Unknown's avatar

About shellbellereads

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

Review + Giveaway: Only One by Tammy Falkner- The Reed Brothers Series- Book 5.5

Only One

Only One

The Reed Brothers Series- Book 5.5

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button

By Tammy Falkner 

Synopsis

He knows the value of life.

She’s still learning.

What would you do if you had one last moment to say goodbye? Would you take it?

(While this book is about Nick and Carrie, two brand new characters, the Reeds – the whole lot of them – do show up in this book. And there might even be a teeny-tiny little Reed Brothers reveal hidden in the pages. Shh! Don’t tell anyone!)

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes

 

5 Star Read

Michel’s Review

Only One by Tammy Falkner is a novella in The Reed Brothers Series. It can be read as a stand alone novella or in the series order.

Only One is a powerful novella. It is an emotional story of life and death. It celebrates the very meaning of life, love, and family. It shows the power of forgiveness and the power of love. It also shows the beauty of hope.

Only One features the story of Nick and Carrie, two young people stepping into their new “adult” life.   The summer after graduation should be one of celebration, independence, fun, and parties. For Carrie it is a summer of dread. She is forced to spend the summer at their family beach house in North Carolina with her estranged mother. Her feelings of resentment and loathing get in the way of experiencing what could be the best summer of her life. She has to learn how to forgive and cherish each moment in life.

Nick lost his parents a year before graduation. He is on his own and struggling to survive. He hangs on to the values and life lessons his parents taught him. He cherishes the examples they set for love and relationships. He would give anything to have one more moment to tell them how much they meant to him.

When Nick and Carrie re establish their friendship they will gain new outlooks on life. They will learn the true meaning of love. They will learn what is important in life. They will make new friends (The Reed Family). They will suffer hurt and loss. They will gain love and hope.

Even if you have not read the Reed Brothers series read Only One. It is a beautiful story that will bring you to tears and leave you with a strong sense of hope.

Tammy Falkner did a beautiful job telling Nick and Carrie’s story. It is obvious that this was a story that she had to write. It will touch your soul.

The Reed Brothers Series

1. Tall, Tatted, and Tempting

2. Smart, Sexy and Secretive

3. Calmly, Carefully, Completely

3.25 Finally Finding Faith

3.5 Just Jelly Beans and Jealousy

3. 75 Reagan’s Revenge

4. Maybe Matt’s Miracle

5. Proving Paul’s Promise

Giveaway

Only One

3 IBook Copies of Only One

Click the link below to enter to win

https://www.facebook.com/smutbookjunkiebookreviews/posts/815584958475804

About Tammy Falkner:

 

tammy falknerTammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she wrote three books for Sourcebooks as Tammy Falkner, featuring Regency Faeries, and just began her first New Adult adult series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Only One

 

 

Blog Tour Spotlight+Giveaway: How To Kill Your Boss by Krissy Daniels

Krissy Banner Tour

9781616506230

How To Kill Your Boss

An Erotic Love Story

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button

By Krissy Daniels

Synopsis

When Tatum’s daydreams of murder become a reality, all fingers point to her.

In Tatum Wood’s opinion, murdering her boss on a daily basis within the safety of her thoughts is better than therapy. Until he takes a swan dive off a building and all evidence points to her. Thank goodness she has Franklin Reed. Her mysterious, overprotective and drop-dead gorgeous coworker is all too eager to play hero. With two attacks in her building and her stalker with a penchant for roses, Franklin’s injection into her life couldn’t have come at a better time.

As Tatum and Franklin scramble to discover who’s behind the murder, secrets are unearthed that question his motives…as well as his identity.

Excerpt

Franklin tossed his cell at my feet, rolled down his window, and took a deep breath.

Classified? “Who are you?” I swiveled to face him.

His grim expression softened. Barely. “You know who I am.”

“Who are you?” I asked again, more a demand than a question.

“The man who keeps saving your ass.” He looked my way, and I got my first glance at his face. The skin surrounding his eye boasted several shades of purple and blue. His nose definitely didn’t look right, and three large scratches stretched from his left eye to below his cheekbone. Not bad for my first shot at kicking someone’s ass. Instinct urged me to reach over and offer comfort. I tucked my hand under my leg to keep it from such betrayal.

“Why were men shooting at you?” I asked, unable to cloak the seething anger in my tone.

“They weren’t.”

“Now you’re not making sense.” I pulled on the door handle. “I’ll jump out if you don’t start talking. Why were men shooting at you?”

“They weren’t aiming for me, Killer. You were the target.”

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

KrissyDanielsHeadshot-1Krissy is a full time writer, an avid reader, and lover of all things romance.

Growing up surrounded by the great outdoors, her childhood was full of adventure that fueled an overactive imagination and ignited a passion for storytelling. Whether it be dolls, or running free through the wooded areas surrounding her home, playtime always included a tormented villain, a damsel in distress and a larger than life hero.

After relentless encouragement from friends and family, she finally put the characters in her head to pen and paper. The only thing she loves more than curling up with a steamy romance novel, is cozying up to her desk and writing her own sexy adventures to share with others.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

<a id=”rc-371b803467″ class=”rafl” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/371b803467/&#8221; rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

9781616506230

Release Day Blitz + Review : Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland- MMA Fighters Series- Book 3

vi release day blitz

worth forgiving cover

Worth Forgiving

MMA Series~ Book 3

By Vi Keeland

9865c-images811e8e1w

Blurb

They say men like a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom.  I never knew the sentiment was reciprocal.  Until I met Jax Knight.  A gentleman in public, a commanding, dirty talking rogue in the bedroom.

Daughter of legendary fighter “The Saint,” Lily St. Claire knows firsthand how fighters can be.  As the owner of a chain of MMA gyms, she’s no stranger to aggressive, dominating, and possessive men.  That’s why she always kept her distance.  But the day Jax Knight walks through her door she’s captivated by his charm.  Stunningly handsome, well mannered, Ivy League educated, and confident, he shatters all the preconceived notions she’d come to think were true about men who trained to fight.

But falling for someone so soon after her breakup wasn’t something she’d planned on.  And definitely not something her ex plans to allow.

Genre: A New Adult / Adult Contemporary Romance Novel

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 Star Read

Michel’s Review

Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland is the third book in the MMA Fighter series. This book is quite different from the first two books in the series. The leading man, Jax Knight, is not a professional fighter. The heroine is no stranger to the professional world of fighting, she owns a chain of gyms that train fighters.

We met Jax Knight in the second book of this series, Worth the Chance. Jax is a professional independent broker from a prominent family. His father is a powerful Senator that has used his influence for his own personal agenda. When his father’s secrets are exposed it changes Jax. He no longer admires his father and no longer wants to please the man to keep him in good graces with his constituents. He is free to live his life as he sees fit, pursue his own career goals, and recognize the dreams he let go of because of his family life. He has also gained a brother he did know he had. One of his first pursuits is to invest in a chain of gyms that cater to his beloved sport. This is how he meets Lily St. Claire, daughter of the fighting legend “The Saint”.

Lily has been reeling from the loss of her father. She inherited his half of the chain of gyms. Now his partner wants to sell out and retire. They are looking for investors to buy out his half. Jackson Knight is the man brokering the deal. When she meets Jax she is drawn to his confident and sexy demeanor. But she cannot fall for this man. She is still dealing with a bad break up that has turned into a frightening dilemma. Her ex is still trying to control her and has stalker tendencies.

As Jax and Lily’s relationship begins to develop many things will come into play. Jax has a secret that could make Lily turn her back on him. Jax’s father is trying to manipulate Jax’s life to bring him back into the fold. Lily’s ex is becoming out of control. Their world and new found love is about to explode.

What does a man do when he loses the woman he loves. He FIGHTS !

What does a woman do when the man she loves her. She FORGIVES !

Together Jax and Lily will learn when to love and when to fight.

I really enjoyed this book and the new direction. It was highly emotional, intense, and loaded with sizzling hot romance. I would highly recommend Worth Forgiving.

 

About The Author: Vi Keeland

vi keeland bio

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway (Signed kindle cover by some amazing authros)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjQyOA==/

worth forgiving cover

Blog Tour + Review: Sugar On The Edge by Sawyer Bennett-Last Call Series- Book 3

Sensual coupleSugar On The Edge

Last Call Series – Book 3

07801-goodreads-button

Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

He’s utterly alone…

Tortured and existing in a dark spiral of despair, bestselling British author, Gavin Cooke, has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to escape the seedy lifestyle he had been living in London and in a desperate attempt to regain his writing focus. He’s twisted, bitter and angry at the world. He’s a loner… needing not a single thing other than his Scotch and a laptop upon which he can bang out his next erotic, dark thriller.

She’s running in place and getting nowhere…

Savannah Shepherd’s life is falling apart. Her dream of being a wildlife photographer seems a distant memory and she’s barely able to make ends meet. Driving herself forward with no clear goals apparent, she’s about ready to pack up her bags and head home with her tail between her legs.

Two unlikely lovers…

He’s raw, forceful and a dirty talker. She’s a flowers and romance type of girl. Yet within each other, they find a mutual craving that can only be satisfied by giving in to their desires for one another.

Lust turns into something more… something they were not looking for but tentatively accept. Will it be enough to push them past the obstacles of Gavin’s bitter past?

SUGAR ON THE EDGE can be read as a stand-alone.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Last Call Series

on the rocks

On The Rocks

Synopsis

He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic.

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways.

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny.

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

make it a double

Make It A Double

Synopsis

 

Brody Markham has endured a nightmare, spending the last five years in prison and losing everything that was dear to him. Now he’s back home, trying to survive in a world he doesn’t recognize anymore. While his family and friends desperately try to reach through to him, he shelters himself further and further away from their love.

 

Alyssa Myers has worked her entire life to distance herself from the luxurious and privileged lifestyle in which she was raised. Running her non-profit agency, The Haven, she is content to spend her days helping abused animals find sanctuary, which fulfills her in a way that money just can’t buy.

 

Maybe it’s that she recognizes in Brody some of the same characteristics she sees in her homeless wards, but Alyssa is powerless to stop her personal quest to make Brody whole again.

 

While Brody struggles to surface from the darkness, Alyssa tries to protect her heart in case he’s not willing to accept the light that she offers him.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

6 Star Read

 

Top Pick

Kelley’s Review

Sugar on the Edge will have you on the edge of your seat squirming as Gavin Cooke and his filthy mouth seduce Savannah Shepherd. Here I though Matt Connover was going to be my biggest jerk and sexiest alpha male book boyfriend of 2014…Sawyer just rocked my world with Gavin Cooke. She has one-upped her game and Sugar on the Edge is her hottest and most sexy story yet. Ladies you will need to invest in some new panties after this sizzling read.

Gavin Cooke is angry at the world. Something tragic has happened to him and has buried himself in his writing. He has written a bestseller, and even with the fame and fortune that comes with it, he cannot seem to drag himself out of the darkness. He is an ass to everyon and anyone and knows it. He revels in being a total jerk and goes through women like toilet paper.

Savannah Shepherd is not happy with how her life has turned out by any means, but has a positive outlook on life. While she can barely makes ends meet, she still finds time to volunteer at the local animal shelter. When her best friend Casey tells her about a job opening cleaning Gavin’s house she is not exactly thrilled at the prospect, but could really use the money.

Savannah’s first run in with Gavin is not pleasant, but he offers her substantial amount of money to clean and cook and she just cannot turn the job down. I love the banter between Gavin and Savannah. She is able to take the crap he dishes out and give it right back to him.

For the first time in Gavin’s life he pegs someone completely wrong. Just when he thinks he has Savannah figured out she does a 180 degree turn and he is standing there with a big grin on his face and his jaw hanging down. Savannah can’t fight the attraction that she feels toward Gavin even though deep down she knows he is the wrong man for her. She decides to throw caution to the wind and just enjoy riding Gavin while his filthy words set her on fire.

Sugar On The Edge will have your panties melted and you will be fanning yourself. Find a nice a cool spot and grab a cold drink because this spicy read will have you feeling more than a hot flash.

Michel’s Review

ARC copy provided by author for a fair and honest review.

Sugar On The Edge is by far the best book Sawyer Bennett has written! She has proven her growth as an author, created more complex characters, gave them more of an edgy darkness, created a plot that was unique, and merged several genres together that work perfectly together.

Sugar On The Edge can be read as a stand alone novel or in the Last Call series order. The beloved characters from the previous books are present in Sugar On The Edge. They lend a strong supporting role for the characters without influencing the direction of this story or having their own stories repeated or referred to throughout the book. Sawyer Bennett allowed her leading characters, Gavin Cooke and Savannah Shepard, to take the readers away in a completely new direction.

British author Gavin Cooke has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to complete his book. He is on a deadline. His destructive behaviors, drinking, and disregard have left his publishers and agent in a corner. They have suggested he take himself out of the seedy streets of London and buckle down. He is an arrogant self absorbed, dirty mouthed, critical, and contemptuous arse. He knows it and makes no apologies. His crude mouth, diabolical behavior, and self destruction have just changed geographical locations.

Gavin Cooke is sex on a stick! His filthy mouth and filthy moves will have you swooning. His vulnerability and misguided guilt will have you wanting to hug him after you tie his delicious self to the bed. He is one hot alpha male. His snarly, dry British sarcasm and creative blend of words will tantalize all the senses

 

Savannah Shepard is a struggling photographer. After losing her job at the local newspaper she is forced to take on several jobs to make ends meet. When she takes on the job of being a temporary housekeeper for Gavin Cooke, her life has just taken on another crappy job. The man is a complete jerk. He assumes too much, sees too little, and berates everything. He may think she’s a lamb and he’s the big bad wolf . He has another thing coming, Savannah has taken on the wolves and beat them to the ground. She is a tigress in a lamb’s skin.

Gavin and Savannah’s relationship is combustible and every surface they touch goes up in flames. Gavin may be domineering and Savannah may seem submissive but all is not what it seems. Together these two will find all the right ingredients to make the perfect combination that will intoxicate the readers.

There will be explosive sexual chemistry, panty dripping scenes, dramatic tear jerking moments, swooning romance, shocking actions, and a new story with a happy ending. Their journey will keep the readers captivated. I will say this, it is a good thing that Savannah and Gavin have their own persona Yoda, Brody Markham.

Sawyer Bennett has broke the mold with Sugar On The Edge. Her star is shining bright!
Author Bio:
sawyer bennettUSA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Sensual couple

Mystery Project Reveal by JA Huss + Giveaway- *SOCIAL MEDIA* Series- **FOLLOW**-Book 1

social media banner

perf5.250x8.000.indd

SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

Brand New Novella Series

ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

FOLLOW – BOOK 1

AUGUST 27, 2014

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button

By @JA Huss

Synopsis

follow_collage_Vaughn1200

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

FOLLOW – AUGUST 27, 2014

LIKE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

BLOCK – SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

STATUS – OCTOBER 8, 2014

PROFILE – OCTOBER 22, 2014

HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

follow_collage_GRACE_1200Pre Order Follow

.99 CENTS

6d629-amazon-button

 

SOCIAL MEDIA GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY
Open Internationally

$15 Amazon Gift Card

Super Social Media Swag Pack

Signed Paperback of Follow

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NjUzMGNjNzk5NmM5YWQ1NmM2ODgxM2I3ZjJlM2FmOjE2MA==/

Author Bio:

JAJ. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

perf5.250x8.000.indd

Review: Wicked Innocence by Missy Johnson

wicked innocence

Wicked Innocence

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button

By Missy Johnson

Synopsis

Don’t let my petite and innocent appearance fool you, because I’m one person you don’t want to cross. I’m Micah, the youngest member of Resurrection…If only they knew how young.

My fake ID says I’m twenty-one. And I will be…in four years.

What can I say? I blossomed early. Home sucked, so I left, determined to do something with my life.

Landing the gig as lead vocalist in the band was a dream come true. I’ve worked hard to make something of myself and nothing is going to ruin that for me.

Then He showed up. Saxon Waite, ex bad boy of rock.

He’s hot as hell and so into me.

But he’s also twenty-five.

I don’t want to lie to him, but if the truth comes out I’ll lose everything. Including him.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

4 star read

Tracey’s Review 

Mikayla Hale has been through a lot in her young life. With an absent father and a mother that favored addiction over her two children, Mikayla learned early on to take care of herself. Determined to live on her own terms, Mikayla becomes Micah and leaves everything behind, getting down to the business of creating the life that she wants.

Saxon Waite had it all. As the singer of the rock group Savage, he was the at the top of the world, complete with money, women, and success. But his fast living caught up with him, resulting in tragedy, and his abrupt departure from the limelight.

When Micah answers an ad to audition as vocalist for the band Resurrection, she is stunned to find that Saxon is the band’s manager. Their attraction is immediate and mutual, and it isn’t long before all the time that they’re spending together on the road leads to something more than a professional relationship. The real problem, though? Micah has a souped-up birth certificate that says she’s three years older than her real age of seventeen. Sax is twenty-five, and has a hard enough time with their supposed four-year age difference. Even knowing that Saxon will be less than thrilled if he finds out her secret, Micah is unable to stop herself from falling more and more in love with him.

‘Wicked Innocence’ is more than a story about a rock band. Both Micah and Sax have their share of personal demons, and Missy has written a story that shows their growth, and the forgiveness that each must both give and receive. I always enjoy reading Missy’s books, and would love to see a continuation of this story, especially for Sax.

 

Author Bio

wicked innocenceMissy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

wicked innocence

 

Review: Tell Me Something Good by Jamie Wesley

Tell Me Something Good

Tell Me Something Good

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button

By Jamie Wesley

Synopsis

A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s brand new Lovestruck imprint…

Two radio show hosts. One show. Who will come out on top?

In a moment of restlessness, Tate Grayson sold his multimillion-dollar company and spun his love of sports into a radio talk show. Life, and love, is too short to take seriously—a fact he enjoys rubbing in uptight radio host Noelle Butler’s face.

After the death of her parents, a tragedy she blamed on herself, Noelle vowed to live a controlled, focused life. Now a psychologist, she channels her need for connection into her radio show. But when the arrogant sportscaster next door tells listeners men shouldn’t get married, she’s all too happy to yank the silver spoon out of his overprivileged mouth.

Their heated on-air arguments are a hit, but when the station director forces them to do a joint show for two weeks, Tate and Noelle object. They can’t stand each other, despite the attraction sizzling beneath every interaction. But if they can’t pull the struggling radio station back from the brink, they’ll lose their jobs. Or worse, their hearts.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4 star read

Tracey’s Review

He said, she said. A problem as old as time, and one not easily solved. Can two people with completely different ideas about how relationships should work ever come to an understanding?

Noelle Butler is the host of Noelle Knows, the ‘premiere relationship/love advice talk show in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.’ She believes in forever love, the kind of romantic love that sweeps you off your feet and only gets better with time. Tate Grayson hosts a sports show, and is of the mind that true love does not exist, and that commitment is something to be avoided at all costs. When the two radio personalities are forced to share airtime and work together in an effort to boost station ratings, they decide on a little friendly competition designed to show which attitude is correct. But as they spend more time together working on their ‘experiment,’ something happens, something that neither one expects. Combativeness gives way to friendship, which, in turn, gives way to attraction and, yes, love. But will Tate, who is bound and determined that he is right, and that love can’t last, be able to admit that he’s been proved wrong and give in to that love?

The plot of ‘Tell Me Something Good’ is entertaining and well-written, and move along nicely. Noelle and Tate made good foils for each other, and their banter was both feisty and endearing. I very much enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from Jamie Wesley.

Author Bio

jamie wesleyJamie Wesley has been reading romance novels since she was about 12 when her mother left a romance novel, which a friend had given her, on the nightstand. Jamie read it instead, and the rest is history.

She started her first manuscript, a contemporary romance, after she graduated from Northwestern University in 2002 and couldn’t find a job. Life got in the way as it often does, i.e. she found a job, and she didn’t finish the story. However, she never forgot about it and finally got serious about completing it in 2009. And then she finished a few more stories. In 2012, her manuscript, TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD was named a finalist in RWA’s Golden Heart competition and will be published by Entangled Publishing in 2014.

Jamie holds a master’s degree in sport management (yes, that’s a real thing 🙂 ) from the University of Texas at Austin, so it probably comes as no surprise that she loves sports and spends an inordinate amount of time rooting for her hometown Dallas’s pro sports teams and her alma maters.

She also adores Walt Disney World, shopping, and pop culture. Want to know if your favorite TV show is going to be canceled or what the newest Disney attraction is? Ask Jamie. She’ll probably know the answer.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Tell Me Something Good

ARC Review: Dear Jon by Lori L. Otto- Choisie Series- Book 3

Dear Jon

Dear Jon

Choisie Series- Book 3

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button

By Lori L. Otto

Synopsis

A summer with his family in Utah is all Jon Scott needs to pull himself together. It’s time to focus on his mom’s sobriety and the continuing education of his two younger brothers, Will and Max. For once, things seem to be on track with that part of his life. For the first time, he sees real hope for his family.

This family time is a much-needed distraction from the relationship he walked away from in Manhattan. Livvy Holland, the girl he’s loved since they were children, has let him down for the last time. He doesn’t want to waste his time dwelling on the fight they had, or the shocking incident that happened the next day, after her graduation. It’s something he’ll never forget, or forgive.

Things never go as Jon plans, though. Despite her actions and a distance of two thousand miles, Livvy has every intention of keeping Jon’s attention throughout the summer with a series of 30 letters: three a week for every week he’s gone. He doesn’t have to read them; there are times when he simply doesn’t want to. He has plenty of things keeping him busy: a job that requires long hours, family friends that come over for parties, brothers that ask too many questions, and a girl that’s very unlike anyone Jon’s dated before.

But there’s something about Livvy Holland that keeps drawing him back to her. Reading the letters will either break the ties, or eventually reunite them. His brain wants one thing; his heart wants another.

By the end of the summer, Jon will return to Manhattan. He’s come to terms with his past. He has a bright future. Back at Columbia, though, he must accept choices Livvy has made without him that will change his present plans.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Choisie Series

Contessa – Book 1

 

ContessaBook one of the YA/New Adult Choisie series by the author of Emi Lost & Found! 

When she was four, a generous couple welcomed orphan Olivia Sophia into their lives. As she grew up, her parents made good decisions for her, raising “Livvy” to be an intelligent and creative young girl. Now sixteen, three people influence many of her choices: her first love, her second father, and a third man who speaks to her through his artwork. 

Livvy’s father is practical and steadfast; even-tempered and quietly observant. She’s an artist who acts on her emotions and thrives on attention. Unhappy with their differences– and misunderstanding her father’s methods– Livvy chooses to focus on the similarities she shares with an enigmatic painter from her mother’s past. Her overactive imagination leads her down an obsessive path– one that only stands to hurt everyone around her. 

The distraction of a new boyfriend has the potential to end her search and reunite her family, but his involvement in her life could be just as devastating, taking Livvy away from her father for good. 

Mature YA for limited sensual content.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

oliviaOlivia- Book 2

When devastating news brings an abrupt end to a romantic rendezvous, Livvy Holland struggles to accept the death of one of her closest mentors. Livvy’s artwork has always been an expression of her emotions, and avoiding the pain she feels from her recent loss makes painting seem impossible. Her inspiration gone, she devotes her attention to the future she’s planning with Jon Scott. 

Blissfully happy in her own denial, all of Livvy’s free time has been given to the boy she’s always loved. Facing grown up decisions, she finds it hard to live up to her parents’ expectations of her as a daughter and an artist. Under her father’s constant scrutiny and persistent surveillance from curious paparazzi, Livvy finds it difficult to maintain the adult relationship she’s begun with Jon. 

The changes in Livvy are evident to those closest to her, and a few that were once her allies begin to interfere with her personal life. This newfound attention – along with distractions that take Jon’s attention elsewhere – cause Livvy to question all the choices she’s made: what college she’ll attend, what man she should be with, and what she thought was her life’s purpose. 

Livvy faces her greatest challenge when Jon’s unanticipated plans derail her own. Overwhelmed, confused, and longing to satisfy her own wants and needs, Livvy must endure more heartache before finding herself. 

This book is intended for mature teens and adults.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

6 Star Read

Robin’s Review

“****If you have not read Olivia or the synopsis for Dear Jon, this review will contain spoilers.****

“While Olivia was in the process of being written and published, I was intrigued to discover Lori Otto had plans to add an additional novel to her Choisie series titled Dear Jon. After reading Olivia – after reading Jon Scott had walked away from his relationship with Olivia Holland – I was immediately eager beyond words to read the coming novel to be written from Jon’s point of view. Two short months later, I am eager to share with readers that Dear Jon was absolutely worth the wait! I am overjoyed by these emotions, thoughts and feelings dancing around in my head! I hope I am able to write a review which will properly convey my thoughts and feelings, a review that is worthy of Dear Jon.

Before discussing the content of this novel, I should mention Dear Jon has a different format from previous novels written by Lori Otto. It consists of a prologue and thirty-one chapters, with each chapter representing a letter written to Jon by Livvy Holland. Each letter begins with the same four words. Each letter ends with the same three-word sentence. And each of the thirty-one letters has its own theme. We are able to enjoy the experience of Jon reading Olivia’s letters, and we know his thoughts, feelings and emotions as he reads each of them! With respect to time, the events of Dear Jon take place over the summer months following Olivia’s high school graduation. Jon spends the summer in Utah with his Aunt Patty, mother and two brothers, Will and Max. While enjoying some quality family time, Jon also gets a much needed break from his relationship with Olivia. But he has plenty of time to reflect on the content of the letters being mailed from Manhattan.

The outpouring of love and emotion Livvy has written in each letter to Jon breaks my heart, while also filling me full of hope. In each letter, Livvy reflects on moments of importance shared between the two them – decisions about their relationship, struggles dealing with family, moments full of love and happiness, and even the low points of their relationship. She shares her private thoughts and feelings with Jon about each of these past experiences, and how they relate to what she is presently feeling. Livvy takes an honest look at her life. She opens up about her own faults, how she wants to change, how she is changing. With each letter, Jon is able to notice a palpable change in Olivia. She is maturing and becoming more selfless. She understands how her actions have affected those that she loves. She continues to mature as an individual, while her doubt about any reconciliation with Jon continues to grow. This made me feel so sad, but in the overall process, Olivia Holland does grow up. She takes responsibility for her actions, becomes more confident in her individuality, and accepts that she may have to move on from her hope for a future with Jon.

For the most part, I was delighted for Jon throughout this novel. Spending the summer in Utah was the very best decision he could have made for himself. He recognizes that he needs quality time with both brothers. Long ago, Jon accepted the responsibility as a role model and father figure to them both. He knows he will not be around for them when he returns to Manhattan for his fall semester at Columbia. Jon discusses some very relevant topics with Will, and impresses upon him the importance of being a positive role model for Max. Jon encourages Will to participate in school, sports and social events for his younger brother. He emphasizes the importance of keeping a watchful eye on their mother, a recovering alcoholic, and to encourage her stay focused on her recovery. Jon gains valuable experience with his summer job, as he assists building new homes. Jon also meets Audrey, and she becomes a very important part of his life. Jon Scott is one of the very best characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Although forced to grow up at a very young age, he stays focused on school and goals, hoping to provide a positive future for his brothers and himself.

Dear Jon was everything I had hoped it would be, but it was so much more! Knowing how heartbroken Olivia was after Jon walked away from their relationship, I was thrilled with the opportunity to read each letter she addressed to Jon. I was captivated by his emotions, thoughts and feelings as he read what was spilling from her heart. Jon was such a pleasant surprise! Jon feels so much, and he loves hard. Olivia and Jon fell in love at such a young age, and we all know it is very hard for first love to last. Lori Otto has a special talent for writing stories that feel authentic. I learned early on that you can never know what future to expect for her characters. Her outcomes are not predictable. Olivia and Jon have grown so much as individuals. Their character growth feels realistic. They have each faced hardships, even though they come from completely different backgrounds. My love for Olivia Holland and Jon Scott has grown exponentially since I first read Contessa. I have no idea what the future may hold for this young couple, but I am excited to find out! I am giving a rare 6-star review to Lori Otto for Dear Jon!

Author Bio:

lori l. ottoAfter graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Dear Jon

Release Day Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby-Love Under the Big Sky-Book 2

We are so excited to share with you a bit of Kristen Proby’s SEDUCING LAUREN today! You can read an excerpt, read all about this new release, and enter a fantastic giveaway! SEDUCING LAUREN is the second title in Proby’s Love Under the Big Sky Series! Check out everything below and then go 1-click this amazing new title!

KP2
seducing lauren
Synopsis
In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love.

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

EXCERPT:

As I approach his house, I see his Jeep parked in the drive, the hood up, and a tight, jean-clad ass bent over the side.

Okay, he’s definitely home.

I tentatively wander around the other side of the Jeep and lean against the side, looking at the engine. He hasn’t noticed that I’m here yet, and I’m not even sure how he’ll react to seeing me here, but I can’t seem to stay away. His dark head is bent low, his arms buried in the engine, tinkering with something. His arms are bare as he’s pulled off his T-shirt, which is draped over the windshield. A thin sheen of sweat covers his shoulders and back, and his entire sleeve tattoo, which runs from just above his wrist all the way up to the top of his right shoulder, is on full display, making my girlie parts all tingle and come to life.

Holy Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

He’s so fucking toned it’s crazy. Jeez, his muscles bunch and stretch as he pulls on the wrench in his hand.

“Come on, you motherfucker,” he mutters. I have to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” I finally ask when he doesn’t notice me, keeping my eyes trained on the engine when his head whips up to look at me. I slowly lift my eyes to his and grin.

“I didn’t hear your car,” he murmurs with a smile.

“I walked.” I shrug and look back down into the bowels of his Jeep. “What’s wrong with your car?”

“You walked from your house?” he asks incredulously.

“No.” I shake my head and chuckle. “From Sips. I had coffee with Cara this morning.”

He stands up straight and leans his palms on the side of the Jeep, watching me. My eyes immediately fall to one drop of sweat slowly making its way down his hard chest.

“You had coffee with Cara?” He smiles.

“Yeah.” I shrug shyly. “I’m sorry to just stop by like this. I was out for a walk and just sort of found myself here.” I feel my cheeks heat and I back away, but he shakes his head and smiles widely.

“I’m glad you came by.” He raises his brows as I continue to stare.

I shake my head and raise my eyes to his, then bust out laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a shirt. I didn’t realize the tats went all the way up your arm. Who would have thought that under it all you’re just a bad boy?”

His eyes flash with heat as he narrows them on my face, watching me. He pulls a rag out of his back pocket and begins wiping off his hands, but his gray eyes stay on mine. Did I offend him?

“I’m not such a bad boy. Looks can be deceiving, Lauren.” He smirks as he lowers the hood on his Jeep. “But from the look of you right now, you don’t seem to mind the tats.”

“I don’t mind.” I shrug nonchalantly and try to ignore the way my heart picks up speed as he slowly saunters around the hood of the vehicle.

“Do you have any tats?”

“Yeah.”

His eyes widen in surprise and then rake over me from head to toe.

“Where?”

I grin, enjoying this flirtatious banter. “Here and there.”

“I have ways of making people talk, you know.”

“Bright lights and rubber hoses?” I ask with a raised brow.

He tosses his head back and laughs, an all-out belly laugh. “I’m not a cop,” he smirks.

“You might get to see them. Someday.”

He closes the gap between us and kisses me gently on the forehead, not touching me anywhere else.

“I hope someday comes sooner rather than later,” he whispers before pulling back and smiling softly down at me. “I would hug you, but I’m dirty.”

I wave him off, as if it’s no biggie, although I don’t mind so much that he’s a bit dirty and sweaty. “What were you doing?” I gesture to the car.

“Changing the oil.”

“There are places you can go,” I inform him with a perfectly straight face, “where you pull into this big garage, and then you leave your car and go into this small room with five-year-old magazines and stale coffee, and the people there will change your oil for you.”

“Or, smart-ass, I can do it myself in my own driveway.”

“Suit yourself.” I shrug.

“Did you sleep okay on the couch?” he asks, changing the subject.

“Yeah, actually, I did. But I could always sleep just about anywhere.”

“Hence the chaise in your office.” He chuckles.

I nod and stuff my hands in my pockets. “I’m sorry that I interrupted your morning. I was just out for a walk and found myself here.”

“I’m glad you did.” He scratches his stomach, and my eyes follow the movement. His abs are just delicious. For being so dark haired, he has little hair on his chest and stomach, but a light trail of hair falls from his navel and disappears into his jeans. He’s also sporting a V in the muscles on his hips that the heroes in my novels would covet.

“Lo?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Yeah?” I drag my eyes up to his again.

“I lost you for a second.”

I blink rapidly and feel heat fill my cheeks. Jesus, get a grip! You’ve seen hot men before, Lauren. “Sorry, my mind wandered.”

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks

5 Star Read

Kelley’s Review

This read was scorching hot.  Ty is a man who knows a thing or two about how to please a woman in bed.  I mean a hot tattooed lawyer, need I say more.  The man is as fierce in the courtroom as he is in the bedroom.

I absolutely love it when an author takes a series and just when you think you know what book is coming next she throws you a curve ball.  I thought for sure after Loving Cara we would get Jillian and Zach’s story, but instead Kristen gave us an amazing treat with Lauren (Lo) and Ty.  I knew I wanted Ty’s story from the get go but Lauren, not so much.  She was friends with Misty and Misty is Satan’s mistress in my opinion.  She is pure evil and you get a taste of her again in Seducing Lauren.  I love to hate the villains.  Kristen once again does an excellent job developing her characters.  Just going through a divorce myself I can appreciate what Lo is going through with Jack.   This storyline truly portrays the difficulties that can occur when a divorce goes seriously bad.

I really do enjoy a good friends to lovers story.  Ty is an amazing book boyfriend as he takes care of Lo while she is in her writing cave.  He makes sure she eats and checks in on her to make sure she is sleeping as well.  The more Ty and Lo get to know each other the faster they fall   Lo fits in with Ty’s friends like she always belonged there and it does not take Ty long to figure out that she is it for him.

The chemistry between Ty and Lo is smoldering.  The shower scene, the pool scene, the kitchen scene, the office scene…the list of sexy rendezvous goes on and one and if you asked me to pick my favorite I don’t know if I could.  *Ladies this is most definitely a B.O.B. read where you will want to make sure your Duracells are up to date.  I would have never expected something scandalously sexy from Kristen Proby.

If you like alpha male heros that have hearts of gold and sexy and intelligent women who love their men with all their heart you will love Seducing Lauren.

 And don’t forget to read the first book in the Love Under the Big Sky Series…

40510-lovingcara-369x308

Loving Cara

Synopsis

CHEMISTRY WAS NEVER THIS SEXY IN HIGH SCHOOL.

In her sizzling new series, USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby sets the stage for a passionate reunion under the breathtaking Montana sky.

Cara Donovan’s summer tutoring job is turning out to be a challenge—and not just because of her troubled twelve-year-old student. It’s his uncle Josh who’s the real problem. If problem is the word for an irresistibly cocky, muscle-bound rancher with a taste for tight Levi’s and shameless flirtation. . . .

Cara is nothing like the wallflower Josh King remembers good-naturedly teasing in high school. This Cara is gorgeous, confident, fun. From the moment the fiery teacher steps foot on his family’s Lazy K Ranch, the stubborn playboy is determined to corral her. So what happens when his luscious lover takes over the reins?

The first in a steamy trilogy, Kristen Proby’s enthralling novel is filled to the brim with one hardworking family’s triumphs and challenges, all the wild adventure of the modern West, and a whole lot of titillating fun.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Kristen Proby:

KristenProbyNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

SEDUCING LAUREN 

2cb3f-add-to-goodreads-button
IMG_4049

a Rafflecopter giveaway

54144-inkslingerprbutton

seducing lauren

Release Day Blitz + Review: Hard To Hold On To by Laura Kaye- Hard Ink Series-Book 2.5

HTHOT RDL Banner

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO HOLD ON TO! HARD TO HOLD ON TO is a Contemporary Romance filled with suspense and is a novella in the Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Impulse (an imprint of HarperCollins). And if this novella weren’t hot enough on its own, Laura is donating 100% of her proceeds from the first two weeks’ sales to a national non-profit organization that assists veterans transitioning back to civilian life!!

 

Hard To Hold On To

Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

EXCERPT:

Easy tugged down the covers and gestured for Jenna to get in. She chose the side that would allow her to lie on the uninjured side of her face.

“After what you’ve been through, I don’t want to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable,” Easy said.

Propping herself on an elbow, Jenna shook her head. “You won’t. You’re the—” She blanched as if she hadn’t meant to say whatever she’d nearly said.

Which made Easy need to know. He crawled on the bed as if lured by the words. “Finish. That. Sentence.”

She eased back onto the pillow, red hair sprawling around her shoulders like silk, and stared up at him. And it took everything Easy had not to settle himself on top of her and tease the words out with his hands and tongue.

“The only one who makes me feel safe,” she whispered.

Satisfaction humming through him, Easy turned and stretched out on his back. Because if he kept looking at her while she was looking at him like that, he might not be able to restrain himself from having what he wanted. A taste. A chance.

None of which she was in any shape for. And given the shitstorm in his head, probably neither was he.

“Good. That’s good,” he murmured, blowing out a long breath. Damn, he was tired. Not just because he hadn’t slept much the night before. But because of the size of the load he’d been shouldering for the past twelve-plus months. If he could only figure out how to put it down. He scrubbed his hands over his face, wishing he could shake himself out of this fucking slump.

If Rimes were here, he’d kick Easy’s ass for being such a morose motherfucker.

But he wasn’t here. Which was the damn problem in a nutshell.

He dropped his arms to the bed and peered over at Jenna.

She lay on her side facing him, hand tucked under her chin, not looking the least bit settled or relaxed.

“Whatchu need?”

“You.” She spoke the word without any hesitation, any doubt, any seeming self-consciousness.

“Have me, Jenna. Whatever you want,” he said, his cock stirring no matter how hard he reined himself in.

Holding his gaze, she moved closer until her head rested on his shoulder and her body trapped his arm between them. And, suddenly, she wasn’t fucking close enough.

“Here,” he whispered, lifting his arm and inviting her closer. And damn if his heart didn’t soar when she fitted herself the rest of the way against him, her face against his throat, her breasts against his ribs, her leg curling up onto his thigh.

He wasn’t sure whose sigh was louder. All Easy knew was that this was the first time in more than a year he didn’t feel alone. Wrapping his arm around her, he couldn’t resist squeezing her in just a little closer.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her breath ticklish against his neck.

He laced his fingers between hers where they rested on his chest. “I gotchu. You just close your eyes and know I’m here.”

 

Did you have a favorite line? Thanks for reading!

 

HTHOT Teaser

About Hard To Hold On To:

Edward “Easy” Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves—which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight. He may have just met her, but Jenna’s the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can’t describe how he makes her feel–and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.

As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

 

Hard to Hold On To on Goodreads

 

 

LK Donation Promo Final 2

 

5 Star Read
Michel’s Review

Hard To Hold On To by Laura Kaye is a novella in the highly acclaimed Hard Ink series. This novella picks up where Hard As You Can ended. It is the story that plays on the connection between Jenna Dean and Edward ‘Easy’ Cantrell established in the previous book. Both are damaged souls that understand the pain that their past experiences have left very deep emotional scars. For Easy, it is his survivor guilt and the anguish that goes along with that guilt. For Jenna it was the kidnapping.

 

Together they help each other through the pain. They learn to climb out of the darkness together. The give each other the emotional security each one needs individually. Easy will learn to reach out to others and share his feelings that darken his soul.

 

Together Jenna and Easy find a love that is stronger than their demons. They find friendship, self worth, and the importance of leaning on others in their darkest days.

 

Laura Kaye delivered a highly emotional novella that packed more of a punch than most full length novels do. She handled some very dark issues with the great care.

 

The proceeds from the first two weeks of sales for this novella will go to the Wounded Warrior project. Not only will you get an unforgettable story, you will also be contributing to a great cause.

 

** Thank you to the men and women that serve in the U.S. military. Thank you for protecting our nation and sacrificing your personal needs and family so that we can embrace the freedoms our nation upholds. **

 

Men of Hard Ink

Other Books in the Hard Ink Series:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Come By (11/25/14)

Hard to Be Good (3/10/15)

Untitled (7/28/15)

Praise for the Hard Ink Series:

For Hard As You Can:

“TOP PICK! There is a sinister and desperate edge to this tale that will keep readers glued to their seats. Kaye has dark romantic suspense nailed!” ~ RT Book Reviews Magazine

“Hard As You Can is another five star read. The characters Ms. Kaye has created are wonderfully broken and the drama is gritty, but the burgeoning romance and the tight-knitted relationship of the team leaves you with a sense of redemption. A must read series!” ~San Francisco Book Review

For Hard As It Gets:

“Edgy, sexy and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!” ~ #1 NYT Bestselling Author J.R. Ward

“Sizzling romance… The intriguing tattoo parlor and military background will appeal to fans of Suzanne Brockmann and Lindsay McKenna.” ~Publishers Weekly Review

“Kaye’s depiction of sexual tension and her sex scenes are masterful and this will appeal to fans of Maya Banks’ KGI and Julia Ann Walker’s Black Knight’s series.” ~Booklist

 

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

 

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Hard Ink Puppy FB | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

<scriptsrc=”//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js”>