Happy Release: Ansleigh’s Grotto by J.T. Cheyanne

Posted on 01/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Ansleigh’s Grotto

By J. T. Cheyanne

Synopsis

Dylan Matthews lives in a world of fantasy. As a video game designer, there are no limits on how far or wide his imagination could stretch. He loves his work and excels at bringing the visions in his head to a game console. The luck of his Irish heritage seems to touch him when his prototype Zombie ApoXalypse is bought days after he inherits a mansion in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. Life is indeed magical.
Ansleigh has waited centuries for one man, only to find him and then lose him due to his own inability to trust in their burgeoning love. The magick of Mother Earth flows within him and through him allowing him to nourish the Grotto where he makes his home. Yet, he yearns for the male that nurtures his soul. When the whims of Fate bring his Cosantoir back into his life, does he have the courage to accept his heritage?
As the fantasies in his head become reality and the monsters of nightmares crawl through the forest, can Dylan forgive broken promises to protect the Croi? There is no pause button when the Fae and human worlds collide. Will Dylan have what it takes to master the maze and win Ansleigh’s freedom?

Lis’ Review

The story of Ansleigh’s Grotto is full of magic, interesting characters, and a beautiful love story. Dylan is a man who seems to have a charmed life… he’s just inherited a wonderful estate, his work for the gaming company is well received and his career is taking off. Yet when he returns to claim his inheritance, he realizes that something.. or rather, someone, is missing from his life but he just can’t quite remember who.. or why.

The meeting with Ansleigh of the title is rather normal..he’s an employee on what is now Dylan’s estate. Just like Silas and Aggie, who work in the house that Dylan now calls home. But we soon learn everyone in this book has a bit of fae magic inside them and that’s where the fantasy world and the real world collide.. in a big way.

The story is short, but the detail is rich and what makes this book so special. JT Cheyanne paints a picture of the estate Dylan inherits with such detail and precision that when the trees begin to talk, and the wind becomes malevolent, it’s so believable because we’ve become immersed in this fae fantasyland. As we read, we see what Dylan sees, feel what he feels, even smell what he smells. We question and wonder right along with him. Just like the video games Dylan designs, we are drawn in with each description, each portrayal of emotion that before we know it, the struggle to regain the love between Dylan and Ansleigh is real. The battles between the Seelie and UnSeelie fae are real. And the antics of the sprites and elves are real.

Dylan and Ansleigh’s love story is sweet yet sexy and powerful. We cheer for them but it’s truly the other fantasy characters that give life to this story. Sprites who are the equivalent of a bickering Tinker Bell and Peter Pan, elves who hide their true identities in the guise of elderly servants, and the Taco Bell godfather voice who advises Dylan to “Live mas” brought humor and depth to the whole fantasy becomes reality story. The evil UnSeelie is just as well developed. Like the fae of myth, he is handsome to look upon, but rotten and deadly underneath. The author’s research of the Irish legends is detailed and believable, and she brings some of the more interesting creatures to life in this book.

Deep down, this is a love story that touches on themes we are all familiar with. Is the bond of love strong enough to overcome past mistakes? Is a newfound love worth fighting for? Is the realization that no matter what the obstacles thrown in the path, two people who love each other with all their hearts and souls will ultimately triumph in their desire and intent to be together? Both Dylan and Ansleigh struggle with these questions and ultimately discover that despite the paths they have traveled separately, despite what they thought they knew, coming together again brings answers to questions that can and do make their history complete. JT Cheyanne has created another winning love story that you don’t want to miss.

Author Bio:

J.T. Cheyanne resides in the beautiful state of Alabama. J.T. lives with her two sons and daughter. An avid reader since fourth grade, she has only just started writing her own stories. She also has several works in progress with a co-author. When she’s not writing, she enjoys coaching cheerleading in her local youth organization.

Get connected with J. T. Cheyenne on her social media sites….

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author page

Traveling Man by Jane Harvey-Berrick -2015 Favorite + 6 Star Review + Giveaway

Posted on 01/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Traveling Man

The Traveling Duet Series – Book 1

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Synopsis

I was ordinary. Nice.

He was extraordinary. And he wasn’t always nice.

Moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful, Kes scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t.”

* * * *

Aimee Anderson is ten when the traveling carnival first comes to her nice little town. She doesn’t expect her world to change so completely. But meeting Kestrel Donohue puts her life on a different path.

Even though she only sees him for the two weeks of the year when he passes through her home town, his friendship is the most important of her life. As a child’s friendship grows to adult love, the choices become harder, and both Kes and Aimee realize that two weeks a year will never be enough…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

He’d grown taller. Not as tall as his grandfather yet, but nearly as tall as my father. His shoulders were wider and I could see his biceps pushing through his ragged t-shirt, but he was still on the thin side, wiry, I guess. He looked stunning, like he should be in a boy band—you know, the bad one that makes all the parents fear for their daughters’ virginity.

I watched him out of the corner of my eye as I turned to study the competition. I had to admit it wasn’t looking good. The girl was taller than me and wore a low cut tank top that showcased a lot of cleavage. Her boobs were no better than mine, I decided—there was just more of them on show. So whereas I looked safe, nice you might say, she looked dangerous. Her arms were covered in colorful tattoos, her ears pierced five or six times each, and she had silver rings through her lip and eyebrow. Her face was hard, but beautiful, even caked in makeup.

I guessed she was maybe two or three years older than me, it was hard to tell.

As if she felt my gaze on her, she swung toward me, her eyes blazing.

“No rubes back here!” she yelled. “Get the fuck out!”

I was shocked that a complete stranger would speak to me like that. I froze, my eyes darting to Kes. He turned to look at me, his frown of annoyance changing to a warm smile.

“Chill, Sorcha,” he muttered. “The shrimp’s a friend.”

I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry. He was pleased to see me, but so dismissive. I stood there with my mouth hanging open. And then I was in Kes’s arms, breathing in the scent of sweat and soap and something like fresh hay that was so familiar.

“Hey, kid! How you doing?” he said, as he led me away.

His voice had deepened. No longer childlike, it was a light, pleasant tenor.

“Don’t call me kid!” I snapped, punching his shoulder.

He laughed and rubbed the spot where I’d hit him. His dimple popped out and I wished I’d hit him harder—then kissed him better.

“Okay, not a kid,” he smiled, but then I watched his eyes darken as they drifted down my body, pausing at my chest, then doing a slow sweep along my legs and hips. “No, not a kid,” he said again, and this time his voice was gruffer.

Michel’s Review

This book was brought to my attention while I was signing up for another blog tour. The cover caught my attention. When I read the synopsis for the book I knew I wanted to read this book. When the ARC was delivered to my kindle I had to start the book immediately. From the very first page I was hooked. I could not put the book down. I was mesmerized by the characters and their story. After I finished the book the I could not stop thinking about it. It was such a special, magical kind of story that captured my heart and imagination. Traveling Man was a 6 star book and made the 2015 Favorite List.

Imagine living in rural America, in a very small town where nothing ever happens. A town that is full of simple minded people and ordinary life. A town where excitement is non existent. Then one day a caravan of huge trucks rolls through town stirring up the dust. These trucks are not just passing through, they are stopping at an old abandoned farm. They are bringing a magical world to this small town. The carnival has arrived. Magic is in the air. The excitement level has escalated from zero to ten. For two weeks this sensation is going to breath life into this small world.

Aimee Anderson is celebrating her tenth birthday. She has been granted a special wish. She can celebrate her birthday anywhere she wants. She has watched the trucks roll through town. She knows the only thing she wants is to feel the magic the trucks have brought to her small world. She wants to go to the carnival.

Her birthday wish is granted and she is going to the carnival. She could of never imagined that the one wish would give her the most precious gift of a lifetime. She has been given the gift of a life long friendship and ever lasting love from a boy that ispart of that magical world. She has been given Kes Donohue, the boy extraordinaire. For two weeks every year, she will get to leave her ordinary world in the background and become a part of the world that Kes belongs to. For two weeks every year she will experience friendship, magic, excitement, and love.

Kes and Aimee come from two completely different worlds. Her world is structured. Aimee is smart and lives in a world of books. She has a stable home, a predictable family, and a predictable life. Kes lives in an RV. He travels the country throughout the year. He doesn’t attend school. His family consists of his grandfather, his older brother, their pet monkey, and fellow carnie friends. At a young age he became a showman and dare devil. There are not many children in his world and he has no friends. When he sees Aimee at the carnival absorbing all the wonders that most people don’t see, he knows he wants to share his world with her. He wants Aimee to share her world with him.

These two ten year old children form a deep friendship in less than two weeks. Their families are reluctant to allow the friendship because of how different their worlds are. Both families will see that this friendship is special and is beneficial for both the children. With reluctance they will allow this friendship to flourish.

Kes and Aimee will spend two weeks every summer together for six years. They will grow from children to young adults. They will change throughout the years. They will discover new feelings that are much deeper than their friendship. They will discover love.

Their sixteenth summer will bring their friendship to a halt. Their hearts will be broken and their lives torn apart. It will be the end of their magic.

For eight years Aimee and Kes will be traveling on new paths in their lives. They will become adults and begin new careers. They will be in control of their own destinies. They have both changed drastically. They are no longer the children with wonder in their eyes. That is until the magic hits them once again… their paths will cross once more. Can they bring their two separate worlds together and create the magic once again?

Traveling Man was mesmerizing. I love books where the readers get to experience the characters coming of age. Experiencing the characters go from childhood innocence to the angsty teenager and finally the full grown adult is like watching yourself grow through the pages. Being able to experience that first kiss and first love is magical.

Jane Harvey- Berrick captured the world of the carnival. Throughout the book I felt like I was right there with the characters. I could feel the smallness of Aimee’s world. I could feel the electricity in the air. I could smell the hotdogs in the air, I could taste the funnel cakes, and I could feel the excitement like it was electricity in my bones. I became a part of the book. She also brought her characters to life and the reader felt every emotional moment.

I absolutely loved Traveling Man! I cannot wait for the next book.

_______________________________________________________________

About Jane Harvey- Berrick

I lived in London for over 10 years and have a love affair with New York. It’s only since I have moved to the countryside, that the words have really begun to flow.

I live in a small village by the ocean and walk my little dog, Pip, every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.

Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.

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ARC Review: Don’t Deny Me: Part 3 by Megan Hart – The Final Book

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Don’t Deny Me : Part 3

The Final Book in Series

By Megan Hart

Synopsis

Have the flames finally gone out—or will they burn brighter than ever before?
Part Three of Don’t Deny Me, the new e-serial from bestselling author Megan Hart.
Mick is determined to be the kind of man who is worthy of Alice…and vows to hold on to her and never let go. But can people, and relationships, really change? If Alice does decide to let him back into her heart—and into her bed—will Mick be ready to show her the man that he’s become…and take a chance on love? And can Alice ever trust him again?

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Michel’s Review

This is the final book in the Don’t Deny Me trilogy by Megan Hart. It is clear that Mick and Alice still love one another. Their passion for one another is not the problem. Even though they are deeply in love and moving forward, it is clear that they are falling into old behaviors and patterns.

What it all boils down to is a problem that all couples experience at some time or another. The problem is communication. It is hard know what is going on in each other’s minds without verbally expressing it in a clear, concisive way. Neither person should assume anything.

Can Mick and Alice get past their problems and finally learn to really talk to one another. Can they learn to express their true feelings.

It is a journey that both will have to stumble on. In the long run it will be well worth the effort. Mick and Alice will find their happiness once again.

Megan Hart taps into some internal flaws that most of us possess. She allows her characters to fall down and she allows them to fail. She also teaches them it’s okay to be human. It’s okay to have flaws. It is about learning how to utilize those flaws into a more positive view.

Megan is a superb writer. The emotional depth of her stories that is mixed with the sensual heat has readers coming back for more.

Don’t miss the Don’t Deny Me Trilogy.

Don’t Deny Me: Part Two

Part Two of A Novel In Three Parts

By Megan Hart

Synopsis

They had it all—until he broke her heart…
Part Two of Don’t Deny Me, the new e-serial novel from bestselling author Megan Hart.
From the moment he sees the girl in the green dress across the room, Mick is spellbound. He knows she’s too much, too good, more than he deserves…but he’s also sure that Alice is worth everything he’s got. So why is it that the more he tries, the more he seems to fail? Mick can’t figure out where he’s gone wrong. Alice needs something that he still can’t figure out how to give. And when it matters most, will Mick find a way to be there when she falls? The only thing he knows for sure is that he’s not going to lose Alice without a fight. . .

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Alice and Mick’s story continues. In Part One we were introduced to Alice and Mick. They had been lovers ten years previous to present time. Their relationship was toxic and ended badly. They had not seen each other in ten years. When they meet once again, the intense chemistry and sexual attraction is still there. It is clear that these two have not had closure to their passionate relationship. Can they find the closure they need to move on or do they start again?

In Part Two, Megan Hart takes the reader back to the beginning of Alice and Mick’s relationship. The reader gets to experience their first meeting and how it led to their all consuming passion for one another.

This book will take the reader from the exciting newness of their relationship to the toxic ending.

This book had my heart breaking for both Alice and Mick. It is clear that they love each other beyond words. But their problem is one that has plagued most couples throughout time. Communication. Neither Mick or Alice are without blame. They both made mistakes where their relationship was concerned. They both did not give each other one hundred percent honesty. They did not clearly express their feelings until it became explosive and beyond repair. Both have regrets.

Through the letters the reader will experience the pain, the anger, the loss, and the deep abiding love they share.

Alice and Mick have something special. Something that only happens once in a lifetime. Can they learn from their past and make a future together.

This book has me completely invested in their relationship. I am hoping that Alice and Mick will make it work.

I can’t wait for the third and final book. Don’t Deny Me: Part 3 will release on January 27, 2015.

Don’t Deny Me

Part One- A Full Length Novel in Three Parts

By Megan Hart

Synopsis

He’s back, and the heat between them cannot be denied…
Part One of Don’t Deny Me, the passionate new e-serial novel from bestselling author Megan Hart.
Alice and Mick had it all: the happy days, the heartfelt evenings, the hot, slow nights. But Mick couldn’t give her what she needed, and in a moment of crisis, they lost everything. Torn apart, Alice tries to pry him out of her life and move on—until a not-so-chance meeting at an old friend’s party brings them face-to-face once more. Now they’re talking again, Alice can’t escape the burning in her chest whenever he’s near, the way his eyes still follow her around the room…but she won’t repeat the mistakes of her past. Passion alone is nothing to build a life on. Or is it?

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Don’t Deny Me Serial- a novel split in three parts by Megan Hart is one of those serials you don’t want to miss. It is a story of uninhibited passion, emotional depth, honest insights into the human psyche, and the perfect portrayal of what the true meaning of love is.

I have read all three parts to the Don’t Deny Me serial and can honestly say it was quite an emotional reading experience. Megan Hart has a true gift of creating characters that are very real and easy for the reader to relate to. Her writing is flawless and flows with a very effortless smooth transition in each passage. She has the gift of digging deep into the minds and emotions of her characters and presents their whole persona to the readers without causing the reader to instant love or hate them. She gives them a natural balance that all readers can understand and grasp.

Megan Hart is a pioneer author in angsty, emotional, and extremely erotic books. She was giving us the “true grit” , “emotional angst”, and “sinfully steamy romances” long before the 50 Shades of Grey frenzy took readers by storm and made them want more than a fluffy romance. Megan Hart is a superb writer and a master of her craft.

Don’t Deny Me- Part One begins with Alice going for a weekend anniversary party of old time friends. She has not seen her friends in ten years. After her toxic breakup with Mick, she couldn’t bear to be around their old friends or him. She dropped out of their social circles and moved on in her life. She figures that ten years has gone by and she has come to terms with how her life has progressed. She has led a pretty fulfilling and happy life. She has had more than enough time to heal and forgive. She’s ready to reconnect with her old friends once again. A weekend anniversary party is the perfect way to reconnect. She knows that Mick will be attending the party as well. She feels that time has given her maturity, wisdom, self respect, insightfulness, compassion, and the gift of learning how to forgive. She will never forget the emotional roller coaster relationship she once had with Mick. She will also never forget the toxic ending. But she can forgive Mick because she now realizes that she is just as responsible for the hurt and pain their relationship caused.

The one thing Alice didn’t count on was the immediate and irresistible attraction she still feels towards Mick. She realizes that although their relationship ended, she is still very much in love with Mick. Mick also has the same reactions to Alice.

Can these two forgive each other, learn from the past to move forward? Is there a second chance for their love to fully bloom or will it end in brutal emotional destruction? Or do they have a weekend fling and remember the best parts of their relationship?

Don’t Deny Me – Part One reveals the emotional devastation that both Alice and Mick went through when their relationship ended. It also shows that very clearly that Mick and Alice are still deeply in love with another. Through letters from their breakup to the present day weekend affair , the readers quickly become invested in Alice and Mick’s relationship.

Don’t Deny Me- Part One ends on a cliffhanger that is about to reveal their complete past. It has readers anxious to see where they started and how they ended up in the situation they are now living.

This was a very raw and emotional read. Don’t Deny Me – Part Two will be out in one week. There is not a long wait for the next part of Alice and Mick’s story.

_______________________________________________

About Megan Hart

Megan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.

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Release Celebration + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Craving Resurrection by Nicole Jacquelyn- Aces Series – Book 4

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Craving Resurrection

Aces Series – Book 4

Biker Romance

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Synopsis

Poet and Amy’s story…

Patrick Gallagher’s future was mapped out—and it didn’t include Amy Henderson or the IRA.

She was everything he’d never wanted. Too young. Too naïve.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t help but be fascinated by the girl who took refuge in his old bedroom, staying with his mum more often than not.

She looked like a Renaissance painting and argued like a solicitor. He couldn’t resist her, and before long, he didn’t even want to.

Instead, he loved her unreservedly… then he married her.

But he couldn’t have prepared for what happened after.

Actions, no matter how large or how small, have consequences—and when the IRA comes knocking, he’s sucked into a life that he’d never anticipated.

Choices were made.

Hearts were broken.

Trust was shattered.

Lives were lost.

Through it all, he loved her.

It was a love that spanned decades.

Epic.

Intense.

Unquestionable.

Unbreakable.

Buy: Amazon / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Craving Resurrection by Nicole Jacquelyn is the fourth book in Aces series.

The Aces series is one of my all time favorite biker / MC series published. Each book in this series features an intense story that has the reader gritting their teeth, hanging on the edge of their seat, riding the emotional roller coaster , and completely immersed within the story. The characters are full of life. Each and every character brings something special to this series. Their stories are captivating. The Aces MC club will ride into your life and take your heart prisoner. Their stories may not be pretty but men behind these stories are beautiful souls.

One character that has caught the readers attention throughout this entire series is Poet,the Vice President of the Aces. He is tough, wise, intuitive, and lethal. His past is a mystery. He has been dubbed the Butcher but his actions show a man of peace even though he is an enforcer. His life with the Aces has inspired his brothers and new recruits. Although he is a prominent leader in the club, he is also an enigma. He keeps his inner thoughts and haunting demons to himself. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, a strong sense of honor, and a strong sense of compassion for others.

The readers have become enchanted by Poet. They have been given glimpses of the man. They have seen his dedication to his family. They have seen him fiercely love his daughter,dote on his granddaughter, and embrace his new son in law. At the same time the readers are given the impression that Poet has been deeply hurt. We sense that he has lost love and never found it again.

Craving Resurrection is Poet’s story.

This story spans a thirty year period. We meet Poet as a young man full of high hopes and ambitions for the future. Young Patrick Gallagher is attending the university with plans on becoming a teacher when he meets the young American/ Irish girl that has become a part of his mum’s life. He falls hopelessly in love with Amy Henderson even though she is too young for him.

Once Amy turns eighteen and her parents have thrown her out on her own and moved back to America, Patrick decides to marry her. Together they are looking forward to building a happy life with love and children. Those dreams are shattered when IRA comes knocking on the door. Patrick is forced into a life he didn’t choose. He is forced to become “The Butcher”. This new role in his life opens a complete can of worms that will change every dream he ever had. He will lose the woman he loves, he will be forced to flee his family, he will have to give up his nationality, and he will give up everything he has ever known. His life was not supposed to turn out this way.

After Patrick left Amy behind in Ireland, his past came back to haunt them. Amy is the one who paid the price for the mistakes he made. She was destroyed. When he finally found Amy a year later in America, it was too late. His betrayal left her hating him. Her new life made him turn his back on her with a heart full of hate. But they will always be tied together throughout their lives. His mother Peg has enough love in heart for both of them. She is the glue that will keep them fragilely connected.

The years will pass. Both Amy and Patrick will make new lives and have their own families. They will move forward, but deep down they will still own each other’s hearts.

When life throws new obstacles, new threats come in to play for both of their families, and truths from the past come to light, Amy and Patrick may be able to forgive one another for the past. That old saying “the truth will set you free” doesn’t necessarily hold true, but it does open new paths to take in life. For Amy and Poet, the key will be forgiveness. There is never a question about their love for one another. It has always been their once in a lifetime thing.

This book was Nicole Jacquelyn’s best book to date. She gave a honest portrayal of how unscripted life really is. She created characters that were dealt some crappy hands in life. No matter how badly they wanted to cling to their past, their lives moved forward. They became stronger people and led very different lives. No matter how many changes they both experienced in their lives, it was still inevitable that these two were truly meant for one another. Craving Resurrection was a beautiful love story that survived an ugly world.

I cannot rave about this book and Aces series enough. Nicole Jacquelyn has created a world that is unforgettable.

The Aces Series

6 Star Series

Craving Constellations

Book 1

How could someone make decision after decision attempting to get away from their past and somehow end up right back where they started?
When Brenna decided to leave the only life she’d ever known, she swore she’d never go back. Now, five years later, she’s running from her clean-cut husband straight back to the motorcycle club that raised her… and the man she left behind.
She left with a secret, and the truth will soon break her carefully constructed life wide open.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Craving Redemption

Book 2

Asa and Callie had nothing in common. He was an Ace, raised in the club and loyal to it above all else. She was a high school student with braces on her teeth and a narrow view of the world.
They should have never crossed paths.
But when Callie decides to defy her parents, and Asa goes on an errand for the club, their lives collide. He saves her, and she mesmerizes him.
They part believing they’ll never see each other again.
Neither could have predicted the chain of events they’d put in motion.
Now the two have to navigate the dark waters of a relationship built on tragedy and need without drowning in guilt for things outside their control.
How do you love someone when the worst decision of your life was the reason you met them?
Warning: This book contains graphic language, sex and violence. It is meant for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Craving Absolution

Book 3

Farrah Miller and Cody “Casper” Butler have a longstanding relationship that both refuse to discuss.

It isn’t romantic.

It may not even be classified as a friendship.

Casper’s been saving Farrah from herself for longer than he’d care to admit, watching silently as she drowned herself in alcohol and bad decisions. Then when she finally got her act together, he left. He told himself he was giving her time to sort herself out. He tried to give her space.

But getting shot in the chest can change a man’s perspective, and Casper’s done waiting.

When he shows up on her doorstep one night, everything changes.

He’s the man who’s seen her at her very worst.
She’s his weakness.
He runs when things get hard.
She never lets anyone see below the surface and is terrified of being abandoned.

Casper knows it’s a long shot, that there’s a good chance she’ll never drop her guard for him- but he has to try. Because a life with Farrah is exactly what he wants…
Even if he has to fight her for it.

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About Nicole Jacquelyn

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

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Happy Release + Review: Hot Ice by Lynn Raye Harris

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Hot Ice

Hostile Operations Team Series – Book 7

By Lynn Rae Harris

Synopsis

When fire and ice collide, you get steam…

Grace Campbell leads a privileged life. The daughter of a United States senator, she moves within the social circles of the rich and famous. But Grace is also a scientist, and when someone learns she possesses the knowledge necessary to create a new super virus capable of destroying entire nations, she becomes a target for terror groups and foreign governments alike.

Garrett “Iceman” Spencer didn’t join the Army’s elite Hostile Operations Team to babysit a spoiled rich girl, but when his superiors insist on assigning him to a senator’s daughter as her security detail, he has no choice but to comply.

It’s a shock to find that beneath the glasses and serious scowl, Grace Campbell burns hot. And Garrett, who’s been burned before, suddenly wants to immerse himself in the flames.

Keeping Grace alive—and keeping his hands off her—is a full-time job for this HOT soldier. Failure is not an option…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Michel’s Review

Lynn Raye Harris never fails to disappoint readers with her impressive romantic suspense series, The Hostile Operations Team series. Each novel can be read as a stand alone or in series order. Each book features a different couple and a completely different plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Hot Ice is the seventh book in this series.

Hot Ice features Garrett “Iceman” Spencer from the team. He is known for his ice cold demeanor and stand off attitude. Garrett has been through a very bitter divorce that has left his heart frozen. The only thing Garrett really truly cares about outside of his work is his young daughter. When he is assigned to protect a prominent Senator’s daughter because of his upbringing and social background, he is pissed. He has no use for a haughty spoiled princesses. He has been there and done that. His new assignment will be a complete surprise. It may even thaw his frozen heart.

Grace Campbell is the daughter of a prominent Senator that has become a presidential hopeful. She is also a brilliant doctor and research scientist. Her research consists of creating a super virus. She is a quiet, shy, and resilient woman. She would rather be in a lab than in the political limelight. Her father’s political aspirations force her to keep up her social appearances. Her father’s announcement of running for president has brought her negative attention concerning her career. It has also put her in jeopardy.

After an attack at the lab, Grace is assigned a special bodyguard from H.O.T. , Garrett Spencer. On the surface he is intimidating and scary. She also finds this tattooed man intriguing and downright sexy. What surprises her the most is the real man under the façade he shows the world.

As the plot thickens, Grace’s life is threatened, and danger lurks at every turn, the sexual tension builds between the two. Once they give in to their attraction to one another their passion ignites. These two are burning up the sheets and searing their hearts.

Hot Ice was packed full of action and suspense as well as red hot passion. Lynn Raye Harris has mastered the craft of writing romantic suspense. She has added a whole new dimension with her scorching love scenes and red hot romance.

I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend this series. These books are guaranteed to deliver a thrilling, exciting, smoldering romance.

The Hostile Operations Series

Hot Pursuit

Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Mess

Book 2

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Package

Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Dangerously Hot

Book 4

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Shot

Book 5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Rebel

Book 6

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

About Lynn Raye Harris

USA Today bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris burst onto the scene when she won a writing contest held by Harlequin. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband and two crazy cats. Lynn writes about hot military heroes, sizzling international billionaires, and the women who dare to tame them. Her books have been called “exceptional and emotional,” “intense,” and “sizzling.” To date, Lynn’s books have sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

Website – Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review: Playing Dirty by Helenkay Dimon – Bad Boys Undercover Series – Book 1

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Playing Dirty

Bad Boys Undercover Series – Book 1

By Helenkay Dimon

Synopsis

As an elite Alliance agent—the joint undercover operation of MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, and the CIA—Ford Decker lives for the adrenaline. But when he befriends sexy property manager Shay Alexander in hopes of finding her cousin, a known national security threat, Ford crosses the line, getting to know her better . . . in bed.

After being burned by her last relationship, Shay wants to take things slow. Yet she can’t keep her hands off the drop-dead gorgeous hottie who’s moved into her apartment building. So when Ford’s identity as an undercover agent is exposed, his betrayal cuts deep. Shay never wants to see him again, but Ford can’t let her go, not when her life is still in danger. He will sacrifice everything to protect her, then be prepared to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved, even if it breaks him.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

A lab employee and vial of deadly toxin go missing. Chatter of a deadly release is picking up. A mission to acquire the target goes horribly wrong, suspiciously, with too much malfunctioning hi-tech equipment to missing intelligence.
Ford’s new landlord is the young employee’s cousin. He gets close to her in hopes of gaining intel, or so that was the original plan… under the guise of an IT tech, he’s finding it harder and harder to lie to her. Soon enough, his lies will catch up to him. Add to all of that, there’s a mole in the Alliance group and a very rich and well-connected uncle spinning some tall tales.
The characters are intriguing and the plot pulls you in with strong dialogue, believable interaction and plenty of dynamics. The flow of the story is smooth, however there are a few small parts that seemed a bit slow or unnecessary. The mystery and thrills continued to the end with virtually no predictability. The conflicts were met with mature and timely resolutions and the conclusion was mostly solid. There were a few minor, secondary threads that were left a little loose, but I would not classify it as open-ended and it definitely did not have a cliffhanger. Overall, this was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it very much.

About Helenkay Dimon

HelenKay Dimon is a former divorce attorney turned full-time romance author. Odd transition, right? She has sold over thirty novels, novellas and shorts to numerous publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin and Penguin, Samhain, Carina Press, and HarperCollins. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. But the best part of the job is never having to wear pantyhose.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Ansleigh’s Grotto by J. T. Cheyanne

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Ansleigh’s Grotto

By J. T. Cheyanne

Synopsis

Lis’ Review

Author Bio:

Get connected with J. T. Cheyenne on her social media sites….

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author page

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway : Pretty Smart Girls: Lace Up by Shae Ross

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Team Ryan

Ryan Rose and her fellow Spartans are finalists in a high-profile entrepreneurial competition. They’re competing for life-changing money and for their futures. They have a solid plan to win. All they need to do is trounce the competition: rich frat boys from an archrival university. Easy, right?

Team Jett

Jett Trebuchet’s first mistake was not realizing that Ryan and her friends were the competition. His second was expressing his unabashed confidence in his team’s ability to win. After all, everyone knows the only thing MSU does better than U of M is produce beautiful, easy women…oh, and he almost forgot to say “dumb.” And boy, does his team pay for that one.

Game On

As each side tries to game the other, something else seems to be getting in the way—attraction. Now Ryan and Jett must keep their teams from getting distracted by the opposite sex…and each other. All is not fair in love and war when it comes to winning this game.

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Exclusive Excerpt:

Light spills down his lower half, illuminating the inverted V of his legs, planted in the middle of the passage as solid as Roman columns. My stomach twists. His shoulders and face remain in the shadows, but I’ve seen enough to know. It’s Jett. I could tell by the challenging look on his face earlier, he’s ready for round two—like a boxer bouncing up and down in the corner of the ring. I brush off my hands and start walking toward the cross-armed brick wall. A smile curls into the corners of my mouth. All right, frat boy. Bring it on.

As I draw closer, I see light cutting against the hollowed slope of his cheek. His lips are seamed into a tight line, and his eyes are a kaleidoscope of deep blues. Clearly I’ve struck a nerve with Mr. Perfect. I suppose he’s not used to a woman dealing him into the game and then trouncing him. My feet plant in front of him. I raise my chin and attempt to exude a calm confidence I do not feel.

Michel’s Review

Two teams from the same state but from rival universities competing for the highly coveted prize in a national entrepreneurial competition. One team of men and one team of women. Both teams have valid motives for wanting to win. Will they do anything to get the prize? Will they go against their morals to get ahead? What happens when a huge dose of sexual chemistry and undeniable attraction comes into play?

It is a battle of the sexes. A battle of wit. A battle of the heart. Can one team win the competition without destroying each other?

Pretty Smart Girls was a highly entertaining and witty romance. It stepped outside of the usual New Adult themes and did away with the traditional type of angst portrayed in this genre. All of the players were bitten by cupid. How each couple dealt with their feelings while trying to compete against one another made this book more interesting.

The main couple in this book, Jett and Ryan, kept the readers intrigued. Their verbal foreplay, witty reactions, and intellectual sparring was entertaining.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend this to other readers.

Shae Ross Bio:

Shae Ross was born and grew up in Ferndale, Michigan. After graduating high school, Ms. Ross attended Michigan State University and continued her education at Detroit College of Law. Prior to 2014, she spent the majority of her career practicing corporate law, running a successful business and engaged in entrepreneurial ventures.

After having one too many stressful days at the office, Ms. Ross began to consider pursuing her lifelong dream of writing.

Armed with an English degree, an interest in historical settings and a huge collection of romance novels, Ms. Ross put pen to paper and began converting the characters in her head to ink. She soon found herself happily immersed in a new working world that included heroes and heroines, agents and editors, and a multitude of secondary characters.

Ms. Ross’ debut novel, PRETTY SMART GIRLS: LACE UP – LACE UP was acquired by Entangled Publishing and is expected to release January of 2015. She currently writes in the new adult and historical romance genres and lives with her husband and three children in Michigan.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Enter Shae’s giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Release: Billionaire Untamed by J.S. Scott

Posted on 01/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Lara Bailey isn’t in Rocky Springs for the hot springs, the resort
activities or the fabulous skiing. She has come to Colorado for one
reason and one reason only: to find and get close to Marcus Colter, the
eldest Colter brother. Unfortunately, trouble finds her in the form of
Tate Colter rather than Marcus. The youngest Colter brother is arrogant,
cocky, smart, and tenacious in his attempts to find out why she
wants to find Marcus even though she’s never met him. Lara isn’t willing
to divulge that information, and Tate is determined to uncover her
motives. It makes Tate one hot, wickedly sexy, adorably dimpled, alpha
male pain in her backside.

Lara is really confused when Tate helps her out of a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. It leaves Lara wondering if he really is the cocky, arrogant jerk that he pretends to be, or if there isn’t much more to Tate Colter than she’d initially thought.

Tate
Colter wants Lara Bailey in his bed…badly. When she completely blows
him off and ignores him when they meet, he’s even more determined to
find out her secrets and get her to submit to the molten desire that
radiates between the two of them. The fact that she’s one tough female, a
woman who can give back exactly what he dishes out, makes her even more
intriguing to him.

Sparks fly as Tate and
Lara become involved in a battle of wits and wills that will ignite
flames of passion and desire like neither one of them have ever
experienced. But when deception is discovered and a betrayal takes
place, can these two adversaries who are so much alike work together
without letting the white-hot passion burning between them incinerate
them both?

Purchase Links

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Other books in the series

Mine For Tonight

10698450_10205000074183887_6378306257691483092_n

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This complete collection of The Billionaire’s Obsession includes:

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Mine For Now

Mine Forever

Mine Completely

Heart Of The Billionaire (Book Two)

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If you want to try the prequel first you can check out Jason and Hope in this short read

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Book Synopsis

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Jason Sutherland is a billionaire investor who has it all: good looks,
billions of dollars, and every expensive toy a man could ever want. What
he doesn’t have is the one thing he wants the most: Hope Sinclair.
Unfortunately Hope, the little sister of his best friend, was off
limits. But when he finds out that she’s getting married, he decides
that he’s staking his claim before it’s too late, and it will take more
than a little deception and risk to accomplish his goal. Hope could end
up hating his guts, but after spending one forbidden night with her that
he can’t forget, he knows he has to try to make her his forever.

Hope Sinclair was born into money, but being rich has never made her
happy. The one thing she wants is a man to care about her and not her
bank account. The closest thing she’s ever found to real happiness was
the magical, passionate night she’d spent in the arms of Jason
Sutherland…until that night turned into heartbreak. So when he
unexpectedly comes back into her life in the strangest of ways, Hope is
determined to resist her attraction to him.

Thrown together by Jason’s deception and with their passion still
burning hot, can the two of them survive after the billionaire is
unmasked?

18+ only. Not suitable for children and teens under 18.

About The Author

J.S.
Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy
romance. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature.
Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary
erotic romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost
always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she
just can’t seem to write them any other way!Please visit me at: Facebook Amazon Please sign up to Jan’s newsletter

http://eepurl.com/KhsSD

A few interesting facts about Author J.S. Scott

Author J.S.Scott trained and worked for years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist before becoming an Author.

She
self published in April 2012 with no experience at all. “I put together
my own bad covers and edited the stories myself. (Big
mistake!) I used KDP Select when I first started and offered up the
stories for free, alternating the freebies. To my surprise… I actually
started selling some books.” Then she really hit it when she started
working on a serial romance trilogy that readers started to follow
enthusiastically — The Billionaire’s Obsession, which
she eventually packaged into a “complete set” last February, selling
the lot for one very low price. “I was lucky enough to have the book
sell very well… well enough to hit the USA Today and NYT Bestsellers.
Since then, I’ve written complete novels that have also done well.”

All
the books that she writes almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a
happily ever after because she just can’t seem to write them any other
way!

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Throb by Vi Keeland

Posted on 01/26/2015 by shellbellereads

Throb

By Vi Keeland

Release Date: January 26, 2015

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

Michel’s Review

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Vi Keeland’s books. I have loved every book I have read by her. Her latest release, Throb, has left the same kind of impression on me. It is a fresh, creative, and steamy. I was captivated by the plot and the characters.

Two brothers, two sibling rivalries, one hot rock star, several woman competing for the same man, and one woman that has all of these men’s attention. What do you have? One hot mess or a train wreck waiting to happen. Actually you have a tv reality show.

Rules will be broken. Brothers will betray each other. One brother is the most powerful man in Hollywood. The other brother is vying to be the king of tv reality shows. One rock star can have his choice of any woman he wants but wants the one he can’t have. Several women want to claw this woman’s eyes out. The one woman wants to get through the game and win. She needs the prize money.

Can she win this game and come out winner? Or will she come out shredded.

There are many players in this game. There can only be one winner. Or are the rules of the game going to change once again.

I absolutely loved this book. I was mesmerized from page one to the very end. The excitement, the pacing, the competition, and outcome was not clear until the very end. Not only did the reader get to experience tv reality behind the scenes, the reader got to watch a love bloom off the set and away from the camera’s.

I highly recommend Throb by Vi Keeland. It will not disappoint.

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

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Book Review

Happy Release: Ansleigh’s Grotto by J.T. Cheyanne

Traveling Man by Jane Harvey-Berrick -2015 Favorite + 6 Star Review + Giveaway

ARC Review: Don’t Deny Me: Part 3 by Megan Hart – The Final Book

Release Celebration + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Craving Resurrection by Nicole Jacquelyn- Aces Series – Book 4

Happy Release + Review: Hot Ice by Lynn Raye Harris

Happy Release + Review: Playing Dirty by Helenkay Dimon – Bad Boys Undercover Series – Book 1

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Ansleigh’s Grotto by J. T. Cheyanne

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway : Pretty Smart Girls: Lace Up by Shae Ross

Happy Release: Billionaire Untamed by J.S. Scott

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Throb by Vi Keeland

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