Holiday Review: Holding Holly by Julie Brannagh- Love and Football Series- Book 4.5- A Holiday Novella

Posted on 12/11/2014 by shellbellereads

Holding Holly

A Holiday Novella

Love and Football Series- Book 4.5

By Julie Brannaugh

Synopsis

Julie Brannagh’s delightful Love and Football series returns in time for Christmas …

Holly Reynolds has a secret. Make that two. The first involves upholding her grandmother’s hobby of answering Dear Santa letters from dozens of local schoolchildren. The second … well, he just came strolling in the door.

For the last two years, Holly has not been able to stop thinking about gorgeous Seattle Shark Derrick Collins. His on-field exploits induce nightmares in quarterbacks across the NFL, but she knows he has a heart of gold.

Derrick has never known a woman he wanted to bring home to meet his family, mostly because he keeps picking the wrong ones—until he runs into sweet, shy Holly Reynolds. Different from anyone he’s ever known, Derrick realizes she might just be everything he needs.

When he discovers her holiday letter writing, he is determined to play Santa too. And as the pair team up to bring joy to one little boy very much in need, they discover the most precious Christmas gift of all: love.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

*** Arc Copy provided by publisher, via Edelweiss, for a fair and honest review. ***

Back in November Smut Book Junkie Reviewers were searching for Holiday Themed Romances to feature throughout the month of December. I came across this book and it sounded very intriguing. First of all, I am a huge fan of Sports Romances. I love a good romance that engages a professional athlete in the game of love. Secondly, I love Holiday Romances. These kind of books always get me in the holiday spirit. The combination is bright and merry and leaves the reader with an uplifted spirit.

Holding Holly was everything I hoped for. It had the magic of Christmas, the spirit of giving, a heartwarming romance, and exceptional characters. This book was highly entertaining even though it was on the milder side of the romance heat index. It didn’t matter because the story itself was captivating.

When Derrick Collins takes his mother and grandmother out for some holiday shopping in the small town of Noel, he stumbles upon more than a town full of holiday cheer. He runs into Holly Reynolds. He has secretly had a crush on Holly from the previous summer football camp. She is a shy, kind , and beautiful woman that intrigues his interest.

When Derrick asks Holly on a date, little do either of them know that this date will change both of them. Trapped in a snow storm with Holly’s grandmother will give them another reason to be together. Holly’s grandmother has had a 30 year Christmas project that she needs help with. She enlists Derrick, Holly, and the Sharks to give one family in Noel a very special Christmas. This project will give Derrick and Holly the gift of love in many ways.

I absolutely loved this magical holiday romance. Little did I know that this book was a novella in the Love and Football series. I liked Julie Brannagh’s style of writing. Her characters are larger than life and full of personality. Her writing flows with ease. I had to look up the other books in this series and get them on my ereader. Like I said, I am a sucker for Sports Romance. I am now a fan of Julie Brannagh’s writing. I highly recommend Holding Holly. It will make your holiday season merrier.

Love and Football Series

Blitzing Emily – Book 1

All’s fair in Love and Football . . .

Emily Hamilton doesn’t trust men. She’s much more comfortable playing the romantic lead in front of a packed house onstage than in her own life. So when NFL star and alluring ladies’ man Brandon McKenna acts as her personal white knight, she has no illusions that he’ll stick around. However, a misunderstanding with the press throws them together in a fake engagement that yields unexpected (and breathtaking) benefits.

Every time Brandon calls her “Sugar,” Emily almost believes he’s playing for keeps—not just to score. Can she let down her defenses and get her own happily ever after?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Rushing Amy – Book 2

For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she’s working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction … or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.

Matt lives by a playbook—his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister’s wedding, he’s known there’s something between them. After she refuses—again and again—to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart … But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Catching Cameron – Book 3

Star sports reporter Cameron Ondine has one firm rule: she does not date football players. Ever. She tangled with one years ago, and it did not end well. Been there, done that.

But when Cameron comes face-to-face with the very man who shattered her heart—on camera, no less—her world is upended for a second time by recklessly handsome Seattle Shark Zach Anderson.

Zach has never been able to forget the gorgeous blonde who stole his breath away when he was still just a rookie. They’ve managed to give each other a wide berth for years, but when their jobs suddenly bring them together again and again, he knows he has to face his past once and for all.

Because as they spend more time together, he becomes less focused on the action on the field and more concerned with catching Cameron.

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Covering Kendall – Book 4

Kendall Tracy, General Manager of the San Francisco Miners, is not one for rash decisions or one-night stands. But when she finds herself alone in a hotel room with a heart-stoppingly gorgeous man—who looks oddly familiar—Kendall throws her own rules out the window … and they blow right back into her face.

Drew McCoy should look familiar; he’s a star player for her team’s archrival, the Seattle Sharks. Which would basically make Drew and Kendall the Romeo and Juliet of professional football … well, without all the dying.

Not that it’s an issue. They agree to pretend their encounter never happened. Nothing good can come of it anyway, right?

Drew’s not so sure. Kendall may be all wrong for him, but he can’t stop thinking about her, and he finds that some risks are worth taking. Because the stakes are always highest when you’re playing for keeps.

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Author Bio:

Julie Brannagh has been writing since she could hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading–or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of contemporary sports romances.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Exciting Cover Reveal: Ruin and Rule by Pepper Winters – Pure Corruption MC – Book 1

Posted on 12/11/2014 by shellbellereads

Ruin & Rule

Pure Corruption MC – Book 1

Release Date: July 28, 2015

By Pepper Winters

Synopsis

We met in a nightmare.

The in-between world where time had no power over rhyme, reason, or connection. We met. We stared. We knew.

There was no distortion from the outside world. No right or wrong. No confusion or battles from hearts and minds.

Just us. In our silent dream-world.

That nightmare became our home. Planting ghosts, raising fantasies. Entwined together in our happily skewed reality.

We fell in love. We fell hard.

In those fleeting seconds of our nightmare, we lived an eternity.

But then we woke up.

And it was over.

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

Author Bio

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff: Review- Play Me Right- Book 5- Final Book

Posted on 12/10/2014 by shellbellereads

The Play Me Series

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Right- Book 5

Good things never have to end. Tracy Wolff, the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, brings her eBook original serial to an unforgettable climax in Play Me’s sensational finale . . . for now.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . but my future belongs to Sebastian Caine.

Technically, Aria may still be in one piece, but she’s feeling pretty damn close to broken. While she knows Sebastian would die before hurting her, their intense, steamy encounters have opened up old wounds in them both. Now Aria is considering the unthinkable: walking away again—this time to save Sebastian from the pain she knows her past will cause him. But Sebastian’s the one who set her free in the first place—how can she not show him the same care and compassion? Because, in the end, being together forever is the only thing that feels right.

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

__________________________________________________________________________
The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series. This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas. There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length. Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued. Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more. The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book. The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal. Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot. Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves. Their story is thrilling in so many ways. From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014. Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out. The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market. The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses. It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

_________________________________________________________________________

Play Me Right is the fifth and final volume in the Play Me series. It rocked!

The journey that Aria and Sebastian started in the beginning has led to a very different path for both of them. What started out as a way to teach Aria about the true meaning of control has evolved into much more. Sebastian has learned some new lessons about control the hard way. He has also learned that it is okay to lose control with someone that you love. He has learned that control has more than one meaning.

Aria has finally come clean to Sebastian after she witnesses his total meltdown. She knows what that meltdown has cost him. She also knows that she can trust her heart with this man.

Together Aria and Sebastian have found a very beautiful once in a lifetime love in the middle of the chaos of Sin City. They have shared their secrets and placed their trust in one another. They have committed themselves to one another.

There is a surprise in this final book. Ethan Frost’s enemy has taken on a much more personal level of hatred to Sebastian. He has joined Ethan’s personal vendetta with one of his own. I can’t wait for the next Ethan Frost novel. I want to see these guys take names and deal out their wrath.

The Play Me Series is a solid five star series. I was hooked from the first book and devoured the next four. I highly recommend this series.

Author Bio:

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Tight by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 12/10/2014 by shellbellereads

Tight

Erotic Romance

By Alessandra Torre

Release Date: Early 2015

Synopsis

Tight – Standalone

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn’t been laid in three years. Hadn’t been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup… a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issues?

His secret.

Her.

The fact that I don’t even know she exists, and he thinks she’s dead.

Everything is about to hit the fan and I can’t hold on to him tight enough.

About Alessandra Torre

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, became a breakout hit, rising to the top of the charts on Kindle and Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for her erotic thriller The Girl in 6E.

From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Giveaway: 3 prize packs (open internationally, each prize pack will contain a signed book, tote bag, and $25 Amazon gift card)

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Review: Schooled by Lorelei James – The Mastered Series – Book 3

Posted on 12/10/2014 by shellbellereads

Schooled

The Mastered Series- Novella- Book 3

By Lorelei James

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling “master of erotic romance”* and author of Unraveled, Bound and Unwound comes the all-new novella in the Mastered series.
When Amery Hardwick first met martial arts master Ronin Black, she wasn’t ready for the primal urges his sensual rope artistry released in her. As it turned out Amery and Ronin were made for each other. But when they head to Japan for a delayed honeymoon and Ronin’s annual training with his sensei, Amery struggles to adapt to the foreign customs as well as running her burgeoning business from afar. But culture shock is the least of her worries when faced with the changes in Ronin—it feels as if she’s married a stranger. Caught between his sensei’s demands and pleasing his wife, Ronin is at war with himself over choosing advancement in his jujitsu training, or staying at home with the woman who owns his heart and soul. As the limits of their relationship are tested once again, Ronin and Amery discover that they both have a lot to learn about each other….and what it takes to build a love that’ll pass all life’s little tests.
Includes a preview of the new Mastered series novel, Unraveled.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Schooled was the perfect addition to the Mastered Series. This novella picks up months after Unwound takes place. Ronin and Amery are now married. Due to his previous injuries and new endeavors at the Dojo, they did not get to take a honeymoon.

Ronin is going to Japan for his yearly training with his sensei. He has decided to incorporate his honeymoon with Amery into his training schedule. Amery will also have a chance to meet his grandfather and get a chance to see his family background.

Once they get to Japan, Ronin and Amery will experience many different lessons. This trip will strengthen their already strong relationship. It will give them a better understanding of each other as individuals as well as a couple. Both of them will learn new lesson’s from Ronin’s sensei training. They will also earn the respect from Ronin’s family.

Ronin and Amery have been schooled. They have learned their lessons well. Now they can truly become masters of their lives.

I absolutely loved this novella as much as I loved the two full length novels in the Mastered Series. Lorelei James is a very talented writer that brings her couples to life. She isn’t afraid to take them past their initial happily ever after. She makes them work to keep their hearts pure towards one another. She allows them to grow as individuals and as a couple. She makes the reader love the couple even more.

I highly recommend the Mastered Series. I would not recommend reading Schooled as a stand alone book. Amery and Ronin have experienced too much to have their relationship summed up in one novella. Their experience will capture the heart.

The Mastered Series

Bound

In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession….

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Unwound

n the continuation to the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man’s need for control is tested by the one woman he’ll risk everything for…

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before….

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel. To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

Lorelei James is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author of erotic westerns: the Rough Riders series, the Blacktop Cowboys series, and the erotic romances in the Mastered series. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

A Martial Arts Pack

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Holiday Review: The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Posted on 12/10/2014 by shellbellereads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe

Hazards Series- Book 3.5

By Alyssa Rose Ivy

One snowy Christmas Eve, one mistletoe kiss, one friendship changed forever.

Don’t underestimate the power of mistletoe. It looks innocent enough, but a single branch has the potential to change your life. One mistletoe kiss led to the most embarrassing night of my life, but thankfully by the next Christmas I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.

Excerpt:

“Ice skating and hot cocoa? What are you buttering me up for?” I sat down on the bench and unlaced my skates. The snow was falling a little bit heavier, but the flakes were still light and more pleasant than a nuisance.

“I’m just enjoying an evening with a beautiful woman. I do have a romantic side you know.”

“Romantic?” What was Glen playing at? I’d had a crush on him for years, but things had stayed completely platonic. We were good friends who saw each other once a year, and teased each other through text messages and late night phone calls. That was it.

He didn’t hear me. He was already in line to return our skates. I waited for him to return with my boots, and not for the first time I was glad I’d worn wool socks. It was cold during the day, but the nights were absolutely freezing.

“Here you go, my lady.” He bent down and proceeded to put my foot into my boot.

I pulled away from him. “Knock it off. What’s gotten into you tonight?” As charming as Glen was being something seemed off with him. I wondered if maybe I wasn’t the only one who was upset.

He proceeded to move on to my next boot. “It’s Christmas Eve. Aren’t you Miss Holiday Spirit?”

“Usually.”

“Exactly.” He put on his shoes and tugged on my hand to pull me to standing. “Let’s get those hot chocolates.”

The line at the café on the other side of the rink was nearly out the door, but I was enjoying Glen’s company so much I didn’t mind.

He insisted on buying my hot cocoa for me, and considering he’d already paid for my skate rental, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Glen had all the money he could ever need, but I wasn’t used to guys buying me anything. My dating experience wasn’t extensive, and it involved boys who were all about going dutch. “I really don’t mind paying.”

“Yeah, but I want to pay. Stop arguing and enjoy yourself.” He lightly bumped his shoulder into mine.

“Well, thanks.”

We walked around the village sipping our hot chocolate and not saying much. After a while we took a seat on a bench. It was underneath a tree, and the pine needles blocked some of the falling snow. I closed my eyes and listened to the chatter of people walking by mixed with the low hum of holiday music.

“You guys need to kiss.”

I opened my eyes and saw a girl staring at us. “You’re sitting under mistletoe. That’s the rules. You’re under mistletoe, you kiss.”

I looked up. Sure enough there was mistletoe hanging over us from the tree. It wasn’t real, it was just the decorative stuff they used, but it had the same unmistakable appearance.

Glen put an arm around me. “I think she’s right, Savy.”

I turned to glare at him. “Don’t even start.”

“Why not? Scared to kiss me?” he teased.

Yes. I was scared. Terrified. This was Glen. Kissing him wasn’t something I was prepared to do casually while sitting on a bench in the snow with a bunch of onlookers. Of course I couldn’t tell him that though. “Why would I be scared?”

“I don’t know. Just checking.” He got a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle should have given me all the warning I needed, but it didn’t. I was wholly unprepared when his lips made contact with mine. They were warm and soft, and they moved perfectly against mine. I kissed him back, desperately wanting to know what his mouth tasted like, and if his tongue felt half as good as his lips.

Michel’s Review

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy is a charming mature YA/ New Adult romance. This book captured the hopes and fears of young people falling in love for the first time. It also showed the importance of communication, honesty, and staying true to your heart.

The characters were easy to relate to and easy to understand. Their feelings for one another were clearly obvious from page one. They just needed a boost from friends and family to recognize their feelings. Once they do, they are getting more than mistletoe kisses, they are getting a love to last a lifetime.

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe is a charming holiday romance that is perfect to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Twitter ** Author Goodreads ** Pinterest ** Website ** THE HAZARDS OF MISTLETOE Goodreads ** Facebook

Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff- Review- Play Me Real – Book 4

Posted on 12/09/2014 by shellbellereads

The Play Me Series

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Real – Book 4

How do you know when something’s real? In the steamy fourth installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, a devastating betrayal unravels a fierce yet tender connection.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

Aria has learned to play Sebastian’s game. She’s given him control, taken it back, and let him push her farther than she ever imagined she could go. But when Sebastian’s past comes to light, Aria receives a glimpse behind the facade—a revelation that disturbs her even as it makes her feel closer to this simmering, complicated man. Finally she comes to understand the real reason why Sebastian feels the need to dominate everything in his path. But Aria has a tortured history, too. And together they’re a dangerous combination. Now she’s the one pushing Sebastian to the breaking point . . . and if one of them burns up, they’ll both go down together.

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences. Aria and Sebastian’s story concludes in Play Me: Right.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

_________________________________________________________________________

Play Me Real is the fourth volume in the Play Me series.

This book is where readers are given a real insight to the secrets that both Aria and Sebastian are hiding.

Aria has kept her family background a secret. We know that she has a sister that she will do anything for. We know her parents betrayed her in an unspeakable way. We also know she ran from her family and refuses to look back. When she finally faces her father it will send her reeling into Sebastian’s arms. But is she ready to divulge her secret to him.

Sebastian is haunted by his past in Vegas. He should be the Vegas golden child. He resents and hates every bit of his legacy as well as his past. He has hated his father with a passion. Now faced with some of the truths from the past, he will have to figure out how to deal with these truths.

Ethan Frost and his fiancé, Chloe enter into this book. They are staying at Sebastian’s hotel to celebrate their engagement. Ethan is also there to dig up some information on his dangerous enemy he plans to take down. Once he tells Sebastian about the enemy he is out to destroy, Sebastian is on board. He has hated the same man for most of his life. That man is responsible for his haunted in past in many ways.

Sebastian and Aria need to come clean with one another and reveal all their hidden secrets. Play Me Real will end on another cliffhanger that will have the readers biting on the bits for the final book, Play Me Right.

Author Bio:

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Review: Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey

Posted on 12/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Presently Perfect

The Perfect Series- Book 3

By Alison G. Bailey

Synopsis

Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose.
She was my…everything.
Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there.
The one constant… our love and friendship.
There are two sides to every story and I wouldn’t trade our sides for anything in the world.

Buy: Amazon

Robin’s Review

***If you have not read Present Perfect, this review will contain spoilers. ***

Back in August of 2013, I read Present Perfect after noticing it available for purchase on Amazon. This debut novel from Alison G. Bailey was so special for me that I named it one of my two favorite stand-alone novels of 2013. At the time, I was unaware the author would be expanding this novel into a series. Present Perfect is full of angst. It’s a friends to lovers story about Amanda Kelly (Tweet) and Noah Stewart. Bailey followed up Present Perfect with Past Imperfect, a novel about Brad Johnson, a secondary character from Present Perfect. Much to my surprise, earlier this year, I discovered Bailey was writing an alternate point of view novel about Noah and Tweet to finish out her Perfect series!

Present Perfect is told from Amanda’s point of view. In Present Perfect, we learn Amanda is consumed by feelings of worthlessness. Because she is obsessed with being perfect, she struggles to control every aspect of her life. Although Amanda is constantly plagued by insecurity and self-doubt, the one thing she is absolutely sure of is her love for Noah. Noah has always been a part of her life. He is her best friend, and she can’t imagine a life without him. But her feelings for Noah are changing. If she begins a romantic relationship with Noah, she fears that she will lose him. What if it ends badly? She questions how they could possibly remain in each other’s lives.

With Presently Perfect, we are now able to experience their story from Noah’s point of view. Presently Perfect is the ideal blend of new written material and scenes from Present Perfect that have now been written from an alternate point of view. Although we essentially have the same story, the content of this new novel adds so much depth to Tweet’s perception of events.

I remember when I read Present Perfect. I struggled to understand Noah’s motivations for his actions. What was he thinking when Tweet was pushing him away? Did he truly understand her struggle? Why did Noah make the choices that he did in Present Perfect? Was Noah considering Tweet’s feelings while he was dating other girls? I found it very interesting to learn the truth behind his relationships with Brittani in high school and Brooke in college.

The very best part of Presently Perfect is the new material found towards the end of the novel. There is now so much more to Noah and Tweet’s story. I cried tears while I was reading what happens between Noah and Tweet (beyond the end of the first novel). And I think Alison Bailey wrote the perfect epilogue for her series! I love this couple’s story. I really do. I have anticipated the release of Presently Perfect for several months, and I am excited to say this novel met my expectations! I am giving Presently Perfect a 4.5 star rating!

Author Bio:

Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school she began writing one-act plays, which she later produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon’s Best Seller List and appeared on many “Best Reads of 2013” Book Blogs. The novel won Best Book at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. The second book from The Perfect series, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014 and hit many Top 100 category lists on Amazon

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Holiday Review: The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride by Cora Seton- Heroes of Chance Creek Series -Book 4

Posted on 12/09/2014 by shellbellereads

The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride

A Holiday Romance

Heroes of Chance Creek Series – Book 4

Synopsis

It’s Christmas time at Crescent Hall, but don’t expect expect peace, harmony and goodwill among men. When Mason Hall and his wife, Regan, invite their friends to stay for the holidays, sparks fly in an epic battle of the sexes, military style!

Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that woman can’t possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she’s not just one of the most qualified warriors he’s ever met, she’s also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he’ll do whatever it takes to get close to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest…or three…or five!

The Navy SEAL’s Christmas Bride is a Heroes of Chance Creek novella, and has also been featured in the SEALs of Winter box set.

Pre Order: Amazon

Also Available

Seals of Winter Boxed Set

Amazon

Michel’s Review

Want to spend the holidays with some very hot military men and military woman? Spend it with the Heroes of Chance Creek.

Dan Hemmins is retiring his Navy Seal career. He is hoping to start up a new business. He wants to build a camp where civilians can go and do some of the training exercises that Navy Seals and military special ops have to go through in order to serve. He is hoping to get some of his friends at Crescent Hall to come on board in this new endeavor. What a great way to spend the holidays, reconnecting with friends and finding a new team in civilian life. What he didn’t count on was Sarah Metlin. Sarah has the potential to become his partner in every way. That is if he can drop his caveman attitude and give Sarah the respect she has hard earned and deserves.

Sarah has served in the Army for years. She has trained hard and is disappointed that they will not allow women in the special forces. She has reached her limit as to be told what women can and can’t do. Maybe it’s time for a career change. Maybe it’s time for some life changes. When she goes to spend the holiday with her friends in Montana she meets another man that has that same kind of attitude. A Navy Seal that thinks he’s superior to a mere enlisted soldier. He has another thing coming. She is going to show him what a woman soldier can do.

The bets are on. It’s a battle of the sexes. It’s a battle of the different armed forces. Little do Dan and Sarah realize is that it is a battle of the heart. They are going to get the best Christmas gift of all. Love. That is if they can stop competing with one another.

I loved this book. It was fun and light hearted. Watching a woman show up the men was downright awesome. The chemistry between Dan and Sarah is so hot that it could melt one of the glaciers. Readers …you are in for a very special treat. Dan and Sarah are going to create their own little special ops task in the bedroom.

I highly recommend this book. I am going to read this entire series. I loved the characters and their own little family unit.

Author Bio:

USA Today and NYT Times bestselling author Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle nine years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia.

Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini.

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Happy Release + Review: Livvy by Lori L. Otto- Choicie Series- Book 4

Posted on 12/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Livvy

The Choisie Series – Book 4

By Lori L. Otto

Synopsis

In her first year of college at Yale, challenging courses and new friends provide a much-needed distraction for Livvy Holland. Beyond the tears–for the most part– she won’t allow the lingering anger she harbors toward her ex-boyfriend to consume her.

Even after taking steps to conceal her identity, Livvy is still very recognizable and popular among her new classmates. She takes advantage of her situation and accepts dates with multiple guys, trying to piece together an image of ‘her type of guy’ that differs from all the good qualities Jon Scott once possessed.

An unexpected letter arrives on Livvy’s 18th birthday, shifting her focus and forcing her to reevaluate all the relationships in her life. She now knows the identity of her biological father, and struggles to make sense of the news alone. Fortunately, she won’t have to.

Just as Livvy’s life begins to normalize, one of her professors provides her with the creative opportunity of a lifetime. Trusting in the bonds she’s made with everyone she loves, she believes she can have everything she wants and makes the decision that allows her to be true to herself.

She was chosen for a reason. Chosen to be a gifted artist that–with a few strokes of a paintbrush–could touch people emotionally; profoundly. Chosen by her parents so they had a place to share their boundless love and devotion. Chosen by her friend so he could return the encouragement, inspiration and affection she’d shown him for so many years.

Livvy Holland will never again take her position in life for granted. She wears the name with humility and respect. She is Choisie.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Robin’s Review

Gratifying. Satisfying. I don’t think I could have dreamed of a better ending for Livvy Holland’s story. Livvy is like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. It was perfect in all aspects. And when I sit back and think about it, I realize the entire series was crafted to perfection by author Lori Otto.

The Choisie series is unusual in that it begins with the young adult novel, Contessa, transitions to mature young adult with Olivia and Dear Jon, and then leaps into the new adult genre with Livvy. It’s a spinoff of the Emi Lost & Found series – a coming of age story about Olivia Sophia Holland, the adopted daughter of Jackson Holland and his wife, Emi. Although family relationships are important to this story, the Choisie series is truly about Livvy growing up and falling in love.

Throughout the Choisie series, Livvy experiences ups and downs in her relationship with her parents, especially with her father. Livvy is bright, artistic, and a dreamer. Her father wants to hold on to his little princess. His Contessa. Livvy is extremely willful. She wants to spread her wings, think for herself, and be more independent. Jacks is a protective father. He wants some semblance of control over her decisions. But at the age of sixteen, Livvy is falling deeply in love with Jon Scott. She wants to make adult decisions. She wants to be in an adult relationship with Jon. Do you remember what it felt like to fall in love?

I have remained steadfast in my support of the Choisie series because I absolutely adore Lori Otto’s writing. But it’s more than her impeccable writing style. It’s her gift of developing believable characters and capturing the interest of readers who become fully invested in the story. It’s her ability to write beautiful and fulfilling endings for her characters. Characters are fully developed over the course of the series. Relationships are mended. Differences are resolved. Hopes are fulfilled, but you should expect to be surprised. Does Livvy get her happily ever after with Jon? I’m not going to spoil it. Experience Livvy for yourself. Discover why this novel and series are counted among my all-time favorites! Congratulations to author Lori Otto on this superb 6-star novel!Ha

The Choisie Series

Contessa – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Olivia – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Dear Jon – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Livvy – Coming Dec 9, 2014 – Amazon | iTunes

Author Bio:

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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Tight – Standalone

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter.

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Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

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