Holiday Review Blog Tour + Giveaway: A Very Married Christmas by Erika Marks

Posted on 11/21/2014 by shellbellereads

A Very Married Christmas

A Holiday Romance

By Erika Marks

Synopsis

Cookbook author Marley Chambers can’t think of a more festive way to spend Christmas than at a friend’s holiday wedding in her hometown of Magnolia Bay. If only her soon-to-be ex-husband, all-star pitcher, Beckett “Beck” Chambers wasn’t bringing his new girlfriend—and if only he wasn’t still the sexiest man to ever walk out onto the mound…

Beck never wanted the chaotic life of a sport star—especially not at the cost of his marriage to the only woman he’s ever truly loved. But his career is a runaway train—and he’s afraid it’s too late to hit the brakes.

But when a mix-up leaves Beck and Marley stranded together for Christmas Eve on the barrier island where Beck proposed years before, old memories burn bright—and sparks fly hotter than a bonfire on the beach.

Could the magic of the season bring the gift of a second chance, just in time for Christmas?

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

Back in Magnolia Bay for her friend’s wedding, cookbook author Marley Chambers has mixed emotions. Coming home brings back all sorts of memories, and not all of them are good. Marley is not looking forward to seeing her soon-to-be ex-husband, baseball’s golden boy, Beckett ‘Beck’ Chambers. In the midst of less-than-amicable divorce proceedings, seeing Beck and his sexy twenty-something newscaster girlfriend leaves Marley feeling like three is definitely a crowd, and wishing she was anywhere but Magnolia Bay.

As a fan of second-chance love stories AND a majorly huge fan of Christmas, I really enjoyed A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS. I’d already met and fallen in love with Magnolia Bay, so it felt a little bit like visiting an old friend. And, even though I haven’t dealt with divorce in my own life, I could totally relate to Marley, who had put her own creative energies on the back burner to support her husband’s dreams. Beck comes across as somewhat of a selfish guy going through some mid-life issues at first, but when fate, in the person of Marley’s friend Gina, forces him and Marley to spend Christmas Eve together, the two reconnect, and the man that Marley fell in love with makes a comeback.

A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS is part of the Southern Born Christmas series, and I very happily recommend it as an addition to any holiday romance list. Because, really, what better way to usher in this holiday season than with a second chance at love in the Beautiful South?

Author Bio:

Erika Marks is a women’s fiction writer and the author of LITTLE GALE GUMBO, THE MERMAID COLLECTOR, THE GUEST HOUSE and IT COMES IN WAVES (July, 2014). On the long and winding road to becoming published, she worked many different jobs, including carpenter, cake decorator, art director, and illustrator. But if pressed, she might say it was her brief tenure with a match-making service in Los Angeles after college that set her on the path to writing love stories (not that there isn’t romance in frosting or power tools!) A native New Englander, she now makes her home in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, a native New Orleanian who has taught her to make a wicked gumbo, and their two little mermaids. For more on Erika’s books, visit her website at http://www.erikamarksauthor.com

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ARC Holiday Review: A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis – Whisper Creek Series- Book 2

Posted on 11/21/2014 by shellbellereads

A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise

A Whisper Creek Holiday Romance

Whisper Creek Series- Book 2

By Maggie McGinnis

Synopsis

In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.

Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

*** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***

Two years ago, Hayley Scampini inherited her uncle’s Boston vet practice when he chose to retire and since then she’s been handling pint-size critters and ridiculously spoiled show cats. She’s looking forward to taking a break to attend her best friend Kyla’s wedding in Montana under open skies and dealing with larger animals.

When Daniel McKee lost his wife two years ago to cancer, he suddenly needed to learn how to be a single dad to his five-year old twin girls. He desperately needs a partner for his vet practice, but finding a graduate more interested in livestock than domestic has proved impossible. In the meantime, he’s still struggling to balance work with fatherhood.
——————————
Although this is the second book in the Whisper Creek series, it can easily stand on it’s own. The characters are wonderfully written. Daniel and Hayley are extremely enjoyable as primaries. The secondaries are fantastic, however I think the twins kinda steal several scenes. The plot is dynamic and it flows quite smoothly. There are many emotions conveyed nicely and a sweet humor that makes you smile and laugh as you read it. There were several conflicts of various degrees that took some time to resolve, thus creating a world of realism that not many books manage to capture in such a mature way. NO major Cliffhangers, NO “to be continued”. The conclusion was solid, it closed the book nicely with only the slightest hint of other stories that could develop in the future.

Author Bio:

Maggie McGinnis is a USA Today® Bestselling author and Golden Heart® Finalist who writes humorous contemporary romance and cozy mysteries.

Her heroines are smart and sassy, and her heroes are ju-ust right … but only if they find the right gals!

She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, and is agented by the fabulous Courtney Miller-Callihan of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

Maggie’s Whisper Creek series is published by Random House Loveswept®, and her upcoming Echo Lake series will be published by St. Martin’s Press.

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Holiday Review Blog Tour + Giveaway: Just In Time For Christmas by Kim Boykin

Posted on 11/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Just In Time For Christmas

A Holiday Romance

By Kim Boykin

Synopsis

Nobody does Christmas like Miranda Hamilton, and now that she finally has her chance to chair Magnolia Bay’s tree lighting and the cotillion, which benefits her late mother’s breast cancer foundation, this Christmas is shaping up to be the best ever. That is until her childhood nemesis Logan Mauldin buys his way on her committee and starts making plans of his own.

Logan Mauldin loves to get under Miranda’s very sexy skin, and it’s only fair. She’s been getting under his since long before their first kiss at 13. Logan’s the last man interested in co-chairing a Christmas committee or participating in a sexy bachelor auction, but since that night he interrupted Miranda on a date and cornered her under the mistletoe, he can’t stop thinking about her. Or vying for her attention and bugging the hell out of her.

Christmas cheer isn’t the only thing that heats up between the Miranda and Logan, but, thanks to a lie that is as much her fault as it is his, he loses the woman he’s loved since forever. Logan will need a Christmas miracle for Miranda to forgive him. A grand gesture to melt her heart and win her back just in time for Christmas.

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

Miranda Hamilton has a love-hate relationship with Logan Mauldin. Ever since that game of Seven Minutes In Heaven when they were 13, the two have had their ups and downs, and it’s been mostly down since their college days. So when Logan steps up to be be Miranda’s co-chair of the Magnolia Bay Holiday Festival, she’s none too happy.

Logan would like nothing better than to kiss Miranda under the mistletoe. He’s gone so far as to volunteer to co-chair the annual holiday festival, just so that he can get closer to her. Because he’s liked Miranda for a very long time, and is determined to make her admit that she feels the same. He’ll do anything to win her over, even make Miranda’s Christmas miracle come true.

I love a book that puts me in the mood for the holidays, and JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS is a cute and enjoyable read that does just that. Kim Boykin writes what she knows, being a Southern girl herself, and her depiction of small-town life in Magnolia Bay is both evocative and endearing. She’s done a nice job, too, of writing characters that are full of personality, like Miranda and Logan, Logan’s brothers and mother, the Six Chicks (Miranda’s six besties), and Pammy, Miranda’s arch-nemesis. I recommend this sweet and sassy book, and give it four stars for helping get my Christmas season off to a romantic start.

Author Bio:

Kim Boykin is a women’s fiction author with a sassy Southern streak. She is the author of The Wisdom of Hair, Steal Me, Cowboy, and Palmetto Moon (Summer 2014.) While her heart is always in South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, 3 dogs, and 126 rose bushes.

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Review: Till Death- Dave by Becky McGraw- Logan’s Lonestar Heroes- Book 1

Posted on 11/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Till Death

Logan’s Lonestar Heroes – Book 1 – Dave

Release Date: Nov. 10th, 2014

Synopsis

Dave Logan, owner of Deep Six Security, is stunned when former Dallas FBI head, Susan Whitmore, darkens his doorstep accusing him of being the cause of her

losing her job. After hearing her situation, Dave feels something he never expects to feel–sorry for her. But he also knows any problems she had at the
agency were all her own fault. The woman has a tongue so sharp it could rip a man to shreds, and had many times. There was a reason her agents dubbed her
the Barracuda.

Although Dave needs agents in the worst way, and Susan, with an IQ higher than Einstein, better skills and more experience than any of his men, along with
a master’s degree in criminal justice, is more than qualified to be a member of his team, he just doesn’t need the drama she and her mouth would bring to
Deep Six . Even as his brain said no way though, his damned white-knight complex forces him to offer her a job as his temporary secretary.

Realizing he’s made a huge mistake hiring her, Dave calls in favors to get her interviews to get her out of his office. Before he can get rid of her
though, Dave gets a new case only Susan can help him with. A wealthy Dallas oilman and his trophy wife ordered a designer baby from a local fertility
clinic, and the surrogate has gone missing with the baby. The couple wants Deep Six Security to investigate the facility and find the baby, but the only
way Dave can do that is to get inside. To get inside his only option is to go undercover with Susan, posing as a wealthy married couple looking for a baby.
What they find when they get to the spa-like compound is frightening. Payoffs, missing surrogates and young women being used as lab rats are just the tip
of the iceberg.

Can two alpha personalities, both used to being in charge, work together long enough to figure out what’s going on at the clinic, or will they kill each
other before the bad guys at the facility have a chance? If they’re lucky, perhaps the delicious friction between them will turn into something so hot the
place spontaneously combusts, or maybe if they’re luckier it will turn into something which might just last till death do them part.

Buy: Amazon / Smashwords / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

Susan Whitmore has what some might call a strong personality. Nicknamed ‘The Barracuda,’ Susan is not known for her patience and shiny happy outlook. Having recently quit her job at the FBI in a way that ensures that she won’t be welcomed back, she has to find a new position, and soon. Dave Logan, head of Deep Six Security, has had his fair share of dealings with Susan, and, while he’ll admit that she was a great agent, there is no way that he would ever consider hiring her. But Dave needs Susan to help him and his team with their latest assignment, and soon they’re creating sparks in more ways than one.

As a big fan of Becky McGraw and her cowboy heartthrobs, I was very excited to learn that she was writing a new series featuring Dave Logan and his Lonestar Heroes. Becky’s knack for creating stories starring hot alpha men and sassy spirited women has made her a favorite of mine, and she absolutely does not disappoint with this book. Dave Logan is one strong and sexy man, and when he and Susan go to work on a case together, it is hot, hot, hot. These are two people that are not afraid to speak their minds, and to take what they want from life. Laughing out loud and fanning myself by turn, I sped through TILL DEATH, loving the way that Dave and Susan interact with each other, and with the other members of the Deep Six crew. I am looking forward to seeing the other guys get their books, and will happily add them to my TBR. Becky, you’re scored another win with your Lonestar Heroes, and I could not have enjoyed them more.

About Becky Mcgraw

Becky McGraw is a married mother of three adult children, and a Southern girl by birth and the grace of God, ya’ll. She resides in South Texas with her husband and dog Abby.

A jack of many trades in her life, Becky has been an optician, a beautician, a legal secretary, a senior project manager for an aviation management consulting firm, which took her all over the United States, a real estate broker, and now a graphic artist, web designer and writer. She knows just enough about a variety of topics to make herdangerous, and her romance novels interesting and varied. Being a graphic artist is a good thing for her too, because she creates her own cover art, along with writing the novels.

Becky has been an avid reader of romance novels since she was a teenager, and has been known to read up to four novels of that genre a week, much to the dismay of her husband, and the delight of e-book sellers.

She has been writing fictional short stories and novels for fun, as well as technical copy for her jobs for many years. She was a member of the Writer’s Guild on AOL, as well as a founding member and treasurer of the first online chapter of the Romance Writers of America, From the Heart Romance Writers. Currently, she is a AN member of RWA and a general member of FTHRW.

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Light Shadows by S. L. Jennings- Dark Light Series – Book 3

Posted on 11/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Blurb

Twenty-one years ago, Gabriella’s life was stolen from her before it even began.

Orphaned at birth and encompassed in a fortress of lies to protect her identity, she never truly understood her purpose on this earth. But now that she has ascended, embracing her destiny, the ghosts of her past have come back to haunt her.

Even with insurmountable power running through her veins, part of Gabriella is irreparably broken. And with old enemies working to destroy the tiny shred of normalcy she has left, she’ll be forced to face the ugly truth about Dorian, the man she chose to love despite his darkness.

Everything she loved is a lie, and everyone she thought she knew is a stranger. And now that Gabriella is about to be thrust into the battle of her life, she discovers that she may be fighting for the wrong side.

*This is book 3 of The Dark Light Series, the highly anticipated conclusion to Gabriella and Dorian’s beautifully tragic love story.

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt

Without warning, we’re on the bed, wisps of charcoal vapors swirling around our bodies. I’m flat on my back with Dorian hovering over me, watching, waiting for his influence to overtake my consciousness. While his body doesn’t touch mine, his mind—his beautiful-fucking-mind—begins to infiltrate every part of me. Sliding over the surface of my skin, so soft and light, like the silkiest feather. Pinching my sensitive nipples and raking down my belly. Igniting heat between my thighs until my panties are damp with desire.

I feel him all over me—teasing my pleasure points with his phantom touches. He moves in closer, so close that our lips nearly meet, yet he still won’t kiss me. He still won’t let me taste the sweet longing that is undoubtedly tempting his tongue. I lift my head to take it from him only to find that I am bound to the bed, completely under his control.

I’ve been here before. I’ve been under Dorian’s spell enough times to know how this will play out. He’s a man of dominating control, and today has been nothing short of chaos. He’s taking it back. He’s taking me back.

“Touch me,” I beg, my voice breathless with agony.

“No.” His eyes spark with white fire on that single word, showing the torment of his restraint.

“Please,” I whimper. “I need you to touch me. I need to feel you.”

“You feel me now,” he rasps.

“No. That’s not enough.”

“Oh? Not enough?” Pressure spikes in my core and I cry out as sensation snakes through my swollen sex. He doesn’t move, but I feel him there—touching, licking, even biting. Soft and hard, hot and wet, all at the same time.

“I can feel you throbbing, Gabriella. It hurts, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” My voice is an intelligible squeak. It does hurt, yet it feels oh-so-incredibly good. Dorian’s pain is the most potent form of pleasure.

“I feel the hardness of your nipples—how they ache to be licked and sucked. You want me to do that, Gabriella? You want me cover your nipples with my mouth and run my tongue over them? You want me to squeeze them between my teeth right before I suck them, baby?”

“Yes, Dorian,” I manage through a sob.

“And when I’m done teasing your nipples, you want me to run my tongue down…” Another jolt of electricity stings my sensitive flesh. “…down…down…until it meets that soft, sweet place that hurts you so bad? You want me to kiss it and make it better?”

I try to nod through the haze of lust and agony, but I can’t move. I can only feel him owning my body in the most delicious way.

Dark Light

(Dark Light #1)

Amazon

B&N

The Dark Prince

Dark Light #2

Amazon

B&N

Nikolai

A Dark Light Novella

Amazon

B&N

About the author:

S.L. Jennings is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, reality TV junkie, obsessive coffee drinker and collector of crazy.

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Release Blitz + Exclusive Interview and Giveaway: Hot and Hooked by Khloe Adams- Donut Shop Divas Serial- Book 4

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Hot & Hooked

Donut Shop Diva – Miranda’s Book #4

By Khloe Adams

Synopsis

Miranda Hunter, donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED, thought she might never see Aiden Knight again. Surprise! The superstar quarterback signs up with Denver’s pro football team, moves to Colorado, and sends her a message: Aloha.
Miranda lives up to her last name. She “hunts” him down, determined to hook her man. But this time around, she has grown wiser. As their smoking-hot passion reignites, this mega-sexy pro will either have to play by her rules, her game, or lose her heart forever.

Author Interview:

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down and asking Khloe Adams, author of the Donut Shop Diva series, a few questions.
Welcome to Smut Book Junkie, Khloe, and thank you for your time.
SBJ: I learned from your website that you are, in fact, a collaborating trio of authors as opposed to one single entity. When was the concept of “Khloe Adams” born?
Khloe: We tease that we met on an elevator at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, and the elevator became stuck. But not to worry. We write romance, not horror. A male model from a romance cover was trapped with us. He kept us very entertained. Afterward, we needed a drink to cool down and headed for the nearest bar. One thing led to another and we decided to form a partnership in July 2013 and write about independent women and strong, sexy guys. We really like elaborating on the male model part—shoulders like a Viking ship, abs that practically burst through his Polo top, and thighs the size of rockets—because if we gave the basic facts, it would put everyone to sleep when they read our bio.

SBJ: How does working as an individual work versus being a trio? Do you each take parts of the book(s) or are you each others’ sounding board?
Khloe: All of the above. The three most important things to remember when working as a team is to leave your ego at the door, respect each other’s suggestions and opinions, and laugh—alot! Just try writing a sex scene together! Every decision we make—from plots to social media events to covers—has to rep Khloe as a united voice who writes hot and sexy contemporary romances with a touch of humor.

SBJ: How do you collectively manage signings and author events, do you appear as a trio or each attend separately to cover more ground?
Khloe : So far, it hasn’t been possible to attend an event as a trio since two of us live in Florida and the other one in Colorado. On the good side, we can cover a lot more territory going to author events and signings.

SBJ: Who are your inspirations or role models?
Khloe : There’s a great little book by Austin Kleon called, Steal like an Artist, 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. He encourages you to pick your role models and discover all the good things they’re doing, then do it your own way. From the beginning, we found indie authors we thought were great writers, marketing/social media wizards and had fabulous covers/art work. We’ve been inspired by so many authors, like Bella Andre, Mimi Strong, J.R. Ward, Jasinda Wilder and Melanie James.

SBJ: If you had to tweet a description of your books, including writing STYLE, what would you say?
Khloe:
Two hot & delicious men. One lucky girl. See the sprinkles and sparks fly in #EroticRomance Donut Shop Diva Serial – Miranda’s 4-Book Story!

SBJ: After “Donut Shop Diva – Miranda”, what is your next Work in Progress? When can we expect that to come out?
Khloe: Great question. The next serial will be about Rachel who is Miranda’s younger sister. In her early twenties, Rachel is a free-spirited, fun-loving Donut Shop Diva and co-owner of HOT & GLAZED. She’s a prize-winning pastry baker who meets her match in a competition. He’s an Italian stallion who also happens to be a gourmet chef. The three-book serial will be released the first quarter of 2015.

SBJ: What are you currently reading?
Khloe:
• Cold, Dark Place by Toni Anderson. Romantic suspense and very hot sex!
• Lover Awakened – Black Dagger Series by J.R. Ward. Paranormal and very, very hot sex!
• Do or Die – Reluctant Heroes Series by Suzanne Brockmann. Romantic suspense and yup, more hot sex!

SBJ: Is there anything you’d like to tell any potential new readers/fans about you, your books, sales, upcoming events, etc?
Khloe:
• It’s great connecting with readers on my Facebook or Twitter!
• The Donut Shop Diva Serial – Miranda’s Book 1 – 3 are currently available on Amazon. That includes HOT & GLAZED #1, HOT & LEI’D #2 and HOT & CUFFED #3.
• The last book in the Donut Shop Diva Serial – Miranda’s Book #4, HOT & HOOKED, is available for pre-order on Amazon.
• On November 20th, Khloe will appear on Facebook from 6pm to 8pm EST at the Winter Explosion Hosted by Triple A and P.T. Macias. (If you’re interested in attending please friend me/message me on Facebook).
• Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter found on my website for a chance to win a prize and learn about new releases. A winner is randomly drawn once a month.

Thank you, Khloe, for taking the time to sit with me today and for answering my questions. It’s been an honor and privilege to have you here and we wish you all the best in your current and future endeavors.
Thank you for this awesome opportunity. It was great meeting you.

Author Bio:

The truth behind Khloe Adams is—she’s not one author but three. Plus, one of the author’s is a USA Today Bestseller and has written over 75 books! All together, we write hot and sexy contemporary romance with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of new adult.

Our story began when we met each other for the first time on an elevator at a Romantic Times Convention. It ended up not to be an ordinary ride. The elevator became stuck between the fiftieth and fifty-first floors at the hotel.

But don’t feel bad.

A male model that you see on romance covers was trapped with us. He kept us entertained. Just remembering the way he looked, still makes us drool to this day.

Needless to say, we found ourselves disappointed when the elevator moved again and we had to say goodbye to our fearless passenger. Excited by the experience, we needed a drink and headed for the nearest bar. Well, one thing led to another and we decided to form a partnership and write about feisty heroines and strong, sexy heroes.

With the help of modern technology, we’ve managed to do it. Two of us live in Florida, and one lives in Colorado. All together, the three of us bring over thirty years of award winning writing.

We hope you enjoy our books and look forward to reading more.

Happy reading,
Khloe

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Join Khloe Adams at Facebook Event-Winter Explosions

November 20, 2014 from 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST

Hosted by Triple A and P.T. Macias

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ARC Review: Archangel’s Shadow by Nalini Singh-Guild Hunter Series-Book 7

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Archangel’s Shadow

Guild Hunter Series- Book 7

By Nalini Singh

Synopsis

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED
AN ALL-NEW GUILD HUNTER NOVEL

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s sensual and painfully beautiful Guild Hunter world in her new novel of sacrifice, loyalty, and the choices of love that can shatter the heart.

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot—should not—be walking the streets.

This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

In the aftermath of a devastating war, which has pitted archangel factions against each other and left many dead in its wake, something dark and dangerous threatens the citizens of New York, and the archangel Raphael and his contingent are faced with unraveling the mystery of the new and deadly threat. Ash, a human Guild hunter, and Janvier, her vampire partner, are racing against time to unmask the killer before it’s too late, all the while fighting an ever-growing attraction that they should not act upon.

ARCHANGEL’S SHADOWS, the seventh book in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh, is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat read from the first page. Ash and Janvier are a team, the human Guild hunter and vampire working in the service of the archangel Raphael. The attraction which has always existed between them is becoming stronger, with Janvier making no effort to hide his desire to become Ash’s partner in every sense of the word. But Ash is hiding a secret that could tear them apart, and that keeps her from giving in to the desire that she feels.

This is the first book that I have read from the series, and while I sense that there is a lot of backstory that I am missing, it did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this book. I am a huge fan of paranormal romance, and Nalini is a master of the genre. The characters are unique and engaging, and the heat between each of the couples is palpable. I love that the female characters are strong and respected by their male counterparts, with not one delicate flower in the lot. These ladies are capable, and aren’t afraid to let everyone know, which is one of the things that resonated most strongly for me. As well, the Seven, whom have all been introduced in earlier books, are fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the banter and real affection that they have for each other. All of these things, combined with the mysterious threat that Ash and Janvier are facing, made for a read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning, and also continuing to read the upcoming installments.

NEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a hot and wickedly tempting rock star. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Once Rock Addiction is out, swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the book.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: Home by @JA Huss- Social Media Series- Book 6-Grand Finale

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Home

The Social Media Series- Book 6

By @JA Huss

Synopsis

I just want my Grace back. I want the girl I found sending me dirty tweets on Saint Thomas. I want the girl who reluctantly gave in to my charms and let me boss her around. I want the girl who sent me to my knees and made me imagine what her fairy tale would look likewith me in it.

I just want to move on.I want everything she ever wanted, and I want us to make it happen together. But the media needs more from us. More dirt. More pain. More payment for past transgressions.

You can’t change the past. And even though Grace is ready to put her demons to bed, mine are just starting to get restless. Because when you’ve silenced as many enemies as I have, you know that secret won’t stay buried forever.

Buy: Amazon

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HomeTweetHome

#Home#Heart#Finale

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Grand Finale. End of Social Media Series

#BitterSweet

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Social Media Series a 2014 Favorite!

#Favorite

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Congratulations @JA Huss!

#Congrats#Favorite

Michel’s Review

The Social Media Series by JA Huss has been an erotic and action packed experience. Each episode has left readers on the edge of their seats. The ending was bittersweet and pure perfection for Grace and Vaughn.

I am not going to say too much and give away spoilers. The one thing I will say is that Grace became a stronger woman. She learned to open her heart and let love in. She learned that she is just as much Daisy as she is Grace. Combine the two together and Vaughn has the perfect woman. Vaughn surprised me throughout this series. He grew emotionally and proved to Grace, as well as the world, that he is a man of honor.

I loved the Social Media series. I highly recommend this series. JA Huss is a gifted writer that always delivers more than a sensational romance.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

FOLLOW – AUGUST 27, 2014

Buy: Amazon

LIKE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Buy: Amazon

BLOCK – SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Buy: Amazon

STATUS – OCTOBER 8, 2014

Buy: Amazon

PROFILE – OCTOBER 22, 2014

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HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

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Author Bio

Author Bio:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

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Review: Stirred Up by S. E. Hall and Angela Graham- Volumes 1 and 2

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Stirred Up

Volumes 1 and 2

By S.E. Hall and Angela Graham

Synopsis

NYT, USA Today & Amazon Best Selling authors Angela Graham and S.E.Hall
Erotic stand-alone. No cliffy. 40,000+ words.
Certain men. Certain professions. Some things are just universally sexy.
But maybe not quite this sexy…
“Lay back for me.”
*Previously 2 volumes, now get the entire story in one shot.*

Buy: Amazon

Ashley’s Review

Once a year, women have that one appointment that we all look forward to (dramatic eye roll) where nothing is left private as a doctor stares at your lady bits and conducts the ole favorite of, “you’re gonna feel some pressure” before inserting a speculum and administering that annual exam.

So low and behold that while in Huntington, WV for the Rebels and Readers book event do I spot with my little green eyes, a cover so glorious that I pick it up to read the blurb on the back.

“Certain men. Certain professions. Something things are just universally sexy. But maybe not quite this sexy… Lay back for me.”

Pulling a “what the,” I ask the author Angela Graham if this is a book about a girl and her gynecologist. To my shock she affirms that yes it is a book just about that. Although insanely creepy, the plot was so unique I had to check it out, so I shoved over my $10 and couldn’t wait to break into the binding.

This book was a complete surprise! Not only was it masterfully written, evoking and touching those emotions all us ladies feel about that dreaded appointment, the plot was clever and the characters were just likeable.

Addison has always been close to her older brother, Dylan and his best friend, Brady. When Brady, a doctor, and also a close family friend advises Addison to take precautions on her health he does the unthinkable by setting her up an appointment with the only gynecologist in town. Humiliated and absolutely frightened about her upcoming first appointment, Addison takes us on a journey that has the readers laughing. From “prepping” for the appointment to the “thoughts” while waiting for the doctor, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. When in walks Mr. Reynolds, Addison is put face to face with the ultimate test, don’t panic, remain calm, and don’t maul the hot doc. Hall and Graham have created a true masterpiece with this story and not to mention a complete twist that will leave readers “oohing” and “aahing” for days to cum…..

I have rated Stirred Up with 5-meticulous stars. This book had a solid story-line, well defined and developed characters, and one mind blowing twist. The emotion the female lead is able to exemplify to the readers is honest and accurate, taking on something all women dread once a year. This is a Highly recommended read.

Author Bios:

S.E.Hall is the author of the Amazon Best Selling Evolve Series, Emerge, Embrace, Entangled(novella)and Entice as well as the best selling stand-alone NA Romance, Pretty Instinct. She also co-wrote Stirred Up, an erotic short-story with her CP and friend, Author Angela Graham and is honored to be a part of the USA Today and NYT Best Selling Devour box set. S.E., which stands for Stephanie Elaine, resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 beautiful daughters of the home, and one married daughter who graced her with two beautiful grandchildren. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing and the occasional trip to the casino. She’s also clutch at Baggo, when it’s warm outside, and definitely the woman to pick on your side for some Flip Cup!

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NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of the Harmony series.

Angela lives in Tipp City, Ohio with he three little darlings and a beautiful feline companion that keeps her company during late night writing binges.

Check out my Facebook page for a deleted chapter from Inevitable as well as teasers.

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Serial Feature + Review + Giveaway: Donut Shop Divas by Khloe Adams- Books 1-4

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

The Donut Shop Divas Serial

Books 1- 4

By Khloe Adams

Reviewed by Tina

Hot & Glazed

Book 1

Hard-working Miranda Hunter, donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED, is one frustrated girl. She needs to find a man to put the zip-a-dee back into her doo-dah. But not just any man will do. Long ago, she’d sworn off pro jocks with their cheating ways and groupies. She’d seen enough of it with her dad, a former pro defensive lineman, who’d played on and off the field and broken her mother’s heart.
When hot and delicious Aiden Knight walks into her donut shop, sprinkles and sparks fly. After an all-nighter of torching sex with the 6’5” hottie, Miranda discovers Aiden is a star quarterback. OMG! She’s broken her vow never to date pro athletes. Will she recover from her fumble and enforce her no jock rule, or will she continue to play the game with the sexy pro?

Miranda co-owns HOT & GLAZED, a little bakery in Denver, Colorado with her younger sister, Rachel. Rachel is the wild and care-free baking and decorating genius while Miranda is the responsible caretaker of the duo and the financial genius of the business. As luck would have it, the morning Rachel is sick and can’t help prep to open, the OPEN sign was never turned off from the day before causing a giant super-hunk to come knocking too-early at the store’s front door – but willing to pay a small fortune for a dozen donuts. Her immediate attraction to Aiden has her acting out-of character.
Aiden Knight is a professional football player coming off of an injury. He’s in between teams currently and has a weakness for sweets. He doesn’t expect the immediate attraction to the little baker that opens the door nor the jolt of awareness when they make contact. Immediately, he knows he had to spend more time with her. He asks her to dinner… and one night, to make their hottest fantasies come true.
—————————————–
Be forewarned, length-wise, this is a micro-novella. It’s focus is on the introduction of characters and their night together. Miranda is supposed to be the responsible sister, but honestly the reader does not see too much of that here. Together they seem to have great chemistry. The dialogue is believable. The plot is a bit confined given the story length, but it has life in it and flows smoothly. I’m happy there’s no predictability thus far but there are underlying conflicts that cannot be resolved this early on, so they are left open; this “book” is only the first *part* of the story therefore does NOT have a conclusion, it carries into Hot & Lei’d.

Hot & Lei’d

Book 2

After one delicious, sinful night in Denver, star quarterback Aiden Knight invites Miranda Hunter to Hawaii. Only Aiden has a reputation as a player – on and off the field – and she doesn’t want to be hurt. The smart move is to walk away. But she can’t get him out of her head. Risking her heart, this donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED packs up her bikini and a box of donuts from her shop and jets to Maui.

Aloha, Miranda! Under swaying palm trees on a moonlit beach, Aiden and Miranda feed their sexual hunger for each other. They share their deepest secrets.
And then…fumble! Miranda accidently reveals his darkest secret to the world. Will Miranda get a pass, or will she be tossed off Aiden’s team with a broken heart?

Miranda meets up with Aiden again, this time in Hawaii, ten days later. He’s there to help promote the Hawaiian Youth Football League and asked her to join him. She had received a simple text, “Give me another chance.” and that was enough to convince her to accept the first-class tickets that arrived, pack her bikini & jump on a plane bound for paradise!
————–
In the second installment, there’s a touch more game-play and plot. It should have been named Hot and Sexy. It was as fun as it was steamy. Everything: characters, dialogue, interaction, plot… everything was very well written. When underlying conflicts are still hinted at and secrets are revealed to one another, exposure can be one’s downfall. Very minor predictability present. There is no conclusion, rather a gaping hole for HOT & CUFFED to pick up and start filling in.

Hot & Cuffed

Book 3

Paradise turned out to be one big disaster!
With her passionate affair with the star quarterback Aiden Knight left dangling in the tropical wind, Miranda Hunter packs up her bikini and returns home, broken hearted. Just when she thinks her life couldn’t get more miserable, an armed thug threatens to rob HOT & GLAZED, the donut shop she and her sister own.
Saved by FBI Special Agent Connor O’Leary, she seeks comfort in his strong arms. Unable to resist this agent known for being an all around badass, she takes off with him to a secluded mountain cabin where inhibitions are forgotten.
Wow! This donut shop diva never knew playing with a dangerous man could be so addicting. Will her new addiction be enough to heal her heart, or will she still yearn for the sexy quarterback?

Miranda can’t help but notice the hot new customer that’s been coming around and staying longer than average customers would. Never did she expect him to save her life, though.
Connor O’ Leary is a Boston Irish FBI Agent. He’s divorced and recently moved to Denver to be closer to his six-year old son.
Neither expected an attempted armed robbery moments after introductions were made, but that’s exactly what happened. The life-threatening occurrence may have amplified the mild attraction, but Miranda is still hung up on Aiden. Connor’s a gentleman, but intense and protective.
—————————————–
I’m a little on the fence with Miranda in this segment. The plot flows smoothly but centers primarily around an afternoon at his house followed by two days at a cabin in the mountains. The conflicting issues are still present and there’s no solid conclusions as of yet. Thankfully, the predictability is practically non-existent. To be continued… in Hot and Hooked.

Hot & Hooked

Book 4

Things clearly have not been the same for Miranda since leaving Hawaii.
In the final segment, Miranda is still shattered over the hottest news in Denver and is still determined to find a means to make amends for the inadvertent slip-up that occurred months ago. It just may take more than some strawberry-filled glazed donuts with sprinkles on top to get through to him though.
The characters are still a fun mix of human error and sexy sweetness. The plot flies by smoothly with plenty of dynamics and smart, snappy dialogue. The conflict between Miranda and her leading guy finally find a resolve and they get the conclusion they needed, It leaves room enough for Rachel’s serial to begin without having any major cliffhangers.

Author Bio:

The truth behind Khloe Adams is—she’s not one author but three. Plus, one of the authors is a USA TODAY Bestseller and has written over 75 books. Together, they write hot and sexy contemporary romance with a touch of humor.

Their story began when they met each other on an elevator at a Romantic Times Convention. Only this was no ordinary ride. The elevator became stuck between the fiftieth and fifty-first floors at the hotel.

But don’t get worried. They write romance, not horror.

They were trapped with a male model from the cover of several steamy romances. He kept them very entertained. Afterward, they needed a drink to cool down and headed for the nearest bar.
One thing led to another and they decided to form a partnership and write about independent women and strong, sexy guys. With the help of modern technology, they’ve managed to do it. Two of them live in Florida, and the other one lives in Colorado. A recent USA TODAY review said, “Khloe Adams writes hot with a flair—great humor.”
Their debut serial Donut Shop Divas features four bite-sized erotic romances focusing on Miranda’s story: HOT & GLAZED #1, HOT & LEI’D #2, HOT & CUFFED #3 and HOT & HOOKED #4.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Pintrest

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Blurb

Twenty-one years ago, Gabriella’s life was stolen from her before it even began.

Orphaned at birth and encompassed in a fortress of lies to protect her identity, she never truly understood her purpose on this earth. But now that she has ascended, embracing her destiny, the ghosts of her past have come back to haunt her.

Even with insurmountable power running through her veins, part of Gabriella is irreparably broken. And with old enemies working to destroy the tiny shred of normalcy she has left, she’ll be forced to face the ugly truth about Dorian, the man she chose to love despite his darkness.

Everything she loved is a lie, and everyone she thought she knew is a stranger. And now that Gabriella is about to be thrust into the battle of her life, she discovers that she may be fighting for the wrong side.

*This is book 3 of The Dark Light Series, the highly anticipated conclusion to Gabriella and Dorian’s beautifully tragic love story.

Excerpt

I’ve been here before. I’ve been under Dorian’s spell enough times to know how this will play out. He’s a man of dominating control, and today has been nothing short of chaos. He’s taking it back. He’s taking me back.

“Touch me,” I beg, my voice breathless with agony.

“No.” His eyes spark with white fire on that single word, showing the torment of his restraint.

“Please,” I whimper. “I need you to touch me. I need to feel you.”

“You feel me now,” he rasps.

“No. That’s not enough.”

“Oh? Not enough?” Pressure spikes in my core and I cry out as sensation snakes through my swollen sex. He doesn’t move, but I feel him there—touching, licking, even biting. Soft and hard, hot and wet, all at the same time.

“I can feel you throbbing, Gabriella. It hurts, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” My voice is an intelligible squeak. It does hurt, yet it feels oh-so-incredibly good. Dorian’s pain is the most potent form of pleasure.

“I feel the hardness of your nipples—how they ache to be licked and sucked. You want me to do that, Gabriella? You want me cover your nipples with my mouth and run my tongue over them? You want me to squeeze them between my teeth right before I suck them, baby?”

“Yes, Dorian,” I manage through a sob.

“And when I’m done teasing your nipples, you want me to run my tongue down…” Another jolt of electricity stings my sensitive flesh. “…down…down…until it meets that soft, sweet place that hurts you so bad? You want me to kiss it and make it better?”

I try to nod through the haze of lust and agony, but I can’t move. I can only feel him owning my body in the most delicious way.

Dark Light

The Dark Prince

Dark Light #2

Nikolai

A Dark Light Novella

About the author:

S.L. Jennings is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, reality TV junkie, obsessive coffee drinker and collector of crazy.

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