Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Thirty-Five & Single by Terri E. Laine

Posted on 07/18/2019 by ashleyreads84

Title: Thirty-five and Single

Author: Terri E. Laine

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 18, 2019

Blurb

USA Today Bestselling Author, Terri E. Laine, brings a new standalone, funny but sexy novel, Thirty-five and Single.

What can go wrong when you’re getting divorced from your high school sweetheart, it’s your thirty-fifth birthday and you have too much to drink?

Throw in the gorgeous neighbor who comes to the rescue when you can’t seem to open your apartment door after all the alcohol and end up taking a drunken slip and slid across the floor.

Then you look up into his gorgeous face and forget all the reasons why it’s a bad idea to hook-up with said twenty-something neighbor. In fact, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic idea.

Now let the games begin because this is Olivia’s life: – interfering sisters, the ex, co-workers… and Joel, her way too sexy, too young, but oh so hot neighbor.

Wanting to explore single life, Olivia fights her growing connection with Joel. Only he’s is determined to prove to her that age is just a number and she’s is his number one.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

$1.99 for release day ONLY!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO

Available at Apple Books soon

Excerpt

When I meet Joel Matthews, I’m in an unexpected place in life.

Divorceville.

I mean who expects that after fourteen years of marriage to your high school sweetheart.

Not me.

It hits me while celebrating my birthday with my sisters that I’m thirty-five and single. Shouldn’t I finally date someone other than my ex?

I totally deserve that, right?

After way too many lemon drop shots, I’m tricked into trying on my younger sister considerate gift as she put it. Did I mention it’s a gag gift? A “my milkshakes bring all the boys to my yard” t-shirt and velour sweatpants with “Sin-a-Buns” written across my bottom which she finds all too hilarious.

That’s how Joel finds me, too smashed to open my apartment door and when I do, I take a drunken slip and slid across the floor with my Sin-A -Buns on full display.

Joel doesn’t seem to notice. Then again, I swear I heard a chuckle. But no matter, he’s right there to make sure I’m okay as any knight in shiny armor should do.

Okay, where did that come from? Clearly, I’m not in my right frame of mine.

When I look up into his gorgeous face, I forget all the reasons why it’s a bad idea to hook-up with my twenty-something neighbor. In fact, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic idea.

(Ride that pony, girl? Did I really just think that?)

Until I wake in the morning with a delicious ache between my legs and a pounding headache. I’m mature enough not to regret it, but adult enough to realize it can’t happen again.

First—I’m too old for him. He’s in his twenties for goodness sakes.

Second— I’m single for the first time in years. Like I’ve only ever dated one guy.

Third—Shouldn’t I date multiple men before I find the one? Wasn’t that my first mistake?

Only Joel isn’t giving up.

He’s determined to prove age is just a number—

And I’m his number one.

_________________________________

Ashley’s Review

***ARC generously provided by Author/Publisher for an honest review.***

Storyline: 4 
Characters: 4 
Hotness: 4 
Overall Rating: 4 

I’ve read multiple books by Terri E Laine and enjoy the characters she creates and the stories she builds. I like that she gives her characters quirks and imperfections, making them more real and providing more depth to their character development.

Her latest novel, Thirty-Five and Single centers around Olivia and her coming to terms with being divorced and single at thirty-five. Feeling out of place in this crazy dating world and older, she struggles to navigate what her future may hold. With pressure from her sisters to finally “let her hair down” and explore her new-found freedom, Olivia finds herself drunk and face to face with the hot guy next door. Joel is 27. He’s hot. He’s fit. He’s tatted!!! I mean he’s the complete package…but too young for Olivia… or so she thinks. Since the day she moved next door, Joel has fought the pull of desire he has for Olivia.

When her girl’s night out turns to a romp in the sheets with Joel, Olivia finds herself wanting Joel more than ever but feeling like it can’t work because of their age gap. What she doesn’t know is that Joel isn’t going to give up easy and that he’ll prove that age is just a number!

A cute and fun read. Can easily be read in a matter of hours. The story is entertaining, and the characters are memorable. The chemistry between Joel and Olivia is scorching!

If you are looking for a good read, then you must give this book a try.

4 stars!

_________________________________________

Author Bio:

Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age.

Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.

You can find more about her books at www.terrielaine.com.

Author Links

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release and Review: Saint by Chantal Fernando – Knights of Fury Series – Book One – MC Romance

Posted on 07/01/2019 by shellbellereads

Saint

Knights of Fury Series – Book One

By Chantal Fernando

Buy: Amazon

Blurb:From the New York Times bestselling author of the Wind Dragons and Cursed Ravens MC series comes sinners, saints and secrets…

Dear Skylar,

Five years. That’s a long time to go without talking to somebody, especially someone who was such a huge part of your life…

A letter from my first kiss and my childhood everything…from prison.

He may be nicknamed Saint, but this sweet, sexy biker most definitely has a wild streak. Hearing from him draws me right back into the Knights of Fury motorcycle club—the people I’ll always think of as family.

He’s still the only man I’ve ever wanted.

Each good, old-fashioned letter from my “prison pen pal” has my heart racing. Which is nothing compared to how I feel when Saint surprises me in person, as a free man.

I was just a kid the last time we saw each other, but the connection between us now is anything but innocent.

He’s the type of man who would do anything to protect his woman. And with my world crashing down around me, that’s exactly what I’m going to need.

____________________________________

Michel’s Review

Saint by Chantal Fernando is the first book in her brand new MC series, Knights of Fury. Like her other MC series, The Wind Dragons MC, she has created an array of dynamic characters living by their own code while still maintaining their own code of honor, integrity, and family commitments. She adds an emotional romance filled with the right amount of drama and the right amount of passion.

Since Saint is the first book in the Knights of Fury the author had to focus on world building, introduction of characters, as well as creating a passionate romance. I honestly believed she did a stellar job which leaves the reader wanting more of this series.

Skylar was raised with Knights of Fury until she was sixteen and her mother left the club. Five years later she receives a letter from prison from her childhood friend, Saint. This leads to her becoming reunited with Saint as well as his family, the Knights of Fury.

Without giving away spoilers, I can honestly say Chantal has created another MC world that readers are going to love. What I love most about Chantal’s writing is not only does she create a sizzling hot romance but creates interesting, strong characters. I love that her women have a strong sense of self and stay true to who they are. I love that her male characters respect the strengths of their women and encourage them while at the same time protecting their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

I highly recommend Saint by Chantal Fernando.

_____________________________________

Author Bio:

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is twenty seven years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers and can be found here:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads

New Release and Review: Switch Bidder by Sara Ney – a Jock Hard Novella

Posted on 06/28/2019 by shellbellereads

Switch Bidder

By Sara Ney

A Jock Hard Novella

Buy: Amazon

Add to TBR List:

Blurb:

Piper has been crushing on Ryder Williams for years..

What better chance to make her move on him than when he’s sacrificing himself on an auction block for a squealing mass of fans at a charity event? Too bad she’d rather hide in the bathroom than raise her paddel; what girl actually bids on a guy who doesn’t know she exists?

Not. Piper.

But that’s what friends are for…

One meddling best friend, and an overpriced bid later, and Ryder Willams is Piper’s for the taking. Too bad that she has no intention of collecting on his debt.

Too bad Ryder is determined to find out why.

NOTE:: Switch Bidder is a SHORT #JockHard Novella, at 10,000 words. Aka: Short Novella.

_________________________________________

Michel’s Review

For fans of the Jock Hard series by Sara Ney, the Switch Bidder novella won’t disappoint. It’s fun, snarky, and super sexy! No wonder girls fall all over themselves when a baseball player enters a room.

Piper’s best friend won Ryder Williams for her in a fraternity charity auction. Ryder was supposed to do domestic duties/ cleaning for the winner. Piper has no intention on collecting his debt. When she’s force to face Ryder she lets him off the hook. Rather than running the other way Ryder wants to perform his duties and so much more. He has been wanting to get his hands on Piper for quite some time.

Not going to say much more except both Piper and Ryder have great big smiles thanks to Sara Ney. She gave them a red hot happily ever after.

This novella is the perfect quick read for the summer!

___________________________________

Sara Ney is
the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is
best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite
vices, she includes: iced latte’s, historical architecture and well-placed
sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets,
and fancies herself British.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter | Website

New Release + Excerpt + Review: Save The Date by Monica Murphy – Book One in The Dating Series

Posted on 06/27/2019 by shellbellereads

Save the Date by Monica Murphy

Release Date: June 25, 2019

Save the Date, an all-new standalone contemporary romance in a new series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

Caroline Abbott loves her job—helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save the date cards and invitations for their dream wedding. Working at Noteworthy means she has to deal with the occasional bridezilla, but Caroline’s always up for the challenge.

Until one particular bridezilla walks into the stationery store who’s fiancé happens to be the boy Caroline shared her first kiss with. Alexander Wilder is all grown up now, helping run his family’s successful luxury hotel chain, and is somehow even better looking than she remembers.

When Caroline just happens to catch Alex’s fiancée half naked with another man well, of course she has to tell Alex. Of course, he breaks off his engagement.

And of course, the ex-bridezilla has gone completely bonkers.

At least Caroline has her friends to save her from crazy ex-fiancées. But she also has the sudden interest of…Alex? Caroline knows they share a connection, but is he on the rebound? Or after seeing her all these years later, does he really want something more?

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DAaa55

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SaveTheDate_MM

Apple Books: https://geni.us/STDApple

Nook: http://bit.ly/STDMMBN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/STDMMKobo

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2DIhImp

Excerpt:

I head straight for the pickup counter, where I see my skinny vanilla latte waiting for me, my name written on the side of the cup in Stella’s familiar scrawl. Without hesitation I grab it, inhaling deeply before I take a sip. Just a tiny sip so I can savor it. I close my eyes for a second, maybe two, and when I open them, I find a guy standing there.

Watching me.

And he’s not just any guy. He’s cute. Wait, no. Not cute. He’s…hot. Dark hair. Blue eyes. Wearing a suit that fits him perfectly. I know just from looking at the fabric that it’s custom. Expensive.

He’s smiling at me. And I’m scowling at him in return because the caffeine hasn’t quite hit my bloodstream yet, so I’m not on top of my game.

“You looked like you were having a moment.” His voice is deep. Rich. His face…vaguely familiar?

I stand a little straighter. Take another sip of my coffee as I contemplate the man in front of me, because for some reason I still can’t come up with anything to say.

Listen, I always have something to say. But this guy. This gorgeous, well-dressed maybe-stranger, is leaving me a little…

Dumbstruck?

Huh.

“That moment you were just having. With your coffee,” he continues, gesturing at the cup I’m clutching in both of my hands, like it’s my baby. Which this morning—every morning—it is.

“She loves coffee,” Stella says from behind me.

Glancing over my shoulder, I give her a look, one that says shush.

“I can see that.” The amusement in his voice is obvious. He thinks it’s funny. The sacred moment I was having with my latte made him smile.

I wouldn’t mind coming up with other ways to make him smile.

Whoa. Where did that thought come from?

“What I want to know is, how did you get such special treatment?”

I blink at him like I’m an uncomprehending idiot. “Excuse me?”

“Well, I’ve been here for the last fifteen minutes. First, standing in line.” He gestures at the line of customers that trails out the door. “And now, waiting for my order.”

Guilt fills me. Just a tiny bit. Sweet Dreams Café is the most popular bakery and coffee shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. All the tourists love it. All the locals love it too. It’s been in Stella’s family for generations.

“Yet you skip past the line, walk straight in here and grab your ready-made drink within a few seconds of your arrival. Do you have a Fast Pass?” A brow lifts, and I’m hit with a quiver. Like Cupid just drew back his bow and shot that arrow right in my heart.

Or perhaps that arrow struck me in, ahem, other places.

Who knew a brow lift could be so sexy?

__________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Whenever Monica Murphy releases a book I know I am for an entertaining read. Save The Date did not disappoint. Save The Date is the first book in The Dating Series and is a charming second chance romance.

A sexy workaholic groom, a cheating bride who makes Bridezilla seem tame, and a menacing social media haute couture fashion model all make Caroline Abbott’s life crazy. Between her job and these three, she has her hands full. She’s an expert in wedding stationary, she can pick the best save the date cards but what she is not an expert in is the world of the spoiled wealthy elites.

What starts out with a “too early” morning appointment and lack of caffeine turns into a reunion with the boy she shared her first kiss with. While Caroline is thrilled to reconnect with Alex, she’s not so thrilled with his demanding fiance. Pushed into making a rush order is somewhat annoying but when that order is delivered to the store rather than their home, it’s downright aggravating. She is now forced to deliver their order to their home. What she witnesses is not something she wants to share with her old friend Alex. His bride is cheating on him with another man.

Alex Wilder is a workaholic. His family hotel chain demands more of his attention than his bride does. He thought he found the perfect woman, one who understands his work obligations. What he found was a cheating gold digger. Losing his finance hurts his pride more than his heart. It seems like his heart kickstarted when he walked into a coffee shop for a quick cup before a wedding appointment and reconnected with his first crush.

When Caroline spills the beans, she instantly gains a very angry stalker, a new friend who happens to be Alex’s assistant, and a new fake finance. Alex needs a finance to go to Paris with him for business negotiations in purchasing a prominent hotel. It’s not the ideal romantic Parisian trip but it is the perfect way for Caroline and Alex to really reconnect.

I absolutely enjoyed Caroline and Alex’s story. It was fun, sexy, and romantic. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this new series.

I highly recommend Save The Date by Monica Murphy. It is delightful!

______________________________________

Meet Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm
Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y

New Release + Review : Justified by Jay Crownover – Loveless, Texas Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/26/2019 by shellbellereads

Justified

By Jay Crownover

Loveless, Texas Series – Book One

Buy: Amazon

Blurb:

he New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers an “emotional, unforgettable” (Lori Wilde) romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he’s determined to do everything by the book–until he’s called to Aspen Barlow’s office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn’t the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge…

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she’ll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there’s a thin line between love and hate… because there’s nothing Case wouldn’t do to keep her safe.

Michel’s Review

Justified by Jay Crownover is the first book in the Loveless, Texas series. There is nothing sexier than a sexy sheriff coming to the aid of a sassy damsel in distress. Justified is more than the predictable cookie cutter romance. It’s more than an enemies to lovers romance because the characters are complicated and very flawed. The storyline itself is very emotional. The prologue ripped my heart into pieces. This angsty romance that keeps the readers turning the pages until the very end.

Aspen Barlow and Case Lawton have an odd history. In high school she was the kid everyone bullied and he was the football superstar that protected her from the bullies. They both wanted out of Loveless, Texas. She went on to become a successful divorce lawyer. He lost his football scholarship and ended up going into the military after he was trapped into an unwanted marriage because of pregnancy.

They meet again in court when Aspen represents his ex-wife in bitter divorce/custody battle. While Aspen regrets using her job skills against Case but that’s part of her job.

Years later she’s back in Loveless after going through her own divorce. Rather than settling in she finds her life is being threatened after she finds her office completely trashed. She has to turn to the very man she ruined, Sheriff Case Lawton. Case has put aside his personal feelings and protect Aspen. He needs to get to the bottom of this situation as soon as possible.

In true Jay Crownover fashion, the characters go through a lot of emotional angst before they can finally put aside the past and embrace the present. Justified was not only an enemies to lovers romance but also a romantic suspense.

I thoroughly enjoyed Justified and can’t wait to see what happens next in the Loveless,Texas series by Jay Crownover.

_______________________________________

About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, the Saints of Denver series, the Point series, the Breaking Point series, the Getaway series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

New Release and Review: Parental Guidance by Avery Flynn – Ice Knights Series – Book One

Posted on 06/17/2019 by shellbellereads

Parental Guidance

Ice Knights Series – Book One

By Avery Flynn

Buy: Amazon

Add To Goodreads

Blurb:

All I want is to play hockey on the Ice Knights, instead, I’m in a viral video for all the wrong reasons and my mom–yes, my mom–has taken over my dating apps. Then, when I think it can’t get any worse, the fates deliver Zara Ambrose, a five-feet-nothing redhead with more freckles than inches and who’d rather be anywhere other than on a date with me.

Now a bet with her friends and my PR nightmare have us both stuck in this go-on-five-dates-with-the-same-person hell situation. But if we band together, we can get the whole thing over with and go on with our lives. It’s perfect! No feelings. No future. No fuc– *ahem* fun. No naked fun.

What could go wrong? Nothing–as long as I remember the rules. Don’t notice the way she looks in a dress. Don’t react when she does that little shivery sigh thing whenever we touch. Don’t think about the fact that she’s never had a toe-curling orgasm that wasn’t self-delivered and just how badly I want to change that.

Five dates–that’s it–and then we go our separate ways. At least, that was the plan.

***

Michel’s Review

Are looking for a cute light hearted read for summer vacation? I would highly recommend Parental Guidance by Avery Flynn. Parental Guidance is a cute romance which involves a bad boy hockey player that needs to clean up his image and a snarky independent girl who wants to get her best friend and dad off her back . The solution is a dating app called Bramble with your mother doing the swiping and allowing the dates to be filmed. Caleb is convinced this PR stunt will clean up his tarnished image in the public’s eye. It’s only five dates, a means to an end for both of them. What they couldn’t predict is how perfect they are for one another.

A fun, sassy, sexy, heart-warming romance proves that Mom really knows what’s best for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed Parental Guidance by Avery Flynn.

64642379_2272529736126509_5067347392441876480_n

_______________________________

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~Amazon

Release Blitz, Excerpt, and Review: Exquisitely Broken by M. Jay Granberry

Posted on 06/11/2019 by shellbellereads

Exquisitely Broken is a second chance romance set in the glittery world of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Four years ago, one bad decision irrevocably destroyed a six-year relationship. There are some mistakes you can’t get over, some things that an apology can’t fix.

Sinclair James walked away from Jacob Johnson with her heart in pieces and her pride in shreds. She took the pain of betrayal and harnessed it, turned it into a bestselling album that changed her life. She was no longer the girl defined by what she didn’t have because she had everything, money, fame, an award-winning album. But there was always something missing. Some small shard of what use to be.

Now she’s back, her band unknowingly signing a yearlong residency to work for a new hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and subsequently Jacob Johnson.

Back in the same city, working for the same hotel, sparks that had died to embers suddenly burst into flame. Jacob finally has a second chance to remind Sinclair just how good they were, just how good they can be again.

This time he refuses to her go. He can’t. He works to prove to Sinclair he’s worth a second chance. That sometimes love can be enough to erase a disastrous past and embrace a promising future.

History seems to repeat itself as outside forces seem determined to keep them apart. But in the end their love proves strong enough to overcome the past and blaze the way for their future.

Michel’s Review

Exquisitely Broken is the debut novel by M. Jay Granberry.

Jacob Johnson and Sinclair James are broken from their past relationship which ended in pain and heartbreak beyond repair. Ten years later they are forced to face one another. Jake wants Sin back and is determined to win her heart once again. He’s willing to beg for forgiveness and prove he is worthy of her love. His deceptions destroyed her naïve heart. Losing her was the lowest and most unforgettable part of his life.

M. Jay Granberry had me experiencing every emotion and every ounce of pain both these characters felt. I became fully invested in their story even though I had a hard time forgiving Jake for his indiscretions. I admired his persistence and sincerity. I felt his undeniable love for Sin.

Exquisitely Broken by M. Jay Granberry is the perfect story of love and redemption. I highly recommend this second chance romance. A stellar debut novel.

Read the First Chapter HERE!

“Get up, Jake.” I’m surprised when she offers me a hand. Our fingers intertwine, and for the first time in days, I feel the frayed edges of my world begin to knit back together. I get to my feet, and she immediately drops my hand as if the contact burned.

“What do you want?” Her arms wrap tight around her middle like she’s trying to hold herself together.

I’m finally face-to-face with Sin and I’ve got… nothing. My brain is blank. Every practiced speech and contrite apology are gone. My eyes are glued to hers and fuck me, I can’t think of one word. After holding my gaze for a little less than a breath, her eyes glaze over with tears, and her teeth sink into her bottom lip to stop the trembling.

She takes a step back over the threshold, doorknob in her hand, preparing to close the door in my face.

“Hold on.” I press a palm against the door, keeping it cracked, to wedge myself between the opening. I close the space between us. The need to feel her, smell her, be in her space, and have her in mine propelling me forward. My hand slides around the back of her neck pulling her toward me. She stumbles into my arms and trips over her own feet, but like every other time we’ve touched, it’s right.

Finally, the pressure in my chest lets up, and I breathe easy. I rest my forehead against hers and whisper against her lips, “I still want you, Sin. Only you.” I close my eyes against the accusations in hers. This close, her breath is co-mingled with mine, and I can smell the faint scent of almond from her shampoo.

“Come back home,” I beg. My lips move over hers, but she doesn’t kiss me back. “I need you. I need us.” I breathe out on a plea.

This time when I seek her lips, she yields but it’s not with sweet abandon. It’s stiff and tinged with regret. This kiss is heartbreak played out with the brush of lips and the slide of tongues.

And it hurts.

Our lips pull apart and I let out shuddered breath as my heart finally rips completely apart. Instinctively I tighten my arms around her, trying to keep her close, but she pulls back. The air slips between us as easy as a knife through butter. I know what’s coming. Good-bye.

M. Jay Granberry is first and foremost an insatiable reader.

Among her favorite things are classic fairy tales, smutty books where characters have heart, old lady sweaters (preferably chunky knit), gift baskets (giving not receiving), and charcuterie trays (green olives, smoked cheese, and Genoa salami).

She is a true Las Vegas native, the one in Nevada not New Mexico, and to answer the most frequently asked questions about growing up in Sin City…

No, she doesn’t live in a hotel.
No, she has never been a stripper although she does know some.
Prostitution is absolutely illegal in Clark County (Las Vegas)!
And what happens in Vegas does indeed stay in Vegas.
M. Jay earned a degree in words and stories, and after fifteen plus years of doing everything other than writing, she penned her first novel.

Giving a voice to characters, that are strong yet fragile, that are sometimes uncomfortably real, that express love in dirtiest ways with the sweetest sentiments is honestly a dream come true.

New Release + Blog Tour + Excerpt + 4 Star Review: Dangerous Magic by Evie Hart

Posted on 05/20/2019 by cafemamanc7

Dangerous Magic, an all-new cozy mystery from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart writing as Evie Hart, is available now!

It’s not every day you have to return to your hometown to bind your borderline-poltergeist grandmother to the family property.

Unfortunately, today is that day for Avery Thorn.

All Avery wants is to report the binding to the Witch Council so she can fulfill her obligation, but finding a dead body and the Head of the Council on the brink of death isn’t in her plan.

Especially when she’s pegged as the number one suspect.

Now, it’s down to Avery and her cousins—and her sassy feline familiar—to figure out who tried to murder the Head of the Council. Magically bound to find the culprit, the last thing she needs is the new detective getting under her toes.

Unfortunately for her, she finds herself colliding with the hot cop more than she wants. And since her familiar hates him, it’s not always pleasant.

New magic and a devastating tragedy threaten to derail their investigations—but not quite as much as the person who isn’t happy they’re involved…

Download today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQuhA4

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DangerousMagicEH

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/DangerousMagicGR

Excerpt:

Grandma opened her mouth, but a red and gold flash darted through the window. It circled the kitchen before it came to settle on top of the fridge and showed the room its true form.

Aunt Rose’s familiar, Honey, a red and gold macaw with more attitude in one sharp toe than most Haven Lake residents had in their entire family.

She surveyed the room with her beady eyes before they came to rest on me. “Look what the cat dragged in.”

I’d always hated that bird. “My cat will eat you, you little—”

TJ coughed.

Silence fell over the room.

“The dirty creature would have to catch me first.” Honey followed that up with a bird noise and a flap of her wings.

Is that vile bird here? Snow sounded way too excited in my head, and I was feeling way too petty to lie to her.

On top of the fridge, I replied, digging into my pasta.

Mee-row!

The next thing I knew, the sound of paws on the steps reverberated through the kitchen. I smirked as a flash of white launched itself at the fridge. Honey cawed and took flight, but I shrugged a shoulder in the direction of the open window, and it slammed shut seconds before she could make her escape.

Rose side-eyed me, while TJ grinned into his pasta.

Honey circled the room, flapping frantically, while Snow jumped onto any available surface in her pursuit of the bird.

Grandma surveyed the scene with barely disguised annoyance. “This place has gone downhill since my death,” she announced, straightening.

“You’ve gone downhill since your death,” Rose snapped.

“I heard that.”

“Good,” I added. “You were supposed to. She said it loud enough.”

Tracey’s Review

In DANGEROUS MAGIC, author Emma Hart has brought together three of my favorite things…cozy mysteries, paranormal reads, and, well, Emma Hart! This first book in the new Haven Lake Cozy Mystery Series is a great combination of mystery, my love of the realm of magic, and a touch of romance. Reminding me of the Holly Woods Files, but with a twist, this book was an enjoyable page turner that I did not want to put down.

Avery Thorn is everything that I’ve come to expect in any of Emma’s heroines. Strong, sassy, take no prisoner attitude with strong ties to her family, Avery is back in Haven Lake to take care of her errant and irascible grandma. While there, Avery is drawn into solving a crime that has rocked Haven Lake to its very roots, and pits witch against shifter against elf.

I have long loved the cozy mystery genre, and Emma, writing as Evie Hart, has done such a fun and engaging job of creating this new world for her readers. This book is the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud hijinks and repartee, and a whodunnit that kept me guessing, with plenty of the strong family bond that makes Emma’s books so great. I was hooked from the first page, and completely invested in the story. My only regret is that I have to wait a couple of months to see what shenanigans Avery and crew get up to in the future, but, when the time comes, I will be ready to happily visit Haven Lake again.

About Evie

Evie Hart is the cozy mystery writing alter-ego of New York Times bestselling author, Emma Hart.

Evie was born when her love of paranormal cozy mysteries jumped from her Kindle to the page. The Haven Lake Mystery series is her first foray into the paranormal cozy world and begins with DANGEROUS MAGIC.

Connect with Evie

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GBeDWV

Stay up to date with Evie by joining her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/2Gw3Jkg

Join Eve’s Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2vigSbl

Website: https://www.authoreviehart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoreviehart

New Release, Excerpt, and Review: Unbroken by Jay Crownover – A Loveless Texas Novella

Posted on 05/16/2019 by shellbellereads

**From New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover comes UNBROKEN, the prequel novella in her brand new Loveless, Texas series! Check out the amazing excerpt below, and grab your copy today!**

About UNBROKEN:

**From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes a captivating novella about a rugged rodeo star who will do anything to protect the people he loves.**

When rodeo star Crew Lawton loses everything in a bad bet, he has no choice but to take a new job to pay off his debts – even if it means becoming the face of an expensive male skincare line. Crew is used to getting sweaty and rustling in the dirt, not posing for photo shoots. And he’s certainly not used to being bossed around by a woman who doesn’t even know the difference between bulls and broncs. But Crew owes money to dangerous criminals, and he’ll do anything Della says in order to pay them back and keep them far away from his family in Loveless, Texas…

The launch of her new men’s line for her family’s company means everything to Della Deveaux, and she’s not willing to let some rugged, arrogant cowboy ruin her campaign. Crew Lawton is the last man she would have chosen to represent her chic, sophisticated brand. Unfortunately, her father already invested millions in Crew’s stupidly handsome face. Yet the more time they spend together, Della and Crew realize that opposites do attract. But when the time comes for Crew to face his past mistakes, will he be able to protect his family…and the woman he’s come to love?

GRAB YOUR COPY OF UNBROKEN TODAY!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Google Play | Kobo

Goodreads

EXCERPT:

“This the one, Ms. Priss?” I turned in a circle, hating how restrictive and stiff the refined suit felt. There would be no staying on the horse for eight seconds in something like this. I doubted I could even bend over and pull my boots on in this getup. I failed to see how being dressed like I was going to high tea with the queen was going to convince normal men with a little extra cash to buy the junk in my hair. It felt like overkill, but I would chew my tongue off before telling Della that. I knew how much this campaign meant to her, and I needed her to keep me around so I could get paid. .. and get to kiss her again.

Della circled around me, eyes scanning from head to toe. A small frown tugged her perfectly arched brows down into a V, and her lush, soft mouth pulled into a pout I was becoming achingly familiar with. She lifted a hand and touched the knot of the silk tie where it rested at the base of my throat. She fingered the delicate material and heaved a sigh.

“You look perfect, but something is still off.” She met my gaze with a scowl. “Can you try and look a little less like you’re being tortured? That might help the overall image.”

Her snippy tone and the upturn of her nose made me grin. I rolled my head around, causing my neck to pop and my shoulders to relax. Della’s expression softened when I was no longer standing at attention, but she still let out a dejected-sounding sigh and reached for my tie, releasing me from the expensive noose.

“You have a body made for designer clothes, but something is lost when you put them on. I feel like we’re trying to wrap the Mona Lisa in silk or something. Frankly, it’s annoying that you make denim and flannel look just as good as Versace and Prada.” Once she had the tie off, she told me to go ahead and get back into my own clothes. I asked her what the plan was for the shoot and a brief flare of panic and doubt lit up her catlike eyes. She forced a smile and told me she would figure it out.

Since I was totally a fish out of water in this scenario, all I could do was follow orders like a good soldier. I stripped out of the fitted vest and worked on the tiny buttons of the shirt. I was handing them both off to the flirty wardrobe girl who was enjoying the impromptu striptease when Della’s “Wait a second!” had both of us freezing on the spot.

She was looking at me in the mirror, eyes roving over my half-dressed form. She wandered over to where my jeans and boots were tossed in a haphazard pile on the floor. After a second of rooting around, she came toward me, my black wifebeater in one hand and my boots in the other.

“Put these on with the pants.” She looked at the wardrobe girl with a lifted brow and had to snap her fingers in the woman’s face to get her attention. “Go find me a pair of suspenders, leather if you have them.” The other woman scurried off to do as she was told and I dropped to the seat to pull on my boots.

“I keep trying to turn you into something better.” I looked up at Della as she snorted out a laugh. “But from the start, you were perfect the way you are.”

___________________________________

Michel’s Review

Unbroken by Jay Crownover is a sexy delightful novella introducing her new Loveless, Texas series. Jay has lived up to her reputation and delivered another emotional romance with the perfect alpha hero and strong confident woman. Unbroken is the perfect combination of sinfully sexy moments and emotionally compelling moments for the city girl and country boy trope. Together these two steamed up the pages and before I knew it the story ended too soon. I wanted more of Crew and Della.

_________________________________

Be sure to pre-order JUSTIFIED, the first novel in this brand new, sexy series!

About JUSTIFIED:

**The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…**

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he’s determined to do everything by the book–until he’s called to Aspen Barlow’s office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn’t the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge…

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she’ll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there’s a thin line between love and hate… because there’s nothing Case wouldn’t do to keep her safe.