Release Blitz + Review: A Mess Of A Man by A. M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine

Posted on 03/21/2016 by shellbellereads

A Mess Of A Man

Contemporary Romance

By A. M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine

Release Date: March 21, 2016

Womanizer, Man Whore, Player, Heartbreaker are all familiar names to Ben Rhoades. He prefers Money Man or Sex God, but he doesn’t let other people’s opinions rule him. And he’s only gotten worse without his compass, his best friend, whose devastating death at a young age has taught him a valuable lesson about not getting too close to anyone … ever. Until one smart and stubborn woman with eye-catching curves throws him for a loop and refuses to be tamed.

Samantha Calhoun has her life on track even after the shattering break-up with the guy she’d thought she’d wanted to marry. With her chin held high, she focuses on her career, building her business and making a success of it all. Only a chance meeting has her lost in a set of alluring steel gray eyes that have her steps faltering and her heart leaping out of her chest. Forewarned by not-so-flattering rumors plus his no-holds-bar rules, she tries desperately to play his game while guarding her heart.

Only they have no idea of the journey they’re about to undertake when their lives collide. Ultimately they’ll tackle the biggest test of their lives because she is his game changer. The one, who through the ensuing wreckage, can domesticate the mess of a man that he is.

There is finality to the sound of the door closing behind her. A sort of tormenting peace knowing the end has come. It’s not like I should have expected things to go on this way for long. How could they?

I stare holes in the walls as if I can still see her, the one woman I let in.

Sweeter than peach cobbler, she hardly has a bad thing to say about anybody—until now. Her parting description of me, beginning with ass and ending with hole, reverberates through my hollow heart, as I stand here rooted to my spot. I’m not even shocked, as this isn’t the first time I’ve been on the receiving end of that sentiment. I’m only surprised because I don’t think I’ve ever heard her so much as mutter a single curse word before. And the first time I do, it’s aimed squarely at me.

My hands tighten around a tumbler filled with amber liquid before I toss back its contents hoping for oblivion or something close to it. This road is so familiar. Only this time is different. I never cared like I do now. She means more to me than a quick fuck. Hadn’t I been about to tell her just that? How could things have gone wrong so fast?

Don’t be a dumbass. You can still fix this.

Instead, I stubbornly stay embedded to my spot because nothing can change the outcome. It’s a truth she and I know will haunt me until my last breath. And it’s created a wall between us I’m unable to climb … even if you gave me a damn ladder.

I’ve never been much of a risk-taker when it comes to matters of the heart. I can fill a bank account with a number having many zeros behind it from my astute choices in the market. But I can’t be a man a woman stays with. Hadn’t I warned her about that too?

Unable to see past my own shitty existence, I long for her to come back. I want to believe it’s all been some kind of mistake and I can forget what I know to be true. As the seconds continue to tick by, the inevitability that things are really over sinks in. My window of opportunity quickly closes as fast as her car door slams and the engine fires to life.

She’s so close, yet miles away. The longer I let the minutes expand between us I know distance won’t make the heart grow fonder. But maybe it’s for the best. Love, or whatever masquerades as it, just isn’t enough for the dirty, fucked up truth. Right when things were better than I ever expected, facts messed it up.

Groaning, I launch the crystal glass worth a small fortune at the door I can’t seem to force myself towards. A beautiful show of light plays off the shards as they cascade down in an explosion of fireworks. Visually, it’s what I feel inside as desolation constricts and then obliterates my chest because the best thing I ever had is gone … leaving me with only the certainty I’m meant to be with her.

I love you, I whisper for the first time and in place of goodbye. She left me and will never hear it. I can only pray we both survive what’s to come.

Tracey’s Review

Ben Rhoades seems to have it all. Sexy, smart, and successful, he’s well-known around Charleston for his reputation as a womanizing manwhore. When a chance encounter brings event planner Samantha Calhoun into his orbit, Ben is immediately smitten, and will stop at nothing to get to know her. Samantha has been burned by love before. She’s intrigued by Ben, but is more a forever than for the moment kind of woman. Will her love be enough to show this mess of a man what is most important in this life?

Authors A.M. Hargrove and Terri E. Laine first introduced readers to Ben Rhoades in CRUEL AND BEAUTIFUL, as the best friend to tragic hero Drew McKnight. In A MESS OF A MAN, we see a different Ben, one that has suffered great loss, and is living something of a half-life as a result. Still dealing with the grief of losing his best friend, Ben is determined that he will never open himself up to any kind of deeper emotion, opting instead for shallow encounters and avoiding commitment.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the authors’ writing style in their first book, I was really looking forward to reading Ben’s story. Although very different from CRUEL AND BEAUTIFUL, this book is no less engaging. A.M. and Terri have crafted a story of redemption, of self-discovery, and of the opportunity to choose love, even when love has caused much pain in the past. I really like that the emotion that has shaped Ben’s character in this book is not necessarily a romantic love, but is extremely powerful nonetheless. Seeing him overcome his demons and go past his comfort zone makes for a very emotional and uplifting read. All of the characters here, from Ben and Sam, to Sam’s family and girl posse, as well as Ben’s family, are interesting, and really help make the story what it is. Once I began reading, it was difficult to put this book aside, because I was invested in seeing whether Ben would rise to his potential or remain stuck in the life that he had created. I also really appreciated Sam’s storyline, as it is very timely, and really is a catalyst for the way that things finally play out between her and Ben.

I highly recommend A MESS OF A MAN. It’s a solid 4.5-star read, and another success for the authors. I look forward to reading more from them in the future.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

A.M. HARGROVE

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M.
Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something
soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been
dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her
fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the
pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick
reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty
about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street
before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the
window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called
her boss, and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and
told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly
again).

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a Naughty and Nice Romance Author.
Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing
Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon Series (Survival,
Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent, and Beginnings); Dark Waltz, Death
Waltz, Tragically Flawed (Tragic 1), Tragic Desires (Tragic 2), Exquisite
Betrayal, Dirty Nights; and lastly Freeing Her, Freeing Him, and Kestrel—all
part of the Hart Brothers Series.

Other than being in love with writing about love,
she loves chocolate, ice cream, and coffee and is positive they should be added
as part of the USDA food groups.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER

TERRI E. LAINE

Terri E. Laine is an avid reader and the co-author
of Cruel & Beautiful. When she isn’t writing romance with heart and heat,
she is crazily managing a household with her husband and three kids.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Finley by Ella Frank

Posted on 03/21/2016 by shellbellereads

Finley-EllaFrank-CustomDesign-JayAheer2016-WM-Ebook-finalimage

Finley

M/M Contemporary Romance

By Ella Frank

Release Date: March 22, 2016

Buy : Amazon

Synopsis:

It’s time to come home, Finn.

It’s been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life.

Since then, he’s worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it’s caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that’s all about to change.

On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget.

Six words will forever change the course of their lives.

Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.

Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.

Nothing is as simple as it seems.

After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.

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Excerpt

BRANTLEY KEPT A discreet eye on the final student to leave for the morning as Mr. Finley strode down the stairs to the front of the classroom. They were three weeks into the semester and he was ashamed to admit that, with every day that passed, his fascination with the young man grew.

At first, he’d tried to convince himself that it was purely academic. The kid was smart. He’d aced all the weekly quizzes, and Brantley was more than aware of the way he watched him lecture with keen, intelligent eyes that never strayed from him.

Oh, he was fascinated, all right, but he made sure to tell himself at the end of every class that it had nothing to do with the mischievous grin Daniel would flash at his friends or the easygoing laugh that would bubble up out of him at any given moment. But he knew he was lying. Daniel was quite possibly the happiest person he’d ever met, and his joy of life lit up the room and everyone in it. Including him.

When Daniel stopped in front of him and dropped his paper on the desk, Brantley acknowledged him with a glance before returning his gaze back to the notes he was going over.

“Any big plans this weekend, Professor?”

The question had been so unexpected that he didn’t think to catch himself before he replied, “Nothing too big. Just going out with some friends. You?”

Daniel smiled at him as he shoved his arms through the loops of his backpack, and Brantley couldn’t help but look at his shirt as it stretched across his broad chest.

“I’m going to hit the beach. Such great waves right now.”

“Ahh, you like to surf. That explains it.”

When the side of Daniel’s mouth crooked up, the effect was charming as hell. The kid was a knockout.

“Explains what?”

Annoyed that he’d made such a stupid slipup, he looked back at the papers in front of him, hoping Daniel would get the message and leave. No such luck.

“Explains what?” he asked again.

Brantley sighed and rested his arms on the desk as he studied Daniel’s inviting face. “It explains your hair.”

“My—oh,” he said, touching the ends of it. “Do you like it?”

Stunned by the direct question, he sat back in his chair and fought the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Do I like your hair?”

“Yeah.”

“Does it matter?” Jesus, fuck. Stop it. Stop flirting with him.

But it was too late. Daniel put his hands on the desk and leaned forward, Brantley toed the ground, shoving his chair back.

“It could…”

“No. No, it couldn’t,” he said as he got to his feet, shaking his head.

Daniel straightened and tucked his thumbs into the straps of his backpack, no doubt to taunt him. His eyes were too knowing for someone his age, and when they held his longer than was acceptable, Brantley’s heart skipped a couple of beats.

“Was there something else, Mr. Finley?”

“You said you were going out with friends this weekend…”

Shit, did I? “Yes, that’s right.”

As Daniel ran his thumb down the left strap of his bag, he admonished himself for noticing every little move he made. He needed to get a fucking hold of himself.

“Are any of them more than a friend?”

If he hadn’t been watching Daniel quite so closely, he wouldn’t have believed the words that had just come out of his mouth. But he had been. So he did.

“I don’t believe that’s any of your business. You better hurry or you’ll miss your next class.”

Satisfied that he’d firmly dismissed Daniel, he sat down and made a show of focusing on the books lining his desk and didn’t dare look and see if he had left this time or not. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if he was still standing there.

He reached up to adjust his tie, which suddenly felt a little too tight around his neck, and with each passing second that he was consciously not checking to see if he was alone, he swore that it was getting tighter.

“Professor Hayes?”

His head snapped up at his name, and when Daniel had his attention, he continued.

“Are you gay?”

Brantley’s eyes widened, and he wondered how his mouth hadn’t fallen open at the blunt question. Instead, he went with, “Excuse me?”

“I asked if you were—”

“I heard what you said. But I don’t see how that is any business of yours, either. You should think before you speak, Mr. Finley. I’m your teacher, and it’s time for you to leave. This conversation is over.” He flipped open one of the books on his desk and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the audacity of the kid—or the fact that he was so damn forthright. As he sat there, grinding his teeth in an effort not to look at his student—who was still standing in front of his desk—a bead of sweat ran down his collar and he cursed the fact that his nerves were getting the better of him.

“I only asked because, well, I am too. And I thought it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”

Well, hell. He couldn’t fault him for that. The only problem was…talking wasn’t what sprang to mind when he was around Daniel Finley.

He clasped his hands on the desk and stared into the anxious face peering down at him. Daniel was worrying his lower lip with his teeth, and he suddenly looked very much the young man he was.

“Are you?” he asked again, and there was no way he could deny that hesitant curiosity.

“Yes, Daniel. I am.”

As his words drifted between them, Daniel’s mouth slipped into a smile. “Oh.”

Brantley laughed at that. He wasn’t sure what Daniel was thinking right then. He’d thought for sure with the way he’d been looking at him earlier that, if he’d admitted this, he would be fending off—or at least putting up a good show of fending off—an unwanted pass. But, instead, Daniel appeared thoughtful.

“Does that bother you?”

Daniel adamantly shook his head. “No.”

“Are you sure?” he pressed, and the look that entered Daniel’s eyes then was so hot that he thought he may overheat.

“Yes. I’m very sure.”

Oh, fuck. Okay. Where the hell did the nervous guy disappear to? One minute, Daniel was endearingly awkward, and the next, he was looking at him like he wanted to strip him out of his clothes and—“Stop right there,” he said, and he wasn’t sure if he was telling himself that or the contradiction eyeing him with newfound knowledge. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop thinking it.”

“Why?”

Yep, he was fucked. That wasn’t a word he generally used, but in this case, he was well and truly fucked. He should’ve just stuck to the run–along–now speech.

“Because I’m your teacher.”

“This isn’t high school. I’m an adult.”

He sighed. “That may be true. But I’m your professor and this conversation is inappropriate.”

“How? I just asked if you were gay and you said yes. I don’t see what the problem is.”

When Daniel aimed a mischievous grin at him, Brantley knew he was very aware of what the problem was.

“Out,” he said, pointing to the door. “Time to leave, Mr. Finley.”

This time, he made sure to watch Daniel so he knew he was actually leaving. He walked to the door, but at the last minute, he turned around to look back at him. Not willing to back down and show weakness, Brantley kept his eyes on his student as Daniel ran his tongue along his lower lip.

“You should call me Finn. Everyone else does.”

Christ. The kid was going to drive him to an early grave, but damn if he didn’t laugh at his audacity.

“Out,” he said again, and this time Daniel pushed out the door and disappeared into the hall.

______________________________________

About Ella Frank

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at http://www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Find Ella Frank Online

Website ~ Goodreads ~Facebook ~Twitter

Giveaway

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Excerpt + Giveaway: Reunited With The Rebel Billionaire by Catherine Mann – Bayou Billionaires Series – Book 3

Posted on 03/21/2016 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win a Print Set of Bayou Billionaires (Bks 1&2)

HIS PREGNANT PRINCESS BRIDE &

HIS SECRETARY’S SURPRISE FIANCE

REUNITED WITH THE REBEL BILLIONAIRE

Bayou Billionaires #3

Catherine Mann

Releasing on April 1st, 2016 (Digital)
and April 5th, 2016 (Print)

Harlequin Desire

Is it a real reunion, or one for the
cameras? It’s a second-chance romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine
Mann!

Football star Henri Reynaud won’t
let his career go down without a fight. If the only way to win is to reconcile
with his estranged wife, he’ll do what it takes. But spending time with Fiona
Harper-Reynaud isn’t just some ruse. The sultry beauty belongs in his bed.

Fiona doesn’t know where her sexy
husband’s public act ends and his real feelings begin. Can she afford to fall a
second time for the man every female wants? One thing is
undeniable—their attraction has never flared hotter!

BUY NOW

Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

Excerpt

Fiona looked around at the packed event, a total success. Anyone would think she had a full life.

Except she couldn’t bring herself to have sex with husband. She’d been so certain the surgery was the right decision. She’d gone to counseling before and after. Her husband had been completely supportive.

And still the distance between them had grown wider and wider these past months, emphasizing how little they knew about each other. They’re married because of infatuation and great sex. Now that the initial glow of infatuation had passed and they didn’t even have sex to carry them through the rough patches, their marriage was floundering. Badly.

And with a cancer scare looming over her today, she couldn’t bear the thought that he would stay with her out of sympathy.

***

Henri wasn’t in much of a party mood, no matter how much his brothers elbowed him and teased him about his latest fumble. His Texas cousins weren’t cutting him any slack either.

He’d been thinking about the divorce papers his wife insisted on pursuing.

While the love had left their marriage, he’d heard plenty say that marriage had ups and downs. He wasn’t a quitter. And damn it all, he still burned to have her.

His gaze skimmed along the guests around the pool, landing on his wife. Her loose hair and slim curves called to him, reminding him of the enticing feel of her back as he’d tugged her zipper up.

She smiled at whoever she spoke to – a man with his back to the rest the crowd – and nodded as she walked away. The man turned and Henri’s breath froze in his chest. He knew the man well. Dr. Carlson was a partner in the practice Fiona used to see before they’d transferred her to another physician for the surgery.

Fear gelling in his gut, Henri charged away from his brothers and cousins, shouldering through the crowd to his wife.

“Henri–.”

He grasped her arm and guided her toward the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. “In a moment. When no one can over hear us.”

Lights from yachts and boats dotted the distance. Along the shoreline, couples walked hand and hand into the distance. Henri opened the boat house door and stepped inside. Moonlight streaked through streaked through the windows, across her face. Confusion and frustration stamped along her lovely features.

He angled them beneath a pontoon boat on a lift. The boat was still wet from use, and water tapped the ground in a rhythm that almost matched his pounding heart. Inhaling deeply, he caught the musty scent of the boathouse with the cinnamon notes of Fiona’s perfume. He’d bought it for her on trip to France before all of these difficulties had really gotten out of control.

“Enough already, Henri. Would you please tell me why we’re out here?”

He clasped both of her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw you talking to Dr. Carlson.” He looked in her sherry colored eyes, trying to read her. Something flickered there but he wasn’t sure what.

Staring at the floor, she chewed her bottom lip for an instant before answering, “We were discussing a fundraiser and party for the pediatric oncology ward.”

Okay, but why was she looking away? “You’re sure that’s all?”

She hesitated a second too long. “What do you mean?”

Fear exploded inside him. “Are you feeling alright?” He clasped her shoulders. “Physically. Is there something wrong? If so, you know I’m here for you. Whatever you need, just tell me.”

She squeezed her eyes closed, shaking her head, tears

“Oh God, Fiona, is it …,” his throat moved in a long swallow, “do you have…”

“What were you laughing so hysterically about?” Anger edged through the fear. “And would you like to clue me in on the joke because right now I could use something to lighten the mood?”

“No joke,” she said with a sigh, meeting his gaze again. “Just so ironic.”

“Then what are you hiding?”

“Not that it’s any of your business,” she chewed her bottom lip again, “but he asked me out for a drink to discuss the fundraiser.”

He saw red. Pure red. “He asked you out for a drink? As in for a date? Not because of the fundraiser?”

“Because of the fundraiser, but yes, he clearly meant a date as well.” She pulled at her curls, tension mounting in her cheeks.

Henri had to stay calm. Had to make it through this conversation. “And what did you say?”

“I told him I’m still married.” Eyes narrowing, the words launched at him like daggers.

“Clearly that wasn’t a problem for him since you are wearing my ring.”

She shrugged her shoulders, chandelier earrings swaying. “That didn’t bother him in the least.”

He turned toward the door, ready to return to the party and deck the guy straight into the pool.

Fiona placed a hand on his shoulder. “Stop, Henri. He mentioned hearing we’re splitting up. He thought I was available.”

“How would he have heard such a thing?” His mind went back to the original concern. “Were you at the doctor’s office where he’s a partner?”

She swallowed hard. “You seem to have forgotten his brother is our lawyer.”

“Not anymore.”

“I was thinking the same thing actually.” She picked at her French manicure. “We should get separate lawyers.”

Damn it. This conversation was not going the way he intended. He just wanted to pull her into his arms and take her here. Now. To say to hell with the past and future. No more jealousy or discussion about … hell.

He just wanted her.

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USA Today bestseller and RITA Award winning author Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Tule. With over sixty books released in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. Catherine and her flyboy husband live on the Florida coast where they brought up their 4 children – and still have 5 four-legged, furry “children” (aka pets). Catherine is an active volunteer with an animal rescue, serving on their Board of Directors and fostering over 200 puppies, ill dogs, and dogs with service/working potential.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Don’t Miss the First Two Titles in

The Bayou Billionaires Series

Cover Reveal: Steady As The Snow Falls by Lindy Zart

Posted on 03/21/2016 by shellbellereads

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Steady As The Snow Falls

By Lindy Zart

Release Date: April 18, 2016

***

Synopsis

Hired by a stranger to write his life story, Beth Lambert arrives at a seemingly abandoned house in the hills near her hometown. She knows the rumors, she knows it is dangerous and unwise. But she needs the money. And she needs to prove that it isn’t a mistake to think she can make a career out of a dream.

Inside the house of emptiness and coldness, she finds a man with curt words and haunted eyes. He is eccentric, odd. Brutish, even. He scares her, and he intrigues her. When she learns who he is, she wants to run. But there is the money, and there is the dream, and eventually, there is simply Harrison Caldwell. The haunted man with the black, ugly truth.

***

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Excerpt

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***

Lindy Zart is the USA Today bestselling author of Roomies. She has been writing since she was a child. Luckily for readers, her writing has improved since then. She lives in Wisconsin with her family. Lindy loves hearing from people who enjoy her work. She also has a completely healthy obsession with the following: coffee, wine, bloody marys, peanut butter, and pizza.

***

Teaser Reveal # 3 : Stuck-Up Suit by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward… Coming April 11,2016

Posted on 03/18/2016 by shellbellereads

stuck - up suit cover

Stuck-Up Suit

A Contemporary Romance Novel

By Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

Release Date: April 11, 2016

Pre Order: ITunes

Synopsis

It started out like any other morning on the train.

Until I became mesmerized by the guy sitting across the aisle.

He was barking at someone on his phone like he ruled the world.

Who did the stuck-up suit think he was…God?

Actually, he looked like a God. That was about it.

When his stop came, he got up suddenly and left. So suddenly, he dropped his phone on the way out.

I might have picked it up.

I might have gone through all of his photos and called some of the numbers.

I might have held onto the mystery man’s phone for days—until I finally conjured up the courage to return it.

When I traipsed my ass across town to his fancy company, he refused to see me.

So, I left the phone on the empty desk outside the arrogant jerk’s office.

I might have also left behind a dirty picture on it first though.

I didn’t expect him to text back.

I didn’t expect our exchanges to be hot as hell.

I didn’t expect to fall for him—all before we even met.

The two of us couldn’t have been any more different.

Yet, you know what they say about opposites.

When we finally came face to face, we found out opposites sometimes do more than attract—we consumed each other.

Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for where I’d wind up when the ride was over.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

March 18th Stuck-Up Suit Teaser

March 11th Stuck-Up Suit Teaser-2

Hard Teaser

The heroine in Stuck-Up Suit works as an assistant to an advice columnist. She sometimes can’t help herself and sneaks to dish out her own brand of no-bullshit advice. We’ve set up a website for readers to get to know Soraya a bit—with some funny answers she would give if her boss Ida ever let her take the reins. J You can check it out here: www.ask-ida.com

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________________

Other books from Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

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Cocky Bastard

Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

__________________________________________

About The Authors

About The Author: Vi Keeland

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

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

Baller

Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Life On Stage Series

Throb – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Beat –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

MMA Fighter Series

Worth The Fight – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth The Chance – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth Forgiving –Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Cole Series

Belong To You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Made For You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Stand Alone Novels

First Thing I See– Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Left Behind – Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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

Penelope Ward is a USA Today Bestselling author.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers. She spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career.

Penelope lives for reading books in the new adult genre, coffee and hanging out with her friends and family on weekends.

She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 8-year-old boy, both of whom are the lights of her life.

Penelope, her husband and kids reside in Rhode Island.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Additional Books by Penelope Ward

Roomhate- Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Stepbrother Dearest – Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

My Skylar – Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Gemini –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Jake Undone –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Jake Understood –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

stuck - up suit cover

Release Blitz: Rewriting The Rules by S. Moose

Posted on 03/18/2016 by shellbellereads

RTR_FullCover_LoRes

Author: S. Moose

Genre: Standalone New Adult/Romance Erotica

Cover Artist: Sommer Stein at Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Photographer: Pat Lee

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00001]

Off limits. Stay away.

Don’t even think about it.

I know the rules.

I repeat them endlessly in my head.

But damn it, I can’t stay away.

Can’t stop thinking about it. About her.

She’s perfect. Beautiful. Exceptional in every way.

When in the world did she grow up?

No! I refuse to touch her. I won’t do it.

But I did. Just once.

And now. I want more. So much more.

Once I’ve set my mind to something, nobody can stop me.

Not even him. Screw him.

He’s just my best friend.

She’s just his little sister.

Rules are meant to be bent.

Broken. Hell, rewritten.

How bad can it be?

“This was a beautiful easy read, drew me in and kept me engrossed.” – Goodreads Reviewer

“Loved this book could not put it down. 100 % recommend.” – Goodreads Reviewer

“It was an easy read, well-paced—it draws you in and keeps you hooked.” – Goodreads Reviewer

S.Moose is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, living in Webster, NY with her family, friends, and shorkie, Charlie.

A 2011 St. John Fisher graduate, S.Moose loves to read and write. She enjoys getting lost in the fictional world and creating a place where readers can fall in love and swoon over the cute boys she brings to life. When she isn’t in her room in front of her computer or a book, she is with her family and friends being silly and enjoying life. She’s romantic at heart and loves anything with a happily ever after.

Cover Reveal: Spinning Out by Lexi Ryan – The Blackhawk Boys – Book 1

Posted on 03/18/2016 by shellbellereads

SO Amazon

Spinning Out

The Blackhawk Boys

By Lexi Ryan

Release Date: May 3, 2016

Pre Order Exclusively at… IBOOKS

***

To be notified when Amazon and other pre-orders are available, sign up here:

http://goo.gl/forms/UPrvOZWCZU

******

THE BLACKHAWK BOYS, an edgy, sexy sports romance series from New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan. Football. Secrets. Lies. Passion. These boys don’t play fair. Which Blackhawk Boy will steal your heart?

Synopsis

Secrets can cost you…
Twenty-one year old Arrow Woodison is a fuckup. A Division I running back on his way to a Heisman and a top draft pick, the world was his oyster, and he threw it all away with a semester of drugs, alcohol, and generally pissing off anyone who dared care about him. Now he’s lost it all—suspended from the team, not to mention college, on house arrest, and forced to spend a semester at home and get his shit together. The cherry on his fuckup sundae? Sleeping in the room next to his, the live-in nanny and his best friend’s girl, Mia Mendez. His secret. His mistake. And a reminder of everything he regrets.

Secrets can define you…
Since the accident that killed her brother and wounded her boyfriend, Mia Mendez has devoted her life to caring for her alcoholic father and her forever-changed boyfriend. She depends on her position with the Woodisons to support her family, but Arrow’s return home threatens her job. And her heart. She’s not sure what’s worse—the anger in Arrow’s eyes when he looks at her or the attraction that keeps pulling them back together.

Secrets can destroy you…
Desperate to be together but paralyzed by nightmares and guilt, the only way forward is to face the truth about what happened the night of the accident, even if it means revealing secrets that could tear their worlds apart.

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00074]

THE BLACKHAWK BOYS, an edgy, sexy sports romance series from New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan. Football. Secrets. Lies. Passion. These boys don’t play fair. Which Blackhawk Boy will steal your heart?

Book 1 – SPINNING OUT – Coming May 3rd (Arrow’s story)
Book 2 – RUSHING IN – Coming mid-2016 (Christopher’s story)
Book 3 – GOING UNDER – Coming late 2016 (Sebastian’s story)

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A Note from the Author:

I’m thrilled to finally share more information about SPINNING OUT with you. I’ve been mentally writing this book for three years and first put pen to paper in April of 2014. I remember because I was on deadline and instead of writing the book I was supposed to be writing, I was in Arrow’s head and falling in love hard and fast, my heart aching with every word.

I started. I stopped. I rewrote. I cut—words, not flesh, but in significance it felt the same. The cutting and rewriting were an exercise in control over a story that didn’t want to be controlled.

I said, “It’s too sad, too dark.” I wrote something else. It called me back. Again and again, I returned. I worried I wasn’t good enough, knew the story was too important for me to fail. But it was also too important for me to ignore. I wrote seven other books between the day I started SPINNING OUT and the day I finally wrote THE END.

I had to fight to tell this story. Fight my insecurities, fight my internal editor, fight my own preconceived notion of what a romance novel needs to be and how it needs to be told.

Some books are harder to write than others. Some books drain everything we have and leave us wishing we had more to give. SPINNING OUT was one of those, and my journey through that first draft left me feeling like an unprepared surgeon, the pieces of the book waiting for me to stitch them together like a broken, bloody but still-beating heart.

Some books have to break the rules. Others have to break the author. This one did both.

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About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Lexi Ryan’s novels have been described as intense, emotional, and wickedly sexy. A former college professor, she now writes full-time from her home in Indiana, where she lives with her husband, two children, and a neurotic dog. Find her on Facebook or Twitter to chat about books, TV, and her children’s latest antics.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter

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Release Day + 5 Star Review: Bennett by Brenda Rothert – On The Line Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/18/2016 by shellbellereads

Today we are celebrating the release of BENNETT (On the Line, #2) by Brenda Rothert. You won’t want to miss this steamy contemporary romance! KILLIAN, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢ so grab it while you can!

Bennett (On the Line, #2)

PURCHASE IT NOW!

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Add Bennett to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

Bennett Morse devotes his time to chasing two things: an NHL career and women. He’s the easygoing member of his three-man line on the Fenway Flyers, content to play the game he loves and soak up the female attention it brings – as long as it’s from a different woman each time. He learned the hard way that choosing only one leads to heartache.

Newly single attorney Charlotte Holloway finds just what she needs in Bennett – a sweet, sexy man to ease the burn of her recent breakup. One night is all she wants from the left winger who seems to have all the right moves. Soon circumstance draws her back to Bennett, and the sparks between them become a fiery blaze. But with the stakes high, will they risk it all and put their hearts on the line?

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

Tracey’s Review

When Bennett Morse and Charlotte Holloway meet by chance and decide to spend the night together, neither one is prepared for the outcome of their actions, or that their encounter would lead to anything more. But, when Fate, kismet, the Universe, call it what you will, steps in, the two find out quickly that sometimes things, and people, are not what they seem, and that life as they know it is about to be very different.

I have been a fan of Brenda for a very long time, and am never disappointed by the stories and characters that she creates. BENNETT, the second book in Brenda’s On the Line series, is no exception. In Bennett, Brenda has written a man that is not the usual player. Yes, he’s had his share of action, but his heart is in the game, and in getting called up to the professional team. When he meets Charlotte, who has recently broken up with her boyfriend, he is smitten. Everything about her appeals to him, and he is more than ready to see where things go. But Charlotte, raised by a mother who depended on men for her self-worth, isn’t about to jump right into another relationship. Strong and capable, she’s more than able to take care of herself, and isn’t afraid to let Bennett know.

What really makes this book so special is the way that Brenda continually takes her characters out of their comfort zones and allows them to rise to heights that they didn’t know they could attain. Bennett is so much more than just a hot hockey player, and is willing to overcome his personal demons to show Charlotte just how much she means to him, and what he’s willing to give up to be with her. And, Charlotte, afraid in her own way to let Bennett in, finds in him a safe place, where she can let someone else help her carry the load.

BENNETT is a wonderful addition to the On the Line series, and the story, the heart, the wonderful way that the main characters mesh, along with the supporting characters and their stories, combine to earn this read an easy 4.5 stars. And, having gotten to know Liam just a little bit in this book, I can’t wait for his story in the near future.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

Killian, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢!

Killian (On the Line, #1)

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | GooglePlay

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon

New Release + 4 Star Review: Dream With Me by Elyssa Patrick – With Me Series – Book 4

Posted on 03/17/2016 by shellbellereads

Dream With Me

With Me Series – Book 4

By Elyssa Patrick

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

There are a few things I, Evie Hart, thought I knew for sure:

1. That I hated Griff Sinclair ever since that night. You know, the night where he totally pulled a Mr. Darcy on me at the dance.
2. That Griff Sinclair hated me. I mean, seriously, would it kill him to smile at me. Just once.
3. That my life plan for post-graduation was golden.
4. That I knew exactly what I wanted.
5. And none of that included Griff.

But everything I thought I knew is thrown out the window by the biggest surprise of my life. All it takes is one touch, one kiss, one night . . . that leads to so much more.

I need to know what Griff means to me, what I mean to him, and what really happened all those years ago. If we even have a future together. And I need to figure it out before we graduate in seven days. Before I move out of Vermont, hundreds of miles away from Griff. I’ve taken risks, but this might be the biggest gamble of my life.

The final book in the With Me series. Each book in this series stands alone and has a firm HEA.

The With Me Series reading order:

Stay With Me (With Me Book 1) – Available now! And it’s also free.
Go With Me (With Me Book 2) – Available now!
Try With Me (With Me Book 3) – Available now!
Dream With Me (With Me Book 4) – Available now!

Michel’s Review

The With Me series by Elyssa Patrick has come to an end. Dream With Me is the fourth and final book. It’s one week until graduation. Griff Sinclair has wasted four years pining for a woman that he felt was out of his reach. Rather than reacting in a good, flirty way when he first met Evie Hart, he gave her the impression that she wasn’t worth his time or effort. With one week left he has to reveal his heart and true feelings.

Griff Sinclair is a complicated guy. He is the strong, silent type. He’s studious and mysterious. At times he can come across as cold hearted. He has been shaped and molded by his young life. He is reluctant to show his feelings. When his heart’s desire is on the line, it’s time to step up his game.

Evie Hart is a fun, smart , ambitious girl. She is the exact opposite of Griff. She is drawn to the man and hopes that they can come to a truce.

When the truth finally comes out, Evie is in for a shock. Griff is in for the ultimate challenge. Together they make sense. Apart, they are incomplete.

I have enjoyed the With Me Series by Elyssa Patrick. Griff has been a mystery throughout each book in the series. Finally readers are getting his story. It will not disappoint. And no… his brother is not a spy!

I loved the ending because it gave readers a glimpse of each couple in the series after graduation.

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With Me Series

Stay With Me – Book 1

‘ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing–I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same–or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Go With Me – Book 2

I, Daphne Fox, have a few things to confess:

1. I hate Nick Brady. Loathe. Abhor. Can’t stand him 95% of the time.
2. That other 5%? I’m not talking about that at all.
3. People think I’m lucky for surviving the car crash. I disagree.
4. Nick is the only guy who makes my nightmares go away.
5. I won’t love him, though. Love is not worth the pain.

I, Nick Brady, have a few confessions of my own:

1. I don’t hate Daphne Fox. At all.
2. I find her scar sexy. Just like the rest of her.
3. I may be her older brother’s best friend, but that’s not going to stop me.
4. I love her.
5. And I’m going to do everything I can to have her.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Try With Me – Book 3

There is nothing happily ever after about my life. My mom is dying of breast cancer. I work four jobs just to keep us going.

What I don’t need to deal with?

Jamie McAlister.

Yeah. Him. Blond, tall, gorgeous. I had a crush on him throughout high school, but he never knew I existed. I don’t even think he knows my name. I was too shy to say a word to him. It seems that everywhere I go, he’s there. And now? He’s kissed me–a lot. And those hot kisses have led to even hotter nights.

I’m falling for him, head over heels. But I don’t know how to fit Jamie into my life. I only know I need him. Which means I have to try for something I never thought was possible. I have to fight for him and a forever kind of love.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

________________________________________________

About Elyssa Patrick

Elyssa Patrick is a former high school English teacher who left the classroom to write sexy, funny, emotional contemporary romances. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

She loves to hear from her readers!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Blog Tour

Release Blitz + Review: A Mess Of A Man by A. M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Finley by Ella Frank

About Ella Frank

Find Ella Frank Online

Cover Reveal: Steady As The Snow Falls by Lindy Zart

Release Blitz: Rewriting The Rules by S. Moose

Cover Reveal: Spinning Out by Lexi Ryan – The Blackhawk Boys – Book 1

Release Day + 5 Star Review: Bennett by Brenda Rothert – On The Line Series – Book 2

Today we are celebrating the release of BENNETT (On the Line, #2) by Brenda Rothert. You won’t want to miss this steamy contemporary romance! KILLIAN, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢ so grab it while you can!

Bennett (On the Line, #2)

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | GooglePlay

Add Bennett to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

Killian, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢!

Killian (On the Line, #1)

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | GooglePlay

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon

New Release + 4 Star Review: Dream With Me by Elyssa Patrick – With Me Series – Book 4

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Today we are celebrating the release of BENNETT (On the Line, #2) by Brenda Rothert. You won’t want to miss this steamy contemporary romance! KILLIAN, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢ so grab it while you can!

Bennett (On the Line, #2)

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | GooglePlay

Add Bennett to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

Killian, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢!

Killian (On the Line, #1)

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | GooglePlay

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon

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