Review: All Broke Down by Cora Carmack- The Rusk University Series- Book 2

Posted on 10/30/2014 by shellbellereads

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About ALL BROKE DOWN:

In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love.

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.

Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

Excerpt:

I think I get it then. That decision I saw in her eyes back in the kitchen. That’s what this, what I’m about for her, too. I’m just another part of whatever rebellion she started earlier today. About doing what she wants, not what’s expected of her.

“We’re not talking about me, though,” she says. “So you went to meet your friend, and then what happened?”

She keeps her eyes down as she picks up the gauze and begins winding it snugly around the knuckles of one hand, and then the other.

“He said the wrong thing.”

“Which was?”

“Dylan.” Now it’s her that’s pushing too hard. I didn’t want to talk about things with my friends, and I won’t talk about them with her, either, no matter how gorgeous she is.

“I’ll guess. You were mad about what he did, and he wasn’t sorry.”

“This isn’t middle school, Pickle. He didn’t hurt my feelings. He said some shit he had no business saying, and it pissed me off. The end.”

“But you don’t think some of that anger stems from what you feel is a betrayal of your friendship?”

She finishes taping down the last of the gauze, but doesn’t let go of my hand.

“I think you’re analyzing me again. Making things more complicated than they are.”

“And I think you’re just a guy who doesn’t like to admit he has feelings.” She drags out the word, teasing me with some goofy smile on her face. I turn my hand over so I can clutch her wrist. I curlmy other bandaged hand around her waist and pull her closer.

“I feel plenty of things.”

The teasing stops. She swallows.

“I wasn’t talking about that kind of feeling.”

With her standing and me sitting, I’m eye level with her chest. I see the sharp rise and fall as she sucks in a breath. I want her in my lap again, straddling me this time.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t talk about that kind of feeling. Or experiment with it.”

“Is that Stella girl an ex?”

I cough, surprised. My throat twists uncomfortably, and it takes me a couple of solid breaths to get a hold on myself.

“Ah, no. Stella and I have never dated.”

“Have you—”

“Do you ever run out of questions?”

“Not ever.” She turns playful again, and I’m done doing this the careful way. If she wants a rebellion, I’ll be the one to give it to her. I want her against me, and I’m tired of waiting.

I pull her forward, insinuating my knees between hers, and her body naturally follows, settling across my thighs. Her lips part, but she catches herself before she gasps this time. I keep her steady with my hands at her waist and say, “I’ll make you a deal. A question for a kiss.”

Tentatively, she lays her palms against my shoulders. They rest there, her grip light and casual. She ponders my offer for a moment, and it drives me mad that she can do that while our hips are inches away from alignment.

“Okay then. Are you—”

I cut her off. “Not so fast, Dylan Brenner. I’ve already answered one question. We’ve got to settle up first.”

I wrap her braid around my hand like I’ve been waiting to do all night, and I use it to pull her head back just enough that I can crush my mouth against hers.

And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

Michel’s Review

I have to say that I absolutely loved All Broke Down by Cora Carmack. It was filled with humor, sarcasm, emotional angst, a sense of comradery, self discovery, compassion, and sizzling hot romance. Cora’s bubbly personality was reflected throughout this book. Both of the main characters had their own issues that affected their lives.These issues never weighed the book down. There was always a sense of optimism throughout this book.

Dylan and Silas meet in a holding jail cell. Dylan has been arrested for a protest. Silas was arrested for fighting. They are both intrigued with one another even though they come from completely different worlds. Dylan lives for her causes and Silas lives for football.

After the trouble the Rusk Football team encountered in the previous year, Silas is walking a fine line with the coach. The coach has placed new guidelines and behavioral rules in place. Three strikes and you are off the team. Silas is walking a fine line after his arrest. He has to get his anger issues under control and display leadership qualities to remain on the team. Silas convinces Dylan to help him with his behavior issues. In other words, Dylan is in charge of “BAD BOY REHAB”.

What starts out as a fun friendship turns into something more when Dylan and Silas get to know one another. They see each other for who they really are rather than what people see on the surface. As they both get to the root of their issues they will experience hurt and pain. But they will also find new ways to deal with the pain. Their newfound relationship will not only lead into the love of a lifetime, it will make them both better people. They will bring out the best in one another. But letting go of the negative traits for more positive traits is not an easy task. Both Dylan and Silas will struggle and make mistakes along the way. The final quarter will bring out the outstanding qualities and positive actions that will make them both shine. Together they will win the game in life.

Add some sizzling hot chemistry, emotional moments, and romance to the mix . It makes All Broke Down even hotter. The chemistry between Dylan and Sylas is through the roof.

All the characters in this series are larger than life and make this series a champion.

The Rusk University Series

Book 1

All Lined Up

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About Cora Carmack:

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She’s done a multitude of things in her life– boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

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Review: Made by J.M. Darhower- A Sempre Novel

Posted on 10/30/2014 by shellbellereads

Made

A Sempre Novel

Prequel to the Forever Series

Release Date: October 27, 2014

By J.M. Darhower

Synopsis

Corrado Moretti.

The world knows the notorious Kevlar Killer, but few have ever seen what lies beneath his armor. The abused child. The neglected teenager. The broken man. He always did whatever he had to do in order to survive.

It’s kill or be killed.

Throughout his life, he has been there in the shadows, a witness to everything from beginning to end. Bound by loyalty and honor, there’s only one thing he would sacrifice it all for: family.

Never get close. Never get attached. It’s a lesson that has been brutally pounded into him since childhood, but they’re words the DeMarcos make it difficult for him to follow. Through them he finds love and grieves loss, realizing the world isn’t quite as black and white as it’s made out to be.

Made.

Buy: Amazon

Novellas:

FRIENDS:

One moment.

One wrong choice.

That was all it took to destroy a friendship.

*takes place before Sempre*

FOREVER:

Halloween.

With a three year old.

‘Nuff said.

*takes place after Sempre: Redemption*

***FREE***

Robin’s Review

Made is a biographical account of fictional character Corrado Moretti. Although Made was recently completed by author J M Darhower, this novel is considered a prequel to Sempre and the Forever series. One of the best features of Sempre and Sempre: Redemption is the realistic portrayal of what life would be like for member of a Mafia family. In my mind, Darhower brought the Mafia to life in her compelling story which focuses on teenagers Carmine DeMarco and Haven Antonelli. For me, reading both of these novels was better than going to a movie!

Made is full of political Mafia drama that will hold you riveted to the page! It’s powerful, clever, intriguing, and disturbing. It’s different from the Sempre novels because it primarily focuses on Corrado Moretti, although most of the players from Sempre and Sempre: Redemption make appearances throughout the novel.

Corrado Moretti is made man in both a figurative and literal sense, for if you are brought into the fold as a lifetime member of the Mafia, you are considered “made”. We also learn how specific events and lessons shape the future of the “Kevlar Killer”. His character development is clearly evident. Instead of riding the coattails of his father, Corrado Moretti makes a name for himself. He earns the respect of the Boss, Antonio DeMarco, and secures permission to date his daughter, Celia. Corrado has a soft heart for his Celia, but he absolutely means business. If the Boss gives him a job, he doesn’t shy away from it. He is firm in his beliefs and deadly with a weapon.

Made is well-paced throughout the entire novel, but I also would have enjoyed reading about the latter years of Corrado Moretti’s life. Most of the written material in this novel is new, but there are a few occasions where events from Sempre and Sempre: Redemption are either mentioned or witnessed by Corrado Moretti. I found this aspect to be quite interesting because at times, Corrado seemed to have knowledge that Carmine and/or Vincent DeMarco were not privy to. I believe many readers will agree this novel improves the overall reading experience for both Sempre novels. My overall opinion of Made is extremely positive. Made is compelling and suspenseful, earning Darhower 5 stars!

Author Bio:

JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn’t writing she’s usually ranting about those things. Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can find her there.

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: When We Met by A.L. Jackson, Molly McAdams, Tiffany King, and Christina Lee- New Adult Anthology Romance

Posted on 10/30/2014 by shellbellereads

When We Met

New Adult Anthology

Release Date: November 4, 2014

By: A. L. Jackson, Molly McAdams, Tiffany King, and Christina Lee

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Today’s premiere New Adult authors combine their talents to tell four original stories from inside one house.

When four girls decide to live off campus together as juniors at a college in Michigan, they expect it to be their best year yet. Little do they know, it’s a year that will change the rest of their lives.

BEHIND HER EYES by A.L. Jackson
Unable to live down her ex-boyfriend’s deception, Misha is determined to avoid betrayal. When, the new guy next door, Darryn starts to get under her skin, her defenses start to crumble. But trusting Darryn seems impossible, especially if he’s not sure he can trust himself.

SAVING ME by Molly McAdams
On the outside, Indy is always ready for a party—but inside she’s breaking. Kier makes a weekly routine of saving the girl next door from herself on Saturday nights… but when will she be ready to remember him on Sunday morning?

FOULING OUT by Tiffany King
Working at a sports bar, Courtney has become a pro at sidestepping propositions from arrogant jocks—which makes her a more elusive catch for campus basketball star Dalton than he expected. But when he falls for the saucy waitress, Dalton will have to rethink his game plan to prove he’s not the jerk Courtney expects.

BENEATH YOUR LAYERS by Christina Lee
In order to ace her fashion internship, Chloe must team up with local college dropout and set builder, Blake—much to her chagrin. But after some “hands-on” experience, Chloe will have to ask herself if Blake factors into her carefully laid plans…

EXCERPTS:

Behind Her Eyes by A.L. Jackson

Now I could feel him, his eyes all over me, caressing me slowly, up and down.

I let all my insecurities drift away as I swayed in time to the music, in sync with the throb of the crowd and the intermittent lights that glowed against my lids.

A charged moment passed, before strong hands found my hips and gripped them from behind. For a beat, I stiffened, before I again gave in to this sublime release. And again, he felt good. Right. All this intense energy that ricocheted between us wrapped me up in a frenzy of nerves, alight and alive. The smell of him took me whole, all soap and man and sex.

Oh God.

My heart beat frantically, racing to keep up with my thoughts that were spiraling out of control.

A shimmer of fear slithered through me, before he pulled my back into the safety of his firm chest.

And that was what I felt.

Safe.

With him, and I didn’t know why, and I was searching inside myself for resolve, for the commitment I’d made to never allow myself to be so easily played again.

But it was just out of my reach.

Darryn held me close, our bodies moving in time, like we shared the same breath, the same space.

I leaned back, my head on his shoulder as his face found the curve of my neck. Chills sped, spinning my body into a violent cataclysm of need. He let his hands roam, palms pressing hard as he ran them down the front of my legs, spanning them wide as he trailed them back up to my hips and over my stomach.

Fingertips dipped into my ribs as he slid them up the curve of my sides, and he lifted my arms as he went, in the same fluid motion fastening my hands around the back of his neck.

All those butterflies scattered, a clash of discordant wings that fluttered haphazardly through my insides, leaving my stomach in a coiled mess of confusion and need.

Why him? Why now?

Holding me close, he brushed his mouth over the shell of my ear, his whispered words injected directly to my manic heart. “Goddamn, Misha. What are you trying to do to me?”

I suddenly found it impossible to breathe, because it was him who was slowly undoing all the fibers of reservation woven through my weakened spirit.

“Can’t get you off my mind.” He leaned in closer, his hand sweeping up my stomach. Fingers brushed between my breasts, and I released a sharp gasp.

“Been dying to touch you,” he murmured low.

SAVING ME – MOLLY McADAMS

“I’m about to embarrass the hell out of myself, but I don’t care anymore. I feel like when I’m near you, I’m safe, and it makes no sense to me. It is the weirdest feeling to have with someone I only know three things about.”

My eyebrows rose at that and I turned to fully face her. “Three?”

“Yes. Three things. Your name is Kier, you’re extremely quiet, and you are the biggest puzzle I’ve ever tried to figure out.”

“I’m the puzzle?”

“Yes!” she said in exasperation.

That had to have been the most backward statement I’d ever heard. “And why am I a puzzle?”

“Because of what I just told you. I don’t know you, you don’t even talk to anyone, and I feel safe when you’re near me! Why is that? I feel like I’m going crazy because all I’ve been able to think about for these past two weeks is you, and how every time you open your mouth it’s like déjà vu, and I just—I don’t know what’s happening.” Her green eyes were massive and she looked like she was on the edge of losing her shit.

I took a few steps toward her and lowered my voice. “Calm down, Indy. You’re fine.”

“I just don’t understand,” she said loudly, the pitch of her voice rising. “Do you believe in past lives?” she asked suddenly.

I paused, a laugh slipping past my lips. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Past lives? Like that whole stupid YOLO saying is really just bullshit, because we’re about to get another shot down the road?”

I tried to contain my smile, but she was really fucking adorable when she was like this. “What does that have to do with what you’re freaking out over?”

“In stories with soul mates they find each other no matter what in every life. And it’s like they have a weird connection they can’t explain.”

I closed the distance between us and dropped my head so I was looking directly into her eyes. “Are you saying we’re soul mates?”

“No!” she said, horror lacing her voice, her cheeks filling with heat.

“I think you were,” I teased.

“I wasn’t, I was just saying that in stories . . . I don’t know what I’m saying, okay? But I don’t get what’s going on with us!”

“So now there’s an us?”

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “I need to stop talking.”

I laughed and took a step back. “I’m teasing you, Indy. And no, I don’t believe in past lives. I think we have this one, and that’s it.”

She sighed, and her body visibly relaxed. When she spoke again, she sounded exhausted—and in a way, defeated. “I don’t, either, but I can’t figure out how to explain this feeling like I know you.”

I ground my jaw for a few seconds as her green eyes held mine. “Because maybe you do know me. You’re just not ready to remember why.”

Beneath Your Layers- Christina Lee

I motioned for the bar. “Want me to get you a soda or a water?”

Chloe stared at me for another long moment before she said, “No, thanks.”

We listened to the next song quietly standing beside each other, lost in our own thoughts. Until she turned to me and said, “Truth or dare?”

“Dare,” I said, almost breathless. Given her mood, maybe she’d give me something good this time.

“Your turn, Blake,” she said. “Do something spontaneous.”

My fingers trembled from wanting to touch her so badly and all I could think about was doing just that.

“You sure that’s what you want?” I said, turning and backing her against the wall.

“Yes,” she breathed out.

“Something spontaneous or something I’ve been thinking about doing for days?” I said, my lips coming closer to hers. “Maybe weeks?”

Her breath caught. “It . . . it’s your call.”

My head swung forward, our foreheads practically touching. Fluttery breaths were escaping her lips. I place my arms on either side of her head and she bit down on her lip.

My heart thrashed in my chest and all I could think about was how desperate I was to kiss her, but how nervous I was to blow this opportunity.

So I attempted to read her signals and they were definitely mixed. Her eyes flitted between panic and lust.

When I pinned my hip against hers, I could’ve sworn I heard a low moan in the back of her throat.

“Please,” she rasped out. “Please . . . don’t . . . Blake.”

My stomach was in my throat. Fuck, either I’d scared her or I’d been reading her wrong.

I leaned back to give her space, but her fingers suddenly skimmed across my waist, clenching my shirt and drawing me nearer.

“Don’t what?” I asked in confusion. She was so fucking messing with my head.

“Don’t . . .” She was panting now. “Don’t stop.”

Fouling Out- Tiffany King

The warmth inside the building was soothing after walking from the car outside. I felt mildly disappointed when Dalton dropped his arm from my shoulders, until he reached for my hand. As we strolled along, I became hyperaware of how something as innocent as handholding could become somewhat erotic while sipping wine together. Dalton slid his thumb across the top of my hand in slow methodical strokes before gently caressing my pulse point. The hairs on the back of my neck felt as if they were standing on end. Each sweep of his thumb was a sensual dance with my sensitive skin, making it tingle.

It was becoming apparent to me that it might have been a bad call on my part to skip lunch. Between the scent of Dalton’s cologne and the alcohol I was consuming, I was already feeling slightly intoxicated. I nibbled on a few cubes of cheese to attempt to alleviate the buzzing in my head. Dalton’s breath teased my neck, making me shiver in a good way. I should have put some distance between us so I could regain my bearings, but instead I snuggled closer to him, wishing we were somewhere else with a lot fewer people around.

All the air escaped my lungs as Dalton slowly captured a bead of wine from my bottom lip with his finger. I watched with bated breath as he moved the finger to his own mouth, sucking the drop of wine. It was all I could do not to moan as my insides turned to putty.

“You need to stop looking at me like that,” Dalton murmured in my ear.

“Like what?” I licked the rest of the wine off my lip with the tip of my tongue.

This time it was Dalton who groaned softly. Placing his hands on my hips, he slowly backed me into a dim corner, away from prying eyes. “Like you’re thinking how great it would feel if I hoisted you up on that wine barrel table over there with your legs wrapped around my waist.”

“Are you sure that’s not you thinking that?” My hips responded almost instinctively as he pulled me snugly against his body. I could feel him, rock hard, pressed to my stomach. The wanting desire I had been keeping at bay from the moment he showed up at my house looking practically delectable with low-riding jeans and a black V-neck sweater that accentuated his well-toned chest was threatening to explode.

Michel’s Review

When We Met is a New Adult anthology written by some of the most popular authors in this genre. The anthology is based around four women that are roommates in college. Each of these girls has an unique personality and individual life circumstances. Each one has their own insecurities, their own strengths, and a lot of love to offer once they can get past the barriers holding them back.

Each one of these stories is outstanding and has a completely different plot. Each author breathes life into their characters and makes their lives easy for the reader to embrace whole heartedly.

What I loved about this anthology is that it focused on the beginning of a relationship. We see the mutual attraction, the sizzling hot chemistry, and the wooing factor that brings couples together.

I would highly recommend this anthology. The stories do not have to be read in order. Each one stands on it’s own merits. Each story is novella length and can be read in a short amount of time.

It was fun reading When We Met. It reminded me of my younger days and the courtship between me and my husband. These stories are the kind of memories all of us want to have.

About The Authors

A.L. Jackson first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads
Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry daughter. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach, which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not at work, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm…or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
USA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTQyZDZiNDFkNzRhMjJmZWYzMGFkNDU0Yzg0N2UwOjM3/

Review: A Week In New York by Louise Bay- The Empire State Trilogy- Book 1

Posted on 10/29/2014 by shellbellereads

A Week In New York

The Empire State Trilogy

Installment #1

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She’s tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she’s a magnet for men who don’t deserve her.

A week’s vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.

Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn’t date, he doesn’t stay the night, and he doesn’t make any promises.

It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.

A Week in New York is the first in a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon

Book 2 Coming December 2, 2014

Tracey’s Review

Anna Kirby has had it with romance. She’s had her fill of creeps, of guys that make her fall for them and then break her heart. So, on holiday in New York, she’s ready to just go with the flow, to enjoy herself with no expectations, and no strings.

Ethan Scott has rules. A whole list of them. But when he meets Anna Kirby, he’s ready to toss them all right out of the window. Because she has rules of her own, and, just like that, things are changing for the both of them.

A WEEK IN NEW YORK is the first in a three-part series by Louise Bay. I loved everything about this story, from Louise’s trademark quirky characters to the snappy banter to the unabashed attraction and enjoyment with which Anna and Ethan approach their week. Neither one is prepared for the intensity that they feel the more time that they spend together. The fact that they even continue to spend time together has thrown them for a loop, especially Ethan, and he’s wondering what the heck has happened to his rules. When it comes time for their week together to end, it’s harder than they think to say goodbye and move on.

I started and finished this story in one day. The bad part? I have to wait until December for Part Two, AUTUMN IN LONDON, and it is killing me. I just cannot wait to find out what will happen when Ethan and Anna find themselves in the same place as each other again, and look forward to more sexy chemistry and game changing developments in the story the way that only Louise can write it. Five super-sexy stars!

Author Bio:

I write sexy, romantic, contemporary romance novels: the kind I like to read.

Ideas for my first novel started to filter into my imagination when my reading coincided with a re-encounter with an old love and soon after I began what became ‘Faithful’, my first novel, published in April 2014.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.  I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Website ~ Facebook ~Twitter ~Goodreads

Blog Tour + ARC Review: The Redemption by S. L. Scott

Posted on 10/29/2014 by shellbellereads

The Redemption

By S. L. Scott

Release Date: November 3, 2014

Synopsis:

He was everything she never wanted. Yet, she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

Soulful, amber eyes

A sex, drugs, and rock n’roll reputation

A body that beckoned for sin

Three years ago Rochelle Floros was living her dream come true… then lost it all. On the worst day of her life, the last person she expected to be there for her was a rock star and tabloid favorite. Now, she’s trying to rebuild her life after the tragedy that destroyed her fairytale. Slowly, she found herself captivated by a sexy, bad boy drummer she had known for years.

Rochelle was caught between the grief that shrouded her heart and the charismatic man that made it race. What she didn’t know is if he was being sincere or toying with her heart. The Redemption is about finding the pulse of your soul in the most unlikely places and giving love a chance to grow.

Can what she wants really be what she needs? With his rhythm and her passion, can they make music together? Or will their harmony be lost forever?

Pre Order : ITunes

Excerpt

I pull my hand away slowly, leaving all the feelings we were developing behind in

the palm of his hand. “The timing is wrong.”

“Bullshit!”

Startled, I jump in my seat.

Lowering his voice, he says, “That’s a cop out. I know you feel something for me.

I see how you react because I also feel it when I’m around you. There’s something here

and you’re just scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Scared to have a life without Cory and thinking you have to justify it to others.

The problem with that is that when you start justifying it, it will make you feel like your

love for Cory was less. It wasn’t. It’s just different. He’s not here, Rochelle.”

“Stop it. Stop talking about Cory and take me home.”

“Now you want to stop talking about him?” He looks surprised. “I can’t win with

you when it comes to him.” He shifts the car into drive.

“This is not a competition, Dex.”

Disappointment slides onto his face. “Then why is he being shoved in my face

every time we make a move?”

“This is one of the reasons why we won’t work. We see things very differently.”

“One of the reasons? Name another because from where I sit, we fit like two

puzzle pieces clicking together.”

“You’re a supposed recovering addict. You have sex with anyone who offers.

“That’s it. Right there. You play like you know who I am, but you don’t. That’s

why the lies are so easily believed. I can tell what you’re doing. You’re giving me an out

that I don’t want. You’re allowing yourself to believe the worst about me to ease your

conscience, but it won’t—”

“You know what? Not everything is about you and your past. You lost a band

mate and friend, but I lost my soulmate!”

The Resistance

By S. L. Scott

Buy: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

You don’t choose when.

You don’t choose where.

And you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.

The minute he opened his sexy mouth, Holliday Hughes should have known Jack Dalton was trouble. His smooth pickup lines, broad shoulders, and ridiculously handsome face charmed her right out of her clothes. She gave into her desires, the instant attraction blinding her to the obvious.

One night. That was all it took for Holliday’s world to be flipped on its axis. Jack Dalton was cocky. Smug. Volatile. Demanding. He ignited something deep inside her like no other, but there was something more to this brooding bad boy. There was a dark side to him she couldn’t help but be drawn to.

Torn between what she knew about him and a mysterious side he tried to hide, could she walk away or was he simply too hard to resist?

Michel’s Review

The Redemption by S.L. Scott is a spinoff of The Resistance. It features two of the supporting characters from that book. Readers were begging for their stories. The readers got a bonus. S.L. Scott gave these two dynamic characters their story. She gave them each other. Woohoo! The Redemption was everything I hoped for and more.

We met Rochelle Floros in the previous book, The Resistance. She has been a part of the Resistance from the beginning. She was one of the co founders of the band. She helped put the group together, help write the music, taught them expertise with their guitars, and found the right members to add to the group. She chose not to be a performing member of the band. She chose to work in the background managing their business affairs, coordinating tours, and helping in the studios. She is a master musician in her own right. She is the glue that keeps the band successful. When the devastating loss of one of the members, her soulmate, happens, Rochelle has to face a new reality in life. She is a single mother now and raising two young boys. Every choice she will make in life will have to alter around what is best for her sons. Yet she is still a young woman with a lot of life and love ahead of her. Once she is past the initial pain and grieving, she is finding that she has needs that don’t include her sons. She also wants companionship that will blend into her life with her boys. She is managing a fast paced stressful career, learning to be a mother and father, and finding the new woman she is becoming. She’s learning to live with her loss and learning to live again.

Dex Caggiano is the bad boy drummer from the Resistance. He is known for his partying, womanizing, and drug addictions. He has walked a very fine line with the band for the past few years. He has lost their respect and trust. He is slowly earning it back one step at a time, just like beating his addictions. The one thing that has been solid since the beginning of the band is his love and respect for Rochelle Floros. She brought him into The Resistance. She shared his love for music. She saw the side of him that most people never would believe was beneath the surface. Now that Cory is gone, he wants to give Rochelle and her boys the happiness they deserve.

These two people will come together is a very special way. They will find a love that is just as special as the once in a lifetime love Rochelle thought she experienced. They will help each other grieve and begin to live again. They will help each other find themselves again. They will find their family bonds go beyond the bonds from the Resistance.

I loved this book. It is a beautiful story of healing and learning how to live life to the fullest . It is about reaching out and taking someone’s hand. It is about friendship, passion, and trust. Two unlikely people will find a love that is beyond special.

About S.L. Scott:

S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.

Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon

Cover Reveal: Yesterday’s Half Truths by Carey Heywood

Posted on 10/29/2014 by shellbellereads

✩ ✮COVER REVEAL★ ✩

Yesterday’s Half Truths

by N.Y. Times Bestselling Author

Carey Heywood

Release Date: November 24, 2014

Synopsis

She never thought it would go this far.

It started out so innocently, but now has taken on a life of its own. Problem is, Lindsay Palmer doesn’t know how to stop. Even worse, she doesn’t want to stop. Her daily deceit has become both her greatest pleasure and deepest shame. Thousands of people love her, but would they if they knew the truth.

A simple favor for his baby sister brings Lindsay into Luke Jamieson’s life. There’s something about this girl that keeps her on his mind hours and days after each time they meet. Now here he is, falling in love with a liar. All he wants is for her to let him in, and maybe together he can lead her out of the cage of her own construction.

Will the truth set her free, or have her lies already destroyed everything?

About the Author

Hosted by:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with six books out and many more to come. She was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Ever the mild-mannered citizen, Carey spends her days working in the world of finance, and at night, she retreats into the lives of her fictional characters. Supporting her all the way are her husband, three sometimes-adorable children, and their nine-pound attack Yorkie.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Reviews: Hot & Nerdy Series by Shannyn Schroeder-Her Best Shot- Book 1, Her Perfect Game- Book 2, and Her Winning Formula

Posted on 10/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Her Best Shot

Hot & Nerdy Series

By Shannyn Schroeder

Synopsis

With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun. But at least one of them didn’t count on such incredible heat…

Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party—until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves…

Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She’s more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he’s counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible…on forever?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Reviews

Layla is celebrating landing a great job and finishing school by having a wild and carefree spring break with her best girlfriends. She has spent the four years dedicated to her studies and future career. She is a bit apprehensive of what her future has in store for her. She has never been a spur of the moment or fly by the seat of your pants kind of person. Everything in her life has been planned out step by step. With the upcoming graduation and future job, Layla is fearful of getting stuck in a rut going to a 9 to 5 job and not experiencing any spontaneity in her life. Spring Bread is her last chance at life on the wild side. Her plans for spring break get derailed when she has car trouble in a small town outside of Atlanta. While she is waitng for her car to be repaired she decides to hit the bar.

She finds herself captivated by a pool player in the bar. He keeps winning game after game. Not only is he a hot shot pool player, he is one of the sexiest guys she has met. What starts as a fun way to pass the time ends up being a night that will change her life. Between the dancing, the flirting, and fiery kiss, Layla and Phinn are winning a game with higher stakes than a friendly pool game.

Phin is also captivated by Layla. He has never had that much fun and an immediate connection with a woman. His carefree lifestyle, moving from one pool tournament to another has started to wear on his soul. He is tired of the gypsy lifestyle and life without roots. He’s been saving to have that life.

These two will be thrown together and find that they are the perfect balance for one another. These two will have to overcome the hurdles that separate their lifestyles. They may go about it the wrong way but when they finally get on the same page it is sizzling hot.

I loved this novella and am looking forward to Layla’s girlfriends getting derailed on spring break as well.

Her Perfect Game

Hot & Nerdy Series- Book 2

Release Date: October 27, 2014

By Shannyn Schroeder

Synopsis

Spring break is supposed to be a week of fun in the sun for three childhood friends about to graduate from college. But one of them is ready to get her game on somewhere else…

Charlie Castle is an expert archer and a fierce warrior—in her favorite video game, anyway. But college life was a program she couldn’t quite master. To land a cybertech job without a degree, she’s entering a “hackfest” over spring break—where she also hopes to meet the sweet gamer who’s been flirting with her online. Instead, she runs into the hot guy who walked away years ago, and can’t fight the desire that comes rushing back.

Jonah Best has never gotten over Charlie, whose kisses were always as deliciously creative as her coding. But now that they’re face to face again, he doesn’t know how to admit that her online admirer is really him—or how to convince her that he’s offering her a job for her incredible skills, not her sex appeal. Can Jonah cut through their communication glitches and persuade Charlie that the next level up for them should be forever?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Charlie should be partying with her friends on their last spring break before they graduate college. Charlie has been keeping a secret from her friends. She dropped out of college when she realized she had trouble focusing in class. She is now trying to get a spot in the HackCon to showcase her abilities and land her a good job without a degree.

Charlie has to prove her hacking abilities and computer skills. When she enters the hackfest , she comes face to face with the guy that broke her heart and sent her college career to the pits. Jonah Best taught Charlie everything she knows about computers and hacking. Now she will have to go against Jonah, one of the convention facilitators. Jonah knows her secrets and knows that she can use her skills for the wrong reasons. That is the reason he left her in the first place. They have more than their past in common, they are both members of the same guild in an online role-playing game. The flirty alliance they have formed in the game proves that the chemistry still runs deep for these two.

I loved the gaming aspect of this game. It allowed Charlie and Jonah to show all of their redeeming qualities by role playing and working as a team. It opened their hearts to let the possibilities of a happy future.

The Perfect Game was a smart, witty, and fun book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Her Winning Formula

Hot & Nerdy Series- Book 3

Release Date: November 24, 2014

By Shannyn Schroeder

Synopsis

Spring break was supposed to be a last blast of fun for three friends before the reality of adulthood set in. But for the trio’s science whiz, it’s an education in instant attraction…

Chemistry major Felicity Stone can tell you everything about the way chemicals interact, but when it comes to social interaction, she needs schooling. Abandoned by her friends, Felicity is faced with spending spring break alone—unless she accepts a gorgeous stranger’s invitation to pose as his girlfriend at a family wedding. Not one to turn down a research opportunity, Felicity never expected it to produce such breathtaking results…

Teacher and baseball coach Lucas Tanner is fascinated by Felicity’s potent mix of spirit and scientist, not to mention her delicious curves. When Felicity asks him to return the favor by teaching her how to pick up guys, he can’t refuse—but he’s not at all happy with the idea of her using a formula for flirting on anyone but him. Can he convince her that together they have the perfect chemistry?

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Felicity was the only one to make it to their spring break destination. Nervous about being alone on spring break with no plans, she is fretting about spring break. She meets Lucas on the plane and he gives her a winning formula for spring break.

Lucas is a nervous flyer. Felicity is an introvert and has trouble making conversations. When the two sit near each other on the plane they find a winning formula. Lucas is able to draw Felicity out of her shell. Felicity makes Lucas forget about his fear of flying. But they will also find a partnership in their upcoming vacation that will make it much more enjoyable.

Lucas is attending his brother’s wedding. He does not want to deal with his ex while attending the wedding. When he meets Felicity on the plane, he has the perfect solution to both their problems.

These two have chemistry. The compliment each other in the perfect way.

I highly recommend this novella and The Hot & Nerdy trilogy. It will not disappoint.

Author Bio

Shannyn is a former English teacher, who now works as a part-time editor while raising her three kids.

Even though she wrote from high school through college (mostly poetry), she’d never considered a career as an author. Writing fell by the wayside as she focused her energy on creating lesson plans and new and fabulous ways to torment her teen students. One group in particular dubbed her “The Torture Master,” a title she carried into motherhood.

After the birth of baby number two, Shannyn resigned from teaching and fell in love with reading romance novels. She read so many books so quickly that her husband teased, “If you’re going to read so many damn books, why don’t you just write one?

So she did. And she hasn’t looked back since.

She is recovering from her Diet Coke addiction, fears putting her foot in her mouth on social media, and has a renewed appreciation for the bad girls of the world.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Promo Sale Blitz + Giveaway: Empathy by Ker Dukey

Posted on 10/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AUS

Blake:

I am a brother

I am a police detective

I am a contract killer

I don’t want to love

I don’t want to feel

I don’t want … EMPATHY.

They say some people are born with decreased activity in the front central lobe causing them a deficiency in empathy. Maybe that’s true about me but whether I was born this way or created in a moment of evil, empathy was something I didn’t possess until her green eyes met mine in the mirror and I couldn’t take her life.

I didn’t want to feel, didn’t want this woman in my life complicating how I lived but she was there at every turn. Sent to haunt me for my sins. Her light so bright she provoked a shadow from everyone she touched. When a job turns bad quickly altering my life forever I’m forced to feel. When nothing is making sense I’m forced to face truths I never would recover from. When life drowns you in its cruelty you don’t know which way the current will drag you or who you’ll become once you re-surface.

Melody:

I was a daughter

I was a student

I was a victim

Did I have his love?

Did I make him feel?

Did I have his empathy?

When the actions of a soulless killer forces sorrow into my veins I never dreamed the man healing my wounds would be the one to leave the worst scar. His love would scar my soul. Scars are permanent; I will never feel the relief from them. Will I learn to live with them, remember why I have them and learn never to let him close enough to inflict more? Will I eventually cover them… like tattoos coating them with new memories, new love and new starts? I didn’t know these answers because the pain was too suffocating, the only thing I knew was they will always be under the surface lingering. He had scars too, from his sins. There is nothing that can cover them, they were too deep, too ugly, too dark and they marked us both forever.

I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters. I wanted to be an actress growing up so I could live many roles but I learned early on that my mind was too active… I would want to change the script.I would watch films and think of ways they could of improved the story if they took another direction so i thought it best that i tell my own.

My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light, some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling.

When I’m not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.

You can find me on facebook where i love interacting with my readers.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Ker will be sharing the Release Date for Cadence at her Party tonight and an extended Scene from Empathy you will not want to miss her the kick start of her party tonight on her Author Like Page!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE EVENT

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Concierge Literary Promotions, LLC

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway + Review: Last Light by M. Pierce- Night Owl Trilogy- Book 2

Posted on 10/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Last Light

Night Owl Trilogy- Book 2

By M. Pierce

Synopsis

Tensions rise, secrets grow bigger, and passions run deeper—and hotter—in Last Light, the second novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce.

Matt Sky is missing. After a solo ascent of Longs Peak that left only a large blood stain, tatters of climbing clothing, and the tracks of an animal in the snow, he is presumed dead.

Hannah Catalano is guarding a secret: she knows Matt is alive. After Matt’s memorial service, she lingers on the East Coast with his family, but it soon becomes clear that his brothers’ motives are less than gracious. Nate Sky is bent on tracking down the author of Night Owl, a book that charts the last days of Matt’s life with uncanny and scandalous accuracy, and which appeared only after his death. Seth Sky is bent on getting Hannah into his bed.

Hidden away in the woods, Matt and Hannah strive desperately to maintain their ruse and their relationship—but their web of lies only tightens as Matt struggles with the consequences of his decision, and Hannah tries to escape Nate’s libel suit and fend off Seth’s advances…until Hannah is put in danger, and Matt must make a life or death choice.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Matt insisted on carrying me to the bathroom. I hugged his neck.

“Matt, you realize I can walk with a black eye, right?”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” He set me on the counter and I squeaked; the marble was frigid under my bare bottom. He dropped one of my bath bombs in the tub and watched it fizz and color the water purple.

Once, I managed to convince Matt to use a bath bomb with me. It was called a “sex bomb” and it was supposed to “put us in the mood” with “exciting scents” and “natural pheromones.” I grinned at the memory. As soon as Matt realized the bomb was coating his skin in sparkles, he leapt out of the tub ranting about “looking Twilighty” and “smelling like a girl.”

“What’re you grinning at?”

“You.” I smiled. “And this bath, which is such a transparent effort to avoid saying goodbye. Sweet… but transparent.”

Matt frowned and paced the small space of the bathroom. Ha! I was right. Matt planned to leave me in the tub and slip away.

My poor, adorable night owl—he really had issues with goodbyes.

“No,” he mumbled. “Maybe…”

“Can I induce you to stay a little longer?” I uncrossed my legs deliberately and spread them. Matt watched. He folded his arms and tilted his head.

“How does your cheek feel?”

“They’re cold.” I grinned.

“And you say I’m bad.” He slid me off the sink and turned me. I watched our reflection through the patchy steam on the mirror. Matt—God, he was so tall, and the look on his face was arresting. He wanted me. I knew that look.

Night Owl

Night Owl Trilogy-Book 1

By M. Pierce

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

“Tautly written, complex, and vibrating with a dark sensuality that will have you at once blushing and anxious. You’ll think you have this book pegged . . . but you’ll be wrong.”—Christina Lauren, New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors of The Beautiful Bastard series

From bestselling ebook author M. Pierce comes the first novel in a provocative erotic trilogy where an anonymous online writing partnership turns into an uncontrollable, passionate obsession

At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers — all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.

At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano is a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.

Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent…

Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah. Hannah’s picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that’s passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Coming 2015

After Dark

Night Owl Trilogy- Book 3

By M. Pierce

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

In the final novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce, can a passion that has withstood many ordeals become a love strong enough to last a lifetime?

At twenty-nine, Matt Sky is trying to return to normal, having faked his death and come back to life. He and Hannah move to a simple house in the suburbs, and strive to grow their relationship into something durable and honest. They become more and more entangled, in the best ways possible.

At twenty-eight, Hannah finally has the life she’s always wanted: she’s pursuing her career as a literary agent at Granite Wing Agency, she is writing her first solo novel, and she is living with her hot, passionate lover. For the first time, Matt and Hannah are able to explore intimacy without inhibitions—without lies, secrets, or jealousy—and the results are explosive.

Still life together is not as easy as it seems. Matt is estranged from his brothers in the wake of his cruel stunt; Seth Sky, embittered by his failed pursuit of Hannah, makes a play for Hannah’s sister; and the topic of Hannah’s novel—her relationship with Matt and the Sky family—is driving a wedge between her and Matt. The lovers are devoted to one another, having come through many ordeals, but is their bond strong enough to last a lifetime?

Kelley’s Review

Michel and I had the pleasure of reading the Night Owl and Last Light back to back. I think that plays a very large role in both of our reviews. Last Light is just as sexy as the Night Owl and Matthew and Hannah will continue to steam up eReaders everywhere. She is a dirty little slut just for him. The hard part of this story is dealing with and processing Matthew Sky’s character. It is really hard to find redemption in Matthew. I am a person that likes a solid hero that might be an asshole in the beginning but finds his way and acknowledges that he is difficult and makes an attempt to change. You don’t get that from Matthew. I guess I am holding out for After Dark to see if he truly changes who he is for himself, his family, and Hannah.

The brilliance of this story is that it feels like a story within a story within a story. What does that mean exactly? Let’s start with Night Owl. Night Owl is a story about a shut-in author named M. Pierce who writes bestselling novels. In reality we know nothing about M. Pierce. Is he a man or a woman? M. Pierce has not been to any book signings that I know of and as far as I can tell there are no pictures of M. Pierce online. Everyone that is a fan of this series communicates via Facebook or e-mail with Matthew Sky the main character in the Night Owl series. To take things one step further we learn in Last Light that M. Pierce authors the Night Owl and posts it in an online writers forum for people to read. Night Owl is essentially a diary of the private affairs of Matthew Sky and Hannah. I was quite upset at the fact that Matthew had betrayed Hannah by posting their private affairs online for everyone and anyone to read. It made me think of Night Owl again in a different light knowing that it was written while Matthew was living alone in the cabin after he supposedly died in a mountain climbing accident. This story takes a path in the beginning that makes you think that Matthew is going to do the unforgivable. He at least has some dignity after what he has done to Hannah not to drag her through the mud again. He is a very difficult man to love. Hannah almost makes her way out of his life only to get dragged back in. Do I think he is worthy of Hannah’s love? No I don’t. This book contains lots of lies, deception, manipulation, and enabling.

After reading this I found myself questioning who really is M. Pierce. Are people drawn to this series because of the mystery of who M. Pierce really is? Do people believe that this story is actually an auto-biography of the affairs of Matthew and Hannah? The genius of this read is that we are left with these questions that I am pretty sure will go unanswered.

Can Matthew and Hannah get a healthy happily ever after? I don’t know. After the rollercoaster ride of faking Matthew’s death and him coming back to life I think that it would be fair to say that Matthew and Hannah can handle most anything that is thrown at them because Hannah is a strong, capable, beautiful, and intelligent woman who can help them stop the rollercoaster. I really am looking forward to seeing Matthews redemption in After Dark.

Michel’s Review

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

We all have books on our ereader that we have purchased and fully intend on reading. Somehow these books get put on the to be read list and put on the back burner. That was the case with Night Owl by M. Pierce. I fully intended on reading this book at some point. I saw all the raving reviews, followed the many different groups dedicated to this book and author on Facebook. I knew this book had to be special because of the huge reaction. Still I held off reading it because I knew there was a cliffhanger. I wanted to wait until the next book came out before committing myself to another series that would leave me dying for the next book. When I was offered an ARC copy of Last Light, I jumped at the opportunity. It prompted me to read Night Owl asap. Therefore I am going into this review with a completely neutral and unbiased opinion. I have not had a year to theorize about what would happen next or try to predict the outcome of this couple’s story.

Matt and Hannah have an obsessive and very sexual relationship. This relationship but most standards should not work. Somehow they have managed to make it work for them in light of their surroundings and dealings in the real world. When Matt’s author pseudonym is exposed to the world it sends their relationship into a tailspin. Matt can’t handle the exposure.

Matt fakes his death and lives as a recluse in a cabin in the mountains. Hannah is fully aware of his deception and is in fact helping him hide from the world. Hannah cannot give up her life in the real world to live with Matt. Their affair takes a new turn with stolen weekends and secret phone calls. Hannah is under scrutiny because of the release of Night Owl. An explicit diary written by Matt about their affair has been published and causing a huge sensation. No one knows who published the book. This causes more sensation and problems for Hannah. Not only is she supposedly grieving Matt’s death, she is fending off accusations about Night Owl, and having to deal with her most private moments being exposed to the world. Hannah is dealing with so many deceptions in the real world plus trying to placate a very needy, self absorbed Matt. The pressure is about to blow them apart.

To top this off, Matt is deceiving Hannah as well. He has his own agenda.

Matt’s family plays a huge role in how Hannah deals with the real world. Not all of it is positive. We learn things about Matt that did not come to light in Night Owl.

When the truth finally comes out it about tears Matt and Hannah apart. Somehow they manage to piece their relationship together. It ends with the readers wondering where this couple can go. Their relationship is not a healthy one. The only way their relationship can survive is if they get the kind of help they need.

My thoughts on this series and book are that the overall story is unique. The characters are not your typical hero and heroine. Matt is more than an alcoholic. My impression is that he is extremely bi polar. Everything about Matt and Hannah’s relationship is about his needs and his needs alone. He is self absorbed. Hannah has problems as well, she is an enabler and a bit obsessive about Matt.

I am hoping that the final book, After Dark, will get Matt the help he needs to be a healthy and better functioning person. I hope he’s medicated. I am also hoping that Hannah gets some help as well. She needs to learn her self worth is much higher than Matt’s obsessive love. I am hoping that they will find their happiness together in a healthy way.

Author Bio:

About the Author

M. Pierce is the bestselling author of Night Owl, book one in the erotic Night Owl Trilogy. The author lives in Colorado and owns a rabbit named Laurence.
Website/Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1eeafd78213/

Release Day Blitz + Bonus Material-Determined To Obey by C.J. Roberts- Complete Dark Duet Collection

Posted on 10/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Please heed all warnings. This is a series about captivity in a FICTIONAL and EROTICIZED setting. It contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

OVER 150,000 COPIES SOLD!

For the first time ever ALL the BESTSELLING BOOKS in the DARK DUET series are available in one complete set. The Platinum Edition also includes: 1) The NEW 30,000 word novella DETERMINED TO OBEY, featuring secondary characters Kid, Felipe, and Celia. 2) Eight scorching-hot fan-written Dark Duet short stories hand-selected by the author. 3) CJ’s favorite interviews & Reviews

Over 1300 pages of content for a fraction of the combined individually priced books in the series and bonus content.

Author Endorsements:

“’This series is the most incredible mindf**k I’ve ever experienced.’ Or something along those lines. Write whatever you want and slap my name on it. I loved it that much.’ – Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“I have never had an author move me to the point that I felt I needed to get in my car and go after someone who was fictional.” —Tina Reber, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author of the LOVE series

“Absolutely amazing! I have not been this captivated by a book, by a series, in years! Thank you to everyone who told me to read these.” — Aleatha Romig, NYT Bestselling Author of the Consequences series

“I’m very stingy with five stars. I usually only give those to modern classics or books that I am absolutely crazy about. Here is why I think CID deserves five….” — Tarryn Fisher, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Love Me With Lies series

“Just know that I think it was an exhilarating (albeit somewhat exhausting) reading experience and I LOVED it. And… I appreciated it even more once I was done. I felt mostly… complete. Crazy right? Ahhh but sometimes, it just is what it is. It was rich, well rounded, uncomfortable, exciting and scary (in multiple ways). Emotionally affecting. I lived it, I didn’t just read it, although I was VERY happy to be on this side of the book. phew I may enjoy the fictional thrill and I may like it crazy at times, but I’m very content on the “safe” side of life.” — Maryse, Maryse’s Book Blog

Includes
— All three bestselling books in the Dark Duet Series
— The 100+ page novella DETERMINED TO OBEY, featuring secondary characters
— Eight scorching-hot fan-written Dark Duet short stories hand-selected by the author
— CJ’s favorite interviews

Title: Dark Duet: Platinum Edition

Author: CJ Roberts

Type: Platinum Edition Box Set

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

Cover Design: PixelMischief Design

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

BOOK TWO OF THE DARK DUET
The exciting, titillating, and action-filled conclusion to Captive in the Dark.

What is the price of redemption?

Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood.

The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end.

Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance?

Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

Quote:
It seemed to Caleb, the nature of human beings revolved around one empirical truth: we want what we cannot have. For Eve, it was the fruit of the forbidden tree. For Caleb, it was Livvie.

I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging. In fact, you probably know too many things and know them far too well. Who am I? Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. I was a whore in my youth, a killer since my adolescence, and a monster as a man. I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves. She loves me. It’s quite sick, isn’t it? Of course, there’s more to our story than can be surmised in a few short sentences, but I’m at a loss for justifying my behavior back then. I assume if you’re reading this, I don’t need to make those justifications. You’ve already made your own. You’re reading this because you want to know about the rest of the story. You want to know what happened that warm summer night in September of 2010, the night I met Livvie at The Paseo. It was the night my life changed all over again. It didn’t happen exactly as Livvie said. She’s been very kind to me in the retelling of our story. The truth is far more…complicated

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DETERMINED to OBEY Novella
Release: 11 Nov 2014
eBook: $2.99
Paperback: $6.99

DETERMINED to OBEY was written as part of the bonus material for DARK DUET: PLATINUM EDITION (Featuring Determined to Obey) and not meant to be read as a stand alone. However, it is possible to enjoy it as such if one prefers.

WARNING: 18+ ONLY. VERY FRANK LANGUAGE, GRAPHIC SEXUALITY AND COERCION. DO NOT READ IF MALE/MALE/FEMALE BOTHERS YOU! YOU ARE WARNED

The character “Kid” appears in both Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark.

This novella takes place in Mexico and follows Kid after he and his girlfriend, Nancy, are taken hostage by a group of men led by Caleb. Unbeknownst to Kid or Nancy, they are taken to the mansion of Felipe Villanueva, an eccentric crime boss with a taste for the taboo.

Wrongfully accused by Nancy of the attempted rape and subsequent assault of Caleb’s escaped captive, “Kitten”, Kid is tortured by his captors.

We join Kid in the dungeon, where he is about to meet Felipe and his companion Celia for the first time…

AmazonUS | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords | PaperBack | AmazonUK | AmazonCA

CJ Roberts is an independent writer. She favors dark and erotic stories with taboo twists and her work has been called both sexy and disturbing in the same sentence.

She was born and raised in Southern California. Following high school, she joined the U.S. Air Force in 1998, served ten years and traveled the world.

Her DARK DUET series has sold over 150,000 copies and is currently optioned as a TV show. CJ invites her readers to sign the petition asking network executives from HBO, Showtime, Amazon, and Netflix to make these books a TV hit:

Sign Petition Here

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads

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And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

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✩ ✮COVER REVEAL★ ✩

Yesterday’s Half Truths

by N.Y. Times Bestselling Author

Carey Heywood

Release Date: November 24, 2014

Synopsis

About the Author

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Ker will be sharing the Release Date for Cadence at her Party tonight and an extended Scene from Empathy you will not want to miss her the kick start of her party tonight on her Author Like Page!

Click to ENTER this AMAZING GIVEAWAY ~~> a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Please heed all warnings. ****This is a series about captivity in a FICTIONAL and EROTICIZED setting. It contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.****

OVER 150,000 COPIES SOLD!

Over 1300 pages of content for a fraction of the combined individually priced books in the series and bonus content.

Author Endorsements:

“’This series is the most incredible mindf**k I’ve ever experienced.’ Or something along those lines. Write whatever you want and slap my name on it. I loved it that much.’ – Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“I have never had an author move me to the point that I felt I needed to get in my car and go after someone who was fictional.” —Tina Reber, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author of the LOVE series

“Absolutely amazing! I have not been this captivated by a book, by a series, in years! Thank you to everyone who told me to read these.” — Aleatha Romig, NYT Bestselling Author of the Consequences series

“I’m very stingy with five stars. I usually only give those to modern classics or books that I am absolutely crazy about. Here is why I think CID deserves five….” — Tarryn Fisher, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Love Me With Lies series

Includes — All three bestselling books in the Dark Duet Series — The 100+ page novella DETERMINED TO OBEY, featuring secondary characters — Eight scorching-hot fan-written Dark Duet short stories hand-selected by the author — CJ’s favorite interviews

Title: Dark Duet: Platinum Edition

Author: CJ Roberts

Type: Platinum Edition Box Set

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

Cover Design: PixelMischief Design

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

BOOK TWO OF THE DARK DUET The exciting, titillating, and action-filled conclusion to Captive in the Dark.

What is the price of redemption?

Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood.

The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end.

Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance?

Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

Quote: It seemed to Caleb, the nature of human beings revolved around one empirical truth: we want what we cannot have. For Eve, it was the fruit of the forbidden tree. For Caleb, it was Livvie.

AmazonUS | AmazonUK | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

AmazonDE | AmazonFR | AmazonIN | AmazonES | AmazonIT | AmazonJP | AmazonBR | AmazonMX | AmazonAU | AmazonCA

DETERMINED to OBEY was written as part of the bonus material for DARK DUET: PLATINUM EDITION (Featuring Determined to Obey) and not meant to be read as a stand alone. However, it is possible to enjoy it as such if one prefers.

WARNING: 18+ ONLY. VERY FRANK LANGUAGE, GRAPHIC SEXUALITY AND COERCION. DO NOT READ IF MALE/MALE/FEMALE BOTHERS YOU! YOU ARE WARNED

The character “Kid” appears in both Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark.

This novella takes place in Mexico and follows Kid after he and his girlfriend, Nancy, are taken hostage by a group of men led by Caleb. Unbeknownst to Kid or Nancy, they are taken to the mansion of Felipe Villanueva, an eccentric crime boss with a taste for the taboo.

Wrongfully accused by Nancy of the attempted rape and subsequent assault of Caleb’s escaped captive, “Kitten”, Kid is tortured by his captors.

We join Kid in the dungeon, where he is about to meet Felipe and his companion Celia for the first time…

AmazonUS | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords | PaperBack | AmazonUK | AmazonCA

CJ Roberts is an independent writer. She favors dark and erotic stories with taboo twists and her work has been called both sexy and disturbing in the same sentence.

She was born and raised in Southern California. Following high school, she joined the U.S. Air Force in 1998, served ten years and traveled the world.

Her DARK DUET series has sold over 150,000 copies and is currently optioned as a TV show. CJ invites her readers to sign the petition asking network executives from HBO, Showtime, Amazon, and Netflix to make these books a TV hit:

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Share this:

Amazon Barnes and Noble iTunes

Amazon Barnes & Noble iTunes

Website Twitter Facebook Author Goodreads ALL BROKE DOWN Goodreads

Please heed all warnings. This is a series about captivity in a FICTIONAL and EROTICIZED setting. It contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

Includes
— All three bestselling books in the Dark Duet Series
— The 100+ page novella DETERMINED TO OBEY, featuring secondary characters
— Eight scorching-hot fan-written Dark Duet short stories hand-selected by the author
— CJ’s favorite interviews

BOOK TWO OF THE DARK DUET
The exciting, titillating, and action-filled conclusion to Captive in the Dark.

Quote:
It seemed to Caleb, the nature of human beings revolved around one empirical truth: we want what we cannot have. For Eve, it was the fruit of the forbidden tree. For Caleb, it was Livvie.