. A. Linde – The Ascension Series – Book 2

Posted on 10/25/2016 by shellbellereads

Cyrene Strohm is a Queen’s Affiliate, a high-ranking official of the court of Byern, with power and privilege to spare. But she’s also a keeper of dangerous secrets: like the fact that she holds the heart of the King, and that she possesses magic in a world where magic no longer exists.

Determined to discover what this means and how to use her newfound abilities, Cyrene sets off for the distant land of Eleysia. An island nation where Affiliates are strictly forbidden from entering.

But the journey is perilous, and the destination may mean utter ruin, as Cyrene comes to learn that everything she’s been told her whole life – about her court, her homeland, and even herself—are bound in a beautiful lie.

✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ Kobo ✦ Goodreads

Staggering down the hallway, she didn’t even look up when she heard her name.

“Hmm?” she asked.

“Cyrene, there you are!”

Someone grabbed her shoulders, and she tipped her head to look up into the most beautiful face. She smiled and felt a renewed burst of energy flow through her.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Hey,” he said, threading his fingers through hers. A shiver ran up her back. He glanced around the empty hallway and then tugged her away from the main corridors. She turned a corner, and he pressed her back into a darkened alcove. His mouth was only inches from hers.

Her exhaustion was wearing off from the excitement of being with him.

“I was really worried about you,” he breathed.

“You don’t have to worry about me,” she said, trapped in his gaze. She teetered on her tiptoes and nearly brushed their lips together. Her heart was racing ahead of her. This felt almost better than reaching for her magic. Definitely better than moving one drop of water at a time all day.

“You’re wrong.” Then, he softly dropped his mouth down on hers. His lips were tender and slow as they caressed hers. “I will always worry for your safety.”

Cyrene’s cheeks heated, and she sighed, leaning back against the hard stone of the alcove. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

His hands pushed up through her hair and tilted her head back up to look at him. She closed her eyes and sighed. She was so tired, and just the feel of his fingers was lulling her to sleep.

“That feels good.”

His mouth found hers, and despite her exhaustion, she pushed back against his lips with more force. She refused to let the fact that she was tired get in the way of her time with him.

“Whoa,” he said, pulling back from her. He rested his forehead against hers, and she could tell he was breathing heavily. “As much as I want this, and I do, I want to make sure you’re okay. This didn’t scare you away?”

She shook her head. “This, most certainly, does not scare me.” Then, she kissed him again for good measure.

He laughed. “Good. Because I’ve been wanting to kiss you since I first met you.”

“You have not!” she insisted.

“Are you kidding? A gorgeous, feisty woman who wasn’t afraid to put me in my place the first time she met me? I mostly certainly have.”

__________________________

Robin’s Review

When readers consider the works of USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde, I’m certain her new adult and contemporary romance novels come to mind. Linde is the successful author of the Take Me duet and the Avoiding, Record, and All That Glitters series. But during the fall of 2015, Linde branched out into young adult fantasy with the release of The Affiliate, the first novel of her Ascension series. And you know what? I was really impressed – so impressed that it’s been difficult to contain my excitement for the release of The Bound, the second novel of the series!

Cyrene Strohm is an Affiliate, the highest ranking position a woman can attain in the court of Byern, but she also has secrets. She holds the heart of King Edric, and she also possesses magic. Magic has been strictly forbidden, even nonexistent, in Byern for nearly two thousand years. Having intense feelings for Edric, while also fighting something so innate is a difficult predicament for Cyrene to be in – especially when she has little to no control over her newly discovered abilities. Advised to travel to the island nation of Eleysia, Cyrene sets off with her friends on a search for Matilde and Vera, two women who can teach her how to control her magical abilities.

The prologue of The Bound is ONE OF THE BEST that I have ever read! Linde chose a very bold way to begin this novel, revealing something which is key to the overall plot of the series. After reading The Affiliate, the prologue was eye-opening to say the least! In the first few chapters of The Bound, Linde nicely recaps what we have already learned about Cyrene, while also refreshing our memories of events which occurred in The Affiliate. This will be helpful for those who are considering a reread of The Affiliate prior to reading The Bound.

In The Bound, Linde introduces us to several new characters who I think will be important to the overall series. At the end of The Affiliate, Cyrene convinces Orden, her friend Affiliate Maelia Dallmer, and High Order Ahlvie Gunn to flee Byern with her. It doesn’t take long before we meet Avoca and Ceis’f in the Hidden Forest, and as you will find, Avoca is especially important in The Bound. Then, we are introduced to Dean Ellison in the woods of Aurum. Dean is positively dreamy, and he’s definitely a character I’ll be watching for in future novels!

At different places in the novel, I’m pretty sure Linde is foreshadowing. Linde plants seeds in the minds of readers by showing us possible future outcomes. She did this with the Ring of Gardens Ceremony in The Affiliate, and she does it again in The Bound. I also began to notice that history seems to be repeating itself, two thousand years later. With Cyrene’s dreams and/or visions, we are able to see parallels between current characters and those who lived in the past. Between foreshadowing and history repeating itself, I’m extremely intrigued to see where Linde is taking Cyrene’s story.

Linde’s world building is imaginative, and her descriptive writing calls forth the senses. She uses colorful, evocative descriptions in The Bound. As an example, she gives us vivid illustrations of cities and random details about customs, clothing and traditions. The Ascension series also appears to have a complex plot, with The Bound being a piece of a large puzzle. Linde must have put a great deal of time and effort into plotting this series because it feels like we are only now beginning to crack the surface.

Overall, The Bound is a great fantastical adventure, and I enjoyed it even more than The Affiliate! The Bound is one of my 2016 favorites, and I’m giving it 5 stars!

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The Affiliate: Book 1

“With rich romance and twisty political intrigue, THE AFFILIATE is a breakneck fantasy ride that’s perfect for fans of THE SELECTION or THRONE OF GLASS.” –Susan Dennard, NYT bestselling author of TRUTHWITCH

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm’s lifelong plans come to fruition when she’s chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland–an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks.

When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene’s position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have…

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series. Great for fans of Game of Thrones, Tudors, and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo

K.A. Linde grew up as a military brat and created fantastical stories based off of her love for Disney movies, fairy tales, and Star Wars. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, loves reading young adult novels, and dancing. Additionally, K.A. has written more than a dozen adult novels and is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Lubbock, TX with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

K.A. Linde loves to hear from her readers!

You can contact her at kalinde45@gmail.com or visit her online at one of the following sites:

www.kalinde.com

www.facebook.com/authorkalinde

@authorkalinde

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Declan by Caitlyn O’Leary – Shadow Alliance Series – Book 1

Cover Reveal: In This Life by Christine Brae

Excerpt Reveal: Blow by Heidi McLaughlin – Virtuous Paradox Series – Book 1

Release Boost: Written In The Scars by Adriana Locke

Release Blitz + Review: Beneath The Shadows by Meghan March

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Incredible You by Lili Valente

Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Keepsake by Sarina Bowen – The True North Series – Book 3

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: One Step Closer by Kahlen Aymes

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Bound by K. A. Linde – The Ascension Series – Book 2

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✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ Kobo ✦ Goodreads

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