Happy Release + ARC Review: Beyond The Consequences by Aleatha Romig- The Consequences Series – Book 5

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Beyond The Consequences

The Consequences Series- Book 5

By Aleatha Romig

Synopsis

BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES

Book #5 of the bestselling Consequences series

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes more of the suspenseful romantic thriller about secrets and deception, passion and love, choices and consequences.

Secrets and deception

As the pieces of their puzzle come together, Anthony and Claire Rawlings continue to defy the odds. Together they overcame an incomprehensible beginning. Apart they endured unimaginable heartache. Reunited with family and friends, their journey continues as they navigate a dangerous world where secrets threaten to destroy what they hold the most dear.

Passion and love

Tony and Claire turn up the heat as sparks fly, passion rages, and love prevails. With only a dark glance or devilish grin, the fire that sparked in an isolated suite, continues to burn. Though no longer willing to be less than Tony’s equal in life, behind closed doors only one man makes the rules.

Choices and consequences

The safety of the Rawlings family is not debatable, and only Phillip Roach can assure that they are not disappointed. Learn how he leads old friends and new associates through the dangerous world of delusion and revenge. The choices he makes for both the family and his personal life will have consequences.

Beyond the Consequences is a novel that began as the novella, A Peek Beyond the Consequences, in a limited-release anthology, Breathless. Since its publication in 2014, Beyond the Consequences has more than tripled in length with more action, heat, and secrets to reveal. Learn once and for all the identity and fate of the sender of the Rawls-Nichols letters as you join the Rawlings for a special surprise!

Theirs was a long, complicated story with a monster and a knight. What made their story unique was that these two players were the same person.—Aleatha Romig, CONVICTED

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Robin’s Review

Back in September of 2014, Aleatha Romig published a novella that was included with 11 other stories in Breathless: an Anthology. A Peek Beyond the Consequences was unexpected and a welcomed surprise for fans of the Consequences series! We were given a glimpse of the future as it relates to Anthony, Claire and Nichol Rawlings, their extended family and employees. Romig has now expanded this novella to a full-length novel titled Beyond the Consequences. Her new novel is now almost three-times longer than its original size!

Up until now, I have considered the novels of the Consequences series to be dark psychological thrillers, but Beyond the Consequences seems to fall into the contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. Yes, there are some elements of darkness, suspense and intrigue in this novel, but overall, I felt a sense of peace and happiness within the Rawlings family while I was reading. If my memory serves me correct, the first five chapters of Beyond the Consequences are the original novella found in Breathless: an Anthology. Just like me, there may be readers who realize they have already read the beginning of Beyond the Consequences. If you have not, please know these five chapters are excellent! They have their own story arc, complete with an entertaining mystery which is resolved.

Most of Beyond the Consequences takes place after the events of Convicted and Revealed. According to Romig, “It’s meant as a fun glimpse into the future of a family that had a very dark and unusual beginning.” Claire is now involved in the day-to-day running of the estate. Tony has resumed his position as the CEO of Rawlings Industries after a two-year absence, but he has also decided to share this position with Tim Bronson, who ran the company in his absence. Tony works from home quite often so that he can spend more time with his family. There are some very touching moments between Claire, Tony and Nichol in Beyond the Consequences. There are moments between the Rawlings, their family and friends which made me smile.

A good portion of this novel centers on Phillip Roach. Phil struggles with the decision to add a woman named Taylor Walters to the security team. He knows she is more than capable of doing her job, but he is very protective of the Rawlings family. After all, Phil considers them his family. There is less darkness in this novel, but don’t let that fool you. The security team continues to be concerned about packages and letters from an unknown individual that continue to arrive at the estate. Phil, Eric and Taylor are involved in an ongoing investigation that is one of the more interesting parts of this novel. If you enjoyed the mystery in Consequences, Truth, Convicted and Revealed, you won’t want to miss reading this.

The only negative criticism I have for Beyond the Consequences is that this story is missing the spine-tingling drama – something Aleatha Romig is well- known for – that is found in the earlier novels of the Consequences series. As I mentioned earlier, expect some elements of suspense and intrigue, but overall the darkness of the vendetta has played itself out. I consider this novel to be a contemporary romance or even a romantic suspense novel. Beyond the Consequences is actually a more realistic portrayal of life. The Rawlings family is now dealing with real life issues such as mental health, continued therapy sessions, medications, and the possibility of having more children. Family is a huge theme in this story. And, as always, Aleatha Romig’s writing style is beautiful. Please know that I enjoyed Beyond the Consequences. It was refreshing to see Tony and Claire continue to move forward in their relationship! Beyond the Consequence earns a solid 4 stars!

About Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty-eight years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

CONSEQUENCES, her first novel, was released August 2011, by Xlibris Publishing. Then in October of 2012, Ms. Romig re-released CONSEQUENCES as an indie author. TRUTH, the sequel, was released October 30, 2012, and CONVICTED, the third in the series, was released October 8, 2013. Unexpectedly, the fourth book of the Consequences series came to life with REVEALED: THE MISSING YEARS. It is the fourth full-length novel in the series. It explores the years in CONVICTED that previously were only mentioned, as well as a complete character glossary and timeline. REVEALED was released May 20, 2014. BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES, book #5, will be released in 2015. Yes…MORE Tony and Claire.

Aleatha also wrote reading companions for the Consequences Series. BEHIND HIS EYES CONSEQUENCES (Book 1.5) and BEHIND HIS EYES TRUTH (Book 2.5) are currently available for those times and scenes when the readers asked, “What was he thinking?” These companions also contain never before released behind-the-scenes scenes.

INSIDIOUS, the first released book from TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE was be released October 21, 2014. TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE will be a series of standalone, dark, erotic thrillers guaranteed to take you on a wild, hot, and dark ride. Each novel in the series will be independent of the next. The characters from one book will never be revisited. Instead, Aleatha leaves it up to her readers to imagine how each story will end while remembering that it is the journey that is the most fun. DUPLICITY, book #2, will be released in 2015.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ TSU ~ Amazon Page

::::SECRET CONSEQUENCE AUTHOR HOP::::

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

Cover Reveal: It’s A Date by J. Epps and S. Brummer

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: It’s A Date

Authors: J. Epps & S. Brümmer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 15th 2015

Worlds are realigned on one winter’s night.

“The thunderous storm that he is intensifies and I’m about to beg him for this.”

The Ballerina
I’ve had plenty of practice being graceful, but he has my heart tripping over my pointe shoes. I’ve conditioned myself to rely on nobody else and I won’t start now. I’ll push back as hard as I can. However, he seems to be determined on pulling down the wall I use to separate myself from others. Removing myself from his vise grip just became excruciatingly difficult. The storm that follows this man—no, the storm that is this man—has given me more than what I’ve bargained for.

The Storm
The primal need I have for her is deeper than any I’ve experienced before. My world has shifted in more ways than one, and I’m not going to stand around and be held hostage where I don’t belong. The next move I make won’t be for anyone else but myself, and if it happens to bring my world to a screeching halt, then I’m not going to fight it. I’m determined. I want her.

AmazonUS | AmazonUK | AmazonAU | AmazonCA
Jess & Sasha –
JSAuthors. The co-authors come as a package deal with extravagant ribbons laced on top. Their combined enthusiasm is seen as a pink sunrise, uniquely captivating. They share a love for writing, fictional romance, passion-fruit tea lemonade, sweetened and shaken on ice, as well as the color pink. Their combined efforts to share their internal monologues, since they share a brain, can be found in The Date Series.

J. Epps

Jess is a registered dental hygienist by day and a contemporary romance author by night. She currently resides in the Greater St. Louis area with her husband of over a year. When Jess isn’t writing (meaning her characters aren’t demanding her undivided attention), she enjoys reading books, scouring Pinterest, collecting fountain pens, and traveling with her husband.

S. Brümmer

A self-published author by night and all around busybody by day, Sasha is an international baby, born in gorgeous South Africa. Her cultured lifestyle is one that many don’t get to experience. Four countries, and a co-author later, she has published her first book of The Date Series. When she’s not preoccupied with her imposing owl fixation, she’s hashing out new ways to translate a titillating and libidinous scene onto a page.

Facebook | Twitter | TSU | Website GoodreadsJESS | GoodreadsSASHA | Newsletter

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Pre-Order Blitz: Hero by Night by Sara Jane Stone

Posted on 01/14/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Book Three: Independence Falls

January 20, 2015

Synopsis

He was nobody’s hero until he landed in the wrong bed …

Armed with a golden retriever and a concealed weapons permit, Lena Clark is fighting for normal. She served her country, but the experience left her emotionally numb and estranged from her career-military family. Staying in Independence Falls seems like the first step to reclaiming her life until the town playboy stumbles into her bed …

Chad Summers is living his dream—helicopter logging by day and slipping between the sheets with Mrs. Right Now by night. Until his wild nights threaten his day job, leaving Chad with a choice: prove he can settle down or kiss his dream goodbye. But when he ends up in the wrong bed, the one woman in Independence Falls he can’t touch offers a tempting proposition. Chad is ready and willing to give in to the primal desire to make Lena his at night—on one condition. By day, they pretend their relationship is real.

But their connection extends beyond the bedroom, threatening to turn their sham into reality if Chad can prove he’s the hero Lena needs night and day … forever.

Excerpt

“I didn’t realize fake relationships came with flowers and presents.” She took the colorful arrangement, waiting for him to hand over the bag.

“This is just a little something to get us started,” he said, holding it out of her reach. “For your side of the bargain.”

She held out her hand. “Hand it over, Chad Summers.”

Hoping he wasn’t making a huge mistake, running their deal into the ground before they left his family’s property, he gave her the pink gift bag. She set the flowers on the two-person table and pulled out the tissue paper. Then she reached inside, her blue eyes widening as she removed her present.

“You bought me a vibrator?” Lena turned the pink silicone sex toy over in her hands.

“Thank you. But—”

“Lena.” He reached out, careful not to touch her as he took the vibrator from her. “Let me show you why.”

Pre-order Hero by Night for only $2.99!!

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5-Star ARC Review: Filthy Beautiful Forever by Kendall Ryan

Posted on 01/14/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

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Filthy Beautiful Forever

Filthy Beautiful Series- Book 4

Release Date : January 12, 2015

By Kendall Ryan

Synopsis

Collins Drake exercises control over all facets of his life. From his business, to satisfying his physical needs … it all happens on his command.

So when a woman shows up at his door and reminds him of a promise they made each other when they were just ten years old, it shouldn’t have the ability to rock his entire world.

Yet it does.

Because Mia Monroe wasn’t just his childhood best friend, she wasn’t just the girl he lost his virginity to and hasn’t seen since, she’s the one exception to his perfect control. And piece by piece, she’s about to tear apart his carefully laid plans.

Excerpt

“You’re not getting off that easily, brother,” Colton says, turning toward me. The douche is going to make me talk about Mia.

I try to take another sip of my drink and realize I’ve downed the entire glass. Shit.
Colton smirks at me and holds up the decanter of scotch. “You want some more of this?”

I narrow my eyes.

“Then you’re going to have to actually talk to us. Like a grown up. No more of this grunting and evading caveman bullshit. Tell us what’s going on,” Colton says.

“Give me the damn scotch,” I bark.

He hands it over and I pour myself a healthy measure while deciding exactly what I’m going to tell them.

Pace leans back in his seat, crossing his feet at his ankles, and Colton settles in, getting comfortable too. Here we go, it’s fucking sharing time, apparently.

“When Mia and I were kids, we sort of promised each other that if neither of us was married by the time we were thirty, we’d marry each other.”

Colton chokes on his liquor, coughing and sputtering loudly. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Pace chuckles to himself. “That’s fucking brilliant. You should totally do that.”

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Kelley’s Review

This sexy and swoony series is one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait to read the next filthy installment. Yes I noticed that Kendall called Filthy Beautiful Forever Book 4 in the Filthy Beautiful Series and did not market it as the final book in the series so she must have another story up her sleeve… Kendall takes the reader on a sexy ride where the reader experiences an all-encompassing series of emotions.

I cried at the end of Filthy Beautiful Lies
Colton Drake became my new book boyfriend in Filthy Beautiful Love
As a single mom my favorite book in this series is Filthy Beautiful Lust because Kendall gives all of us hope for a Happily Ever After
Filthy Beautiful Forever took me back to my childhood and the promises we make as we are growing up. I adored this flirty read.

Kids make all kinds of statements and promises with no thought as to how things would really work in the future if those promises were to hold true. As we grow older lots of those promises are forgotten. Mia never forgot the promise she and Collins made when they were kids that when they turned 30 if neither of them were married that they would marry each other. When Mia shows up on Collin’s doorstep he cannot believe his eyes. It had been years since they last saw one another and yet Collins felt something come alive inside of him the moment she walked in the door. Mia knows she is taking a huge risk but her live lately has her at rock bottom with nowhere else to go. She is holding on to the hope of a childhood promise until she meets Collins stunning supermodel girlfriend Tatianna. One look at Tatianna and Mia realizes she is way out of her league. However, looks can be deceiving and one outing on Collins yacht shows Collins that his dream life may not be all that it is cracked up to be…

Kendall does an excellent job with developing the complex characters in this read. Collins is just going through the motions each day and does not realize that his life is empty until Mia shows up. Mia is the perfect girl next door. She is sweet, kind, caring, and smart. She knows Collins so well that she can tell when he is upset even when he puts on his mask. Tatianna is your typical spoiled supermodel. She likes the lifestyle Collins provides and she enjoys being with him between the sheets but there is no emotional bond between the two of them. She makes for a nice piece of eye candy when Collins has business meetings. I love that we get a gimpse into family life with Sophie and Colton along with Pace and Kylie.

Filthy Beautiful Forever is a great HEA read and if you are jonesing for a good solid HEA with no cliffhangers this is the read for you. At the end you will have a smile on your face and your heart will be filled with love and contentment. Bravo Kendall on another excellent Filthy read.

**Warning: this book contains an addictively filthy alpha male who will dampen your panties and own your days and nights. Proceed at your own risk.**

Meet Colton Drake…

I have no idea why she auctioned off her virginity for a cool mill. Regardless, I’m now the proud new owner of a perfectly intact hymen. A lot of good that will do me. I have certain tastes, certain sexual proclivities. My cock is a bit more discriminatory than most. And training a virgin takes finesse and patience – both of which I lack.

Sophie Evans has been backed into a corner. With her sister’s life hanging in the balance, the only choice is to claw her way out, even if that means selling her virginity to the highest bidder at an exclusive erotic club. When Colton Drake takes her home, she quickly learns nothing is as it seems with this beautifully troubled man. Being with him poses challenges she never expected, and pushes her to want things she never anticipated.

A sinfully seductive erotic romance where everything has a price and the cost of love is the highest of all from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Kendall Ryan

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Book 2 in the Filthy Beautiful Lies series.

I never expected to watch Sophie walk away. She was mine. I would own her. She just didn’t know it yet. New goal: Seal the deal and rock her world so thoroughly she never wanted to leave again.

Highly sexual and emotionally charged, Filthy Beautiful Love is the provocative conclusion to Filthy Beautiful Lies.

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Book 3 in the Filthy Beautiful Series

Pace Drake loves sex. He knows where get it, what to say, what to do, and he makes no apologies for satisfying his needs. But when he meets single mom, Kylie Sloan, he’s enthralled by her, and begins to question his standard operating procedure. After all, there’s no chase, no mystery when banging a woman in a nightclub bathroom. Kylie’s depth and determination make the sloppy, drunken hookups that fill his weekends seem empty and shallow. She’s the opposite of the desperate, clingy women he’s used to. She doesn’t want or need anyone to take care of her and that only makes him want to care for her more.

Kylie’s trust in men has vanished. The last guy she was with played ding-dong-ditch-it with her uterus and left her with a baby to raise. Now her infant son is the only man she has time for, even if she misses sex and intimacy more than she’d ever admit. Opening her heart up to a younger man who’s best known for no-strings-attached sex and his casual lifestyle is probably the worst idea she’s ever had. But Pace wants to prove to her there are still a few good guys left, and watching the sweet way he interacts with her baby makes her want to try…but she can really trust that his days of hitting it and quitting it are in his past?

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Bio

Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the contemporary romance novels HARD TO LOVE, RESISTING HER, UNRAVEL ME and MAKE ME YOURS.

She’s a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss! She lives in Minneapolis with an adorable husband and two naughty puppies, one of which may be part monkey.

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Review: Angel In Armani by Melanie Scott- New York Saints Series- Book 2

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Angel In Armani

New York Saints Series- Book 2

By Melanie Scott

Synopsis

WILL A LOVE OF THE GAME
Sara Charles is striking out on her own. With her dad out of commission, Charles Air has only one helicopter left—and only Sara to fly charters. With the family business in jeopardy, Sara needs all the clients she can get and the newest one is New York Saints team surgeon, Lucas Angelo. When an unexpected flirtation escalates into a night of pure blind passion, Sara is in agony over what she believes was extremely poor judgment on her part. She wants nothing more than to avoid Lucas. And keep her business her business. But she needs him—in more ways than one.
LEAD TO A FIELD OF DREAMS?But there is a catch: Lucas also needs Sara. Spring training is upon him, and his schedule is madness. So he asks Sara to be his personal pilot. It’s an offer she can’t refuse. She intends to keep him at arm’s length—especially when she discovers just what different lives they have. Little does Sara know that, for Lucas, the only thing more important than business is pleasure. He only plays to win. And he intends to hit it out of the park…

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Tina’s Review

She needs a miracle to save the family business
.
Sara resigned from the military to help her father after her father’s helo crash leaves him severely injured. With no other pilots on the roster, Charles Air is in jeopardy of closing their business. She still suffers some battle stress effects and has been left opinionated of the rich and elite because of a tragic loss too close to home that never truly met justice.

He needs someone he can trust to guide him through the hell of flying.

Lucas still, after nearly twenty years, suffers blank spots of lost time from the explosion that forever altered his life in college. He remembers running into the stadium to help trapped victims – then nothing – until he was being lifted into a medevac helicopter, strapped to a gurney. Since then, he’s had a hellava time flying. He’s pretty much the black sheep in his socialite family and often is made to suffer the fallout for his freedoms.

The characters are well-written with good dimension. Their interaction and dialogue is believable and their conflicts are real and not over-the-top. I feel we get a better and more rounded back story on Sara than we do Lucas, but given what we are shown of Lucas’s past, there may not be too much that is desirable to share. The secondary characters add a vibrant fullness to the cast; I love Dougal. The plot is very good, if you can overlook Sara’s reversed snobbery. The story flows very well, however I did seem to notice several words used that conflict with American terminology (ie: lift for elevator, flock for dress / gown, car park for parking lot). The conflicts are finally all sorted out, leaving a satisfactory and solid conclusion.

————————

Author Bio:

Melanie Scott is an unrepentant bookworm. Luckily she grew up in a family that fed her a properly varied diet of books and these days is surrounded by people who are understanding of her story addiction. When not wrestling one of her own stories to the ground, she can generally be found reading someone else’s. Her other distractions include yarn, cat butlering, dark chocolate and fabric. She lives in Melbourne, Australia. To keep in touch, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.melanie-scott.net.

She also writes fantasy and urban fantasy as M.J. Scott To find out more about M.J’s books, check out her website or sign up for her newsletter at http://www.mjscott.net.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Held Against You by Season Vining

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Held Against You

New Adult / Romantic Suspense

By Season Vining

Synopsis

A gorgeous bounty hunter. A wanted woman. A passion they can’t deny.
Accused of a horrific crime and on the run, Kat has been rejected by everyone she loves. She’s a fugitive from her past, flitting from town to town with nothing but the clothes on her back—until she meets a man who literally stops her in her tracks.
A notorious bounty hunter with powerful instincts, he never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about Kat that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her pretty eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own darkness… and now his lively, vulnerable mark is about to crack him wide open.
As they travel across the country together, both captor and captive are unable to deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey bring them together…or will their dangerous secrets tear them apart?

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Michel’s Review

I am always on the look out for new authors to read. Held Against You by Season Vining was brought to Smut Book Junkie Reviews attention through publisher/ publicist outreach months before the actual book was released. When I read the synopsis I was intrigued. It was a combination of two of my favorite genres, New Adult and Romantic Suspense. I took this generous offer to read the ARC copy for review.

I LOVED Held Against You! It was witty, entertaining, adventurous, gritty, and a very sexy read. The characters were larger than life. They had personality in spades. The dialogue was creative, snarky, and intuitive. The pacing of the story was perfect. The suspense and high octane was consistent throughout the story and had readers guessing the outcome to the very end. It had the right amount of sexual tension, emotional passages, and passionate moments. This book was a little less graphic in the bedroom scenes but was not lacking in projecting the red hot passion and chemistry between the characters. The entire plot to this story was unique and fresh. When I finished this book I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. It was a page turner that kept my attention to the very last page.

Held Against You was not your typical angsty New Adult book. It may have been classified in this genre because of the characters age and general life experience, but they were not tormented angsty souls. They had a very defined situation that they had to deal with. They dealt with this situation to the best of personal abilities ( I say this loosely, because both characters fall in opposite sides of the spectrum, therefore they dealt with things to their individual ability). Somehow, even though they had opposing roles in their situation, they were able to merge and find a solution that worked for both of them.

Held Against You is not your typical romantic suspense either. There are several players in the story and at times the reader is not sure who the bad guy is. The danger and fear does escalate to an explosive ending, but the journey getting there is full high octane explosions that have the reader wondering where this is leading. It was not predictable.

Held Against You starts out with a fast paced heart racing moment. The reader gets to meet Kat. She is on the run. She committed murder and is trying to get to the Canadian border. She is penniless and without means for survival. Through sheer wit she manages to elude the authorities. Little does she know that a bounty hunter has been sent to collect her. Her determination and wit has kept her out of his grasp for over a month. He is tired, cranky, and pissed off that one little woman could elude him in the flash of an eye. But luck is on his side and he finally is able to capture her. Bringing her back is going to turn out to be an even bigger nuisance than capturing her was. It is going to be the road trip from hell. Kat is more than a murderer, she is a snarky pain in the butt. She doesn’t know when to shut up and she doesn’t know how to obey. What seems like easy money is going to make him earn every penny. It may make him grow a conscience and change his profession, or it may make him change his profession for peace and quiet.

All is not what it seems. As the story unfolds it becomes quite clear that there really isn’t a right and wrong, black and white. Kat’s life is every shade of grey. Is her head worth the money it is going to bring? Or is there a sinister motive for the hunt?

Read this book! It will not disappoint! I loved every word!

I was so impressed with Season Vining’s writing. I had to go and download her previous book, Beautiful Addictions. I think that she is going to make her mark in the book lovers world.

Author Bio:

SEASON VINING is an author, a designer, a philanthropist, a bookworm, a cook, inked, and a night owl. She loves John Hughes films, tattooed boys, and celebrating anniversaries of her 29th birthday. She lives in Louisiana, where she likes to spend time with her corgi, Chap.

Season is a graphic designer by trade and adores all form of art. She’s a fan of live music, vintage cars, and people who know the difference between their, there, and they’re.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Don’t Deny Me by Megan Hart- Part One of a Novel in Three Parts

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

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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Michel’s Review

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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Happy Release + Review: A Shot Of Sin by Eden Summers- Book 1 in Vault Of Sins Series

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

A Shot Of Sin

A Novel in the Vault Of Sin Series – Book 1

By Eden Summers

Synopsis

Throw back a shot of pure pleasure.

Vault of Sin, Book 1

Leo Petrova is between a rock and the hard place in his pants. Shot of Sin, the night club he owns with his two best friends, is short one bartender downstairs. The only available replacement is the upstairs bar manager—the one woman Leo knows he can’t take downstairs, can’t have, can’t touch. The one time he gave in to temptation convinced Leo that Shay’s no match for his sexual demands.

Only a select few know Shot of Sin’s guilty secret, that beneath the packed dance floor lies a very private sex club—the Vault. The place Leo can let his sexual proclivities run wild.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the club.

Sliding out of her comfort zone and into Leo’s arms risks everything. Their friendship, the Vault, and most of all, their hearts.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Tracey’s Review

What do you get when you combine equal parts sassy bartender, super-alpha club owner and his partners, and said club that is definitely more than meets the eye? You get A Shot of Sin, one ultra-sexy read about a very special club, the people that work there, and what goes on behind closed doors.

This was my first time reading a book by Eden Summers, and, oh, my goodness, what a way to start. I liked Shay Porter right away. Head bartender for the club, she’s been wanting Leo Petrova, one of Shot of Sin’s owners, since she first met him. Leo, though, isn’t about to get involved with a co-worker, especially when his past experiences with relationships have always ended in heartache. These two are absolutely combustible, and I could not turn the pages quickly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between Shay and Leo heat up, and absolutely loved both T.J. and Brute, Leo’s partners in the club. If you’re reading this, Eden, PLEASE give these awesome guys their books, too!

I give A Shot of Sin 4.5 sizzling stars, and hope that Eden has plans to give us more books about this lively group of characters, ’cause I’ll be first in line to keep reading. Grab this one, guys, get out your fan, and enjoy!

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Author Bio:

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.
In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.
Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Dare To Touch by Carly Phillips-Dare To Love Series- Book 5

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Dare To Touch

Dare To Love Series- Book 5

By Carly Phillips

Synopsis

Olivia Dare, executive director of the Miami Thunder, and team travel director, Dylan Rhodes share more than just a passion for football–their chemistry is explosive and their feelings for each other are intense. But Olivia is wary of any man getting too close. Given her background – a near-bigamist dad and an ex-boyfriend who merely enforced her lack of priority in his life – Olivia fears being hurt again but she can’t resist embarking upon a passionate affair with Dylan, even as she holds part of herself back.

Dylan isn’t a man who does anything half way. Once he decides to pursue Olivia, he goes all in. When the Pro-Bowl takes them to the desert oasis of Arizona, Dylan is determined to make sure their time together isn’t all business. What happens while at the luxury resort is life altering but when Olivia admits her deepest pain, will Dylan be able to prove he’s a man with staying power? Or will Olivia be disappointed again, this time by the most important man in her life? (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, sports heroes, bad boys, billionaire)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Excerpt

“Happy birthday, Olivia,” a familiar masculine voice drawled in her ear. She shivered at the sound, all her senses prickling with awareness as Dylan Rhodes’s warm breath heated her skin.

She turned to find him close. Too close, and her pulse picked up speed. Sexy chocolate-brown eyes gazed at her. And his close-cut goatee teased her with its nearness. In her dreams, that sexy goatee felt delicious against her bared flesh.

Jesus, Olivia, get a grip.

“Thanks for coming to the party.” Her voice came out too husky for her liking, but Dylan always had this kind of effect on her. He was the travel director with the Miami Thunder, her co-worker, and the man she’d lusted after from the day they’d met.

“I’m glad your sister invited me.”

She wished Avery hadn’t insisted on throwing her a party, but now that it was nearly over, Olivia had had a wonderful time and was grateful her mom and her siblings, half and full, cared enough to attend the event. Friends and co-workers too.

Especially Dylan.

He studied her beneath his hooded gaze. “I wouldn’t miss your celebration.” He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers trailing a path over her cheek in what was a deliberate, lingering touch.

She shivered; her traitorous nipples puckered at his light caress. This was more than the flirting dance they normally did. There was intent in his coffee-colored stare.

Tracey’s Review

Olivia Dare has baggage. With a father that had a whole secret life, and a college boyfriend that left her when she needed him most, Olivia’s experience with men has left her less-than-anxious to give love a chance. But when she’s around Dylan Rhodes, travel director for her family’s football team, Olivia has a hard time remembering why a relationship is a bad idea. Because Dylan wants Olivia, and he’s not about to take ‘No’ for an answer.

I am in love with the Dare To Love series by Carly Phillips. This collection of characters that share a family name, but who each have their own story to tell, keep getting better and better. Carly is a pro at writing characters that are working hard to overcome pasts that have left them less than perfect, to rise above their pasts to create the lives that they want and that they deserve. She writes an alpha male like nobody’s business, but ones that are still able to bend, to surrender parts of themselves to the women that they love. And women that emerge stronger with the love and support of men that want, not only to master them, but to help them find the best of themselves and live life on their own terms.

The story between Olivia and Dylan is, by turn, hot, sexy, sweet, and emotional. These are people that have not had an easy time of it, but that are willing to take the chance to let another person show them that they are not the sum of their pasts. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship, and seeing how it freed them. As well, all of the ‘usual suspects,’ the rest of the Dare clan, plus the members of the Miami Thunder football team, make for an entertaining feel-good read that left me smiling and absolutely satisfied. Five stars for this one; grab it and enjoy.

About Carly Phillips:

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

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Happy Release + Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

By Chelsey Krause

Synopsis

Fans of Jill Shalvis and Molly O’Keefe will love this deeply romantic and uplifting debut novel about losing everything you thought you wanted—and getting exactly what you need.

Sophie Richards has been looking forward to a much-needed girls’ night out: a Rolling Stones tribute-band concert, a few drinks, a distraction from her grueling nursing shifts in acute care. But when her best friend bails, Sophie gets stuck with a blind date.

Although Brett Nicholson may be the hottest carpenter alive, and Sophie may technically be single, she isn’t exactly on the market. Six years ago she found The One. He was everything Sophie dreamed a man could be—and then she lost him. In an instant, her whole life changed, and she forgot all about happily ever after.

But as she gets to know Brett, Sophie starts to wonder about the future for the first time. With a broken heart still clouding her mind, jumping into a new relationship feels impossible. When she’s in his arms, walking away feels even harder. Now Sophie faces an impossible choice: living in the past or choosing love in the here and now.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Tina’s Review

:: DEBUT NOVEL :: First-person, present tense narrative with some flashback windows into the past.
Two not-so social people with common friends agree to go together to a concert. Neither have really dated in years. She’s experienced a tragedy, he grew tired of casual dating. They defy the odds and find they have an easy, immediate connection and chemistry. The reader is provided ample backstory on Sophie, but not a lot on Brett, it’s almost like he’s a secondary character rather than a lead male. The characters are very feel-good and well-written. They are all very likable and the interaction is good. I just really wish there was more depth and background for Brett’s character. The plot is sweet and flows nicely. The main conflict runs through the length of the book and is finally resolved in the last few chapters, which provides enough time to tie all loose ends and provide a solid and satisfactory conclusion. Predictability is virtually non-existent. Overall, this was quite a pleasant debut novel.

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Author Bio:

Chelsey is a Canadian nurse. She lives with her husband and two children.

She loves thrift shops and musty old books stores, DIY projects, and has a serious Starbucks addiction.

She has recently published her first novel with Random House. Check out Chelsey’s thoughts on reading and writing at: http://www.chelseykrause.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

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Category Archives: Book Review

Happy Release + ARC Review: Beyond The Consequences by Aleatha Romig- The Consequences Series – Book 5

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

Cover Reveal: It’s A Date by J. Epps and S. Brummer

Title: It’s A Date

Authors: J. Epps & S. Brümmer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 15th 2015

Worlds are realigned on one winter’s night.

“The thunderous storm that he is intensifies and I’m about to beg him for this.”

J. Epps

S. Brümmer

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Pre-Order Blitz: Hero by Night by Sara Jane Stone

5-Star ARC Review: Filthy Beautiful Forever by Kendall Ryan

Review: Angel In Armani by Melanie Scott- New York Saints Series- Book 2

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Held Against You by Season Vining

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Don’t Deny Me by Megan Hart- Part One of a Novel in Three Parts

Happy Release + Review: A Shot Of Sin by Eden Summers- Book 1 in Vault Of Sins Series

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Dare To Touch by Carly Phillips-Dare To Love Series- Book 5

Happy Release + Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

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Title: It’s A Date

Authors: J. Epps & S. Brümmer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 15th 2015

Worlds are realigned on one winter’s night.

“The thunderous storm that he is intensifies and I’m about to beg him for this.”

J. Epps

S. Brümmer

Facebook | Twitter | TSU | Website GoodreadsJESS | GoodreadsSASHA | Newsletter

Enter in a giveaway to win a touchscreen display KINDLE! Good Luck!

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Enter in a giveaway to win a touchscreen display KINDLE!
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