ARC Review: Sugar On The Edge by Sawyer Bennett – Last Call Series Book 3

Posted on 07/27/2014 by shellbellereads

Sugar On The Edge

Last Call Series – Book 3

Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

He’s utterly alone…

Tortured and existing in a dark spiral of despair, bestselling British author, Gavin Cooke, has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to escape the seedy lifestyle he had been living in London and in a desperate attempt to regain his writing focus. He’s twisted, bitter and angry at the world. He’s a loner… needing not a single thing other than his Scotch and a laptop upon which he can bang out his next erotic, dark thriller.

She’s running in place and getting nowhere…

Savannah Shepherd’s life is falling apart. Her dream of being a wildlife photographer seems a distant memory and she’s barely able to make ends meet. Driving herself forward with no clear goals apparent, she’s about ready to pack up her bags and head home with her tail between her legs.

Two unlikely lovers…

He’s raw, forceful and a dirty talker. She’s a flowers and romance type of girl. Yet within each other, they find a mutual craving that can only be satisfied by giving in to their desires for one another.

Lust turns into something more… something they were not looking for but tentatively accept. Will it be enough to push them past the obstacles of Gavin’s bitter past?

SUGAR ON THE EDGE can be read as a stand-alone.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

ARC copy provided by author for a fair and honest review.

Sugar On The Edge is by far the best book Sawyer Bennett has written! She has proven her growth as an author, created more complex characters, gave them more of an edgy darkness, created a plot that was unique, and merged several genres together that work perfectly together.

Sugar On The Edge can be read as a stand alone novel or in the Last Call series order. The beloved characters from the previous books are present in Sugar On The Edge. They lend a strong supporting role for the characters without influencing the direction of this story or having their own stories repeated or referred to throughout the book. Sawyer Bennett allowed her leading characters, Gavin Cooke and Savannah Shepard, to take the readers away in a completely new direction.

British author Gavin Cooke has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to complete his book. He is on a deadline. His destructive behaviors, drinking, and disregard have left his publishers and agent in a corner. They have suggested he take himself out of the seedy streets of London and buckle down. He is an arrogant self absorbed, dirty mouthed, critical, and contemptuous arse. He knows it and makes no apologies. His crude mouth, diabolical behavior, and self destruction have just changed geographical locations.

Gavin Cooke is sex on a stick! His filthy mouth and filthy moves will have you swooning. His vulnerability and misguided guilt will have you wanting to hug him after you tie his delicious self to the bed. He is one hot alpha male. His snarly, dry British sarcasm and creative blend of words will tantalize all the senses

Savannah Shepard is a struggling photographer. After losing her job at the local newspaper she is forced to take on several jobs to make ends meet. When she takes on the job of being a temporary housekeeper for Gavin Cooke, her life has just taken on another crappy job. The man is a complete jerk. He assumes too much, sees too little, and berates everything. He may think she’s a lamb and he’s the big bad wolf . He has another thing coming, Savannah has taken on the wolves and beat them to the ground. She is a tigress in a lamb’s skin.

Gavin and Savannah’s relationship is combustible and every surface they touch goes up in flames. Gavin may be domineering and Savannah may seem submissive but all is not what it seems. Together these two will find all the right ingredients to make the perfect combination that will intoxicate the readers.

There will be explosive sexual chemistry, panty dripping scenes, dramatic tear jerking moments, swooning romance, shocking actions, and a new story with a happy ending. Their journey will keep the readers captivated. I will say this, it is a good thing that Savannah and Gavin have their own persona Yoda, Brody Markham.

Sawyer Bennett has broke the mold with Sugar On The Edge. Her star is shining bright!

Author Bio:

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

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ARC Review: Sins and Secrets by Jessica Sorensen- Sins Series Book 1

Posted on 07/27/2014 by shellbellereads

Sins and Secrets

Sins Series – Book 1

By Jessica Sorensen

Synopsis:

Lola Anders isn’t who she seems. Two years ago she ran away from a dangerous life she’d been living since she way born in order to stay alive. She changed her name and reinvented herself into a good girl… at least part of the time anyway. A secretary by day and an escort by night, Lola lives a double life in order to maintain balance and survive. And things are going well, until a ghost from her past shows up out of nowhere.

Sexy and dangerous Layton Everett enters Lola’s life again without warning. Not only does Layton know who Lola really is but he also used to work for her family’s sworn enemy . Lola worries he’s shown up to finish the hit put on her two years ago, so she tries to stay away from him, but it’s difficult when he seems to be everywhere. Plus, she’s attracted to him more than she likes to admit.

The closer Lola gets to Layton, the more her life gets turned upside. She ends up getting caught up in Layton’s dangerous world and ultimately the life she ran away from catches up with her again.

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

3 Stars

Let me begin by noting that I am generally a fan of Jessica Sorensen’s books. And that I am open to an author sort of moving between genres; sometimes we get some real winners when this happens. With all of this being said, though, I have to say that I did not find ‘Sins and Secrets,’ along with it’s prequel ‘Seduction and Temptation,’to be one of my favorite reads. While the concept of this book is a fresh one, there were several things that kept me from giving more stars. I will say that ‘Seduction and Temptation’ offered a good set-up to the story in ‘Sins and Secrets,’ and that it’s always good to have back story to draw on.

I had a difficult time connecting with any of the characters here; they were fairly one-dimensional, and not particularly well-crafted, in my opinion. Even though Lola’s personality was defined by her upbringing, you know, nurture versus nature, there was not really one thing that made her sympathetic for me. And Layton, although he is definitely a romantic ‘hero,’ and obviously did what he did out of love for Lola, never really inspired any real feelings. The one stand-out, who I hope will be more present in future installments of the ‘Sins’ series, is Solana. She is an interesting one, and I would love to see more of her background and evolution, because I think that she could quite possibly be the most uniquely developed character in this storyline. Since character development is a HUGE thing for me when reading, I hold out hope that Jessica will continue to flesh out everyone in the series.

I am interested to see where Jessica takes the plot with the rest of the series, and hope that we will see a more lushly developed and tightly written story in ‘Lies and Betrayal.’

Author Bio:

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family. You can find more information about Jessica and her books at www.jessicasorensen.com

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Review: Hopeful by Louise Bay

Posted on 07/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Expected publication: July 15th 2014

***Not suitable for younger readers due to sexual content and language.***

Guys like Joel Wentworth weren’t supposed to fall in love with girls like me. He could have had his pick of the girls on campus, but somehow the laws of nature were defied and we fell crazy in love.

For a short time, I thought it would be for infinity.

On July 10, 2006, immediately after graduation, Joel left for New York. And, despite him wanting me to go with him, I’d refused, unwilling to disappoint my parents and risk the judgment of my friends. I hadn’t seen him again. Never even spoke to him.

I’ve spent the last eight years working hard to put my career front and center in my life, dodging any personal complications. I have a strict no-dating policy. I’ve managed to piece together a reality that works for me.

Until now.

Now, Joel’s coming back to London.

And I need to get over him before he gets over here.

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Tracey’s Review

Ava Elliot has a pretty good life. A law student at university, she’s smart and studious, and has a tightly-knit group of friends that are like family. Joel Wentworth is the whole package. Not only intelligent, he is handsome, nice, and funny. Girls love him and guys want to be like him. Ava would never have thought that they had anything in common, let alone that they could fall in love with each other.

‘Hopeful’ is one of those ‘happy accident’ books for me, one that I knew absolutely nothing about, but which I enjoyed completely. Louise Bay has written a very well-crafted story, full of characters that I would absolutely love to spend time with. I loved watching Ava and Joel get to know each other. Louise really took the time to show their relationship developing, so that it seemed much more realistic when thy realized their feelings for each other had grown from friendship to love. And the passion was definitely there, too. Their growing attraction to each other was palpable, so that by the time that they acted on it, it was inevitable, and not only sweet, but very steamy, as well.

‘Hopeful’ was not all sunshine and happy times. Some of the best stories are those that involve a hefty dose of angst, and that is definitely present here. It allowed, I think, for further character development, especially Ava’s, which was necessary for the book to end the way that it did. I am looking forward to reading more from Louise, and really hope that Jules and Adam get their own books. A definite 4.5 – 5 star read.

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.

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Review: Flirting With Forever by Kim Boykin

Posted on 07/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Flirting With Forever

By Kim Boykin

Synopsis

Forty-year-old Tara Jordan’s first book, The Perfect Marriage in 30 Days, is at the top of the bestseller lists, and her publisher wants her on a book tour ASAP. Tara’s about to live her dream only there’s one problem. Her husband of 15 years has just walked out, leaving Tara on the brink of financial ruin with no choice but to promote a self-help book about marriage when hers is secretly in ruins.

Enter publicist Jake Randall, 30, who’s had it with hand holding newbie authors channeling their inner divas on their first book tours, until he meets Tara. Their instant attraction blossoms quickly into love. Tara thinks she has achieved her dreams and earned her license to thrive until her husband, Jim returns determined to win her back.

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

Tara Jordan should be happy. After all, her best-selling book on how to have the perfect marriage is a hit, and her dream of being a successful author has finally come true. But her public persona is a far cry from true life. Her husband of many years, embarrassed by her book and jealous of her success, has left and taken all their money.

Left with no choice but to go on tour to promote both her marriage book and her suddenly successful romance novels, Tara is left in the capable and very attractive hands of Jake Randall, promoter extraordinaire. And, did I mention that he’s hot? Like, swoon-worthy, over-the-top sexy? And as attracted to Tara as she is to him. The only problem? He’s ten years younger than she is.

I really enjoyed Flirting With Forever. Kim Boykin wrote a sweet sexy story of a woman that is finally coming into her own, and the man that is more than happy to help her get there. The banter and vibe between Tara and Jake is lovely, and I couldn’t put the book down, because I was just that invested in their story. Combined with wonderful secondary characters, this is a read that I would recommend without hesitation. I really look forward to the next installment in Kim’s Island Bliss series.

Author Bio:

Kim Boykin was raised in her South Carolina home with two girly sisters and great parents. She had a happy, boring childhood, which sucks if you’re a writer because you have to create your own crazy. PLUS after you’re published and you’re being interviewed, it’s very appealing when the author actually lived in Crazy Town or somewhere in the general vicinity.

Almost everything she learned about writing, she learned from her grandpa, an oral storyteller, who was a master teacher of pacing and sensory detail. He held court under an old mimosa tree on the family farm, and people used to come from all around to hear him tell stories about growing up in rural Georgia and share his unique take on the world.

As a stay-at-home mom, Kim started writing, grabbing snip-its of time in the car rider line or on the bleachers at swim practice. After her kids left the nest, she started submitting her work, sold her first novel at 53, and has been writing like crazy ever since.

Thanks to the lessons she learned under that mimosa tree, her books are well reviewed and, according to RT Book Reviews, feel like they’re being told across a kitchen table. She is the author of The Wisdom of Hair from Berkley, Steal Me, Cowboy and Sweet Home Carolina from Tule, and Palmetto Moon, also from Berkley 8/5/14. While her heart is always in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte and has a heart for hairstylist, librarians, and book junkies like herself.

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Review: Tamed by Emma Chase

Posted on 07/25/2014 by shellbellereads

Tamed

Tangled Series Book 3

By Emma Chase

Synopsis

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: girl meets player, they fall in love, player changes his ways.

It’s a good story. But it’s not our story. Ours is a lot more colorful.

When I met Dee I knew right away that she was special. When she met me, she thought I was anything but special—I was exactly like every other guy who’d screwed her over and let her down. It took some time to convince her otherwise, but turns out I can make a convincing argument when sex is at stake.

You might know where this story’s headed. But the best part isn’t where we ended up.

It’s how we got there.

TAMED goes back in time to the Tangled days. But this time around, it’s not Drew dishing out the advice and opinions—it’s his best friend Matthew, who of course is dealing with Dee Dee.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Robin’s Review

Kudos to Emma Chase for writing another outstanding romantic comedy! Tamed is the third novel of her popular Tangled series, with events occurring simultaneous to the events of Tangled. This time, Matthew Fisher shares his own great wisdom with readers on dating and relationships. He works as an investment banker at the same firm as his best friend, Drew Evans. Although Matthew is not quite as colorful in his narration as Drew Evans, his knowledge on dating, women and other subjects is definitely entertaining and quite humorous!

Matthew thought he was doing just fine until he was introduced to the wild and beautiful Delores Warren by his coworker, Kate Brooks. Dee is spirited. Bold. Intelligent. Brutally honest. A rocket scientist who dresses like a stripper to throw people off their game. A chemist who has a “nice rack” – and Matthew just happens to be a “boob man.” With his curiosity and libido both being piqued, Matthew begs Kate for a hook-up. Although Kate agrees to his request, she warns Matthew that Dee doesn’t do complicated or relationships – which sounds just perfect to him.

Matthew finds Dee interesting. Challenging. Fascinating. She holds his attention. Really, Matthew has no chance. Want a night on the town dancing? Great! In the mood for a one-night stand? No problem! Just don’t ask Dee for more than she is able to give. Having been hurt too many times by the men in her life, Dee Warren avoids emotions and commitment at all costs. Matthew thinks he can spend quality time with Dee Warren without becoming attached. After all, he is a player! Why not pick up a copy of Tamed to see how this situation unfolds?

What do I think? I absolutely love Emma Chase’s writing style! Her writing is really funny. Witty, laugh out loud funny! Her novels tend to be written from a first person point of view, with her main character dishing out plenty of advice to readers about dating, relationships and general life experiences. Emma Chase does a fantastic job of pulling off a male point of view. She just seems to understand how men are wired – how they think. Something I truly enjoyed about Tamed is that we are able to experience the events of Tangled from Matthew Fisher’s point of view – to see what transpired between Drew and Kate from a different perspective. I also have to mention that the chemistry between Dee and Matthew was scorching hot! Although Tamed is not my favorite novel of this series – that honor goes to Drew Evans and Tangled – I am adding it to my list of favorites for 2014. Emma Chase has earned a solid 4.5 star rating from this reviewer for Tamed!

Author Bio:

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she toils away the hours bringing her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

Some of Emma’s favorite quotes from Tangled –

“You are making me crazy!” ”Crazy like you want to rip my shirt off again?” ”No – crazy like the itch of a yeast infection that won’t go away!”

“And I will be damned if Kate Brooks is going to walk her ass in here and take that away from me. No matter how fine of an ass it may be.”

“Words are cheap. Actions win wars. Actions heal wounds.”

“It makes me want to kiss her and strangle her at the same time. I’ve never been into S&M. But I’m beginning to see its benefits.”

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ARC Review: How I Became Lotus Raine…the porn star by Erika Ashby

Posted on 07/25/2014 by shellbellereads

How I Became Lotus Raine…the porn star

by Ericka Ashby

Synopsis

I refused to work my way up the company ladder by sexually favoring my sleazy boss. I was beginning to lose hope. Until one day, he surprised me with an assignment that would literally rock my world.

I never imagined my first assignment being my last. But Brent Nichols worked his way inside every way possible, unlocking something within me.

Becoming a porn star was never part of the plan. Neither was changing my name.

Everyone else knows me as Lucy Rogers, but you can call me Lotus Raine.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

When I first saw the cover reveal and title of this book I was intrigued. I didn’t know what to expect. I figured that this would be a typical erotica romance where good girl goes wild, owns her sexuality, and fully embraces her needs.

How I became Lotus Raine…the porn star was not what I expected at all. It was so much more than an erotica romance. It was an expose of one woman’s journey that changed courses and opened new doors.

Lucy Rogers is one of those heroines that we all want to be. She has a strong sense of self and enough imagination that allows her to explore her horizons. She is well educated, dedicated to her work, loyal to her friends, and has a clear goal about her future in the literary world. She is very competent in her job but is over looked for the “better” interviews & research work because of inner office brown nosing. She refuses to stoop to that level. When she accidentally lets an inner thought slip during the weekly meeting it lands her the most challenging research assignment she has ever had. She is to live with a legendary porn star for one week. Her assignment is not to get to know the real person behind the stardom. Her assignment is to learn the industry, learn how a porn star prepares for the role, how they live the role, and anything else concerning the industry. It sounds like an interesting challenge. Lucy is not interested in the personal aspect of the man behind the legendary sex God image. That is until she meets Brent Nichols.

The instant lust attraction that Lucy feels towards Brent shocks her. She has never had this strong of an attraction and acted upon it. But one week will change everything. It will change how Lucy views herself . It will change how she looks upon sex, relationships, and love.

Brent Nichols has opened a new world for Lucy’s eyes. He has opened a door that was slammed shut at a very young age. But Lucy isn’t the only one that has eye opening experiences. Brent’s world will be changed as well.

This book is so much more than erotica. Sure there are toe curling, red-hot, sensual scenes that will have you fanning yourself. The characters chemistry is explosive. But what makes this book is the characters themselves and their journey of self discovery. The developement of a real lasting relationship. Learning to let go and learning to live life to the fullest.

Lucy Rogers embraced everything she thought she was. Lotus Raine embraces everything with a passion.

I loved how this story was written. It is written as an interview with Lotus Raine. As Lucy/ Lotus tells her story the readers will be enraptured.

Erika Ashby has out done herself. How I Became Lotus Raine…the porn star is a 5 Star Book.

Author Bio:

Being born an “Army Brat”, Erika Ashby has been residing in Oklahoma the last 10 years finally putting an end to the nomad tendencies she had grown accustomed to. She’s a happily married woman who has 5 kids between her and her husband. She has an insane passion for music and embraces her Inner Groupie any chance she has. It wasn’t until the age of 29 that she realized she also had a hidden passion for reading; before then she claimed to have hated it. Six months after unlocking that deep desire she never knew she held, she turned the key to another chapter of her life which has become the desire to write. And the rest is still history in the making.

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ARC Review: Forever Sheltered by Deanna Roy- Forever Series Book 3

Posted on 07/23/2014 by shellbellereads

Forever Sheltered

Forever Series-Book 3

By Deanna Roy

Synopsis:

The newest book in the bestselling Forever Series is out – Forever Sheltered!

Tina would rather sew up her girl parts with dental floss than go on a second date with a man. She’s been dumped enough to know not to get attached.

So how DOES she end up half-naked in Surgical Suite B with Dr. Darion?

Dr. Darion has a lot to hide. His baby sister is the only family he has left, and he’s not leaving her treatment to some incompetent hack.

But now he’s breaking every hospital rule imaginable. He lied about his sister so he can manage her care, and now he’s banging the art therapy teacher between patient rounds like a fraternity boy at a keg party.

But Dr. Darion and Tina have one thing going for them – a fierce passion for each other that just might obliterate all their doubts, and solve all their problems.

Forever Sheltered includes many favorite characters from Forever Innocent and Forever Loved, as well as the much-anticipated wedding of Gavin and Corabelle.

It is a standalone HEA that does not require reading any other parts of the Forever series.

Excerpt:

The voice that came from the door was like an icy blast. “Do you have any more personal questions that are completely out of line for your relationship with my patient?”

I whipped around. Dr. Darion stood in the door, glowering like a gargoyle.

“I—I was just asking about a song Cynthia performed for me yesterday.”

His eyes narrowed. I wondered what I possibly saw in him before, because now he was clearly the biggest jerk in the universe.

He snatched my arm and dragged me from the room.

I tried to wrench free as he moved us down the hall. “What is going ON with you?” I asked.

“Hush,” he said.

We turned down a narrow corridor, and he buzzed us through a door with his ID. I had never been in this part of the hospital and tried to figure out where we were. The back side of ICU, maybe.

He shouldered open a door marked Surgical Suite B. The room was dim and empty. Boxes were stacked along one wall, and it had an unused smell to it, stuffy and antiseptic. A pair of gurneys were pushed together next to a line of cabinets.

“What is this about?” I asked, jerking my arm out of his grasp.

“Why were you in Cynthia’s room asking questions?”

“Why are you dragging me through the hospital like a lunatic?”

We were only inches apart, me defiantly on my toes to try to eliminate the advantage of his height.

“You have no business questioning my patients or their family.”

Oh, I wanted to punch him. My hand curled into a fist. “You are an awful man, Darion Marks.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed up, then down, like he had swallowed something nasty. “I’m sorry I dragged you down here,” he said.

I shoved at his chest. “Sorry? You just embarrassed the hell out of me! No telling who saw that.”

I pushed him again. I was really in a fury. “Are you TRYING to get me fired?”

The contact between us sparked, like a match being lit. I forgot why I was mad. He was so freaking close. He wore cologne, just a hint of it. He smelled like heaven. My heart sped up. Crap.

I tried to think how to get out of this. I needed to just walk away. We were alone in a dark room.

Shoot. I could already tell my body was getting ahead of my head. It was calculating distance. Seeing how far I could push this man. How close I could get.

Remembering how long it had been since my last tryst with anybody.

I would have to do the one-and-done with Dr. Darion after all.

I leaned in, just to see what he would do.

WHEW! See what happens in Surgical Suite B in Forever Sheltered by USA Today bestselling author Deanna Roy.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Forever Series:

“Our baby died on prom night, and nothing was ever the same again.”

Corabelle doesn’t feel like any of the other college girls. On what should have been one of the happiest nights of her life, she and her boyfriend Gavin watched a nurse disconnect the ventilator from their seven-day-old baby. During the funeral two days later, Gavin walked out and never returned.

Since then, her life has been a spiral of disasters. The only thing that has helped is her ability to black out whenever the pain gets too hard to bear, a habit that has become an addiction.

When Gavin shows up in her astronomy class four years later, he is hell-bent on getting her back, insisting she forgive him. Corabelle knows she can’t resist the touch that fills the empty ache that has haunted her since he left. But if he learns what she has done, if he follows the trail back through her past, her secrets will destroy their love completely. And once again, she’ll lose the only person who always believed she was innocent.

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The much-anticipated sequel to the Top 10 bestselling new adult romance Forever Innocent.

“How do I tell the woman I love that I fathered a son with a prostitute?”

After four long years of separation, Gavin has finally reunited with his childhood love Corabelle. She’s forgiven him for leaving her during the funeral of their seven-day-old baby, and also for where he ended up — in Mexico to get a vasectomy.

But a message from Rosa, a prostitute he met the day of his surgery, brings his life to a crashing halt. She claims Gavin has fathered a son, now three years old and living with her cousin in Ensenada. He doesn’t know if he can trust Rosa, who never mentioned the boy before, or if his delicate reconciliation with Corabelle can withstand the shock if it is true.

Corabelle believes their future together is the right thing despite their past. But when she learns of this other child, the one thing she lost long ago and might never have again with Gavin, Corabelle’s faith that her life will ever follow her old dream is shattered. To make things right for Gavin and his son, she just might have to let go of the only person she always believed would be her forever love.

Forever Loved is the heart-wrenching conclusion to Gavin and Corabelle’s passionate story.
HEA. 276 print pages.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Wow! If you haven’t read the Forever Series by Deanna Roy then you need to put these books on your to be read list. Deanna Roy writes a powerful story that comes from the heart. Her stories are realistic, emotional, thought provoking, and romantic. Her characters come to life. Their story will jump off the pages and grab your heart. The writing is flawless. Her subject matter is very well researched. Not only do readers experience the emotions of the characters , they also get an insight into the medical world (in layman terms). She writes the story from alternate POV’s and gives each character, whether they are the main character or a secondary character, a very strong voice.

Forever Sheltered can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

The readers met Tina in the previous books. She was a public speaker for suicide awareness. She was offered a job at the hospital as an Art teacher for the patients. They wanted to install a program that would be therapy for long term patients. Art is a means of self expression and Tina has an intimate understanding of the therapeutic effects using art.

Through her group sessions, she meets Dr. Darion Marks. Dr. Marks has requested that Tina do a special favor for one of his young patients.

Tina recognizes a wounded soul that has hidden layers and secrets. She is also very attracted to the handsome Doctor. She also recognizes that this handsome doctor could be the one that can bring down all the walls she has built to protect herself from her past. She cannot date him.

But the laws of attraction don’t always follow the rules. These two are drawn to each other.

Dr. Darion Marks has his own secrets. He is treating his baby sister. He is breaking every rule to keep her alive. He could lose his career because of it. He will do anything to keep her alive. When he meets Tina, she adds another clog to the wheel in his self destruction. Not only is he jeopardizing his career with his sister, he is jeopardizing it by fraternizing with Tina.

These two can’t stay away from each other. Together they are the perfect medicine for two wounded souls. Together they will discover that “healing” comes in many different ways.

Forever Sheltered is a powerful story that will engage your heart. Make an appointment to visit Dr. Darion Marks and Tina for your next reading therapy. They have a cure for the hopeless romantic.

Author Bio:

Deanna Roy is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.

She is a passionate advocate for women who have lost babies. She has several books on the subject, including her bestseller FOREVER INNOCENT, a romance about a couple whose baby is taken off life support at seven days old.

She has run the website PregnancyLoss.Info for fifteen years, including many large spin-off support groups both online and in person.

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ARC Review: No Regrets by Claire Kent

Posted on 07/22/2014 by shellbellereads

No Regrets

By Claire Kent

Synopsis

On my last birthday, I made one vow for the year. Live with no regrets. Eleven months have passed, though, and nothing has changed. I still sleep alone, spend my life working, and never move out of my comfort zone.

Then the loss of my dog throws my whole life out of orbit, and I end up in bed with a very hot and slightly-too-young veterinarian, who has recently made a vow of his own. Live with no strings. Josh is more than happy to help me with the list of things I’ve been afraid to try. Semi-public sex. Spanking. Anal sex. He’s a willing partner for everything I’ve wondered about, as long as I don’t demand more.

He’s serious about his no-strings philosophy. As serious as I am about living with no regrets. I can’t help but fall for him, even though I know better. So my biggest regret might be a broken heart.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

2.5 Stars

Leslie has made herself a promise to live her life with no regrets. And while her life is not bad, nothing significant has changed in the year since she made her vow to herself. But when Leslie loses Polly, her dog and best friend, she is devastated, and left unable to move beyond her depression.

Josh Bennett has faced some dark times, but has left them behind to come home and become a vet. He and Leslie meet when she brings Polly to his office, and again later after Polly’s death. They’re attracted to each other, but Josh is only interested in a sexual relationship, with no strings attached. In the interest of living with ‘no regrets,’ Leslie agrees to his rules, and they begin a casual, yet extremely passionate, affair.

I had a hard time with this book. The nature of Leslie’s and Josh’s relationship, while not my cup of tea, was not the issue. The characters themselves often came across as oddly formal with each other, even as they were as close as two people can be, and the language that they used during their trysts was both stilted and slangy at the same time. I just had a really hard time getting into their interactions, and understanding how they sustained being together. As well, some of the scenes were far too graphic in nature than the situation warranted, in my opinion, and not erotic at all. I have seen the same sort of scenarios in other books in this genre presented in ways that added to, rather than detracted from, the moment.

I always want to like a book that I’m reading, and hate not to finish once I’ve started. I did make it to the end of ‘No Regrets,’ and the story and the characters did redeem themselves a bit, but this one just missed the mark for me, and I can only give it 2.5 stars.

Author Bio:

Claire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. She has a PhD in British literature and, when she’s not writing, she teaches English at the university level.

She also writes romance novels under the penname Noelle Adams.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Finding Jordie by H.J. Harley

Posted on 07/22/2014 by shellbellereads

Finding Jordie

Jordan Spagnato Series-Book 1

By H.J. Harley

Synopsis

A widow of eight years, Jordie is devoted to her daughter and knows how to protect her own heart… until Nathan Harper lends a hand when she’s punched by a drunkard being forcefully removed from her NYC East Village bar.

Nathan is fascinated by the sassy bar owner, who doesn’t recognize him from the Silver Screen and who appears more interested in conversation than sex.

But when shared words spark mutual passion, the menacing phone calls begin, and a stalker, who will stop at nothing to have Jordie, turns his crosshairs on Nathan.

THE JORDAN SPAGNATO SERIES, in order

Finding Jordie

Finding Nathan

Finding Rachel

Buy- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Don’t you just love it when you stumble on a new author and good book?

While I was attending The Tennessee Valley Author Event , a very well known author pulled me aside. She said, “There is a book I want you to read. I want you to promise not to look at the cover. Just read the book. It’s very good.”

How could I not read this book? My curiosity was piqued.

When I opened this book, I tried very hard not to look at the cover. From the very first paragraph I was drawn into the book. I could not put this book down. This book has everything a reader looks for in a good book. The story is fast paced, loaded with humor, full of red-hot chemistry and sexual tension, romantic, and hair raising suspense. And as a bonus the author created delightful, quirky characters that wiggle their way into your heart the moment they are introduced.

When I finished this book I was very satisfied with the time I had invested in it. I was heading straight to Amazon to one click the second book in this series. Finding Jordie did not end on a cliffhanger that forced me to buy the next book. I just wanted more of these characters and more of their happily ever after story.

Jordie Spagnato is a strong woman. She is a business woman, tough bar owner, single mother, and widow. She keeps her friends close to heart and loves fiercely. She has learned to be tough when necessary, compassionate towards others, insightful to people’s needs, and gives her heart in full measures. She doesn’t let the past drag her down. She moves forward in life and makes the best of it. When she meets Nathan Harper her world she created for herself is tilted on it’s axis. Before she knows what has hit her, she is head over heels in love with the sexiest man she ever met. When she finds out that man is the hottest Hollywood star, it doesn’t change her opinion of him.

Nathan Harper is enthralled with Jordie Spagnato. She looks at him as a man and not a superstar. She treats him like she treats her friends and loved ones. How could he not fall in love with her?

Just as they are about to take the next step in their relationship a nasty stalker makes his presence known. The danger is just beginning. The suspense will escalate and keep you on the edge of your seat.

This book had every element I look for in a book. It is well written and fast paced. H.J. Harley is a new author that is going to make her mark in the romance world.

Read this book!

Author Bio:

I grew up in Bricktown New Jersey, less than an hour away from New York City. As a teenager and my early twenties, I loved hanging out in the glamor of NYC. I was a “City Brat” so it was pretty hard for me when I packed up all my crap and three cats in 2005, for a life changing road trip and moved to California. I travelled around the country until I met my other half in 2005.

After serving twelve years in the Air Force, the man of my dreams ended his military career and we moved to Georgia six years ago. Since then, we’ve settled down in Leesburg GA, and had our first child.

No place has ever come close to replacing the magic of New York City in my mind. So when I decided to try this romance writing gig out, naturally I set my first book, ‘Finding Jordie’ there.

I enjoy reading, and spending time with my family. Reality shows are my guilty pleasure. I’m a sucker for romantic comedies and Robert Pattinson. I am a pro at goofing off, I talk with my hands, (I’m Italian!) I drink way too much coffee, and get too little sleep. Oh, and I have a thing for Jackie-O sized sunglasses. I have four furry kids and most importantly, I have a beautiful daughter. I’m always striving to be the best Mom possible.

I’m very passionate about the things I love, that’s why I was outraged when they cancelled SMASH and Southland! It should be considered to be a small miracle if you ever get to see a serious or pic of me posing all nice and pretty…yeah, I’m not that girl. I’m a spontaneous goof and believe the best things in life come naturally. Yes, that includes random no make-up selfies during a 2:00a.m. writing marathon.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Fiancée For Hire by Tawna Fenskee

Posted on 07/21/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Synopsis

Former Marine MacArthur Patton has made a small fortune on top-secret government contracts and black-ops missions, but his new assignment involves something more dangerous—marriage.

Well, fake marriage anyway.

To keep weapons out of the hands of terrorists, Mac has to secure a fiancée. A sweet, demure, compliant fiancée to serve as his arm candy for a few weeks while he completes the covert arms deal in Mexico. His sister claims to know just the woman, and sends her best friend to play the role.

“Sweet” and “demure” aren’t in Kelli Landers’s repertoire. A badass veterinarian who neuters big dogs and bigger men on a regular basis, she can’t wait to bring Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Detached to his knees. Her longtime crush on the commitment-phobe makes her plan to seduce him even sweeter.

Love wasn’t part of the plan, but the deeper Mac and Kelli fall into their ruse, the more danger they attract, until more than just their hearts are on the line…

Kelley’s Review

Fiancée For Hire is fun, flirty, and full of sizzle.

Have you ever read a book and once you were finished decided to read it again? That is what I did with Fiancée For Hire. I adored this book. It was hysterically funny and yet the chemistry between Mac and Kelli was sizzling hot. Of course I am going to love this book because the heroine is named Kelli even if Tawna spelled it wrong. Ha! I promise that you will be hooked by the end of chapter one.

Kelli is an amazingly talented Veterinarian. Several papers published about her mad skills as a Vet. When her best friend Sheri approaches her about acting as her brother Mac’s fiancee Kelli thinks she has lost her mind. Sheri knows that Kelli has had a secret crush on Mac since they were kids. The more she thinks about this crazy scheme of Sheri’s the more she considers going through with it. There is a chance she could finally act on her crush and possibility build a spay and neuter clinic to deal with a very large and well know feral cat colony that resides in Todos Santos.

“So Mac is expecting sweet, calm, and pliable fiancée?

Sheri nodded. “And instead we send him you.”

Kelli gave her most angelic smile and sliced off the cat’s testicles.

“I’m in.”

Mac knows that he needs a fiancee if he is going to pull off the arms deal he has been working on. Why? Because Mac was a bit of a bad boy and might have messed around with Pedro Zapata’s wife. The deal would probably go a lot smoother if Zapata believed that Mac no longer had feelings for his bride. My favorite part of this book is the witty banter between the characters. It kept me turning the pages to see what kind of bomb Kelli was going to drop on him next.

“What can you tell me about the mission?”

She said the word with air quotes, a detail Mac found both endearing and irritating. “Have you heard the name Pedro Ubano Tujillo Zapata?” he asked carefully.

“No. Though I appreciate the fact that his initials spell PUTZ.”

“You’ll want to refrain from pointing that out if you meet him.”

The chemistry between Mac and Kelli was off the charts hot. Kelly is the mistress of seduction when she teases Mac while trying to pick out a cocktail dress for for dinner with Zapata. When they finally give in to their urges albeit after she repairs a prolapsed penis on a lizard in Zapata’s bathroom, it is scorching hot. Get ready for some new panties ladies.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any one that enjoys romantic comedy with a little sizzle. Tawna Fenske delivers a great read once again!

ARC provided by Entangled

You need to grab this read while it is only $.99 cents!!! It will go up to $3.79 shortly. This is a steal!!!

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iTunes

Author Bio

Tawna Fenske traveled a career path that took her from newspaper reporter to English teacher in Venezuela to marketing geek to PR manager for her city’s tourism bureau. An avid globetrotter and social media fiend, Tawna is the author of the popular blog, Don’t Pet Me, I’m Writing, and a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her fiancée in Bend, Oregon, where she’ll invent any excuse to hike, bike, snowshoe, float the river, or sip wine on her back deck.

She’s published several romantic comedies with Sourcebooks, including Making Waves and Believe it or Not, as well as the interactive fiction caper, Getting Dumped, with Coliloquy and the novella Eat, Play, Lust, with Entangled Publishing. Her newest release with Entangled Brazen, Marine for Hire, blends steamy romance with heartwarming humor.

Tawna’s quirky brand of comedy and romance has won praises from RT Book Reviews, which nominated Making Waves for Contemporary Romance of the Year, and from the Chicago Tribune, which noted, “Fenske’s wildly inventive plot & wonderfully quirky characters provide the perfect literary antidote to any romance reader’s summer reading doldrums.”

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Book Review

ARC Review: Sugar On The Edge by Sawyer Bennett – Last Call Series Book 3

ARC Review: Sins and Secrets by Jessica Sorensen- Sins Series Book 1

Review: Hopeful by Louise Bay

Review: Flirting With Forever by Kim Boykin

Review: Tamed by Emma Chase

ARC Review: How I Became Lotus Raine…the porn star by Erika Ashby

ARC Review: Forever Sheltered by Deanna Roy- Forever Series Book 3

ARC Review: No Regrets by Claire Kent

Review: Finding Jordie by H.J. Harley

ARC Review: Fiancée For Hire by Tawna Fenskee

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