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Review: Take Me With You by K.A. Linde – Take Me Duet – Book 2

Posted on 02/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Grant
All of my demons are coming to head.
I thought Ari could push them back.
I thought I could conquer my vices with her at my side.

I thought wrong.

Aribel
Fear is my new constant.
I thought I could conceal it, contain it, control it.
I thought that now that I had Grant the worst was over.

I thought wrong.

But if we’re going to survive, wherever you go…take me with you.

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Grant practically bounded across the room until he was directly in front of me. Then, his hands were cupping my cheeks so tenderly that it was as if he thought I might break in half. Without a word, his mouth dropped down on mine, and the kiss was as light as a feather. It was a question, a soft and delicate question, one he had never asked before—permission.

When I didn’t pull away from him, he received his answer. The kiss deepened, and he coaxed all the anger out of me. He drew it out as if sucking venom from an open wound. He kissed me so heatedly and lovingly that not even a drop remained. All that was left was a bottomless well of emotions of how much I loved and missed him.

When I came back into the moment, I heard the catcalls and yells from the people around us. It was then I remembered that we were in a crowded room, surrounded by people, and Grant had kissed the breath out of me. I flushed from head to toe at the attention, but he wouldn’t let me pull away.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t have blown up on you. I shouldn’t have done anything. You’re all that matters.”

I stared up at him in confusion. “Who are you, and what have you done with Grant McDermott?”

He laughed that beautiful glorious laugh, and a smile lit up his whole face. It was that damn smile that had won me over in the first place.

“Run away with me,” he murmured.

“What?”

“Run away with me. Let’s get out of here.”

“Where are we going?”

“Anywhere. Everywhere.”

Michel’s Review

Take Me With You by K. A. Linde is the sequel to Take Me For Granted. It should not be read as a stand alone novel.

Take Me With You picks up where the first book left off. Grant and Aribel have found their way back to one another. They are determined to make their relationship work. In the short amount of time they were separated many things happened that could destroy the love they are trying to hang onto.

Aribel comes from a prominent moneyed family. They are pressuring her to date a guy that is under her father’s wing. This guy is not all he presents himself to be and Aribel’s instincts are right on mark.

Aribel is also struggling to maintain her grade point average and keep her relationship with Grant flourishing.

Grant’s band is on the road to success. They are about to embark on a tour with a highly successful band. All of Grant’s bandmates want this to happen. Grant is holding back because of the problems he has had with the front man. He has tried to come between him and Aribel. Their new manager has also managed to cause problems for them. Grant would rather be in a bar band than pay the price of success by losing Aribel.

To top it off , Grant’s past is coming back to haunt him. His father is out of prison and is being persistent about reconnecting with him. Grant is fearful for Aribel because he knows what a dangerous man his father is.

Both Grant and Aribel will have to find a happy medium where their families are concerned. They will have to find a way to cope with Grant’s career in the spotlight. They will have to find a way to be themselves and cling to the happiness they have found in one another.

Take Me With You was the perfect sequel to the first book. I loved how both Aribel and Grant grew as individuals as well as a couple. I liked the maturity they found in this book. I was very pleased with the ending and felt satisfied with the direction this book took.

I would highly recommend this series!

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde has written the Avoiding series and the Record series as well as the new adult novels Following Me and Take Me for Granted. She grew up as a military brat traveling the United States and Australia. While studying political science and philosophy at the University of Georgia, she founded the Georgia Dance Team, which she still coaches. Post-graduation, she served as the campus campaign director for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An avid traveler, reader, and bargain hunter, K.A. lives in Athens, Georgia, with her fiancé and two puppies, Riker and Lucy.

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♥READ THE SERIES♥

Book 1 – Take Me for Granted

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Book 2 – Take Me with You

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Below The Belt by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Below The Belt

Worth The Fight Series – Book 3

By Sidney Halston

Synopsis

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

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

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Michel’s Review

I love the Worth the Fight series by Sidney Halston. Each book has been fantastic. They all have very different types of characters,interesting plots, a strong foundation of friendships, a feisty menacing chihuahua that intimidates big tough men, and sizzling red hot romance.

I was really looking forward to the release of Below The Belt. We met Antonio “Scarface” Marino in the the previous book Full Contact. He is a top billed MMA fighter with a very bad reputation. He is a prima donna in the MMA world. He likes to play hard and work as little as possible. He has a tendency of being an out of control hothead. His manager is on the brink of dropping him, he’s losing sponsors left and right, and aging fast. His career is on a downward spiral when WTF Gym takes him on. For WTF it’s all about gaining the publicity and notoriety as a professional class gym.

Francesca Silva is hard as nails. She can hold her own in the professional world of fighting. She rules WTF with an iron fist. She doesn’t ever socially mingle with any of her fighters. In fact she doesn’t date period. She has a few close friends but she doesn’t let them get too close. Being brought up in the MMA world and a gym brat, she knows the score. She’s been there, done that, been destroyed, made herself stronger, moved on, and started a complete new book. She is in total control at all times. Or should I say she thinks she is until Antonio Marino starts pushing all the buttons she thought she had destroyed. He is making her feel things that she thought she buried ten years earlier.

When the red hot Cuban turns on the charm he is a force to be reckoned with. You know what they say about Latino lovers. Tony has it all in spades. He also has the Latino hot head tendencies that lead him to making the wrong assumptions, petty jealousy, and verbal diarrhea . But with Francesca he has found a woman that will stand up to him, call him out, and give it back tenfold.

Put one sexy Cuban male and one spicy Brazilian woman in a relationship and the fireworks are going to explode. It won’t take a hurricane to bring their world down, their own stubborn hot heads are doing a fine job at it.

Both have insecurities, anxieties, and vulnerabilities they hide from the world. But when these two are together the walls come down and their personal baggage starts spilling out. The funny thing is they help each other pick up the pieces and make their baggage much lighter.

Some readers may struggle with the back and forth verbal sparring and the domineering attitudes. What they must understand is that this is a part of their cultural upbringing. This is the norm for relationships. I think Sidney Halston nailed this aspect of these characters on the head.

I loved how realistic this book felt in terms of graphic locations. I am from south Florida and this book made me homesick. I loved the easy feel of Tarpon Springs to the spirited feel of Miami Beach.

I loved the resolution in the end and was quite surprised at the direction this book took the series. Sidney threw in some new blips for Dragos. He now has three princess kittens and one snooty male cat to contend with. I bet Slade and Jack are out celebrating and buying kitty treats. Antonio is buying tissues and Francesca is buying catnip.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I am a fan of WTF fight team!

Tina’s Review

This is a hard one for me to rate and review. It is quite obviously a later book in a series, as evidenced by most of the characters already having a history with one another, including our two main characters. It CAN stand alone and the author DOES do a pretty good job at trying to fill in some of the back stories, but it would have been greatly beneficial to read the previous books prior to this, I think. Antonio is a testosterone-laden hothead who has a few redeeming moments here and there, but I had a hard time really liking him, let alone falling for him. Francesca seems to wall herself off from others while portraying herself to be completely independent and strong, seemingly incapable of feeling emotion. The secondary characters are an interesting mixture, including the stereotypical hyper-aggressive Chihuahua. The dialogue and interaction is mostly good, but there are times that I just want to smack both of them for the crap that comes out of their mouths. It’s a bit frustrating. The flow of writing is smooth, but the plot is a bit flat. While the cover caught my eye and plot initially grabbed me, compelling me to read it, the overall journey was not as dynamic as I’d hoped it would be. The conflicts that the plot is ridden with are usually resolved in mature and timely manners. There was little predictability and the hero and heroine get a solidly concluded ending. There is a slight opening / lead-in for Cain and Violet’s story to pick up next.

The Worth The Fight Series

Against The Cage – Book 1

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

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

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

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Full Contact – Book 2

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

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

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

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________________________________

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

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

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway : Where The Road Takes Me by Jay McLean

Posted on 02/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Where The Road Takes Me

By Jay McLean

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Synopsis

Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.
Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Excerpt

Chloe lifted her gaze and locked it with mine. She shook her head again and groaned, “Fine.” Then she took off her shirt.

My jaw dropped.

My hands had touched her bare skin, the curve of her hips, and her tiny waist, but I’d seen her body only once, when she was in a bikini, and that had been for only a minute. But that was nothing compared to seeing her like this. Up close. So close her sports bra–covered breasts were just under my nose.

“Blake?” she whispered.

I struggled to take my eyes off her chest, but I finally made it to her face. She had her hair tied up in a messy knot on top of her head, like she often did. But a few strands were stuck on her neck and on her face . . . and a little sheen of sweat covered her arms and her stomach, her chest, her breasts . . .

“Blake,” she repeated, and I trailed my eyes back to hers again.

She pouted before she said, “Give me the ball?”

I shook my head and hid the ball behind my back.

She pouted again. “Please?” she whispered. Then a hint of a smile broke through.

“Are you trying to seduce me into giving you my ball?”

Michel’s Review

Where The Road Takes Me is the first book I have read by Jay McLean. I have heard wonderful things about Jay McLean and have seen her huge fan base on Facebook. I was thrilled to get an ARC copy for review.

I have to be honest with my review. I cannot say I liked the book but I also cannot say I say I disliked the book. I had a hard time deciphering whether this book was in the YA Genre and New Adult Genre. It had more of a YA feel to it.

The overall plot and story idea were good. I liked the concept of the direction this story was taking. The problem was the execution of the plot. The passages did not flow smoothly and tended to be too lengthy in some areas and too short in others. There was also a problem with the characters connections and dialogues. I felt that as a reader I had to assume what was going in their heads, assume their attraction, and assume their miscommunications.

That leads me to the characters. I really liked Blake’s character but had a hard time understanding some of his actions. He seemed decisive, attentive, compassionate, loyal, and steadfast. It was clear he had some issues that revolved around his home life and future. What I struggled with was his indecisiveness where his girlfriend Hannah was concerned. I couldn’t understand how he could be consumed with Chloe but still keeping Hannah around. It was clear he could of cared less about her. His character portrayed him as an honest honorable person and this action contradicted it.

I had a hard time understanding Chloe. I could understand why she was chasing the road as her future. I could understand her need to be under the radar. I could even understand her fears. What I had a hard time understanding was her pushing so many people away. She had a remarkable network of support. These people loved her and she loved them. There was no reason for her to be so adamant on living the rest of her life on her own.

The last part of the book picked up pace and was much more gripping. I felt like I could finally get on board with Blake and Chloe’s relationship. The final chapters had me crying and rejoicing for them.

Overall the story was good. I think a younger audience that is just starting to delve into more mature reading material is going to love this book. It has the right amount of heat and the right amount of romance. It portrays the high school world with perfection. It portrays two young people on the cusp of the rest of their lives.

I am looking forward to reading more from Jay McLean.

Author Bio:

Jay McLean is the author of the More Series, including More Than This, More Than Her, More Than Him and More Than Forever. She also has two standalones coming soon titled Where The Road Takes Me, and Combative.
Jay is an avid reader, writer, and most of all, procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, or devouring some tacky reality TV show.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her smile, make her hurt, and make her feel.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Cover Reveal: By Any Other Name by J.M. Drawer – Forbidden Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/09/2015 by shellbellereads

By Any Other Name

Forbidden Series – Book 1

Release Date: February 23, 2015

By J.M. Darhower

Synopsis

Genevieve “Genna” Galante knows a thing or two about causing trouble. After all, it’s engrained in her DNA. As the only daughter of Primo Galante, notorious boss of the Galante crime family, her life is dictated by a certain set of rules… rules Genna was never very good at following.

Matteo “Matty” Barsanti never wanted anything to do with the family business, but as the first-born Barsanti son, certain things are expected of him. It’s his duty, according to his father, to help take down the enemy… even if that enemy means something to him.

A chance encounter on an elevator changes the course of lives, causing the biggest trouble of Genna’s young life. The only good Barsanti is a dead Barsanti. She’s heard it said time and time again. So what happens when she falls in love with one of them?

The story of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle of the biggest rivalry New York has ever seen, determined to make it… if only they can survive their parents’ feud.

Teaser

“A Roman Coke,” Genna mused. “What’s that?”

“It’s rum and Coke. We just call it a Roman Coke around here.”

“Because you’re Italian?”

“And because when you get drunk enough, it all just slurs together anyway.”

“Ah.” Genna picked hers up, motioning toward him with it. “So what are we drinking to?”

“Today.”

“Today?”

He nodded. “Right now, this moment. Let’s drink to it.”

Smiling, she clinked her glass with his. “Today, then.”

They threw them back at the same time. The liquor hit Genna’s taste buds and she grimaced, the vicious burn seeping down her throat and settling deep in her chest. “Ugh, is there even any Coke in this damn thing?”

Matty laughed, setting his empty glass down. “Just a splash.”

“I couldn’t tell.”

“That’s because I prefer it that way,” he responded. “Strong and rough, enough to leave a lingering ache. I like it to hurt just a bit.”

Oh good God. Those words sent a chill down Genna’s spine, one she couldn’t hide, as Matty waved for the waitress. Eyes never leaving Genna, he ordered another round of drinks.

“Another?” she asked, picking up the water to take another sip, this one to soothe the sting in her chest. “You said one drink.”

A sly smile curved his lips. “I like to keep them coming.”

“Is that right?”

“Absolutely.” Matty stood, leaning across the table, his lips near her ear. “Maybe you’ll let me show you later.”

About the Author:

JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn’t writing she’s usually ranting about those things. Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can find her there.

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Happy Release: Premeire – A Romance Writers of America Collection

Posted on 02/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Premiere

A Collection of Romantic Tales from Romance Writers of America

Synopsis

From Romance Writers of America® comes a never-before-published collection of tales that showcases the breadth and complexity of the world’s most popular genre of fiction!

New York Times bestselling authors Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan bring the thrills in their tales of romantic suspense.

New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries and Courtney Milan take you on a trip back in time with lush stories of historical romance.

New York Times bestselling authors Vicki Lewis Thompson and Joan Johnston show the wonder of contemporary romance, while New York Times bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Laura Kaye’s New Adult romances delve into the evolving Millennial perspective.

And editor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day’s tale of angels and sizzling desire takes readers to the edge with paranormal romance.

From the first love of Young Adult romance to tales of second chances, LGBT romance to the realms of the supernatural, contemporary to historical, suspense to inspirational, the genre of romance has a story for every reader and this blockbuster inaugural collection from Romance Writers of America showcases it all!
Plus tales from:
Lila Bell
T. L. Costa
Diane Kelly
Amber Lin
Katy Regnery
Erica Ridley
Regina Scott
Harper St. George
Lex Valentine

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Release Day Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Next Sin by Georgia Cates – The Sin Trilogy

Posted on 02/09/2015 by shellbellereads

The Next Sin

The Sin Trilogy- Book 2

By Georgia Cates

Synopsis

An epic tale of revenge and love in a new romantic trilogy from the New York Times best-selling author of The Beauty Series.

Bleu MacAllister is in hiding less than three months when Sinclair Breckenridge discovers her whereabouts. Her former lover, the future leader of a criminal organization known as The Fellowship, resists the tug of his heart heartstrings in her direction. Instead, he opts to watch over his beloved from afar. And she has no idea. But Sin’s sacrifice is short-lived. His bonny lass is a hunted traitor. He fears Abram’s assassins are closing in, leaving him with one solution for saving Bleu–make her his wife. Marriage seems an easy fix for their dilemma but wedded bliss is brief when the couple finds trouble lying in wait beyond the realm of the brotherhood. Will the original revenge seeker find herself the object of collateral damage?

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EXCERPT

I’m in the background of Bleu’s life, as I have been for weeks. I have eyes on her at all times, even when they’re not my own. I safeguard her from harm. It’s all I’ve done since tracking my lass down in a small town in Mississippi, right outside of Memphis. I act as her protector from afar and she has no idea. She believes she’s hidden from The Fellowship—and me—but she couldn’t be more wrong. I’m always here, keeping a watchful eye on her and the MacAllister family.

I often need to be reminded that this is Bleu’s world. Every person she has contact with isn’t a threat but there’s an enormous problem with that. I have no idea who’s friend or foe.

I was concerned when Bleu disappeared at the bar with a man earlier tonight. I was on the verge of barging into the back until my lass came out on stage to perform with the band. I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised in all my life. I knew she played but I never pegged her for a public performer. That doesn’t seem like my Bonny at all.

But I guess I don’t really know the real Bleu MacAllister. I only know the woman she pretended to be.

Michel’s Review

The Next Sin is the second book in the sensational Sin Trilogy by Georgia Cates. This trilogy is one of those enthralling kinds of story. The moment I opened the book I was immersed in Sin and Bleu’s world. Their passion for one another is more important than their transgressions. Their dedication and love for one another is unbreakable. Can they survive the world that Sin was born into and the world Bleu wants to destroy?

The Next Sin opens a few months after Bleu’s abrupt departure from Scotland. Sin has come to take her back. A hit has been placed on Bleu’s head from one of the high ranking members of the Fellowship. Sin has brought Bleu into the Fellowship, he has pledged his protection, and claimed her as his. This should of kept the Fellowship away from her. But some of the Fellowship members see her as a threat. The view her relationship with Sin as a betrayal. Sin vows he will protect her at all costs. His solution is marriage. No member of the Fellowship can touch another members family. It is the ultimate sin.

As Bleu and Sin start their new lives as a married couple, it stirs up a hornets nest. While they are trying to start a family, Sin’s family members are plotting to destroy them. Sin will have to step up and take his place as the second in command of the Fellowship. He will have to exert his power. He will have to put some of the higher ranking members of the Fellowship in their place. He will have to prove his leadership to the Fellowship as well as to his enemies.

Friends and foe are pissed. They want revenge. They want to destroy Sin. They want Bleu dead.

The only thing Sin and Bleu want are the life they are building together. They want to have babies and build a happy home.

Bleu still wants vengeance for her mother’s murder. What she thought was the ultimate truth as to who did it has now become very blurred. The one suspect has turned into many suspects. As she starts investigating the hidden secrets and potential suspects, Sin’s place in the Fellowship is being tested. It is becoming a threat to her and Sin’s future dreams. It has become a threat to the babies they desperately want to have. Can she let go of this vengeance and move forward in her life with Sin.

When Sin and Bleu finally are realizing their dreams, their world comes crashing down. They are facing total destruction of their world. The could very well lose each other. They could very well lose their lives.

That destruction knocks on the door with the wrath of the devil. What happens next….CLIFFHANGER!

I am so caught up in this story. I love the characters. Sin is one of the sexiest Scotsmen I have read. What makes him so sexy is his dedication to Bleu, his acceptance of her vengeance against the Fellowship, and his unconditional love for her. This man is swoon worthy. I love Bleu as well. She is a smart woman and loves Sin with all her heart. She is willing to reason and accept the fact that her perception of what happened to her mother might be different than she thought. She is willing to work with that. She is willing to put it aside so that she and Sin can start their family. She wants to have her babies and spend a lifetime with Sin. She will have his back, cherish his love, and give it back to him tenfold.

I can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy. One Last Sin, book 3, is scheduled to release March 23, 2015.Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20623840-one-last-sin

Bleu MacAllister is consumed. A horrific childhood incident has caused every
decision in her life to revolve around bringing a monster to justice. With
years spent studying The Fellowship, an organized crime brotherhood of liars,
thieves, and killers, Bleu will rely on her skills as a special agent to cut
Thane Breckenridge off at the knees. But walking hand in hand with retribution
means risking collateral damage, in the form of Breckenridge’s son
Sinclair—until Sin becomes so much more than Bleu bargained for. She’s always
known this undertaking would place her life in danger—she never imagined her
heart would be as well.

AMAZON /Barnes & Noble/ iBooks

A Necessary Sin

Michel’s Review

Wow… what a great start to an exciting new series, The Sin Trilogy by Georgia Cates.

I was captivated the moment I opened this book. It starts out on a high level of suspense. The reader gets to witness a horrific murder that will mold and shape one woman’s life. She will become a weapon. She will destroy her enemy. She will strike unexpectedly. Her enemy won’t know what hit him until his very last breath. She is a chameleon. She is vengeance.

Bleu McAllister has trained for twenty years to execute the man that killed her mother. She has studied her enemy. She has studied the organized crime brotherhood known as the Fellowship. She knows their key players, their enemies, and their weaknesses. She also knows their lethal legacy, their strengths, and their allies. She is ready to make her move.

Bleu moves to Scotland to carry out her vengence. The only way she can get to the man that murdered her mother is through his son. She studied her foe and came prepared to seduce this man and strike quickly. What she didn’t count on was who this man really was and how he would affect her.

What starts out as a carefully planned seduction of Sin Breckenridge ends up turning the tables on her. Sin’s sexy persona, the person beneath the facade has captured her heart. He is in no way a good man but he is not a bad man either. The man behind the image has a heart of gold, a beautiful soul, and compassion. How can she hurt a man that makes her heart beat?

As Bleu falls in love with Sin, her perspective will change. She is contemplating giving up her need for vengeance in the name of love. She is willing to accept Sin’s place in the Fellowship. She is willing to accept a life within the Fellowship. She is embracing everything she has hated in the name of love.

When she finally choses love the Fellowship finds out her secrets. Her life is on the line. She will have to make choices no woman in love should make. What happens next is …CLIFFHANGER!

_______________________________

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

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

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

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Happy Release: Tight by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 02/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Tight

Erotic Romance

By Alessandra Torre

Release Date: February 7, 2015

Synopsis

Tight – Standalone

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn’t been laid in three years. Hadn’t been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup… a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issues?

His secret.

Her.

The fact that I don’t even know she exists, and he thinks she’s dead.

Everything is about to hit the fan and I can’t hold on to him tight enough.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’ Review

Alessandra Torre stepped out of her comfort zone and wrote a book that has elements of a dark thriller. Tight is word that holds many definitions. In this novel Alessandra Torre portrayed several different meanings through the passages that take this story in a chilling direction.

Readers are once again reunited with Riley and Brett. They were featured in the Bend collection. In Tight we see a complete different type of story. Rather than focusing on their sexual attraction, Tight focuses on their relationship and the progression of their lives as a couple from the beginning.

Riley and Brett met in the Bahama’s while Riley was attending a bachelorette party. Their attraction leads to a long distance relationship. Their romantic weekend getaways to exotic locations throughout the Caribbean and other resort type areas is like a fantasy come true. Everything seems like a fairytale. Brett is successful, rich, and appears to be the kind of man every woman dreams of. He is attentive, generous, and romantic. It seems too good to be true. He is mysterious about his business transactions on their getaways which leads Riley to become suspicious of how he really makes his money. Each trip, each conversation, and each romantic moment leads to more suspicion. Their relationship seems to heading towards a serious committed kind of love. Before Riley can completely surrender her heart to Brett, she has to know the truth.

Searching for the truth will lead Riley into a very dark and dangerous predicament. What happens next will lead to the point of no return. It could possibly lead to death.

Will Brett find Riley in time? Will the truth be Brett’s redemption or his fall from Riley’s heart?

I really enjoyed this book and found the story enthralling. I loved how the author built a relationship while adding moments of doubt that left the reader with questions. I loved the strength Riley displayed throughout the book. I also loved the psychological elements that gave the reader an inkling of what was happening without becoming too graphic. I liked that this book had multiple POV’s.

The only thing that I struggled a bit with was the transgression in POV’s and passages. I felt the flow of the story was a bit off. At times I had to turn back a few pages and reread them to catch up with the present POV and time.

Overall Tight was a very good book.

About Alessandra Torre

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, became a breakout hit, rising to the top of the charts on Kindle and Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for her erotic thriller The Girl in 6E.

From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review: Hero By Night by Sara Jane Stone – Independence Falls Series- Book 3

Posted on 02/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Book Three: Independence Falls

January 20, 2015

Synopsis

He was nobody’s hero until he landed in the wrong bed …

Armed with a golden retriever and a concealed weapons permit, Lena Clark is fighting for normal. She served her country, but the experience left her emotionally numb and estranged from her career-military family. Staying in Independence Falls seems like the first step to reclaiming her life until the town playboy stumbles into her bed …

Chad Summers is living his dream—helicopter logging by day and slipping between the sheets with Mrs. Right Now by night. Until his wild nights threaten his day job, leaving Chad with a choice: prove he can settle down or kiss his dream goodbye. But when he ends up in the wrong bed, the one woman in Independence Falls he can’t touch offers a tempting proposition. Chad is ready and willing to give in to the primal desire to make Lena his at night—on one condition. By day, they pretend their relationship is real.

But their connection extends beyond the bedroom, threatening to turn their sham into reality if Chad can prove he’s the hero Lena needs night and day … forever.

Buy: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Google ~ Kobo

Michel’s Review

Lena Clark is a war hero. When she came home from war she was no longer the same person. She suffers from PTSD. Her anxiety levels have caused her to have panic attacks, nightmares, and paranoid tendencies. She can’t stand to be touched by other people. Although she is no longer a soldier, she is still fighting battles on a daily basis. The only thing that has helped control her PTSD is her therapy dog, Hero. She is trying to adjust to civilian life and learn how to tolerate normal every day life. She has moved to Independence Falls to heal and work her way back to real world.

Lena’s good friend offers her an apartment on her family’s property. Lena takes her up on the offer with hopes of staying in Independence and rebuilding her life.

Chad Summer’s is the town player and local bad boy. He is known for his charm and reputation with the ladies. His reputation and nightlife escapades have trickled into his day life. His job is on the line unless he can settle down and prove he is responsible and steadfast. Chad’s job as a helicopter pilot is his passion. He will do what is necessary to keep his job.

When Chad ends up in Lena’s bed by mistake it is a win win situation for both of them. Lena offers to be Chad’s fake girlfriend by day. In return Chad can help her with some of her problems. He is hers by night.

Although this is an unconventional path to healing it works. Chad’s intuitions, patience, sense of humor, and insight are just what Lena needs.

Love can be the healing touch. Together these two will find just what they really need in life. Together they will find peace, love , and happiness.

Sara Jane Stone delivers a well written heartfelt book. Her characters capture the reader’s attention. The story is well paced, realistic, sexy, and convincing. I enjoyed every moment reading Hero By Night.

Read Hero By Night and the Independence Falls Series. It will not disappoint!

Other Books By Sara Jane Stone

Full Exposure

No touching allowed …

After serving her country, Georgia Trulane craves adventure—and sex. She’s set her sights on her brother’s best friend—now her boss, since she took a temporary job as his nephew’s live-in nanny. Only problem? Eric refuses to touch her. That doesn’t stop Georgia from seducing him. But an earth-shattering encounter leaves her fully exposed, body and soul.

Eric has a long list of reasons to steer clear of the woman he has wanted for as long as he can remember. For one, he refuses to be her next thrill ride. When he claims her, it will be for good. But the attraction is undeniable, and the more they fight it, the stronger it pulls. But will it be enough to conquer their obstacles?

Links to Buy: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Google Play ~ Kobo

Caught in the Act

Falling for his rivals’ little sister could cost him everything …

For Liam Trulane, failure is not an option. He is determined to win a place in Katie Summers’ life before she leaves Independence Falls for good. But first, he needs to make amends for the last time they got down and dirty.

Only problem?

His professional success hinges on striking a deal to buy Katie’s family business. And after Liam’s relationship with their Katie went south years ago, the Summers brothers are more enemy than friend. If both parties agree to set the past aside, they can reach an understanding. But when Katie welcomes him back into her bed, Liam risks everything to make her his.

After Liam betrayed her trust, Katie Summers will do anything to keep him from walking away with the family business. She decides to seduce him, knowing that when her brothers find out, they will back off from the deal. And she’ll finally have her revenge. But when her plan spirals out of control, Katie learns that payback may come at too high a price …

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Google Play ~ Kobo

Author Bio
After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream—writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Visit her online at http://www.sarajanestone.com or find her on Facebook at Sara Jane Stone.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Verum by Courtney Cole : 5 + Star Reviews and 2015 Favorite

Posted on 02/05/2015 by shellbellereads

Verum

The Nocte Trilogy – Book 2

By Courtney Cole

Synopsis

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.

My name is Calla Price and I’m drowning.

My new world is a dark, dark ocean and I’m being pulled under by secrets.

Can I trust anyone? I don’t know anymore.

The lies are spirals. They twist and turn, binding me with their thorns and serpentine tongues. And just when I think I have it figured out, everything is pulled out from under me.

I’m entangled in the darkness.

But the truth will set me free.

It’s just ahead of me, so close I can touch it. But even though it shines and glimmers, it has glistening fangs and I know it will shred me.

Are you scared?

I am.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Verum , the second book in the Nocte Trilogy, by Courtney Cole released this week. The moment it went live I had to download it and begin reading it. Nocte, the first book in this trilogy, left readers with so many questions. It left our mind boggled. It left the reader with residual emotions that could not be put into perspective. The desperate anxious feelings have been festering.

The teasers that were put out before the release of Verum had readers theorizing and speculating where the this book would lead. The more readers formulated theories, the more confused I became. Each theory I read seemed credible and valid. They made sense. But… here is the thing… one part or two parts of a story are not a whole. They are building blocks that lead to the eventual outcome. It is a journey that takes many twists and turns. It was meant to engage the readers imagination, stimulate their sense of reasoning, test their patience, and induce every emotional response intended.

Verum takes a completely different direction from the previous book. The setting has changed. The circumstances revolving around the characters have morphed into something more complex. The potential danger and conflict has changed. New characters are introduced. There is a deeper and darker sense of despair. The twists and turns throughout the story have the reader’s mind whirling. Although the overall sense of the story has changed, the original plot is still driving this story. Each time the reader feels they have formulated pieces of the puzzle, the story shakes it up and the pieces fall into a new pattern. In the end, there is a huge revelation that makes this story make sense. This huge revelation is a relief. It also raises more questions.

Verum consumed me. It was a reading experience that left me drained (in a good way). Courtney Cole did an outstanding job with this book. She took the reader hostage, tortured their senses, engaged their minds, and led them on a very gothic journey. She meticulously chose each word to convey this story. Each passage was methodically placed to keep the reader on their toes and searching for clues. The writing was brilliant!

I am look forward to the final book in the Nocte Trilogy. I think the outcome is going to shock the reader to the core. I’m ready!

Robin’s Review

If you have already read Nocte by Courtney Cole, you know exactly what to expect with Verum. Unforeseen plot twists. Clues. Phrases and pieces of sentences which will have you scratching your head. Sentences consisting of nonsensical gibberish. Dreams? Visions? Hallucinations? Or truth?

The Nocte Trilogy is a literary jigsaw puzzle. It’s an intriguing mystery that will challenge your intelligence. Courtney Cole wants you to be confused. And if you are? She has succeeded with what she set out to do. In my case, Cole was successful. After I had finished reading Verum, everything I previously understood about Calla and Dare had been altered. I honestly have no idea what to think! One thing is for certain, I am desperate for the final novel of this trilogy! I cannot wait until the puzzle pieces finally fit together! Lux is expected to be released later in 2015. Courtney Cole has most definitely earned 5 stars and a place on my list of 2015 favorites with Verum!

ABOUT COURTNEY COLE:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

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ARC Review: Give It All by Cara McKenna – Desert Dogs Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/05/2015 by shellbellereads

Give It All

Desert Dogs Series – Book 2

By Cara McKenna

Synopsis

A hot new Desert Dogs novel from the author of Lay It Down

Keep your friends close—and your enemies closer….

Bar owner Raina Harper can’t say for sure what Duncan Welch is to her. With her small Nevada town under siege by a ruthless casino development and still reeling from a spate of murders, she knows that trusting the public face of the corporate invaders is risky to say the least. Though, damn, it’s one fine-looking face.…

Duncan may be a mercenary when it comes to getting the job done, but he’s no villain. In fact, the calculating fixer soon finds himself in the bad guys’ crosshairs, framed and facing professional ruin. To clear his name, he’ll need help from Raina and her roughneck motorcycle club, the Desert Dogs. Gaining their trust won’t be easy, and the molten sexual tension between Raina and Duncan only makes things more complicated—especially since Miah Church, Raina’s friend and ex-lover, would sooner strangle Duncan than shake his hand.

One thing’s certain, though: If they don’t deal with their incendiary attraction soon, the whole damn town might go up in flames.…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Are you looking for a book that has strong characters, great dialogue, a plot that is well executed, snarky banter, and tons of action ? Look no more…. Give It All by Cara McKenna has all this and more. I could not put the book down.

Cara McKenna took a character that most readers hated in the first book and had him capturing the reader’s interest within the first part of the book. She made us fall in love with this jerk.

Raina Harper is a tough bar owner in a small town in Nevada that is being taken over by casino development. She’s tough as nails and can handle her clientele, The Desert Dogs MC. When the investigation of the missing bones takes on twists and turns, it brings Duncan Welsh into the spotlight. He is the kind of man Raina hates to love. He is quirky, has a touch of OCD, has anxiety issues, and is a powerful attorney. He is one hot mess. The exact kind of hot mess that Raina can’t help but want to clean up.

Duncan Welch, the rich corporate lawyer finds himself a target after he pushes the bad guys buttons. He has been framed and is facing ruin. The only way to clear his name is to engage the help of the motorcycle club, The Desert Dogs. He will have to earn their trust and earn their assistance. The sexual tension and mutual attraction between him and Raina only makes matters worse. Miah Church is Raina’s best friend, ex lover, and self proclaimed protector. He would rather kill Duncan than help him.

Raina and Duncan could not be more different than night and day. Opposites do attract. These two bring out the very best and worst in each other. They also give each other the support and strength the other needs. They grow as individuals and they grow as a couple.

As the story unfolds, the suspense builds, and the town is on an explosive path. Raina and Duncan’s passion is heating up more than the town’s eminent demise. Sparks are flying everywhere and everyone is getting burned. Raina and Duncan’s passion is going to explode.

There is so much more to this ongoing story. Each book unravels another piece of the overall plot. I would highly recommend reading Lay It Down by Cara McKenna, book one in this series. I can’t wait for the next book.

____________________________________
Author Bio:

Cara McKenna writes contemporary romance and smart erotica, sometimes under the name Meg Maguire, and has sold more than thirty-five novels and novellas to Ellora’s Cave, Penguin, Harlequin Blaze, Samhain, and Signet Eclipse. She’s known for writing no-nonsense, working-class heroes with capable hands and lousy grammar. She was a 2010 Golden Heart finalist, and a two-time Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee. Cara writes full-time and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her own bearded hero.

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Author Archives: shellbellereads

About shellbellereads

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Release Day Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Next Sin by Georgia Cates – The Sin Trilogy

Happy Release: Tight by Alessandra Torre

Tight – Standalone

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

5 Star Review: Hero By Night by Sara Jane Stone – Independence Falls Series- Book 3

Verum by Courtney Cole : 5 + Star Reviews and 2015 Favorite

ARC Review: Give It All by Cara McKenna – Desert Dogs Series – Book 2

About shellbellereads

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Tight – Standalone

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

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