Happy Release + Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

By Chelsey Krause

Synopsis

Fans of Jill Shalvis and Molly O’Keefe will love this deeply romantic and uplifting debut novel about losing everything you thought you wanted—and getting exactly what you need.

Sophie Richards has been looking forward to a much-needed girls’ night out: a Rolling Stones tribute-band concert, a few drinks, a distraction from her grueling nursing shifts in acute care. But when her best friend bails, Sophie gets stuck with a blind date.

Although Brett Nicholson may be the hottest carpenter alive, and Sophie may technically be single, she isn’t exactly on the market. Six years ago she found The One. He was everything Sophie dreamed a man could be—and then she lost him. In an instant, her whole life changed, and she forgot all about happily ever after.

But as she gets to know Brett, Sophie starts to wonder about the future for the first time. With a broken heart still clouding her mind, jumping into a new relationship feels impossible. When she’s in his arms, walking away feels even harder. Now Sophie faces an impossible choice: living in the past or choosing love in the here and now.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Tina’s Review

:: DEBUT NOVEL :: First-person, present tense narrative with some flashback windows into the past.
Two not-so social people with common friends agree to go together to a concert. Neither have really dated in years. She’s experienced a tragedy, he grew tired of casual dating. They defy the odds and find they have an easy, immediate connection and chemistry. The reader is provided ample backstory on Sophie, but not a lot on Brett, it’s almost like he’s a secondary character rather than a lead male. The characters are very feel-good and well-written. They are all very likable and the interaction is good. I just really wish there was more depth and background for Brett’s character. The plot is sweet and flows nicely. The main conflict runs through the length of the book and is finally resolved in the last few chapters, which provides enough time to tie all loose ends and provide a solid and satisfactory conclusion. Predictability is virtually non-existent. Overall, this was quite a pleasant debut novel.

——————————–

Author Bio:

Chelsey is a Canadian nurse. She lives with her husband and two children.

She loves thrift shops and musty old books stores, DIY projects, and has a serious Starbucks addiction.

She has recently published her first novel with Random House. Check out Chelsey’s thoughts on reading and writing at: http://www.chelseykrause.com

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Review: Take Me For Granted by K. A. Linde- Take Me Series- Book 1

Posted on 01/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Take Me For Granted

Take Me Series – Book 1

By K.A. Linde

Synopsis

Grant
Manwhore. Adrenaline junkie. Lead singer of ContraBand. What you see is what you get. I make no apologies for my actions, and by now no one expects any from me. I live my life the way I want and as long as it pushes the demons back, then I’m solid. I’ve never needed a chick for more than a good lay. Why would I need just one when I can have a different one every night?

Until she walks into my world.

Aribel

Mouthy. Perfectionist. Princeton student. Chemistry major. Yes, that pretty much describes me. Oh, and virgin. But I’m only nineteen, and have more important things to concern myself with. What really matters is finishing my degree and getting a good job. I’ve worked hard for what I want, and do what’s expected of me. I don’t need anyone to get in my way.

Until he opens up my world.

But if I give you my world, whatever you do…don’t take me for granted.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

One of my goals for 2015 was to read books that I had purchased in 2014 but did not have time to get to. Take Me For Granted by K.A. Linde was one of those books. With the upcoming release of Take Me With You coming out on January 27, 2015, I made this book a priority to read.

I absolutely love bad boy rock star books. Take Me For Granted is one of those books that shines in this category. Grant McDermott is the front man for the popular rising band Contriband. Their band is one of the favorites among the Princeton community. Grant is your typical bad boy manwhore. He takes full advantage of his popularity among the Princeton ladies. Women are easy come, easy go until he meets the one girl that is not taken by his bad boy charms. Her snarky personality and sass has him intrigued. Her rejection has him on the chase for the first time in his life. Her intelligence tests his wits. She is the one girl he is not going to let get away. What starts out as a quest to get Aribel into his bed turns into a whole different kind of challenge. Grant has finally met a girl that he wants to be in a relationship with. Can he give up his bad boy ways and become a better man, a man that is worthy of Aribel or will he blow the one thing that can really make his life better?

Aribel is a young woman that has her goals in life set. Her education and academic career is the most important agenda. She doesn’t have time for dating and frivolous college life. Her goals have held her back and made her socially inept . When her roommates force her to go out for a fun night on the town , her life is changed. She meets the kind of guy she absolutely despises. She meets the lead singer of the local band that has all the girls from school vying to get into his bed. She is not immune to Grant’s charismatic personality. She is not as unaffected as she wants to be.

Grant and Aribel both have challenges in their relationship. Neither of them has ever been in a successful relationship. They both are polar opposites with very different goals in life. Somehow the two of them recognize that what they have is more than a college fling, it is something that could last a lifetime. They will have to get past their own personal obstacles , get past their friends expectations, and find a way to blend their very different lives together.

Just as everything is finally rolling along on a smooth path in their relationship, Grant’s band is gaining recognition. They are on the brink of signing a recording contract. Can their relationship survive the fame and the rockstar lifestyle?

This book ends on a cliffhanger and has the reader biting at the bits for the upcoming book, Take Me With You.

The characters and their story was highly entertaining. K.A. Linde delivered the sexy and thrilling romance she has come to be known for. This book had the right amount of angst and the right amount of fluff.

I highly recommend this book and series.

Coming January 27, 2015

Take Me With You

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

I thought wrong.

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

I thought wrong.

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

Find out what happens with Grant and Aribel in book 2 in the Take Me series!
About The Author

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

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Review: Walk Beside Me by HJ Bellus- Walk Series- Book 2

Posted on 01/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Walk Beside Me

Walk Series- Book 2

By HJ Bellus

Synopsis

When Tess was forced to leave town, she vowed never to return. That meant no Finn and no Finn meant a life filled with heartache. It wasn’t her choice, but what in her life has been? Tess was never one to believe in fairytales while growing up, and her past has only confirmed her skepticism.

With a baby on the way and her family needing her, Tess has no choice but to go back to the small town she never thought she’d have to step foot in again. She has been gone for six months and a lot can happen in that time. Tess is slapped with this reality just when she thinks life couldn’t get any more complicated.

This is Tess and Finn’s ending…but will it be a happy one? Will Tess finally believe fairytales exist?

Buy: Amazon

Tina’s Review

Novella, under 100 pages.
It’s been six months since Finn’s father ran Tess out of town. Now, seven months pregnant, she’s returned to town with only two goals: attend granddaddy’s funeral and see her niece or nephew be born. Then she plans to leave town again before Finn’s father can act upon the threats he’d made against her loved ones. But things are not that simple. The closing scene of WALK ME DOWN overlaps with the opening scene of WALK BESIDE ME, providing a seamless continuance of the story. The characters are the same as before, only several circumstances have shifted or altered. Dialogue is believable, interaction is natural. HJ Bellus writes in a style that flows extremely smooth, making the pages fly by like nothing. It’s a very pleasurable experience. The plot is pretty good, for being so short. While it has plenty of dynamics to carry it, it lacks the fullness of a full-length novel. Several aspects of the conflicting elements were predictable, but it wasn’t until moments before the reveal that I knew what was going to happen (My Opinion: Blech! LOL)! This finale novella closes Finn’s and Tessa’s story off with solidly. I enjoyed this 2-piece set rather well.

Author Bio:

I am an independent author excited about releasing my first novel very soon. A big dream coming true!!! I’m all country…the kinda country where green grass grows and corn pops up in rows….love Miranda and her bad ass music!!! Just a simple country girl getting one story out of her head at a time…I always fall hard for a trucker style hat…especially if it’s a John Deere hat….loves me a good ol’ farm boy!!!!!!

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ARC Review: Playing Doctor by Kate Allure – Meeting Men

Posted on 01/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Playing Doctor

By Kate Allure

Synopsis

The doctor will see you now…
Three sizzling-hot erotic romance stories to stoke your mood

In The Intern, the temperature of Dr. Lauren Marks’s office quickly rises when her new medical intern Courtney turns out to be a passionate and sexy young man.

Valerie realizes all of her fantasies when her sexy surgeon and her loving husband team up to offer her some extra-special treatment in My Doctor, My Husband, and Me.

Nikki gets more than she bargained for in Seize the Doctor when the hot guy she recently met at a bar walks into her exam room wearing a white coat. Good thing she wore her sexiest lingerie.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

*** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***

The doctor will see you now…
Three sizzling-hot erotic romance stories to stoke your mood…
In THE INTERN, the temperature of Dr. Lauren Marks’ office quickly rises when her new medical intern, Courtney, turns out to be a passionate and sexy young man.
Valerie realizes all of her fantasies when her sexy surgeon and her loving husband team up to offer her some extra-special treatment in MY DOCTOR, MY HUSBAND AND ME.
Nikki gets more than she bargained for in SEIZE THE DOCTOR when the hot guy she recently met at a bar walks into her exam room wearing a white coat. Good thing she wore her sexiest lingerie.

——————-

My Thoughts:
AUTHOR DEBUT — 3 novella anthology, approximately 60 – 100 pages each.
THE INTERN –
Approximately 100 pages. Lauren is a mid-thirties, divorced general practitioner. Her ex-husband left her with the practice and all the bills. She gratefully allowed a buy-in partnership to alleviate some of the financial stress & now is taking on an intern as a favor to an old college friend. Only she doesn’t realize that she’s a he & he’s smokin’ hot! But she’s way too old for a young Adonis like him, isn’t she?
Courtney “Court” applies for a summer internship to determine if this is truly the path he wants to follow before he enrolls into med school. He’s attracted to his new boss in ways that he’d never imagined, but what chance does a kid have with an experienced woman?
A fun, quick story with humorous moments. The cast of characters were unique and enjoyable. Dialogue and interaction was great. The plot was fairly simple as many novella with not a lot of dynamics, but it flowed well nonetheless. The conflict gets thrown out and the results are fairly hot (but a little clinical). There was no predictability. The ending read like it was “wrapped up”, I was left feeling a bit confused and short-changed. Not your typical conclusion.
Score: 3.6, Stars: 4
—– —– —–
MY DOCTOR, MY HUSBAND AND ME –
Approximately 65 pages. Valerie needs surgery on her foot to correct an old injury that did not heal properly and has been bothering her. She been married to Elliott for eighteen years and they have two teen children together. The marriage has not been without it’s faults, but they are happy. But now that she’s seen her doctor, she’s fantasizing of more.
Luka is the specialist that will perform her surgery. He’s handsome with a swoon-worthy bedside manner and hot, silky Eastern European accent. He’s attracted to her, but she’s his patient. Her wedding band hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
A proposal is made at her final appointment… an erotic proposal, a proposal she can only hope Elliott will go along with.
Lead female and her husband are in their early to mid-forties, the doctor about mid-thirties so they are a little older than typical characters. Characters are good, dialogue and interaction believable. The plot is thin, but flows smoothly. The sexual descriptions are sort of blunt and clinical; it does not come off as hot or erotic. There’s not a lot of conflict, no predictability. Again, the ending is written as if it’s a wrap, but you are left feeling cheated…
Score: 3.4, Stars: 3
—– —– —–
SEIZE THE DOCTOR-
Approximately 75 pages. Earlier in the week, Nikki broke up with her boyfriend of a year after he’d cheated on her. Now her friends convince her to go out to the club with them to forget the jerk.
Hunter’s celebrating with his friend when he meets Nikki. After spending over an hour getting to know one another, her friends see his friends playing a numbers game (collecting girls’ phone numbers) and call the night off, dismissing the man-whore douches and their ridiculous “I’m a doctor.” lines.
Little did they realize…
Lead characters are great, seconds are good. Humorous and fun dialogue. The sex scene(s) is/are a bit funny with the over-exuberant commentary and jerking pole terminology, but at least it’s less clinical than the previous novellas were. Enjoyable, light plot with an easy flow. There was a mild conflict that was quickly resolved. Virtually no predictability. The conclusion was the most solid and satisfying of the three novellas. I enjoyed this one most.
Score 4.2, Stars: 4

Author Bio

Kate Allure is the author of the Meeting Men erotic romance anthology series about real women meeting handsome professional men as they go about their everyday lives—and the fun they have with them behind closed doors! In addition to her debut novel, Playing Doctor, the series includes Lawyering Up (Sourcebooks, June 2015), Getting Serviced, and Extra Credit. Her second series, Club Exotica, is set in a posh, ultra-private London club where a woman’s every naughty fantasy can come true (Sourcebooks, late 2015).

Kate has been a storyteller her entire life, writing plays, short stories, and dance librettos throughout her childhood and later for semi-professional theater and dance companies. Her non-fiction writing included working for American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet and authoring a weekly arts column for local papers. Beyond writing, Kate’s passions include traveling and exploring all things sensual with her loving husband.

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Happy Release and ARC Review: Falling Away by Penelope Douglas- The Fall Away Series – Book 3

Posted on 01/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Falling Away

The Fall Away Series – Book 3

By Penelope Douglas

Synopsis

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Rival

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

For fans of the Fall Away series this book has been highly anticipated. Jaxon Trent has been a real enigma since he was introduced into the series. He is the younger brother to Jared Trent. He came from an abusive background and multiple foster homes. He is smart, quiet, mysterious, and beautiful. His intelligence has opened doors, not necessarily good ones, and gave him power in his life. He is the extreme opposite of his brother Jared. He is not one to react. He bides his time, plans his actions, and strikes. All of those are just impressions the reader has walked away with. We really don’t know the true extent of all that is Jaxon Trent until we read Falling Away.

We also met K.C. Carter in book one and continued to see glimpses of her throughout the series. She is the snooty and frivolous girl that seems mindless. Although she was portrayed in a very negative manner in Bully, readers couldn’t help but like her anyways. Most of us understood the whole high school mentality and foolish decisions K.C. made. We also understood that she was involved in a very stifling relationship that was harmful to her being. What was odd and hard to understand was the attraction between her and Jax, who is a year younger and polar opposite. How could these two come together?

Falling Away has the turbulent and combustible plot we have come to expect in this series. It also had quite a few surprises. The biggest surprise was K.C. Carter. She is not what we were led to believe. Her life has been just as harsh as Jax’s life. While she might not have experienced all of the violence that Jax did, she did suffer from abuse.

When a bad decision and freeing moment forces K.C. to return home to serve out her sentence of community service, it also forces her to face everything she has deeply hidden away. It also puts her in Jax’s life once again. This time Jax plans on keeping her around long enough to conquer her and break her down. But Jax is for a big surprise. K.C. is more than he anticipated and when the real K.C. Carter is revealed she may just break Jax.

These two are not the polar opposites we were led to believe. Now they will have to break each other down and build each other up, one kiss and touch at a time.

This story kept me glued to the pages. It was well written, full of emotional angst, turbulent moments, steamy love scenes, and stunning surprises. The biggest surprise is at the end and left readers with their jaws hanging on the ground. I won’t spoil the moment. I will just say that readers are going to be pre-ordering the upcoming novella, Aflame, coming April 21, 2014. Let me say, I love the direction this series is headed.

About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

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Review: Senses Series by Xavier Neal : Hush-Book 4, Vital – Novella, and Savor-Book 5

Posted on 01/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Hush

Senses Series- Book 4

By Xavier Neal

Synopsis

Senses Series Book 4

Logan “Unbreakable” Kellar finally has everything he’s always wanted in life. When a career opportunity, that could jeopardize everything, comes along, he’s put back in the position where he’s spent most of his life. Torn. Now, Logan has a hard hitting choice to make. Tell the only girl he’s ever loved exactly what he’s feeling or fall back on old habits and keep his feelings on the Hush.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

** Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review. **
~ HUSH (part 4) – Released December 12, 2014 ~

Novella: under 150 pages
Alternating POVs with numerous, humorous mental asides as per the norm in this series. The serial continues where NUMB left off.
Logan, with the help of CJ and the support of the others, gains custody and provides a home for Dean. I really like the character of Dean and felt he was rather vital in further developing the other characters. Just as Logan and Maxx begin to define and solidify their relationship, Logan’s given the opportunity of a lifetime and Maxx receives a bombshell that will change her entire life. There are some strange undercurrents occurring with Erin and Luke that are not clarified. To be concluded in SAVOR…

—– —– —– —– —–

Vital

Senses Series-Novella

By Xavier Neal

~ VITAL (Prequel)(found in Interwoven: A Holiday Anthology) – Released December 3, 2014 ~

Entertwine is proud to bring you this wonderful mix of holiday stories featuring several of our authors. With stories ranging from heart warming to spicy, every reader is sure to enjoy this compilation.

Novella: approximately 30 pages. Serial Prequel.
Features the same main characters that we’ve grown to know and love so far… Erin, Logan, Luke, Maxx. It’s a Christmas Eve scene with a theme of believing in Miracles.

—– —– —– —– —–

Savor

Sense Series- Book 5

By Xavier Neal

Synopsis

Lately, Logan “Unbreakable” Kellar’s life has been a series of miscommunications with catastrophic consequences. However, this time around, the consequences threaten to not only damage his current relationships but erase a future he only ever dreamed of. Will Logan lose everything he’s ever hoped for or will he finally be able to break the cycle of his mistakes and get the future he is so desperate to Savor?

Sense Series Book #5

Warning: Contains adult content.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

~ SAVOR (part 5) – Released January 3, 2015 ~

Novella: approximately 140 pages. Serial Conclusion.
Same Alternating POV with eye-roll inducing mental asides. Same characters, plot picking up right where HUSH left off. Logan’s left for California after signing to go pro. Maxx still has shared her life-altering news, but rather decided she and Dean are going to surprise him in Vegas at his first professional bout. Once again poor reactions and miscommunication causes tempers to flare and creates yet another :poop: storm. Pride needs to be swallowed and some tough decisions need to be made if they want any chance and saving and keeping their dysfunctional family intact. The conflicts are mostly resolved now and the story is mostly concluded. There are hints that at least one book or serial will be in the future to follow Stuart, Luke, Erin, CJ, Tony and a more grown-up Dean. There were a few minor surprises and twists. Overall, I’d recommend reading the serial as a book, not part by part.

Author Bio:

Xavier Neal lives in Texas where she spends her time getting lost in writing, reading, or fandoms she recently discovered. (At the top of that list is Supernatural and BBC Sherlock) Whether she is enjoying books or movies, she continues finding inspiration at every turn to bring more exciting stories to life.

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Serial Review: The Billionaire Salvation Serial by Bella Love-Wins

Posted on 12/29/2014 by shellbellereads

The Billionaire Salvation Serial

Hero – Book 1

Hero For Me – Book 2

Hero For Christmas – Book 3

By Bella Love

Hero

~ She was hoping for a hero, but never realized who she would save. ~

This is a contemporary, new adult romance serial. For 18+ readers.

Kate Samuel thought she had left it all behind. The life of a billionaire’s daughter, and her incessant search for her macho hero type.

When she saved a neighbor’s young son during a fire at her new row house home in lower Manhattan, everything changed. And firefighter Lieutenant Matt Lewis made it all the more confusing.

Yeah…he was hotter than any man she imagined being with, but could he be just like the rest of the hero heart-breakers?

Find out by reading HERO, Book 1 of The Billionaire Salvation Series. Note: This is the first of at least 4 books in the serial.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

~ She was hoping for a hero, but never realized who she would save. ~
This is a contemporary, new adult romance serial. For 18+ readers.

Kate Samuel thought she had left it all behind. The life of a billionaire’s daughter, and her incessant search for her macho hero type.
When she saved a neighbor’s young son during a fire at her new row house home in lower Manhattan, everything changed. And firefighter Lieutenant Matt Lewis made it all the more confusing.
Yeah…he was hotter than any man she imagined being with, but could he be just like the rest of the hero heart-breakers?
—————————–
This serial takes place in New York, less than a month before Christmas. Kate is a radio DJ with a specialty in Communications and Social Media Strategy. She’s dreamed of having a Hero of her own for years, but the one she found in college used and abused her. When Kate rescues a young neighbor boy from a house fire, she’s suddenly a viral sensation and local hero, although her efforts warranted a hero to help her in return. With her home now burned to nothing, the homeless heroine somehow finds herself staying with her personal hero – in his home and in his arms.
All goes fine for a few days until a visitor shows up at Matt’s house and drops a bombshell of a cliffhanger… to be continued in HERO FOR ME.
There were several minor errors noted (an extra, missing, or misplaced word) throughout the book, however it’s not so bad that it completely ruins the overall vibe and flow – but I’d consider having a sit-down with the proofreader if I were Ms Love-Wins.
The characters, primary and secondary, are very likable. They have good dialogue and interaction. The flow of the book is decent, when not taking into account the minor errors (only 4 or 5). The plot was good for being such a short story, but did not have a lot of conflicting elements in it yet – it was more character development and plot set-up. Predictability was extremely low. This novella does not conclude but leaves it open for the next episode.

Hero For Me

~ She was hoping for a hero, but never realized who she would save. ~

This is a contemporary, new adult romance serial. For 18+ readers.

Kate Samuel met the handsome Lieutenant Matt Lewis, and it seemed like everything changed. He seemed like the only genuine man she knew, even though he was also a billionaire.

When her ex-coworker Joy announces that Matt is her man, all Kate’s faith disappeared. It was a painful reminder about all the hero heart-breakers she had already experienced first hand.

Were her instincts all wrong? Was Matt just another two-timing billionaire?

Find out by reading HERO For Me, Book 2 of The Billionaire Salvation Series. Note: This is the second of at least 4 books in the serial.

Buy: Amazon

Kate Samuel met the handsome Lieutenant Matt Lewis, and it seemed like everything changed. He seemed like the only genuine man she knew, even though he was also a billionaire.
When her ex-coworker Joy announces that Matt is her man, all Kate’s faith disappeared. It was a painful reminder about all the hero heart-breakers she had already experienced first hand.
Were her instincts all wrong? Was Matt just another two-timing billionaire?
————————
So, we’ve already met the characters and have begun to learn a little of each of their back stories. The plot continues where HERO leaves off. Kate leaves Matt’s and moves into a hotel near the radio station where she is threatened by a strange man after he breaks her door down. Part two of the serial abruptly ends at the Fire Fundraiser with an explosive cliffhanger to be continued in episode 3, HERO FOR CHRISTMAS.
Again, the characters are above average and likable, the plot is short but filled with good interaction. There is a little more dynamics in this episode of the serial than the last. The dialogue in a few places is not quite natural, but overall it’s pretty good. There were more conflicting elements in this novella to add a little more depth to the plot, which was very nice, but as is the nature of a serial, the conflict has no resolve as of yet. I am pleased to also find very little predictability. The ending is left open for the next episode to continue onward. Happily, I can also say I found less errors (added, missing or misused words) in this episode, however there were still two or three that I’d noticed that made it past the proof-reader.

Hero For Christmas

~ She was hoping for a hero, but never realized who she would save. ~

This is a contemporary, new adult romance serial. For 18+ readers.

When the men behind Kate’s attack threaten her life again, Matt takes matters into his own hands. Their escape to the Hamptons for Christmas seems like the perfect solution. But was Kate ready to face the ghosts of her Christmas past?

Find out by reading HERO For Christmas, Book 3 of The Billionaire Salvation Series. Note: This is the third of at least 4 books in the serial.

Buy: Amazon

Kate Samuel and Lieutenant Matt Lewis were finally together. With Kate’s attacker still on the loose, it didn’t seem like they could ever have peace of mind. Even with the power and wealth of Matt’s billionaire status, they were not safe.
When the men behind Kate’s attack threaten her life again, Matt takes matters into his own hands. Their escape to the Hamptons for Christmas seems like the perfect solution. But was Kate ready to face the ghosts of her Christmas past?
—————————
Part three picks up precisely where HERO FOR ME leaves off… Kate has just unveiled what she thought was the fourth corporate donor’s check at the Fire Fundraiser event only to reveal a threatening message addressed to her. Now they’re off to the Hamptons where security is tight as they prepare for the Charity Christmas Ball.
Same characters following the timeline, still likable. I have a minor issue with the dialogue at times with her using his name & he using hers on such a regular basis. That’s something a stranger does to implant another person’s name into the brain. The conversation during sexual encounters feels awful scripted as well. Other than that, the plot is decent and it flows well. There’s one error that I just could NOT overlook… it occurs on Christmas Day morning. The comment Matt makes BETWEEN “God, Kate.” and “I need you more than air.” Who’s Kara? I mean, that would have been like a bucket of ice water to me – and essentially was. Once more, the novella leaves off with a cliffhanger. This one is not as spectacular as the last and not as grand as it could have been.

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

SERIES OVERALL: I noticed Matt does not seem to work at the firehouse or at his businesses too often and everyone’s more that willing to accommodate him taking time off. He can be assuming and controlling one minute, then contrite the next. If demanding doesn’t work, he turns on the charm and pleads. She wants her independence but enjoys the efforts he puts forth in taking care of her… she wants it all.
The novellas are each under one hundred pages in length and it is a serial, so one leads into the next and so forth. There are no solid conclusions, there ARE cliffhangers at the ends. The overall plot is good, but again, with the short nature of each episode or part in the serial it’s really hard to feel the dynamics of it. One of the things I enjoyed most about this series so far is it’s ability to do just the opposite from what I’d been expecting it to do. There was no predictability for me.
My biggest concern was that Ms. Love-Wins’s proofreader was sleeping on the job when this passed their desk. It should never have gone to publication with the errors it has. Yes, it contains graphic sex but the series DOES come with a warning for the more easily offended readers. Watch for the back end review in early to mid-February, after parts 4 and 5 are released.

Author Bio:

About me: I’m twenty -three years old and work as a communications analyst in a small firm. I live a little north of Toronto and dream of moving to the small town of Grimsby, Ontario one day. Once I move out of the city I would love to have a Shih Tzu and 2 cats as pets and practice kids. I always wanted to write, which I why I completed a degree in Communications and Literature. I dream to improve my writing to where I can write fiction full time, and I know that it’s with daily writing practice that I will get better and better. I have one older brother and my parents live in Northern Ontario.
I find my stories to be about new adults and women in their mid-twenties, usually from wealthy families. This is because I went to school with the kids of some of the wealthiest families in Canada, and as I witnessed their woes first hand. My philosophy toward life is to believe that learning is possible, and that by learning everyday, we can improve and grow.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: The Naughty List by Jodi Redford

Posted on 12/17/2014 by shellbellereads

The Naughty List

A Holiday Romance

By Jodi Redford

Synopsis

Makin’ a list, and rocking it…twice.

Perpetual good girl Lacey McGuire has two Christmas wish lists. One suitable for public consumption…and a private one that’s too hot to handle. Right at the top: wild, wicked fantasies about her best buddies and business partners Ryan Hollister and Bram Colton.

Besides the fact they’re both poster boys for Hunks ’R’ Us, they’ve been there for her through thick, thin and the heartbreak of a cheating fiancé. So what if her boys will never know they star in her sexiest daydreams? In her fantasy world, her heart will never get trampled again.

Ry and Bram are pretty sure Lacey never meant to email a list of some of her raunchiest wants. Particularly the one that tightens their shorts—she wants a threesome. With them. Although they’ve loved her for years, they made a pact to keep Lacey off limits in order to protect their friendship. Now all bets are off. And the quest to give her all she wants—and more—is on.

Warning: This book contains a wickedly hot M/F/M ménage that will heat up the holidays. Friends steaming things up in a hot tub. Bondage and blindfolds. Sexy shenanigans at a Christmas tree lot. And maybe even a glimpse of Santa…in a Speedo.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

** Won from and Provided by Author , Thank You Ms. Redford! **

— Off the Cover —
Makin’ a list, and rocking it…twice.
Perpetual good girl Lacey McGuire has two Christmas wish lists. One suitable for public consumption…and a private one that’s too hot to handle. Right at the top: wild, wicked fantasies about her best buddies and business partners Ryan Hollister and Bram Colton.
Besides the fact they’re both poster boys for Hunks ’R’ Us, they’ve been there for her through thick, thin and the heartbreak of a cheating fiancé. So what if her boys will never know they star in her sexiest daydreams? In her fantasy world, her heart will never get trampled again.
Ry and Bram are pretty sure Lacey never meant to email a list of some of her raunchiest wants. Particularly the one that tightens their shorts—she wants a threesome. With them. Although they’ve loved her for years, they made a pact to keep Lacey off limits in order to protect their friendship. Now all bets are off. And the quest to give her all she wants—and more—is on.
Warning: This book contains a wickedly hot M/F/M ménage that will heat up the holidays. Friends steaming things up in a hot tub. Bondage and blindfolds. Sexy shenanigans at a Christmas tree lot. And maybe even a glimpse of Santa…in a Speedo.

— In Review —
M/F/M Holiday Novella, 100 – 150 pages.
Bram has the looks of a surfer and is more carefree and fun-loving. Ryan is darker in coloration and more serious and intense. Lacey’s the smart, beautiful and “boring” girl. The boys are in love with her and she with them, but only Bram and Ry know how the other feels. Lacey, Bram and Ryan have been best friends since high school and now they run a bar and restaurant together.
The personalities of the three are lively, intense and passionate. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments between the mental meanderings and the verbal sparring. After drunk-emailing a Christmas Wish List by accident, every kinky desire is known and the guys are more than happy to fulfill her -and their own- fantasies.
Once the list is “out”, the story line kind of re-prioritizes, keeping the sexual tension and encounters in the foreground and pushing any real elemental depth back. There was some conflicting drama available to add a bit of dimension that lingered throughout the story, but was resolved quite suddenly in the end. A solid ending was provided with minimal predictability.

An enjoyable, fun, quick Raunchy Holiday read!

Author Bio

At the ripe age of seven, I penned my first epic, complete with stick figure illustrations. Sadly, my drawing skills haven’t improved much, but my love of creating fantasy worlds is still going strong.
Yep, I still love writing about fairies, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures, only my stories pack a little more heat these days.

I currently reside in Michigan with my husband and overgrown lapdog. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America.

When I’m not writing or working the day job, I’m usually tinkering in the garden (weather permitting) or drooling over those smokin’ hot Winchester Brothers from Supernatural. Strictly for research purposes, of course.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy by Katie Lane, Jennifer Ryan, and Emma Cane

Posted on 12/16/2014 by shellbellereads

All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy

A Holiday Romance Anthology

By Katie Lane, Jennifer Ryan, and Emma Kane

Synopsis

From Emma Cane, Jennifer Ryan, and Katie Lane come three wildly romantic holiday stories featuring snowstorms, proposals, a sleigh ride … and, yes, cowboys.

The Christmas Cabin by Emma Cane

Sandy and her young son, Nate, are Christmas tree–hunting when a snowstorm strikes and an old ranch hand points them to an abandoned cabin. Little does Sandy know he sent cowboy Doug Thalberg to the same place. It’s a Christmas all of Valentine Valley will remember.

Can’t Wait by Jennifer Ryan

Before The Hunted Series began …

Though she is the woman of his dreams, Caleb Bowden knows his best friend’s sister, Summer Turner, is off limits. He won’t cross that line, which means Summer will just have to take the reins if she wants her cowboy for Christmas.

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Katie Lane

Alana Hale hits the internet dating jackpot when she finds Clint McCormick. He’s sensitive and responsible—not to mention wealthy. When he invites her to spend the holidays on his family’s ranch, she readily accepts. But on the way there, a blizzard strands her with a womanizing rodeo cowboy who could change everything …

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Christmas Cabin by Emma Cane
Sandy and her young son, Nate, are Christmas tree–hunting when a snowstorm strikes and an old ranch hand points them to an abandoned cabin. Little does Sandy know he sent cowboy Doug Thalberg to the same place. It’s a Christmas all of Valentine Valley will remember.
—
This novella opens with Sandy and Doug Thalberg hosting a family gathering in their cozy cabin in the woods and traditional retelling of a romantic tale that began two days before Christmas. Reporter, Jessica Fitzpatrick, sits in to hear the local, infamous story first-hand. The tale is not told in a narrative form, but rather as if it were happening real-time. It concludes with the family and Jessica in the cabin.
The full cast of characters are well-written. The plot, dialogue and character interaction are believable, flow is smooth. Because of the time frame and novella length, it’s hard to pack a lot of dynamics in, but it did have some minor dimension. The conflicts were fairly mild and handled maturely. Predictability was virtually nil. Overall, a super short, but sweet, read.

————————————————-

Can’t Wait by Jennifer Ryan
Before The Hunted Series began …
Though she is the woman of his dreams, Caleb Bowden knows his best friend’s sister, Summer Turner, is off limits. He won’t cross that line, which means Summer will just have to take the reins if she wants her cowboy for Christmas.
—
Summer is in love with Caleb, but Caleb has it in his mind that regardless how he feels about Summer, he cannot act upon it because she is Jack’s little sister. Jack’s his best friend and there’s a bro-code to follow. If that’s not enough, they served in Iraq together and he feels he owes his life to Jack. Even more, now he’s even working for Jack on the ranch. To say Summer is off-limits is an understatement. But she’s determined as all get-out to make him hers.
Very few novellas manage to create character depth and a full and dynamic plot worthy of a 5-star rating from me, but… here we are. Is it possible for a reader to fall in love with a novella’s hero? Most definitely. Caleb and Jack’s tormented souls each deserve a full-length novel. Great characters, written with loads of depth and dimension. The dialogue is smart and sassy by turns. The plot is very enjoyable and flows so smoothly I wanted more. The entire plot was based on the conflict, which obviously gets resolved in a wonderful way. I easily would have enjoyed this story and these characters if it would have been a full-length novel and am intrigued with the rest of the series as a result.
—–

—————————————————

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Katie Lane
Alana Hale hits the internet dating jackpot when she finds Clint McCormick. He’s sensitive and responsible—not to mention wealthy. When he invites her to spend the holidays on his family’s ranch, she readily accepts. But on the way there, a blizzard strands her with a womanizing rodeo cowboy who could change everything …
—
Alana perpetually makes poor decisions when it comes to men, but she’s done with that. Through an online date-matching site, she finds her perfect man. She decides to surprise him for the Holidays at the family ranch in Taos, NM but the Hawaiian is ill-prepared for the blizzard that causes her to slide into a ditch somewhere on the ranch’s property. She’s even less prepared for a snow-laden calf or a sexy Cowboy Viking – Winter Warrior that finds her.
This was a fun read. I totally and thoroughly enjoyed Alana. Her winter warrior wasn’t too bad either. This was a REALLY short story, or is was written so well that it felt shorter than short. The flow, dialogue, interaction was smooth and believable. The plot was light and fun. Not predictable, really. There was just enough dynamics and dimension to keep it from being flat. A very well-liked novella.
———–

Author Bios

Emma Cane

Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine Valley, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.

Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and two rambunctious dogs Apollo and Uma.

Emma also writes USA Today bestselling historical romances under the name Gayle Callen.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Jennifer Ryan

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBride Series. Jennifer writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Katie Lane

Katie Lane’s interest in romance was sparked in high school in the backseat of a ’65 mustang-okay, so maybe it wasn’t romance as much as raging teenage hormones. Still, coupled with a wild imagination, those make-out sessions inspired many a steamy storyline along with a strong belief that true love does prevail. Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with the owner of that mustang and would love to hear from her readers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Ice by Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane – Regulators MC Series – Book 1

Posted on 12/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Ice

Regulators MC Series- Book 1

Release Date: November 8, 2014

By: Chelsea Camaron & Jessie Lane

Synopsis

She’s an investment banker.

He’s an outlaw biker.

A little bit of heaven is about to meet a whole lot of hell.

Morgan Powell was raised to be perfect, to set an example for her sisters to follow. Her life has been dedicated to making something of her career, so she wouldn’t know what to do with a man even if you gave her an instruction manual.

Brett ‘Ice’ Grady spends his days trying to keep up with his teenage daughter, his nights consumed in Regulators’ MC business. He has no time for anything more than a casual hookup.

Two worlds collide when the dangers of his life crash into the calm of hers.

Can she go beyond her own boundaries and chip her way through to the man known to be as cold as ice?

Loosely attached to Chelsea Camaron’s Hellions Series and Jessie Lane’s Ex Ops Series.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks

Excerpt

~Morgan~

Looking at my phone screen, I smile at the text in front of me.

I’m off 2nite. Movie @ ur house or mine?

Texting back, I tell my best friend I will be at her house after work with takeout. Working in a bank, I have every weekend off. Casey’s career path is far different than mine, though, and it is one that requires weekend time; as a result, this is the first Friday she has had off in a while.

My day drags on as I review current investment portfolios and market changes. I have the best job ever. I get paid to spend other people’s money as an investment broker here in South Beach. My life is sun, sand, and dollar bills.

Before going to Casey’s, I stop by my condo and change clothes. The down side to my job is the stuffy suits I have to wear: reasonable, past knee-length skirts, reasonable women’s dress pants, and reasonable button up shirts. I might hate them; yet, in a sad way, the dress code fits my life—reasonable.

It is not long into girl’s night before the difference in our lifestyle’s show.

“Damn, we’re not even halfway through the first movie, and you’re ready for bed? What the hell? Grandparents stay up later than you,” My best friend wakes me out of my doze.

“Sorry, some of us keep normal business hours.”

“Yeah, your hours scream forty-two, not twenty-four, as does everything else in your life.”

“I’m not that bad,” I protest half-heartedly. However, that voice of doubt says “maybe I am.” Maybe my stiff upbringing has rubbed off on me more than I care to admit.

My parents raised me to be an example. As the oldest of three, I had to be the light to guide my younger sisters, Madyson and Mallory. Everything with my parents was about fitting the mold, keeping up appearances. Their brainwashing worked to some degree. Going away to college did nothing for me in my attempt to escape my overbearing parents, either. No, they live in my head, every rule engraved into my brain matter. Too bad no one warned me there is no cure and no escape once they get those rules engrained into my very being.

Morgan Ann Powell: pathetic, stiff, borderline pseudo-old lady, and a college educated, suit wearing, have my shit together prude—that is me. I am, quite possibly, the only woman in her twenties who can count on one hand how many guys she has kissed. I am also a twenty-four-year-old virgin. I wouldn’t know what to do with a penis if it was given to me gift wrapped in Christmas paper and topped with a bow. I am not cut out for parties, guys, or any wild times, either. My destiny is to be the old lady who lives alone, feeding all the stray cats in the neighborhood.

Michel’s Review

Ice by Jessie Lane and Chelsea Camaron is the first book in the Regulators MC series.

What a fantastic start! The very first paragraph caught my attention and I was hooked to the end. This book had all the gritty elements readers expect from a biker romance. It was not a fluffy romance. This book also had a very unique flavor to it.

Ice is the president of the Regulators MC. He is retired special ops forces and now makes his own rules in life. He is also a single father of a sixteen year old daughter. Trying to be a good father and keep her heading in the right direction as well as running the Regulators is no easy task. We all know how sixteen year old girls can be. We all know teenagers can be defiant. Their choices are made on instant gratification rather than looking at the long term effects .

Morgan is an investment banker that lives a very quiet life. Her younger years were spent trying to please parents that had high expectations. It wasn’t because they wanted the best for her, it was about how the family appeared in the social circles. Being the oldest daughter put a lot of pressure on her. Her two younger sisters defied their parents to get their attention in hopes of getting their love. When Morgan’s younger sister is kicked out of their parents house , Morgan ends up taking her in.

Morgan’s sister and Ice’s daughter are best friends. They choose the wrong kinds of friends and end up in a world of trouble. Morgan’s sister ends up being kidnapped by a human trafficking ring. That trafficking ring is the very ring that the Regulators are trying to take down one piece at a time.

The situation brings Morgan and Ice into each others opposite worlds. As we all know, opposites do attract. Morgan and Ice find that they have more than teenagers in common. They have an undeniable chemistry. Together they are sizzling hot.

There is never a dull moment in this book. Action is taking place in many different ways. From the Regulators MC club and it’s members to the troublesome teenagers, a horrific human trafficking faction, and a red hot romance, this book is very busy. The great thing about it is that it works. There is never a hiccup or confusing moment. The story is fast paced, red hot, and touches the heart in many ways. The characters are larger than life.

I would highly recommend Ice. It will not disappoint.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Regulators series.

Author Bios

Chelsea Camaron

Chelsea Camaron was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children but her heart is always Carolina day dreaming.

Chelsea always wanted to be a writer, but like most of us, let fear of the unknown grab a hold of her dream; she realized that if she was going to tell her daughter to go for her dreams, that it was time to follow her own advice.

Chelsea grew up turning wrenches alongside her father, and from that grew her love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles, which just so happened to inspired her ‘Daddy’s Girls’ series. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing and she currently has a few more projects in the works.

When she is not spending her days writing you can find her playing with her kids, attending car shows, going on motorcycle rides on the back of her husband’s Harley, snuggling down with her new favorite book or watching any movie that Vin Diesel might happen to be in.

She hates being serious and is still a big kid at heart. She is a small town country girl enjoying life and, Chelsea hopes that her readers remember not to take life too seriously and to embrace your inner five year old, because five year olds know how to enjoy the simple things in life and how to always have fun.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Jessie Lane

Jessie Lane is the best selling author of The Star Series, Big Bad Bite Series and the Ex Ops Series.

She lives in Kentucky with her two little Rock Chicks in the making and her over protective alpha husband. She has a passionate love for reading and writing naughty romance, cliff hanging suspense, and out-of-this-world characters that demand your attention, or threaten to slap you around until you do pay attention to them.

Jessie writes Adult Paranormal and Contemporary Romance & Upper YA Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.

Website ~Newsletter~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Signed paperbacks & swag of Ex Ops Series (Secret Maneuvers & Stripping Her Defenses) and the Hellions Series (One Ride, Forever Ride & Merciless Ride)

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: 4-Star

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Review: Senses Series by Xavier Neal : Hush-Book 4, Vital – Novella, and Savor-Book 5

Serial Review: The Billionaire Salvation Serial by Bella Love-Wins

Holiday Review: The Naughty List by Jodi Redford

Holiday Review: All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy by Katie Lane, Jennifer Ryan, and Emma Cane

Review: Ice by Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane – Regulators MC Series – Book 1

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