Saucy Southern Readers

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

Exclusive Giveaway

$20 Gift Card

Heart Necklace

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

HomeTweetHome

#Home#Heart#Finale

Grand Finale. End of Social Media Series

#BitterSweet

Social Media Series a 2014 Favorite!

#Favorite

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

Buy: Amazon

HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

Buy: Amazon

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.

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!

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.

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

Exclusive Giveaway

$ 20 Giftcard

Heart Necklace

4.5 – Star ARC Review: Game for Tonight by Karen Erickson

Posted on 11/19/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Game For Tonight

Game For It Series – Book 3

By Karen Erickson

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’ll teach him the art of seduction one play at a time…

Publicist Aubrey Cooper never should have crossed the line. After all, pro football player Flynn Foley is her client. But something about this mouth-wateringly-hot, clean-cut athlete makes Aubrey imagine all kinds of X-rated fantasies. And it only takes one game-changing play―and one night―to turn the tables from strictly business to very, very personal…

Flynn has maintained a no-sexy-distractions policy for his entire pro career. Aubrey is exactly the kind of distraction he was trying to avoid, and she’s the one he can’t resist. When the media catches wind of their naughty little liaison, however, Aubrey’s boss steps in to make them an official couple. What Flynn doesn’t know is that Aubrey is forced to fake the relationship―or lose her job. Now Aubrey must hide the truth…even as she begins to fall for Flynn.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Aubrey cracked open her eyes, studying him like he’d lost his mind. Which he sort of had—over her. He kissed her again before she could say a word, losing himself in her sweet lips, the soft little moans sounding low in her throat.

He liked sex. And he liked the woman in his arms plenty. So much, that he’d kept her at arm’s length for months for fear of falling hard for her and ruining his concentration. Besides, he wasn’t much of a rule breaker, damn it. If it was against company policy to date a fellow employee, then he wasn’t going to do it.

But screw it. He felt as if everything was uncertain right now, up in the air, unconfirmed. Walsh wasn’t talking—at least he wasn’t talking enough. The conversation they’d had before Aubrey had interrupted them had been full of nothing but a bunch of crap. Coach had acted downright evasive.

The vibe he was getting from his coach? He didn’t like it. At all.

He was tired of worrying about things that were out of his control. What was the big deal if he kissed Aubrey anyway? Maybe he could work her out of his system. Maybe kissing her wouldn’t be all that special and he could walk away from this.

Ha. Tell that to his overheated, turned-inside-out body. Flynn broke away from Aubrey’s lips to catch some air, though really, he wanted to look at her, memorize this moment when he’d first kissed Aubrey. Even in the dim light, he could see her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed. She opened her eyes, the dazed look in them sending an arrow of arousal shooting straight through him, making his cock twitch. Pride suffused him. He put that look on her face.

“Flynn.” She pursed her lips, exhaling softly, the sound shaky. “What in the world was that?”

He smiled. She was a bundle of nerves, his publicist. Always running around, a little manic, a lot frantic, riding his ass to do this, do that. She’d been harder on Hamilton, but that crazy guy needed someone to rein him in most of the time.

“I thought it was a kiss? Unless I’m doing it wrong…” A chuckle escaped him, and he hoped she was in on the joke.

“No. You were definitely not doing it wrong.” She blew out a trembling breath, her gaze cautious. “I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her cheek with his, kissing a soft path along her fragrant skin until his mouth was on hers once more. “A shame you didn’t recognize it.”

She smiled against his lips, her fingers tightening in his hair. “I just thought…”

“Thinking gets you nowhere,” he whispered just before he took the kiss deeper, his tongue thrusting, his mouth devouring. She was a thinker, which meant she set her brain to smoking more often than not. And he wanted her feeling, not thinking or worrying.

He gripped her hips with both hands and pulled her in, wanting her as close as he could get her. This…thing between them had been brewing for a while, torturing him. She’d been by his side almost constantly the past few months, guiding his career, carefully preserving his image.

Every time he was with her, the scent of her hair drove him wild. The way he caught her looking at him, her gaze hungry, her lips damp, echoed an answering call deep within him.

Kelley’s Review

Sinfully sexy forbidden romance.

Game for Tonight is the perfect forbidden romance. Aubrey is there to make sure that Flynn’s good boy image is solid. He is a virgin and they have spun that into his marketing campaign. He is completely off-limits for Aubrey but she just can’t help herself.

Game for Tonight is a stand alone read. It is Aubrey and Flynn’s story but you also get to see Jared and Sheridan again and Nick and Willow again. I think I would have enjoyed this read even more if I had read the other books in this series. It is obvious that the infatuation between Aubrey and Flynn has been going on for quite a while. Karen delivers in the sensuality department as Flynn and Aubrey create lots of steam between the sheets. The idea of a sexy football star being so focused that he has not slept with any of the women that have thrown themselves at his is intriguing. Karen does an excellent job developing her characters in this series.

Aubrey is a good girl with a kind heart and really is the perfect match for Flynn. The problem is that Aubrey has been holding on to a horrible secret and just when things are looking great for she and Flynn to have their happily ever after, her confession might be just enough to tear them apart. Imagine having to work with someone who you were head over heels in love with who would not give you the time of day because of one stupid mistake.

If you like forbidden romance with lots of sizzle and spice you will enjoy Game for Tonight.

The Game For It Series

Game For Marriage

Game For Trouble

Game For Tonight

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjUwNA==/

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She’s also known as NYT and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Giveaway

$20 Gift Card

Holiday Review: Holiday On Ice by Jaci Burton- Play By Play Series-Book 8.5

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Holiday On Ice

Play By Play Series- Book 8.5

By Jaci Burton

Synopsis

In this original holiday novella in the Play-By-Play series, New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton gives readers the gift of “plenty of romance, sexy men, hot steamy loving, and humor.” (Smexy Books)

Superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and dancer Stella Slovinski have picked up where they left off a year ago, resuming their hot, uncomplicated affair. Stella refuses to call it dating, or a relationship. But lately, Trick is looking for more…

Stella’s been burned before—in a relationship she never talks about—not with her family, not with her friends, and definitely not with Trick. But now it’s the holiday season and Trick is determined to give Stella his heart wrapped up in a bow. He knows Stella is the right woman for him, but he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away.

Includes a preview of Jaci Burton’s QUARTERBACK DRAW and LOVE AFTER ALL.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

ARC copy provided by publisher, via NetGalley, for a fair and honest review.

Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer plays professional hockey for the Travelers. Stella Slovinski is a professional dancer and best friends with Carolina Preston. They met, originally, about a year ago through Carolina and Drew and had an off/on relationship for a few months. Now, she’s scored a lead on Broadway and he’s still concentrating game to game to make it to the finals, their schedules are even busier than ever. The magnetic attraction is still there between them and Trick wants to try again, but Stella is afraid to commit to a relationship.
———————————————-
A longer novella, this book is falls short of being a full-length novel. The only previous Play-by-Play characters that make an appearance in HOLIDAY ON ICE are the Travelers and new characters are even introduced. Trick and Stella are solid, likable characters. Stella is completely commitment-shy due to a bad experience in her past (quite a while back) while Trick is ready to settle down. The dialogue and interaction feel a little stiff, and almost too proper, in several places. The flow of the story is smooth, however it’s sometimes difficult to pack a lot of dimension into it when the book is so short. The plot was not flat, but could have benefited from a little more dynamics. There was a minor conflict which was fairly easy to resolve, extremely minor predictability, and a rock-solid conclusion.
Overall, it was a short and sweet Holiday Novella that fans of Ms. Burton and her Play-by-Play series should enjoy.

Michel’s Review

ARC copy provided by publisher, via NetGalley, for a fair and honest review.

Holiday On Ice was a great addition to the outstanding Play By Play series. Jaci Burton has created a series that features sports romances that are emotional and erotic. Each and every book has charismatic characters, red hot romance, and a thrilling escape in the world of professional sports.

Trick and Stella have had an on again off again relationship for the past year. It is a casual relationship without commitment . Trick has realized he wants more than a fling with Stella. He has to convince to take a chance on him. Stella pulls back every time he starts breaking down her walls. Trick shows his devotion throughout this story.

Stella has had a bad experience in matters of love. She does not want to go down that road again. Somewhere along the way her casual relationship with Trick is taking a new direction. Can she let go of the pain and let someone love her again. Can she open up and give Trick the love she has buried away.

What better time to find the true meaning of love than the holidays. The magic between Trick and Stella will warm your heart.

I highly recommend Holiday On Ice by Jaci Burton. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. Holiday On Ice will warm up your holidays.

Author Bio:

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 60 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline, she can usually be found trying to convince her husband to remodel some room or another in their house (she blames HGTV for this). She loves gardening, sports, casinos and getting lost in a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.

Holiday Review Blog Tour + Giveaway: Holiday At Magnolia Bay by Tracy Solheim

Posted on 11/18/2014 by shellbellereads

Holiday At Magnolia Bay

A Holiday Romance

By Tracy Solheim

Synopsis

After a mission goes terribly wrong, ending in the death of a teammate, Navy Seal, Drew Lanham, is forced to take a leave from active-duty. Retreating to his godmother’s beach house in coastal Magnolia Bay, Drew plans to spend the three weeks R&R licking his wounds and catching some rays while the nightmares from his failed op fade. The last thing he wants to do is mingle with the locals. What he doesn’t count on is an early morning encounter with a goddess rising from the sea. His interest is piqued and his body put on alert when he finds out that same woman may or may not be after his godmother’s money.

Marine biologist, Jenna Huntley, has been searching her whole life for a place to call home and Magnolia Bay is that place. Unfortunately, she’s underutilizing her education giving tours at the town’s turtle rescue center. With the help of an octogenarian patroness, she maps out a proposal to develop a turtle hatchery on-site. Everything is going as planned until the older woman’s godson arrives. Suddenly, nothing is as it seems and Jenna’s future is hanging in the balance, with a sexy warrior pulling all the strings. Her natural tendency is to help the damaged hero, but she’s sworn off letting military men in her life ever again.

Will Drew and Jenna be able to put their pasts behind them and learn to trust their hearts long enough to enjoy their Holiday at Magnolia Bay?

Buy: Amazon

Holiday At Magnolia Bay was a very entertaining holiday romance. It had a fresh and original holiday theme that I think many readers are going to enjoy.

Drew Lanham has come to Magnolia Bay for some much needed down time after a mission has gone horribly wrong. Drew has been a Navy Seal for years and takes his call of duty to heart. After a mission he usually decompresses with fellow teammates by partying and sex. This time he needs something different. He needs a peaceful environment where he can get his head clear and come to terms with the fubar mission. He chose to spend his time with his eccentric godmother in Magnolia Bay.

When he meets marine biologist Jenna Huntley, he finds he is putting more than his Navy Seal career into perspective. He is changing his views on relationships, love, and sex. He is finding that he wants to get to know a woman outside of the bedroom.

Jenna Huntley was a military brat. She understands the demands and downfalls a military career can bring to those they love. She redirected her life to revolve around the one thing that brought her joy in her youth. The sea turtles at Magnolia Bay were one of the only things that stayed constant in her childhood. She has dedicated her career and life to protecting these turtles and is trying to build a sanctuary for them. With the help of Drew’s eccentric godmother, her dreams are finally going to come true.

Like the saying goes some things are too good to be true. Drew and Jenna will find that saying to come to life. But the good thing is they will find something that is better than what they hoped for. They will find the importance of love in all forms.

I really enjoyed this holiday romance. It had a fresh plot, charismatic characters, sizzling romance, and the holiday spirit. I highly recommend reading Holiday At Magnolia Bay to brighten your holiday spirits.

Author Bio:

Tracy Solheim is the international bestselling author of the Out of Bound Series for Penguin. Her books feature members of the fictitious Baltimore Blaze football team and the women who love them. In a previous life, Tracy wrote best sellers for Congress and was a freelance journalist for regional and national magazines. She’s a military brat who now makes her home in Johns Creek, Georgia, with her husband, their two children, a pesky Labrador retriever puppy and a horse named after her first novel. Her fifth book for Berkley, Back To Before, will be released in January. She also has a digital holiday novella for Tule Publishing’s Southern Born Books coming October 20. See what she’s up to at http://www.tracysolheim.com. Or on facebook at Tracy Solheim Books and Twitter at TracyKSolheim.

Website – Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Ella and Micha Infintely and Always- Book 4.6

Posted on 11/18/2014 by shellbellereads

Today we’re excited to celebrate the release of Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always by Jessica Sorensen. Enjoy a sneak peek into the book below and enter the giveaway! Good luck!

**A Secret Series Novella**

After five years of marriage, Ella couldn’t be happier. Her job is great. Her marriage is amazing. But when she receives some surprising news, her world is turned upside down.

Micha loves being a musician, but being on the road, and away from Ella, is difficult. When the industry begins to put pressure on him to change his image, he makes a choice; one he fears is going to drastically change Ella’s and his future forever. That is until he learns Ella has a secret, one that makes his career choice seem hugely insignificant.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

A slow breath eases from his lips as his gaze collides with mine. “Sorry. I’m being a downer, aren’t I?” He leans toward me, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “That isn’t fair to you after you flew across the country to see me.”

“Micha, you should know by now”—I press my lips together, trying not to laugh as I prepare to quote a line from one of his songs—“that I would travel to hell and back just to be with you.”

“Ha, ha,” he says playfully, sticking out his tongue. “You wound my heart, Ella May. I wrote those lyrics for you and you mock me with them.”

“I’m not mocking, just having fun—”

He cuts me off as he nips at my bottom lip, eliciting a soul-bearing groan from me. He slowly starts unbuttoning my shirt, picking up the pace the farther down he gets until he finally becomes so impatient he rips the fabric off.

“I miss your kisses the most.” I willingly lean against the piano as he unfastens my bra and urges me back.

He quickly stands up to tug his shirt over his head and then places an arm on each side of me as his body hovers over mine. “I miss everything the most,” he says before he kisses me. “All the fucking time. I swear to God, I need to see you more.”

My legs fasten around his waist as the ivory keys dig into my flesh. My fingers trace the outlines of his muscular stomach, the inscription of his tattoos, feeling his heart slamming erratically against his chest.

Excitement bursts to the surface when he pushes back to undo the button on my jeans.

“Micha, wait.” I pant. “Are we really going to do this?”

“Do what?” He teases me with a cock of his brow as he gradually unzips my jeans.

I kick off my shoes while I gasp for air. “Have sex on a piano.”

He pulls my jeans and panties off, his passionate gaze skimming every inch of my flesh, stifling my eager body with overpowering heat.

“You sound so excited about the idea,” he says as I reach for the top of his pants and unflick the button.

“I’ll take it wherever I can get it.” I sit up and yank his jeans down. “Besides, we can add it to our growing list of strange places we’ve had sex. I think this one might earn the number three spot, right below backstage at a concert, wrapped in the curtain.”

Instead of smiling, his happiness falters. “I promise I’m going to find a way to change all this, pretty girl. You deserve so much better than this.”

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Facebook † Twitter † Website

♥READ THE BOOKS♥

Book .5 – The Prelude of Ella and Micha

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Book 1 – The Secret of Ella and Micha

Book 2 – The Forever of Ella and Micha

Book 3 – The Temptation of Lila and Ethan

Book 4 – The Ever After of Ella and Micha

Book 4.5 – Lila and Ethan: Forever and Always

Book 4.6 – Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: For Now by Chelsea M. Cameron- Rules of Love Series- Book 2

Posted on 11/18/2014 by shellbellereads

For Now

Rules of Love Series- Book 2

By Chelsea M. Cameron

Synopsis

Two people. A one-night stand. What could go wrong?

Javier Cruz definitely isn’t relationship material, but that suits Hazel Gellar just fine. She’s not a relationship girl and doesn’t plan on ever being one.

But after a mind-blowing, panty-ripping, bed-breaking night, she knows once isn’t going to be enough. Fortunately, Javi feels the same way. Soon, what started as just one night turns into a lot of nights, and Hazel doesn’t know what to do.

Will she and Javi make the choice to be together for longer than just right NOW?

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

If you are looking for light hearted New Adult book, For Real by Chelsea M. Cameron is the ticket. For Real is the second book in the Rules of Love series. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

For Real is the story of two ordinary college students. They are not mired with past angst and regrets. This is a story of a love / hate relationship. We meet Hazel and Javier. Their best friends are dating and they are thrown together all the time. Rather than make it an easy and light friendship, the two are always picking at each other. They live to to get under each other’s skin and enjoy annoying one another. Beneath the surface they are attracted to one another.

One night they finally give in to their attraction. It starts off with a kiss and leads to much more after weeks of fighting with one another. What was meant to be a hook up ends up in a full blown relationship. Hazel and Javier don’t know what hit them.

For Real was a light fun read. The characters were realistic and enjoyable. Their banter and dialogue was witty. The way they antagonized one another was entertaining. Their chemistry was sizzling hot and made it very clear that they were perfect for one another.

I would recommend For Real by Chelsea M. Cameron. It takes the heaviness out of the day and delivers a delightful moment in reading.

Previous book in the series…

FOR REAL Buy Links:
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world’s worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Giveaway