Excerpt Reveal 2: Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey

Posted on 06/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Up In Smoke

Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

By Tessa Bailey

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Synopsis

Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin “she’s getting away” O’Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that’s it. When she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Connor broke away, allowing them both to suck in oxygen. “Stay. I’m sorry. Stay.” He bent his knees to bring them eye to eye. His spoke of torture, but he was trying to hide it. “Look at me. I can handle this. I want you here. Don’t leave.”

“I don’t know if I can handle it,” she whispered.

His heavy breaths ceased. “What do you mean?”

She drew out a lighter from her back pocket and ignited the flame. It cleared her head a little, allowing her to search for the right words. Words that wouldn’t sound crazy. “I like touching you. It makes me feel really…good. And there isn’t a whole lot that makes me feel good, you know?” Her throat closed up. “I wish you could touch me, too. I don’t think I can stay here knowing I’m hurting you by making myself feel good…and I don’t think I can stop touching you. It feels like a must.”

A flare of panic flashed across his face. “I shouldn’t have said what I did earlier. You just caught me off guard.” He massaged his forehead with four fingers. “Did I scare you? Is that why you’re really leaving?”

“No.” She shook her head. “No.”

“Okay. Jesus. Okay.” He was silent a moment, but gears were turning behind his eyes. “You need to touch me and I need you to stay. Let’s give each other what we need. All right?”

Why was this so damn confusing? She’d only met this man yesterday and they were already tangled up [Edc1] in her web of fucked-up [Edc2] issues. He should want to be clear of her, shouldn’t he? No one else had ever bothered with her this long before. “Why? Why do you need me to stay? I—”

“I won’t rest,” he growled. “I’ll think about you somewhere, scared like you were last night, and I’ll go fucking crazy.”

Her heart lurched, dislodging her pride. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. If the only reason you want me here is to play nursemaid to the crazy girl, that’s not going to work for me.”

“You know there’s more to it. You know.” He visibly centered himself with a deep breath, appearing to debate with himself. “I’ve got my own skeletons, Erin. They don’t rattle so much when you’re around. Your touching me…it makes me hot. But it soothes elsewhere.”

She knew her expression was pathetically hopeful, but couldn’t find a single shit to give. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he repeated. “I’m not going to lie, Erin. Yes, I want to sleep with you like hell. But only if it’s healthy. Would you trust me enough to go slow? A little at a time?”

Her pulse hammered out of control. “You touching me?”

Connor watched her closely. “When you’re ready. Not before. Never before.”

This is where she should climb down the fire escape and vamoose toward the street. A weight pressed down on her rib cage, making it difficult to draw a breath. It felt like the point of no return. But Connor’s eyes grounded her.

Safe. He’s safe.

“Okay, baby. Slow.”

His body drained of tension. “Thank you.” He leaned in and brushed their lips together, gently, reverently. “First, we talk.”

About Tessa Bailey

Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + Review: The Art of Deception: Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards

Posted on 06/19/2015 by shellbellereads

The Fine Art of Deception

Undoing Time

A Paranormal Romance Mystery

By Alyssa Richards

Synopsis

Art appraiser Adeline Montgomery just wants a normal life. One where she can ignore the vicious ghosts who follow her. One where she’s free from her “gift” of touching an object and seeing the owner’s deepest secrets. And one where she can fall in love without having all of the above get in the way.

But when tall, dark, and dangerous gallery owner Blake Greenwood enters her life, normal is the last thing she’s feeling. The man has more secrets than the priceless art he sells, giving Adeline’s quest for normal no chance. That, and he may just hold the key to uncovering the truth behind her father’s unexplained disappearance.

Despite her paranormal gifts warning her to stay away, she feels an inexplicable, captivating fascination for him, something that goes deeper than attraction. There’s something between them that’s older than time, and if she can learn to give him her trust, it may just save her life.

Buy: Amazon

Michel’s Review

The Fine Art of Deception : Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards was a fantastic debut. This book had mystery, suspense, crime, the paranormal- physic element, romance, and red hot passion. It was well written. The plot was well executed and the book flowed flawlessly. I was hooked in the first chapter.

Addie has gone to work in her father’s art company. As an appraiser, she is looking to incorporate her “gift” with her passion for art. She is hoping that through the artwork can she not only get the value of the piece but also the artist perspective and vision through her “gift”.

When her father and grandfather have disappeared from the firm while working on a business deal. Addie’s gift may be able to help her solve the mystery of their disappearance. When she meets the mysterious art dealer, she is hoping that her gift can help connect him to their disappearance. The problem is that her gift does not work on him at all. Soon they are both caught in a web of deception, lies, and danger. They must work together to uncover the truth.

Revelations will be made. Addie will have to decide if she can trust Blake or if he is the real culprit behind their disappearances.

This book was loaded with mystery and suspense. The plot was well executed and kept me on the edge of my seat. The sizzling passionate scenes between Addie and Blake were red hot.

The Art of Deception by Alyssa Richards was the perfect blend of several genres in one book. I highly recommend this book.

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Author Bio:

Alyssa Richards is new to the fiction genre and has just finished her first provocative fiction novel. She’s passionate about reading, writing, meditating, magnolias, and nurturing her herb and rose garden. She loves to travel, whenever she gets the rare and precious opportunity. She also loves animals and holds the world record for taking two adorable pups from homeless to pampered. She lives in the South with her husband, two great kids and the three very spoiled, rescue dogs who run the house.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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5 Star Review: Beat by Vi Keeland

Posted on 06/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Throb

Release Date: June 15, 2015

By Vi Keeland

Synopsis

Dimpled smile of a boy
Hard body of a man
Sings like an angel
Fucks like the devil

I was stuck between a rock(star) and a hard place.

At fifteen, his poster hung on my bedroom wall. At twenty-five his body hovered over mine. Every girl’s fantasy became my reality. I was dating a rockstar. Yet I was slowly falling for another man. The problem was—the two men—they shared a tour bus.

Flynn Beckham was the opening act.
Dylan Ryder was the headliner.

What happens when the opening act begins to shine so bright, it seems to dim everything else in its wake?

I’ll tell you what happens. Things get ugly.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Despite the fact that Lucky had just casually mentioned that the lobby lounge serves coffee beginning at six a.m., I’m pretty sure of myself that she’ll be down there. But when I step off the elevator, the lobby is quiet. Empty. The coffee urns are just being set up in the lounge. I pour two mugs, make them just as we like it, and settle on one of the couches on the far side of the room where it’s private, yet I can still keep an eye on the door.

I grab a newspaper and begin to flip through to kill time. Then my eyes catch a pair of pink-painted toes in flip-flops. I don’t know why, but it’s in this moment that I realize, I’m fucked.

The sight of her toes makes me smile.

I’m falling for another guy’s girl. Something I promised myself I’d never do.

But then I reason with myself. I haven’t done anything wrong. Thinking a woman is beautiful and spending time with her doesn’t have to turn into anything, right? They’re just toes after all. But look how cute they are. I’ve never been a foot guy, yet I wouldn’t mind sucking… Stop. Just stop. We’re just friends.

Because I’ve been friends with so many hot women in the past and not fucked them? Yep. I’m screwed. I need to get the hell out of here.

“Good morning,” she whispers and smiles down at me. My eyes lazily travel up from her toes.

I’m totally not going anywhere.

I hold up her mug of coffee. And then I realize she still has the thin shirt she wears to sleep on and I’m eye-level with the sexiest taut nipples I’ve ever seen.

Screw sucking her toes… “Certainly is.” I grin.

Michel’s Review

Readers are ready for the Rock Star Romance of Summer 2015 ? Look no further and download Beat by Vi Keeland. This book is guaranteed to rock your socks off!

Readers met Flynn Beckham, the up and coming rock star, in Throb. We got a glimpse of what a cool guy Flynn was but it was only a small taste of who he is. Beat will have you swooning over Flynn, tossing your panties on stage, and stalking his shows. He is the real deal with a heart of gold and pure soul. He’s not your tortured and misunderstood rock star. He’s not the typical manwhore that does a different groupie every night even though the opportunities are there. He’s a genuine musician that is just as comfortable singing songs from “Frozen” as he is singing hardcore rock and roll. He loves fiercely and is not afraid to show his emotions. He’s as dedicated to the ones he loves as he is to his music. He is the perfect Rock God.

Flynn Beckham and his band In With Flynn are offered the opportunity of a lifetime that could make their career sky rocket. They are going to be touring with one of the most successful bands in the industry as an opening act on the second half of their tour.

An accidental meeting in a popular karaoke bar will set Flynn Beckham on a new path that could ultimately make or break his career. When he meets the sexy bartender, Lucky, his interest is sparked. When he finds out that Lucky is the girlfriend of the lead singer in the headlining band that he is going to be touring with, he is beyond disappointed. When that same girlfriend ends up being the voice coach that the record company wants him to work with he begins to believe fate may be on his side. When the plans for the tour change and he is brought on the replace one of the members in the heading band, he thinks that fate has dealt him a low blow. He is going to be forced to work with his voice coach and be forced to live night and day with her relationship with Dylan Ryder. The one thing Flynn has on his side is that he and Lucky have formed a solid friendship. They have more in common than their work. It doesn’t hurt that Dylan Ryder is a self indulgent prick that is more into his image than he is his woman. Flynn is going to take what he can and run with it.

Four weeks on the tour bus with the woman he’s falling in love with is going to be torture. To make matters worse he will be spending four weeks with the egotistical aging rock star that feels threatened by his musical talent. He’s not only going to steal the spotlight from the aging rock star, he’s going to steal his girl. This tour is either going to make or break his career. This tour is either going to change his life or break his heart. Flynn Beckham is ready to rock the world. Let the show begin!

Vi Keeland has once again written another fantastic book. Her writing talent spins a story that readers quickly become immersed in. The characters come to life and jump off the pages. The reader quickly connects with each and every character and falls in love with them.

I highly recommend Beat! It will rock your heart!

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Throb

By Vi Keeland

Synopsis

The rules:

No dating.

No sex outside of the game.

No disclosing the terms of the contract.

Rules were made to be broken, right?

Eight weeks ago I signed a contract. One that seemed like a good idea at the time. A handsome bachelor, luxury accommodations, and a chance to win a prize my family desperately needed. There were some rules though. Lots of them actually. Follow the script, no dating, sex, or disclosing the terms of the deal. After my self-imposed moratorium on men the last year, it wouldn’t be hard to live up to my end of the bargain…so I thought. Until I realized the deal I’d made was with the devil…and I was in love with his dirty-talking brother.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

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Additional Books by Vi Keeland

MMA Fighter Series

Worth The Fight – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth The Chance – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth Forgiving –Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Cole Series

Belong To You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Made For You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Stand Alone Novels

First Thing I See– Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Left Behind – Amazon / Barnes and Noble

About The Author: Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting New York Times & USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Happy Release + Review : Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward – A Complete Series Review

Posted on 06/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Step F*@k Series

Part One Release Date : June 18, 2015

By Scarlett Ward

NOW AVAILABLE for ONLY $0.99!

Part One Synopsis

That’s all I did. A few too many glasses of wine with my best friend and the bitch convinced me to go on one of those dating websites.

A one-night stand.

A booty call.

And you know what? It.was.amazing.

I spent all night in a sexy stranger’s arms, hot and sweaty, until it was time to sneak out and do the walk of shame back to my apartment.

I never thought I’d see sexy stranger again, and I was totally fine with that – until my mother’s wedding.

She’s getting remarried, see. And sexy stranger just happens to be my new stepbrother.

All the wine in the world isn’t going to make this better.

Excerpt

I’m reaching for a napkin when I see that Jai is on the other side of the table, helping himself to a generous portion of the oysters.

“You know what they say about oysters,” he says. I pretend I didn’t hear him, but when I look over, he’s staring right at me.

“What?” I hiss. “You think you’re being clever? You think you’re going to impress me with that totally unoriginal line, like I’ve never heard that oysters are an aphrodisiac? That’s not why I took some—I happen to like how they taste very much and as a poor college student, I can’t afford to eat like this!”

He’s still staring. At my chest. Then the smirk returns. “Might want to pull up that dress, Janet Jackson.”

“What?” I look down. My left breast has completely popped out of the top of the dress, my nipple there on full display for anyone who happens to be looking. “Shit!” I try to stuff myself back in the dress, dropping the plate of salad and oysters in the process. “Fuck!”

“You know, they’ve got things you can paste on in these sorts of situations.” He reaches over and picks up the wayward oysters and puts them back on my plate.

“I’m not eating those,” I say. “I need to talk to you.”

I wriggle my shoulders and try to get myself as secure in the dress as I can before I hurry around to the other side of the buffet table. “I need to talk to you over here.” We go to the back of the restaurant, near the hallway to the bathroom, and I strategically place myself behind one of the columns that keeps us partially obscured from the rest of the restaurant.

“Imagine meeting you here,” Jai says, a slow grin spreading across his face. “I really had no idea. No idea at all. I knew I was going to be getting some stepsisters out of this blessed union, but I really had no clue—”

“Are you fucking kidding me? You expect me to believe that? You’re a fucking dog. A total fucking asshole.”

“I really do like the scarf. And the dress, too. You should’ve left the tit out. You’ve got great tits, you know.”

“I do NOT want to talk about my tits!”

“That’s certainly not the tune you were singing last night.”

“Do you realize how not funny this is? What a complete disaster this is? OUR PARENTS ARE GETTING MARRIED. That means we’re going to be brother and sister.”

“Step brother and sister. There’s a difference, darling.”

Michel’s Review

Debut Release of the new serial romance by Scarlett Ward is going to appeal to readers that love the forbidden romance. I had the pleasure of receiving ARC copies of all four installments. I was able to read these installments back to back without interruption. This kind of story is very hard to review in each installment, therefore, I am going to give my overall thoughts of the serial as a whole and then lightly break down each installment.

Emma is getting over a bad relationship where she caught her long time boyfriend cheating. She has trust issues and is gun shy about getting back into the dating world. After spending six months single, her roommate encourages her to join an online dating site. That is where she hooks up with Jai.

One wild night of passion leads to more than an awkward morning after. It ends with a viscous bang.

The two will meet up again when they attend their parents pre wedding dinner. This situation goes from awkward to heated in the upcoming wedding celebrations. They can’t keep their hands off of each other. They both fight, misunderstand the other’s intentions, and struggle to figure out how to fit in their new family dynamics.

Each installment ends on a light cliffhanger.

I think this serial should of been one novel. The cliffhangers were not enough to keep the reader dying for more. I found flaws in the family relationships and dynamics that just did not connect leading characters and secondary characters. There was not enough of a build up of sexual tension to validate the romance between the leading characters. It was more of a sex fest in my opinion.

Further more the character development was weak. It was very hard to connect with the characters and understand their drive.

Some may say that it is impossible to develop more when the story is delivered in novella length installments. I say no it is not because I have read so many of these type of serials that leave me aching for more.

I really had high hopes for this serial. Sadly it did not do it for me as a reader.

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Part 1- 3 Stars

Part one covers the meeting between Emma and Jai. It covers their one night stand and disastrous morning after.

This was a good introduction that left me intrigued and curious about what happens next.

Part 2 – 2 Stars

The leading characters, Emma and Jai , meet up once again at their parents pre wedding dinner. They begin hackling each other but at the same time can’t keep their hands off one another.

The reader also gets an introduction to the secondary characters in the story. We meet the family members. I can honestly say I really struggled with the family dynamics that were going on. It felt more like these two were with acquaintances rather than their parents. It was very odd.

Part 3 – 2 Stars

This installment takes the family to the lake house. They have a few days before the wedding to bond before the other guests arrive.

What happens in this installment is like two children in the sandbox fighting over the same toy. These two bicker and irritate the crap out of each other. They still can’t keep their hands off each other. I found these two spent more time sneaking around having sex. I never felt the chemistry between the two. I also never had a grasp on who they were as individuals as well as a couple. Their POV focused more on the sexual relationship rather than the mental relationship.

Once the wedding takes place all hell breaks loose between the two. Assumptions and misunderstandings force Emma to disappear. That disappearance was down right weird and out of the blue.

Part 4- 2 Stars

The conclusion to the story. The reader finds out why Emma disappeared. Which was interesting and believable. But what happens after that was predictable. Emma and Jai do find their happy ending.

Series Reading Order

Part Two

Releasing June 25th

Part Three

Releasing July 3rd

Part Four

Releasing July 10th

Scarlett Ward lives in Los Angeles, California and is releasing her first series June 2015.

Follow Scarlett on Goodreads at: http://bit.ly/1dNiwHz

6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Excerpt + Giveaway: Song of David by Amy Harmon

Posted on 06/17/2015 by shellbellereads

The Song of David

By Amy Harmon

Release Date: June 15, 2015

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

Synopsis

She said I was like a song. Her favorite song. A song isn’t something you can see. It’s something you feel, something you move to, something that disappears after the last note is played.

I won my first fight when I was eleven years old, and I’ve been throwing punches ever since. Fighting is the purest, truest, most elemental thing there is. Some people describe heaven as a sea of unending white. Where choirs sing and loved ones await. But for me, heaven was something else. It sounded like the bell at the beginning of a round, it tasted like adrenaline, it burned like sweat in my eyes and fire in my belly. It looked like the blur of screaming crowds and an opponent who wanted my blood.

For me, heaven was the octagon.

Until I met Millie, and heaven became something different. I became something different. I knew I loved her when I watched her stand perfectly still in the middle of a crowded room, people swarming, buzzing, slipping around her, her straight dancer’s posture unyielding, her chin high, her hands loose at her sides. No one seemed to see her at all, except for the few who squeezed past her, tossing exasperated looks at her unsmiling face. When they realized she wasn’t normal, they hurried away. Why was it that no one saw her, yet she was the first thing I saw?

If heaven was the octagon, then she was my angel at the center of it all, the girl with the power to take me down and lift me up again. The girl I wanted to fight for, the girl I wanted to claim. The girl who taught me that sometimes the biggest heroes go unsung and the most important battles are the ones we don’t think we can win.

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

Excerpt

I stopped a foot from her and reached out, taking one of her hands in mine. “Do you like this song?” I asked. Obviously she did and obviously I was stupid.

“I love this song.”

“Me too,” I whispered. I reached for her other hand.

“Accidental Babies.”

“What?” I tugged her hands gently, and she took a step. I was so close now that the top of her head provided a shelf for my chin, and Damien’s song was being drowned out by the sound of my heart.

“It’s another one of his songs. . . and I think I love it even more,” she whispered back.

“But that song is so sad,” I breathed, and laid my cheek against her hair.

“That’s what makes it beautiful. It’s devastating. I love it when a song devastates me.” Her voice was thready, as if she was struggling to breathe.

“Ah, the sweet kind of suffering.” I dropped her hands and wrapped my arms around her.

“The best kind.” Her voice hitched as our bodies aligned.

“I’ve been suffering for a while now, Millie.”

“You have?” she asked, clearly amazed.

“Since the moment I saw you. It devastated me. And I love when a girl devastates me.” I was using her definition of the word, but the truth was, my sister was the only girl who had ever devastated me, and it hadn’t been sweet agony.

“I’ve never devastated anyone before,” Millie said faintly, shock and pleasure coloring her words. She still stood with her arms at her sides, almost like she couldn’t believe what was happening. But her lips hovered close to my jaw, as if she was enjoying the tension between almost and not quite.

“I’m guessing you’ve left a wake of destruction,” I whispered. “You just don’t know.”

Finally, as if she couldn’t resist any longer, she raised her hands to my waist. Trembling fingers and flat palms slid across my abdomen, up my chest, past my shoulders, progressing slowly as if she memorized as she moved. Then she touched my face and her thumbs found the cleft in my chin, the way they’d done the first time she’d traced my smile. Hesitantly, she urged my face down toward hers. A heartbeat before our mouths touched she spoke, and the soft words fluttered against my lips.

“Are you going to devastate me, David?” she asked.

“God, I hope not,” I prayed aloud.

Anticipation dissolved the lingering space between us, and I pressed needy lips to her seeking mouth. And then we melded together, hands clinging, bodies surging, music moaning, dancing in the wreckage. Sweet, sweet, devastation.

“Too late . . .” I thought I heard her whisper.

Michel’s Review

In my opinion, Amy Harmon is one the most gifted writers in the publishing world. Each and every one of her books is a DIAMOND. They are a celebration of the human spirit and the miracle of love. The reader experiences a multitude of emotions throughout each story. Each story is original, thought provoking, inspirational, and a beautiful love story. The Song of David is the latest addition to her outstanding accomplishments as a writer.

Song of David is closely related to The Law of Moses. The reader’s met David “Tag” Taggert in The Law of Moses. He was the dedicated best friend that stood by Moses side for many years. His life was deeply connected with Moses and still is. Like Moses, Tag is a unique individual. Where Moses has the gift of sight, David has the gift of nurturing . He is a protector, a loyal friend, a fair employer, and firm believer in second and third chances. He ensnares the lost souls that need someone on their side. He has assembled his own Tag Team of loyal friends and loved ones. He is their giant. He is their rock. He is so dedicated to his Tag Team that sometimes he forgets his own needs. That is his strength and his weakness.

When Tag meets the new pole dancer at his club, he is taken by her beauty and grace. Amelie is unlike any woman he has encountered. She is blind. Rather than needing David to be her protector, she wants him to be her partner. She teaches him what it really means to see. He learns that by really listening he will have a completely different vision of his world and himself. He has finally accepted who he is and what he wants to be. He has finally found true happiness. The Song of David is his story.

The book begins when David disappears. Through a series of cassette tape recordings David will tell his story. He will tell of his journey to becoming the beautiful man he is. He will tell his love story with Amelie.

Through these tapes it will be up to Moses, Amelie, and the Tag Team to find out where their fearless giant has disappeared.

This book portrays the beauty of the human spirit. It is a beautiful love story. It is The Son of David.

Amy Harmon wrote a poignant enthralling story that is thought provoking. Her subtle revelations lead the reader to explore the revelations within themselves. The Song of David is one the most powerful books I have read.

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Buy the song on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/song-of-david-single/id998774568

Music & Lyrics by Amy Harmon and Paul Travis – Song of David: iTunes

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Author Bio:

Amy Harmon is a USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in several countries, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written five novels – the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway- $50 Amazon Gift Card

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Yours All Along by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Novella

Posted on 06/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Yours All Along

Loving On The Edge Series Novella

By Roni Loren

Synopsis

The new Loving on the Edge romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing Between Us turns on the heat between two men who wonder how much they’re willing to risk in the name of love.

Four years after an accident tore their friendship apart, Hunter and Devon are living separate lives. Hunter is now the all-America hero—a congressman’s son and a pro pitcher in Houston preparing to marry his beauty-queen girlfriend. Devon is in Dallas running a new restaurant.

But when Hunter unexpectedly shows up in Devon’s bar, Devon can’t turn him away. Damn it if the man isn’t still gorgeous. But engaged? Hell no. All he’s doing for Devon is bringing back memories of their college-roommate days, and the night their relationship went too far. Turns out Hunter has never forgotten it either.

Now Devon can’t help but be drawn in all over again by the only guy who’s ever gotten close enough to break his heart. Maybe one more night together would be enough for both of them to finally move on. Or maybe one night will change everything…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / Kobo / ITunes

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Excerpt

Hunter smirked, and they trudged toward the frat house, the wind seeming to get harder and colder as they walked. Where the hell did California get off having this kind of weather anyway?

But the chill only got marginally better when they slipped inside the front door of the house. Hunter’s breath came out in a white puff. “What the fuck?”

Ames, one of the brothers who’d run ahead of him, stepped out of the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. “Looks like we weren’t the only ones pranking tonight. Heat’s been cut off and some jerkoff threw all of our blankets and bedding into the pool.”

“What?” Dev asked, looking up the staircase.

“Maintenance can’t get out here until the morning. I’m heading over to my girlfriend’s apartment. You might want to find a place to crash, too, or plan on sleeping in your coats tonight.” He patted Dev on his way to the door. “Nice work tonight, gentlemen.”

Devon watched Ames go and then both he and Hunter vaulted up the stairs to their room. When they pushed open the door, they both cursed simultaneously.

“Motherfuck.”

“Son of a bitch.”

Devon’s bed had been completely stripped down to the mattress, and a bag of ice from the local gas station had been opened up and spread across it. A note pinned to the headboard read, Sigmas wet the bed.

Hunter’s bed was stripped as well, but apparently they’d run out of ice because instead of the full ice bath, all of Hunter’s underwear were strewn across the bed, and baby powder had been dumped all over them. His note read, Sigmas shit their pants. Hunter stalked over and swept the laundry from his bed, sending a powdery cloud wafting through the room. “Bastards.”

Devon coughed. “At least your bed is mostly dry. And smells baby fresh.”

Hunter looked over at the mess on Devon’s side of the room. “No shit. No way you can sleep on that. Let’s get all of that off of yours so it can dry out. I’ve got extra blankets and pillows in the closet. You can share my bed tonight.”

Devon lifted a brow. “You’re not even going to buy me dinner first? What kind of boy do you think I am?”

Hunter grabbed an ice cube and chucked it at him. “Shut it, Easton. You’re lucky I’m not making you sleep on the petri couch.”

Ugh, no way. Devon shuddered at the thought of putting any exposed skin on the main couch downstairs. Two decades of parties, hookups, and God knows what else on that fabric. “Screw that. I think the floor in the bathroom is cleaner than that couch. But seriously, you sure you’re okay with sharing a bed? I mean, if you’re weirded out by that or you’re worried about what the other guys will say, I’m not going to be offended. I can find somewhere to crash.”

“With one of your on-again, off-again boyfriends?”

“No, I don’t have boyfriends. Too much work. I have acquaintances who I occasionally do dirty things with.”

Hunter sniffed. “No need to go whore yourself out for a bed to sleep in. I’m fine. Just don’t steal my covers, ’cause it’s fucking frigid in here.”

Hunter walked over to the closet and dumped out a laundry bin, lined it with a garbage bag, and then brought it over to Devon’s bed to start moving the ice into it. They worked in silence for a while, just the clink of the ice hitting the plastic container filling the room, but the quiet was anything but calm for Devon. He was going to share a bed with Hunter. They’d roomed together for almost a year. Things were comfortable. Good. Devon admired without crossing any lines. But it was going to be fucking torture sharing that small bed with the warm, hard body of the university’s favorite athlete.

Tracey’s Review

Sometimes you took what life gave you. And sometime you started over by giving life the finger, grabbing what you wanted by the shirt, and making it your own.

As the son of a prominent senator, Hunter Riley is used to being in the public eye, and having to do the ‘right’ thing. Tired of being under his father’s controlling thumb, Hunter has found the freedom to be himself by leaving home for college across the country. Devon Crowe knows how hard it is to hide the person that you really are. At college in California, he’s finally found friends and acceptance, especially from his best friend Hunter. But when lines blur and feelings change, Devon isn’t sure that his safe place will be left standing.

I discovered Roni Loren somewhat recently, and have quickly become a big fan. Her Loving On the Edge series is one that I will always move to the top of my TBR. The stories are original and fresh, with characters that are engaging and interesting, and Roni’s ability to infuse somewhat alternative situations with humor, passion, and sensitivity make for wonderful reads.

I thoroughly enjoyed Yours All Along, Hunter and Devon’s story. First and foremost, these two are best friends, sharing things with each other that they wouldn’t with anyone else. There is true affection between them, and a feeling of belonging that they haven’t necessarily known before. And I have to say this: the romantic scenes in this book are just plain hot. Like, scorching hot. Roni is seriously adept at writing these scenes, and they couldn’t be done any better. Hunter’s curiosity and, for want of a better word, confusion are handled lovingly and in a way that made me love Devon even more.

Everything out of alignment inside Hunter seemed to jerk into place all at once, click, click, click-all the misplaced pieces landing just where they needed, locking into one image that had been burned into his marrow a long time ago. Devon. From the moment he’d met him, even before he understood what it was, it had always been Dev. He’d been his all along. That’s all he needed to know. The rest they could figure out later.

It was a bonus to be able to learn more about these two men before reading Call On Me, the next book in the Loving On the Edge series. I give this book, and the series, 5+ ‘love is love, heartwarming, hot, sexy beyond belief’ stars, and urge you to add these books to your TBR; you will not be disappointed.

** ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review. ***

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About Roni Loren

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has.

Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars concerts.

She is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the The Loving on the Edge series and other sexy things.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway Info:

$25 Gift Card (Amazon or Barnes & Noble)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Star Review : Words Left Unsaid by Missy Johnson

Posted on 06/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Words Left Unsaid

By Missy Johnson

Synopsis

At 8:28 I was the girl who had everything.

At 8:29 my whole world fell apart.

A split second can change your life. I learned this the hard way. I wasn’t ready to let him go. Even when the terms “vegetative state” and “will never recover” were thrown around I held onto hope. I mean, miracles happen, right?

We deserved our happy ending.

Three years later and I’m still hoping. In my heart I know I have to let him go but how can I? He’s the only man I’ve ever loved. He”s my soul mate. My life.

Then I meet Max. He’s everything Aiden isn’t and as much as I’m trying to fight my feelings, I’m losing. I don’t want to fight anymore.

I need to live my life.

I need to move on.

But in order to move forward I need to let go of the past.

Buy: Amazon

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
This is one where the title was enough to catch my eye, made more intriguing by the synopsis. The cover at the time of interest was a temporary placeholder, so I was unable to judge this book by it’s cover.
Looking Deeper:
Alternating first-person POV, clearly marked and easy to follow.
Not long after kissing goodbye and exchanging “I love you”s as Aiden leaves for work does Kiara receive word that he’s been in a horrific accident that leaves him in a come. Three years have passed and the young mother struggles and fights daily to remain loyal all while needing to move forward with their daughter, especially when new opportunities arise for Kiara. Outside forces push and pull her in many directions. As she battles them, she also battles with her own feelings and guilt all while trying to raise their daughter in the best way possible. Outstanding cast of characters, with natural and believable dialogue and interaction. The plot is full, rich, emotional and engrossing. The pace flows smoothly, moving at a comfortable pace. The conflicts are met in a mature, realistic manner. There is little to no predictability. The conclusion is solid, satisfying and complete with no holes or loose ends anywhere. Words Left Unsaid is a powerfully emotional story that plays on our worst “what if” fears and Ms. Johnson created a perfectly balanced range of emotions throughout.

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Author Bios:

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review : Lance by Christi Snow – The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

Posted on 06/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Lance

The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

by Christi Snow

Synopsis

As the owner and CEO of Lancer Industries, Matthew Lancer spends his days in three piece suits and conducting meetings that affect the world financial markets. What the world doesn’t know is that Matthew Lancer has a deep, dark secret. He’s actually super-hot, super-sexy, and covered in tattoos. When he can, he spends his free time letting loose as bad-boy male model, Lance Jones. No one knows and it has to stay that way or Lance will lose the one thing that’s keeping his high pressure life sane.

Andi Kelly writes erotic romance. Day in and day out, she imagines a world filled with bondage, multiple partners, and just a few whips and chains. But that’s the fantasy life in her novels. In the real world, she’s an introvert who spends her days at home living out her fantasies through her laptop. Andi’s finally worked up the courage to ask Shauna Kruse if she can sit in on the photoshoot for Andi’s next novel…with her model-crush, Lance Jones.

But Lancer Industries has a mole and it’s put both Andi and Lance in danger. Lance’s two worlds collide and when corporate espionage meets erotic romance, there’s no telling what might happen.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Christi Snow has released another solid and highly entertaining romance in her Male Model Chronicles series. This series is based on real life cover models but their story is completely fictional. These guys are more than a pretty face with six pack abs. These guys have substance and heart.

Andi Kelly is a shy erotic romance author. Her specialty is BDSM and Bondage. Her current release revolves around mastering rope bondage. Although it would seem that she is quite the expert in erotism it couldn’t be further from the truth. She is extremely shy, is not over confident in her sexuality, and is close to being a shut in. Her sister deals with all of her PR work and business dealings.

When her sister is unable to handle the photo shoot for her latest cover, Andi has to deal with the photographer. The photographer, Shauna Kruse ( a real cover photographer), knows how to get the most of her subjects. She has decided to make Andi her next subject.

When Matthew Lancer, aka model Lance Jones, sees Andi with her ropes, he’s intrigued. When the two get together the chemistry is explosive.

When his corporate world becomes a threat to Andi, Lance is more than willing to make it up to her and protect her. His ways of apologizing are amazing. He won my heart with all the shoes.

Andi and Lance find something that neither knew they could ever have. They will come out on top and happy together in the end.

Christi Snow once again penned a sexy, magical romance.

I highly recommend Lance. I love the Male Model Chronicles.

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The Male Model Chronicles

Justin

Male Model Chronicles – Book 1

By Christi Snow

Synopsis

Tara Malone is having one of those lives. Born to Oscar award-winning actor, Anthony Malone, and model-famous beauty, Veronica Scott, she should have it made. But her curvy figure and out-of-control frizzy red hair are just the start of her many, many issues. Now to make matters worse, she’s started out her week by running over model, Justin James, with her car. She had a lot of fantasies about the cover model, but never did any of them include vehicular assault.

Justin James doesn’t have time for two broken wrists, but neither does his over-achieving family. He can’t open up his fridge or unzip his fly without excruciating pain and no one else has the time to help him. Tara already shot him down at the accident scene, but maybe he can work this so that the curvy bombshell has a reason to hang around for a bit. He’s not above using guilt if it means he gets to know her better.

The first in a new series of novellas inspired by Shauna Kruse’s photography and her beautiful male models.

The Male Model Chronicles.

Disclaimer: The Male Model Chronicles, a new fictional series, built around the real-life world of Kruse Images & Photography and the gorgeous male models that Shauna Kruse gets to immortalize in her photos. The heroes are real people who also happen to be male models, but every single other thing about the series is fiction.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Lance

The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

by Christi Snow

Synopsis

But Lancer Industries has a mole and it’s put both Andi and Lance in danger. Lance’s two worlds collide and when corporate espionage meets erotic romance, there’s no telling what might happen.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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About Christi Snow

As an avid reader my entire life, I’ve always dreamed of writing books that brought to others the kind of joy I feel when I read.

But…I never did anything about it besides jot down a few ideas and sparse scenes.
When I turned 41, I decided it was time to go after my dream and started writing. Within four months, I’d written over 150,000 words and haven’t stopped since. I’ve found my passion by writing about sexy, alpha heroes and smart, tough heroines falling in love and finding their passion. I’m truly living the dream and loving every minute of it.
My tagline is…
Passion and adventure on the road to Happily Ever After. I have to admit, I am loving this adventure!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release: Opening Up by Lauren Dane – Ink & Chrome Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Opening Up

Ink & Chrome Series

By Lauren Dane

Synopsis

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers Book #1 in her Ink & Chrome erotic romance series.

The men of the Twisted Steel custom hot rod and motorcycle shop are great with their hands…and they’re not afraid to get dirty.

PJ is exactly the kind of woman Twisted Steel owner Asa Barrons doesn’t need. The last thing he wants to do is mix business with pleasure, and PJ has some of the best custom detailing he’s ever seen. But the chemistry between them won’t be denied, and soon he’s introducing her to a whole new world in the bedroom, pushing her far beyond anything she’s ever experienced. PJ finds she can’t get enough, but how far is too far before he consumes her completely?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Congratulations to Lauren Dane on her new dynamic Ink & Chrome series. The first book, Opening Up, is a sensational introduction to this series.

PJ comes from automotive royalty. Her family’s tire corporation has been one of the reigning companies in the automotive industry. PJ and her siblings are expected to take over the throne. The only problem is that PJ isn’t conforming into the expected mold for a leading executive in the company. Between her lack of a college degree to her artistic visions most of her family doesn’t see her as a promising part of the corporation. PJ has visions of expanding and updating the company’s presence in other avenues of the industry.

When she meets Asa Barrons from Twisted Steel she begins to bring her visions to life. Not only is she getting the chance to bring her visions to life, she has met a man that makes her stand up and take notice.

Asa Barrons comes from the complete opposite of PJ’s background. His dedication to his family is to be admired. His work at Twisted Steel is phenomenal. He’s the perfect kind of guy for PJ. He’s strong, inked, talented, and smart.

PJ and Asa develop a relationship that goes beyond friendship. It is a relationship based upon respect, admiration, and pure sexual chemistry.

Together they are a new force to be reckoned with in and out of the showroom.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love that Lauren Dane created verbal interaction between the characters rather than focusing on their sexual chemistry, even though that was smoking hot. The dialogue was fantastic and the story flowed beautifully.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Ink & Chrome series.

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About Lauren Dane

Lauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!

The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review : The Current Between Us by Kindle Alexander

Posted on 06/16/2015 by shellbellereads

The Current Between Us

By Kindle Alexander

Synopsis

Gage Synclair, international, hard-hitting investigative photojournalist, is preparing for the final special report of his career…a story of deception and murder six long years in the making. And after ten years in some of the worst parts of the world, he’s ready to settle life down and open an art gallery in his hometown of Chicago. The only thing getting in his way, he needs to find a competent electrician to finish the job before his grand opening.
Trent Cooper, electrical contractor, is surprised by the last minute request for a fast-paced electrical remodel, wanting nothing more than to get his foot in the door with Layne Construction. Being gay in the construction industry isn’t easy, nor is being father to his two young adopted children. Trent keeps his life in separate zones to avoid a short circuit. But when the gallery owner propositions him on the first day, Trent can’t help but think his worlds are a little too close for comfort.
Will their high-voltage passion spark everlasting love or will their lives break the circuit between them forever?

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Initial reaction to cover was blah. Nearly monochromatic cover does little to catch and keep the eye. After reading a quick and somewhat vague synopsis, I was left wondering why an investigative photojournalist would run around shirtless… I know, but that was my thoughts. The only reason I picked the book up is because I’ve yet to read any books by this author, but I’d met her in Vegas and just adored her as a person. I really wanted a chance to read her work.
Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV. Both Gage and Trent are likable characters, as are the secondaries. Their interaction and dialogue progress naturally. The plot fell a little flat in places that had potential to be more exciting, but it flowed smoothly and was well-written. There were a few conflicts that were resolved in various manners. The conclusion was solid, but I had to wonder what Abdullah’s end game is/was. I enjoyed the ending, but can’t help but wonder what will become of Rhonny as well.

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Author Bio:

Best Selling and award winning Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in the gay fiction genre. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Book Review

Excerpt Reveal 2: Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey

Blog Tour + Review: The Art of Deception: Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards

5 Star Review: Beat by Vi Keeland

Happy Release + Review : Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward – A Complete Series Review

6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Excerpt + Giveaway: Song of David by Amy Harmon

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Yours All Along by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Novella

5 Star Review : Words Left Unsaid by Missy Johnson

5 Star Review : Lance by Christi Snow – The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

Happy Release: Opening Up by Lauren Dane – Ink & Chrome Series – Book 1

Happy Release + Review : The Current Between Us by Kindle Alexander

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