About shellbellereads

My passion is reading. I am an avid reader and love to share my love for books.

Cover Reveal: Easy Melody by Kristen Proby

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Kristen Proby’s EASY MELODY! EASY MELODY is a Contemporary Romance novel and is the 3^rdbook in The Boudreaux Series. It is due to be released on November 10, 2015! If you haven’t already, be sure to grab EASY LOVE and EASY CHARM, the first two books in this sexy series!

Cover, designed by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations with photography by Kristen Proby

ABOUT EASY MELODY:

Callie Mills never intended to return to New Orleans and the life she left behind more than a decade ago. There was no need to open old wounds when she had the life she’d worked hard for in Denver. But when she’s fired from her awesome job in Colorado and her father dies, she has no choice but to return home to run the derelict bar left to her in the heart of the French Quarter. Callie must not only face bad memories but turn The Odyssey into something she can be proud of.

And who better to help bring in crowds of people than Declan Boudreaux?

Declan is a sought-after musician who knows he’s good at what he does and loves doing it. Known to pack the house, he also loves women and doesn’t expect to be knocked back a step by the beautiful new owner of The Odyssey. Callie is sharp, gorgeous and funny, and makes him yearn for something he never has before… Commitment.

But when Callie’s able to turn the business around with renovations, making it one of the hottest bars in the Quarter, will she sell out and leave her past behind once and for all, or will Declan be able to convince her that’s she’s where she needed to be all along…in his arms.

And don’t forget to grab the first books in the Boudreaux Series!

EASY LOVE

EASY CHARM

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Probyis the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.

WebsiteFacebookTwitterAuthor GoodreadsNovel Goodreads

Limited Time…Dirty Angels…FREE…Dirty Deeds on Sale…Dirty Angels Trilogy by Karina Halle

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Dirty Promises

Dirty Angels Series – Book 3

By Karina Halle

Release Date : September 15, 2015

Synopsis

Dirty Promises is the final book in The Dirty Angels Trilogy. While the first two books can be read as standalones, Dirty Promises can not. Reading Dirty Angels and Dirty Deeds beforehand is HIGHLY recommended.

Also, people sensitive to violence and immoral characters who make questionable decisions should refrain from reading this book. The real cartel life is not pretty, not easy and certainly NOT romantic and that is more than reflected in Dirty Promises.
Blood. Sex. Revenge.
It ain’t easy being king.
Drug lord Javier Bernal has sliced and diced his way to the top of the Mexican drug trade, presiding over the country’s largest cartel. But his rise to power comes at a brutal price: the death of his sister, Alana. Devastated and wracked with guilt, he turns away from his new wife, Luisa, forcing their marriage into a steady decline. But it isn’t until she’s pushed into the waiting arms of Esteban Mendoza, his right-hand man, that Javier realizes everything he’s lost.
And it isn’t until he learns the truth about Alana, that he realizes everything there is to gain.
Blood will spill.
Cities will burn.
Heads will roll.
Because Javier will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.
And what he wants is raw, ruthless revenge.
The most dangerous man is the one with nothing left to lose.

_________________________________________________

The Dirty Angels Trilogy

Dirty Angels

Dirty Angels Trilogy – Book 1

From the USA Today Bestselling author of Love, in English and The Artists Trilogy, comes a dark romance about a good girl and a very, very bad man. It’s a deliciously twisted take on forbidden love, set among the drug cartels of hot, steamy Mexico and is not for the faint of heart. It contains explicit sex, violence, abuse, drug use, bad language and sexy Mexicans. You have been warned…

For Luisa Chavez, a twenty-three year old former beauty queen, a better life has always been just out of her reach. Sure, she’s had men at her feet since she was a young teenager but she’s never had the one thing she’s craved – security. Having grown up in near poverty, her waitressing job in Cabo San Lucas can barely let her take care of herself, let alone her ailing parents. Every day is another unwanted advance, every day is a struggle to survive.

When Salvador Reyes, the depraved leader of a major Mexican cartel, takes an interest in her, Luisa is presented with an opportunity she can’t afford to pass up. She’ll become Salvador’s wife and exchange her freedom and body for a life of riches – riches she can bestow upon her deserving parents. But Luisa quickly finds out that even the finest wines and jewels can’t undo the ugliness in her marriage, nor the never-ending violence that threatens her every move.

Soon, Luisa is looking for an escape, a way out of the carefully controlled life she’s leading. She finally gets her wish in the worst way possible.

As it is, being the wife of Salvador makes her an ideal target for rival cartels and there’s one particular man who needs Luisa as part of his cartel’s expansion. One particular man whose quest for power has destroyed lives, slit throats and gotten him out of an American prison. One particular man who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.

That man is Javier Bernal. And he wants Luisa. He wants to take her, keep her, ruin her.

Unless she ruins him first.

Some men were born to create empires, some women were meant to be queen.

**Dirty Angels is the first standalone novel in the Dirty Angels Trilogy, in which all books feature or involve different characters. The character of Javier Bernal is from The Artists Trilogy, and while reading TAT is recommended if you want additional insight into this twisted character, it is not required.**

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

It is no secret that The Artist Trilogy by Karina Halle is one of my all time favorite series. I absolutely loved all the characters. I admit that I was definitely team Camden. But on the other hand I was darkly fascinated with Javier Bernal. He was one of those characters that you hated to love and you loved to hate. He was ruthless, a bit psychotic, cruel, dark, and oozing with sex appeal. His character was unforgettable.

After his demise in the final book of the Artist Trilogy, readers were left wondering how the hell he was going to get out the situation he was in. Ahhh….Javier is a very crafty and calculating man. He did not become the leader of one of the largest drug cartels by accident. It was sheer ruthlessness, precise calculation, and diabolical patience that made him the king of one of the most barbaric drug cartels.

Dirty Angels by Karina Halle is Javier Bernal’s ominous kingdom and his quest for his queen. It is not a fairy tale that is roses and rainbows. It is your worst nightmare. It is a love story based on despicable deeds and monstrous behaviors. But it is the only kind of love story Javier can have. His world is violent, diabolical, and gruesome. There are no second chances. Life is expendable. Even for those you love.

What starts as a power play ends up being a blood bath. The bargaining chip is the very beautiful wife of the leader of a rival drug cartel. Her value will change all the rules. Her innocence will bring Javier to his knees. Her sinister acceptance will escalate Javier’s passion. Her dark beauty will mark his soul.

Javier is on a very dark road. His actions will be henious. His reactions will be shocking. His code of honor will be admired as well as abhorred.

Luisa will win the reader’s hearts. Her bravery and fate will have the reader reeling. Her evolution into the darkness will prove that she is a Queen to be reckoned with.

Dirty Angels is a hard edged, gritty, gruesome, and sensual book. Karina Halle did not pull any punches with this book. Her portrayal of the underworld of the Mexican drug cartels is brutally honest. This is a novel with high octane, violent suspense that will keep the readers glued to the pages. Readers will love to love Javier, they will hate to love Javier, and they will love to hate Javier. They will embrace Luisa and commend her for evolving into the Dark Queen.

Karina Halle has wrote another superb story! Dirty Angels will definitely go on my 2014 Favorite Reads List!

__________________________________________

Dirty Deeds

Dirty Angels Trilogy – Book 2

By Karina Halle

Synopsis

From The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of The Pact and Sins & Needles, comes the next standalone novel in the darkly romantic suspense Dirty Angels Trilogy – DIRTY DEEDS.

As a flight attendant, Alana Bernal has had her share of suitors. She’s also had more than her fair share of tragedy within her messed-up family. But what she hasn’t had is love. Real, rip-your-heart-out, tear-your-clothes-off, all-consuming love.

At least that was the case until she met an American tourist, Derek Conway, a ripped ex-soldier with steely eyes and a commanding presence.

What started as a chance encounter between the two in Puerto Vallarta, a weekend full of hot sex and mindless passion, has led to something more.

Something deadly.

Because Derek isn’t the type of man to fall in love. He’s not a man who sticks around.

And he’s definitely not in Mexico on vacation.

Derek is a mercenary, a killer-for-hire, a man who does the ugly jobs for the highest bidder.

Unfortunately for Alana and Derek, the highest bidder has the power to destroy whatever worlds they have created for themselves.

The highest bidder can destroy everything.

NOTE: this book follows Dirty Angels but can be read as a standalone. It has scenes of violence, harsh language and sexual situations. Not intended for those under 18.

Buy: Amazon

Robin’s Review

If you loved the non-stop action of The Artists Trilogy by author Karina Halle, I feel confident that you will enjoy the Dirty Angels series! Although each of the novels in the Dirty Angels series can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend they be read in order. In fact, I’ll take it one step further and recommend that you read The Artists Trilogy before reading Dirty Angels, Dirty Deeds, and Dirty Promises. There is a significant amount of backstory you will learn about many of the characters, and I think this will improve your overall reading experience.

Dirty Deeds is the second novel of the Dirty Angels series. It’s a dark, romantic suspense novel that focuses on mercenary-for-hire Derek Conway and Alana Bernal, the sister of drug lord Javier Bernal. This story is sexy, exciting, dangerous and full of twists as Derek and Alana fall in love.

I had forgotten just how much I thrived on Karina Halle’s brand of suspense. She is absolutely fantastic at writing a dramatic, thrilling scene involving fights and deadly pursuits! There are moments in Dirty Deeds where Halle’s descriptive writing feels so realistic that you can envision or smell or taste what she is describing! If you have already read and enjoyed her new adult and contemporary romances, be sure to read one of her romantic suspense novels – this is where Karina Halle shines! I enjoyed Dirty Deeds. This 4-star novel was a quick read and left me chomping at the bit for Dirty Promises!

Dirty Promise

Book 3

Coming …September 15,2015

____________________________________________________________

Author Bio:

Karina Halle is a former travel writer and music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky, Racing the Sun, The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Dirty Angels and over 20 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Waxman Leavell Agency and is both self-published and published by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster and Hachette in North America and in the UK.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle , on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

FACEBOOK TWITTER GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Excerpt Reveal: Dirty Talk by Megan Erickson – Mechanics of Love Series – Book 2

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Dirty Talk

Mechanics of Love Series – Book 2

By Megan Erickson

Release Date: September 15, 2015

Synopsis

When the one you shouldn’t want is the one you can’t resist…

Brent Payton works hard, plays hard, and has earned his ladies’ man reputation. But he’s more than just a good time, even though no one seems to see it. Until a gorgeous brunette with knockout curves and big, thoughtful eyes walks into his family’s garage and makes Brent want more.

Ivy Dawn and her sister are done with men, all of them. They’ve uprooted their lives too many times on account of the opposite sex, but that’s over now. The plan seems easy until a sexy, dirty-taking mechanic bursts in Ivy’s life and shakes everything up.

Brent can’t resist the one person who sees past his devil-may-care façade, and Ivy finds it harder and harder to deny how happy he makes her. But she has secrets of her own and when the truth comes out, she must decide if she’ll run again or if she’ll take a chance on forever.

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

*****

Excerpt

His eyes—they were like liquid silver as they pierced her. “I’m not a guy you take seriously, Ivy?” They were in the back room now, and he was still walking toward her. She had nowhere to go but back, which she did, until her butt hit the table behind her. And then he was there, right there, his chest brushing hers, his head dipped to meet her eyes. “What about that dinner? And that kiss in my truck. Did that feel serious to you?”

She swallowed and placed her hands on his chest to push him away. Except she didn’t push. She didn’t at all. She let her hands rest there as the muscles beneath her hands quivered.

He cared. He gave a shit that she thought he was a joke. Her. This mattered to him. And she didn’t know what to do with it. She didn’t know how to reconcile everything she’d promised herself and her family in the last year with this man in front of her, whose features were softening by the minute.

The anger faded from his eyes, but what quickly replaced it was just as dangerous. He wore the same expression he’d had that night in the truck. The look that made her think he would devour her whole if she gave him the go sign.

He licked his lips, and she braced.

His placed his hands on her hips and tugged her against his long, lean body. She sucked in a breath and told herself to look away, that she was too close to the fire, but she was hypnotized.

He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, once, twice, teasing nips, until she whimpered, and then his tongue delved inside, tasting her, claiming her. And it was so much—too much—but Ivy was caught in Brent’s web now.

“Did that kiss feel serious to you?” he whispered against her lips as his thumbs made tantalizing circles on her hips. In one swift move, he lifted her onto the table and stood between her spread legs. Then his large hands gripped her thighs. “Does this feel serious to you?” he said with a slow grind of his hips. She gasped as she felt him stiff in his jeans. She wanted to combust as the telltale heat of her own arousal bloomed. “Brent—”

“Do you think I’m a joke? Tell me now, Ivy, and I’ll leave you alone. I’ll walk away.”

She could make this go away, this torture of Brent’s body pressed against hers, this ache in her gut, the goose bumps on her skin. But her gaze was still locked with his, and her mouth wouldn’t work, wouldn’t form the words. “I-I don’t know—”

She didn’t finish her sentence because his mouth was on hers again, cutting off her air and her thoughts. She didn’t know anything right now but Brent’s touch, his overwhelming desire for her. She’d never been wanted this much, this desperately.

She’d never wanted someone back like that. Until now.

He talked as his lips coasted across her jaw and down her neck. “I told you the ball was in your court, but I’m taking it back. I’m taking it back because I’m not waiting around for someone else to cut in line to get your attention. I want it.” He latched onto a sensitive spot below her ear and sucked. Her fingers curled into his shirt, her nails digging into his skin, and he grunted. “Fuck it if it’s selfish.”

Oh, God, no. This was all backfiring in her face. Except her body was pleased as hell, every nerve ending on fire, every cell crying out for more of Brent’s touch. She wanted skin; she needed skin. She slid her hands down his back to the waistband of his jeans and slipped her hands under his shirt and . . . aaaah, there it was. Pure, soft, Brent Payton skin. It was hot to the touch, the muscles shifting beneath her fingers as his hips thrust gently against her.

She was thrusting back, wanting, needing, everything inside of her aching because it’d been way too long since she’d had pleasure from a man.

Brent’s lips were on her chest, leaving a wake of nips and kisses. His hands were under her skirt, his thumb rubbing the crease of her thigh. He lifted his head, his dark hair in disarray, his eyes glinting. “Let me touch you. Please let me touch you.”

____________________________________________

The Mechanics of Love Series

Dirty Thoughts – Book 1

Some things are sexier the second time around.

Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art…all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna MacMillan–his biggest mistake–walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.

Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she’d once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever… and this Cal is all man.

Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she’s always been his light, and it’s getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone or if it’s exactly what they need for the future of their dreams.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Dirty Talk – Book 2

When the one you shouldn’t want is the one you can’t resist…

Ivy Dawn and her sister are done with men, all of them. They’ve uprooted their lives too many times on account of the opposite sex, but that’s over now. The plan seems easy until a sexy, dirty-talking mechanic bursts in Ivy’s life and shakes everything up.

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

_________________________________________

Author Bio:

Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she’s probably listening to the characters in her head who won’t stop talking.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

*********************************************

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Indecision by Elisabeth Grace

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too – and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

About INDECISION

Jackie Davenport will try anything once, especially in the bedroom. Anything except falling in love. She lives a carefree existence packed full of fun, but free from emotional entanglements and that’s just how she wants to keep it. When she meets the new police officer in town, she’s unable to deny the connection between them. His over confidence and bullish ways grate on her…still she can’t help but find herself falling into his bed AND falling for him.

Jamie McTavish is man enough to admit that he probably didn’t make the best first impression when he met the 911 Operator. That doesn’t mean there isn’t still sizzling sexual tension between them. He’s a man of action and he’s not content to sit on the sidelines until Jackie works out her issues. But trying to tame this tiger might be too big of a challenge for even him.

Add INDECISION to your Goodreads list here!

Get it now: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

Excerpt

I pulled the cruiser into Jackie’s driveway. What the hell was wrong with me? It was only yesterday that I’d gotten her off and yet here I was, sitting unannounced in her driveway like a stalker.

If I’d thought it difficult to get her off my mind before, what had happened in the wine cellar had made it damn near impossible.

Everyone I’d talked to had said the same thing—that she’d turned down each and every cop or fireman that had asked her out. No one was sure if she was just trying to keep her personal life outside of the work environment or what, but I intended to find out. The insane pull between us didn’t leave me any other choice.

With a sigh, I unbuckled my seatbelt and glanced at the small bungalow. It was cute with white siding and black shutters. Hanging baskets of colorful flowers hung from hooks around the veranda and a kickass bicycle was leaning against the side of the house. That helped to explain why she had such a firm ass.

I opened the door to the cruiser when the front door of the house burst open, and Jackie stood there frozen, her hand held to her chest and such an expression of fear on her face that I bolted out of the car and up the front steps.

“What’s wrong?” I demanded as soon as I was in front of her.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” she asked in barely a whisper.

I relaxed a fraction once it was clear she was okay. “I figured you could use a lift to Don’s place for your car. Didn’t think you would’ve driven home last night.” I shrugged. “It’s been quiet today, so I popped by to see if you wanted me to drive you over.”

She released a pent-up breath and relief washed over her face. “Oh, thank God.”

I frowned and gripped her upper arms. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

She glanced down at where my hands lay on her soft skin and looked back up to me, blinking twice. “It’s nothing. When I saw the cruiser in the driveway…never mind.” She shook her head.

I studied her for a moment. She was sexy just rolling out of bed with her hair thrown in a messy bun and last night’s make-up still on her face. “You sure?”

She nodded and her eyes flicked down to my hands once more. “Why are you always touching me whenever I see you?” Her voice had come out all breathy, not at all convincing me that she didn’t like my hands right where they were.

I grazed her collarbones with my thumbs, causing goose bumps to form on her skin. “I think you know exactly why.”

Michel’s Review

Elisabeth Grace writes romance with such ease. All of her books have memorable characters that stay with the reader long after the book is finished. Her characters come to life with dynamic personalities. Their passion and chemistry is sizzling hot.

Elisabeth has once again delivered a good book. I was drawn into the story with the very first paragraph. The first chapter set the book up and had the reader enthralled with Jackie and Jamie.

She added humor, emotional plights, and red hot chemistry in what would seem to be a predictable romance. This made the book stand out.

Jackie doesn’t date cops. She has her reasons. When Jamie McTavish blows into town and turns a road side stop into sexy encounter, all bets are off. Jackie will be battling her convictions. Jamie plans on taking her heart prisoner.

Loving a man in uniform is something Jackie is going to learn. Jamie is the man to teach her.

I loved how easy this book was to read. It was thoroughly enjoyable!

Giveaways and Release Festivities

Want to win? Enter via the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

—————————————————————–

Author Bio:

Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Grace, or El if you prefer, and I write New Adult Contemporary Romance.

I’d been an avid reader my entire life, but when I discovered romance novels during my first pregnancy I was hooked! Not sure if it was the hormones or the lack of a life that was headed my way once my daughter was born, but since then I’ve been devouring several romance books a week. I love nothing more than reading about some serious alpha males and a happily ever after.

Things you should know about me…

I live outside Toronto, Canada…eh. (Yes, it’s true. We Canadians say ‘eh’ A LOT.)

I’m a wife and mommy to two small children which I refer to as Little Miss and Mr. Magoo.

I own one cat spawned by the devil. Seriously. He’s as cute as they come but you’ve never met a meaner feline. In retrospect we should have named him, Lucifer. I have the scars to prove it.

I believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Or popcorn. Or bread. Or potatoes. Yes, you guessed it…I’m a sugar and carb addict.

I hate running. Always have, always will. Unless David Gandy’s in the vicinity you won’t find me doing it. Ever. Not sure who David Gandy is and think you might want to become a Gandy Girl like me? Google him. You can thank me later.

I’m a LOVER of all music. The 1200+ songs on my IPod can attest to the variety of my musical tastes. Hubby and I try to travel to a different music festival every year and are regular concert goers.

My name is Elisabeth and I like reality TV. There I admitted it and that’s the first step, right? Yes, I’m a writer and I see the need for scripted shows, but sometimes there’s just something so entertaining about watching one Real Housewife lose it on another one. I could listen to Cochran’s diatribe on his fellow castaways for hours.

Of the four of us that make up my family, three of us are Leo’s. Let’s say it together…DRAMA!

I may be the world’s worst cook. My poor children. Unless Daddy’s cooking they know not to expect much.

I write every night after my kids are in bed until the wee hours of the morning. This wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that I have always been an early-bird-catches-the-worm kind-of girl, so 5:00am comes early. Sleep is over-rated, I say.

If you are a lover of romance novels, steamy bedroom scenes and alpha males than you may enjoy my stories! 🙂

I LOVE talking with fellow readers about books! There’s nothing better than discovering your next favorite read because someone recommended it to you! If you’re the same I’d encourage you to reach out to me via one of my social media links so we can chat!

Happy Reading!

Best, El

Be sure to sign up for Elisabeth Grace’s newsletter – she’s releasing a new chapter of BUILT TO LAST every two weeks, which will be available to newsletter subscribers only as she writes it!

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

If you’re US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!

Cover Reveal: Betrayal by Aleatha Romig

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Betrayal

Infidelity Series – Book 1

The First of Five in the Infidelity Series

By Aleatha Romig

Release Date: October 13, 2015

Synopsis

One week. No future. No past. No more.

Alexandria Collins has one week to live carefree—no ghosts of her past or pressures of her future haunting her. Reinventing herself as “Charli,” she is knocked off her feet by a sexy, mysterious man who brings her pleasure like she never imagined. With her heart at stake, she forgets that decisions made in the dark of night reappear in the bright light of day.

“Some of my tastes are unique. They aren’t for everyone. I understand that.”

Lennox “Nox” Demetri is wealthy, confident, and decisive—he knows what he wants. From the first time he sees Charli at an exclusive resort, he knows he wants her. Although he is usually the one to make the rules, together they agree on one:

One week. No more.

When betrayal comes from those closest to Alexandria, she must decide how far she is willing to go to survive. Choices are not always easy, especially when they involve the heart, body, and soul. After all, Infidelity is a business, and some rules are meant to be broken.

“Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?”

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants, and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, this new epic dark romance will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next. Have you been Aleatha’d?

BETRAYAL is a full-length novel and the first of five in the INFIDELITY series.

***********************************************************

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These standalone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat. In the fall of 2015, Aleatha will move head first into the world of dark romance with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

NEWSLETTER WEBSITE FACEBOOK AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE GOODREADS INSTAGRAM TWITTER TSU PINTEREST

FREE…Limited Time… and Giveaway… What Doesn’t Destroy Us by M. N. Forgy – Don’t Miss Out On The Devil’s Dust MC Series!

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Free For Limited Time…

What Doesn’t Destroy Us

The Devil’s Dust MC Series – Book 1

By M. N. Forgy

Synopsis

When Dani’s sheltered life is turned upside down by her mother’s secrets, she finds protection with her estranged outlaw father. Against all warnings, she falls for bad boy biker, Shadow. He is beast and beauty sealed in a leather cut with a gun holster. Can Dani learn to live within the Club rules? Is she more like her father than she could imagine?

Sex.

Blood.

Betrayal.

Will Dani and Shadow let family ties destroy them?

***WARNING***

This novel contains explicit language, sex, drugs, violence, and sexual situations that some might find offensive. This book is intended for adults 18+ years of age.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

_____________________________________________________________

the devil's dust series

The Devil’s Dust Series

What Doesn’t Destroy Us – Book One

Shadow has grown up among drug addicts, whores and murderers. The only family he’s ever trusted has been the Devil’s Dust motorcycle club. He will do anything for a brother; even kill. In fact, killing is so easy, he’s made a career of it. His one regret is not being able to kill his own worthless mother. When Dani shows up with her provocative temper and innocent charm, Shadow begins to question his violent lifestyle. But can he trust her with his demons?
Sex.
Blood.
Betrayal.
Will Dani and Shadow let family ties destroy them?
***WARNING***
This novel contains explicit language, sex, drugs, violence, and sexual situations that some might find offensive. This book is intended for adults 18+ years of age.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Scars That Define Us – Book 2

The Devil’s Dust MC has a list of new threats to the club’s lifestyle. Dani, to prove her loyalty, is trying to embrace a part of herself that she never knew existed until now. A sinful beast lurking beneath her surface has been awakened and is ready to eliminate anyone that stands in its way. Looking at her stained hands, she rinses the blood from them. She resigns herself to innocence lost and welcomes her thirst for more blood.

After a breathtaking turn of events, Shadow is looking at life in a different perspective. Not knowing who he can trust or who he can forgive has left him feeling desolate and alone. As Shadow is laying behind his rifle, he wonders if he can pull the trigger to eliminate the threat. He takes a deep breath and squeezes the trigger, the rifle recoil ignites the fuel that drives him.

Retaliations will be required.

Boundaries will be shattered.

Redemption will be lost.

Betrayal so deep, yet they still yearn for one another. Can Shadow overlook Dani’s transgressions? Can Dani overlook the mistrust that Shadow has placed upon her?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Broken Piece Of Us – Book 2.5

***WARNING – This is not your typical happily ever after.

Babs is no stranger to the MC world. As an ol’ lady, she takes the hell that comes with it and dishes it out times two. When things take a turn for the worst, it leaves her questioning just how equipped she is for the hell she lives. She thought her marriage with Locks was it; that she had it all. But the past has a way of sneaking up and tearing life apart. Finding herself trapped as Locks’ ol’ lady, with the threat she will be his till the grave, her world spirals out of control. The only person risking it all to save her is the last person she thought would care: Bull.

The president of the Devil’s Dust MC, Bull, is good at running women off and is even better at pissing off his brothers. When he sees the way his vice-president is treating his ol’ lady, he tries to keep his thoughts to himself. The one thing Bull insists on in his club is respect and loyalty: respect for the patch, respect for your brother, and loyalty to the club. However, after finding Babs in a harsh predicament after a run in with Locks, he can’t help but step in.
Crossing lines and hurdling around life’s unpredictability, will they find refuge in each other or will they have to endure what life gives them?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Love That Defies Us – Novella

Dani has taken the role of a mother easily, and is loving the title ‘wife to be.’ But with that happiness, comes complications. Having children, and a fiancé involved in a motorcycle club, has her and Shadow becoming distant, and missing their sexy escapades. A spark that was once a vibrant flame is now a suppressing ember.

Shadow knows he has not been there for Dani, not like he should be. Doing the dirty work of the club, and taking on the responsibilities of Vice President of The Devil’s Dust, he’s had his hands full.

With violent murders unfolding around the club, it has thrown town locals into a panic. What they didn’t expect was for them to get caught up in the carnage.

Can Dani and Shadow survive the distance that has been wedged between them, or will it have them questioning their imminent marriage?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Fear That Divides Us – Book 3

Road Captain of the Devil’s Dust Motorcycle Club, Bobby has the scars to prove just how dangerous his life is. He gives the world he knows hell and loves every moment of it. Wearing a panty-dropping grin along the way, his fierce life has never been a problem for him, until her. Jessica is the only female who has him distracted in his game. After taking him to bed, she’s the only woman to tell him to take a hike. Waking with her gone, he can’t resist her pull. He’s seen the marks on her body, ones which tell the horrors she’s lived through. He’s also seen the fear in her eyes when she lets herself become weak to his advances. Bobby has a decision to make. Can he help Jessica, or will it mean giving up his carefree life?

Jessica, also known as Doc, lives life in fear. Years back, she ran to the Devil’s Dust for protection, seeking the demise of her abusive, dominant husband. Her mind and soul tortured by her past, she can’t allow herself to move forward. The only thing in her sight is her daughter’s safety. Even if she has the attention of one particular tattooed biker, she can’t succumb to his charm and drag her daughter back into a world of danger, no matter how much he thinks he can save her.

Mistakes will be made.

Fears will be faced.

Pain will be remembered.

Can Bobby and Jessica survive the dangers they bring upon themselves?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Lies Between Us – Book 4

Cherry’s life growing up was nothing short of a nightmare. Having an abusive father forced her to fend for herself from an early age. Bruised and emotionally broken, she finally escaped, running straight into the comfort that Lip’s arms brought. In the beginning, everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. He made her forget the messed-up ways of her life. But secrets can’t stay neglected. They have a habit of revealing themselves regardless of the consequences. Terrified, Cherry can’t speak a word or she’ll lose it all.

Lip is no stranger to the criminal life. Growing up among convicts, he wanted nothing more than to show his worth. He’ll do anything for the club without question, including serving six years in prison. But nobody could have predicted life’s plan. Rugged, tattooed, and wanting nothing more than to have Cherry, Lip is no longer the man whom Cherry remembers. After his release, he came out a beast with more secrets and lies than his cage could hold.

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

_______________________________________________________

About M. N. Forgy

M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Sexy by JA Huss

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Sexy

By J. A. Huss

Release Date: September 9 , 2015

Buy: Amazon

Blurb

Fletcher Novak is Sexy.

Fletch has charm, Fletch has charisma, and Fletch has moves. He turns dreams into reality two nights a week, baring his body to lonely women, bored housewives, and bachelorettes looking for that one last good time. He’s into one-night stands, one-time things, and he never, ever gets serious.

Tiffy Preston is looking for commitment.

A billionaire’s daughter with the world at her fingertips, Tiffy’s in Lake Tahoe to take over her father’s hotel and clean up the Mountain Men Male Revue Show. She’s well-bred, polite, and hates everything Fletcher represents.

But Fletcher offers Tiffy something she can’t refuse—total satisfaction and the man of her dreams. All she has to do is… everything he tells her.

Because Sexy doesn’t sell… it’s for sale.

Sexy is a full-length, standalone novel by New York Times Bestselling author, JA Huss.

Buy: Amazon

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK
B&N / iBOOKS

Sale

GET
THE ENTIRE SEVEN BOOK SERIES for $4.99 (one week only)

AMAZON

Trailer

Excerpt

“Have you thought about me?” I ask. “Since last night at the show? Because I’ve thought about you.”

“What did you think about me? That I’m your next victim?”

“No, actually.” I smooth down the blanket on the ground of the shed and then step towards her, taking her face in my hands and pulling her tight against my chest. “I’ve thought about your hot breath as you panted against my cock when I was standing on your chair. I thought about your upturned eyes, looking at me if I ever got the chance to get you on your knees.”

She gulps air.

“Now tell me what you’ve been thinking about. Because you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t want to be.”

“We’re locked in,” she whispers as my mouth moves in closer.

I kiss her softly. No tongue, just a small, tender kiss that makes girls melt. “You have a phone, Tiffy. One call to your BFF, Claudio, and you’re free.”

She stares at me.

“But even though I might be the biggest prick you ever met, you want me, don’t you.”

She swallows hard.

“And I want you. That’s why we’re here. I want you. So if you don’t feel the same way, now’s your chance to say so.”

“I want…” She stops. There was a word on her lips, but I’m almost certain it was not my name. Jealousy heats me up in a millisecond. What kind of girl has another man’s name on her tongue when she’s gazing up into my eyes?

“What?” I say sharply. “What were you gonna say?”

“I want to be irresistible. Like you.”

“What?” I have to admit, I’m surprised. And then I laugh. “Are you a virgin?”

“I’m twenty-six, asshole. I’m not a fucking virgin.”

“Then what do you mean? I’m confused.”

“You’re just…” She sighs. “So good at this stuff. Seduction, right? I’m bad at it.”

“Who do you want to seduce?” My jealous rage is back.

“No one. Not specifically. But you’re so confident. And I’m so… not. I feel like I should take notes.”

It’s my turn to sigh. “What, you want me to teach you how to seduce someone?” The irony is not lost.

“Well, look. I hate you. I really do. You had me grabbing your cock last night and then I got accused of sexually harassing you. You made me feel like an idiot in that meeting with your plans and proposals. And now I’m up in your sex den, and I’m not sure what’s happening.” She looks at me with pleading eyes. “Tell me how you get all this control. How do you do it?”

I think about this for a few seconds, and then take a calculated risk. “How many blowjobs have you given in your life, Tiffy?”

“What?” She laughs, putting her hand over her heart like the word ‘blowjob’ is an assault on her virtue.

“Any?”

“I’ve given… one,” she admits, and then averts her eyes.

I’m turned on again. “One? One is not enough. If you want to know how to control a man, you don’t need to look any further than your own mouth. Men are drawn to lips. Every girl they ever think about sexually starts with an image of their cock in that girl’s mouth. So if you want control, you gotta lead a guy to your mouth.”

She takes a deep breath. “Go on.”

God, why am I so annoyed that she’s asking me for pointers? I can make her do anything I want right now. I should be celebrating.

“Please,” she begs. “Tell me.”I place a hand on her shoulder and push. “Get on your knees.”

Author Bio

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

Author Links

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
BLOG
AMAZON

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Saving Me by Bella Juarez

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Michael Brannan has had enough of one night stands that go nowhere and leave him empty. After watching his heroes, Tom and Aaron, married and happy, he longs to learn the secret to their content, full lives. He yearns for a girl he left behind and who’s now out of his reach.

Angel Rivas has attained superstardom as a plus-sized model. But Angel’s success comes with a price-an unknown stalker who seems to have eyes into her most private moments is terrorizing her.

When Michael’s bosses set him up with Madam Eve’s 1Night Stand, he finds his unattainable woman so near, yet so far. Can she forgive him for his treachery all those years ago? Can Michael protect Angel from things that go bump in the night? This last entry into the RED HORSE Trilogy is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Buy Saving Me:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MM9ZSg

Excerpt

“You….” she whispered.

This blind date had to be some kind of elaborate, cruel joke. Michael Brannan had single-handedly caused her the worst humiliation in her life. In an instant, she vividly recalled the laughter and whispers directed at her as the mean girls made her last month of high school the worst sort of hell. Blinking, she watched in horror as he walked toward her. At any minute, her already-frayed nerves would snap. So many emotions converged on her at once: the trauma of high school, the stress of her hectic work schedule, and the terror of an unknown stalker. Seeing the boy who’d broken her heart-making it impossible to trust men-almost put her over the edge. From the time she’d met Michael in their freshman English class, she’d had a huge crush on the ginger-haired football star, and he’d humiliated her in front of the entire senior class.

“Angel? Is that really you?”

She stumbled back as he moved closer.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she blurted.

“I’m meeting someone. What are you doing-”

“Who?” she asked.

“I don’t know her name. It’s supposed be a blind date. Why?”

“Oh, hell no! Not again! Not you…anybody but you.”

He grabbed her as she turned away. While Michael touching her had been something she’d longed for the entire time they’d been in high school, right now it made her white hot with fury. Without thinking, she spun around, balled her fist, and punched him as hard as she could.

As she drew her arm back, when she tried to yank free, her Pandora bracelet caught and broke, spilling the charms all over the wooden porch floor. Michael’s eyes widened, and his gaze followed the broken jewelry as it rolled away.

“Angel, I’m sorry. I deserve that,” he said as his hold slackened.

“I hate you!” she screamed, breaking free and rearing back again, the jewelry forgotten.

The cobalt eyes that had charmed her back in the day now sparked with dangerous anger. He caught her wrist in a death grip and yanked her closer, causing her to lose her balance. Measuring six feet in five-inch heels, she tilted her head back to meet his eyes. She’d tried to forget how tall and strong he was. In an instant, the powerful, taut football player who could make her damp when he’d pull her against him in a light, friendly hug came back to her with sharp clarity. Was it possible he’d gotten stronger over the years?

“I don’t care,” he growled. “You owe me a date. After making me wait for an hour, you will see this thing through. Am I clear?”

Tracey’s Review

When Michael Brannan and Angel Rivas last saw each other, things were not exactly hearts and flowers. Giving in to peer pressure, Michael broke Angel’s heart, and she’s never forgotten it. But when Fate brings them together again, Michael will do anything to show Angel how much he’s changed.

Saving Me is the third book in the Knights of Red Horse series by Bella Juarez. It’s a short hot little read, a quickie, if you will. I enjoyed the book well enough, but I really wish that there had been a lot more development of the characters. One minute Angel could barely tolerate Michael, still stinging over his rejection in high school, and the next, well, they more than kissed and made up. Although the two had known each other before, this felt a lot like insta-love, which always gives me pause. Had the book been longer, I believe that I would have enjoyed seeing how Michael and Angel’s relationship unfolded over time, and seeing each of them evolve as people. As it is, I’d give 4.5 stars for the steam factor and the fact that the book is well-written, with a final rating of 4, because I really really wish that there had been more of the story to sink my teeth into. But, if you’re looking for a super-hot erotic short, grab this one, as it just may be what you’re looking for.

__________________________________________________________

Other Books In This Series

Hanging by a Moment: Book 1 1 Night Stand Series:

Widower and Air Force reservist, Tom Ryan fills the empty spaces in his life by building dream homes for others. When he’s invited to a client’s party, he meets the owner’s sister-in-law, a tempestuous artist, and discovers that maybe there is a wrong time to meet the right person…

Free-spirited Emily Sanchez is known for pushing the envelope in art, but meeting dependable, and down-to-earth Tom challenges her. The man has submissive written all over him, and she thinks she might be just the woman to peel back the layers and release the brilliant passion inside.

But when they are paired by Madame Eve, Tom turns the tables on Emily, because he’s always been curious about the lifestyle and if the chaotic artist is willing to surrender, they may discover their deepest desire…

Buy Hanging by a Moment:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hdxK9E

B&N: http://bit.ly/1IeF4I0

iBooks: http://apple.co/1hdxMhS

Beautiful Nightmare: Book 2 1 Night Stand Series

Aaron Rosencrantz’s architectural firm is thriving—thanks to his brilliant and tough-as-nails COO, Natasha Rodriguez. But every day, they deny the powerful attraction raging between them. Corporate meetings and contracts rule their lives—not to mention a string of promises and commitments made to family. However, all bets are off when he catches a sexy glimpse of her desire for him. His hopes soar…only to be dashed by a horrible misunderstanding. So when mysterious and renowned Madame Eve sets up these two powerful personalities to come together at the Las Vegas Carnivore Club, which one will bend?

Buy Beautiful Nightmare:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1U5wHe3

B&N: http://bit.ly/1EVex2a

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PRMwiw

Author Bio:

Bella Juarez has a passion for writing and tells her stories with a high level of military suspense and erotic romance. A few years ago, Bella was an IT technician with a craving for military and espionage history and would devour anything, fact or fiction, about the subject. Today, she lives on a south Texas ranch with her family and dogs.

With stories of intrigue running through her imagination, she always dreamed of writing a novel. Finally, in 2012, she wrote and released Rapid Dominance, book 1 of the Black Ops Brotherhood Series. Since then, she has released five more novels in this series. Branching out, she’s written three erotic romance novellas all with military elements.

Her stories blend today’s headlines into thought provoking, intricate plots interwoven with razor-sharp suspense, intrigue, and scorching, white-hot romance.

Bella’s idea of a perfect day starts out with a run, followed by a pot of strong French roast coffee, to keep her going while she sits at her keyboard tapping away on another story.

https://www.facebook.com/bella.juarez.35

www.bellajuarez.com

http://bellajuarez.blogspot.com/

http://www.bookstrand.com/bella-juarez

Giveaway

Surprise Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Blog Tour + Teaser + Giveaway : The Same Deep Water by Lisa Swallow

Posted on 09/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Today we are sharing some teasers from THE SAME DEEP WATER by Lisa Swallow. This is a New Adult contemporary romance. The tour kicks off today. Be sure to check out the giveaway below and grab the book while it’s on sale! It will be .99¢ till tomorrow only!

BLURB:

Sometimes, believing the lies we tell ourselves is easier than dealing with the truth.

Once, I wanted to die. That was the night I met Guy.

The strange man with flowers stepped from the shadows and saved my life.

Guy. Dimpled smile. Body of a surf god. Smart and funny. Running out of time.

We became travelling companions through life, ticking off items on our bucket lists.

I’d hidden from happiness for years and kept my life under strict control. Guy showed me how to step into the world and experience more,

he brought light into the shadows and helped me through the darkness.

I became Phe again. I lived.

There’s just one problem.

We fell in love and this wasn’t part of our plans.

I thought we could face the future together, but Guy has a secret which changes everything.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US | UK | AUS | CAN

The .99¢ sale ends tomorrow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

———————

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark.
Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Amazon

Happy Release + Review: Darken The Stars by Amy A. Bartol – The Kricket Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Darken The Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 3

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.

As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.

As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Robin’s Review

***Many thanks to 47North and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Darken the Stars by Amy A. Bartol. This is my honest review. This review may contain spoilers***

The final installment of The Kricket Series by Amy A. Bartol is now upon us. Darken the Stars has been highly anticipated since readers were left hanging from a veritable cliff in the climatic ending to Sea of Stars. After finishing the final novel of this trilogy, I realize writing a spoiler-free review for Darken the Stars isn’t going to be easy to accomplish, so I am giving readers a spoiler warning. Before I begin, it’s important to mention The Kricket Series should be read in order. Darken the Stars is not meant to be read as a standalone novel.

Readers who have followed this science fiction/fantasy series will remember that our heroine, Kricket Hollowell, is a priestess who has the power to see the future. She’s also a soothsayer who can discern if someone is speaking the truth. Kricket is believed to be the priestess of the prophecy – the priestess born of two worlds and two Houses (Rafe and Alameeda) who will become the Empress of Ethar.

Darken the Stars continues where Sea of Stars ended. Just like the first two novels of The Kricket Series, Darken the Stars is full of non-stop action. The five Houses of Ethar are on the precipice of war. Kricket discovers she is a pawn, caught between two ruthless leaders who are vying for supreme rule over Ethar. She is also being held by Kyon Ensin, a member of the Alameeda Brotherhood who plans to make her his consort, on his tropical island estate. Kricket continues to have visions of the future, where she learns the machinations planned for her and the future of Ethar. With each new vision that occurs, Kricket counters to change future events. It’s a game of chess between warring factions, and Kricket is the pawn, being used by others for their own gain.

Bartol has an extremely creative imagination. But what I find equally important is her ability to express her imagination on paper. She’s an excellent author. When I look back at the content of this trilogy, it’s truly impressive. Amy Bartol created a whole new world with its own vocabulary. She even includes a glossary in the back of her novels to assist readers!

Halfway through the story, I knew Darken the Stars was going to be my favorite novel in this trilogy. Bartol slowly reveals the true nature of each player in The Kricket Series. Kricket learns who has her best interests at heart. People Kricket thought she could trust are not so trustworthy. For me, just learning these characters are not all black and white – sometimes they are gray – gives The Kricket Series more depth.

All Kricket has ever wanted is to be able to make her own choices, to live a life of her own choosing. I’m going to be honest. For me, the conclusion of The Kricket Series is bittersweet. I have a feeling Darken the Stars is going to be very controversial. Everything about this book screams 5 stars! If I knew Amy Bartol planned to write more story about these characters, I would definitely give Darken the Stars a 5-star rating. But I was left wanting more, and the series is finished. So much is left unresolved that it leaves me with no choice but to give Darken the Stars a rating of 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading The Kricket Series. There’s no doubt in my mind that Darken the Stars is my favorite book of The Kricket Series, and I’m adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

___________________________________________________________

The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kricket Hollowell never wished upon stars. She was too busy hiding in plain sight, eluding Chicago’s foster care system. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she now eagerly anticipates the day she’ll stop running and finally find her place in the world.

That day comes when she meets a young Etharian soldier named Trey Allairis, who has been charged with coming to Earth to find Kricket and transport her to her true home. As danger draws close, he must protect her until she can wield the powers she cannot use on Earth…and he soon realizes that counting a galaxy of stars would be easier than losing this extraordinary girl.

Kyon knows the powerful depths of Kricket’s gifts—gifts he’ll control when he takes her for his tribe and leads the forces that will claim Ethar and destroy his enemies, starting with Trey Allairis. Now, Kricket faces the most difficult choice of her life: whether to wage a battle for survival or a fight for love.

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

______________________________

Author of Inescapable: The Premonition Series (Volume 1), Intuition: The Premonition Series (Volume 2), Indebted: The Premonition Series (Volume 3) , and Incendiary: The Premonition Series (Volume 4). Currently working on a fifth novel in the Premonition Series entitled Iniquity.

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.weebly.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Author Archives: shellbellereads

About shellbellereads

Cover Reveal: Easy Melody by Kristen Proby

And don’t forget to grab the first books in the Boudreaux Series!

EASY LOVE

EASY CHARM

WebsiteFacebookTwitterAuthor GoodreadsNovel Goodreads

Excerpt Reveal: Dirty Talk by Megan Erickson – Mechanics of Love Series – Book 2

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Indecision by Elisabeth Grace

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too – and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

About INDECISION

Excerpt

Newsletter

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

Cover Reveal: Betrayal by Aleatha Romig

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Sexy by JA Huss

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Saving Me by Bella Juarez

Blog Tour + Teaser + Giveaway : The Same Deep Water by Lisa Swallow

Today we are sharing some teasers from THE SAME DEEP WATER by Lisa Swallow. This is a New Adult contemporary romance. The tour kicks off today. Be sure to check out the giveaway below and grab the book while it’s on sale! It will be .99¢ till tomorrow only!

BLURB:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US | UK | AUS | CAN

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Amazon

Happy Release + Review: Darken The Stars by Amy A. Bartol – The Kricket Series – Book 3

About shellbellereads

And don’t forget to grab the first books in the Boudreaux Series!

Website**Facebook**Twitter**Author Goodreads**Novel Goodreads

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too – and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

About INDECISION

Excerpt

Newsletter

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Today we are sharing some teasers from THE SAME DEEP WATER by Lisa Swallow. This is a New Adult contemporary romance. The tour kicks off today. Be sure to check out the giveaway below and grab the book while it’s on sale! It will be .99¢ till tomorrow only!

BLURB:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US | UK | AUS | CAN

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Amazon

Share this:

Share this:

WebsiteFacebookTwitterAuthor GoodreadsNovel Goodreads