6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Kick Push by Jay McLean – Kick Push Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Kick Push

Kick Push Series – Book 1

By Jay McLean

Synopsis

There’s a single defining moment within every skater.
It lasts only a second. Two if you’re good.
Three if you’re really good.
It’s the moment you’re in the air, your board somewhere
beneath you, and nothing but wind surrounds you.
It’s the feeling of being airborne.

The sixteen-year-old version of me would’ve said it was the
greatest feeling in the world.
Then at seventeen, I had my son.
And every single second became a defining moment. Even the ones that consisted of heartbreak when his mother left us.

Seventeen. Single. Dad.
That’s what my life became.
Yet, every day, I managed to find that feeling of being
airborne.
Or at least I convinced myself I did.
But I lied—to myself and to everyone around me.
Until she showed up; Tanned skin, raven dark hair, and eyes the color of emeralds.

You know what sucks about being in the air?
Coming down from the high.
Sometimes you land on the board and nail the trick.
Then kick, push, and coast away.
Other times you fall.
You fall hard.
And those are the times when it’s not as easy to get back up, dust off your pads and try again.
Especially when the girl with the emerald eyes becomes your drug…
And you become her poison.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Six Fire Trucks of Awesomeness! Kick Push by Jay McLean is a book you don’t want to miss. This book touched my heart in so many ways. This book was wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. It showcased the very best of life and allowed the very worst. It was very realistic and will hit home with every reader.

Readers briefly met Joshua Warden in Where The Road Takes Me. He was Blake Hunter’s best friend. His unusual circumstances, being a single father, added to his wisdom when he became friends with Chloe, Hunter’s love interest. Now the readers are going to get Josh Warden’s story. Get ready to kick and push.

When Joshua was sixteen he got his girlfriend Natalie pregnant. Rather than taking the easy way out ; both Josh and Natalie chose to have their baby. Joshua’s parents were livid and kicked him out of the house. Natalie’s parents were indifferent. As long as the baby didn’t affect their lives they were okay with it. Neither Josh or Natalie had a clue what having a baby would do to their lives. They had no comprehension of the sleepless nights, the responsibilities of taking care of an infant, or the financial burdens that come along with a baby. Natalie couldn’t make the cut, she left one month after their son Tommy was born. She left Joshua to care for their infant son alone. Since Natalie had fled, her parents kicked Josh and baby Tommy to the curb. Joshua is broke and homeless. When his final resources and reserves have finally run out he is at his breaking point. He has lost all hope and fears he will never be able to care for his son the way he should. Then a ray of sunshine beamed in his darkest moments. An old lady named Chazarae showed Joshua and baby Tommy more compassion than anyone had since baby Tommy was born. She gave him a home and she gave him hope. Destiny also set other people in his path to help him with his future. Joshua is finally going to be able to take care of his son and be the father he was meant to be.

Three years later Joshua and Tommy have their lives in order. Josh has a good job, a support network, and a healthy happy son. He may have gave up his dreams of competitive skateboarding. He may not have any social life. What he does have makes all the sacrifices worth it. He has Tommy.

When Chazarae’s troubled granddaughter, Becca, comes to live with her; both Josh and Tommy are going to find something they never knew they were missing. Josh will find a friend, a lover, and a soulmate. Tommy will find a special friend and someone that loves him fiercely. These three people will come together and form a beautiful relationship that could lead to becoming a real family. Life is looking like rainbows and sunshine. But before you can have those, you have to weather the storm first. Both Joshua and Becca have not completely weathered their storms. They both have demons. They both have to come to terms with their past. They both have to heal from former relationships and a lifetime of hurts.

Joshua’s ex will come back with a vengeance. She will destroy Josh and Becca’s relationship. Josh will also have to face the past hurts from his family and friends that turned their backs on him. He will have to get over his trust issues. He will also have to learn to accept that his needs are just as important as his son’s.

Becca will have to learn how to become a whole person. She will have to learn about life one baby step at a time. Her future may not be with Joshua and Tommy. Becca will have to learn to love herself before she can love others completely.

Kick Push was beautifully written. It touched upon many emotions. I absolutely adored Joshua. He is a one in a million man. He is a dedicated and loving father that always puts his son’s needs first. He sacrificed a lot and gave it his all.

This book ended on an emotional cliffhanger. I am hoping that Josh and Becca will find their true happiness in the next book.

______________________________________________________________

Author Bio:

Jay McLean is the author of the More Series, including More Than This, More Than Her, More Than Him and More Than Forever. She also has two standalones coming soon titled Where The Road Takes Me, and Combative.
Jay is an avid reader, writer, and most of all, procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, or devouring some tacky reality TV show.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her smile, make her hurt, and make her feel.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Resist by Heather C. Leigh- Sphere of Irony Series – Book 3

Posted on 08/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Resist

Sphere of Irony Series – Book 3

A Rock Star Series

By Heather C. Leigh

Release Date: August 9, 2015

Meet Gavin in Heather’s newest M/M standalone romance!

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

All Gavin Walker, bass player for the multi-platinum selling band, Sphere of Irony, wants to do is surf, play music, and occasionally get laid. The problem is that Gavin has a stalker. A potentially deadly one. The threats he receives always mention something about Gavin being gay, which isn’t public knowledge since the record label wants to keep it quiet.

Mitch Hale used to track serial killers for the FBI. A live-changing incident led him to quit the bureau and start his own company providing computerized security for Los Angeles’ wealthiest people. Mitch doesn’t know anyone when he moves across the country from D.C. to California, and all he has for companionship is a pathetic string of failed relationships with women.

When Gavin’s manager hires Mitch to find the stalker, the men instantly hate each other. Despite the constant fighting, attraction between the two blazes hot, confusing the former FBI agent. Spending time with Gavin forces Mitch reflect on what he’s denied about himself for the last ten years. Listening to Mitch’s plan to catch a madman thrusts Gavin’s personal life out in the open for the entire world to see.

Can Gavin and Mitch stop fighting long enough to stop a stalker before someone gets hurt? Or will they stubbornly resist the feelings that develop when they’re forced to work together?

This is book 3 in a 4 part series. It is a spin-off of the Famous Series. These can be read as standalones.

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

I catch the tail end of Gavin’s conversation and come down the stairs in time to see him hang up his phone.

“I need to discuss something with you in the car,” I mention as I hit the bottom step.

Gavin whirls around and chokes at the sight of me. His eyes bug out of his head like a cartoon character and his mouth drops open. Then… he bursts into laughter. The little shit. Honest to god, full belly, tears-in-his-eyes laughter.

“What?” I snap. If he hadn’t started laughing I would have sworn I saw desire on his face when I came down the stairs. Hell, his tongue practically rolled out of his mouth.

“W-what on earth? I-I mean…” The laughter continues.

I cross my arms and scowl, waiting for him to stop acting like a brat. “Are you done?”

Gavin wipes his eyes. “I don’t know, Mitch. What the hell?” He points at me, waving his hand up and down my body. “What are you wearing?”

I scoff. “We’re going to be late. Can I catch you up in the car?” Annoyed at the fact that Gavin is still giggling like a schoolgirl, I snatch my keys off the foyer table and stomp outside to wait on the front step.

“Oh god,” he whispers in a husky voice as he follows behind me.

“What?” I yell, whirling around until we’re nose to nose. I know I’m being unprofessional, but I can’t help myself. He’s being such a dick. “Am I too embarrassing to be seen with? Am I not good enough for the perfect Gavin Walker?”

“No!” Gavin responds to my accusations, holding up a hand to keep me from crashing into him.

I pull back, still furious. “I need to lock the door,” I snarl.

“Jesus, Mitch. What the fuck?” Gavin backs away from the door, heading towards the car.

I shouldn’t care what he thinks. This is work.

After locking up and pulling the car out of the driveway, I feel like the world’s biggest jerk.

“Sorry for yelling,” I say at the same time Gavin mumbles, “Sorry for laughing.”

“Christ,” I chuckle. “Aren’t we a pair?”

“Yeah,” he agrees. “So,” I can see Gavin check out my clothing again from the corner of my eye. “What is with the outfit?”

“Is it that bad?” I ask, biting my bottom lip as I glance over at all six feet plus of beautiful blonde man reclining in the passenger seat.

“No! Not at all. I’m just not used to seeing you like…this,” he says, waving his hand at my clothes again.

“Like what?”

Here we go again. I’m getting all offended. And why? Because he doesn’t like my clothes? Why the hell do I care?

Gavin lets out a long, tortured breath. “All sexy, okay? Shit.” He looks out the side window, hiding his face. I see a crimson blush spread over the one visible cheek and ear.

“Oh.” I grin. “So I’m sexy?” I tease. That explains his mixed reaction.

Gavin barks out a laugh, still staring out the passenger window. “Yeah, like you don’t know that.”

He thinks I’m sexy? For some reason that has me inherently pleased. More pleased than I should be but hell, it’s not everyday you get your ego stroked by a rock star. A gorgeous one at that.

Aaaaand, I shove that right back into the nifty little space in my brain that’s storing up all the thoughts I want to deny ever having.

It’s getting crowded in there.

I clear my throat. “Honestly, the outfit is because I just couldn’t bear the thought of even one more day in a damn suit and tie.” I shudder. Gavin tilts his head in my direction. He’s listening, so I continue. “I felt like I was choking to death. It was too much like being back at the bureau. I just…Let’s just say I didn’t want any reminders of my time there, okay?”

“What does that mean, then? If you aren’t my bodyguard, and you aren’t management, who are you?” Gavin asks.

I force a grin on my face, feeling like I might just twitch right out of my skin. Gavin might not be pleased with my solution.

“I’m your date.”

Michel’s Review

Resist by Heather C. Leigh is the third book in the Sphere of Irony series. If you are new to the series, it’s okay, you don’t have to back track and read the first two books. This book can easily be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I can guarantee that after reading Resist you will want to read the first two books in the series.

The thing that makes this series so exceptional is it’s uniqueness. For one thing the band Sphere of Irony has it’s own unique make up. Two of the members are from the ghettos in London and the other two members are from tinsel town, Hollywood,CA. Two come from impoverished rough backgrounds and the other two come from priveliged back grounds. Together these four men have come together not only to make music but have became brothers. They fully support each other no matter what their record company, fans, and lives dictate. The other thing that makes this series unique is the characters themselves. They are not your typical wild and spoiled rockstars. They are very grounded and try to lead ordinary lives while being at the top of their careers. They have experienced it all and held onto their true selves. With the exception of one, he has to hide a part of himself. Because of the band’s popularity and his good looks, the record company wants him to hide his sexuality. He is a gay man with millions of women as fans.

Gavin Walker has had to hide his sexuality his entire life. He had to hide being gay in his early years because of his father’s career. Being a famous Hollywood producer of military action films and also being a former military career man has made his father hard. He resents his only son being gay. Gavin’s younger years were blemished with hate and despair. Once he was free from his father’s rule and started to build his own life his sexuality was once again forced to be hidden. This time it was his career and his bandmates careers on the line. But somebody knows his secret. He has a stalker that is becoming more and more dangerous.

Gavin is at the end of his rope. He’s scared, stressed, and falling apart. The only thing that gives him hope is the former FBI profiler his manager has brought in to find the stalker threatening his life. The biggest surprise is his attraction to his protector. Mitch Hale is a straight man and clearly has no interest in Gavin romantically. But the vibes are there and the confusion is even greater.

Mitch Hale has to find Gavin’s stalker before it’s too late. This case has blurred lines and nothing is predictable. He can’t get a handle on who the stalker could be or what his motivations are. He can’t get his client to cooperate with him long enough to keep him safe. He can’t understand his attraction to his client. He wants Gavin Walker to stay alive for more than professional reasons. He wants to explore his attraction to Gavin Walker.

As the danger escalates so does Gavin and Mitch’s relationship. These two are going to go up in flames.

I could not put Resist down. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The chilling suspense was riveting. It kept me guessing up to the very end when the stalker was finally revealed. The relationship between these two men was beautiful. I loved that they gave their all to one another when they finally surrendered to their feelings.

I highly recommend Resist by Heather C. Leigh. The Sphere of Irony series is exceptional.

A Sphere Of Irony Series

Incite – Book 1

Privilege, poverty, death, and self-loathing; these are the backgrounds of the men of the internationally famous rock band, Sphere of Irony.

Adam Reynolds is an impoverished teen raised by neglectful parents in one of London’s most dangerous boroughs. He turns to his love of music and countless girls to escape his sad reality.

Beautiful and naïve Ellie Palmer comes from a well-off family that suddenly finds themselves living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in London. Alone in a frightening new place, Ellie is afraid to leave the safety of her home, only going out to walk to school and back.

When Adam prevents Ellie from becoming the victim of a horrific sexual assault, they discover something that two teenagers never thought they would find in such a depressing place. Each other.

After tragedy, lies, and distance tear their future away from them; they each wander through life empty and hopeless no matter who or what they use to replace the feelings of loss.

From the crime-ridden streets of London’s East End to the over-the-top display of wealth in L.A. Can two broken souls must conquer their demons in order to find true happiness?

*This is book 1 in a 4 part series. It is a spin-off of the Famous Series. These can be read as standalones.*

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Strike- Book 2

Dax Davies has one job to fulfill in the Davies household. Earn money at the family business. The problem is that the family business was illegal underground fighting.

From a young age, Dax and his brothers are groomed to become money earners in their father’s club. Broken bones and bruises are commonplace. Their father pits the brothers against each other to ‘toughen them up’ for the ring, using his rules to bend his sons to his will. His future is in the cage, not on stage where he dreams of making music.

Kate Campbell loves one thing in life. Well, two. Soccer and Dax Davies. Growing up in the poorest part of London, soccer is her personal escape from reality and from the fact that Dax doesn’t seem to know she exists. She figures if she can be good enough at soccer, maybe she can get away from Hackney, and leave the poverty behind.

Kate doesn’t plan on ever getting to know Dax as more than a passing acquaintance. In fact, she isn’t meant to go with her friend to Dax’s father’s business, but that one night changes everything.

***This is book 2 in the Sphere of Irony Series. It can be read as a standalone. This is a spin-off of the Famous Series***

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Resist – Book 3

Can Gavin and Mitch stop fighting long enough to stop a stalker before someone gets hurt? Or will they stubbornly resist the feelings that develop when they’re forced to work together?

This is book 3 in a 4 part series. It is a spin-off of the Famous Series. These can be read as standalones.

Pre Order: Amazon / Amazon UK

___________________________

About Heather C. Leigh

I’m the author of the Amazon best selling Famous series. I like to write about the ‘dark’ side of fame. The part that the public doesn’t get to see, how difficult it is to live in a fishbowl and how that affects relationships.

I was born and raised in New England and currently live outside Atlanta, GA.

I love the Red Sox, the Patriots, and anything made of chocolate (but not white chocolate, that doesn’t count).

My favorite authors are Dan Wells, Tina Reber, Ken Follett, and Stephen King. Happy reading!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Excerpts + 5 Star Review…Spoiler Free- Fourth Debt by Pepper Winters – Indebted Series – Book 5

Posted on 08/11/2015 by shellbellereads

Fourth Debt – Indebted # 5

Indebted Series – Book 5

Release Date- August 11, 2015

By Pepper Winters

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

Synopsis

“We’d won. We’d cut through the lies and treachery and promised an alliance that would free us both. But even as we won, we lost. We didn’t see what was coming. We didn’t know we had to plan a resurrection.”

Nila Weaver fell in love. She gifted her entire soul to a man she believed was worthy. And in the process, she destroyed herself. Three debts paid, the fourth only days away. The Debt Inheritance has almost claimed another victim.

Jethro Hawk fell in love. He let down his walls to a woman he believed was his cure. For a moment, he was free. But then he paid the ultimate price.

There is no more love. Only war. Hope is dead. Now, there is only death all around them.

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

PROLOGUE

FUNNY HOW LIFE plays practical jokes.

The past few days—that had to be a fucking joke, right?

There was no logical answer that would make sense to what I’d seen, heard, and lived the past seventy-two hours.

My sister.

My best-friend and twin.

This was what she’d been living with? This was how she’d been treated?

This was what she wanted to return to?

Motherfucking why? Why would she ever want to return to this insanity?

We’d been raised in a broken home, chained to an empire that absorbed us right from birth. But we were kept safe, warm, and loved. We grew up together. We shared everything.

But now…I had no fucking clue who my sister was.

But then she came to me.

A woman I never knew existed.

The most stunning creature I’d ever seen.

Only she didn’t come to me on feet or wings of an angel. She rolled into my life and demanded my help.

And for better or for worse.

I helped her.

CHAPTER ONE

“LET ME GO!”

Daniel cackled like a mad hyena, his fingers stabbing into my bicep. Without breaking his stride, he stole me further away from the parlour and into the bowels of the house.

I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to go anywhere with him.

“Take me back!” I squirmed, doing my best to return to Jethro.

He can’t be dead!

Just because he lay unmoving and bloody didn’t mean he’d left me behind.

That’s exactly what it means.

I shook my head, dislodging those awful thoughts. He’s alive. He had to be.

I couldn’t tolerate any other answer. I refused to live in a world where evil triumphed over good. That wasn’t right—life couldn’t be that cruel.

It’s always been that way.

My mind filled with images of my mother. My father’s desolation. My broken childhood. Evil had puppeteered us from day one. Why should now be any different?

He’s not dead!

I swallowed a sob.

Please don’t be dead…

I fought harder. “Let me see him. You can’t do this!”

Daniel cackled louder. “Keep begging, Weaver. Won’t do you any good.”

He’s not dead!

I locked my knees, fighting him every step. “Stop!” Looking back the way we’d come, the door to the parlour seemed so far away—a bright beacon at the end of a festering corridor. “They were your brothers, you insane psychopath. Don’t you feel anything?!”

Please let me go to him. He has to be alive…

Please let my twin stay alive…

Let all of this be a nightmare!

I couldn’t cope with Jethro murdered; I’d go clinically insane if they killed V, too.

“I feel relief. I no longer have to put up with their simpering bullshit.” He flashed his teeth. “Cut did us all a favour.”

Cut will die.

He was evil incarnate. He deserved to die in excruciatingly painful ways.

I refuse to believe they’re dead.

“I said stop!” I wriggled harder, only succeeding in Daniel’s fingers tearing into my flesh. Goosebumps covered my skin while ice steadily froze my veins. Every second was endless torture. I couldn’t live without Jethro.

It can’t end like this!

“You won’t win, Weaver.” Daniel tugged harder. “Accept what’s fucking happened and obey me.”

Michel’s Review

Almost one year ago ( shy 11 days) I started the Indebted Series by Pepper Winters. The first book, Debt Inheritance, drew me in like a moth to a flame. I was that moth. I became enamored with this dark thriller and anxiously awaited each release. I counted the days, cursed Pepper Winters for leaving me hanging, dwelled upon the fate of Nila and Jethro, and plotted how to kill the Hawk family. As each book released in the Indebted Series it has became more complex, darker, and twisted. Each book finished with a major cliffhanger that left the reader dumbfounded. The fourth book, Third Debt, was a doozy. It redefined the direction of this story. The key antagonist, Jethro Hawk, switched sides. The secondary antagonists, the Hawk family, took over. The Weavers were drawn further into the deadly web that would lead to their deaths. By the end of the book the Nila Weaver was left in an utterly hopeless situation. Not only was her life on the line but also her twin brother, Vaughn. The readers were left trembling in fear for Nila and Vaughn. They were left mourning the loss of Jethro and Kes Hawk. They were terrified by the possibilities of what would come next in the Indebted series. The third debt was not paid and the fourth debt was looming in Nila’s future.

I stalked my kindle by the minutes awaiting for The Fourth Debt to appear. The moment it was live I was devouring this book. I read it one sitting and needless to say I finished it with shock and despair. My stomach was in knots. My thoughts were crazy.

On one hand I was thinking “What kind of person am I ? How can I be addicted to such dark twisted stuff? Where is my moral decency ? How can I condone this kind of behavior? When is the next book releasing and can I handle it?”

On the other hand I was thinking “OMG! This was such a good book! Those Hawks are twisted arseholes! When is the next book releasing? I need it now! I need answers!”

Then my rational mind took over. I remembered that this is FICTION. This has nothing to do with me personally, it’s pure entertainment. Another way to feed my mind and let me escape my truly ordinary world. A world that is beautifully peaceful, predictable, happy, and untouched by the monstrosities of life. It made me reflect about how talented Pepper Winters is as a writer. She created a story that took over my ordinary life and created something that is holding me hostage. Not only was her character Nila Weaver a victim that was held hostage, I too became a victim of the Indebted Series. My time and thoughts were being held for ransom in an extraordinary way.

Fourth Debt picks up where Third Debt left off. Jethro and Kes are dead. Vaughn has been beaten badly. Nila has been handed over to the psychotic Daniel Hawk. What comes into play is more shocking than all the books combined. It left me with extreme anxiety. Nila’s time is running out. The clock is ticking down to the last second. It looks like she is going to become another headstone in the Weaver plot on the Hawk’s estate. There is no longer any hope. There is no one to save her in time. Not only is her life on the line, Vaughn is facing the same fate. The Weaver legacy is coming to an end.

My deepest fear was that the Third Debt, the Hawk rape would come into play. It was much worse than that. They RAPED her SOUL.

Here are a few quotes that will give you an idea of how desperate the situation has become for Nila.

” I swallowed another tsunami of tears. My soul didn’t believe. But my circumstances said otherwise. This was my life now- this endless misery.”

“You’re already a corpse, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, you can do about it.”

“But there was something monstrous inside me…slurping me deeper, telling me my time was running out. I didn’t know where the countdown beast had come from, but it was louder and louder.”

“He’s truly slipped from malicious to insane.”

“My life wasn’t mine anymore.”

“Daniel had morphed from man to monster, shadowing my future, my soul, my hope.”

“They were stealing everything.”

As I finished Fourth Debt by Pepper Winters I was in a very dark place. The few snippets of hope that may have played out are hopeless. Nina’s fate is in peril. She is about to become immortal. Whether she lives or dies, Pepper Winters has made Nila Weaver immortal. The readers will never forget this remarkable woman that showed compassion, fortitude, and unbreakable strength.

I am still that moth drawing closer to the flame. It’s getting hotter and I am ready to jump into the fire.

The Final Debt is coming soon!

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

Indebted

Indebted Series

By Pepper Winters

Synopsis

“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

A modern day Dark Erotic Romance

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

First Debt

Indebted #2

Series: Indebted

By Pepper Winters

Synopsis

“You say I’ll never own you. If I win—you willingly give me that right. You sign not only the debt agreement, but another—one that makes me your master until your last breath is taken. You do that, and I’ll give you this.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Stolen, taken, and bound not by monsters but by an agreement written over six hundred years ago, she has no way out.

She belongs to Jethro as much as she denies it.

Jethro Hawk’s patience is running out. His inheritance gift tests, challenges, and surprises him—and not in good ways. He hasn’t leashed her but he thinks he might’ve found a way to bind her forever.

Debts are mounting. Payment waiting.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Second Debt

Indebted Series – Book 3

By Pepper Winters

Release Date: January 26, 2015

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

“I tried to play a game. I tried to wield deceit as perfectly as the Hawks. But when I thought I was winning, I wasn’t. Jethro isn’t what he seems—he’s the master of duplicity. However, I refuse to let him annihilate me further.”

Nila Weaver has grown from naïve seamstress to full-blown fighter. Every humdrum object is her arsenal, and sex…sex is her greatest weapon of all.

She’s paid the First Debt. She’ll probably pay more.

But she has no intention of letting the Hawks win.

Jethro Hawk has found more than a worthy adversary in Nila—he’s found the woman who could destroy him. There’s a fine line between hatred and love, and an even finer path between fear and respect.

The fate of his house rests on his shoulders, but no matter how much ice lives inside his heart, Nila flames too bright to be extinguished.

Third Debt – Indebted # 4

Indebted Series – Book 4

By Pepper Winters

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

Synopsis

Fourth Book in the New York Times Bestselling Indebted Series.

“She healed me. She broke me. I set her free. But we are in this together. We will end this together. The rules of this ancient game can’t be broken.”

Nila Weaver no longer recognises herself. She’s left her lover, her courage, and her promise. Two debts down. Too many to go.

Jethro Hawk no longer recognises himself. He’s embraced what he always ran from, and now faces punishment far greater than he feared.

It’s almost time. It’s demanding to be paid.

The Third Debt will be the ultimate test…

Fourth Debt – Indebted # 5

Indebted Series – Book 5

Release Date- August 11, 2015

By Pepper Winters

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

Synopsis

Jethro Hawk fell in love. He let down his walls to a woman he believed was his cure. For a moment, he was free. But then he paid the ultimate price.

There is no more love. Only war. Hope is dead. Now, there is only death all around them.

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

—–

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Tracker’s End by Chantal Fernando – Wind Dragon MC Series – Book 3

Posted on 08/11/2015 by shellbellereads

Tracker’s End

Wind Dragons MC Series – Book 3

By Chantal Fernando

Synopsis

The third in a sexy romance series from the bestselling author of Saxon and Toxic Girl about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

Tracker is everything I’ve ever wanted.

I see him. I’ve watched time change him.

I’ve been patient, but he still hasn’t noticed me. Not the way I want him to. The more time I spend with the MC, the more I understand.

When you want something, you have to take it. You have to fight for it.

And Tracker is more than worth fighting for…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_________________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

The Wind Dragons MC Series has quickly become one of my favorite biker romance series. The charismatic characters have captured my heart. The Wind Dragon MC dynamics and interactions has made these characters come to life and jump off the pages.

Tracker’s End is my favorite book in this series. Tracker is the playful guy in the Wind Dragons. He’s known for his humor, quick wit, easy smile, and way with the ladies. Not to mention his drop dead sexy looks and delicious man bun. He is also just as dangerous and deadly as the rest of his brothers. His speciality is tracking people.

When Rake’s sister returned to town and became a regular at the clubhouse, she brought along her best friend Lana. Lana is not the typical kind of lady that hangs around the MC. She is quiet, shy, delicate, and reserved. Her unique beauty and presence has captured Tracker’s attention. He wants Lana. The problem is that Tracker is involved in a relationship with one of the clubhouse whores, Allie. Allie was born into the Wind Dragon MC and after her father passed away she fell under the protection of the club. His involvement with Allie was something to pass the time.

After a year of friendship with Lana and ending his relationship with Allie, Tracker is ready to make his move on the sweet Lana.

Lana has become Clover’s nanny. She is around the clubhouse and Tracker daily. She has been fantasizing about this man for over a year. She’s ready for more.

Tracker and Lana start their relationship off to a very good start. They get along beautifully and their sexual chemistry is red hot. But life has a way of interfering on the most perfect relationships. Allie wants revenge. Lana has her own secrets. Tracker is trying to protect Lana from his world and in the process losing a part of himself. Then Lana’s dead beat dad resurfaces. Top it off with another MC in town and messing with the Wind Dragons business. It looks like their world is toppling over and their relationship will be a causality.

I absolutely loved this book. It had the right amount of angst, romance, and intrigue. I am hoping this series is going to continue on because there are more members screaming for their own books.

Tracker’s End can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I highly recommend The Wind Dragon series.

The Wind Dragons MC Series

Dragon’s Lair – Book 1

The first in a new sexy romance series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

When I found my boyfriend cheating on me, I did something stupid.

Or should I say, someone?

Because of that mistake, I’m now stuck in a world I don’t belong in.

I’m a law student. They’re criminals. He’s the vice president of a motorcycle club. I’m a good girl with a strict upbringing. He’s my ex-boyfriend’s brother.

And I’m screwed.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Arrow’s Hell – Book 2

Release Date: June 16, 2015

From bestselling author Chantal Fernando, the second book in a sexy romance series featuring the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

Being the younger sister of a Wind Dragons MC member isn’t as great as you’d think it would be.

I can’t escape the details of my brother’s exploits. No one tells me anything. Men who know who I am tend to stay away from me.

And worst of all: the members of the MC are off-limits.

When Arrow catches my eye, I make it my mission to make him happy again.

When I fall head over heels in love with him, I just hope he will be there to catch me. And that my brother doesn’t kill him…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tracker’s End – Book 3

Release Date: August 11, 2015

The third in a sexy romance series from the bestselling author of Saxon and Toxic Girl about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

Tracker is everything I’ve ever wanted.

I see him. I’ve watched time change him.

I’ve been patient, but he still hasn’t noticed me. Not the way I want him to. The more time I spend with the MC, the more I understand.

When you want something, you have to take it. You have to fight for it.

And Tracker is more than worth fighting for…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_____________________

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

Happy Release + 5 Star Review : Hard To Fight by Bella Jewel – Alpha’s Heart Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/11/2015 by shellbellereads

Hard To Fight

Alpha’s Heart Series – Book 1

By Bella Jewel

Synopsis

Grace is a bounty hunter who wants to be taken seriously, but her boss refuses to believe that a woman can bring down a dangerous criminal. She finally gets a chance to prove herself when she’s given the case of a lifetime: capture Raide Knox and bring him to justice.

Raide is a dangerous fugitive on the run…and the sexiest man Grace has ever met. Catching Raide won’t be easy. He’s not the kind of man to go down without a fight. Raide is more intense and frustrating than any man she’s ever had to deal with, and the instantaneous attraction that sparks between them is undeniable. One thing is for sure…it’s going to be a case they will never forget.
**Hard To Fight is a full-length standalone romance with a HEA**

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Wow! Hard To Fight by Bella Jewel had me mesmerized. I could not put this book down and devoured it in one sitting. The story was fresh, unique, sexy, and was loaded with mystery and intrigue. The characters were dynamic. They came to life and jumped off of the pages. Their plight was enthralling and kept me guessing on which direction this story would go.

Grace has been a bounty hunter for over five years. In those five years she has been given the fluff jobs or the ones that deal with the flat out crazies. She wants a real case, one that makes her career credible. After a huge hissy fit and a drunken night her boss finally gives her a case that she has been waiting for the past five years. This case will prove that she can work along with the big boys and do the job just as well. It doesn’t matter that she is a woman or small in stature. She can get the job done with wits, guile, and worse case scenario, seduction.

She has been given two months to bring in Raide Knox. This case will bring in $30,000. He’s wanted for murder and assault. He did not show up for his trial date and has been on the run since his arrest. Grace plans to bring him in. Luckily for her, she met him briefly before she knew he was a felon on the run. She has an idea of where he hangs and with whom he does.

She has decided to use the seduction route to bring her man in. He is too big, too ruthless, and too cunning to use the normal take down techniques.

What starts out as a quest becomes a stalking. From a stalking to a friendship. A friendship to a romantic relationship. Raide and Grace will go from lovers to enemies. Their love will be the perfect unity that ends in the ultimate betrayal.

Raide Knox is man full of surprises. He may or may not be guilty of the crimes in which he was accused. He is capable of them all. There is always two sides to a story. There are always shades of gray. The world is not black and white. He is seeking his own definition of justice. He is a man on a mission. He will not rest until he commits the final murder. What he didn’t count on is falling in love with his hunter. There is more than freedom on the line, his heart is on the line too.

I could not put this book down. The writing was superb. I was reeled in and hooked in the first few pages. I became a part of this cat and mouse chase. I fell in love right along with Grace and Raide. Their romance had me swooning. My heart broke right along with theirs. In the end I celebrated their the ending of their story. I can’t wait for more in this series.

I highly recommend Hard To Fight by Bella Jewel!

__________________________________

Coming Soon…

Hard To Break – Book 2

Release Date: October 13, 2015

Quinn has spent her whole life working in her dad’s garage, leaving her more comfortable with a carburetor than a curling iron. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved garage is bought by none other than world famous, sexy as sin, custom car builder, Tazen Watts. He’s the one man she can’t stand…even though he makes her hotter than a high performance engine in top gear.

Tazen has no use for Quinn, at least not professionally, and he’s making sure she knows it. But there’s a spark between them that she’s finding hard to ignore. She’s determined to prove her talent is as impressive as her sassy mouth. When she finds out Tazen is hiding a secret that could bring down his career and everyone involved in it, she wonders: is falling for him is going to be work the risk?

**Hard To Break is a full-length standalone romance with a HEA**

Pre Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

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

Hard To Forget – Book 3

Release Date: December 15, 2015

Delaney, a professional bodyguard, has spent years trying to prove herself in a male dominated industry. Now she’s facing her greatest challenge yet.
Bad boy billionaire Jax Shields has made plenty of enemies on his climb to the top, but being in the wrong place at the wrong time has put his life at risk. Now he’s putting his life in the hands of Delaney and her team. He demands the best in everything, and he doesn’t think she has what it takes to protect him. He’s also made it clear he’d rather have her on her back then covering his. Will Delaney be able to prove herself to the most arrogant—and devastatingly handsome—man she’s ever met?

**Hard To Forget is a full-length standalone romance with a HEA**

Pre Oder: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

________________________________________

Author Bio:

Bella Jewel is represented by Kimberly Brower from Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency. Email – kimberly@rfliterary.com – Website http://www.rfliterary.com

Bella Jewel is a self published, USA Today bestselling author. She’s been publishing since 2013. Her first release was a contemporary romance, Hell’s Knights which topped the charts upon release. Since that time, she has published over ten novels, gaining a bestseller status on numerous platforms. She lives in North Queensland and is currently studying editing and proofreading to further expand her career. Bella has been writing since she was just shy of fifteen years old. In Summer 2013 she was offered an ebook deal through Montlake Romance for her bestselling modern day pirate series, Enslaved By The Ocean. In 2015 she signed a three book worldwide deal with St Martin’s Press – and happily joined the Macmillan team to produce some scorching, sexy, amazing stories that will be presented to the world from August 2015 onwards.

She plans to expand her writing career, planning many new releases for the future.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Teaser Tuesday: In The Dark by Monica Murphy – The Rules Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/11/2015 by shellbellereads

In The Dark

The Rules Series – Book 2

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Pre Order : ITunes

Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the girl who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?

The Rule Series

Fair Game

The Rule Series – Book 1

Release Date: May 12, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

FAIR GAME (The Rules Series, Book 1) May 12, 2015

Bad enough Jade Frost’s boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense round…and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her ex-boyfriend.

Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn’t stop him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.

When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade’s confused. There’s more to Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. He has secrets. And she wants to discover them, no matter how ugly they might be…

In The Dark

The Rule Series – Book 2

Release Date: August 25, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

IN THE DARK (Book 2) August 25, 2015

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the maid who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

Slow Play

The Rule Series – Book 3

Release Date: November 3, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

SLOW PLAY (Book 3) November 3, 2015

Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

Tristan Chadwick is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?
______________________________________________________________________________

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review: Ryan’s Love by C. A. Harms – Sawyer Brothers- Book 1

Posted on 08/11/2015 by shellbellereads

Ryan’s Love

Sawyer Brothers – Book 1

By C. A. Harms

Synopsis

One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was bury my wife.

The second hardest thing would be watching my twelve-year-old daughter fall to her knees as they lowered her mother into the ground to rest.

A heart-wrenching vision that will forever be etched in my mind.

Claire was my best friend—she had been since we were barely old enough to talk. I always knew, one day, I would marry her. I think I may have even told her that a few times while we were growing up.

Never did I think I would lose her so suddenly.

I knew at that moment…

Our life would never be the same again…

Buy: Amazon

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Yet another shirtless cowboy, yay (sarcasm). In this case, it was the synopsis that gripped me.
Looking Deeper:
I do not understand how Amazon has this classified as a Sport romance or a New Adult / College romance. I think Amazon needs to re-evaluate it’s categories for this one to obtain maximum exposure and benefit the author better.
Ryan is 30 when widowed, now a 33-year old single dad to Olivia, his 15-year old daughter. He is the Sergeant for the local police department and helps out on the family ranch on occasion. He’s barely just going through the motions called life on auto-pilot for the sake of Liv, until the day he spots a gal kicking her flat tire on the side of the road.
Amber is mid-twenties but has enough life experience to not truly be considered a New Adult and she’s not a college student. He ex is a cheating bastard and her parents are too self-absorbed to be called family. On a whim, she decides to take advantage of the parental situation by having her dad buy out her mom’s unwanted old bakery inheritance in small-town Montana and leave Chicago behind for a new beginning with the help of her best friend, Bailey.
This is a first person POV story, from alternating perspectives – clearly defined for easier comprehension. If the Prologue does not punch you in the gut, you better make sure your heart is still beating. Ryan is an emotionally developed character and it’s easy to fall in love with him. He’s very well portrayed. Amber is full of love, life and joy – something Ryan and Olivia truly need. I did not feel the depth of character as much, but she’s still a wonderful lead female. There seemed to be two tiers of secondary characters: Olivia, Ryan’s brothers and mom, and Bailey then a lower tier of Ryan’s dad, random townsfolk, and miscellaneous others. Each added a fullness to this story that really is a longish novella. The chemistry and compatibility build slowly and naturally through believable dialogue and interaction. The plot was a little bit “standard fare” with not a lot of dynamic energy, but it flows well. There were some conflicts and hurdles to overcome that were handled in a variety of ways that felt right for the characters. Predictability was minimal to nil. There is a wonderful prologue that ties most loose ends up, HOWEVER, in the final bonus scene, there’s a fun quick glimpse into what may be in store ahead.
This is the first book that I’ve read from C.A. Harms, although I have been interested in reading several of her books for a while now. If they are anything like this one, I do believe I’ll be picking them up in the future.

_______________________________________________

Author Bio:

I am like any other addicted reader. I enjoy happy endings and HEA love stories. I haven’t always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery.
I live in Illinois and enjoys spending time with my husband and two children. You will always find me with my kindle or paperback in hand as it is my favorite pass time.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted on 08/10/2015 by shellbellereads

We are very excited to bring to you the first cover in a brand new series by Rachel Van Dyken, The Dark Ones.

This New Adult Paranormal will be released on September 20!

To touch a Dark One is death.
To talk to an immortal is suicide.
Yet, I’ve been marked by both.
A Vampire.
And the King of the immortals.
My life is no longer my own.
And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin with.
It was theirs.
It’s always been theirs.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Barnes & Noble

Smashword

Rachel Van Dyken is the New
York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency
and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking
coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!

You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken
or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

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Pre Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star ARC Review: Laid Out by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 4

Posted on 08/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win

Loveswept & FLIRT Mugs and

Select Ebook Bundle

LAID OUT

Worth the Fight #4

Sidney Halston

Releasing August 18th, 2015

Loveswept

Perfect
for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA
romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

Growing
up an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations.
But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted
that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened
by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with
striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior.
Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his
every command.

Cain
knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright
deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never
let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat
training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive
glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once
they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

BUY NOW

Amazon | B
& N | iTunes | Kobo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

She was kicking a rock out of the way when Cain grabbed her hand and pulled her to a nearby tree, causing her to yelp as she struggled to keep her balance. At nineteen, Cain was thin and lanky—all limbs. She was still short and stumpy. He turned her around brusquely and pressed her back against a tree, the bark digging into her. She looked up at him and saw an intensity in his eyes she’d never seen before. His cheeks were flushed and the vein by his neck pulsed. Suddenly she became nervous. He’d never looked at her this way—the way the cute guys looked at the pretty girls.

Lately she’d felt flustered when Jeremy was nearby, with his mess of curly dark brown hair and dimpled smile. Feelings that hadn’t been there before were now creeping in. In fact, she could’ve sworn Jeremy had been flirting with her lately—complimenting her clothes and hair, brushing against her “accidentally,” inviting her to the movies without Cain around. But these brief flirtatious moments were with Jeremy. Not with Cain. Never with Cain. Cain was just her friend. A little gangly, a little quiet, a lot overprotective.

That was until now.

Suddenly there was an awareness that had never been there before.

When he licked his lips, her pulse sped up. A foreign feeling—desire—began to take root. He reached toward her hair, and she flinched a little before he tucked a stray strand behind her ear. The tender action surprised her. For the first time, she noticed how clear his blue eyes were, how his hair was so blond it almost looked white. All of a sudden, he didn’t seem like just this boy who was always around. Unfamiliar feelings began to erupt throughout her body. She felt her cheeks flame and her heart race.

When he finally spoke, his voice shook a little. “I’m your friend because I want to be your friend. Not because of your parents or your dumb threats. I don’t like it when you call yourself fat. You’re not fat.”

She nodded and murmured, “Okay.” She drew her lower lip into her mouth and nibbled as her wide eyes gazed at his. Cain reached over and pulled her lip out of her mouth. “You’re nervous.” It wasn’t a question. He knew her well enough to be aware of her tells.

“I . . . uh . . . what are you doing, Cain?”

“I don’t want you to kiss just anyone to get it outta the way.”

Words failed her, so she just nodded again. There was a moment where neither spoke. He just looked at her as if trying to decide on his next move.

“I should be the first person you kiss,” he finally said as his tongue flicked out a little and wet his lips.

She gasped and looked up into his eyes nervously. His eyes never left hers, but his reddened ears and neck showed that he was also nervous. She too knew him well.

Like a fool, she bobbed her head up and down mostly because the words were stuck in her throat. It felt like he stared at her lips for an eternity until he finally leaned forward, causing her to press herself further back against the tree, her hands gripping the bark. He tilted his head to the side and she imitated the action.

Should I open my mouth? Leave it closed? What about my tongue? What should it be doing?

Softly, almost feather light, his lips brushed against hers. Her eyes instinctively closed tight, and she stopped breathing. It was less than ten seconds but it was forever. In that moment she fell into the category of girls who’d had their first kiss. She kept her eyes closed for far too long, and when she opened them he was standing upright, his face even more flushed. Her own tongue snuck out of her mouth to taste her lips. She swallowed and looked at him, her eyes as wide as saucers. What just happened?

Then, with the same intensity in his expression, he leaned back down, but this time he pressed harder against her lips causing her lips to part slightly. His body moved closer to hers, and then she felt his hands grip her waist and his tongue touch her lips before it moved into her mouth and brushed hers for a brief second, his fingers digging into her skin at her waist. She instinctively melded into him, her body seeking him out.

Again he moved away and looked at her. His expression never changed, and neither did hers. Her eyes were wide; she touched her lips, as if to determine whether the kiss had really happened. They just looked at each other, neither saying anything, her heart beating so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Finally she spoke and said the only thing that came to mind. “Wow, my cup runneth over,” she whispered. It was a phrase he teased her about constantly, but it was exactly how she felt: she could barely contain her happiness.

He chuckled, and the smile did her in: she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Hard. He wrapped his arms around her waist and walked them the half step back against the tree again. Their noses bumped. It was awkward, but as first kisses went . . . it was perfect.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Vi.” It was the last thing he said to her before leaving for war.

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

Michel’s Review

5 Stars

I am a huge fan of the Worth The Fight Series by Sidney Halston. The WtF members, their better halves, and wacky animals are taking over Tarpon Springs, a small town in Florida. This series has captured my heart. Each and every character, whether it be human or animal has a story to tell.

Readers have come to know Cain Sorensen as the mysterious, silent fighter at WtF. He is part of the gym’s backbone. His fighting expertise and quiet nature has intrigued the readers. His mysterious job that takes him away from the gym adds to the intrigue. When he is around, he is completely focused on his training and support of the other fighters at WtF. His quiet self assured presence has earned him the respect of the other fighters. When he does talk, it’s with purpose, wisdom, and quite profound. But when Violet Channing shows up in Tarpon Springs, the WtF crew is going to see Cain Sorensen lose his cool and self assured confidence for the first time. They sense there is a history there. They are extremely curious ( in other words- downright nosey) about Violet and Cain’s past. They are more than ready to welcome Violet into the exclusive WtF family.

Violet and Cain grew up together. They were military brats and raised in very regimented families. Their fathers served together throughout their military careers. They were the best of friends. They also had another best friend, Jeremy, that shared their childhood and history. The three of them were inseparable until Violet turned sixteen . Cain and Jeremy shipped out to war. Violet was left behind to finish high school on her own. That moment in time changed all three of their lives forever.

Twelve years later Cain and Violet are reunited once again. Both of them has changed drastically. Cain became closed off and even more reserved. Violet has become independent and strong. No matter how much both of them have changed, their deep friendship is still the most important thing to both of them.

Violet is ready to move on in life and settle down. She feels awkward in the dating field. Cain has promised to help her out. But what happens when the friendship starts turning into something more? What do they do with this desire they have for one another? It can never work. Violet is too good for Cain. Cain has too many secrets. They no longer have Jeremy as a buffer between them? Will they find their lives together or once again torn apart?

Laid Out was quite different from the previous books in this series. The story revolves around their past in Texas. Rather than revolving around the gym, the WtF crew, and Tarpon Springs this story takes the reader into Violet and Cain’s anguished past. When they go back to Texas to face their past it will open the doors for their new beginning in Tarpon Springs. Rather than having the crazy alpha Chihuahua Drogo scaring the crap out of all the men in this series or fluffy little kittens owning some allergic fighters hearts, we meet a cursing Parrot named Bird. As in Bird’s own words…well I just can’t repeat them!

Laid Out was more than a friends to lover romance, it was a coming of age story blended with a story of forgiveness and acceptance. I absolutely loved this book! It touched my heart in many ways. Sidney Halston can write a book!

Read Laid Out! It can be read in series order or as a stand alone novel.

__________________________________________

Sidney Halston lives her life by one
simple rule: “Just do it.” And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of
thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a
pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first
stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in
South Florida with her husband and children.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | GoodReads

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Overtime by Toni Aleo – Assassins Series – Book 7

Posted on 08/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day!!

Overtime by Toni Aleo

Series: Assassins Series #7

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Down and out with an injury keeping him away from the game, Assassins’ defenseman Jordie Thomas lives for the blades of his skates on the ice and the feeling of oblivion off it. With no choice but to heal, he’s forced away from the sport that runs through his veins. With everything at stake and darkness setting in, he quickly finds himself spiraling even further out of control. As his life begins to come crashing down around him and his contract with the Nashville Assassins on the line, he’s given an ultimatum. Ready or not, Jordie is forced to face his past, the fears that consume him, and the one woman he let walk away.

Kacey King had her professional dreams come true, yet her heart was battered and broken. With an Olympic gold medal around her neck, she’s ready to look forward to the future but without the one man she wanted in it. She’s missing the key pieces of her heart she left months ago with the only person who was capable of destroying it, causing her to falter in all her plans to move on.

>In the game of life, there are winners and losers, and neither Jordie nor Kacey want to be on the losing bench. If only Jordie could convince Kacey he’s a changed man and that he wants her right by his side as his MVP for the biggest and best parts of a life they build together. With emotions running high and the game on the line, can two proud people find happiness with each other, or will their hearts and souls be left in the cold? Will they see that sometimes having someone by your side who knows the good, bad, and broken is better than going it alone and losing everything through the back of the net? They are out of time on the game clock and fighting for the win of their lives.

But overtime was made for an Assassin like Jordie.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

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Excerpt

Jordie Thomas knew he was screwed.

There were two things that he didn’t want, ever, in his life.

Herpes, and to be called into Elli Adler’s office.

Everyone knew that it wasn’t good to be called into the office of the owner of the professional hockey team he played for, the Nashville Assassins. If it was something good, usually she just called to chitchat, as she called it, and dote on her players. But when she called them into her office, ten out of ten times, they were screwed.

And today, Jordie must be screwed.

As his good leg bounced from the nerves, Jordie waited for the door to open to Elli’s office. His shoulders were taut, his other knee ached, and his heart was pounding. Ever since he got the call that she wanted him to fly from Colorado to Nashville for a meeting, he had been replaying every single scenario in his head. He hadn’t been making the greatest decisions lately, and he was pretty damn sure this had to do with his spur-of-the-moment vacation to Louisiana.

He should have just stayed home.

That whole trip was a clusterfuck. That’s the only way he could describe it. He hadn’t acted like himself, he kept trying to forget a certain someone, and he really should have just stayed home and healed. Not only had it pushed him back a week in PT but now he was worried that something he did there may be back to haunt him. As he replayed the weekend, which consisted of a lot of alcohol, a lot of women, and a good long visit in the ER that resulted in even more great sex, he couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary that could have brought him here. Then again, Elli didn’t like when her players’ whore-like tendencies hung out, but still, she usually called and warned them to clean it up.

Hell, he had gotten that call plenty of times. Maybe that’s why he was here? She was done with his ways? Damn it. Hopefully, that wasn’t it though. He was on the road to recovery after a really nasty hit into the boards last year, and nothing was going to keep him off the ice.

Well, except Elli Adler, that is.

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Michel’s Review

I am a huge fan of the Assassin Series by Toni Aleo. This series features a professional hockey team with charismatic players that touch your heart. Overtime is the seventh book in this series and it is another record breaking goal.

I have to say that Overtime was a hard book for me. It deals with alcoholism. Having come from a home affected by this disease I could easily relate to the recovery process and the ongoing battles.Jordie Thomas has been out of the season due to an injury. Hockey is his entire life or so he thinks. Jordie uses his sport as a way of coping with his messed up life. He came from a pretty horrific abusive background. He was grossly neglected. He has a lot of demons that haunt him. Another way Jordie has learned to cope is with liquor, partying, and sex. But this time around his drinking and partying has gotten out of control. His position on the team is at risk unless he gets help. He is forced to go to rehab. He is forced to face his demons. He is forced to face himself. He is forced to admit that he is an alcoholic. He has to make amends and admit he is in deeply love with a woman that he carelessly hurt.

Jordie has realized what he lost when he carelessly let Kacey King go. He convinced himself that he should not be messing around with his best friend’s little sister. He has convinced himself that he isn’t good enough for Kacey. Deep down he loves her with his entire heart and soul.

Once Jordie goes through rehab and faced his demons he realizes that he needs to get Kacey back in his life. He wants to be a better man for her. He wants to love her with his entire being. He wants her to be his future. He will have to prove he is worthy of this woman.

The meat of this story is Jordie’s journey. Admitting to being an alcoholic is the hardest step. Learning to forgive himself and accept his mistakes is hard. As we all know there are 12 Steps to becoming sober. It was heartbreaking and uplifting witnessing Jordie go through this journey. He had a very solid support system along the way. His sincerity was commendable.

Kacey on the other hand was a hard pill to swallow. She came across as a needy, immature, and self centered woman. She was so wrapped up in how Jordie hurt her that she forgot what made her fall in love with him. Once she found out Jordie was on the road to recovery she was not as supportive as she should of been. She was very insecure and insanely jealous. That is the last thing a recovering alcoholic needs. I felt like she needed therapy herself. She definitely needed to be in the Al-anon program in order to support Jordie the way he needed to.

I wish we could of seen more of their previous relationship to understand their deep love for one another. I had a hard time grasping their love. This book was very focused on the issues and I felt the couple lost some of their magical chemistry we look for in romance. The deal breaker that kept me from giving this a five star review was Kacey. She was just too much.

Toni Aleo tackled a very difficult subject and made it real in this book. I have to commend her with delivery of this story.

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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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