Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Rock Hard by Nalini Singh – Rock Kiss Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Rock Hard

Rock Kiss Series – Book 2

By Nalini Singh

Release Date : March 10, 2015

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

In New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

EXCERPT

Charlotte arrived at work at seven thirty the next morning to find Gabriel Bishop’s office door open, but no carnivorous predator inside. A fresh suit was hanging on the back of his door, however, which meant he’d been in already.

Deciding to catch up on e-mails that had come in overnight from international suppliers as well as stores involved in a stock take, she was typing a reply when a sweaty Gabriel arrived fifteen minutes later. He was dressed in black running shorts and a faded University of Auckland T-shirt that was currently sticking to his body.

She’d known he was in shape, but now she realized none of it was an illusion created by his well-cut suits. Okay, she’d already known that, but seeing his muscled body in the flesh was a whole different ball game. He was built like a tank, hard and powerful.

Each of his thighs was thicker than both of hers put together, his biceps toned, his shoulders appearing even wider than usual. Everything about him was big. Civilized clothing didn’t make him look better, she realized—it toned down his intense masculinity. Out of his suits, with the ink on the upper part of his left arm exposed, as well as that on his opposing thigh and…

Her skin hot and lower body clenching, she just nodded in response to his “Good morning.”

Disappearing into his office, he returned with his suit pants and a fresh shirt slung over his arm, along with a sports bag. “Push the meeting with Sales to nine, will you, Ms. Baird? I need to talk to HR about something before then.”

“Yes, sir,” Charlotte said almost soundlessly, but he was already gone, heading toward the employee shower one floor down.

The thigh tattoo went all the way around, the design intricate.

Heart rate a rapid stutter, Charlotte got up after he disappeared and decided to go grab him a coffee. He’d bought her one yesterday after all. She was just being nice. “Oh, shut up, Charlotte,” she muttered once she was in the elevator, and slumped her face into an upraised hand.

The truth was she was running away. Only for a few minutes, but that’s what this was: strategic retreat. Gabriel Bishop was overwhelming. Once, before she’d ever met him and under the influence of cocktails, she’d told Molly she wanted to rip off his shirt and sink her teeth into his pecs.

That desire hadn’t waned even now that she knew he was a T-Rex. Of course, the desire was all strictly in her imagination. The idea of actually handling him in real life? So impossible as to be laughable. Charlie-mouse was not about to play with a predator who could eat her alive and not even notice the bones. The good news was that she could admire him in relative safety—there was no chance in hell he’d ever notice her as a woman.

Getting the coffee from a nearby café, she took it back upstairs. He was in his office when she entered, the striped dark gray of his tie hanging around his neck and his damp hair roughly combed. The scent of clean, fresh soap over warm skin permeated the office. Shooting her a smile that turned him from gorgeous to flat-out devastating, he flipped up the collar of his white shirt to get the tie in place. “Thank you, Ms. Baird.”

Nodding, Charlotte escaped, though she really wanted to stay. She’d never realized how erotic it was to watch a man dress until this precise moment. And she shouldn’t be having these thoughts about her boss—especially since she couldn’t keep from quivering like a rabbit in his presence. Sometimes she just annoyed herself.

“Get to work,” she muttered and knuckled down.

Gabriel was fine for the first hour, but then he began barking orders even a six-armed woman with a split personality would have had trouble handling.

Finally, pushed to the edge, Charlotte snapped. “I’m going as fast as I can!” she yelled when he asked her for something a minute after he’d asked her to complete another task.

He scowled and held out a file. “This is a priority.”

Grabbing it from his hand, she said, “Fine,” and slapped it down on her desk.

It was over an hour later that he disappeared for ten minutes. When he returned, it was to put a small bakery box on her desk. “I think you need something to sweeten your mood today, Ms. Baird.”

What she needed was for the T-Rex who was her boss to stop snarling and growling, she thought as he returned to his office. Not opening the box until her curiosity had almost killed her, she found it held a slice of decadent chocolate cake with a white-chocolate ganache topped with curls of both white and milk chocolate. “I cannot be bribed with cake,” she muttered, eating a bite nonetheless.

Michel’s Review

T-Rex is hunting his prey. Charlotte, the sweet meek little mouse, is hiding from the predator. It may not be pre-historic times. Cavemen may not exist openly in modern times. The one thing that never changes is the law of the universe. There will always be an Alpha. He will claim what is his. He will own it, protect it, love it, and keep it. It is his.

We first met Charlotte in the first full novel in the Rock Kiss series. She is Molly’s timid and quiet best friend. She is easily intimidated. She is terrified of her new domineering boss. She has nicknamed him T-Rex. He was always stomping through the company, chewing up people, and spitting them out left and right. He is a demanding boss and he has promoted Charlotte to be his PA.

Gabriel Bishop is a former rugby player that had to retire due to injuries. His career has changed from being an aggressive player to aggressive businessman. He saves companies that are going under and turns them around. When he takes on a new company he knows that he has a battle in front of him. He has to be hard on the workers, rigid with his policies, and ruthless in the business world. That is what it takes to turn a company around. Weed out the weak and fortify the strong. What he didn’t expect was to be attacked by a stapler wielded by a mouse. Quickly that mouse turns out to be more than a timid little creature. Charlotte Baird is smart, witty, and determined. She may be shy but she is not a doormat. She has a warrior heart underneath it all. When he promotes Charlotte to be his PA, he will get more than a valuable assistant.

Gabriel knows that he will have to tread lightly and go slow with Charlotte. He senses that there is more to her shyness and timid personality. He wants her to be completely his. He wants her to know she’s valued just the way she is. He may have to go T-Rex at times, but catching his little mouse will be more delicious than he anticipated. T-Rex is going to learn some lessons from the little mouse.

I really liked Rock Hard. Gabriel and Charlotte were a very entertaining couple. I love books where complete opposites attract. I love when they bring out the best in each other. I am glad that Nalini brought these characters to life.

_________________________________________________________________

Rock Kiss Series

Rock Addiction – Book 1

A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

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Rock Courtship – Book 1.5

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients—or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

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Author Bio:

NEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a hot and wickedly tempting rock star. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Once Rock Addiction is out, swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the book.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card

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Happy Release + Review: Unwritten by Melody Grace – Beachwood Bay Series – Book 7

Posted on 03/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Unwritten

Beachwood Bay Series – Book 7

By Melody Grace

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He’s my best friend’s brother – and the only boy I’ve ever loved. Movie star, manwhore, and totally off-limits.

Until now.

I told myself it was time to move on, until one epic night changed everything. Now there’s no denying the way I feel when he touches me, or the reckless desire in his eyes.

Once we cross that line, there’s no going back. But can I risk it all for him when he’s still hiding secrets of his own?

Some love stories are destiny. Ours is still unwritten.

Tracey’s Review

Zoey Barnes has been in love with Blake Callahan for as long as she can remember. Her knight in shining armor, Blake helped Zoey to believe that she was important, that things would get better, that she could make her life whatever she wanted it to be. To Blake, though, Zoey is just his sister Tegan’s best friend, another little sister and part of his family. Convincing him that she’s so much more will be Zoey’s biggest challenge yet.

Visiting the community of Beachwood Bay and its residents is always a lovely experience for me. From the small-town closeness of Beachwood Bay to the extended and intertwined cast of characters, I know that I will love each story, and Unwritten is no different. I was excited to read this book, having previously been introduced to Zoey and Blake. Zoey is absolutely adorable. She speaks to a part of each of us, that part that is unsure, that is trying to find our place in the world, that wants something so badly that she will do whatever it takes to get it. Seeing her step out in faith to go after Blake is sometimes painfully awkward, but I couldn’t help but root for her. And Blake, Blake has had to be the consummate actor for a very long time, the Callahan that smooths out all the edges, that makes everyone feel better, even when he’s falling apart himself. In Melody Grace’s usual fashion, she has brought together two people that have suffered more than their fair share in their young lives, but whose resilience allows them to rise above their pasts. Separately, Zoey and Blake are getting through life just fine, but together they make each other shine, and be the best that they can be.

I love that Melody continues to give updates on everyone, so that it really seems as though we’re a part of their stories. That she is able to flow effortlessly from one book to the other, and not lose any of the depth of character, or punch of emotion, is a testament to her success as one of the currently reigning voices in contemporary romance. I am looking very forward to reading UNFORGETTABLE, Ash’s story, and give Unwritten 5 emotional and sexy stars.

Tina’s Review

Quick fore-notes: Although this is the seventh book in the series, I’ve not read any of the previous ones, nor have I ever read anything my Melody Grace until now. While I am NOT a fan of the awkward looking cover, I was intrigued by the minimalistic approach to the synopsis.
The story is written in a first-person POV, most often being Zoey’s but later it alternates more between her and Blake. All switches are clearly defined and the transitions are made smoothly. The prologue begins on New Year’s Eve, but then picks up months later. Throughout, there are flashbacks over the past six years. The timeline is clearly marked and easy to keep track of.
Zoey’s had a secret crush on her best friend Tegan’s older brother, Blake, for years. But being four years younger than him, she was always seen more like another kid sister. Now, both adults, she’s home from a stint in Paris and she’s determined to make him see her for the woman she is. A New Year’s Resolution, hers, coupled by a steamy kiss is the only validation she needs to pursue her attraction to him. All of the characters, whether good, bad or ugly, are well-written with diverse personas creating a rich, full cast. The dialogue and interaction between them is believable and feels fairly natural. There is enough dynamics and drama to keep the plot from feeling flat or listless and plenty of conflicts that needed to be worked through, some more maturely that others – but that is to be expected when the characters are early- to mid- 20-year olds. There was not a lot of predictability. The conclusion was solid and felt complete.
A final word: You know how you have a favorite snack, like a can of chips or a pint of ice cream? It’s a yummy treat that you enjoy devouring, but then you look down and it’s gone? You kind of feel guilty because you consumed it in one sitting and now there’s none left to savor and enjoy? That is how I felt with this book. Ms. Grace has a fluidity to her writing that made it entirely too possible to devour the book in a binge read.

Melody Grace is the New York Times bestselling author of the Beachwood Bay series. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover, after spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She lives in LA with her two kittens, Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers.

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Review: Heartbreak Cove by Lily Everett -Sanctuary Island Series – Book 3

Posted on 03/05/2015 by shellbellereads

Heartbreak Cove

Sanctuary Island Series – Book 3

By Lily Everett

Synopsis

Welcome to a place where love is in the air, fate is in the stars, and home is just a heartbeat away…
Sheriff Andie Shepard may be new to Sanctuary Island but, like everyone else who comes here, she’s already fallen under its healing spell. Andie is determined to leave her mistakes behind her and make this scenic haven her home. But she just might have to change her plans–as well as open her heart–when an unexpected visitor shows up on her doorstep…
Heartbreak CoveCaitlin is the ten-year-old niece Andie never knew she had. Silent, wary, and shy as can be, Caitlin only responds to the horses that run wild across the island. Andie has no idea how to deal with Caitlin–until Sam Brennan enters the picture. A tall, handsome loner who rehabilitates abused horses, Sam is able to help Caitlin break out of her shell. But that’s not all: He finds a way to touch something deep in Andie’s heart, opening her up to the healing power of love. Together, these three lost souls must face the darkness in their past to build a brighter future. Because here, on Sanctuary Island, anything is possible…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Sam’s returned to Sanctuary Island, looking to Jo Ellen to house a racehorse in desperate need of TLC; one that he may just have rescued in less-than-legal ways. Andie believes in a black and white letter of the law. She does not believe there is a grey area to it at all. Caitlin’s the surprise 8-yr old niece that is delivered to Andie. She only has minutes to prepare after receiving a phone call from Owen, her military brother that she’s not heard from in years. She’s distrustful of adult females and seems to have taken a liking to Sam and the horses of Jo’s rehab center. It’s a treacherous line they’ll walk to find a healthy balance.
Sam’s past makes him a bit more impulsive when protection is needed. It also makes him more perceptive to like souls. Andie’s past has made he stronger and more independent that she’s almost unreachable in some things. Although these two were less enjoyable and a little more difficult to connect with, for me, they were still well written. The introduction of a few new characters along with many of the past round out the cast to the story. As usual, the dialogue and interactions are believable and natural feeling. The plot has just enough “uh-oh” drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and enough sub-plot to keep hoping for more. Plenty depth and dynamics in a smooth-flowing, full plot. There were several conflicts layered and interwoven throughout the story, all of which are resolved in a timely manner with very little predictability. The conclusion was sold, wrapping up all of loose ends of the main story and the sub-plot while the epilogue gave the readers an exciting glimpse into what to expect from the next book.
Once again, Ms. Everett has provided the readers a fantastic story about second chances, renewed hope and finding love and trust.

Author Bio:

Lily Everett grew up in a small town in central Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although she’s lived many other places since, from college in Philadelphia to her first publishing job in New York City and her current home in Austin, Texas, she never forgot the beauty and warmth of her little hometown. She is thrilled to be writing the Sanctuary Island series full time because it allows her to combine her longstanding love of romance with the memories of her childhood home.

Lily’s alter ego is Louisa Edwards. Under that name, she is the author of the Recipe for Love series, sexy contemporary romances with hot chef heroes set in the high-stakes, fast-paced world of professional restaurants.

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Changing Everything by Molly McAdams – Forgiving Lies Series – Novella – Book 2.5

Posted on 03/05/2015 by shellbellereads

Changing Everything

Forgiving Lies Series – Novella – Book 2.5

By Molly McAdams

Synopsis

Paisley Morro has been in love with Eli since she was thirteen years old. But being his best friend and wingman, while keeping her feelings under wraps, has grown more difficult with every passing year and every new woman in his life. After twelve years, Paisley is tired of the constant heartache and has finally decided it’s time to lay all her feelings on the table.

Eli Jenkins has the life: his dream job, countless beautiful women, and a best friend who’s the one he counts on for everything else. One conversation, however, threatens to not only change everything between them, but possibly cause Eli to lose the only girl who has ever meant anything to him.

When a family tragedy forces Eli to take a hard look at his life, he realizes life without Paisley isn’t a life at all. Only now, he may be too late.

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Excerpt

Oh the joys of watching the man you love get ready to take another woman home … especially when she’s one bad dye job away from being an Oompa-Loompa.

Here’s a little snippet from CHANGING EVERYTHING for y’all! Enjoy!

“Pay!”

“Oh no,” I breathed, and looked at Kristen to act like I hadn’t heard Eli. “If he makes me play pool with him while he makes out with another girl again, I will lose it!”

“He’s smiling, at least he didn’t see you moping—and he’s walking over here. With her. Right now. He’s—”

“Pay, we’re gonna head out, were you ready to leave?”

I turned to look at them with a smile plastered on my face, but it was entirely possible I looked like I was grimacing. “Well … ” I began, but the girl in Eli’s arms held up her hand.

She made a sickened face as her head jerked up to look at Eli, then back at me. Long seconds passed as she looked me up and down with her lips parted in disgust. “Um … ew! I’m, like, not really into that whole threesome thing. So gross. Yano?”

I wanted to remind her that “you” and “know” were two separate words … but with the way she looked, I was surprised she knew that Eli plus her plus me equaled three and not the color burrito, so I kept that to myself.

Eli’s face pinched together like he’d eaten something sour, and before he said something that would inevitably crush me even more tonight, I tried to speak his latest pick’s language.

“Ohmigod, like, ew, right?”

Kristen’s hand flew to her mouth as beer sprayed out, and Eli’s lack-of-amused expression let me know that he knew what I was doing.

At least I didn’t feel like I was going to throw up anymore.

“Threesomes are so way gross,” I continued, not like I’d know. But the girl nodded her head and pursed her lips.

“So, like, is she gonna watch?” she asked, and it took everything in me not to shoot Eli a look that said: Really? This is what you want?

Michel’s Review

Molly McAdams delivered another emotional novella. Changing Everything had a different tone than most of her books. It did not have the heart wrenching angst and anguished characters. It was a book that is close to being a realistic situation that many have found themselves in.

Paisley Morro has been in love with her best friend, Eli Jenkins. They have done everything together, made traditions, and depended on each other. The problem is Paisley. Her unrequitted love has finally reached it’s limits. She cannot stand by and watch Eli’s many conquests. She cannot be his excuse to escape the women after he is finished with them. She has had enough of being alone and waiting for that moment when Eli will notice her love. When she finally meets a guy that could be a game changer , she decides it’s time to let go of her hopes of a relationship with Eli. She makes one last ditch effort and finally tells Eli how she feels. He is shocked. He does not feel the same way. It’s time for her to move on.

Eli didn’t realize what he had with Paisley. Now that she has moved on and he is no longer the most important person in her life he is struck with remorse and shame. He realizes that Paisley is part of his soul. She is the only woman he could ever truly love. He has lost her to another man. It’s time to tell her the truth about how he feels.

Eli is going to have the challenge of his life. He is going to have to win Paisley’s heart. He has to prove that she can trust her heart with him and that he will always cherish it.

Changing Everything was emotional without being overly angsty. The dynamics in Paisley and Eli’s relationship is heartwarming. It is clear that they were meant to be together.

This novella will not disappoint. It is a charming romance.

Author’s Bio

Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry daughter. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach, which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not at work, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm…or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

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Review: Tempting The Corporate Spy by Angela Claire – Sleeping With The Enemy Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Tempting The Corporate Spy

Sleeping With The Enemy Series – Book 2

By Angela Claire

Synopsis

He’s stealing more than her heart…

Whiz kid Liv Altman is working on Internet anti-piracy software that could be huge. It could also be dangerous. And someone wants it badly enough to blackmail only the very best hacker—the infamous and reclusive Jonathon Crestwell—into stealing it…

Liv usually has no trouble ignoring the computer geeks she works with every day, but her new corporate consultant is definitely not easy to ignore. He’s tall and dead hot, with deep blue eyes that make Liv think the naughtiest of HR-violating thoughts. When she finds him unexpectedly in her office one evening, things take a turn for the sexier. But come morning, Liv will discover the truth about her new employee…and what he really wants.

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Tina’s Review

She’s developing an anti-piracy program that they want. He’s being blackmailed into integrating himself within her company so he can take it from her for them. Liv and Jon are both well-written characters and are complemented by a strong secondary cast of likable and not-so likable characters, as the author intended. The dialogue and interaction is believable and natural. The story is a little short, but still packs in a pretty full plot and enough dynamics to keep it from falling flat. There was a smooth, easy flow to the writing that made for easy readability. There are a few conflicts interwoven throughout the plot which could have been resolved so much quicker if they’d had better communication, but what fun would the story be then, right? So, the conflicts are resolved in the end with little predictability. The conclusion was solid although I was still a bit unsure of who Rudy was working with. Of Ms. Claire’s books that I’ve read, I must say this one was my favorite so far.

Sleeping With The Enemy Series

Tempting The CEO

Sleeping With The Enemy – Book 1

By Angela Claire

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

Never mix business with one night of playful, sizzling pleasure…

If lawyer Angie O’Hare needed another reason to hate New York City, this would be it. Locked out of her room and stranded in the hallway. Wearing only a towel. Lovely. But then, rescue arrives—in the form of the wickedly hot, funny guy in the penthouse next door. Angie is so relieved that she ignores her usual buzz-kill tendencies, and agrees to have a drink with Mr. Sexy Salvation…

But things don’t stop at just a drink. Or even a hot make-out session.

Cue one night of hot, ultra-x-rated sexy time. No names. No personal information. And the next morning, Angie sneaks out, returning to her prim-and-proper life, every hair in place. But New York City isn’t done with Angie yet. Because her meeting that morning is with CEO Jed Worth… whose bed she did everything but sleep in last night! And Jed isn’t the sort of man to take “conflict of interest” as an answer…

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Author Bio:

Angela Claire’s first love was romance novels, but she resolved to give them up temporarily for law books (which were considerably less fun). In a quest for a ‘responsible’ career, she headed off to law school, obtained her diploma and settled into a corporate law practice in New York city… which she hated! After staying in the rat race long enough to pay back her massive student loans, Angela returned to her roots in the Midwest to raise her two sons and worked as a lawyer at a more leisurely pace than big city law firm life would allow. She writes in her spare time and finds romance in real life with her husband of 28 years.

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Happy Release + Review: Served Hot by Annabeth Albert – Portland Heat Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Served Hot

Portland Heat Series – Book 1

Genre: GLBT, M/M, Gay

By Annabeth Albert

Synopsis

In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?

First in the new Portland Heat series!

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Tina’s Review

Novella length, about 100 pages. The synopsis provided really does capture the essence of the book quite nicely. Well-written, very likable character each individually charming and with their own flaws. There are very few secondary characters & even then, they only minute supporting roles. The dialogue and interaction is believable in it’s initial awkwardness and progression as the relationship progresses. My heart breaks a little for these two guys here and there, throughout the book, because of the doubts and insecurities brought on my poor past experiences. There’s enough emotion conveyed to connect you to the story and it’s characters and the sexy scenes were sweet and hot. Plot is a hard element to score on novellas, they often lack the depth and dimension of a full-length novel. This one makes a valid attempt, but lacks the fullness I’d prefer to see. That said, it is still a nice story that flows very well, it just fell a little dynamically flat is all. There are conflicts throughout that are resolved in mostly-mature and timely manners. Predictability was pleasantly low. The conclusion is solid and nicely wrapped up. Overall, I’d say this was a quick, but enjoyable read.

Author Bio:

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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Happy Release + Review : Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Novella

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Shoulda Been A Cowboy

A Copper Ridge Novella

By Maisey Yates

Synopsis

In this sexy, sweet prequel novella to her new series, USA TODAY bestselling author Maisey Yates welcomes readers to the charming small town of Copper Ridge, Oregon, where it’s never too late for second chances.

There’s not much about his teenage years that Jake Caldwell can be proud of. Except maybe for keeping his hands off cute, kindhearted Cassie Ventimiglia. She was the only one who saw him as more than a tattooed rebel who couldn’t wait to leave the ranching life behind. Now he’s back in Copper Ridge to sell his father’s property—and staying right above Cassie’s coffee shop. And out of nowhere, the girl he’s never forgotten is offering a whole lot more than fresh-baked muffins…

Jake’s dark, smoldering appeal hasn’t changed one bit. But Cassie has. Following everyone else’s rules didn’t quite work out. Time to ask for what she’s always wanted…and what Jake’s more than happy to give: a wild, hot romance that could make a one-time bad boy realize he’s back for good.

Don’t miss Part Time Cowboy, the first in the Copper Ridge series, from HQN Books!

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

Novella: 100 -120 pages. A fun, quick “second chance secret-crushes” read. She was the “good girl” that used to tutor him in high school. Then he vanished, for fifteen years. Now, after his dad’s passing, Jake’s back to settle the estate. He wants to clear out the farm and sell off the properties as quickly as possible so he can get back home to Seattle. There’s only one problem. Cassie. Her entire life is wrapped up in one of the buildings he plans to sell off. Her new business that she’s worked so hard to start up for herself and her apartment above the shop are all she has to show for herself after her divorce left her with nothing. Fifteen years of unresolved feelings for one another are once again being tested.
The lead characters are well-written and enjoyable, but there really is not a lot in the way of secondary characters. The dialogue and interaction is believable. The plot lacks the depth and dynamics a full-length novel would, but maintains a strong story line. The ease of flow is outstanding. The minor conflicts were resolved locally with little fanfare. Predictability was on par with a feel-good story of this length. The conclusion was solid enough, although nothing was stated about Jake’s house and employment back in Seattle nor the farm house and other property in town. Did he sell them all? Is he leasing/renting them? There’s a nice epilogue with a glimpse of the next book’s characters. Overall, it’s a pleasant, quick read.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling romance writer with a penchant for coffee, sugared cereal, and alpha males. Three children, one husband, and too many dresses for my closet.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: For Authentication Purposes by Amber L. Johnson

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Presents…

For Authentication Purposes

by Amber L. Johnson

Release Date: March 5th , 2015

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre: New Adult Romance / Contemporary Romance / Romance Erotica / Humor ISBN e-book: 978-1-61213-387-4

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

~~SUMMARY~~

Dawn Sims has made a name for herself writing romantic fiction online. When she’s pushed to try her hand at publishing, she thinks she has everything figured out. The only problem? She’s never been in a relationship, especially one that has led her to finding The Big O.

So much for writing what you know.

Warner Green has had Dawn in his sights since she walked into his class in seventh grade. She broke his teenage heart not once, but twice, so seeing her in his night class at the local community college was an unexpected surprise.

Accidentally reading her bad erotica on her laptop was a blessing from the Smut Gods themselves.

It’s clear she has no idea what she’s writing about, but Warner does. In fact, he knows so much that he’s willing to offer her his services. The deal is simple: teach the good girl from high school everything she needs to know to write from experience. If he gets to live out a fantasy or two that he’s been harboring for almost a decade, then there’s no harm in that either.

The lessons turn more heated, and Dawn begins to question where Warner has learned his skills, but he’s not ready to talk, until his past comes back to haunt him at the worst possible time.

It shouldn’t matter when it’s for authentication purposes only.

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

~~EXCERPT~~

“Come on. Say it. I know where you’re going.”

Shifting a little to look at him, I resisted the urge to kick him in the nuts and lick his neck at the same time. I mean he looked pretty hot sitting in my chair eating that muffin. Stupid handsome face and fornication hair paired with what I assumed were dirty jeans and a plaid flannel.

“Fine. I’m going to buy a vibrator with the money you gave me. Happy?”

His smile was in full force now. “Hell yeah, I’m happy. Ecstatic, even.” He chewed around the pastry in his mouth and laughed. “I’ll come with you to make sure you get the right one.”

“Oh, hell no. Being with you in a porn shop is on my list of Things to Never Do before I Die.”

Robin’s Review

Amber L. Johnson continues to show her diversity as a writer in her most recent novel titled For Authentication Purposes. I have now read six novels written by Johnson, and I find myself impressed by the variety of topics and genres in which she writes. Young Adult. New Adult. Contemporary Romance. And now erotic romance. The improvement in her writing is noticeable as she continues to publish stories that she has written over the last few years. Johnson has labeled this story “humorotica,” which is entirely appropriate because For Authentication Purposes is funny. Really, really funny!

Dawn Sims and Warner Green met in the eighth grade. It didn’t take long for them to give each other nicknames. Bunny and Wardo. They have a colorful past. Warner was always hanging around. Looking at Dawn. Sitting in front of her in class. Warner was good-looking. He hung around with the bad crowd and always got into fights. Every girl wanted his attention, but not Dawn. She wanted nothing to do with him. She wanted credibility. She was all about the books. In high school, Dawn finally understood Warner’s reputation. All of the girls just loved the bad boy. She knew Warner liked her. Warner knew Dawn hated to like him. Dawn and Warner even went to prom together.

Now its ten years later, and Dawn has decided to take night classes towards an English degree. She is in the process of writing a novel, and she wants to have some credibility when she submits her manuscript to a publisher. Once again, Warner and Dawn have end up in the same class, where he sits nearby and continues with his usual harassment. When Dawn excuses herself to go to the ladies room, Warner reads a portion of the historical romance she is writing, and he recognizes it is bad. Very bad.

Warner gives Dawn plenty of grief. He tells her she writes terrible porn – think “love buttons” and “pink pebbled peaks”. Dawn has no idea how to write sex because of her inexperience, so of course, Warner makes her an offer she can hardly refuse. He offers to show Dawn the ropes for research purposes, so her writing will be authentic. For authentication purposes. After all, you can only write about what you know.

I discovered Johnson after receiving a recommendation to read Puddle Jumping. Puddle Jumping was one of my favorite novels that I read during 2014. It’s considered a young adult or mature young adult novel. I almost always feel more comfortable reading novels from these genres, but I will occasionally read an erotic romance upon recommendation. I admit I was curious to see how Johnson would fare in this genre. And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed this story – something which is extremely important to me when I read erotic romance. For Authentication Purposes is hot! It’s erotic in the best kind of way, but there is also an intriguing story buried beneath the surface which slowly unfolds with each chapter. All of these things, combined with Johnson’s witty humor and excellent writing, kept me turning the pages until the end. I’m giving For Authentication Purposes a 4.5 star rating. I can’t wait to see what is next from Amber L. Johnson!

~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

A true child of music, Amber’s parents surrounded her with the loudest beats they could find, molding her into a girl who found inspiration and meaning in lyrics and chords. Raised on John Hughes movies, Luck Dragons, and pirate ships, she dreamed of love and adventure. When Amber began to create her own world, she envisioned a place where Happy Ever Afters do exist. Since then, she has authored several romance novels, all of which focus on songs and the way they can touch people’s lives. Music may not be able to fix a broken heart, but it can provide one hell of a soundtrack for healing.A full-time wife and mother with a full-time job, Amber finds her muse in everyday life and the people who bring her inspiration.

Be sure to look for Amber’s other books!

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~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website

Praise for For Authentication Purposes

“Hot! Great UST, very funny, and I loved the characters. Another great one from Amber. ” – Andrea

Goodreads Review

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Malevolent by Cassia Brightmore – Darkness Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Malevolent

The Darkness Series #1

by: Cassia Brightmore

Publication Date: February 23, 2015

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations

Synopsis

Darkness has a seductive power, a delicious energy that sinks its claws in deep. Once the devil has a hold of you, true malevolence is born.

Sheriff Brady James has sworn to protect the small town of Durham Heights, his current priority to ruthlessly hunt a sadistic killer on the loose. With lives at stake, his focus is split between two beautiful women – one dark, one light. The clock is ticking, the threat palpable; crawling closer at every turn. Once death has you in its sights, there is no escape.

Pain. Suffering. Lives shattered and broken. In the fight of good against evil, who will survive?

This is the first book in the Darkness series, a wishing evil upon others novel that can be read as a standalone.

Due to mature content and violent situations, this book is recommended for readers 18 years and older.

Buy:

Excerpt

Grabbing her roughly by the arm, he hauled her back until she was flush against him, her back to his front. Grinding his erection into her ass, he lowered his lips to her ear. “You think you can push me like that and I won’t respond?” He taunted, nipping her ear painfully. She let out a low moan, her body beginning to betray her.

“You’re mine. I won’t share you, and I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to you, Gwyn. The sooner you get it through your head that I own you now, the better.” His hand trailed down her body, cupping her aching pussy through her shorts. Feeling her heat, he groaned. Dragging them backwards, he hit one of the tall trees, his hands coming up to brace her shoulders.

“Brady, please,” she begged. Her body was a slow fire, desire taking over every part of her being. This man and his fierce possessiveness of her awakened a darkness in her she didn’t know existed. He pinched her nipples roughly through her thin shirt, her back arching against him.

“You want my cock, sugar? Right here out in the open?”

Tina’s Review

Don’t let her sweet face fool you… there is a deliciously dark and wickedly twisted mind hiding beneath that adorably innocent facade.

Novella length, approximately 100 pages. Chapter One sets the tone for the violently graphic side to this story. If you are squeamish or your senses are easily offended: Do NOT read this. You have been warned. Sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse do occur, as only one part, in the plot. It’s hard to rate the lead characters, as I feel the dark leads play just as an important role as Brady does. Whether it be the bad guys or the good, or even the females and secondary characters, they are are all written very well, each with a distinct and unique personality. The plot is intriguing, it sucks and pulls you in. The ease of flow creates a page-turning thriller that you can’t wait to see what happens next in. For being a novella length story, I am extremely surprised by how packed the content is in this story and the characters are richly developed.
As a debut novella, this is a fantastic start. I think Ms. Brightmore has a successful future ahead of her with this series if she continues to write at this level and only improves with age and experience. The only less than stellar comment I can make is that I’d figured the general identity of one of the malevolent duo out in the first chapter. The second one I’d bounced between three people, but the correct one of those three was only actually a fleeting thought. Looking back on it, the clues are all there… for the most part. It’ll keep you guessing and wanting more! Although the mystery is solved, the case is only partially closed. Predictability is low, if you’re not searching every shadow for clues. The conclusion is solid in that the current story is wrapped up well-enough, but there’s one element left wide open for the next book to pick up. I’d not call it a full-on cliffhanger, but more an “until next time”.

Facebook Release Party

https://www.facebook.com/events/1598699650365570

Authors who will be joining Cassia

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle I Evie Harper Author

Leighton Riley Author I Author Heather Leigh I Skye Callahan, Author

River Savage Author I Kat DeSalle & Kristin Leigh Jones I Author M. M. Koenig
Author Nina Levine I Author Gemma James I Lili Saint Germain

Meet the Author

Cassia Brightmore is a new indie author. Her debut novel, Malevolent is the first book in the Darkness Series and can be read as a standalone.

Writing has always been a passion of hers and publishing her first novel is truly a dream come true. She enjoys writing dark stories that she hopes will thrill the reader. When she’s not reading she can be found playing xbox one, watching re-runs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and catching up on Revenge and Scandal. She also has an unhealthy obsession with Jon Snow from GOT (but who doesn’t??).

She lives in Grimsby, Canada with her two furbabies, Harley and Molly.

GIVEAWAY

$25 egift card (Winner’s choice)
2 Signed Paperbacks

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Review: Charade by J. S. Cooper – Prequel to Swept Away Series -Book 1.5- Novella

Posted on 02/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Charade

Swept Away Series – Book 1.5 – Prequel Novella

By J. S. Cooper

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper comes an e-novella prequel to the Swept Away series, best read after Illusion. Bianca is determined to avenge her father’s death, but to do that, she must get in bed with his enemies…

When Bianca’s father died, she was left with nothing but her memories—and a box full of secrets. Had her father really been squeezed out of the company he founded? And could his betrayers have something to do with the death of Bianca’s mother years before?

Bianca will do anything to find out—even pursue the heir to Bradley, Inc. But the road she’s on is a dangerous one, and if David Bradley sees through her charade, it could be deadly…

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Charade by J. S. Cooper is the prequel novella in the Swept Away series. It can be read before book 1, Illusion or after. It is not a Stand Alone novella. It is a snippet of events in the complex plot in the Swept Away series.

Charade is an introduction to where it all began. Bianca’s father has passed away and she is left with boxes of old papers, letters, and documents that indicate that her mother’s death may not have been an accident. It also indicates that her father may have been swindled for a patent he created. It is the first time that Bianca has heard anything about her parents past.

The discoveries that she makes lead to more questions. The mystery is buried deep. Throughout her research on the information that she has obtained it is clear that the secrets have been buried deep and one family is behind it. She devises a plan to learn more about her parents past and the company that may have been responsible for their ruin.

She begins dating David Bradley, who is the son of the one of the founding members of the company in question. She is hoping to get close enough to find answers to her questions.

Bianca and David’s relationship progresses into what looks to be a very serious relationship. All seems to be going well until David starts showing his true colors. His family still remains a complete mystery. The past connections are starting to become dangerous. It is clear that his mysterious brother is the one in control.

Charade gives the reader a good insight to the story that is about to unfold in the Swept Away series. It gives the reader a sense of the mystery. It also gives the reader more of a sense of Bianca’s personality and drive.

I would recommend reading this novella along with the series. I am anxious to see where this series is going to next. New players are introduced in Illusion and the web of danger has been spun. The second book in the series, Disillusioned will release on March 17, 2015.

The Swept Away Series

Illusion – Book 1

Illusion is the book readers are calling a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s achingly sexy, steaming hot, full of romance and has suspense that will keep you guessing until the last page.

Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author of the Ex Games series and the Private Club series, J.S. Cooper introduces the Swept Away series–three new, dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a mysterious stranger–but is he friend or foe?

The day started like every other day…

Bianca finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.

Jakob wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.

In order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Disillusioned – Book 2

Coming March 17, 2015

Following on the heels of Illusion, indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the second novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe?

When Bianca and Jakob awake on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their first thoughts are of survival. But as they explore their surroundings and try to discover who stranded them on the island, they can’t deny the electricity surging between them. Soon it’s more than just a campfire keeping them warm…

But just as Bianca is starting to trust Jakob, she uncovers a clue to their abduction—and he may know more than he’s letting on. Was Jakob just as surprised as she to find himself alone with her…or could the man she’s fallen for be her captor?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About J. S. Cooper

Cooper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a true romantic that is in love with love. The J. S. stands for Jaimie Suzi. She just thought J. S. sounded cooler! J. S. was born in London, England and moved to the States at age 17. She studied history in college and then went to law school and then decided to follow her writing dreams. J. S. writes ‘New Adult’ contemporary romance books because that is what she also loves to read.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: 4-Star

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Rock Hard by Nalini Singh – Rock Kiss Series – Book 2

Happy Release + Review: Unwritten by Melody Grace – Beachwood Bay Series – Book 7

Review: Heartbreak Cove by Lily Everett -Sanctuary Island Series – Book 3

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Changing Everything by Molly McAdams – Forgiving Lies Series – Novella – Book 2.5

Review: Tempting The Corporate Spy by Angela Claire – Sleeping With The Enemy Series – Book 2

Happy Release + Review: Served Hot by Annabeth Albert – Portland Heat Series – Book 1

Happy Release + Review : Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Novella

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: For Authentication Purposes by Amber L. Johnson

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Malevolent by Cassia Brightmore – Darkness Series – Book 1

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Review: Charade by J. S. Cooper – Prequel to Swept Away Series -Book 1.5- Novella

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