Happy Release + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Garrett by Sawyer Bennett- Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Garrett

Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett hits the ice with the story of a playboy athlete whose winning ways lead him to a beautiful woman with a lot to lose.

Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.

Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Kelley’s Review

Sawyer delivers an emotional rollercoaster that reminds us that life is too short not to live it to its fullest. We can sit around and worry about when the end will come or we can truly live and love for as long as we are given. This story is about love and loss and reminds us that no matter what we do, that often life is not fair. This read was not at all what I expected. I was up reading until 2:30 am and then had to turn around and get up at 6:00 am for work the next morning. I thought I was getting a steamy and sexy hockey story and what I ended up with was so much more. Sawyer shook me to my core and knocked the wind out of me. I have never finished a book in tears where I could not stop the overflow of emotions. Get your tissues ready and make sure you have some chocolate on hand because you will need them.

Garrett Samuelson is your typical sexy hockey player that often takes women to bed in pairs. He is the king of the one night stand and never spends more than one night with any woman. All of that changes when he meets Olivia. From the moment he first sees her he is stumbling all over himself and of course hits on her with the cheesiest pickup line. The thing is that he truly believes that she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. My favorite scene in this read is when Garrett tries to get Olivia to give him the time of day and she blows him off. I adore it when the good girl gives the bad boy the brush off. Garrett is extremely perplexed because he is not used to women that do not swoon at his feet. Olivia provides him with a serious challenge and he begins to rethink his one night no repeats mantra.

Olivia Case has a lot on her plate. She has just received some news that she has yet to process and does not have the time or desire to start a relationship with someone right now. However, she is very attracted to Garrett and one night with him between the sheets might be just what she needs to take her mind off of things. He is safe since he is not the relationship type and even though it is not in her good girl nature to go after a man that will forget her by the next evening she is so very tempted to make him put his money where his mouth is. The problem is that even when you think something is a sure thing sometimes it’s not. Olivia never saw what was coming when she tempted the king of one night stands.

I absolutely adored this read and loved that we get to see Sutton and Alex again as well. If you are looking for something different to read that is not predictable and will keep you turning the pages then look no further. Garrett will have your heart overflowing with love and will remind you that everything is never what it seems and you can never judge a book by its cover. In this case even though the cover is smoking hot there is so much more to the story then just some sexy times between the sheets. Bravo Sawyer for taking me on an emotional journey that I will not forget any time soon.

Michel’s Review

Sawyer Bennett scored a 6 star goal with her latest release Garrett , in the Cold Fury Hockey series. This book came as a complete surprise that took the readers on an emotional journey. Sawyer tackled a very heavy subject that can touch any of our lives. She researched the subject and not only used it to write a phenomenal love story, she also enlightened the reader without making it a downer. As in all her books, her characters are so well developed that they become very real people that become a part of the reader’s lives. The relationships between her characters are not only loaded with sexual heat and tension, they are also loaded with very real situations and difficulties that most people experience in their own personal intimate relationships. It’s never easy for two people to come together and have the perfect relationship. It takes commitment, communication, sacrifice, sharing, and placing another person first. Sawyer allows her couples to muddle through, find their way, and work on their flaws. She allows them to experience all the emotions, trials, and triumphs that most every day couples experience. This is what makes the reader connect with the characters and their lives. Sawyer also adds her special blend of magical storytelling that makes these characters larger than life. It is easy for the reader to escape into the world she has created. It is no wonder that she is a New York Times Best Seller.

Garrett is more than a sports romance. It is a story of life, love, loss, friendship, and hope.

Garrett Samuelson is the team manwhore. He’s known for his one night stands. He embraces his “ladies man” reputation with gusto. His one true love is not the ladies, it is his profession. He absolutely lives, breaths, and loves the game of hockey. He is committed to his team and the game.

Olivia Case is a free spirit. She is content with her life. She has a satisfying career, a close knit group of friends, and a great family. She is a happy independent woman. She doesn’t need a relationship to complete her. She is comfortable in her own skin and happy with her life. Everything is great until she receives some bad news that is about to alter it all. It makes her take a deeper look into her life, her goals, and her dreams. It also makes her realize that she has not been living life to the fullest. She needs to grab each moment and make it completely hers.

When Olivia and Garrett meet at a Cold Fury team party, the fireworks go off. These two are hot for one another. They both look at this insta attraction as a possibility of a phenomenal one night stand. For Olivia, it is giving her all to living life to the fullest, allowing pleasure in her complicated life full of trauma. For Garrett, it is spending a fulfilling night with a woman that flips all his buttons. What neither of them realized was that this was their one defining moment that would change their lives forever.

Garrett will have to prove his staying power. Olivia will have to allow Garrett into her inner circle and accept his commitment. Together they will face the world one moment at a time.

This book reached so many emotional depths that define us as people. It showcased the importance of friendship. It proved that love in any shape or form is the most important thing in the game of life.

This book not only brought Garrett and Olivia together. It introduced to new characters in this series. It brought the characters, Sutton and Alex, back into our hearts. Stevie (Olivia’s BF) has become one of my most admired book characters because of that one moment that he made everyone’s day better. And finally there was Zack. Sawyer set up his story and broke all of our hearts right along with his. I cannot wait for June 9th, 2015 to get here. I need this man to be okay. I need him to find a new happiness.

Sawyer Bennett is an ALL STAR WRITER ! Read Garrett!

Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan – Hope Town Series – Book 1 – A Spin off of Corp Security Series

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Unexpected Fate

By Harper Sloan

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Synopsis

Have you ever felt like you were living your life for a future that was predetermined? Like there was some bigger picture you just prayed you would someday see clearly? That picture has been crystal clear to me since I was old enough to recognize it for just what it was.

Or I should say recognize him for who he was.

I’ve loved Cohen Cage since I was a small child. He’s been my everything for the last twenty-two years. I’ve loved him through every girlfriend he’s ever brought home. Through his college years and then mine. I’ve loved him through two deployments. And ever since the day I told him how I felt, he’s acted like I’m a stranger.

My name is Danielle Reid, and it’s time for me to get my man.

Our future is an unexpected fate, and no matter what our parents, siblings, and friends say…it’s going to be worth every second of the fight to make it happen.

**This book is a standalone, HEA, with mature themes and sexual situations**

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan

Excerpt

“Dani-girl.” His voice, that rich rumble of masculine excellence, washes over me and I shiver again before cursing under my breath. The rumble of his low laughter tells me that he definitely didn’t miss that little move.

Kill me now.

“Hey, Coh,” I say with a smile. “What brings you in? Last minute, I might add.” I pat the chair before walking around and holding the back while he sits down.

When his scent hits my nose, I almost come on the spot. Lord, he smells good. I wonder what he would smell like while his body covered mine, all sweaty from hours of good lovemaking. I run my fingers through the longer lengths on the top and feel my cheeks heat slightly, thinking about doing the same when his face is buried between my legs.

“…needed a trim.”

Shit. I missed what he said because, naturally, I was thinking about him naked. Naked and thrusting into my body. Naked and feasting between my spread thighs.

“You feeling okay? I thought Nate said you were better?”

“Uh, I’m fine. Just—is it hot in here?” I fan my face and avoid his eyes.

He’s silent, so I take that as a sign that it’s safe to bring my attention back to him.

Big mistake there. His knowing eyes are boring right into mine. The chocolate depths sparkling in a way that makes it clear he has a good idea about where my mind was going.

“Did you hear what I said, Dani-girl?”

“Of course I did, Cohen. What, did you think I was standing here daydreaming?” I joke.

“Well, yeah, that’s exactly what I think.” His eyes darken and he smirks a devilish grin. “Did you know you talk in your sleep, Dani?” he asks, and I drop my comb.

Oh, God. Shut up, shut up, shut up. This is not happening. No way.

“No, I don’t,” I childishly snap.

“Dani, you do. So, yeah, I do think you were standing there daydreaming. Want to know why?” He uses his booted foot to move his chair so that he’s facing me, and then he leans in so that his face is dangerously close to mine. Even when he’s seated, his head is almost level with my own. Curse my horizontally challenged self. “While you were zoning off into space with your fingers running through my hair, you had this smile on your lips. The same smile you had the other day when you were dreaming. About me, Dani. And don’t deny it, because you don’t moan my name if you’re dreaming about another man. Yes, Dani, you very much do talk in your sleep.” He smiles again before leaning back and looking down to his phone. “Clean up my neck please, cut the length off the top, and give me a buzz on the sides. Other than that, you’re clear to continue with your thoughts.”

I must have been standing there like an idiot because he looks up from his phone, laughs to himself, and, with one tan hand, reaches out and pushes my mouth closed.

“You’re going to catch flies that way, Dani-girl. One day, maybe you can clue me in on what those dreams are about.”

Drives me insane, the control he has over me. There isn’t a single person in the world, other than Cohen, who can turn me into a ridiculously stupid, sputtering fool. My normal confidence disappears. And clearly, he isn’t as oblivious to my feelings as I originally thought.

How in the hell am I supposed to handle this?

Wait a minute. Cohen or not, I’m not going to let him pull my strings when I know he is just doing this to make me feel uncomfortable.

So, time to call his bluff.

“Why? You planning on doing something about it?”

He looks up sharply, clearly not having expected me to actually say something in return since he was going for shock value.

“Try me,” he demands, his voice thick and even deeper than normal.

I throw my head back and reach out to run my fingers thought his hair again, just barely suppressing the shivers. Curling my fingers slightly so that I can grab a good hold, I lean in and pull his head back at the same time. With my nose just a hair away from his and our breaths mingling together, I say, “Cohen, you couldn’t handle the truth of my thoughts when it comes to you and we both know it. So how about you let me know when you’re ready for me to clue you in.” I give his hair a light tug and smile when he swallows loudly and shifts in his seat. “Ready for that trim?” I ask with a wink, and I’m rewarded with his groan.

I have no idea how I do it, but I manage to get through his cut without coming unglued. I can see Lyn trying to get my attention from across the room. Stella had to leave after she overheard my words to Cohen because her giggles were getting the best of her. Cohen has remained silent the whole time. His eyes though… They’re speaking louder than his words ever could.

They haven’t left my reflection in the mirror since I started. I can feel them every time I shift. When I stopped to go grab another comb after I dropped my fourth one, I felt his gaze follow me across the room to Stella’s station. The few times I stopped cutting to meet his eyes, the heated promise written all over his face almost did me in. I almost just said ‘fuck it’ and climbed on his lap to have a go regardless of the people watching our every move.

I finish the last buzz of my clippers around his right ear and move to brush all the stray hair off. “All done,” I say softly and unclip his cape.

He stands, shoving his phone in the back pocket of his jeans, and walks over to stand in front of me. I continue to pretend I’m busy with the cape I just removed, brushing stray hairs off here and there, when his hand comes up, his finger and thumb hitting my chin, and my face is lifted until I have no choice but to look in his eyes.

“Do not tease me, Dani. It’s not a game you want to play if you don’t intend to follow through.”

“I-I wasn’t… I wouldn’t,” I stammer.

“You did, and I have no doubt you’ll have the brilliant idea to do it again. The next time you allude to those dirty thoughts I know you have about me, don’t think for a second that I won’t drag you to the closest bed to show you just how fucking dirty they’ll get.” He leans close, his scent hitting my nostrils, and I involuntarily inhale deeply, earning me a rumbled chuckle. “What you don’t know, Dani—because contrary to what you think, you don’t know me well enough to assume what having me would really be like. But I promise you this: every little thought that you have had that causes you to moan my name while scissoring those perfect legs back and forth, praying for completion—it would be so much hotter than you could ever imagine.” He gives me a soft, sweet kiss against my temple that has fire racing from that spot all over my body until it ends in the awareness that I’m pretty sure I just came in my pants.

Michel’s Review

If you are a fan of Harper Sloan’s Corp Security Series you are going to love Unexpected Fate. If you have not read any of Harper Sloan’s books or the Corp Security Series, Unexpected Fate, book one in the new series Hope Town, is a good place to start. I can guarantee you will want to go back and read Axel, the book that started it all.

Unexpected Fate is the first book in the Hope Town series. It is a spin off from Corp Security series. It is a very mature, graphic New Adult series that features the children of the Corp Security clan and their world.

Unexpected Fate features Cohen Cage, the adorable three year boy that always wore a cape. We met him in Cage (book 2) and he stole our hearts. Now he is all grown up and living up to his legacy, Alpha Male the Corp Security way. He has bided his time and waited for the one woman that has been his soulmate all his life. He has been waiting for Danielle Reid, daughter of EXTREME Alpha Male, Axel Reid (book one-the Alpha that started it all). The timing has never been right. Their five year age difference set their lives on different paths. Now their paths are finally colliding and destiny is taking control.

Dani and Cohen will have to overcome a lot of hurdles before they can finally declare their love to the world and become the couple they were meant to be. They will have to conquer ALPHA-DADDY Axel, who will keep his “little princess” locked in a tower forever. They will have to keep a lid on their relationship so that the other Alpha Princes and “Little Princesses” don’t spill the beans. They will have to deal with reality tv that is “All Glitter and Gold” Sway Style. They will have to slay a Stalker Dragon. What happens next…besides ALPHA DADDY Axel having a coronary ?

The Alpha kingdom is being taken over by the Alpha Princes. The Little Princesses are stepping out and shaking their money makers. They are going to shake the Alpha Corp Security Kingdom and make it their world. We are going to see Alpha granddaddies, Queen-nannas, and a new dynasty to rule the Corp Security Kingdom. Our new Alpha Knights in shining armor will slay any dragon that threatens their Beautiful Princesses. New royalty will be introduced and their world will live on….

As our favorite magical Fairy Sway would say ” There’s new love that’s pure Glitter and Gold”.

I loved how Harper Sloan has added a new dynasty to the Corps Security world. I love how she is giving these seasoned Alpha’s a new foe to conquer….AGE! I love how she’s breathing new life into one of our favorite fictional worlds. I love that she is letting Sway wave his magic wand and giving us more Golden characters to love with all of our hearts. He has spun a road of Glitter & Gold for the Corp Security to have a new Hope Town.

Read Unexpected Fate… it will not disappoint!

About Harper Sloan

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

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Excerpt Reveal: Bring The Rain by Lizzy Charles

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Bring The Rain by Lizzy Charles

YA Contemporary Romance

Add To Goodreads

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Synopsis

One summer to make the choice of a lifetime…

Everything is waiting in Paris for Autumn—her new home, her mom, the Louvre, and a life where she can experience art, and not just look at it. But to get there, she’ll have to survive the summer in the least colorful place she can imagine — her father’s Oklahoma cattle ranch

Autumn finds the perfect summer distraction in Colt, the one cowboy hotter than the July sun. But Colt is her father’s ranch hand, and he won’t go for the Manhattan-style fling that she’s used to. The closer they become, the more she questions which side of the ocean she belongs.

Then her father reveals an unforgivable secret, and Autumn’s illusions shatter. Will the secret destroy everything? Or could Oklahoma hold the greatest masterpiece of all—a love that could mend her heart?

Excerpt

Light arms make for easy dancing, even to drawn out country tunes. Turns out, cowboys aren’t bad dancers. They know where to put their hands on your waist to help you sway. They share well too, making sure a new hat accompanies each tune. When my chest burns, I know I’ve hit my limit. “Sorry,” I say to the only guy at the party wearing a baseball cap. “I need a break.”

“I can take you outside if you want?” This brown-haired-brute’s eyes are a bit swollen, and lips raw. I swear I saw him making out on the steps during my last spin on the dance floor.

“No thanks, I’m good on my own.” I quickly zigzag through the crowd and slip out the back kitchen door. If it wasn’t for the couple making out in a hammock, I would’ve barreled right into the gray weave. There’s a deserted tree a few hundred yards out from the house. Brushing my ballet flats through the crisp grass, I do a quick snake check. Phew. I take a seat, tilting my head toward the sky. The darkness is alive and glittering.

I breathe out, the beauty above. Stars like this never happen at home. Here, Hercules and the dippers are too obvious. And, with a jostle of my memory, I can find the Queen and the Dragon too. I wish I had my paints and a canvas so I could try to capture it. I’d make my own Starry Night, but my brush strokes would be looser here than Van Gogh’s.

A breeze moves through my hair, reminding me to take a deep breath. It instantly relaxes me; somehow one breath here is better than any oxygen bar in the city. I hate to admit it, but that’s another thing this place has going for it. It’s so much easier to breathe here.

“Can I join you?” a husky voice says from behind. I turn to find a tall, broad-shouldered, sandy-haired cowboy leaning against the tree. He doesn’t wait for my answer; rather he slinks down the trunk to sit next to me. His eyes turn toward the sky, but, even though I know it’s rude, my eyes can’t leave his face. His nose is almost perfect. It’d be easy to sketch with a soft pencil.

“Andromeda,” he interrupts my artistic vision, pointing up at the sky. “The Greater Bear,” he traces the outline in the air. “And my favorite…”

“Oh, please don’t say something about your big dipper.” I put the yellow cup to my lips, finishing my third refill. It slides past my throat. Finally, the beer’s tasting good now.

“Actually, my prime constellation is Aries, the ram. That line though? Golden. I’ll use it next time.”

“A goat?”

He smiles with a silent laugh and shrugs. “Sounds lame,” he turns toward me. His eyes sparkle and my heart jumps into my throat. His jaw is strong and chest obviously solid under his white button down shirt. “But it’s not.” He flips over my hand, tracing the constellation on my palm. Tingles crawl up my arm.

Now, this is a real cowboy.

“Aries is Zeus, in disguise. Ordinary, but full of power. Cool, huh?”

He lets go of my hand and returns his gaze to the stars.

My heart sinks. I want him to look at me. I’m not letting this cowboy get away. I lean in, close to his ear. “What kind of power?” I whisper. After Mom ditching me for Paris, I could use a little fun, and, as my hand caresses his rock hard biceps, I can’t help welcoming a distraction.

He doesn’t answer yet also doesn’t move away from my touch. Good. I take a deep breath and leap. If he didn’t like me, he’d have moved away already. I kiss the stubble on his jaw and he stills like a statue so I flip my leg over him, sliding onto his lap. The constellations spin. I nibble at his lips. His breathing deepens. Those full lips though? They don’t even flinch. I pull back, repositioning to press my lips down his jaw line and then make my way up toward his earlobe.

“It’s not fun if you don’t play,” I whisper.

He laughs, allowing my lips to return to his. He responds now, kissing me with a soft, steady pressure and pulling me close to his rock hard chest. I’ve never been held so securely. My heart trembles and my muscles melt.

“Okay darlin’,” he says, pressing his lips against mine, giving me a kiss that reminds me of chocolate and lemons, before gently helping me off his lap. “I think it’s time we go.”

“Sure,” I whisper. The ground becomes wavy water and my hand disappears in his as I struggle to stand. Take me away cowboy.

He lifts me, giving me his arm to lean on as he leads me through the house, passing Gina and Peter making out on the stairs. He stops, pulling Gina away too.

“Colt? What’re-ya-doin’?” she slurs.

He drops my hand, and it burns with the absence of his touch. “Do you have a ride home Gina?”

She shakes her head as Peter pulls her back to the step next to him. “I drove Autumn.”

Colt unwraps Peter’s arms. “Which is why I’m taking you both home.”

Peter stands up. “Hey man, if she wants to stay, she should.”

Colt only has to point to him and say, “Peter. Come on, you know not to try that with me.” Peter nods, holding his hands up in some mysterious man exchange.

“Fine,” Gina stumbles like a turkey into Colt’s arms. So funny. I laugh so hard, my goose noise sneaks in too.

“Was that a chortle?” Colt lifts his brow with a cocky grin.

“Chortles are very sexy.” I throw my shoulders back.

He laughs as he wraps his arm around Gina to support her and takes my hand, leading us out the front door. “Into the truck, girls.”

It’s warm in the truck, and with Gina to lean on, comfy too. Sleep takes me away with a few bumps of the road. Gina’s shoulder is soon replaced with a leather jacket. The smell lulls me in and out of sleep with Colt’s whistled tune. My shoulder rocks and I wake. He reaches behind me, propping me up.

“Want some?” He hands me a yellow cup of that watered down beer.

“Thanks.” I say. I am so thirsty. I put the plastic to my mouth, taking a small sip. The liquid slides past my tongue. This must be from the bottom of the barrel because it doesn’t taste right. It’s thin and a struggle to swallow. First goal of the summer, do not spit on the hot cowboy.

“Like it?”

“It’s super watery.”

“Yeah.” He laughs and my stomach tickles with the sound. “Have a few more sips.” He holds the cup back to my lips.

I sip again. It’s horrid, laced with iron and something else that I can’t pinpoint. It’s so hard to slide past my throat. What is he, like, trying to drug me? I hold the liquid poison in my mouth.

Wait. What if he is trying to drug me? Holy crap. While he’s focused on the road, I reach for the door handle, trying not to shake. I’m in a truck with a total stranger with his muscles of steel, in the middle of nowhere. What’s wrong with me? I’d never let this happen in New York. My heart beats in rhythm with the buzz in my ears. I need an escape plan, like now.

He flips off the headlights. We’re in complete darkness except for the stars. I glance out the window; a light from a lone farm-house is about a mile away. No one will hear me scream.

We’re completely alone.

Other books by Lizzy Charles

Available NOW!

Effortless With You

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GgZN38

Perfectly Messy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ccwuup

Author Bio

When Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. She married her high school sweetheart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.

Connect With Lizzy

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17Y39bO

Twitter: @LizzyCharles_

Website: http://www.lizzycharles.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7149579.Lizzy_Charles

Email: LizzyCharlesScribbles@gmail.com

Subscribe to her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bbPGQj

Cover Reveal + #Hashtag Series Review : #Player by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

# Player

#Hashtag Series – Book 3

Release Date: March 9 , 2015

By Cambria Hebert

Synopsis

Players gotta play.

Hate is like a poison. It contaminates everything.

So does doubt.

Even though I deny what I overheard, even though I insist it isn’t true, the seed of doubt has been planted. I can’t help but be tormented with the endless what-if’s that have taken over our lives.

Romeo and I were happy in love. The future stretched before us brighter than any star in the darkest sky. Now everything is broken. Literally broken. Romeo’s entire career is at stake, my entire future is threatened… and my past?

It’s coming back to haunt me.

To haunt us.

Romeo says we’re in this together and right now the only sure thing is us. But how far can a love so new be pushed? The lengths we will have to go to save each other puts everything at risk.

Romeo is a #player but how much of the game can one person play?

The Hashtag Series

# Nerd – Book 1

Two people from completely different worlds are about to be thrown together…

In more ways than one.

She wants to keep her scholarship. He wants to stay on the team. An awkward alliance doesn’t even begin to cover Rimmel and Romeo’s relationship.

But that’s about to change.

It starts with a dare. An initiation. A challenge.

Quickly, it turns into more. But when you’re a victim of your status, there is no room for anything real. The rules are clear and simple.

Stick to your circle.

And never fall in love with anyone on the outside.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

I am a huge fan of Cambria Hebert’s books. Each and every book has kept me glued to the pages. Her books always have a special blend of genres with characters that are larger than life.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the #Hashtag series. The synopsis seemed different from what we have come to expect from Cambria’s books. I thought that this was going to be more of a new adult romance that focused on college campus life (which I love). I was not expecting some romantic suspense to be added to the mix. I wasn’t expecting Romeo. Romeo has stolen my heart! Talk about a swoon worthy book boyfriend, Romeo has it in spades!

Rimmel is more than your average #Nerd. She has come to Alpha University not only to gain an education but also to escape her past in Florida. She keeps to herself, stays ahead of her assignments, and lives for her volunteer work at the animal shelter. She has trouble socializing with her fellow students. The only place she feels free to be herself is with her furry four legged friends. But that is about to change when she is forced to tutor the star quarterback and notorious player, Romeo. She is dreading dealing with the campus manwhore but in order to keep her scholarship she has to deal with it.

At first the tutoring sessions start out as expected. Romeo is more interested in his conquests and football. Rimmel is counting the minutes for each tutoring session to end. These two unlikely people are forced to spend time with one another. In the end they will both discover that they may just have more in common than they thought. The will discover that they both have many layers. They will discover love for the first time.

Meanwhile throughout the book Romeo is rushing for the top Fraternity on campus. His commitment to rushing will take him to an all time low. He will be challenged to do things that he has always considered wrong. When the final challenge crosses the line and threatens to hurt Rimmel he will have choices to make.

Not only is Romeo having to chose between status, image, and his quest to join the fraternity, he has unknowingly made a very lethal enemy.

The opening for the #Hashtag series is thrilling. The journey that Romeo and Rimmel make in this semester is life changing for them both. The love they have found for one another is unexpected. Can they hang onto their love with all the expectations of sports, social status, academics, and their different backgrounds? Will Romeo’s enemy destroy everything they both hold dear? We will find out in #Hater.

#Hater – Book 2

The effect of that look lingered, like an unspoken promise, long after it was gone.

Becoming a couple – becoming the other half of a campus celebrity wasn’t easy. I let down walls guarding my heart and he looked past my glasses and accident prone tendencies. Romeo and I are an unlikely match, a #nerd and a jock. But we made it.

And we’re happy.

Zach doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants Romeo to pay for getting him kicked out of Omega and for the night he spent in jail. He’s going to use anything and everything he can to get his revenge. Including me.

As the weather on campus grows cold and the days become dark, revenge becomes the center of someone’s life and the happiness Romeo and I worked so hard for is threatened.

I can’t help but worry that our love is going to be overshadowed by hate.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Rimmel and Romeo are settling into their relationship. Rimmel is becoming more confident and comfortable with herself. Romeo is moving on beyond what his social status requires.

Rimmel and Romeo are the couple that has become campus celebrities. Their every move is watched, tweeted,and posted by all. They are the stars that shine brightly.

Everything seems to be going well for them. Their relationship is growing. Romeo’s family is accepting Rimmel. Rimmel is building friendships and other relationships outside of the animal shelter. There is one thing that casts a dark shadow on their happiness.

Zach about ruined their relationship in #Nerd. He forced Romeo to quit rushing for the Omega Fraternity. He underestimated Romeo’s wits and tenacity. He underestimated Romeo’s power. Romeo has destroyed Zach’s status as the president of Omega. His influence has turned his brothers against him. Now he is going to destroy Romeo and Rimmel. He is out for blood.

As Zach’s vendetta escalates to the point of terror, Romeo and Rimmel will have other things coming at them from other parts of their lives. Both are enough to tear them apart and ruin their futures. Will they be able to overcome these adversities?

One moment of terror will destroy their hope for the future. It looks like Zach has had his final revenge that will destroy the rest of their lives. How can they overcome this? To make matters worse, Rimmel’s past is coming to haunt her. Secrets are being revealed that she may never be able to overcome.

What happens next? Cliffhanger! I cannot wait to get my hands on #Player, book 3, on March 9, 2015.

#Hater was consuming. I could not put this book down. I loved how Romeo handled everything. I loved how he brought out the best in Rimmel and gave her courage to be herself. I loved that Rimmel saw Romeo as more than a jock.

This couple will steal your heart!

Read the #Hashtag Series by Cambria Hebert!

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente- Under His Command Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Controlling Her Pleasure

Book 1

By Lili Valente

Synopsis

Blake Roberts has everything he’s ever wanted—fame, money, and ownership of the hottest chain of tattoo parlors in the country. But he’s haunted by his first love, the matching tattoo they share a constant reminder of who he was before he learned how to control his emotions, his desire, and a woman’s pleasure.

He needs to purge her from his heart, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be free.

Erin Perry’s been burned by love and she’s not ready to put her body under a man’s control, let alone her heart. But then Blake shows up, the only man she ever truly loved. Blake is ruthlessly handsome, and seething commanding energy that has her aching to submit.

To be pleasured, tamed, owned, and put under His control.

Warning: This book features a big, tattooed, Dominant alpha male—give him your trust and he’ll command your pleasure. All. Night. Long. Cliffhanger Alert: This steamy read ends in a cliffhanger. If you don’t like being teased, steer clear. The entire Under His Command series, Erin and Blake’s complete love story, will publish in February and March of 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Coming Soon

Commanding Her Trust – Book 2

March 2, 2015

Blake Roberts is falling hard for his old flame and won’t stop until Erin is his. He doesn’t simply want her body; he wants her submission, her abandon, and the wounded heart she’s trying so hard to hide.

He wants all of her and he’s pulling out all the stops–in the bedroom and out–until she surrenders.

For Erin, what started as a charade has become all too real. She’s never experienced anything like the savage bliss she’s discovered in Blake’s arms. He tests her, dominates her, and if she doesn’t gain her freedom, soon he’ll own her–body and soul.

She has to escape even if running from Blake feels like running from the only home she’s ever known.

Claiming Her Heart – Book 3

March 16, 2015

Blake has what he thought he wanted–Erin’s submission, her trust, and the woman he loves back in his bed. But with her submission comes protection of her secrets. Erin is in trouble and an innocent life hangs in the balance.

Blake knows he can help her break free of the past, but he doesn’t know if a man like himself belongs in her future.

How can he swear to protect her from danger when he has a dark side of his own?

Tracey’s Review

You’ll need an extra set of panties and a fan as you read Controlling Her Pleasure, the first book in the Under His Command series by Lili Valente, a new voice in erotic romance. This book is a novella, but, believe me, it is NOT short on the sizzle. The spark between tattoo artist and Dom Blake Roberts and Erin ‘Angel’ Simmons practically leaps off the page. When these two are together, whether as teens exploring their first love, or, later, as two halves of a very sexy whole, the heat is absolutely palpable.

Controlling Her Pleasure is a great introduction to this new series, and had me from the first page. Blake is full of smolder, all man, and not afraid to show it. And Erin, for all of her sass and bravado, is more than happy to find herself under his spell. Their chemistry had me speeding through this read, and I cannot wait for the next book to see what comes next in their adventure.

I’ve happily added Lili to my list of hot authors, and give this book 5+ steamy sexy stars.

About Author

Lili Valente has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Lili loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her via email at lili.valente.romance@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Release + Review: A Desperate Man Vol. 2 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

A Desperate Man: Volume 2

Ella Frank Brooke Blaine

Illusions — we all create them.

For some it’s to project an impressive image to a prospective employer; for others it’s to attract the eye of another.

My illusion is a bit more…complicated.

Years in the making, my secret has the potential to bite me in the ass. And not in the way I typically enjoy.

Sex.

As women, we’re judged for reveling in the same carnal pleasures that men do, but I’ve never been shy about my voracious appetite.

Now, I’m under no illusions that I’ll find love with any of my one night stands.

After all, I have one rule — no repeats — but it’s a rule that’s becoming harder to follow since Evan James came back into my life.

Did I say back into my life?

My name is Reagan Spencer, and you may think you know me, but…

How well do we really know anyone?

Excerpts

“Walk with me?” Evan asked.

She gave him a small smile and nodded. “Sure.”

Pushing off the rail, she fell in step with him as they walked along the river’s

edge.

“I’d be scared of what you’d see if you looked at me through your lens,” he

admitted.

“You shouldn’t.”

Evan scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t imagine there’s much

good there…”

“You’d be surprised at what I see.”

That comment had him coming to a standstill. “Would I?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” he said, and started walking again. “Tell me what you see.”

Reagan slid her thumbs down the straps of her camera and cocked her head,

looking him over.

“I see a successful man. One who dresses well, even on a Saturday morning. So

that would indicate to me that he takes pride in his appearance. Maybe cares about what

others think also. The fact that you were leaving a therapist’s office makes me think

you’re a man with some issues, but also a man who is willing to work through them.

Again, that comes back to pride. You seem to be able to swallow yours when need be.”

Evan’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing as she continued.

“You also have a certain…air about you. It’s in the way you move. You’re

confident, but at the same time, when you flash that smile, the arrogance disappears, and

you look like the boy you used to be.”

The smile under discussion appeared, and Evan asked, “How do you know what

kind of boy I used to be?”

“Hey? This is my story,” Reagan reminded him before he continued asking

questions she wasn’t willing to answer.

“Oh, my apologies, I somehow thought it involved me.”

“It does, but you’re on the outside listening, so shh. You asked, remember?”

With a serious face, he nodded. “You would be right.”

“Okay. Now I lost my train of thought.”

Evan chuckled. “Well, it’s probably for the best that you didn’t mention any of

my unappealing attributes.”

“Speaking of…” she said, and turned to walk backward, facing him. “How did the therapy session go today?”

“Really great. There was an orgy, a sampling of sex toys, and a dessert buffet

afterward. Very satisfying.”

“Evan…”

He blew out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “It was fine. It’s always

fine. Today, Dr. Glover brought up behavior triggers, and it helped to figure out where

this whole mess started.”

Curious, she asked, “And where was that?”

“It wasn’t any one event. It was the high off the power I got from my job, it was

being in an unhealthy relationship…my grandparents passing…the worry about

following in my parents’ footsteps. The further things spiraled out of my control, the

more I craved that control in other parts of my life. Well, a very specific part of my life.”

He glanced over at her before continuing. “Obviously that’s the condensed version, but…I think it helps. Knowing those things and hopefully being able to
stop them in the future.”

But the urge isn’t gone?”

The look in his eyes was haunted as he replied, “No. No, it isn’t gone.”

Tracey’s Review

Although their first meeting was anything but, Evan James and Reagan Spencer have moved beyond their mutual attraction to work together in a professional capacity. And, while they try to keep it to business as usual, their desire for each other is making it difficult to say no to each other.

In this second volume of A Desperate Man, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine really flesh out the story so that more is revealed about Reagan’s and Evan’s past, and more insight is given, especially about Reagan. While I found the first book to be a hot introduction to Evan’s and Reagan’s relationship, I really enjoyed this book, because the characters became more real. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that having glimpses into the past really add to understanding why Reagan feels so conflicted about her current involvement with Evan. And, while Volume 1 was hot, this book is even hotter, but in a less visceral and much more erotic way. I wasn’t sure that I liked Evan at all in the first book, but here, in Book 2, he won my heart. The characters relate to each other more intimately, and there is more playfulness and a sense of being comfortable here, right up to the point where it isn’t. And that is where the wonderful and talented authors leave us, as key players become aware that things, and people, are not what they seem.

I sped through this short but extremely satisfying installment, and cannot wait for the conclusion to Evan’s and Reagan’s story.

__________________________________________________________________

About the Authors

Brooke Blaine

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Her first solo novel, a romantic comedy, is due out in early 2015, but first, she thought she’d write a raunchy story with her best friend that would scar her conservative southern family for life.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Ella Frank

Ella Frank is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. She writes both contemporary and erotic fiction and is best known for her Exquisite Series, and Temptation Series.

The minute she began her love affair with reading, she became and avid supporter of the romance genre and has never looked back.

Ella is Australian born and bred but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Buy Links for A Desperate Man: Volume 1

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

The Bold and The Dominant by Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, and Isabella LaPearl – Doms of Her Life Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/14/2015 by shellbellereads

After spending weeks trying to reach Raine Kendall, Dominants Liam O’Neill and Macen Hammerman have finally broken past the walls to their submissive’s wounded heart. Before they can enjoy their newfound closeness, Liam’s past comes back to haunt him when his ex-wife drops in—with a secret could that tear his world apart. Forced to leave Raine in Hammer’s care, Liam is stuck on the outside, stewing in frustration and insecurity…and wondering if Raine no longer needs him or if Hammer alone completes her.

Always the pillar of strength, Hammer tries to help Liam while sheltering their woman. But Raine soon discovers the truth that threatens the trio’s chance of a happily-ever-after. Determined to hold them together, the two men cook up a scheme to uncover the ex’s secret. When an old nemesis returns and targets Raine, can Liam and Hammer come together to slay the danger and save the woman they both love?

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * KOBO * iBOOKS *

** DOMS OF HER LIFE SERIES **

ONE DOM TO LOVE (DOMS OF HER LIFE #1)

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * iBOOKS * KOBO *

THE YOUNG & THE SUBMISSIVE (DOMS OF HER LIFE #2)

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * iBOOKS * KOBO *

SHAYLA BLACK

You know what they say about curiosity and the cat…but if you still want to know, read below.

Shayla Black (aka Shelley Bradley) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 40 sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances produced via traditional, small press, independent, and audio publishing. She lives in Texas with her husband, munchkin, and one very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Shayla’s books have been translated in about a dozen languages. She has also received or been nominated for The Passionate Plume, The Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the National Reader’s Choice Awards. RT Bookclub has twice nominated her for Best Erotic Romance of the year, as well as awarded her several Top Picks, and a KISS Hero Award.

A writing risk-taker, Shayla enjoys tackling writing challenges with every new book.

SHAYLA BLACK AUTHOR LINKS

* WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER *

JENNA JACOB

Bestselling Author Jenna Jacob’s erotic romance comes from the heart of submission. With over twenty years experience in the dynamics of the BDSM lifestyle, Jenna strives to portray Dominance and submission with a passionate and comprehensive voice. Her stories will make you laugh, cry, and may leave you with a better understanding of the fulfillment found in the BDSM power exchange.

A married mom of four grown children, Jenna and her husband lives in Kansas. Her passions include her family, reading, camping, cooking, music, and riding Harleys. She loves to make people laugh with her outgoing and warped sense of humor. If you’re looking for hot romance with a kinky twist, pick up one of Jenna’s books.

JENNA JACOB AUTHOR LINKS

* WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER *

ISABELLA LAPEARL

Hello Friends! My name is Isabella and I write sexy, erotic romance. I’m a wife, mother, writer, reader and I love to ride my motorcyle.

To say it’s been an extraordinary journey thus far would be an understatement…what a rush! What a thrill to realize dreams and see them go from a seed to fruition. So for all you aspiring Authors who like me, have a fire inside that burns brightly and demands to be sated by writing… Never give up.

ISABELLA LEPEARL AUTHOR LINKS

* WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER *

Movie Review + Giveaway: The Fifty Shades of Grey

Posted on 02/13/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

When Anastasia Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey, as a favor to her roommate Kate Kavanagh, she encounters a beautiful, brilliant and intimidating man. The innocent and naive Ana started to realize she wants him, despite his enigmatic reserve and advice, she finds herself desperate to get close to him. Not able to resist Ana’s beauty and independent spirit, Christian Grey admits he wants her too, but in his own terms. Ana hesitates as she discovers the singular tastes of Christian Grey – despite the embellishments of success, his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family – Grey is consumed by the need to control everything.

Kelley’s Review

I was able to attend an early screening of The Fifty Shades of Grey movie last night and was quite pleased as to how the book that started my blogging career, was portrayed on the big screen. As of this morning looking at the different news media sites including IMDB the movie is not getting the greatest of reviews so why would I give this movie a 5-star review? If you read the book and loved the book you will enjoy the movie. I was really impressed at how well the movie followed the book. The way that Anna and Christan meet is spot on and I have to say that my absolute favorite scene is when Anna first drunk dials Christian from the bar. Dakota Johnson was laugh out loud funny. There were in fact several scenes where the theatre was full of laughter.

I was seriously on the fence about whether or not Dakota and Jamie were going to be able to pull off the Christian and Anna that I had pictured when I was reading the book and was pleasantly surprised at what an excellent job they did. The chemistry on screen was of course smoking hot and true to the book there is a lot of sex, bondage, and spanking in this book. If you are not comforable watching naked people have crazy, rough, and passionate sex on the big screen surrounded by movie goers you may want to wait until you can rent this one. I was glad to have a date by my side. There is no way in hell I would take a teenage daugher (I have one) or my mother to see this movie. This movie is about sex and not vanilla sex so if you are comfortable watching soft porn with your mom or kids go ahead, but I would not reccomend it. This movie barely missed the NC 17 rating so just keep that in mind. Between the sex scenes there are the amazing bits and pieces of the book that made you fall in love with Christian and Anna including riding in Charlie Tango, dancing, piano playing, and gliding. My second favorite scene is when the contract is negotiated. Dakota again will have you cracking up.

There were of course some details that were left out however. There is only so much you can cover in the span of two hours. One thing that I really did miss and am looking forward to seeing in the second movie is Mrs. Robinson. Christian discusses with Anna that he went to see her but you do not get to see that scene on the big screen. I am really excited to see who will play her in Fifty Shades Darker.

Overall going to see Fifty Shades was a positive movie going experience. I will most definatly buy this one on DVD when it comes out.

Actor Bios

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Dornan was born on May 1, 1982 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is an actor, known for Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Marie Antoinette (2006) and Shadows in the Sun(2009). He has been married to Amelia Warner since April 27, 2013. They have one child.

Dornan performed in the folk band Sons of Jim, until it disbanded in 2008. Sons of Jim supported Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall on tour.

In 2006, Dornan appeared in the Sofia Coppola film Marie Antoinette. He has modelled for Calvin Klein (with both Kate Moss and Eva Mendes), Dior, Aquascutum and Armani, among other brands. Dornan appeared in the drama film Shadows in the Sun in 2009, which starred three-time Academy Award nominee Jean Simmons. In 2008, he played the lead role of Ed in the Hammer Horror production Beyond the Rave.

In 2011, Dornan appeared in eight episodes of the ABC television series Once Upon a Time, playing the role of Sheriff Graham. While Graham from Storybrooke was killed by the town’s mayor Regina (The Evil Queen) in the episode “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter“, Dornan stated that he would return as the Huntsman from the Enchanted Forest at some point and he remained a regular on the series. He returned as The Huntsman for the season finale episode, “A Land Without Magic“.

Dornan stars alongside Gillian Anderson in the Northern Irish drama series The Fall, playing Paul Spector, a serial killer terrorising Belfast. In May 2013, the show was renewed for a second series halfway through the broadcast of series one.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Mayi Johnson is an American fashion model and actress. She was born in Austin, Texas, and is the daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Her maternal grandmother is actress Tippi Hedren.

In 1999, she made her film debut in Crazy in Alabama (1999), where she and her half-sister, Stella Banderas, played the daughters to their real-life mother, Melanie Griffith. The film was directed by her stepfather, Antonio Banderas, but it wasn’t a hit. Dakota resumed her schooling and waited several years before she decided to become a professional actress and model. In 2006, she was voted Miss Golden Globe, a launching pad bestowed on off-spring of famous parents. She served as the first second-generation Miss Golden Globe in the Globes’ history, since her mother was Miss Golden Globe in 1975. She also signed with IMG Models. In 2009, she modeled for MANGO brand’s jeans line. Dakota traveled to Sydney, Australia, where she shot the “Rising Star” campaign for fashion label, “Wish”. Once she graduated from high school, she signed with the William Morris Agency and started her acting career. She had her first box office hit in 2010 with David Fincher‘s film, The Social Network (2010), in which she had a scene with Justin Timberlake. The film received eight Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture. She also appeared in three additional films: Beastly(2011), alongside Vanessa Hudgens and Mary-Kate Olsen; Ezna Sands‘ film, Chloe and Theo (2015); and So Yong Kim‘s film, For Ellen (2012); She had roles in several 2012 films: Christopher Neil‘s film, Goats (2012), with David Duchovny; Nicholas Stoller‘s film, The Five-Year Engagement (2012), for producer Judd Apatow, and the hit feature film version of the 1987 television show, 21 Jump Street (1987), that made Johnny Depp a star. She also won the female lead in Chris Nelson‘s, film Date and Switch(2014), written by Alan Yang. Her first television show, Ben and Kate (2012), where she played “Kate”, aired on Fox during the Fall 2012 season. It was canceled in 2013, and she quickly resumed her feature film career with three high-profile films: “Need for Speed,” the modern-day adaptation of the William Shakespeare play “Cymbeline,” and the starring role of Anastasia in the adaptation of the best-selling erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Author Bio

E.L. James

E L James is a TV executive, wife and mother of two, based in West London. Since early childhood, she dreamt of writing stories that readers would fall in love with, but put those dreams on hold to focus on her family and her career. She finally plucked up the courage to put pen to paper with her first novel, Fifty Shades of Grey.

E L James is currently working on her next novel…

Purchase the Books that Started It All

(click on the image to purchase)

Fifty Shades of Grey (Book 1)

Fifty Shades Darker (Book 2)

Fifty Shades Freed (Book 3)

All Three Books in one Trilogy Bundle

Giveaway

Win a copy of The Fifty Shades of Grey official movie soundtrack by going to our post on Facebook and telling us your thoughts on the movie.

Review + Giveaway: Intoxicate by Tessa Teevan – Explosive Series- Book 4

Posted on 02/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Intoxicate

Explosive Series – Book 4

By Tessa Teevan

Synopsis

Marry me.

Two words Kalli Montgomery never expected to say out loud to Xavier Cruz, even though she’s been in love with the sexy, single father for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, she hasn’t just been friend-zoned for the past ten years. No, even worse, he’s treated her like a little sister, no matter how hard she tried to prove she could be so much more. When she agrees to spend the summer as the caregiver for his daughter, Lily, she knows it’s her last chance to finally make him take notice.

As unexpected circumstances threaten to disrupt his home life, Xavier’s desperate to keep his family together. He’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means marrying a woman he doesn’t love. For Xavier and Lily, Kalli will do just about anything, even at the risk of getting her heart broken in the process.

Little does she know, sometimes love isn’t quite as unrequited as one may think. Xavier sees her-he always has. And the vow he made all those years ago never to go there with his best friend’s little sister is wavering, and it’s wavering fast. When they come up with a plan that leads to wedding bells, it’s a no brainer.

This marriage of convenience has one rule: absolutely no falling in love.

Easier said than done. Throw together a girl who believes rules are meant to be broken, and a man whose whole career revolves around following orders and you get a recipe for disaster. What could possibly go wrong?

Shooting a glare at him, I throw my hands up in exasperation. “Are you telling me that this whole anticipation thing is one-sided? Is it that easy for you to resist? I really need to step up my game.”

Xavier’s eyes fall to my lips for a quick moment before he looks back up at me. I see the desire in his expression, and without him even saying a word, I know he wants this, too. So why is he making me wait?

“You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now. How many times I’ve thought of doing just that. Every time you were curled up against me on the couch, I wanted to kiss you. Every morning when you showed up, I wanted to kiss you. Every time you said goodnight to Lily and then slipped out my door? I wanted to kiss you before you left. It’s not a new development. The first time I ever saw you, Kalli, I wanted to kiss you. And I’ve wanted to ever since.”

His admission floors me. He’s told me before that he “saw” me, but I had no clue it was from the very beginning. I’m not really sure how to process it. In fact, he beats me to the punch.

“So now you know. This will be just as hard for me, but it will be so damn worth it. Because when you’ve wanted something for as long as I’ve wanted you? It’ll be the best feeling in the world when I finally get it.”

“Our first kiss will be that epic?”

“A first kiss to rival them all,” he quips, grinning at me. He holds his arms out wide. “Now, we’ll start with a hug and work our way up.”

“I feel like I’m sixteen again,” I tell him as I wrap my arms around his waist.

His hands come down to my back and he gives me a big squeeze, my head pressing against his firm chest. I love this feeling of being in his arms, him holding me close. There’s nowhere on the planet I’d rather be than right here with him. As much as I want him, I know he’s right. I don’t care when it comes. Because when it does, our first kiss will be unforgettable.

His chest rumbles as he chuckles. He squeezes me tight one last time before letting me go. “And it’s only just the beginning,” he tells me. “Have a good night, crazy girl.”

Michel’s Review

Intoxicate is the book fans of the Explosive Series by Tessa Teevan have been waiting for. The characters have played parts in all of the previous books. The build up to this book was like mental foreplay. Tessa carefully laid the ground work and built a slow burning desire between these two.

Xavier Cruz is a single father. He is Kalli Montgomery’s older brother’s best friend. He has known Kalli since she was sixteen. Although he was attracted to her, she was forbidden territory. Now he is desperate to hang onto his daughter. He needs a stable home life. He needs a wife. Kalli is the perfect woman for the job. She loves his daughter. They have been friends for ten years. She is no longer a girl, she is a vibrant woman.

Kalli has been in love with Xavier since the moment she met him at age sixteen. She adores his daughter as well. When the opportunity to marry Xavier to help save his family is on the table, she is all in. She knows that this is her chance at fulfilling her dreams.

What starts as a marriage between friends turns into a smoldering, passionate relationship. The discovery of an undeniable love is slow building, one kiss at a time.

Intoxicate was a wonderful read. It was not loaded with a lot of angst and indecision. It focused on two people coming together, building a relationship, falling hopelessly in love, and creating a happy family. This book had the right amount of playfulness, humor, passion, sizzling bedroom themes, and romance that makes your heart beat a bit faster. I would recommend this book and the Explosive series.

The Explosive Series

Ignite- Book 1

Buy: Amazon

Incinerate- Book 2

Buy: Amazon

Inflame- Book 3

Buy: Amazon

About Tessa Teevan

I’m a twenty something book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.

If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Email

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Happy Release: Bender by M. Stratton

Posted on 02/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Bender

By M. Stratton

Release Date: February 13, 2015

Synopsis

Since high school everyone thought Jake Bender would end up behind bars; after all, he comes from a long line of bad boys. He spent years away from the place he called home. When he finally comes back, everyone thinks he’s just a punk kid all grown up who’s now running a dive bar called The Night Club. What they don’t know is he heads up a special task force, which cleans up neighborhoods and makes them safe again.

Stormy Ryan has always felt more comfortable with her books than with people. She loves to spend her days within the pages of her books. When her second-hand bookstore is robbed for the third time in as many months, her employees quit leaving her to run the shop on her own. With the pressure of having to deal with her shop and people, not to mention the declining neighborhood, she is at the end of her rope.

When closing up her shop late one night, she is held up and the neighborhood bad boy saves her, putting both of them at the forefront of a psychotic’s obsession.
Being bad has never looked so good.

Buy : Amazon / Kobo

Prologue

Eighteen year old Jake Bender sat slouched over in a chair in the principal’s office listening to the asshole saying over and over and over how he’d end up in jail or dead. Blah, blah, blah. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t heard a thousand times before. He was thankful this one wasn’t followed up by fists like his old man liked to do.

“Are you listening to me, boy?” The principal slammed his fist on the desk and walked around wagging his finger in Bender’s face. “You mark my words, boy; you’re heading for jail or the cemetery. Either way this world is better off without you. You could disappear and no one would care. We don’t need you.”

He sat there and slowly looked up at the principal raising an eyebrow. He’d been hearing this for years from his old man; that song was stuck on repeat. Bender was counting down the days until he could leave this place behind. He’d go full time at the garage, find a place to live, and try to stay alive. Once he was on his own he’d be the one who came first, no one else, just like he’d been raised, look out for number one.

“Don’t give me that look, boy.” He raised his hand as if to slap him.

Bender sighed and leaned back. He knew there was no way he was actually going to hit him. Besides, if for some reason he did, it wouldn’t hurt as much as what his dad did on a daily basis. “Do it. I dare you.”

They stared at each other before the principal backed down. “You’re not worth it. Get out of here and don’t come back for a week.”

“What, no Saturday detention?”

“Never worked for you before; sure isn’t going to work now. We just have to get through the next two months, unless you want to drop out now. Then you’re society’s problem.”

Bender stood up. “Way to inspire the youth there, sir. You may want to write that little speech down for future reference.”

“Get out, Bender. Just get out.”

*****

Bender slowly walked home kicking a rock hoping the old man was out getting drunk somewhere and wouldn’t be home until later. He wasn’t worried about his mom; she’d been beaten down so much over the years she didn’t care about anything as long as his dad wasn’t beating on her.

When he saw the man sitting on the steps to his house he paused. There was something familiar about him, but Bender couldn’t place him. He knew he’d seen him before, but couldn’t remember.

“We need to have a talk son.”

“You’re not my dad.”

The man leaned back and crossed his ankles looking relaxed, but Jack knew he wasn’t. This man didn’t look like he ever let his guard down. “No, thank God for that. I’m here to help you.”

“Yeah, well I don’t want your fucking help.”

“Listen, you punk ass kid, do you want to end up like your old man? Nah, I can see from the look in your eyes you don’t. Well, I’m offering you a way out. A way you can hold onto that tough kid attitude while helping people.”

“Fuck them. They never helped me.”

“What do you think I’m doing? You sure as hell aren’t the first I’ve gotten out of here, and you won’t be the last, but you’d better listen up, boy, before it’s too late. This is your one shot at redemption. I suggest you take it.” He held out a card.

Bender stood there on shaking knees, thoughts going through his head. He wanted to escape the wrath of his father and the scum of the neighborhood. He knew if he stayed, he’d be dead within a year. Slowly, he reached out and grabbed the card, feeling deep down in his gut his whole life was about to change. Now, if it was for the better was yet to be seen.

Author Bio:

M. Stratton is an International Amazon bestselling author in the romantic suspense and mystery suspense categories for her debut novel After the Storm. She is a self-proclaimed dork that loves to make people laugh and can trip over nothing. Her inner rock star is always on stage performing to a sold out crowd but is quiet and shy on the outside.

She lives with her husband and son in Arizona, which is a big difference from where she grew up north of Chicago Illinois. As an only child she learned to tell herself stories to make the long winters go by quicker while dreaming of summer vacations. Now as an adult she still makes up stories to pass the time, but now she writes them down to share with other people.

When not writing you can find M. watching football (Go Bears!), NASCAR, or classic movies, watching her husband and father restore classic cars, and seeing who can be sillier, her or her son, and of course reading.

Things you don’t know about M. Stratton:
1. She loves the movie Twister… she can say all the lines along with the actors. She will also use those lines in real life as often as possible.

2. Halloween is her favorite holiday. She starts planning months in advance. She has more Halloween decorations than Christmas.

3. She once made up a monologue about her love of chocolate chip cookie dough for her high school drama class.

4. There are times she thinks she is so funny she has tears running down her face while laughing at herself.

5. M. can play the clarinet but is in awe of anyone who can play the guitar, piano or drums, pretty much anything where your hands have to do two different things at the same time.

6. Cary Grant is her favorite actor. When she was in high school after Cary Grant died one of the cable stations ran a marathon, she watched his movies from 6 in the morning all day and night until 4 AM the next day.

7. Reading has always been an escape for her. She can devour a book in hours. When she moved in with her husband she literally donated over 1,000 books and saved over 1,000 for herself. She can reread books over and over again if she loves them. There are some that she has reread about once a year for the past 20 years.

8. She eloped after knowing her husband for only two months in 2006. They are still married over seven years later.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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Bring The Rain by Lizzy Charles

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Synopsis

Excerpt

Other books by Lizzy Charles

Available NOW!

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Author Bio

Connect With Lizzy

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SHAYLA BLACK

JENNA JACOB

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