Happy Release: Treble Maker by Annabeth Albert – Perfect Harmony Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Treble Maker

Perfect Harmony Series – Book 1

By Annabeth Albert

Synopsis

On Perfect Harmony, the ambitious competitors heat things up on stage and off…
Cody Rivers is determined to be a rock star, but couch-surfing between bar shows gets old fast. Joining an a cappella group for a new singing competition show could be his last chance at real fame—unless the college boy from the heart of the country messes it up for him. Lucas Norwood is everything gothy, glittery Cody is not—conservative, clean-cut, and virginal. But when a twist in the show forces them together, even the sweetest songs get steamy as the attraction between them lights up the stage. Lucas wants to take it slow, but Cody’s singing a different tune—and this time it maybe a love song…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
The cover displays an eye-catching, colored background with a male model in the foreground in black and white. In the heat of the PITCH PERFECT craze, Ms Albert makes a smart choice to utilize the competitive a cappella world to her favor.
Looking Deeper:
Boy, I have giving critical reviews, but I fear this one was not one of my favorites and I am so sorry to say so as I’ve really liked the other books I’ve read by this author.
Third person POV. Taking you behind the scenes of a reality TV talent competition, not unlike “The Sing-Off”, the story focuses on two young gay men who start out as each other’s competition but become much more. There’s a lot of drama and chaos, as one would expect, in a setting such as this. This story is nothing like the more-mature settings and characters from Ms. Albert’s Portland Heat series; the angst and drama are exhausting at times. It was quite difficult to connect with the street-wise and emotionally hardened fame-hungry Cody, or with the overly innocent and sheltered, wholesome naive college boy, Lucas. The chemistry between them felt disconnected and, at times, even forced. There were a plethora of secondary characters, some no more than filler while others made a strong contribution. Dialogue was decent. Interaction was mostly good, although there was plenty of awkwardness. The plot had a lot of potential and a unique behind-the-scenes perspective that lent credibility and realism to the competition scenes. This one read real slow to me, like trudging through molasses; I think, because I could not connect with the lead characters but I could not find any fault in the writing style and pace set forth. There were several conflicts that were resolved in ways that I can’t necessarily agree with for a long-term solution, but apparently in the land of fiction all works out well in the end. Predictability was low and the conclusion was solid. Maybe someone younger would enjoy the book more, but it was mediocre to me – which again, I truly apologize for saying.

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Author Bio:

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : Omega by Jasinda Wilder – Alpha Series – Book 3

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Omega

Alpha Series – Book 3

By Jasinda Wilder

Synopsis

When you make an enemy of a man like Vitaly Karahalios, there is nowhere on earth you can go to escape his wrath. He’ll find you. He found me, he found Roth. He found Layla.

He found us, and now the unthinkable has happened. Someone I love has been kidnapped.

Again.

This isn’t a fairy tale.

Not everyone will get a happily ever after.

Sometimes we can’t just walk away from the past.

Love doesn’t always save the day.

The beast won’t always get his beauty.

But maybe, just maybe we can get our happy ending.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Omega cannot be read as a stand alone romance. It must be read in series order.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Omega by Jasinda Wilder. Omega is the third book in the Alpha series. This series is a combination of erotica, sensual romance, romantic suspense, and dark thrillers. Each book has changed the direction of the series and added multiple layers of intrigue and suspense while maintaining the sensual erotic relationship between Kyrie and Roth. The third book, Omega, added another layer and another sensual romance between Harris and Layla while still giving Kyrie and Roth their happily ever after. Omega is my favorite book in this series!

In the previous books, Alpha and Beta, Roth and Kyrie’s world went from erotic intrigue to an action packed dark thriller. Due to Roth’s past dealings as an arms dealer on the black market he made some powerful enemies. When they killed Vitaly’s , the most powerful player, psychotic daughter; they started a war. A war they could not win. Vitaly has more power, more men, and more resources. He has a reputation to protect. The only way to keep his throne in the underworld is to destroy Roth, Kyrie, and anyone that has any connections to them. Roth and Kyrie are on the run. It will be up to Harris to save them all. Harris is the man for the job. He is the true Alpha in this series. Every Alpha needs a mate and Kyrie’s wild and crazy best friend Layla is the perfect woman to tame Nicolas Harris, Alpha extraordinaire.

Harris is in for an adventure that his special ops training never prepared him for. Layla is going to capture his heart and claim his soul. She is the perfect partner to stand by his side when facing the most brutal enemy. She will kick ass, take names, and rock Harris’s world at the same time.

Layla is my favorite heroine that Jasinda Wilder has created. I think I have a major girl crush on this woman. She’s strong, resourceful, intelligent, fun, and downright sexy. Harris is one of the sexiest heroes to grace Jasinda’s pages. This strong silent man doesn’t have to say more than three words before your panties are dropping.

And finally, Kyrie and Roth are just as hot for each other as they have been in the previous books. They are finally going to get their happily ever after.

I loved Omega. It was the perfect ending to this exceptional series!

Read the Alpha series by Jasinda Wilder.

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The Alpha Series

Alpha – Book 1

The first time it happened, it seemed like an impossible miracle. Bills were piling up, adding up to more money than I could ever make. Mom’s hospital bills. My baby brother’s tuition. My tuition. Rent. Electricity. All of it on my shoulders. And I had just lost my job. There was no hope, no money in my account, no work to be found. And then, just when I thought all hope was lost, I found an envelope in the mail. No return address. My name on the front, my address. Inside was a check, made out to me, in the amount of ten thousand dollars. Enough to pay the bills and leave me some left over to live on until I found a job. Enough to let me focus on classes. There was no name on the check, just “VRI Inc.,” and a post office box address for somewhere in the city. No hint of identity or reason for the check or anything. No mention of repayment, interest, nothing…except a single word, on the notes line: “You.” Just those three letters.

If you receive a mysterious check, for enough money to erase all your worries, would you cash it?

I did.

The next month, I received another check, again from VRI Incorporated. It too contained a single word: “belong.”

A third check, the next month. This time, two words. Four letters. “To me.”

The checks kept coming. The notes stopped. Ten thousand dollars, every month. A girl gets used to that, real quick. It let me pay the bills without going into debt. Let me keep my baby brother in school and Mom’s hospice care paid for. How do you turn down what seems like free money, when you’re desperate? You don’t. I didn’t.

And then, after a year, there was a knock on my door. A sleek black limousine sat on the curb in front of my house. A driver stood in front of me, and he spoke six words: “It’s time to pay your debt.”

Would you have gotten in?

I did.

It turns out $120,000 doesn’t come free.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Beta – Book 2

Roth and I are on an open-ended tour of the world. Roth being Roth, this means missionary in Morocco, reverse cowgirl in Calcutta, bent over the bow of a houseboat in Hanoi, slow and sleepy on St. John. Anywhere and everywhere, in every conceivable position, and some I didn’t know were possible.

Life was pretty incredible.

Until I woke up in his chateau in France, alone. On the bed next to me was a note. There were only four words:

He belongs to me.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Omega – Book 3

When you make an enemy of a man like Vitaly Karahalios, there is nowhere on earth you can go to escape his wrath. He’ll find you. He found me, he found Roth. He found Layla.

He found us, and now the unthinkable has happened. Someone I love has been kidnapped.

Again.

This isn’t a fairy tale.

Not everyone will get a happily ever after.

Sometimes we can’t just walk away from the past.

Love doesn’t always save the day.

The beast won’t always get his beauty.

But maybe, just maybe we can get our happy ending.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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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 + Giveaway : Dare To Rock by Carly Phillips – Dare To Love Series – Book 7

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Dare To Rock

Dare To Love Series – Book 7

By Carly Phillips

Synopsis

Avery Dare lives a quiet life in Miami as an online fashion/makeup video blogger. She has good friends, a close, large family and if her love life is lacking, she likes it that way. But when she receives an invitation to one of her ex’s concerts along with an invitation to meet him back stage, she decides to take the risk… and comes face to face with the reality of his rock star lifestyle – the press, the crowds, and the half-naked groupies.

At eighteen, Grey Kingston left everything he knew and loved behind to seek fame and fortune as a rock star, and he found it as the lead guitarist and singer for the band, Tangled Royal. Fans adore him, women throw themselves at him, and he can afford everything he couldn’t growing up. Yet at the height of his career, he’s ready to walk away and return home to a simpler life… and the woman he left behind, if he can convince her to give him another chance.

Except moving on isn’t as easy as Grey would like. When Avery is threatened by a stalker, it becomes evident Grey’s fans not only don’t want him to retire, they don’t want Avery in his life either. And Avery isn’t sure she wants the pressures that are part of Grey’s life… but she doesn’t want to lose him again, either. Can their recently renewed love survive the fallout?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Sweat poured off Grey Kingston’s body, and his heart beat a too-rapid rhythm, the high and adrenaline rush from his performance still pulsing through his veins as he walked into the lounge backstage. He pulled off his soaked shirt and tossed it onto the floor, grateful for the stocked room and waiting pile of towels. He grabbed one and dried his face and hair, deliberately trying to slow his breathing.

The sound of Tangled Royal fans stomping their feet and demanding an encore echoed through the walls, but the band had performed their final set. Even as his pulse still soared.

He glanced toward the door. “Did she pick up the ticket?” Grey asked Simon Colson, their manager, who was busy texting on his phone.

“What? Who?” Simon, ever the well-dressed Brit, shoved his phone into his trouser pocket. No jeans for him. “Good show,” he said to Grey and the rest of the band, ignoring Grey’s question.

Lola Corbin, their lead singer and Grey’s best friend, was still bouncing in her heels, not yet coming down from their shared high either. “We did rock it,” she said, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder.

Milo Davis, their bassist, grunted something and fell into a chair in the corner. Grey narrowed his gaze. Milo barely had the energy for a full concert these days, and that worried him.

But right now Grey had bigger concerns and turned to Simon. “I asked you if Avery Dare picked up the VIP tickets I told you to leave at the box office.”

Simon shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you.”

Grey scowled at his manager’s I don’t give a shit tone. More and more lately, Simon’s lack of consideration about what the band members wanted grated on Grey’s nerves. Lola might be considering using him for her solo career, but anything Grey did going forward wouldn’t be with the man.

At least he’d indicated he had left the tickets. He’d be out of a job if he screwed with Grey on this. “Fucking find out.”

“What’s so special about this piece of ass?” Simon barely got the words out because Grey grabbed him by his collared shirt and pinned him up against the wall.

“Talk about her like that again and you’re done.”

“Whoa.” Lola put her petite body between them, pushing Grey away from their manager. “Everyone breathe,” she muttered. “You. Go take a walk and calm down before your company shows up,” she ordered Grey.

He stormed off, missing whatever lecture she gave to Simon next.

Though the man had done his job well, helping maneuver Tangled Royal to the elusive top of the charts, he cared about the bottom line and not much else. Especially not the fact that Tangled Royal was more than a band, people with real feelings, issues, and lives. No wonder Simon didn’t believe how serious both Grey and Lola were about changing their futures.

Danny Bills, their drummer, already had a wife and two daughters who lived in L.A. He was ready for home time, and everyone knew it. Milo was another story. If he didn’t stop the drugs, he wouldn’t have a future.

As for Grey, he hoped for more than the travel and fame that had been so important to him way back when. He hoped for her.

His eyes flickered to the door. No sign of Avery. He tipped his head back, wondering if she’d come backstage or ignore the invitation … and him. His stomach gripped painfully at the thought of not seeing her again. She was the one person who not only understood the loner musician he’d been as a teen but who’d grounded him when he’d threatened to spiral. With her soft voice, that thick mane of dark hair, and those lavender-like eyes, she’d burrowed someplace deep inside him. Still, she hadn’t been enough to hold him, not when fame, fortune, and the need to be something more lived within him.

But it was Avery whose face he saw in the nameless women he’d fucked over the years. Avery whose belief in him kept him going when times were hard. Funny how that worked. He wondered if she’d thought of him over the years and if she was as hyped up about possibly seeing him again now.

Tracey’s Review

Grey Kingston is every girl’s fantasy. The lead singer of Tangled Royal, he’s got the fame and the name to prove to himself and everyone else that he has what it takes to be a success. Avery Dare is the girl that Grey left behind. But now he’s back and determined to show her that he’s worth a second chance.

I love the DARE series by Carly Phillip. DARE TO ROCK, the seventh book in the series, is just as delicious as the previous ones. I love the whole convoluted Dare family history, and have enjoyed getting to know each of the members. As one of Robert Dare’s children, Avery knows what it’s like to be in the public eye. Forced at a young age to deal with her father’s fallibility, it has taken Avery a long time to recognize her own worth. When Grey returns to Miami and wants to start their relationship where they left off, Avery is not sure that she can trust him. But Grey will do anything to prove to her that he’s finished with the life of a rock star, and that his future is with her.

I really like Grey and Avery. He’s aware of the mistakes that he’s made, and is ready to step up and make amends. He’s smart, sexy, genuine, and very much in love with Avery. He’s also not afraid to stand up to her very alpha brothers, which is nice to see. And Avery has overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where she is. She recognizes the things holding her back, and really takes strides to overcome them so that she can be who she wants to be, and so that she can be with Grey.

DARE TO ROCK is a speedy read, entertaining, and full of memorable moments with the Dares. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series. 5 ‘hot rock star boyfriend’ stars for this one. Read these books!

___________________________________

About Carly Phillips:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites …

Find Carly Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

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Cover Reveal + Giveaway : Wrath by LP Lovell and Stevie J. Cole – Wrong Series -Book 2

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: Wrath

Series: Wrong #2

Authors: LP Lovell & Stevie J. Cole

Cover Design: SM Piper

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Pre Order: Amazon

Blurb

Tor

Jude Pearson could just as well kill me as kiss me most days. He was my captor, my living hell, and yet, he became my saviour, my heart. Stupid. He’s heartless, conditioned to feel nothing, and so I ran… straight into the clutches of his enemy. Joe Campbell wants Jude to suffer, and I just became a pawn in a very dangerous game.Joe has broken me in every way, everything that I once was stripped away, and in it’s place is festering hatred and a rage so cold I feel nothing else. I have one purpose. Revenge.

Jude

Love makes you weak, it makes you irrational. She was collateral, completely innocent when she was unwillingly dragged into my corrupt world. With the damage I’d already caused her, I couldn’t let her love me, so I let her go, and now…he has her.

No matter where she is, she will always be mine. This man has taken every-fucking-thing from me, and he has the last thing that matters to me. I will kill him. Slowly. Joe Campbell better run because the devil is fucking coming for him.

Sometimes two wrongs can make a right.

Rage.

Hate.

Revenge.

Our Wrath binds us, but it may also break us.

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LP Lovell

Lauren Lovell is an indie author from England. She suffers from a total lack of brain to mouth filter and is the friend you have to explain before you introduce her to anyone, and apologise for afterwards.

She’s a self-confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy.

Author Links

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Stevie J. Cole

Stevie J. Cole is a secret rock star. Sex, drugs and, oh wait, no, just sex. She’s a whore for a British accent and has an unhealthy obsession with Russell Brand. She and LP plan to elope in Vegas and breed the world’s most epic child.

Author Links

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: All Wound Up by Jaci Burton – Play by Play Series – Book 10

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

All Wound Up

Play by Play Series – Book 10

By Jaci Burton

Synopsis

In the latest Play-by-Play novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Quarterback Draw, a sexy baseball player is done striking out…

Tucker Cassidy is going through a slump—both with his curveball and in his dating life. After having a painful altercation involving his ex-girlfriend’s knee, the professional baseball player is convinced things couldn’t get worse…until a gorgeous doctor comes to the rescue at his most embarrassing moment.

As the daughter of the owner of the St. Louis Rivers major league baseball team, Dr. Aubry Ross has been around jocks all her life. She knows the ins and outs of all their games, and she isn’t interested in playing.

When Tucker repeatedly lands in the hospital where she’s working, Aubry starts to think he’s getting injured just to see her. Tucker is both funny and sexy, and Aubry is pleasantly surprised to discover he actually respects her job.

But when her father disapproves of their relationship, will Tucker let threats of a trade get in the way of a game-changing love?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

All Wound Up is the tenth book in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. This is one of my favorite sports romance series and it never fails to disappoint. Jaci Burton has this special magic that brings her characters to life. The added bonus that features a professional athlete makes this series score high.

Tucker Cassidy is the sexy pitcher for the Rivers. While he is fantastic on the mound he is not so successful in the romance field. It becomes quite obvious when he tries to let his ex girlfriend down at a party and ends up with a knee to the groin. Rather than making a quick exit, he is singing soprano. A man’s worst nightmare and greatest pain. When the lovely doctor checks him out and declares his bat & balls are in order, he is smitten. The only problem is Aubrey is the team owner’s daughter. Between her father and her career, she seems like the impossible catch.

Aubrey is very focused on her career. She’s really not interested in dating. She is determined and very smart. To top it off, she’s quick witted and knows how to handle a player. When her friends encourage her to give Tucker a chance, she reluctantly does. She is in for a whole new game and her focus is going somewhere unexpected.

Aubrey and Tucker had a magical chemistry. Between their hilarious banter and red hot chemistry the reader is counting every play. Both are dedicated to their careers but need something more. They need each other for completion.

I fell head over heels in love with Tucker. He had a quirky sense of humor and creative dating skills. A guy who is willing to take a girl to a cooking class on a date because they are both cooking impaired is truly one of a kind.

This book has the right amount of humor, sexual tension, relationship tension, and steamy romance. Jaci Burton has a way of bringing her characters to life. They jump off the pages into the readers hearts.

I can’t wait to see who’s on deck in the next Play by Play book.

I highly recommend All Wound Up by Jaci Burton. It can be read as a stand alone novel.

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Author Bio:

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 60 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline, she can usually be found trying to convince her husband to remodel some room or another in their house (she blames HGTV for this). She loves gardening, sports, casinos and getting lost in a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.

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Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Leylah Attar and her new book THE PAPER SWAN! Enjoy a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! This is a MUST READ to add to your TBR!

♥ Buy the Book ♥

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They say it takes 21 days to form a habit.

They lie.

For 21 days she held on.

But on Day 22, she would have given anything for the sweet slumber of death.

Because on Day 22, she realizes that her only way out means certain death for one of the two men she loves.

A haunting tale of passion, loss, and redemption, The Paper Swan is a darkly intense yet heartwarming love story, textured with grit, intrigue, and suspense. Please note: This is NOT a love triangle.

A full-length, standalone novel, intended for mature audiences due to violence, sex and language. Subject matter may be disturbing for some readers.

Robin’s Review

I began reading The Paper Swan during my 30-minute lunch break at work. Sitting at my desk, in amongst my fellow employees, the noise and talking, my attention was solely focused on the pages of The Paper Swan. It’s violent. More intense than watching a movie, Leylah Attar gets into your head with her words and plays on your fears. The Paper Swan begins with eyes-wide-open terror – the inconceivable fear of a woman who has been abducted. Leylah Attar immediately grabbed my attention with the scattered, panic-stricken thoughts of twenty-three-year-old Skye Sedgewick. She is at the mercy of her abductor. Unable to see who he is, her imagination runs wild. Who would do this to her? And to what end? It’s probably one of the best starts to a novel that I have ever read.

The Paper Swan is an epic tale about friendship, betrayal, vengeance, family and love. Despite the differences of their station in life, Esteban and Skye are the close childhood friends. Their parents shield them from the harsh realities of the Sinaloa cartel while they spend lazy, sultry days at Casa Paloma. Childhood memories are a respite from the violent beginning to The Paper Swan. Recollections of lullabies sung by MaMaLu, origami animals hand-crafted by Esteban, and bedtime stories, including one about a magic swan that graces the grounds of Casa Paloma, the villa owned by Warren Sedgewick. But as The Paper Swan progresses, Esteban and Skye’s young friendship morphs from something of pure innocence to a story about vengeance, of retribution, and we are introduced to Damian Caballero.

The Paper Swan is to be savored, like a Cuban cigar or the finest wine. This romantic suspense novel is powerful, enchanting, vibrant and poetic. Leylah Attar is an artistic author. Her words are colorful, her writing unconventional. She knows just which words to use to convey the feeling of a scene, to give a reader the maximum effect. Attar intersperses scenes of both past and present, mixing in beauty, darkness and suspense. She sprinkles in bits of humor to soften the blow of fear. We are able to sense real character development in Skye and Damian. They are each on a journey as they face the demons of their past, and their story comes full circle. The Paper Swan is a lovely book, one of the best that I have read so far this year. There have been so many wonderful books published this year, but in my opinion, The Paper Swan truly is in the top tier of books for 2015. I’m awarding Leylah Attar 6 stars for The Paper Swan!

Leylah Attar writes stories about love – shaken, stirred and served with a twist. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing her other passions: photography, food, family and travel. Sometimes she disappears into the black hole of the internet, but can usually be enticed out with chocolate.

Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Strong Enough by M. Leighton – Tall, Dark, and Dangerous Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

StrongEnough-LaunchPostHeader

Now available: Strong Enough, the first book in the Tall, Dark, and Dangerous trilogy†by M. Leighton! A dark and sexy read in the style of the bestselling Bad Boys novels.

Get it on Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add it on Goodreads

How would I describe myself? Well, Iím Muse Harper. Iím a twenty-something painter who loves red wine, quirky movies, and men with a fatal flaw. But that was before I met Jasper King. He became my fatal flaw. Eight months ago, I had a choice to makeóabandon everything Iíve ever known to protect my family, or stay and risk someone getting hurt. I chose the former. My plan was working just fine until I found out my father had gone missing.

Thatís when I met Jasper. A bounty hunter with the eyes of a tiger and the nose of a bloodhound, he was supposed to help me find my father. What I didnít know was that meeting him was no accident. Hunting people isnít all that Jasper does. And helping me was only part of his plan. I just wish Iíd found out sooner, before my heart got involved. But even then, I donít know if Iíd have done things differently.

Now, I have another choice to makeótrust the man that Iím falling in love with and hope that heíll do the right thing, or run as far away from him as I can get. And is he strong enough to let her?

Is she strong enough to trust the most dangerous man sheís ever met? And is he strong enough to let her?†

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Tracey’s Review

“You’re the only thing I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember. And the one thing I can’t have.”

Jasper King is like no one that Muse has ever met. Sweeping in with his tiger eyes and raw strength, he is a man of secrets and silence. The two of them will change each other in ways that neither ever expected.

Oh, how I love Michelle Leighton. She infuses her books with so much feeling, with heart and soul. And Michelle’s men, well, I haven’t met one that I don’t love. So, enter Jasper King. This man, this self-contained multi-layered man, has absolutely stolen my heart. From the moment I met him in the heartbreaking prologue, I was in love. The product of a horrific past, Jasper has fashioned himself into someone that knows no fear. He’s the one that gets things done, tying up loose ends so that others don’t have to. When he meets Muse, the attraction is immediate, the chemistry between the two unmistakeable. But Jasper is certain that he has nothing to offer Muse because of who he is.

“I’m doing you a favor, Muse. You don’t want to get to know me.”
“Maybe I do. You can’t possibly know that.”
“Maybe I don’t want you to,” I confess quietly.”
I hear her huff of frustration before she flounces back in her seat, crossing her arms stiffly over her chest and turning to stare out the window.
She’s better off not knowing me. She just doesn’t know it.

STRONG ENOUGH is an action-packed thrill ride, as Jasper does his best to protect Muse from an unknown threat, and to fight his ever-growing feelings for her. Michelle had me flipping pages furiously, swept up in the intrigue of the story, and bowled over by the absolutely combustible moments between these two. I mean, I am talking the kind of heat that jumps off the page. And the feels, this book’s got them in spades. Bottom line, I love these characters, I love their story, and, heck, yes, you need to read this one now. 5 ‘dark, delicious, heartbreaking, heartwarming, add this to your TBR now’ stars.

“Jasper, I love you. I’ve loved you from the second you walked into my life. And I never stopped. Not for one minute. Nothing else matters. Nothing. And no one. All I want, all I need is you. Just you…”

(P.S. And, hot guy friend alert, the next book in the Tall, Dark, and Dangerous series, TOUGH ENOUGH, is out this fall, and I cannot wait to read it!)

Michel’s Review

Strong Enough by M. Leighton was fantastic. This action packed thriller was not only loaded with suspense but delivered a red hot romance that will leave the readers swooning. I was held hostage by this book until the very last page. The thrilling part is that this book is the beginning of a new series that is going to have the readers counting the days for the next release.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author M. Leighton is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

Find her on Facebook | Twitter | Website

Make sure to sign up for her newsletter, and get access to exclusive giveaways, contests, swag, and new release notifications!

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

Posted on 08/03/2015 by shellbellereads

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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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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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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.

Happy Release: Torn Hearts by Claire Contreras

Posted on 07/31/2015 by shellbellereads

Torn Hearts

By Claire Contreras

Free, free, FREE! Torn Hearts follows Mia and Jensen’s story in the beginning. Like many of our own stories, theirs is not complete. Their story will continue in Paper Hearts releasing September 10th!

Start Mia & Jensen’s Story for FREE at the following retailers:

Synopsis

I met a boy once.

He made my heart go into a frenzy every time he looked at me, and my knees go weak whenever he touched me. Our love was so beautiful that even its demise was bittersweet.

I met a girl once.

Her world, full of possibilities, made me feel like even I had a chance at being someone. She believed in me. She loved me. We were so secure, that even our breaking point seemed hazy.

Until we reached it.

Buy: Amazon / ITunes

Author Bio:

Claire Contreras graduated with her BA in Psychology from Florida International University. She lives in Miami, FL with her husband, two little boys, and three dogs.

Her favorite past times are: daydreaming, writing, and reading. She has been described as a random, sarcastic, crazy girl with no filter. Life is short, and it’s more bitter than sweet, so she tries to smile as often as her face allows. She enjoys stories with happy endings, because life is full of way too many unhappy ones.

She is currently working on the second novel in her series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

The Forever Family Box Set by Trudy Stiles

Posted on 07/31/2015 by shellbellereads

Trudy Stiles is a New Adult author, mom to two beautiful children, and married to the love of her life. She’s the author of the bestselling Forever Family series including “Dear Emily,” “Dear Tabitha,” and now “Dear Juliet.” She plans to write many more stories about some of the characters you’ve already met, and maybe a few new ones. The Epic Fail series will begin in the Fall of 2015.

Trudy is a music junkie and you’ll know that she’s writing when you see her plugged into her laptop with her earbuds in. Her playlist is unique and is a must for her writing sprints.

When she’s not writing, she’s carting her children to their various activities while avoiding any kind of laundry or housework. She also loves to run along the boardwalk of the beautiful New Jersey shore.

She celebrates Wine Wednesday almost every day.

Email: authortrudystiles@gmail.com

Website: http://trudystiles.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortrudystiles

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/trudy_stiles

Twitter: @trudystiles

Instagram: https://instagram.com/trudystiles/

Saucy Southern Readers

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Category Archives: Book Review

Happy Release: Treble Maker by Annabeth Albert – Perfect Harmony Series – Book 1

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : Omega by Jasinda Wilder – Alpha Series – Book 3

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Dare To Rock by Carly Phillips – Dare To Love Series – Book 7

Cover Reveal + Giveaway : Wrath by LP Lovell and Stevie J. Cole – Wrong Series -Book 2

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: All Wound Up by Jaci Burton – Play by Play Series – Book 10

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Strong Enough by M. Leighton – Tall, Dark, and Dangerous Series – Book 1

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

Happy Release: Torn Hearts by Claire Contreras

The Forever Family Box Set by Trudy Stiles

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