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Happy Release + Review : Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow – Beyond The Cage Series – Book 1

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Breaking Her Rules

Beyond The Cage Series – Book 1

By Jennifer Snow

Synopsis

MMA fighters go the distance in this all-new series from Jennifer Snow, author of the Brookhollow novels.

Walker Adams was supposed to follow in his lawyer father’s footsteps, but instead he’s training to be an MMA fighter. And while he works for his chance to make it in the Maximum Fight League, he’s bunking on his baby sister’s best friend’s couch. Gracie Andrews is all grown up—in all the right places. But she’s engaged to the fight match-maker who holds Walker’s career in his hands…

Gracie had almost convinced herself that she’d put her silly childhood crush on Walker to rest. But the sight of him sleeping in only a pair of boxer briefs makes it clear that some things never change. And as old sparks turn to flames, Gracie is forced to decide between the future she thought she wanted or the man she’s never stopped loving…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow is the debut book in her new series Beyond The Cage. This is a promising MMA Romance series that I think readers are going to embrace whole heartedly.

Walker and Gracie are from the same small town. Adam is the older brother to Gracie’s best friend. During her teen years Gracie crushed on Adam but he was out of her league. He was a super star jock, popular, and privileged. Now the tables are turned. Adam is down and out, homeless. He dropped out of law school to pursue his dreams of being a professional MMA Fighter. His family cut him off but he is still determined to make a go of it. When Gracie offers her couch he is grateful.

Adam is breaking into the fighting world at a late age. Luckily Gracie has connections that help him get a fight that could make or break his career. The fight is in three weeks. Is he ready?

Adam has too many distractions. He has to work. He has a popular female journalist sinking her claws into him. He also has Gracie. Suddenly he knows she’s alive and he wants her. The problem is her boyfriend. The man that is controlling his career.

Adam is in for the fight of his life and it may not be in the cage.

Gracie has rules. She is determined not to be like her flighty mother. Her world was going perfect until Adam showed up on her couch. He is making her want to break her own rules. Can she stay true or is her destiny to be ruled by her emotions?

Breaking Her Rules was a solid start to the Beyond The Cage series. The leading characters were well developed and the secondary characters were interesting enough for readers to want more from this series. The book was well written although very predictable. It seemed a bit like a cookie cutter romance. I would of liked to see more grit. The sex and steaminess was moderate. Again I would of liked to see more sexual tension and chemistry.

Overall Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow was fun and entertaining. It’s the perfect kind of book for escaping. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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Beyond The Cage Series

Breaking Her Rules – Book 1

MMA fighters go the distance in this all-new series from Jennifer Snow, author of the Brookhollow novels.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Fighting The Fall – Book 2

Release Date: October 20, 2015

MMA fighters go Beyond the Cage in the new series by the author of Breaking Her Rules. This time, it’ll take some fancy footwork for a gym owner to keep from falling in love…

Hollywood actress Parker Hamilton will do anything to get back in the spotlight. Since breaking up with one of the industry’s most successful directors, she’s been in a string of box office busts. Now, she’s found the role of a lifetime in a film about a female MMA fighter and she knows exactly who to ask for help learning the ropes…

When Tyson Reed sees a blonde bombshell walk into his gym looking for training, he wants to refuse. He knows her type and he doesn’t need any unwanted distractions while preparing for his upcoming title fight. But if he can’t pay off his brother’s debts, Tyson could lose his gym… and the reputation his family has had in the MMA world for three generations.

Tyson never thought he’d be going one-on-one with a spoiled, out-of-shape Hollywood actress. But this is one bout he just may not win—or want to…

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

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Author Bio:

Jennifer Snow lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband and four year old son. She is a member of the Writers Guild of Alberta, the Romance Writers of America, the Canadian Author Association, and SheWrites.org. She is also a regular blogger on the Heartwarming Authors site and is a contributing author to Mslexia Magazine, WestWord Magazine and RWR. She has also taught RWA Chapters courses online. Her 2013 Holiday Romance-The Trouble With Mistletoe was a finalist in the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and the Heart of Denver Aspen Gold Contest.
Her publishing credits include two holiday novellas, previously published by The Wild Rose Press, now re-released or being re-released as self-published editions through Amazon. The Mistletoe Fever was an Amazon bestseller for two weeks in the category of Kindle Short Reads. Her six book small town, Brookhollow series is published through Harlequin Heartwarming and she has a new MMA sports romance series releasing through Berkley/NAL Intermix in 2015. RT Reviews has given each of her Brookhollow series books 4 stars.
She also hosts an annual SnowGlobe Award contest in recognition of holiday themed romance stories, with over forty entries each year. More information about the contest can be found at http://www.snowglobeawardcontest.vpweb.ca
She is active on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and various blog sites and has a monthly author newsletter.
More information can be found at www.jennifersnowauthor.com

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

Posted on 07/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win

$50.00 Amazon eGift Card

RELEASE ME

Chasing Fire #2

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Releasing July 21st, 2015

Berkley/Intermix

The second in the “seriously sexy and sinfully steamy”* Chasing Fire series, about a pain too deep to forgive and a passion too hot to forget…

Alessandra Sinclair knows that Hudson Chase is the last man she should want. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has grown into a man who would do anything to get ahead, even if it means breaking Allie’s heart. But whenever she’s near him, the attraction between them is undeniable. And now that they’re working together, keeping her distance from Hudson is almost as impossible as keeping her feelings in check…

Hudson already lost Allie once and he refuses to lose her again. He’s determined to use their new business partnership to rekindle the spark he knows is still there. Only the closer he gets to winning her over, the clearer it becomes there are still secrets that could tear them apart for good…

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As Allie watched the Chicago River flow into Lake Michigan, she thought about the last time she’d seen Hudson Chase. It was the morning she’d uncovered the truth about his plan to take control of Ingram Media. She stared unseeingly at the gray horizon and her thoughts began to drift back to that day. Hudson standing in his foyer, a towel slung low around his hips as water dripped onto the hardwood floor. He’d begged her to let him explain, but what explanation could have possibly justified his lies and betrayal? She’d refused to hear him out, and while in her heart she knew it had been the right decision, the look on his face as the elevator doors slid closed that morning had haunted her ever since.

Behind her the conference room door opened with a soft click and the low murmur of voices told her the other board members had begun to filter into the room. But instead of greeting them and engaging in the sort of sympathetic small talk that had consumed the past few days, she remained by the windows, enjoying the last moments of calm before the eventual storm.

There was a sudden flurry of activity outside the meeting room, and instinctively she knew he had arrived. A wave of anxiety rolled through the pit of her stomach, but she took a deep, calming breath. These board meetings, while infrequent, would be inevitable. The sooner she got used to seeing him in this setting, the better.

She turned around, and a moment later Hudson Chase strolled into the boardroom. The hum of quiet conversation ground to a halt and all heads turned as one to assess the corporate raider who’d quietly amassed the second largest percentage of Ingram shares right out from under their noses.

The sight of him nearly took her breath away. Wearing a charcoal suit, white shirt, and silver-gray tie, he looked every bit the powerful, in-control CEO. But Allie knew the passion that burned behind those eyes, and when she looked at his dark, unruly hair, she knew he’d run his fingers through it just before stepping into the room. He moved with measured grace, his muscles flexing beneath his perfectly tailored suit. Allie knew every inch of that body intimately, how it felt beneath her touch, how it moved over her . . . inside her. She knew the man, not the corporate myth. He was the one who she’d fallen for. He was the one who’d broken her heart.

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Though thousands of miles apart, Ann
Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines
and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British
supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and
@Amy_KRogers.

Amy K. Rogers

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Ann Marie Walker

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Haven’t Joined the #HudsonChasers?

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Cover Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans – Real Series – Book 6

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Legend

Real Series – Book 6

By Katy Evans

Release Date: February 9, 2015

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

Synopsis

Can love really conquer all? – Book 6 in Katy Evan’s breakout New York Times bestselling series that began with REAL.
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.

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

_______________________________________

About Katy Evans

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!

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Release Blitz + Review: Outside by Michelle Mankin

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Get ready for rock stars, surf, and second chances in Outside by Michelle Mankin

Outside

By Michelle Mankin

Release Date : July 19, 2015

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

Outside

Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances

When handsome California surf god Lincoln Savage suddenly rolls into Ocean Beach like a rogue wave, shy beauty Simone Bianchi’s foundation is shaken. No longer under the thumb of her domineering father, she’s made a simple quiet life for herself and her fluffy fourteen pound Havanese pup running a surf shop in her hometown of OB. Long ago she gave up her dreams for a future with Linc.

But now the notorious lead singer of the Dirt Dogs has returned, and Simone is reluctant to admit that she’s still vulnerable to his killer dimpled smile and easy charm. She finds that although she’s stowed away the mementos, it hasn’t been as easy to erase the memories of their epic summer love.

It seems he hasn’t forgotten, either.

Is the recording contract he’s offering merely a pretense?

Or does he have something more in mind?

Does he really believe that they can just pick up where they left off, despite all the bad luck and heartache?

And is she willing to risk everything again for one last chance at love?

Pre Order: Amazon

The walls vibrated as soon as the spotlights hit them. Feet stomped. Fans yelled. Some even stood on their chairs. Camera lights clicked on and so did Lincoln. Brightly. He strode to the center of the stage. Confident. Compelling. Controlled. A cosmic force.

He plucked the mic from the stand glared at the audience daring them to come along with him or get the hell out of the way, before he and the guys launched into a cover of ‘Satisfaction’ that kicked ass as righteously as the original.

It went uphill from there. Ramon on guitar flashing his flirt. Ash slamming sexy on his drums. Patch firm and steady on bass. And Linc my gorgeous warrior with depths of worth that he still failed to recognize eclipsing them all. The Dirt Dogs might still a bit rough around the edges but they were undeniably on the ascent. What had started out as something to occupy their time when the surf wasn’t up had transformed into a magical mélange of Pacific saltwater, California sun and hard rocking in your face attitude.

I moved quickly across the parking lot shielding my eyes from the glare when I reached the sand. The tension inside my stomach instantly ratcheted tighter. I recognized Lincoln right away. Even in his wet suit the way he moved across the surface of the ocean on his board was as unique as he was.

Under the curtain unleashing his fins.

Maxing out of the tube.

Finding steep wall and going nearly vertical.

Those were the maneuvers I knew, the others I didn’t but that didn’t make them any less awe inspiring.

`My favorite inspirational surf youtube video with music that captures the tone and spirit of Outside perfectly`

“You afraid?”

I shook my head. I was never afraid of him. Never.

He studied me a beat seeming to notice my parted lips, heavy breathing, hard nipples and trembling.

“Turned on?” he guessed.

I nodded.

“Get on my board then, babe. I aim to please if you’ll let me.”

Michel’s Review

If you are a fan of second chance romance, Outside by Michelle Mankin might be the book for you.

What happens the odds of your relationship are stacked against you? What happens when your dreams are blown to pieces without warning? What happens when your life takes a new direction that is beyond your control? While all of this is happening you are not secure enough or mature enough to handle it all. When love enters the equation it makes all the more difficult.

Michelle Mankin did a wonderful job of laying out a story where two young people lose each other because they weren’t really ready to hold onto to each other. They did not have the confidence, the courage, and the maturity to handle life events. Fifteen years later neither Linc or Mona have moved on. Their hearts are still in limbo.

While one went on to be a great success , the other went home licking their wounds. Linc hid behind fame. Mona hid within the four walls of her surf shop.

Linc turns back up at Ocean Beach to offer Mona an exclusive music deal. It is merely an excuse to get back into her life once again. He wants the girl that captured his heart back in his life. Has he left too many scars on her heart?

Mona wants nothing to do with Linc’s offer. She has built a safe quiet life for herself. When he reveals his real reasons for returning her heart begin to beat once again.

Personally I had a hard time embracing the characters. Their personalities seemed a bit flat. Their back story felt like I was being told the story rather than experiencing it. The back story itself did not have the build up that would convince me that both of these characters would pine for each other for fifteen years.

Overall the writing is solid and the story is well developed. It was a decent second chance romance book.

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About Michelle Mankin

Reimagining classic stories with sexy rock stars and thought provoking issues.
For many years she worked in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn’t kill her but the hours and hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.
Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and Love Resolution are a Brutal Strength centered trilogy, combining the plot underpinnings of Shakespeare with the drama, excitement, and indisputable sexiness of the rock ‘n roll industry.
Things take a bit of an edgier, once upon a time turn with the Tempest series. These pierced, tatted, and troubled Seattle rockers are young and on the cusp of making it big, but with serious obstacles to overcome that may prevent them from ever getting there.
Rock stars, myths, and legends collide with paranormal romance in a totally mesmerizing way in the Magic series.
When Michelle is not prowling the streets of her Texas town listening to her rock music much too loud, she is putting her daydreams down on paper or traveling the world with her family and friends, sometimes for real, and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

5 Star Review: First Verse by Emily Snow – Prequel Novella for Second Verse

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

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Tracey’s Review

After being passed from place to place as a ward of the foster care system, all that Kinsey wants is a safe place, a place where she’s wanted, a home. And she’s finally found that security with Mrs.Hudson, her guardian angel of a surrogate grandmother. Until he shows up. Emmett Hudson is country music’s newest darling, six-foot-plus of unadulterated hotness, and Mrs. H.’s grandson, and his arrival just made life a lot more complicated.

Emily Snow knows how to write a hot rocker like nobody’s business. Emmett is sex-on-a-stick, all country charm and panty-melting superstar in the making. He’s been warned away from Kinsey by Mrs. H., but they’re like spontaneous combustion, and I can’t blame Kinsey one bit for being unable to stay away from him. And it’s not just the hot factor, it’s that he’s so supportive of her own musical talent, encouraging her in her singing. Sexy knight in a pick-up truck, check. Damsel alone in the world and threatened by the hero’s evil sister, check. This read had me flipping pages right on up to the end to see what was going to happen next.

First Verse is a prequel novella to Book 2, Second Verse, so ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, written in typical Emily fashion, which means it is full of angst and heartache. And, I think that Hazel may well make it to the top of my ‘Wenches I’d Love To Throat-Punch’list for this year. I mean, Emmett’s sister is pure conniving witch, and I cannot wait to see what’s waiting for her in the next book. So, yeah, grab this 5 ‘swoony, sexy, dang it’s hot in here, oh, no she DIDN’T’ star read, and settle in for the ride. You will not be sorry.5

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SECOND VERSE EMILY SNOW FULL JACKET FINAL FOR SHARING

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Title: Second Verse

Author: Emily Snow

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: LM Book Creations

Release Date: July 2015

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Synopsis

Kinsey Brock knew Emmett Hudson would be a star the moment he swaggered into her life. Hell, by the time she was released for the crime his scheming sister accused her of he already had a number one single.

Now, eight years and a helluva lot of heartache later, Kinsey’s long since given up on the boy who stole her breath away and took all the love she had. She has someone in her life, and he’s all she needs. She’ll challenge anyone who tells her otherwise. But after a chance encounter sends Emmett hurtling back into her life, every emotion she’s forced herself to forget since he gave up on her is pushed to the surface.

Because this time, the country megastar’s not giving up on her.

No matter how furious he is about the discovery of the other man who’s become Kinsey’s world.

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Emily Snow is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Devoured series, Tidal, Wrecked, and Uncovered. She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about naughty rockers. Visit her on Facebook, on her blog at emilysnowbooks.blogspot.com, or chat with her on Twitter @emilysnowbks for news, teasers, and contests.

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

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

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

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

I used to rule the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Go ahead,” he said, voice low.

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

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

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

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

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

Robin’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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♥ READ THE BOOKS ♥

Six of Hearts

Hearts of Fire

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King of Hearts

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L.H. Cosway KING OF HEARTS Release Week Event

Summer Reads: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

Posted on 07/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Ride Steady

The Chaos Series – Book 3

A Biker MC Romance

By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

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

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

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Robin’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

Nothing’s changed.

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

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

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

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

Posted on 07/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Meet Seth & Josefina in this second-chance romance

My Serenity

Book 2 of My Clarity

By M. Clarke

Synopsis

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Exceprt

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

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

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

~*~*~*~*~

Join the Facebook release party HERE:

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

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My Clarity Series

My Clarity -Book 1

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

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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Author Bio:

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

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

Posted on 07/16/2015 by shellbellereads

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

I used to rule the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Go ahead,” he said, voice low.

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

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

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

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♥ READ THE BOOKS ♥

Six of Hearts

Hearts of Fire

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King of Hearts

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L.H. Cosway KING OF HEARTS Release Week Event

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

Posted on 07/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Craving Trix

Ace’s Sons Series – Book 1

Spinoff of Aces MC Series

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Release Date : July 13, 2015

Synopsis

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

Then he broke her heart.

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Complete Aces MC Series

Over 400,000 words.

Four complete novels.

Four never before seen bonus scenes.

Four protective men.

Four strong women.

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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About Nicole Jacquelyn

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

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Author Archives: shellbellereads

About shellbellereads

Happy Release + Review : Breaking Her Rules by Jennifer Snow – Beyond The Cage Series – Book 1

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

Cover Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans – Real Series – Book 6

Release Blitz + Review: Outside by Michelle Mankin

5 Star Review: First Verse by Emily Snow – Prequel Novella for Second Verse

Tracey’s Review

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

Summer Reads: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

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

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

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

About shellbellereads

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