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Review: Jesus Freaks: Sins Of The Father by Andrea Randall- Jesus Freaks Series-Book 1- 5 Star Review

Posted on 09/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Jesus Freaks: Sins Of The Father

By Andrea Randall

Genre: New Adult

Synopsis

Kennedy Sawyer is the valedictorian of her upper middle class, liberal high school.

Roland Abbot is the charismatic, attractive televangelist from New Life Church with a dark past and an illegitimate child.

Ignoring the cautions of her mother and the confusion of her Ivy League-bound friends, Kennedy enrolls at the conservative Christian Carter University where her sights are set on Roland Abbot—her birth father.

Kennedy’s intentions are to learn more about her father than the Bible. However, roommates who are quick to evangelize to strangers, an RA who seems to be hiding something, and friends in the most unlikely places challenge everything she’s ever held as true in the raging battle of us vs. them.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Robin’s Review

Andrea Randall is stepping outside of the box with her new Jesus Freaks series. Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father is completely different from anything I have ever read. My first thought was to classify this novel in the Christian fiction genre, but Randall confirmed that she considers her new series to be new adult. No matter the genre, she has taken a big risk in trying something different, and I absolutely applaud her!

Kennedy Sawyer is an incoming freshman at Carter University in Asheville. She is a liberal Episcopalian teenager from Connecticut who will be attending an extremely conservative, evangelical Christian university. Roland Abbot is the charismatic televangelist preacher from New Life Church, which sits on the edge of the Carter University campus. Roland is a superstar among evangelical preachers. And unbeknownst to anyone from Carter University, he is also Kennedy’s birth father. Although Kennedy could have had her pick of colleges, she chose to attend Carter University with hopes to learn more about Roland Abbot. Kennedy has done everything she can to prepare herself for what she knows will be a difficult transition; however, nothing can prepare her for what is to come during her freshman year.

As I began reading Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father, I knew this novel was going to be different. I think it is important to share with everyone who reads this review that I personally consider myself a Christian. I am familiar with many of the topics and issues that Kennedy faces when she arrives at Carter University. It was apparent Andrea Randall researched extensively for this novel. Her depth of knowledge, combined with her outstanding writing, has resulted in a fantastic novel, and I expect to see the same quality as the series progresses. Our protagonist faces some bigger than life issues with this story. Kennedy questions everything she understands about her own faith while navigating through her freshman year. She questions her own upbringing. Why would her birth father decide to give up his parental rights? She begins to see that things aren’t always black and white. Kennedy also has a couple of boys that she is attracted to. And because she has been raised differently than most students at Carter University, she struggles with normal teenage issues in a different way than her fellow students.

It was not hard for me to become invested in this story. Randall quickly engaged my interest. I appreciated reading about her characters and how they each added to the story. When I needed to take a break from reading, I looked forward to the moment that I could pick up my Kindle to continue. If you are intrigued by Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father, I encourage you to consider reading it. Andrea Randall has earned a 5-star rating from me for this beautifully written novel!

Author Bio:Words are beautiful and powerful. The ammunition held in a single word is infinite.
I’ve been writing poetry since I was in first grade. Words have always mattered to me, and it’s fun to combine them into a multitude of masterpieces.

While I’ve written either Romance or General Fiction thus far, you’ll find something unique in each one of my books. I don’t own cookie cutters.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz: Bang Bang by Rachel Van Dyken-Eagle Elite Novella

Posted on 09/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Bang Bang

An Eagle Elite Novella

By Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis

He was my best friend.
Until he became my enemy.
All within the span of one night.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang.

The rapid fire of gunshots became the soundtrack to my life.

This is the Mafia. Lines are blurred. Choices are never black and white. And the life you thought you knew is… one giant lie.

He was dead.
And I didn’t want his life to be in vain, so I tried to make something of myself. I tried and failed.

Now he’s back. Alive. And he wants something…

Me.

Nobody ever said the mafia played fair.
Welcome to The Family.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

EXCERPT

I wanted his lips more than I wanted my next breath, but how long before those lips were taken away? How long before my heart would get ripped from my chest a second time? I almost didn’t survive the first — I knew I wouldn’t live through the second.

With a jerk I pulled back and slapped him across the face. “How dare you!”

Ax swore and hit the steering wheel. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have assumed—”

“Assumed, what?” I yelled. “That I wouldn’t be completely pissed off? That I wouldn’t be shattered!” My voice wavered. “Totally wrecked forever because I’ve been mourning the loss of my best friend for five damn years only to find out he’s very much alive and suddenly wanting to play the white knight?” My body started to shake. “I died that day!”

Ax’s face twisted with pain. “Amy, I had to protect you… at all costs I had to protect you.”

“Your protection broke my heart,” I whispered.

He sighed, running his hands through his hair before answering. “Ames, sometimes what’s the best for us — is exactly what hurts the most.”

I refused to look at him. Instead I looked down, down at my bare legs, at the outfit I’d almost paraded about in before a crowd of horrible drunk men in order to make money. I wasn’t the same girl he’d left. I was damaged in the worst way. Because by saving me, Ax had taken away all purpose from my life. When I thought he’d died, my only goal was to live because he hadn’t.

And now? Now the shame of my situation was crippling.

Foster care kid.

Unwanted.

Unloved.

And completely and utterly alone. Abandoned, even by my best friend.

“Five years, Ax. And now you come for me…” I licked my lips. “I’m not vain enough to think it’s because you can’t find anyone to warm your bed at night, and I’m not confident enough to think it’s because you missed me so much you just couldn’t stay away. What do you want?”

“You.”

“Try again.”

He swore and looked away. “It doesn’t have to be like this. Had I known you were in this position—”

“What?” I snorted then bit down on my lip to keep from crying. “You would have driven here faster? You would have rescued me sooner? Pitied me more? Take your pick, Ax. Now tell me the truth. Don’t start off this new-found relationship with a lie.”

He was silent for a while then whispered, “You have something I need.”

“A brain?”

Ax’s smile nearly took my breath away “Besides that.”

I pressed my lips together and looked out the window at my dark and cramped apartment. “I have exactly one stuffed animal from my old life, the one you gave me when I was six. I have a Polaroid picture, a toothbrush, enough clothes to get me through a week and a half of living, a hairbrush, two elastic hair bands — Do you see where I’m going with this?” I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. “I have nothing you need, let alone want. Believe me.“

Ax studied my face, his expression softened as he said, barely above a whisper, “Let me be the one who decides that.”

I looked away.

“Don’t do that, Ames,” he murmured. “Don’t shut me out.”

“Five years, Ax.” I looked straight ahead. “Five years where my tears were the only thing keeping me company at night. I think you lost the right to tell me what to do.”

He swore. The car door opened. I gasped as humid air filtered in. “What are you doing?”

“Getting out of the car.” He shrugged and gestured at the building. “Going into your apartment and packing you up. We’ll stay at a hotel tonight.”

I snorted. “My apartment not good enough for you?”

“No.” He pulled a gun from his jeans, thumbed off the safety, and held it out in front of him. “I just hate getting woken up in the middle of the night with gunshots ringing out, don’t you?”

“Yeah.” I gulped, my eyes still trained on the gun.

“Guns don’t hurt people… people do,” Ax said softly. “Remember that.”

“I do.” I met his gaze. “Because in the end, it wasn’t the gun that broke my heart — it was you.”

EAGLE ELITE SERIES

Elite

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elect

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Entice

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elicit

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Rachel Van Dyken:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Melt For Him by Lauren Blakely- A Fighting Fire Novel

Posted on 09/08/2014 by shellbellereads

We are so excited to bring the Release Day Launch for Lauren Blakely’s MELT FOR HIM! MELT FOR HIM is the first full length novel Lauren’s written in the Fighting Fire Series published by Entangled Brazen. Snap up this saucy read today! MELT FOR HIM releases on Sept. 8, and is $2.99 for pre-order and release week, and will then go to $3.99. Hernovella BURN FOR ME is free for a limited time!!

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo Google Play

EXCERPT:

“Why didn’t you tell me you were from here?” he asked, holding his hands out in question.

She furrowed her brow. “What?”

“I had no idea you were Travis’s sister,” he said, and he sounded pissed.

“And I had no idea you were a fireman,” she said, parking her hands on her hips.

He shoved a hand roughly through his hair, shook his head. “And I had no idea you were the photographer. You said you were an artist.”

“I am!” she said, her voice rising. What the hell? “I can draw, and I do tattoos. I also happen to be good at shooting pictures. Besides, you said you were a bar owner,” she pointed out, as if they could both redo this colossal mistake by rehashing the moments they both could have been more honest. “Why didn’t you tell me more about yourself?” she countered.

He didn’t answer. He moved closer, maybe a foot away now. The anger felt like a pulsating life force, but there was something else between them, too. Heat. And want. The nearness was intoxicating. She could reach out and touch his chest. That broad, sturdy chest that she’d loved having her hands all over.

She was edgy now, nervous, as they stood like two sparring partners, tucked away in the back hallway of the coffee shop near the restrooms. She wanted him to touch her again, and she hated that she was still thinking of last night, and how they’d connected so deeply in bed. But also in their conversations all through the night and up to a few minutes ago when they were texting. She was torn between needing to leave and wanting him to pin her against the wall and bury her in kisses that made her weak in the knees.

Too bad she could never do any of those things with him again.

Message from Lauren:

I want to let you all in on a little secret about me. I love hot firemen. I stare at hot fireman. I slow down when driving past thefire station to try to get a better look at the men inside. Whichmight explain why I wrote a sexy firefighter series! But all oglingand firemen lust aside, not only are firefighters sexy, they are alsobrave, courageous and active in their communities. As I wrote MELT FORHIM, I learned more about the work that volunteer fire departments around the country do — both in responding to emergencies and inhelping their communities. And because firefighters have given me somuch inspiration, I wanted to be able to give back with this book.

That’s why I will be donating half of all my proceeds from thepreorders and release week sales for MELT FOR HIM to the NVFCFirefighter Support Fund that supports the nation’s volunteer fire andEMS departments. Together, I believe we can all make a difference andhelp support the men and women who serve our local communities andcome through for us when we need them most!

xoxo
Lauren

About MELT FOR HIM:

He knows exactly how to make her burn…

Fire captain and bar owner Becker Thomas usually spends his nights alone, trying to escape painful memories from his past. When he meets a sexy, free-spirited brunette outside his bar, he knows he’s found the perfect way to forget for one night. But when he later discovers the woman he’s itching for another night with is his best friend’s sister, everything comes to a halt.

Just out of a toxic relationship, Megan Jansen is only in Hidden Oaks to visit her brother, photograph the firemen’s calendar, and then slip off to another adventure. The brooding man who gave her the best sex ever is an unexpected surprise. The problem is, he’s her brother’s friend and a fellow fireman, and Megan’s rule is no firemen. She knows she’s going to get burned …but keeping their hands off each other is easier said than done.

50% of all preorders and release week sales will be donated by the author to the National Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund.

And don’t miss the novella in the Fighting Fire Series, BURN FOR ME!

Amazon iBooks Barnes and Noble

About Lauren Blakely:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter ** MELT FOR HIM Goodreads ** Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: My Control by Lisa Renee Jones- Inside Out Series-Book 4.1

Posted on 09/08/2014 by shellbellereads

My Control

Inside Out Series – Book 4.1

By Lisa Reness Jones

Synopsis

I have lost the man I once was, letting guilt and heartache define

who I am. Darkness has controlled me, and one woman has seen what no one else has

seen in me, what I do not wish to exist. I’m consumed with my hunger for her

and my need for her has driven me to the edge of sanity, but no more.

She’s about to find out that the Master has returned.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Crystal’s POV

I follow him down the stairs, wondering what I’ll find. The tender family man that I’ve glimpsed as he’s cared for his mother? The hard businessman who shut me out after the last time I was here and kept me at a distance? The broken man from the hotel room?

We reach the bottom of the steps and though we turn left, to my right is a dungeon door—which makes me consider another option. Maybe I’m about to see the true Master that I’ve encountered only once before in a bathroom in New York. The memory of him ripping off my panties and demanding that I beg “Mr. Compton” to lick me heats my skin and sets my nerves to jumping. I’d asked, not begged, damn it, and I’d been aroused—which confuses me for reasons I try never to think about.

Kurt stops walking and I realize that we’ve arrived at Mark’s private quarters. He rings a buzzer, and then faces me as the door pops open, giving me a nod. Without so much as a word, he leaves me to enter on my own.

I push open the heavy wooden door and enter the familiar room that seems dipped in a soft glow, a massive four poster bed the centerpiece to various erotic adventures draped in sheer curtains. Those curtains do funny things to my belly that I do not invite, nor do I want to explore. But inching forward, scanning for Mark to no avail, I am forced to search the depths of the room, unable to truly see what’s inside, but certain there’s no human outline.

Finally, my attention goes to a huge archway opening that appears to lead to another room. I swallow hard and move forward. At the entryway I freeze, finding Mark standing in the center of a room with curtains surrounding what looks like another archway leading to a room meant for bondage.

I was right. The Master is here—and he’s the man that I’ve been avoiding. The man who is everything that I do not want.

Inside Out – Reading Order

If I Were You – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Being Me- Buy: Amaznon / Barnes and Noble

Revealing Us- Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

His Secrets: Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Rebecca’s Lost Journals Boxed Set (Includes Bk 3.1 & 3.3 and Master Undone)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My Hunger- Book 3.4- Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

No In Between- Book 4 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

I Belong To You – Book 5 -Coming November 18, 2014

Pre Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

All Of Me – Book 6 – Coming February 22, 2014 –

Pre Order : Amazon / Barnes and Noble

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at on her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

Giveaway

$25 Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjQ0NQ==/

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Indiscretion Volume 4 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial

Posted on 09/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Indiscretion Volume 4

Indiscretion Serial

By Elisabeth Grace

The image was seared into my mind. Imprinted. Emblazoned. Etched.

Did I blame him for what I saw? Or myself, for allowing him the ability to cause the pain coursing through me?

Betrayal was a weapon that cut to the core—the ‘what ifs’ the infection that festered in the wound.

I’d thought we’d had roadblocks thrown in front of us before. Damn. Those would have seemed like mere speed bumps if I’d seen what was coming…

Little did I know that what was headed our way would prove to be the biggest test of all—putting impossible choices in front of us. None of which seemed to lead to a happy ending in which the two of us were together.

INDISCRETION: Volume Four releases September 15th – add it to your Goodreads list here!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

All four volumes will be available together in one paperback shortly after the release of the fourth volume.

Giveaway

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Connect With Elisabeth Grace

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

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds- Underground Kings- Book 1

Posted on 09/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Assumption

Underground Kings Series- Book 1

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis

as·sump·tion:

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Aurora Rose Reynolds has done it again! Another hot alpha Mayson that makes us swoon and temperatures rise.

We met Kenton Mayson in the previous Until series. He is the cousin to the Mayson brothers of that series. He is mysterious, dangerous, and a self made man. His work as a bounty hunter and private investigator keeps him busy in the underground world. He doesn’t have time for relationships or love. When he sees his manwhore cousins finding good women, settling down, and raising families, he’s envious and wants that kind of life for himself. When Autumn Freeman is placed in his home for protection it is very clear she is not that kind of woman. She is a stripper and because of her profession she has loose morals. ASSUMPTION!

Kenton is in for a real eye opener. Autumn is more than a two bit stripper. She is intelligent, funny, loving, and innocent. She is everything he wants in a woman that he wants to spend his life with. Because she is naive and innocent, he assumes that she will trust his words. Again ASSUMPTION! He will have to earn her trust, break through her walls, and show her what love really means.

Autumn has been around plenty of men. Most of these men are cheaters, liars, and untrustworthy. She assumes Kenton is the same way once he makes some derogatory remarks about her chosen profession. Assumption!

A life time of heartache and wounds keeps Autumn from opening up to Kenton. She thinks he will see her past life as a reason to reject her. Assumption!

These two have made a lot of assumptions about one another. They are clearly attracted to one another but both are clinging to their assumptions. Once they let go of those assumptions and open their hearts, they are going to find something much better than what they assumed happily ever after would be.

I loved this story. Aurora’s writing and male characters remind me of Kristen Ashley’s men in all their alpha hotness. Aurora has that same easy going manner that makes her stories flow with natural ease. Her voice is fresh, fun, sexy, and entertaining. Her male characters may be hot Alpha men, but her women outshine these boys. They are the perfect blend of sweet and sassy, innocence and street smart, intelligent and naive, and they know how to put these Alpha men on their knees. And like Kristen Ashley, her dialogue will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. You will close this book with a big smile and a heart full of happiness.

I loved the new characters introduced into the Mayson world. Jason stole my heart with his wit and geekiness. Kai peeked my interest with his mysterious badness. Sven has more in his pockets than a lot of cash. I am so looking forward to what comes next in this series.

I highly recommend Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds.

**Note: I don’t usually compare authors to one another. But when I compared Aurora Rose Reynolds with Kristen Ashley, it was intended as a huge compliment. She evokes the same kind of light hearted happiness while giving us an intense romance. It is a gift to be able to pull that kind of magic through words alone.**

The Until Series

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Aurora Rose Reynolds

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

$ 50 Gift Card

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Review: Black Lies by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 09/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Black LIes

By Alessandra Torre

Synopsis

Brant:

Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years. Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.

Lee:

Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his body. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.

Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.

If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t.

**This is a STANDALONE full-length novel. It is not part of a series, and does not contain a cliffhanger.**

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Wow! Black Lies was brilliant! Alessandra Torre delivered a captivating book with an intricate plot that had readers addicted within the first few chapters. She wove a web of mystery, deceit, and intrigue that had the readers guessing what was to come next. Her complex characters captured the reader’s attention and refused to be ignored. Black Lies is a stand alone romance that is very well written. It is a “must read now” kind of book.

This will be a spoiler free review that does not focus on the characters or plot in a detailed way. It is based on my reactions to this story and the brilliant writing.

The blurb for this book had me intrigued. I was under the expectations of a love triangle kind of romance where two men are vying for one woman’s heart. And it was in every sense but the twists and turns make it unique in a very different kind of way.

One woman wants both of these men. She has captured both of their hearts. She fights to keep both of their love. In the end she will have to choose one man. In the end she hopes her fight was worth it.

These complex characters will capture your attention. One moment you will intensely dislike them and the next moment you will be rooting for their happiness. You will understand their actions, choices, and outcome. Everything is not black and white and there is a very fine line in the gray.

On the surface it will appear that one of the characters is the true villain of the story. But like most things there are many layers. The layers will be peeled and more deceitful actions will make the reader question the motivations. Once the true villain of this story is exposed it is almost impossible to defeat it.

Alessandra Torre created a complex romance that was mind boggling. It was compelling and loaded with gritty passion. The entire story was a beautiful rendition of what real love is all about.

I highly recommend this book.

About Alessandra Torre

Alessandra Torre is a USA Today Bestselling author who focuses on contemporary erotica. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was published in July 2012, and was an Erotica #1 Bestseller for two weeks.

Alessandra lives in the gulf coast of Florida and is married, with one young child. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. Her favorite authors include Lisa Gardner, Gillian Flynn, and Jennifer Crusie.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Carnage- The Story of Us and Carnage 2-The Story of Me by Lesley Jones

Posted on 09/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Carnage – The Story Of Us

By Lesley Jones

Synopsis:

I love him, from the instant I set eyes on him when I was just 11 years old I have loved him and nothing will ever change that, he owns me, he owns my heart and he owns my body and no matter how many lies are told, no matter how many people conspire to keep us apart, despite the fame and the distance, we will find a way.

“Georgia Rae, when we made love you used to cry”… He waits for me to sing my bit. I try to swallow down a sob but I just end up singing through it…

“I said I love you like the stars above, I’ll love you till I die”

Carnage, an edgy coming of age love story that breaks all the rules and transcends the decades. Georgia and Sean’s story will stay with you long after you read the final word.

An emotional, smoking hot, gut wrenching read

Carnage was written and can be read as a stand alone but due to popular demand and threats of violence towards the author, there will now be a book #2 out on August 1st 2014

Buy: Amazon

Michel’s Review

Carnage by Lesley Jones is a love story that spans a twenty year period. The reader will experience the splendor of youthful dreams, the wildness of teenagers in love, the emotional roller coaster of the “first love” romance, the journey into adulthood, the maturity coming from life experiences, and finally fulfilling the dreams of the heart.

It is a beautifully written story that will touch your heart with joy and break your soul into pieces. It is the story of living and loving. It is a story that showcases love in all it’s beauty and all it’s ugliness. It also reinforces the importance of family and friends.

It is a brilliant story that will touch your heart.

I cannot say much more because it would give too many spoilers. This is a book you will want to experience in all it’s richness and glory.

**Warning…Get a big box of tissues**

Carnage 2 – The Story of Me

Book 2

By Lesley Jones

Synopsis

When your world, your life and all of your hopes and dreams for the future are ripped out from under you, how do you go on?

Death without dying is not only the most painful kind of death, it’s also the most painful kind of life and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to live it.

I spend my lonely days and nights trying to make sense of what my life has become. Do I have the strength to move forward into the light, or should I just let the darkness take me?

I’m Georgia Rae Layton McCarthy and this is the story of me, just me.

I’m no longer a part of an us, it’s just me.

Alone.

By myself.

Buy: Amazon

Michel’s Review

Carnage 2 picks up where Carnage left off. Readers were demanding this author write a follow up book. We needed to know the rest of the story.

Carnage 2 did not touch me the way the first novel did. I liked it and liked how the author layed out the steps of rebuilding one’s life. She allowed her main character Georgia to mature as an individual, find a new confidence in herself, recognize her good and bad traits, confront the truths of the heart, and learn to appreciate life in a new way.

I did find that the book was a bit repetitive and overly dramatic in many ways. I found the characters to be a bit too emotional at times and not emotional enough at other times. I still loved them all and was satisfied how their lives turned out.

I would highly recommend reading this book after reading book 1, Carnage- The Story of Us.

These two books are unforgettable and will stay with me for a long time.

Author Bio:

I was born and raised in a small working class town in Essex, just outside of East London. I am married with three sons and in 2006 we all moved to the other side of the world, settling on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, about 50K outside of Melbourne Australia. It’s a whole new way of life for us down here,we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

I am currently a stay at home mum but in the past I have worked at Marks & Spencer, as a classroom assistant/teachers aid and have run my business. As well as writing, I love to read and have been known to get through four or five books a week. My other interests are watching my boys play football…The round ball version; I am happy to admit to being an addict of social media and I owe a lot to my Facebook and Twitter family in promoting my work; I am also rather partial to a glass… or bottle of wine, a nicely chilled Marlborough Sav Blanc being my favorite. Being a born and raised Essex girl, I will happily admit to be being a big fan of spray tans, Shellac and am regularly, waxed, tinted and sculpted, although I am more likely to be found in thongs/flipflops than a pair of white stilettos these days.

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Review: Who I Was by Kasidy Blake

Posted on 09/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Who I Was

Book 1

By Kasidy Blake

Synopsis

Lillian Jacobson was a very happy four year old. She had two loving parents and an older brother who put all other brothers to shame.

Everything changed one horrible night when her entire world was savagely torn apart. Her parents were brutally murdered in front of her eyes and she was left with a bullet wound in her shoulder as a constant reminder of the tragedy. Now she and her brother are living their lives in constant fear; every day a fight for survival.

After years of relative safety under witness protection, their situation turns from bad to worse. Betrayed by a man who swore to protect them, her brother is taken by the same people who ended her parents lives years before. She is moved to a secure location under the protection of two agents, but a complication arises that she never saw coming. She begins to fall for both men, who are also falling for her. When a letter arrives bearing the ultimatum, “Surrender yourself or your brother dies,” she must find a way to suppress her desires or she may never see her brother alive again.

Buy: Amazon

Michel’s Review

Who I Was is the debut novel for new author Kasidy Blake. I was impressed with the plotting and the overall theme for this story. It ended on a monumental cliffhanger that has me dying for the next book.

Who I Was is about a young woman, Lillian, that witnessed her parents murder as a young child. She and her brother have been in the witness protection program since the murder. They have been bounced from place to place and never have had any real roots.

It is discovered that there is a leak within the Witness Protection Agency and once again Lillian and her brother lives are in immediate danger. The agency forms a plan to separate the two to discover who the mole is in the agency.

Lillian is sent off to a new secure location with two super hot young agents. One is a former friend with ties to the past. The other is one that sets her soul on fire. Both are in love with Lillian. Not only does she have to worry about the physical threat to her life, she now has to worry about the matters of the heart. Both men would lay their lives down for her. One has a deep secret that could destroy everything the agency has done. The other has deep connections within the agency that could threaten exposure to her new life.

As the story unfolds and the characters are in play, the reader will experience an enthralling read. The story ended with a major cliffhanger.

Who I Was was an enjoyable read. I found some first time author mishaps and mistakes but it did not affect the overall story in a damaging way.

The few things that needed a bit of work was:

Characterization could have been developed a bit better.

When writing in first person POV the writer needs to capture the thoughts and personality. I found that the POV would be flowing beautifully and then would veer into more of a person telling a story to someone. Example: Telling what you did on vacation, step by step. There were passages that the POV would be step by step actions telling what was done.

I felt the back story needed a little more detail to understand why the characters were in the witness protection program. I wanted to understand why they were a target and why her parents were targeted.

Overall I would recommend this book to readers. I am looking forward to more work by Kasidy Blake.

About The Author:

Connect with Kasidy Blake: Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Trashy by Cambria Hebert- Take It Off Series- Book 10

Posted on 09/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Trashy

Take It Off Series – Book 10

By Cambria Hebert

Synopsis

She’s trying to move on, but the past won’t let her go.

I fell in love once.

It was a big mistake, but the biggest mistake of all was staying with him.

He pushed me around. He cheated and treated me like trash.

I don’t feel sorry for myself, because I let him.

But no more.

I moved out. I’m saving my stripper’s salary for an education that will get me somewhere better.

But breaking the chains of a shitty past isn’t easy. He says I owe him. He says we aren’t done. I don’t care what he says anymore.

I do care about Adam.

But my history tells me I’m not the best judge of men. And the fact Adam’s been married four times tells me he probably isn’t a safe choice.

I need safe. I need better. I need out.

If the past is any indication of my future, getting out isn’t going to be easy.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Excerpt

“Kiss me.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. In seconds he was standing to his full impressive height and towed me up along with him. Adam released my hand and cupped my face. His hands engulfed my jaw but he was so gentle. His eyes swept over me like I was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and around us sparks flew like snowflakes in a blizzard.

Instead of crushing his mouth to mine like I expected, like I wanted, he took his time. His heated gaze dropped to my lips, then back to my eyes. His fingers spasmed against my head and tightened ever so slightly.

Slowly, slowly he lowered his head, cupping my jaw so that I could do nothing but hold still and wait for him to arrive.

The anticipation of his lips on mine was almost my undoing. Everything going on inside me head floated away. I became aware of the moment, of the quietness in the room, of the way my body swayed wanting to get closer.

Adam’s lips brushed over mine, a gentle caress, once, twice and then a third time. He lifted his head just slightly and stared down at me, his thumb climbed up and caressed my lower lip.

He smiled softly and then joined our lips once more.

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Signed Swag

Signed Paperback- Trashy

A Custom Trashy Bracelet

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDA0MjUxMjM1OGRlZWRmZWM1YmUyMmFkYTM3OWE5OjUzMA==/

Saucy Southern Readers

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Author Archives: shellbellereads

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Review: Who I Was by Kasidy Blake

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Trashy by Cambria Hebert- Take It Off Series- Book 10

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