Kelley’s review of Big Girls Do It Running by Jasinda Wilder

Posted on 07/11/2016 by Saucy Southern Readers

From New York Times bestselling author Jasinda Wilder comes BIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNING, a straightforward guide to lifelong health and wellness. No gimmicks, no counting, no measuring, just practical advice on how to eat better, get moving, and live well, delivered with refreshing honesty and humor.

Do you want to start a journey to health and strength, but are afraid of failing yet another diet or exercise program?

Have you ever struggled with your weight? Do you have problems losing weight and keeping it off? Do you have allergies, ADHD, PCOS, diabetes, constipation, skin problems, or insomnia? Are you worried about your kids developing unhealthy eating habits and making poor lifestyle choices, but don’t know how to help them make changes? Do you want to eat healthier and be stronger, but just don’t know where to start? Using her own unique life experiences, Jasinda has developed an 8-week jump-start plan, The Wilder Way, that will get you eating, moving, living well, and feeling great.

BIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNING contains everything you need to succeed in achieving your goals and become a fit and fabulous health warrior: tear-out shopping lists, easy menu plans, delicious recipes, and simple, effective workouts. If you find yourself struggling and failing to manage your weight, then read this book—it will change your life!

Go ahead, put on your big girl panties and let’s kick some ass!

Kelley’s review

For anyone who has ever read any of Jasinda’s books I know you have been curious about Big Girls Do It Running. Here is my review of the program and the book.

I have been on the diet and exercise roller coaster for years. I have tried just about every diet from Atkins to Weight Watchers. They all start out great in the beginning. You follow the plan and in a few weeks you are down about 10 pounds. Hooray! Then it just stops. You keep trying but it is almost impossible to get over the hurdle. In the mean time you are watching others eat pizza and cake and become frustrated because here you are avoiding those things and you still can’t lose the weight. Maybe it’s not all about food. Common sense tells us we need to exercise but when you are so tired because you have cut out so many things from your diet it makes it almost impossible to get off the couch.

What makes Jasinda’s plan any different?

She starts you out slow with very achievable goals. I would be surprised if two weeks in you wanted to quit because you felt deprived. You just don’t. When you can achieve these small goals each week you begin to feel better about yourself. The reason I have recommended this plan to my mother and closest friends is because Jasinda really taught me what good carbs were and where to find them. After being on a million and one diets I know that vegetables are good carbs. However, I had no idea why people ate the bread found in the freezer at the grocery store or that there were so many really good tasting things that were not vegetables that were good carbs. Did I buy every item Jasinda recommended? Heck no! I can’t afford a $30 package of protein powder. Her recommendations were key though, because I could look at the ingredients and find something similar that was less expensive and tasted good. Without her recommendations I would have never got my kids on board. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to be successful on this plan. I am a single mom with two kids and made it work.

I have been lucky enough to be a part of Jasinda’s eight week challenge on Facebook. One of the key things explained during this eight week challenge over and over again is that each of us are different and what works for one person may not work for another. This is why Jasinda has you journal, journal, journal. Your body will tell you what worked for it and what did not. When you figure out when to eat those good carbs and when to eat higher protein you begin to drop the weight. I also had no clue that my body was hanging on to a bunch of toxins that could be slowing my weight loss. I thought all artificial sweeteners were created equally. I have went from 236 to 222 in eight weeks and I feel great! I did not put this weight on in a week and I am not going to lose it in a week either. I feel like Jasinda has given me the tools I need to succeed in getting this weight off for good.

This book begins with Jasinda’s personal story and that is why I bought it. I have read every single book she has ever written and have watched her get smaller and smaller on Facebook. I knew this would be good. She is living proof that what she suggests works. I have seen the other reviews talking about this being all about her and her family and criticizing her for it. Family support is a very important key to success. Anyone who has every struggled with obesity knows that your weight is a very personal thing and the importance of having family support. Could I have done this if there was a package of Oreos in my pantry? No way! I had to get my kids on board. If it was in the house I was going to eat it. I equate it to someone who is trying to stop smoking. I smoked for 11 years. If I was trying to quit and someone put a pack of cigarettes in front of me on a regular basis I would have never quit.

Jasinda opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about food. I am now looking at more books and cookbooks that revolve around carb-cycling. Jasinda’s book just made a lot of sense to me and has made sense to several others who I suggested should read it. I can’t thank her enough for putting herself out there and giving me the tools I needed to live a healthier lifestyle.

I purchased the e-book, hardback copy, and journal. I use the e-book and journal the most. Having the hardback has been nice for sharing with friends and family what I am doing but I could have easily gotten by with the e-book and the journal.

Big Girls Do It Running Companion Journal

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Are you following the bestselling Wilder Way health plan? This is a must-have companion journal to enhance your BIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNING eight week challenge.

BIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNING is a straightforward guide to lifelong health and wellness. No gimmicks, no counting, no measuring, just practical advice on how to eat better, get moving, and live well, delivered with refreshing honesty and humor.

The BIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNING companion journal contains everything you need to succeed in achieving your goals and become a fit and fabulous health warrior: shopping lists, new delicious recipes, handy measuring charts, and lots of space to record your new health journey.

Go ahead, put on your big girl panties, grab a pencil, and let’s kick some ass!

Kelley’s review

As soon as this was available for purchase I bought it. It has been a key tool in helping me keep track of my measurements, weight loss, and journaling how I feel after eating. Having this at my fingertips has been huge in keeping me going and really paying attention to my body. Jasinda also has reminders in the journal which make it really helpful to remember which week you are on and what the goals are for that week. If you only purchased the e-book I would highly recommend getting yourself a journal. It has a few great recipes as well and pages you can copy easily and put on your refrigerator as reminders. The journal is about the size of a notepad. My hope is that someday Jasinda will put out a pocket edition that I can keep in my purse.

New Release + 5 Star Review: Devil And The Deep by Julie Ann Walker- Deep Six Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/05/2016 by shellbellereads

Devil And The Deep

Deep Six Series – Book 2

By Julie Ann Walker

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

He knew he had to forget her
But when the woman who stole his heart is kidnapped
This former SEAL will do whatever it takes to steal her back

Maddy Powers’s life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events-but she can’t forget the daring former SEAL who came crashing into her life a few months ago…or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret-one that forced him to push Maddy away. But when she’s taken hostage during a trip to the Caribbean, the men of Deep Six Salvage embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy. Passion boils in the sultry sea breeze…but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don’t survive the dawn?

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

Michel’s Review

The sexy Deep Six team is back and they are doing more than treasure hunting. This group of former SEALS left their military careers behind for a less dangerous lifestyle. They would of never imagined that they would experience the same kind of action they saw in the military. This time around it’s not a mission, this is their personal lives that are being threatened. They are in deep and their greatest treasure may not be found at the bottom of the ocean but within arms reach.

Texas Oil heiress, Maddy Powers, is more than a spoiled debutant. She is a quick witted, self sufficient, intelligent woman. She’d rather watch a good movie instead of hob knobbing with the socialites in her world. She is taking three teenage scholarship recipients on a camping trip to the Dry Torgugas to explore the old Civil War fort on Garden Key. What should of been a fun, low key camping trip turns into a deadly adventure. Gunmen have stormed the island and she is left to defend three teenage girls with a young park ranger not much older than the girls. Why are these men on this remote island? She’s hoping that Bran Pallidino is going to take up her invitation and save the day.

Bran Pallidino was a Navy Seal for good reasons. It helped him control his own personal demons. Now that he is out of the military he has to keep those demons buried beneath the surface. He doesn’t do relationships for this reason. When his budding friendship with Maddy Powers is starting to bloom, he’s ready to cut ties and run. There’s something about Maddy that keeps him from doing it. Against his better judgement he’s going to sail down to the Dry Tortugas for a visit. He’s bringing along mouthy Alex, the grad student on their treasure hunting team and his closed mouth, teammate Mason. These two are like oil and water but a good buffer between him and Maddy. When they arrive at Garden Key, it’s in the middle of gunfire. He and Mason’s instincts and Seal training kick in.

Bran and Mason are going into this mission blind. Who’s trying to kill Maddy and her three charges? What do they want?

Between the battles with the bad guys, three nosy teenagers, a love stricken park ranger, Alex’s mouth, and no communications, Bran is in deep. He doesn’t have to worry about keeping Maddy at arms length. Maddy has other ideas. Bran may protest but Maddy is determined to capture his heart.

Julie Ann Walker once again wrote an exciting adventure loaded with red hot romance, laugh out loud humor, larger than life characters, and edge of your seat danger around every corner. I loved how she tied the wreck of the Santa Cristina and Captain Bartolome Vargas sea log into the story. These sexy Seals of the Deep Six team may never find the Santa Cristina at the rate they are going. They are finding a treasure greater than all the gold at the bottom of the sea. They are finding love.

________________________________________

Hell Or High Water

Deep Six Series – Book 1

By Julie Ann Walker

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

A brand new romantic suspense series from the author of the New York Times bestselling Black Knights, Inc. series, THE DEEP SIX features six former SEALS on super-secret black ops, and feisty heroines who know how to handle both lethal weapons and alpha men.

Only two things could make former Navy SEAL Leo Anderson return to the world of weapons and warfare. First, a capsule of chemical weapons lost on the ocean floor, and second, a plea for assistance from the one woman he can’t seem to forget-CIA Agent Olivia Mortier.

Now, working together to race against the clock and a deadly terrorist faction, Leo and Olivia must find the missing capsule, all the while battling the intense desire burning between them. If they can survive, can their growing attraction become more than just a momentary flare?

********

HOT AS HELL

Deep Six #0.5

Julie Ann Walker

Released June 1st, 2016

Sourcebooks Casablanca

An exciting prequel novella to New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker’s thrilling new Deep Six
series

Harper Searcy didn’t want to fall
for a soldier, but she couldn’t forget her hot Navy SEAL friend or their one
night stand. When the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan where she works comes under
attack by terrorists, there is only one man she knows who would move heaven and
earth to rescue her: Michael “Mad Dog” Wainwright.

“The
Deep Six series is going to be one exhilarating ride.” –RT Book Reviews

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

******

Devil And The Deep

Deep Six Series – Book 2

By Julie Ann Walker

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

He knew he had to forget her
But when the woman who stole his heart is kidnapped
This former SEAL will do whatever it takes to steal her back

_________________________________________

Author Bio:

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

New Release and 5 Star Review: His by Brenda Rothert

Posted on 07/05/2016 by shellbellereads

HIS by Brenda Rothert

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | GooglePlay

Book Blurb:

Quinn
I’d say I’m down on my luck, but that’s an understatement. I’m flat on my ass. Homeless, hungry and in hiding with my little sister at the age of twenty-one, I’ve never been so desperate. I’ve hit rock bottom when I get an offer I can’t refuse. Sell my body to save my sister? There’s nothing I won’t do to keep her safe. I make the rules and I’m not afraid to defend myself if this rich guy crosses the line. But once I see beneath his cold, calculating façade, the lines aren’t so clear anymore.

Andrew
She’s an intoxicating mix of tough and vulnerable I’ve never known before. This homeless woman who fits right into my upper-class world is running from someone powerful, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. But Quinn isn’t meant to be controlled, so I’m forced to choose between owning her and loving her. I’ve finally met my match, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her truly mine.

EXCERPT

Prologue
September 28, 2001
Andrew

Seventeen days ago, my life caught fire.
Two planes. Two towers. Nothing will ever be the same.
The fire at Ground Zero is still burning, and somewhere inside the smoky piles of rubble is my father. Do I want them to find him? For the first week, I did. I stayed home from school every day and stared at the TV, praying I’d see them pull my dad from what’s left.
I told myself over and over that he couldn’t be gone. David Wentworth was too strong to be taken down like that. He’d show them all. My dad would come crawling out of the pile of debris, still wearing his dark suit. He’d probably pull other people out, too. My dad is like that. He does things people say are impossible.
But the second week, my mom said I had to go back to school. When I told her I wouldn’t go because I was waiting for my dad to be rescued, her shoulders fell.
“He’s gone, Andrew.”
“You don’t know that. Dad’s a fighter.”
She shook her head. “I know it’s hard for a thirteen-year-old to wrap his head around. I know. You want him to be here, and I do, too. But he’s gone. It’s just you and me now.”
I glared at her, my throat burning. How could she give up on him like that? I’d never give up on my dad. I went back to my spot in his favorite leather chair in our living room and turned up the news on TV.
But after two weeks, my school counselor came to our house to see me. He frowned and told me no one could survive for two weeks in there. Then he gave me a pamphlet titled, “It’s Okay to Cry.” I crumpled up his advice on grieving and threw it in the trash.
I wasn’t going to cry. My dad wouldn’t want that. He’d always told me a man’s true measure was his strength.
“Chin up, Andrew. You’re a Wentworth. We’re made of steel.”
Today we’re having a memorial service for him. My chin will stay up, and my back will stay straight. When I look at the family pictures of my parents and me on a long table at the funeral home and my eyes start to feel watery, I pinch my leg through the pocket of my suit pants. The burning sting in my thigh makes me angry instead of sad.
Better. Dad used to yell at people from his company sometimes, so I know he wouldn’t mind me being angry. At night, when I’m staring up at the stars me and Dad stuck on my ceiling when I was little, my stomach twists and hurts with the anger I feel for the men who killed my dad.
They murdered thousands of people. I’m not the only kid without a dad now. Everyone is scared. Nothing will ever be the same.
My mom covers her mouth with her hand, crying as one of her friends squeezes her arm and talks to her. They did that, too. They made my mom cry. My dad wouldn’t stand for that.
Since he’s gone, I have to be the strong one now. I have to take care of my mom like he would. I have to think about what dad would want for us. I have to hold on tight to my need for those men to pay for what they did to my dad.
The firefighters will eventually extinguish the smoldering fire at Ground Zero, but the fire burning inside of me will never go out.

Tracey’s Review

Quinn is a survivor. Since escaping from a horrific home life, she’s had to learn to take care of herself and her younger sister on the streets of New York City. Andrew Wentworth knows all too well what fear and loss feel like, and has worked hard to create a life where he is completely in control. When Quinn’s and Andrew’s worlds intersect, the balance and boundaries that each has created will be tested.

Any book by Brenda Rothert is going to be on my TBR. As a longtime fan, I know that Brenda’s books will not disappoint, and, oh, my goodness, did she ever knock it out of the park with HIS. I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite of Brenda’s books to date, and one of her most engaging stories ever. I was fully invested in Quinn’s and Andrew’s story from the first page, and absolutely could not put this book down.

There are many secrets within the story, ones that each reader should uncover on their own, so I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving anything away. Suffice to say that HIS is a must-read, one that I would recommend without hesitation. HIS is an engaging, action-packed, sexy 5-star read, and I hope to see more of these characters in the future.

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

———————

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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

AUTHOR LINKS:

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

Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Moonshot by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 07/04/2016 by shellbellereads

Moonshot

A Contemporary Romantic Suspense Novel

Release Date: July 4, 2016

Buy: Amazon /B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Synopsis

Baseball wasn’t supposed to be a game of life and death…

The summer that Chase Stern entered my life, I was seventeen. The daughter of a legend, the Yankees were my family, their stadium my home, their dugout my workplace. My focus was on the game. Chase … he started out as a distraction. A distraction with sex appeal poured into every inch of his six foot frame. A distraction who played like a god and partied like a devil.

I tried to stay away. I couldn’t.

Then, the team started losing.
Women started dying.
And everything in my perfect world broke apart.

______________________________________

Michel’s Review

What a perfect way to bring in the Fourth of July with the release of Moonshot by Alessandra Torre. Moonshot has America’s favorite past time, the readers favorite boys of summer, and a story loaded with intrigue and mystery. It’s the perfect combination for a summer best seller.

Alessandra Torre is one of those writers that can deliver a good book, no matter the genre, the theme, or heat level. She draws the readers into her stories and holds them captive until the very last word. Moonshot took me by complete surprise. The way Alessandra synchronized this story was pure genius.

Moonshot started out as a sweet new adult type of romance that evolved into a contemporary romance based around baseball (sports romance). Throughout the first half of the story I was thinking to myself, ” I thought this was supposed to be a romantic suspense novel”. As I became involved with the characters personalities and their immature, impossible young relationship, I became deeply invested in the characters lives. Like any good new adult novel, it was loaded with angst and drama. The story soon evolved into a second chance romance four years later when the characters had a chance to mature and become successful adults invested in their careers. Once again they are facing impossible situations that prevent making their relationship permanent. I was still looking for the imminent threat that would turn this story into the thriller novel I was waiting for. Suddenly, BAMM! Out of nowhere, the story is a full blown suspense novel with threats and danger lurking in the shadows. Like the characters, I never saw this coming. The hints were right there, subtlety camouflaged in random chapters throughout the story. By the time I reached the second half of the book, the story became something more than a romance. It became intensely alive! The final revelations were shocking. I was blown away by the who and whys. I didn’t see any of this complex plot coming into play with this conclusion!

Moonshot spans a four year period. Ty and Chase started as young lovers with an impossible chance at a real relationship. Four years later, life has intervened and made their relationship all the more impossible. Through all the strife and impossibilities, their love for another grew stronger. The only thing standing in their way is their love for baseball and their commitment to the New York Yankees. Their love for the team may cost them their happily ever after. Their happily ever after is almost as impossible as hitting the Moonshot.

I loved everything about this book. I think my favorite part was the how this story was meticulously synchronized to deliver a very complex plot.

Moonshot will appeal to readers of all genres. Alessandra Torre combined new adult, second chance romance, sports romance, and romantic suspense into a page turner novel.

Read Moonshot by Alessandra Torre.

_____________________________________

Author Bio:
Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of thirteen novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense, all with a strong undercurrent of sexuality. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, co-hosted Dirty Sexy Funny with Jenny McCarthy, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

You can learn more about Alessandra on her website at http://www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or Facebook.

Hit a home run by subscribing to Alessandra’s NEWSLETTER today!

***

New Release + 5 Star Review : Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

Posted on 06/29/2016 by shellbellereads

Sweet Little Lies

A Heartbreaker Bay Novel

By Jill Shalvis

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything. . . .

_______________________________

Tracey’s Review

I love, love, love Jill Shalvis’ books, every single one of them. When I hear that a new one is coming out, there’s no question that I will be reading it. New book in a beloved series? Great. New series? Awesome. If Jill’s written it, I’m reading it.

SWEET LITTLE LIES is the first book in Jill’s Heartbreaker Bay series. Set in San Francisco, and full of the quirky and lovable characters that are part of all of Jill’s books, this one had me from word one. Pru Harris is the do-gooder to end all do-gooders. Feeling responsible for something that happened years before, something that changed the course of many lives, Pru has made it her mission in life to right what she sees as the wrongs done to others by giving them something back to make up for their losses. Finn O’Riley is one of those people. He doesn’t know what Pru’s about, he just knows that he’s never met anyone like her, and wants to know her a lot better.

“You’ve got an interesting job…”
“Yes…Interesting. And fun, too.”
“Fun.” Finn repeated the word like it didn’t compute. “Now there’s something I haven’t had in a while.”
“You know, in some circles I’m known as the Fun Whisperer.”

One of the things that I love most about Jill’s books is the dialogue. Sassy, snarky, often sexy, but never boring. Jill has mastered the art of the verbal, and I love seeing the words that flow between the characters, as well as the interior dialogue, because it never disappoints. Pru and Finn are perfectly matched here, and the whole cast of supporting characters keep right up with them. This, along with the relationships of the tightly-knit community in Heartbreaker Bay, made me feel like being surrounded by a group of people that are the best kind of folks to hang out with.

Another thing that Jill does extremely well is sexy time. Finn is one hot ticket, and, if Pru is the Fun Whisperer, then he is the Panty Whisperer. Spark, sizzle, intense combustible chemistry, call it what you will, but these two have it in abundance. It is a true pleasure watching their relationship unfold.

5 stars for SWEET LITTLE LIES and the residents of Heartbreaker Bay. I am really looking forward to spending more time with Finn, Pru, and the rest of the gang, and can’t wait for THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE, coming this fall.

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

_____________________________________

New York Times Bestselling author Jill Shalvis wrote RESCUE MY HEART and FOREVER AND A DAY, along with many other romance novels including her acclaimed Lucky Harbor series. The Rita winner and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog, and http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis for other news.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Pieces by T. Aleo … Toni Aleo writing paranormal as T. Aleo

Posted on 06/27/2016 by shellbellereads

PIECES

By Toni Aleo | Writing As T.Aleo

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY + DESIGN || REGINA WAMBA

EDITOR + PR || LISA HOLLETT

BLOG TOUR + MARKETING || KELLIE GUNDERMAN

In New York City, an underground society of supernatural beings exists, hidden among everyday humans. They don’t know of our activities or any of our secrets.

The districts of the Works are made up of vampires, wolves, shifters, witches, and I’m in the fifth and arguably most important district, the Patchwork. My father is the leader of our group, and he oversees all of the other factions.

As his only daughter, that makes me the princess of it all. Cool, right? Actually…no. Sure, I live in a mansion and money isn’t an object, but that doesn’t matter because I can’t leave. I have a guard who follows me around 24/7. My father and three older brothers treat me like I’m a fragile piece of glass, never allowed to take an independent step or make any decisions on my own.

It’s beyond frustrating—especially since my father essentially runs my life. He says what I do, when I do it, how I do it, and all that jazz. He tests his formulas and new techniques on me. I’m a walking science experiment.

I hate it.

I hate my life here.

But then he comes along: Killian.

He’s just some vampire…or so I thought.

But you’ll have to read my story to find out what I mean. To know my secrets. Until then, though, allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Rebecca von Stein.

And I’m a descendant of Dr. Frankenstein.

Welcome to the Works.

Buy

AMAZON

ITUNES

KOBO

_____________________________________

Michel’s Review

Are you afraid of monsters? Are you afraid of things that go bump in the night? You should be, there’s a secret underground society of supernatural beings ready to send chills down your spine.

In today’s modern society monsters are still a very real thing. The difference is that they try to stick within their complex underground world known as the Works. Within the Works, there are the vampires, the witches, the shifters, the wolves, and the Patchworks. Inter marriage between the factions is forbidden. Arranged marriages are the norm. Rebellion is death…even if you are immortal.

The Patchworks are decedents of Dr. Frankenstein, and the most powerful district within the Works. They are immortals and very powerful because they possess the secret formula for immortality as well as healing formulas/ solutions which could enhance longevity among the non immortals in the Works. Each faction is vying for the power the Stein family has over the Works. The shifters want immortality and are willing to do anything to get it, including kidnapping Rebecca von Stein. Alliances are being formed and the Works is in an uproar.

The Von Stein family is on high alert. Rebecca von Stein is the only female in the family and highly valued. They will do anything to protect her, including imprisoning her within her family home. Rebecca has a secret that the Von Stein family wants to keep hidden. They will go to any lengths including murdering innocents, imprisoning members of the Works, and arranging marriages. Their ruthlessness to protect Rebecca is appalling. Rebecca is trying to survive her own home in order to break free and become the being she was truly meant to be. Her family destroyed her love. Her family is destroying every part of her life. Her father is the worst monster of them all. He’s breaking her piece by piece… Run Rebecca Run!

T. Aleo wrote a truly authentic and original paranormal that left me reeling. The complex world of the Works was intriguing, frightening, and interesting. The characters were strong and dynamic in their own individual ways. I am looking forward to more from this new unique paranormal series.

______________________________________

About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Yours by Jasinda Wilder

Posted on 06/22/2016 by shellbellereads

Yours

By Jasinda Wilder

Buy: Amazon

Release Date: June 20,2016

Synopsis

When my husband Oliver died, my life ended. My purpose, my passion, my everything bled out with him on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Ollie was an organ donor. His eyes, his brain, his lungs, his heart…parts of my Ollie went out and saved lives.

Then his heart, beating in another man’s chest, found its way back to me, and I found myself faced with an impossible choice: hold on to the pain and beauty of the past and the memory of the man I loved, or reach for a bold new future, knowing each heartbeat will be a reminder of all I’ve lost.

* * *

I wasn’t supposed to live past thirty.

My grandfather died at forty-five. Heart failure.

My father died at thirty-eight. Heart failure.

The doctors told me my whole life that I wouldn’t see my thirty-first birthday. My heart was going to give out. It was just a matter of time: a rare blood type and an unusually large heart meant essentially zero chance of a transplant.

I proved them all wrong…by dying on my thirty-first birthday.

And then I woke up, alive, with another man’s heart inside my chest, and his widow on my conscience.

I spent my whole life preparing for death, and now I have to learn how to live. Only, as I soon discovered, living is the easy part.

Loving, and allowing myself to be loved…well, that’s a whole lot harder.
This is a standalone second chance romance like you’ve never read before.

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Michel’s Review

We’ve all seen movies and read books where the heart plant patient finds the donor’s loved one and realizes their new heart still belongs to them. These gut wrenching stories never fail to have me in tears and emotionally wrapped up in the characters lives. It’s the same story told by different storytellers that always touches a piece of my heart. Jasinda Wilder put her own spin on the story. She gave here characters more than a second chance at life, love, and happiness. She made them earn their happiness. She took them both on a journey long after their hearts began beating once again. It wasn’t the physical rhythms that enabled their hearts but rather the metaphysical beats that defined their souls. This book was not an instal-love or my heart only belongs to you sort of story. It’s a story of two people brought together because of one heart and staying together because of two hearts. It’s the true gift of giving your heart and soul to another and trusting them to cherish it.

Lachlan Montgomery had only one goal in life. His goal was to make it to his thirty first birthday. He lived his life waiting to die. Rather than making the most of his short life, a life that would leave his legacy behind, he chose to live life on the edge, flirting with death daily. He selfishly abused each moment he was gifted. He carelessly philandered his precious moments with booze, women, and adrenaline highs. Why not… he was never meant to live after thirty. He was supposed to die. He did die. A miracle happened that changed everything he’s ever known, hoped for, or desired. Now he’s hopelessly lost. He doesn’t know who Lock Montgomery is or who he should be. His new life leads him on a journey to find out about the heart that beats within his chest. He never imagined that journey would lead him to finding his true heart, the one that was always hidden by the defective one that beat in his chest.

Niall James died the same day her husband died in the horrible car accident. Her body was still alive but her soul was dead. She’s existing but not living until she meets Lock Montgomery. Something about the man calls to the soul she thought died. When she’s finally coming to life she finds out Lock’s horrible secret. He has her husband’s heart. The heart that chose her. Can she accept Lock for the man he is or is she just trying to hang on to her dead husband?

Lock’s secret is the easy part for both of them. Learning to live is the most difficult journey they both will take. It will take soul searching, trials and tribulations, self truths, and sheer determination to find what really makes their hearts tick.

Jasinda Wilder added so many layers to this story. She took her characters on a journey of self discovery. She gave them each their own crosses to bear and their own moments of truth. What made this story stand out besides the romantic side was the journey they traveled. They had to earn their gift of living full, complete lives.

Read Yours by Jasinda Wilder!

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Author Bio:

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her five children and menagerie of animals.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels- Say You’ll Stay Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/22/2016 by shellbellereads

One word.
Stay.

It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him.

That was seventeen years ago.

I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again.

Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn’t supposed to be there. I should’ve been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.

This time around, the tables are turned. It’s my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don’t know if we can repair what’s already been broken . . .

This is a STANDALONE

Amazon✦ iBooks ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo

_______________________________________

Michel’s Review

Corinne Michaels has taken a new road with her latest release, Say You’ll Stay. She left behind the SEALS and embraced another sexy breed of heroes, Cowboys.

Say You’ll Stay series begins in Bell Buckle, TN. This small town is known for their horse farms, annual Moon Pie Festival, and Web School of Art – Fall Art & Craft show. Bell Buckle is a one red light town with a general store, a few quaint antique shops, and authentic southern cooking. It is one of the most charming towns in TN. Corinne Michaels captured the town’s genuine charm and spirit.

Presley Mae Townsend-Benson and Zach Hennington grew up in Bell Buckle. They were childhood sweethearts and soulmates. They both had big dreams of leaving their small town lives together. Zach was going to play professional baseball after he and Presley finished college. Presley willingly followed Zach to Maine to attend college. Big dreams tend to play out quite differently in the real world. When their dreams and the real world collide, Zach and Presley are torn apart. Presley was left broken and bitter. Zach was left just as broken. Presley vowed she would never return to Bell Buckle. She moved on in her life.

Seventeen years later, Presley is happily married, a successful business woman, and mother to twin boys when life throws her another devastating curve. Her husband has passed away and left her penniless. She is forced to leave her life in the city and return home to TN. The one thing she vowed she would never do.

Never say never. Sometimes the things we dread the most are the things that end up being the biggest blessings in disguise. Bell Buckle is the place for Presley to find the girl she lost, grieve her losses, and find a new road to happiness for her family. The people in Bell Buckle are behind Presley one hundred percent. In fact, they want to help her find the love she lost years ago. They want her back with Zach Hennington. The town will meddle, friends will meddle, and family will meddle. Zach is back in Bell Buckle and ready to claim the girl he carelessly lost.

Zach and Presley have to make amends for the past. They have to let go of the anger that they have been harboring in their souls. They also have two young boys that are looking for guidance,acceptance, and love. Life in Bell Buckle isn’t easy but it is HOME.

Corinne Michaels has once again written an emotional love story that touches the readers to the core. These sexy Hennington cowboys will steal your heart. I highly recommend Say You’ll Stay.

____________________________________

Corinne Michaels is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of The Salvation Series (Beloved, Beholden, Consolation, Conviction & Defenseless). She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness.

Both her maternal and paternal grandmothers were librarians, which only intensified her love of reading. After years of writing short stories, she couldn’t ignore the call to finish her debut novel, Beloved. Her alpha heroes are broken, beautiful, and will steal your heart.

New Release + 5 Star Review: Murder by Ella James – Sinful Secrets Series – Book 2

Posted on 06/20/2016 by shellbellereads

Murder

Sinful Secrets Series- Book 2

By Ella James

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

You can’t choose who you love.
You can’t fix fate.
And that’s the problem…

Gwenna White’s new neighbor is…distracting. He’s a beautiful, tattooed, motorcycle-driving enigma. One she can’t allow herself to think about. Since the accident that ruined her face and stole her career, Gwen, a former model, lives under the radar, seldom leaving the bear sanctuary she runs in the Tennessee mountains. She’s not reclusive, but that doesn’t mean she’s looking for a lover. Definitely not someone who looks like that.
*
Barrett Drake could use a friend: a tall order, since most of his are dead. His damaged hand may be the reason he’s out of special ops, but it’s not his only wound. Not by a long shot. All that’s left between Bear and a new life is one last job. If he can hold on, get it done… He won’t be here that long. Just long enough to ruin Gwen’s life and make a speedy exit. That’s the plan.
But things don’t always go as planned.
You can’t choose who you love.
You can’t fix fate.
And that’s the problem…

______________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Expect the unexpected when you pick up an Ella James novel. Each of her books are have complex plots with multiple layers of intrigue,deceit, and mystery. The characters have multifaceted personalities, good and bad brewing beneath the surface.

Murder is the newest novel in the Sinful Secrets series. It features Barrett Drake (Kellan Drake’s older brother). Barrett, aka Bear, moved to TN. after being released from the army. He is a former special ops soldier who’s career ended when an IED hit his team. He’s suffering from PTSD from his time in the service. He is obsessed with his new neighbor, Gwenna White. He knows he should stay away from her. He’s on a personal mission and somehow it involves Gwenna. Moving to Tennessee wasn’t a random decision, it was well planned out. Now that he has met Gwenna in person, he may have to abort his mission. He has crossed the line and there is no turning back.

Gwenna White opened a bear refuge after she suffered a terrible accident that left her horribly scarred. Rather than dwelling in all she lost, she has taken a positive step forward in rebuilding her life. She’s come to terms with the loss of her modeling,acting, and singing career. She’s healed from the loss of her boyfriend. Now she is happy to take care of her bears. When she meets Barrett Drake, she recognizes a kindred spirit. She can also see the pain he suffers beneath the physical injuries to his body. She can see he’s suffering from PTSD. She’s been there and has learned how to manage hers, maybe she can help Barrett.

What starts out as a friendship turns into a beautiful relationship for them both until their pasts come back to haunt them. Someone is out to hurt Gwenna. Barrett may be that someone. The lines are blurred.

They both have to step back into the past to face the truths of what is happening in the present. There have been too many deaths and there are too many ghosts chasing them. The truth may kill them both or it may set them free.

Once again Ella James wrote an emotional book wrapped in suspense and intrigue. The plot is unpredictable and the outcome is quite a surprise. I could not put this book down.

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About Ella James

Ella James is a USA Today bestselling author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a man who knows how to wield a red pen, and together they are raising a feisty two-year-old who will probably grow up believing everyone’s parents go to war over the placement of a comma.

Ella’s books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 100; two were listed among Amazon’s Top 100 Young Adult Ebooks of 2012.

To find out more about Ella’s projects and get dates on upcoming releases, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage and follow her blog, http://www.ellajamesbooks.com. Questions or comments? Tweet her at author_ellaj or e-mail her at ella_f_james@ymail.com.

Ella is represented by Rebecca Friedman of the Hill Nadell Literary Agency.

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

Posted on 06/16/2016 by shellbellereads

Unbreak My Heart

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

What do you do when your soul mate marries your best friend?
If you’re Kate Evans, you keep your friend Rachel, bond with her kids, and bury your feelings for her husband. The fact that Shane’s in the military and away for long periods helps-but when tragedy strikes, everything changes.
After Rachel, pregnant with her fourth child, dies in a car accident and the baby miraculously survives, Kate upends her entire life to share parenting duties. Then on the first anniversary of Rachel’s death, Kate and Shane take comfort in each other in a night that they both soon regret.
Shane’s been angry for a year, and now he feels guilty too – for sleeping with his wife’s best friend and liking it . . . liking her. Kate’s ability to read him like a book may have once sent Shane running, but their lives are forever entwined and they are growing closer.
Now with Shane deployed for seven months, Kate is on her own and struggling with being a single parent. Shane is loving and supportive from thousands of miles away, but his homecoming brings a betrayal Kate never saw coming. So Kate’s only choice is to fight for the future she deserves – with or without Shane. . .

________________________________

Michel’s Review

Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn took me by complete surprise. This book took a completely different direction and different tone than her previous series, the Aces MC and The Aces Sons. The one thing it had in common with the previous books was the story took on a life itself. The characters came alive. The reader easily became invested in their lives. Their happily ever after was just as important to the reader as it was to the characters.

One of the things that made this book stand out was the element of time. The characters have known each other most of their lives. Their relationship was held together by family ties and one woman. They went from being sort of cousins and close friends to being semi- friendly acquaintances after they moved into adulthood. The one person that held their fragile relationship together was Rachel. She was Kate’s best friend and Shane’s wife. After she passed away in an accident, it changes the dynamics of their relationship.

As a young girl, Kate Evans was in love with Shane Anderson, her foster cousin. They were the best of friends until she introduced him to her best friend and college roommate. That introduction changed the dynamics of their relationship. Shane could barely tolerate being around Kate. Kate purposely avoided Shane although she was Rachel’s best friend. Shane’s career in the military caused him to be away from his wife and children quite a bit throughout their nine year marriage. During his deployments Rachel would lean on Kate to help her with their three young children. Kate followed Rachel and Shane to California for that very reason. Rachel was eight months pregnant with her fourth child when she was killed in a car accident. Kate had to step in to help take care of the new baby and three other children. She downsized her business to make time for these precious children. Shane resents the fact that he needs her help with the children. He resents the fact that she is the one who is now the mother figure to his children rather than his wife. The past year has been pure hell on all of them. Now he’s facing an upcoming deployment that will take him away from his children for six months.

On the one year anniversary of his wife’s death he makes a terrible drunken mistake. He slept with Kate in a moment of weakness. This makes him resent her more. To make matters worse Kate ends up pregnant and has a horrific case of morning sickness. Now he has to leave a sick pregnant woman in charge of his children.

They say the heart grows fonder during an absence. This six months apart may bring them closer together or define their tentative friendship. They are going to have a child together and are raising four other children that need them both. Can he let go of his wife’s memory and learn to love Kate? Or will he end up resenting her more?

Shane needs an attitude adjustment. He needs to open his eyes and see Kate for who she is and what she does. What he doesn’t realize is that she has always been the glue that held his family together. She has always given him and his family her unconditional love.

Kate has to learn to protect herself and not become Shane’s doormat. It’s time for her to receive the love and respect she deserves.

Shane and Kate’s story is not one of insta love. It’s not a love conquers all story. It’s messy, frustrating, heartbreaking, and sad. When they finally start to get things right, it’s breathtaking. Through it all those precious children are loved, protected, and cherished.

Nicole Jacquelyn has written a sensational story that will engage all of your emotions. I highly recommend this book!

______________________________

About Nicole Jacquelyn

Nicole Jacquelyn is the mom of two little girls and a full time college student. She hasn’t watched television in well over a year, she still does things that drive her mother crazy, and she loves to read. At eight years old, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told people she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve her answer changed- to author. By the time she was eighteen, when people asked her what she wanted to do with her life, she told them she really wanted to be a writer- but the odds of that happening were so slim that she’d get her business degree “just to be safe”. Her dreams stayed constant. First she became a mom, then she went to college, and during her senior year- with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool, she sat down and wrote a story.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: 5-Star

Kelley’s review of Big Girls Do It Running by Jasinda Wilder

New Release + 5 Star Review: Devil And The Deep by Julie Ann Walker- Deep Six Series – Book 2

New Release and 5 Star Review: His by Brenda Rothert

HIS by Brenda Rothert

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Book Blurb:

EXCERPT

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Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Moonshot by Alessandra Torre

New Release + 5 Star Review : Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Pieces by T. Aleo … Toni Aleo writing paranormal as T. Aleo

New Release + 5 Star Review: Yours by Jasinda Wilder

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels- Say You’ll Stay Series – Book 1

One word.
Stay.

It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him.

That was seventeen years ago.

I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again.

Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn’t supposed to be there. I should’ve been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.

This time around, the tables are turned. It’s my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don’t know if we can repair what’s already been broken . . .

This is a STANDALONE

Amazon✦ iBooks ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo

New Release + 5 Star Review: Murder by Ella James – Sinful Secrets Series – Book 2

New Release + 5 Star Review: Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

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HIS by Brenda Rothert

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | GooglePlay

Book Blurb:

EXCERPT

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

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

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One word. Stay.

It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him.

That was seventeen years ago.

I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again.

Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn’t supposed to be there. I should’ve been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.

This time around, the tables are turned. It’s my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don’t know if we can repair what’s already been broken . . .

** This is a STANDALONE **

Amazon✦ iBooks ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo

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One word.
Stay.

This is a STANDALONE