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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Score by Elle Kennedy – The Off Campus Series – Book 3

Posted on 01/11/2016 by shellbellereads

The Off-Campus series is back…. Featuring

Dean Di-Laurentis … he knows how to score on and off the ice!

Buy ….

Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

*********

The Score

Off-Campus Series – Book 3

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

He knows how to score, on and off the ice

Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn’t have the first clue about what she’s going to do after college. To make matters worse, she’s nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di-Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once, though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won’t include the king of one-night stands.

It’ll take more than flashy moves to win her over

Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grades, girls, recognition, girls…he’s a ladies man, all right, and he’s yet to meet a woman who’s immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world—and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It’s not over until he says it’s over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it’s time to stop focusing on scoring…and shoot for love.

Michel’s Review

Off-Campus fans have been waiting for Elle Kennedy to release Dean DiLaurentis book. The Score is released and it is a scorcher! This sizzling hot book will make your temperature rise, melt your panties, and warm your heart. Dean DiLaurentis is going to score big with the readers.

The Score by Elle Kennedy came as quite a surprise. In the previous books readers were left with the impression that Dean DiLaurentis was a spoiled, rich, sex obsessed man that cared more for himself than those around him. He was in college and on the hockey team for the fun, the parties, and the women. He had no aspirations to becoming a professional hockey player even though he was talented enough to do so. He was content to follow in his family’s footsteps and become the next DiLaurentis lawyer. He was taking each day as it came and enjoying his college life. What readers didn’t know is how complex Dean DiLaurentis really was in the most simplistic manner. The things that were most important in life, such as friendships and family, he valued highly. He always treated others very well and considered their feelings, their personal issues, and gave them the respect they deserved. He was very intelligent and earned his grades honestly. He never used his family’s stature and wealth as a way to make his life easier. He was content following in his family’s footsteps because he understood and respected their careers. He wasn’t against relationships or commitment, he just hadn’t found a girl that made him want that in his life. He had some trouble in the past with a former girlfriend that made him a bit more cautious about getting involved but didn’t let that define him. He learned from his mistakes and was always honest with all the girls he hooked up with. They knew it was for a good time and not a repeat performance. Overall, Dean was a well rounded person with a great attitude towards life.

It is his senior year and he is going to make the most of it. When he’s asked to keep an eye on Hannah’s friend Allie after she broke up with long term boyfriend for the weekend, he’s a bit miffed. It put a damper on his sexcapades for the weekend. When she shows up at his house, he begins to see Allie in a whole new light. He’s been warned off but that never held him back. When he makes his play and scores, it’s a game changer. Allie has rocked his world but now he’s the one doing the chasing. Allie has taken on his mantra, have a good time in bed and move on. Dean is determined to score again.

Allie has always been in a relationship. Once she finally lets go of her long term boyfriend, she’s fearful that she will take him back because she’s never been alone. When Dean DiLaurentis enlists himself as her relationship advisor/guardian, she’s in for a whole new game. Who knew being single could be that much fun? Who knew the sex could be that hot? Who knew Dean DiLaurentis was more than sex on a stick? She has scored with Dean DiLaurentis but will she come out a winner?

While Allie and Dean are discovering love their worlds are changing. With graduation around the corner, it’s time to make decisions about the future. Allie is pursuing her acting career but has some heavy choices within which direction to go. Dean’s past comes back to haunt him and it is affecting his position on the hockey team. He is also discovering that maybe he’s not so content with following in his family’s path. He is destined for something else. When tragedy strikes his world he will have to face some heavy choices including being the man Allie needs in her life.

Elle Kennedy did a fantastic job with this book. Both Allie and Dean were dynamic, strong characters that kept my attention. From their individuality to their sizzling hot relationship, both characters shined. The romance was heart melting. Their relationship was delightful, fun, and ultra sexy.

The Score is another winner in the Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy. I can’t wait for the next book! There were some teasers and it looks like Tucker is next up to play.

_____________________________________

The Off-Campus Series

The Deal

Off-Campus Series – Book 1

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy…

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

…and it’s going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

***New Adult/Contemporary Romance. First of a series, but each book will be a standalone***

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

****

The Mistake

Off-Campus Series – Book 2

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_____________________

About Elle Kennedy

A USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: TAP by Georgia Cates – Lovibond Series – Book 1

Posted on 01/11/2016 by shellbellereads

A faceless name. That’s all she was when I agreed to play a part in deceiving her. But then the unplanned happened.

We met. And all I wanted from her was a dirty weekend . . . until that wasn’t enough and I longed for so much more.

Lawrence Thorn suddenly means the world to me. And that’s a problem. She’s my business partner’s sister. Forbidden fruit. Pursuing her can mean trouble for me at Lovibond Brewery. But I don’t care.

I yearn for her skin against mine.

I crave her smell on my body.

I want to make her laugh and then hear her moan my name.

And she does for a brief moment in time.

But Lawrence wants more than I’m able to give. And it’s a damn shame because there’s no one on earth I want more than her.

An epic love.

A miserable ending.

Unless it’s not.

Amazon / Amazon UK

Lucas Broussard

“I told you I didn’t need a man to feel complete. I meant that.” I’m going to make her come

so hard she’s going to know what she’s been missing.

I stroke the back of my hand down her cheek. Soft. Smooth. Delicate. “You’re beautiful,

Wren.”

Most of the women I’ve been with are too skinny, and they hide behind masks of cosmetics.

But not Wren. She’s an all-natural woman.

She’s very different from Bridgette, yet alike in many ways.

Both make me laugh.

Both put me at ease.

Both are so genuine.

I rub her hip and there’s actually something there to grab instead of skin-covered bone.

Skinny isn’t attractive to me. I like curves and shape. Wren is everything I like in a woman.

She strokes my face again, running the tips of her fingers through my facial hair. “I love this,

Brou. It’s my idea of manly beauty.” I’m used to being called Boudreaux. But I can get used to

Brou if it’s coming from her.

“Manly beauty.” This is the second time she’s made a reference about me being manly.

Makes me wonder if she’s ever been with a man she considers masculine. Well, I’m going to

show her how much of a man I am. And not just once.

I lower myself until I’m hovering over her. I press my lips to the side of her neck as I grasp

the back of her thigh and bend it at the knee. That’s it, baby. Wrap it around me.

I glide my hand up the back of her smooth leg until it’s inside her shorts. And panties. Same

song from last night. Second verse. But it’s palm against bare ass this time.

I wonder what she’d do if my fingers left the safety of her ass cheek and moved to that

sensitive place between her legs. Let’s find out.

It’s been a long time for Wren. I don’t want to rush this so I move slowly, gliding my hand up

to her waist before moving it lower. She jolts when I touch her groin. “Sorry. I’m terribly ticklish

there.” Duly noted. I’ll use that to my advantage later.

I move my hand away from the bend of her leg closer to her center. “What about that?

Better?”

“Yes.” The single word comes out in a soft whisper. Time to take her breath away, as

promised.

She pants as the tips of my fingers stroke her through the wet crotch of her panties. I’ve

barely touched her and she’s drenched. Physical proof of her arousal and desire for me. Fucking

beautiful.

I push her panties aside and drag my finger up her wet center. She jolts when I graze her clit.

Given it’s been a long time, she’ll be more sensitive than ever. That’s going to make this even

hotter.

I take my hand out of her panties and suck her slick moisture from my fingers. “Mmm . . .

you are delicious. I can’t wait to taste you fully.”

She reaches up a

nd rubs my bottom lip. “You have a dirty mouth.”

“I have a greedy mouth. Lucky you.”

Michel’s Review

Georgia Cates has another hit to add to her outstanding lists of publications. I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by TAP, the first book in the Lovibond Series. It was a realistic, mature, and emotional romance that had dynamic characters and an interesting plot.

The Lovibond Series is based around the three owners of the highly successful Lovibond Brewery. Three completely different men partner in a brewery business and make it a huge success in the micro brewery industry. Each man has his own talents he brings to the table. Together they make a dynamic trio even though their personal lives are on different pages.

TAP features the sexy Cajun numbers man of the company, Lucas Broussard. Lucas has an unusual history that has left him jaded. He no longer believes in marriage and has no desire to start a family. He’s happy to have casual hookups and is completely honest with his intentions. But when he meets his partner’s sister, Lawrence Thorn, he begins to look at love, romance, and relationships differently. Although he may be ready to fall in love, he still harbors the same feelings towards marriage and children. Can Lawrence be the one that changes TAP or will he let go of the only woman that touched his heart?

Georgia Cates did a wonderful job creating a touching romance that was not overloaded with angst that drove the story. She gave her characters very viable and challenging issues that many modern day couples face in their relationships. She allowed her characters to fumble, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes to make wise choices that would lead to life long happiness.

I cannot wait for the next two books in the Lovibond Series. Georgia Cates has created the perfect recipe for the Lovibond Brewery crew. Romance at it’s finest.

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Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

FACEBOOK NEWSLETTER TWITTER WEBSITE GOODREADS

Excerpt Reveal + ARC Giveaway: Baller by Vi Keeland

Posted on 01/11/2016 by shellbellereads

A Contemporary Romance novel

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

Vi Keeland

****

RELEASING JANUARY 18TH!

Pre Order: B & N / ITunes / Kobo

****

Blurb

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room.

It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.

The famed quarterback decided to bare all.

And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets.

No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.

The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.

When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me.

But I don’t date players.

And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football.

I’d date an athlete.

It’s the other kind of player I don’t date.

You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid.

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.

But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for.

Turned out, I was that girl.

Simple right?

Let’s face it. It never is.

There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after…

And this one is ours.

Baller Teaser 1

Excerpt

“You ready?” Nick slung his bag over his shoulder and lifted his camera. The reporter in front of us wrapped up his interview and shook hands with Easton.

As I’ll ever be. “Sure.”

I stepped forward and extended my hand. “I’m Delilah Maddox with WMBC Sports News.”

A slow grin spread across Easton’s face. He surprised me by leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I wasn’t sure if he was baiting me into an argument—expecting me to lash out at him for kissing me when he’d just shaken the last male reporter’s hand—or if he was trying to use his blatant sexuality to throw me off. Either way, I wasn’t playing his game. I cleared my throat and stood straighter, even though my knees felt a little wobbly.

“Do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

“Why else would you be in here?”

I ignored his sarcasm. He was still smiling at me. Actually, it was more like a smirk, and it made me feel like a toy he was about to play with. “You ready, Nick?” My cameraman finished setting up the lighting, then lifted the camera into position and gave me a hand signal.

“Congratulations on the win today, Brody. How is your knee feeling after your first game back?” I lifted my microphone high, knowing Nick was filming in close.

“I feel . . . ” He nonchalantly reached to the towel wrapped around his waist and tugged at the corner. The towel fell to the ground. “Great. I feel great. And how about you? It’s your first trip into the locker room, isn’t it? Do you like what you see so far?” His lips curled up into a full-blown wicked smile.

Before I could catch myself, my eyes dropped to his naked lower half. Shit. He was dangling in the wind. I totally got distracted by just how low the thing dangled. It was probably a full minute before I responded to his question. A full minute of dead air time. Great. “Yes. Umm . . . the locker room is . . . ummm . . . nice.”

I sounded like a total ditz. On air.

The jackass continued interviewing me. “Is it as big as you thought it would be?”

“Ummm . . . it’s much bigger than I imagined.”

His smile grew even wider.

Ugh.

I needed to get back on track or my first locker room interview would become a laughingstock blooper. Viewers had no idea he was naked from the waist down. “Do you think you were at one hundred percent today?”

His eyebrows jumped. “If you’re referring to today’s game, definitely. I had one hundred percent out there on the field. There’re some other areas where I have a lot of growth potential, but my knee felt one hundred percent today.”

His pale green eyes darkened, and I watched his long lashes lower. I followed his line of sight, and suddenly I was staring at his naked package. Again. Damn it. My eyes darted back up, but I felt my cheeks heating. I had to end this, or I was going to be beet red on air.

“Well, welcome back. And congratulations on today’s win.”

I waited until Nick lowered his camera and turned off the light. Then I looked right at Brody Easton’s smug face. “You’re an asshole, you know that?”

His eyes sparkled. “I do.”

I heard the chuckles and high fives at my back as I stormed out of the locker room.

baller teaser 1

ARC GIVEAWAY

At the end of the chapter, there is a link for readers to enter a giveaway for two ARCs. The giveaway will run from 1/11 through 1/14, and winners must have a kindle address to receive the ARC. The link to enter the giveaway is https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/a3t0c1

About the Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

Life On Stage Series

Throb – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Beat –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

MMA Fighter Series

Worth The Fight – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth The Chance – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth Forgiving –Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Cole Series

Belong To You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Made For You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Stand Alone Novels

First Thing I See– Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Left Behind – Amazon / Barnes and Noble

baller

Cover Reveal: Breaking The Limits by Brooke Cumberland

Posted on 01/11/2016 by shellbellereads

BTL_ECover2

Synopsis

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
That seems to be my lifelong theme.
With a string of heartaches behind me, I’m no longer falling for their one-liners.

When the opportunity arises to study abroad in London for a semester, I can’t pack my bags fast enough.

Bringing a new outlook with me,
I leave my broken heart and memories of the past behind and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
One chance meeting leads to the hottest night of my life.
All I know is his name and that’s enough for me.
After all, isn’t that what one-night stands are all about?

But everything changes that first day of class.
The guy that I left without so much as a goodbye the morning after the most mind-blowing sex of my life is standing in front of me—introducing himself as Professor Cox.

Now I must sit in his class and pretend like nothing happened.
But that’s harder than it sounds.
What feels so right can only go wrong if I try breaking the limits of my already-broken heart.

BTL teaser 12-19

BTL teaser 12-17

The Series

PTLBTL collage

PUSHING THE LIMITS

AMAZON

About the Author

Brooke

Brooke Cumberland is a USA Today Bestselling author who’s a stay-at-home mom and writes full-time. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, 4 year old wild child, and two teenage stepsons. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading love stories, listening to music that inspires her, and laughing with her family. Brooke is addicted to Starbucks coffee, leggings, and anything sweet. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

BTL_FullCover_New

Hosted By:

Release Blitz: TAP by Georgia Cates – Lovibond Series – Book 1

Posted on 01/10/2016 by shellbellereads

A faceless name. That’s all she was when I agreed to play a part in deceiving her. But then the unplanned happened.

We met. And all I wanted from her was a dirty weekend . . . until that wasn’t enough and I longed for so much more.

I yearn for her skin against mine.

I crave her smell on my body.

I want to make her laugh and then hear her moan my name.

And she does for a brief moment in time.

But Lawrence wants more than I’m able to give. And it’s a damn shame because there’s no one on earth I want more than her.

An epic love.

A miserable ending.

Unless it’s not.

Amazon / Amazon UK

Lucas Broussard

“I told you I didn’t need a man to feel complete. I meant that.” I’m going to make her come

so hard she’s going to know what she’s been missing.

I stroke the back of my hand down her cheek. Soft. Smooth. Delicate. “You’re beautiful,

Wren.”

Most of the women I’ve been with are too skinny, and they hide behind masks of cosmetics.

But not Wren. She’s an all-natural woman.

She’s very different from Bridgette, yet alike in many ways.

Both make me laugh.

Both put me at ease.

Both are so genuine.

I rub her hip and there’s actually something there to grab instead of skin-covered bone.

Skinny isn’t attractive to me. I like curves and shape. Wren is everything I like in a woman.

She strokes my face again, running the tips of her fingers through my facial hair. “I love this,

Brou. It’s my idea of manly beauty.” I’m used to being called Boudreaux. But I can get used to

Brou if it’s coming from her.

“Manly beauty.” This is the second time she’s made a reference about me being manly.

Makes me wonder if she’s ever been with a man she considers masculine. Well, I’m going to

show her how much of a man I am. And not just once.

I lower myself until I’m hovering over her. I press my lips to the side of her neck as I grasp

the back of her thigh and bend it at the knee. That’s it, baby. Wrap it around me.

I glide my hand up the back of her smooth leg until it’s inside her shorts. And panties. Same

song from last night. Second verse. But it’s palm against bare ass this time.

I wonder what she’d do if my fingers left the safety of her ass cheek and moved to that

sensitive place between her legs. Let’s find out.

It’s been a long time for Wren. I don’t want to rush this so I move slowly, gliding my hand up

to her waist before moving it lower. She jolts when I touch her groin. “Sorry. I’m terribly ticklish

there.” Duly noted. I’ll use that to my advantage later.

I move my hand away from the bend of her leg closer to her center. “What about that?

Better?”

“Yes.” The single word comes out in a soft whisper. Time to take her breath away, as

promised.

She pants as the tips of my fingers stroke her through the wet crotch of her panties. I’ve

barely touched her and she’s drenched. Physical proof of her arousal and desire for me. Fucking

beautiful.

I push her panties aside and drag my finger up her wet center. She jolts when I graze her clit.

Given it’s been a long time, she’ll be more sensitive than ever. That’s going to make this even

hotter.

I take my hand out of her panties and suck her slick moisture from my fingers. “Mmm . . .

you are delicious. I can’t wait to taste you fully.”

She reaches up a

nd rubs my bottom lip. “You have a dirty mouth.”

“I have a greedy mouth. Lucky you.”

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https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

FACEBOOK NEWSLETTER TWITTER WEBSITE GOODREADS

5 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

Posted on 01/08/2016 by shellbellereads

F*ck Love

by Tarryn Fisher

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis:

Helena Conway has fallen in love.

Unwillingly.

Unwittingly.

But not unprovoked. Kit Isley is everything she’s not—unstructured, untethered, and not even a little bit careful.

It could all be so beautiful…if he wasn’t dating her best friend. Helena must defy her heart, do the right thing, and think of others.

Until she doesn’t.

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25828204-f-ck-love

Chapter One

#wtf

“You are supposed to be with me.”

What words are these? They startle me, and at first I think I’ve heard him wrong. He’s leaning across the table while our significant others are twenty feet away, waiting in line for our food.

“You and me,” he says. “Not us and them.”

I blink at him before I realize he’s making a joke. I laugh and go back to looking at my magazine. Actually, it’s not really a magazine. It’s a math journal, because I’m super cool like that.

“Helena…” I don’t look up right away. I’m afraid to. If I look up and see that he’s not joking, everything will change.

“Helena.” He reaches out and touches my hand. I jump, pull back. My chair makes a horrid scraping sound, and Neil looks over. I pretend that I dropped something and reach under the table. Under the table are our shoes and legs. There is a blue crayon lying at my feet; I pick it up and resurface.

Neil is at the front of the line ordering our food, and my best friend’s boyfriend is waiting for my response, his eyes heavy with burden.

“Are you drunk?” I hiss. “What the fuck?”

“No,” he says. Though he doesn’t look so sure. For the first time, I notice the scruff on his face. The skin around his eyes is sallow. He’s going through something, maybe? Life is being bullshit.

“If this is a joke, you’re making me really uncomfortable,” I tell him. “Della is right there. What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I only have ten minutes, Helena.” His eyes move to the blue crayon, which is resting between our hands.

“Ten minutes for what? You’re sweating,” I say. “Did you take something, are you on the crack?” What type of drugs make you sweat like that? Crack? Heroine?

I want Neil and Della to come back. I want everything to go back to normal. I spin around to see where they are.

“Helena…”

“Stop saying my name like that.” My voice shakes. I make to stand up, but he grabs the crayon, then my hand.

“I don’t have much time. Let me show you.”

He’s sitting very still, but his eyes remind me of a cornered animal: frightened, panicked, bright. I’ve never seen that look on his face, but since Della’s only been dating him for a few months, it’s a moot point. I don’t really know this guy. He could be a druggie for all I know. He turns my hand over so it’s palm up, and I let him. I don’t know why, but I do.

He places the crayon in my palm and closes my fist around it.

“You have to say it out loud,” he says. “Show me, Kit.”

“Say it, Helena. Please. I’m afraid of what will happen if you don’t.”

Because he looks so afraid, I say it.

“Show me, Kit.” And then, “Should I know what this is?”

“No one should,” he says. And then everything goes black.

Robin’s Review

Life comes to a complete standstill each and every time that I read a Tarryn Fisher novel. I hibernate – find a quiet corner of the house – to devour her words. Fisher is a pure genius at marketing her brand. She doesn’t announce a release date for her novels. Instead, she enjoys building fervor and excitement to the point of torment, sending her fans into a frenzy. Just when you think you can’t stand the torment any longer, she publishes the book. But the really cool thing about Tarryn Fisher is that she backs up all of the hype with her writing. Her lyrical, thought-provoking writing touches the minds and hearts of so many.

It’s been awhile since Tarryn Fisher published a new adult/contemporary romance, so to say that I’ve been excited for F*ck Love is putting it mildly. F*ck Love is narrated from the point of view of Helena Conway, and the plot is based on a dream. Helena dreams about a future with Kit Isley – a dream so vivid and realistic that when she pinches herself, she doesn’t wake up. It’s a dream full of beautiful possibilities, and when Helena awakens, the dream stays with her. It haunts her. It’s quite a dilemma for Helena because Kit is dating her best friend Della, and she has been dating Neil.

Helena is my favorite Tarryn Fisher heroine to date. She is awkward, honest, and real. Helena makes no apologies for who she is, and she’s an extremely witty character. Because Helena loves Harry Potter, there’s an abundance of Harry Potterisms throughout the novel. There are passages in F*ck Love that had me roaring with laughter! Because of her dream, Helena is so very awkward around Kit, but he is still charming and sweet. The conversations that take place between Kit and Helena are equally hopeful and full of angst, cementing my attention to the pages of the novel. I should also mention that I think the secondary characters in F*ck Love, especially Greer and June, are some of the best Fisher has ever written.

F*ck Love is a consummate slow-building romance, full of angst and humor. I just love a great slow-building romance. Instead of what I consider insta-love, the feelings between Helena and Kit develop at a nice, gradual pace. Tarryn Fisher is an artist. Her personality shines within the pages of this novel. Her writing is open and honest, with much of her own personal story mixed into this fiction novel. It’s chock full of symbolism, irony and themes. From the undeniable focus on a myriad of colors mentioned throughout the story to references of written material or the inclusion of characters from previous novels, I was positively giddy while I was reading F*ck Love! F*ck Love is right there with Thief in the running for my favorite Tarryn Fisher novel. I’m giving it a 5-star rating and including it on my list of 2016 favorites!

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Tarryn Fisher’s Bio

Tarryn Fisher is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of seven novels. Her newest novel, F*ck Love, will release in early 2016 and she is currently working on the third installment of Never Never. She is the co-founder of Clothed Caption, a fashion blog she runs with her friend, Madison Seidler. Tarryn resides in the Seattle area with her family. She loves rainy days, Coke, and thinks Instagram is the new Facebook. Tarryn is represented by Amy Tannenbaum of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of six novels. Her newest novel, Marrow, just released in April 2015 and she is currently working on the second installment of Never Never. She is the co-founder of Clothed Caption, a fashion blog she runs with her friend, Madison Seidler. Tarryn resides in the Seattle area with her family. She loves rainy days, Coke, and thinks Instagram is the new Facebook. Tarryn is represented by Amy Tannenbaum of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

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Excerpt Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans – The Real Series – Book 6

Posted on 01/08/2016 by shellbellereads

legend excerpt reveal

legend katy

legend pre-order now

Legend

The Real Series – Book 6

By Katy Evans

Release Date: February 9, 2016

Pre Order:

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

Synopsis

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

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

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

* LEGEND is the 6th and final installment of the REAL series, but it can also be read as standalone or after the three Remington and Brooke books (Real/Mine/Remy.)

legend teaser

Excerpt

Maverick

‘Not in a million years, kid.’

‘No.’

‘NOT INTERESTED.’

‘Get the fuck out of my face!’

Four cities in two days, and more doors slammed in my face than I can count. I sling my backpack over my shoulder and scratch another name from my list.

Hopping on to a bus and hopping off thirty minutes later, I scan the mix of both commercial and apartment numbers down the block, then knock on my last door.

“Coach Hennesy?”

He’s a tall man, his hair like pepper, clad in sweats, with a yellow timer hanging from his neck. He gives me a questioning look.

“I’m your next champion.”

He laughs, but then he must see something on my face. In my stance. Thirst, resoluteness, guts. Maybe I’m wearing my balls in my eyes. He falls sober and swings the door wide-open. “Come on in.”

He doesn’t ask for my name.

I guess with one look, he knows he’ll find my name in the dictionary, right next to “determined.”

He leads me to his garage. “Where’d you train before?” he asks.

“Self-taught. I watch videos.”

He scoffs, then shrugs. “Okay, let’s see what you’ve got.”

I eye the equipment across the room. The heavy bag hangs from the ceiling, the leather worn from other fighters before me. There’s a boxing dummy at the corner. Speed bag. Weights. A whole private gym set up here. I drop both my bags, then zip open my backpack and start to put on the gloves without bothering to remove my hoodie.

“Take that off; I need to know what you’ve got. Need to see your form,” Hennesy says.

I clench my jaw. Slowly unzip my hoodie. Take it off and glance past my shoulder, shifting to keep my back from the coach’s view. The guy is clearing the fighting area. Good. We can get down to business. He walks to me when I face him.

“Give it over.” I hand him my hoodie and he tosses it aside, then crosses his arms and looks at me. “Speedball first.”

I inhale, position myself before the speedball, and hit. Wham.

I keep on hitting, lightning fast, my fists making the bag fly.

I would have warmed up first, but I’ve been doing this for days, and I won’t stop until I’ve got myself a coach—and not even then.

I’ve got momentum now, and I pick up speed, my arms moving back and forth, working the speed bag until it’s moving so fast you can’t even see it.

I’m starting to sweat; it’s stuffy in here, but I can’t stop. I need him to take me on. I need one yes to get me in the ring. Just one yes and I’ll do the rest.

“Time.” Hennesy stops me. He signals to the boxing dummy and the heavy bag. “Let’s see you pound the bag.”

I swing out and slam my knuckles on the bag, putting everything into my fists. Thack, thump, thud.

Hennesy’s composure starts to crumble with excitement. “Holy shit, boy!”

I’m getting in to it. I’m in the zone—where it’s just me, the leather brown bag, my fists, and nothing else but slamming the spot I’m looking at.

“I’ve seen enough.” He stops the bag from swinging. His eyes glassy. “Fill this out.”

I pull off my right glove and grab a pen as he slaps a paper onto a desk at the corner. I bend down to fill out my name and contact information and realize, too late, that I exposed the tattoo on my back.

“You’re his boy.”

I freeze midsignature.

A second ticks by. Then two.

I slowly set the pen down and take one last look at the paper. I might not get to fill it out after all. I turn.

His face has paled.

I wait it out for a few beats. Maybe he’s different. Maybe he can deal with it.

He tosses my jacket at me. “Get out. Nobody wants to see you fight.”

I frown fiercely as I catch my jacket in my fist and edge forward, equally mad now. “That’s too damn bad. ’Cause I’m fighting anyway.”

I keep my eyes on him as I pull off my left glove, shove my arms into my hoodie, and zip up.

I walk out and the door slams behind me. I clench my jaw, and I shove my gloves into my bag and spot the old, black gloves inside too. I push them down into the bottom of the duffel bag and zip it up.

The season starts in a week and a half. No coach? No fight. I can’t even get into a gym.

But I won’t let anyone or anything keep me from the ring.

I pick up a penny from the ground.

And I spot a girl in workout clothes across the street, tying her shoelaces. She’s a step away from the gym door. I straighten, pull my hoodie over my head, and cross the street, following after her like I belong.

__________________________________________

Author Bio:

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

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

legend katy

Cover Reveal: One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters

Posted on 01/08/2016 by shellbellereads

He found me in blood and tears.

I stayed with him through darkness and fire.

We loved each other in the moment between innocence and bitter truth.

We were the kids easily ignored, who grew into adults we hardly knew.

We weren’t meant to last forever. And we didn’t.

He ran away.

I tried to move on.

Yet I never stopped thinking about the boy who had fought to keep me alive in a world that would have swallowed me whole. He was the past that I buried, but never forgot.

Until the day I found him again, years after believing I had lost him forever.

And in cold, resentful eyes, I saw the heart of the man who had been everything when I had nothing at all. So I vowed to hold onto the second chance that was stolen from the children we had been.

Sometimes fate is ugly. Life can be twisted.

And who we are can be ruined by who we once were.

For two people who had survived so much, we would have to learn how to hold on before we were forced to let go.

ADD TO GOODREADS

AMAZON **** AMAZON UK

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal romance including The Find You in the Dark and Bad Rep series as well as the upcoming stand alone romance, Reclaiming the Sand, and a dark new adult series for Gallery Books.

A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

When not writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of her very imaginative and extremely girly daughter), she is eating chocolate, watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty novel or two.

A. Meredith is represented by Michelle Johnson with the Inklings Literary Agency.

FACEBOOK TWITTER GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Cover Reveal: Reaper’s Fire by Joanna Wylde – Reapers Motorcycle Club- Book 6

Posted on 01/07/2016 by shellbellereads

reaper's fire

Are you ready for Gage and Tinker’s story?

*******

Reaper’s Fire

Reapers Motorcycle Club – Book 6

By Joanna Wylde

Release Date : June 28th, 2016

*****

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

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde returns to the “wild and raw”* world of the Reapers MC with the story of Gage and Tinker…

The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

Soon.

___________________________________________________

About Joanna Wylde

Joanna is a freelance writer living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She started writing fiction in 2002, then took a long hiatus to explore other writing opportunities. She returned to fiction in January 2013 with ‘Reaper’s Property’, the first book in the Reapers Motorcycle Club series, and has recently released ‘Reapers Legacy’, the second of the series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

reaper's fire

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Fighting Dirty by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 5

Posted on 01/07/2016 by shellbellereads

Fighting Dirty

Worth The Fight Series – Book 5

By Sidney Halston

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

If you love the MMA romances of Vi Kreeland and Kendall Ryan, Sidney Halston’s Worth the Fight series will knock your socks off! In Fighting Dirty, a geek-chic cage fighter proves that appearances can be deceiving . . . and oh-so-tempting.

With his preppy clothes and horn-rimmed glasses, Enzo Silva is the last dude anyone expects to find in a mixed martial arts gym. A wealthy Brazilian banker who never had to fight for anything, Enzo’s stuck in the amateur circuit—but he burns to make the pros. Maybe that explains the heat he feels whenever he’s around Jamie Lynn Calhoun. The pint-size, magenta-haired bartender with the Texas drawl is everything he’s not . . . and everything he craves.

Tough as nails and independent to a fault, Jamie Lynn—JL to her friends—works hard to pay her bills and keep life simple. Enzo is doing his best to complicate that. Even though she likes to bust his balls, he’s got some kind of a nerdy-hot vibe that makes JL wonder if she might finally be able to let her guard down. It might do the boy some good to spend some time in her world, where blood, sweat, and victory are as sweet as the first taste of real love.

______________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Sidney Halston has added another knock out to the Worth The Fight Series. Sexy Brazilian businessman, Enzo Silva, is gearing up for the fight of his life. This time the fight is taking place outside of the ring. It’s a lockdown match and there are no rules. He wants Jamie Lynn Calhoun and he is going to win her heart.

Jamie Lynn, JL to her friends, marches to her own beat. She is a carefree spirit that will not be pinned down. She has learned the hard way to live life to the fullest and grasp every moment. She makes no apologies for who she is.

Enzo moved to the Florida after an ugly divorce. Although he was born rich and entitled ;he has worked very hard to become the businessman he is today. He came from a wealthy background and has learned that monetary riches do not define the person you are. He has lived in a structured, loveless life with high expectations. For once he is taking control of his life and pursuing his own personal dreams. He wants to become a professional fighter and his cousin’s gym, WTF is the perfect place to pursue his goals. His move to Florida has been a very good thing for him. He has made new friends that have made his life better and he has met the woman of his dreams. A woman that would not be accepted in his former world but stirs his soul.

Enzo and JL have been playing the cat and mouse game for a year. When he finally convinces JL to go out with him they are both in for a great surprise. There is more to their relationship than steamy hot chemistry. They will learn that they have more in common than they thought. They will learn that loving someone is a choice. A choice that can make them both happier people.

Once they have fallen head over heels in love their pasts come back to haunt them in the worst possible way. Enzo will have to choose between his family and career. JL will have to choose forgiveness and acceptance of the mother that never cared. Enzo’s business dealings may take away the one dream the JL has always held close to her heart. They will have to remember that love is a choice.

Sidney Halston delivered another fantastic romance that is Worth The Fight. Enzo is Fighting Dirty for the woman he loves. Read this book … it will not disappoint!

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The Worth The Fight Series

Against The Cage – Book 1

In her Loveswept debut, Sidney Halston turns up the heat as a sexy cage fighter shows a former bookworm how delicious a few rounds between the sheets can be.

For Chrissy Martin, returning to her Florida hometown always seems to bring bad luck. The day starts with a breakup text, followed by a jailhouse phone call from her troublemaker brother. Now a routine traffic stop has ended with her accidentally punching an officer . . . in a delicate place. Then Chrissy realizes that the hot cop on the receiving end of her right hook is none other than the man from her teenage fantasies.

Jack Daniels knows how to take a hit. After all, when he’s not chasing reckless drivers, he’s kicking ass in a mixed martial arts ring. So what takes his breath away isn’t the low blow, but the woman who dealt it: a gorgeous knockout with legs Jack wouldn’t mind being pinned under—who just so happens to be his best friend’s nerdy little sister, all grown up. Soon their instant chemistry leads to a sizzling affair, but Jack and Chrissy are fighting an uphill battle if they want to make love last beyond the final bell.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Full Contact – Book 2

Sidney Halston returns to steamy Tarpon Springs, Florida, where a hell-raising bad boy prepares to get down and dirty for the woman he loves.

How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic. After weeks of healing from a broken rib and collapsed lung, and with Dennis behind bars, Jessica finally feels ready to come out of hiding. But will she ever be able to take a chance on love again with someone new?

Mixed martial arts fighter Slade Martin knows he has a bad reputation. Hell, he’s probably earned it. So it won’t be easy to convince beautiful, vulnerable Jessica that she can trust him—that from the moment she walked into his life, she’s been the only one he’s wanted. Powerful and confident, Slade knows he can honor his vow to protect Jessica body and soul. Winning her heart will be another matter . . . but a woman like Jessica is worth the fight.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Below The Belt – Book 3

Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?

Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Laid Out – Book 4

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

As an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.

Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

BUY NOW

Amazon | B& N | iTunes

Fighting Dirty – Book 5

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

______________________________________________________________________

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: “Just Do It” Nike, and that’s exactly what she did. After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative romantic side and wrote Seeing Red, among four other novels currently in the works, including the sequel to Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal and she fell in love with writing.

Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and reading and reading… She’s a reader first and a writer second.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Author Archives: shellbellereads

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Score by Elle Kennedy – The Off Campus Series – Book 3

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: TAP by Georgia Cates – Lovibond Series – Book 1

Amazon / Amazon UK

Excerpt Reveal + ARC Giveaway: Baller by Vi Keeland

Cover Reveal: Breaking The Limits by Brooke Cumberland

PUSHING THE LIMITS

AMAZON

Release Blitz: TAP by Georgia Cates – Lovibond Series – Book 1

Amazon / Amazon UK

5 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

Excerpt Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans – The Real Series – Book 6

Cover Reveal: One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters

ADD TO GOODREADS

AMAZON **** AMAZON UK

Cover Reveal: Reaper’s Fire by Joanna Wylde – Reapers Motorcycle Club- Book 6

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Fighting Dirty by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 5

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PUSHING THE LIMITS

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AMAZON **** AMAZON UK

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