Review: The Other Side of Someday by Carey Heywood

Posted on 07/19/2014 by shellbellereads

The Other Side of Someday

Carolina Days ~ Book 1

Carey Heywood

Synopsis

Falling in love?

Courtney Grayson has been there, done that.

Men, who needs them? Love wasn’t everything she thought it would be. This time around, she’s doing things differently. She hasn’t sworn off men for good; she just isn’t interested in settling. Trusting someone with her heart again? Someday, but not today.

Falling in love?

Sorry, Clay Bradshaw is not the guy for you.

He’s never been in love and he doesn’t see it happening. Hooking up can be fun, but more often than not, women are a distraction he doesn’t need. He’s a busy man, and doesn’t have time to date, let alone fall in love. Will someone ever change that? There’s always a chance, someday.

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and love may find them both on the other side of someday.

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Michel’s Review

I loved The Other Side of Someday by Carey Heywood. It was a realistic love story most of us ordinary people experience. She showed how very real, ordinary people can have the fairytale forever love. It is all a matter of seeing the beauty of finding that one person that makes your beat to a new pace. Finding a person worthy of building a life with. A partner that will love you through the ups and downs, no matter what. I have to commend Carey for reminding us how important love is in our lives.

Courtney Grayson is having the worst day of her life. That day starts out with her fretting that she forgot to turn off the stove. The day spirals out of control from that point. She gets fired from her job, she has a flat tire in the pouring down rain, and when she goes to pay for the tire, her bank has rejected the card transaction. An act of kindness from the older mechanic that repaired her tire will send her on her way with aa better outlook. She feels like this act of kindness is the turning point in her day, that is, until she arrives home. She finds her fiancé of eight years in bed with another woman. Her day has gone from the worst day to the most devastating day of her life.

That devastating day and the one act of kindness will set Courtney Grayson on a new path in life. The path she was destined to take. A path that will teach her about herself and her deepest desires. A path that will lead her to Clay Bradshaw.

She will find her inner strength, open her eyes to new possibilities, grow as an individual, and find the inner confidence she never knew she had. She will find a love that will respect her individuality, cherish her for who she is, and love her no matter what.

Clay Bradshaw is your ordinary average Joe. Sure he’s one of the sexiest men that Courtney has ever met. But sexy guys are a dime a dozen. What makes Clay special is that he is an ordinary guy, has an ordinary job, comes from a loving middle class family, and values all those precious things in his life.

Clay has never been in love or had a steady relationship. Once he gets to know Courtney he knows that she is the girl for him. He understands that she needs to heal from her past relationship. She needs to find herself again. He will be patient, bide his time, and show her that she can always depend on him. He will show her how much he values her as an individual. He will show her how important she is. He will give her his heart.

Courtney and Clay’s relationship is a slow and beautiful build. We see this couple go from flirty attraction to friendship. Their friendship moves onto dating. From dating to becoming a couple. Once they become a couple they build a beautiful life together.

The Other Side of Someday is a story that we all want to experience. I highly recommend this book.

Author Bio:

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.

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Review: Vipers Run by Stephanie Tyler

Posted on 07/18/2014 by shellbellereads

Vipers Run by Stephanie Tyler

Skull Creek Series ~ Book 1

Synopsis

The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be…

Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens joined the Vipers Motorcycle Club for its sense of brotherhood. In return, he pledged to live outside the law, protecting club members and their families, as well as keeping other MCs out of Skulls Creek. But when Cage discovers that a rival MC—one Cage has an all too familiar past with—plans to push meth into his town, he calls an old Army buddy turned private investigator who’s helped the Vipers in the past. By doing so, Cage endangers both his friend and Calla Benson, a woman who works in the PI’s office. Now he’s made it his mission to track Calla down and do whatever it takes to protect her.

Thanks to the phone call with Cage, Calla knows she’s formed a deep connection to a dangerous man. She quickly discovers that although he may live by a different set of rules, Cage is an honorable man who wants to be more than her protector—if only she can accept his dangerous lifestyle. But Calla comes to Skulls Creek with her own set of secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage—and the Vipers MC—apart. As they put their newfound love to the ultimate test, Cage will risk everything he cares about to save her…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Stephanie Tyler has done it again. The queen of romantic suspense has started a new series that is going to have the readers hooked.

This new series is called Skulls Creek and book one is titled Viper’s Run. Not only does this new series have the suspense, thrilling action, alpha men, strong women, red hot sexual chemistry, and romance that we have come to expect from Stephanie Tyler. This series features bad boy bikers from the Vipers Motorcycle Club.

What begins as a simple phone call, a plea for help, a dying man, and a woman’s need to reach out turns into an intensely dangerous situation that has the characters thrust into world of danger.

Cage has gone rogue from the Viper MC club to protect the members from a rival club. When the situation turns dire, he calls Calla, his friend and employee for help. She drops everything to come to his aid and that puts her life in danger.

Calla has her own secrets and adding Cage’s problems to the fold only makes her stronger. When the two are fighting to survive they find something that makes the costs of their plight worth more than living. They have found love. Through the midst of this danger they will build a relationship that will rock your heart.

Stephanie Tyler delivers a high octane, fast paced story that is loaded with sexual tension, through the roof chemistry, and red hot romance. Viper’s Run is the perfect start to the new Skulls Creek series.

Read this book!

Author Bio:

New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read – romantic suspense with military heroes for Bantam Dell. She lives in New York with her husband, her daughter and her weimaraner. She also writes paranormal erotic romance for Bantam Dell under the pen-name Sydney Croft.

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Review: In Your Corner by Sarah Castille – Redemption Series -Book 2

Posted on 07/18/2014 by shellbellereads

In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

Redemption Series ~ Book 2

Synopsis

A Publishers Weekly Best Summer Book 2014

“You have to go. I won’t be able to control myself. I’ve wanted you so bad for so long and after I’ve been in the cage…I can’t think straight.” He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.

Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.

“Mine.” His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.

He rules in the ring

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn’t dull the pain of Amanda’s rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn’t found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help…

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda’s not sure if she can stay in control, or if she’s finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

Redemption Series:

Against the Ropes

In Your Corner

Full Contact (forthcoming April 2015)

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Michel’s Review

In Your Corner is the second book in the Redemption series. Sarah Castille came back fighting with this addition in the Redemption series.

I had trouble with the first book in the series and did not give it a good review. This bothered me because I have read other books by this author that were good. I wanted to give this series another try because I just felt like the author deserved it. I can say, she won this match with a knock out! Kudo’s to Sarah Castille for proving this series was worth the fight.

As I said, this book came back fighting and won the round. Jake and Amanda had a past relationship that ended badly in the first book of this series. Amanda did quite a number on Jake and left the readers hating her guts. Jake was such a great guy, it was hard to understand why Amanda did what she did.

In Your Corner gives the readers more insight to Jake and Amanda’s previous relationship. We get a better understanding of Amanda once we know her history. She had an ugly family background, trust issues, emotional immaturity, and she was looking for love (the wrong kind) in all the wrong places. When she was showed the right kind of love and affection from Jake she just didn’t know how to accept it. She couldn’t handle the real thing. So rather than try to learn to accept all she was offered, all she deserved, she reacted the only way she knew how, she messed up their relationship.

Jake is a good man. He takes his life in stride. He takes on more burdens than he should, adds tons of stress to his life. One of those things is Amanda. When she walks back into his life, the intensity of his feelings cannot be denied.

There is a lot of healing and learning before these two can move forward. Once Amanda learns to let go of her heart and Jake learns to love Amanda the way she needs to be loved, their relationship sizzles. The sizzling sexual chemistry, the hot alpha and sexy bombshell burn up the sheets.

This book was a really good read. It went beyond my expectations. The characters grabbed my heart and held my interest. The secondary characters and their contributions to the story made this book even better. I am happy that I gave this series another chance.

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and travelled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases:

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Review: Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton – Play By Play Series – Book 8

Posted on 07/18/2014 by shellbellereads

Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton

Play By Play Series ~ Book 8

Synopsis

Trevor Shay has it all—a successful football and baseball career, and any woman he wants. But when he finds out his college mentor’s daughter is in trouble, he drops everything to come to her aid.

Haven Briscoe has finally landed a dream job as a sportscaster for a major network. But she hasn’t been able to move past the recent death of her beloved father, and it’s affecting her career. A plum assignment following the daily life of sports superstar Trevor Shay might be just the inspiration she needs…

Trevor will do anything to spark life back into Haven, including letting her into every aspect of his world. The chemistry between them flames higher than one of Trevor’s home runs and faster than his dashes to the end zone. But as they grow closer, Haven stumbles onto Trevor’s closely guarded secret, one he’s hidden his entire life. And despite his protests, now it’s Haven’s turn to put everything on hold to help Trevor. Will he let her in and trust her with a secret that could blow his professional and personal world apart?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

2.5 Stars

Straddling The Line is the eighth book in Jaci Burton’s red hot Play By Play series. I love this series. I love books that are based upon the professional athletic scene. But Straddling The Line fell short on the scoring.

Straddling The Line features Trevor Shay. Trevor is a dual professional athlete. He plays baseball for the St. Louis Rivers and football for Tampa. He is juggling to professional careers and trying to stay on top of his game. When the death of his suriggate dorm father brings him back into the Briscoe family fold at surrogate mother’s request, he finds that he may be adding one more thing to his list. That is Haven Briscoe.

Haven has struggled after her father’s death. She gave up a successful job in New York as a sport’s journalist to go home to Dallas. Being around Trevor again, her secret crush in college, has her reeling. But she can’t seem to get out of her funk. Trevor knows just how to get her kick started.

Trevor sets up a full tell all expose with the network with the condition that Haven is to be the interviewer. He is hoping that this will bring Haven back into the fold and back into her game.

This tell all interview ends up to be much more than Trevor and Haven planned. This lengthy interview will reveal secrets, expose feelings, and build a relationship neither anticipated. Their chemistry will escalate from hot to a scorching passionate burn.

While I love Jaci Burton and the Play By Play series, Straddling The Line just did not work for me. I felt the scenes were rushed, the chemistry between the characters pushed, the story was rushed and did not flow well. The ending and epilogue were rushed and abbreviated. The characters just did not get under my skin. I found that I was forcing myself to finish this book.

Author Bio:

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

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Review: Jack and Djinn by Jasinda Wilder – The Houri Legends -Book 1

Posted on 07/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Jack and Djinn

Book 1 in The Houri Legends

By Jasinda Wilder

Synopsis

Miriam’s life is a hot mess. Ben won’t let her go and she knows she can’t take anymore. She simply will not and cannot withstand another insult, another drunken rage, another blow. But she has nowhere to go, no one to help her.

One night, Ben’s alcohol-fueled abuse explodes hotter than it ever has before, and Miriam isn’t sure she’ll survive it this time.

Then Miriam meets Jack. Sweet, handsome, brave, and totally unafraid of the strange and often scary things that have begun happening whenever Miriam’s emotions run high.

As things between Miriam and Jack heat up, so does Ben’s jealous rage, as well as the mysterious fire that seems to burn hotter and hotter inside Miriam. She quickly discovers two things: one, that she has a lot more power and strength hidden within herself than she’d ever imagined, and two, that Jack’s gentle, unwavering love can heal a lifetime of wounds and scars.

Will they survive to explore all that could be between them?

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Michel’s Review

Jasinda Wilder stepped out of her comfort zone and dove into the paranormal genre. She added her own special flare to make this book come alive. She chose an unusual paranormal character based on ancient Arabic legends, added a contemporary life to the character, allowed her to grow as a person as well as a paranormal entity, and gave her a chance at love that will last beyond a lifetime. Not only did Jasinda create a unique character with paranormal elements, she also tackled some very heavy and disturbing issues, added a high element of suspense, gave us a little Irish magic, and managed to give us a romantic book that evolve around paranormal chaos. To combine all these elements into one book is impressive. What is even more impressive was that she made all these elements work and wrote a story that was effortless to read and kept me captivated from beginning to end. She added enough intrigue at the ending that made the readers want more of this series.

Jasinda is one of the most gifted writers I have read. Her stories flow with ease. The reader becomes immersed into her fictional worlds and becomes captivated with every word. Her characters are very real people with very real strengths and flaws. The romance she adds to every book is heartfelt, sensual, and steamy. She challenges her writing skills with every book and does not let herself get “boxed in” to writing one type of story. That is a big plus in the competitive world of publishing where the market is saturated with so many books. This is what makes Jasinda Wilder the huge success she is today. This is what makes Jasinda one of my favorite writers.

Jack and Djinn started out with an interesting scene that drew me in immediately. It starts with two homicide detectives at a crime scene investigating a badly charred body. They have never seen a body this badly burned. What is so weird about the crime scene is the lack of evidence of a fire or accelerants. There is blood at the scene that clearly does not belong to the victim. The detectives are baffled.

Detective Carson Hale is the lead investigator to this unsolved murder. Once the body is identified as Ben Wade, Carson begins to unravel the events that lead up to the demise of the victim. As he searches for pieces of the puzzle to solve this crime, the story of Miriam and Jack begins.

Two people brought together from an horrific abusive situation. Two people finding love in a world where their lives are at stake. Two people finding their magic through their love for one another. Two people doing everything they can to survive so that they can hold onto their love and future.

As the story unfolds through the eyes of Detective Carson Hale, the reader will be immersed into a world of intrigue and suspense. And when the Detective finally solves the case not only will he be astonished, he will become a very integral part of the Houri Legends. I cannot wait for the next book.

Jack and Djinn is captivating magical book.

Author Bio:

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her five children and menagerie of animals.

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Review: Come To Me Softly by A. L. Jackson- Closer To You Series- Book 2

Posted on 07/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Come To Softly

By A. L. Jackson

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Me Quietly comes a scorching new adult romance in the Closer to You series.

A second chance at life…

A second chance at love…

Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed?

To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Come To Me Softly is the sequel to Come To Me Quietly by A. L. Jackson. Come To Me Softly picks up where Come To Me Quietly left off. In fact it picks up the morning after. This is not a stand alone novel. Come To Me Quietly must be read first.

Jared is still broken but has come to accept that he is important in Aly’s life. Although he still does not feel worthy of Aly’s love, he is willing to accept it and try to build a relationship that can help him move on from the past.

As these two build their relationship, the reader gets to see the importance of their connected pasts, how much they mean to each other, and learning how to love. It is learning to face your mistakes, learning to forgive yourself, learning to forgive others, and opening your heart to all possibilities.

Author Bio:

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.

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This book is a beautiful emotional journey. Jared and Aly will find peace, but best of all, they find their happily ever after.

A. L. Jackson is a powerful writer. The reader experiences every word on the page. The characters, the emotions, and their story come across as very real. Another book well done, another conclusion very satisfying.

Review: When Day Breaks by Maya Banks – KGI Series – Book 9

Posted on 07/17/2014 by shellbellereads

When Day Breaks

By Maya Banks

Synopsis

THE ALL-NEW KGI NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELING AUTHOR AUTHOR MAYA BANKS

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business. Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background. Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Eden is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her face has graced countless magazines and her body has sold millions of dollars of clothing. But her fame and beauty has earned her more than she ever imagined. Evil is stalking her, determined to extinguish the ethereal beauty forever.

Swanson or “Swanny” as his teammates call him is always up for the next mission. He came back from Afghanistan wounded and scarred. Hardly the kind of man who even belongs in the same room with Eden. And yet there’s something about the quiet beauty that stirs his blood and makes him dream of the impossible. Because Beauty loving the Beast only happens in fairy tales and KGI doesn’t deal in fairy tales. Ever.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

2.5 Stars

I have been a huge fan of the KGI series by Maya Banks. I have been reading this series since the first book was published a few years ago. It is one of my go to series. I am pre ordering the next book the moment it is available. I have become very invested in the Kelly Group International. They are alpha men, strong women, a mission, a sizzling romance, and overall family saga. It is hot romantic suspense at it’s best.

Sadly to say, When Day Breaks, book 9 in the KGI series just did not live up to the excellent standards as the previous books in this series set.

The other books in this series have all had a strong romantic suspense element in the plots. When Day Breaks fell short. It lacked action, edge of the seat suspense, and was predictable. It also lacked the strong family feeling of unity. Although the other Kelly members were present, the reader just did not feel that “support” that has been so strongly present in the other books. I think this is because Maya was focusing on Swanny’s wounded soul. And yes while this was important, it is also important to see how the Kelly family brought him into the fold and gave him a place to belong. We just did not feel that in this book.

Overall I really love Swanny’s character. He is a wounded soul with scars on the inside as well as outside. He is a caring man with a lot to give others.

Swanny is paired up with Eden, a super model. I did not care much for her character. Her entire character is based off her looks, how others reacted to her looks, preconceive notions about models, and how her persona was more than that. It was hard to get past that and see how she really fell for the entire person that Swanny is.

I think Maya wanted to show that looks don’t make a difference, that beauty can love the beast, and that there is more to every person under the surface. And while she did that, she lost the focus of the romance, sexual chemistry, plot, and action that we have come to expect in the KGI books.

I am still completely invested in the KGI series. I still love Swanny. I was just hoping that his book would be the best in the series. But we still have Joe’s story to come. I am looking forward to it.

Author Bio:

Maya Banks lives in Texas with her husband, three children and assortment of pets. When she’s not writing, she can be found hunting, fishing or playing poker.

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Review: Cracks In The Armor by Helena Hunting – Clipped Wings Series-Book 2.5

Posted on 07/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Cracks In The Armor

By Helena Hunting

Synopsis

Chris, a sexy tattoo artist, tries to win the heart of Sarah, a grad student with little interest in him, in this second e-short and follow-up to Helena Hunting’s gripping love story, Clipped Wings—“twisted, dark, incredibly erotic…a love story like no other” (USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton).

Part owner of the Chicago tattoo shop Inked Armor, Chris Zelter is a talented artist who decorates skin with gorgeous designs. He might look the part of the typical jacked-up, inked-up bad-boy, but underneath is a fiercely loyal, complicated man. Kicked out at sixteen, Chris has had to fend for himself for the last twelve years, making his Inked Armor crew as much family as they are business partners. For him, it’s enough—until he meets Sarah Adamson.

A grad student waitressing at the local strip club, Sarah is used to propositions and crude comments. The job is a means to an end—finish her MBA, pay off the tuition loans, and get a good job. Then she won’t have to rely on anyone to take care of her. So when brawny, tatted up Chris begins hanging out at the club, she rebuffs his advances. At first. But Chris isn’t like her usual clientele: despite his hard exterior, he’s almost…sweet.

Sometimes, the people with the roughest edges have the biggest hearts.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Cracks In The Armor by Helena Hunting is a novella in the Clipped Wings series. The main characters are Chris and Sarah. We met both of these characters in the previous Clipped Wings books that featured Hayden and Tenley. Cracks In The Armor is the prequel to Chris and Sarah’s upcoming full length novel.

We get an insight into what drives these characters. We get to know them a little better. We get a better understanding of why Chris is against commitments and relationships. We get to see him acting upon his attraction to Sarah and setting his sights on the pursuit. This attraction between the two has been building throughout the series.

Sarah keeps turning Chris down. No matter how hard he chases, she still says no. We get to see what her reasoning and fears are. We get to say the moment she takes a chance and says yes.

This couple has a long way to go. I can’t wait for their full length novel. Cracks In The Armor gives us a taste of what’s to come in the next book in the Clipped Wings series. It gives the reader’s a chance to become invested in the characters. We see their individuality and their compatibility.

Helena Hunting has her very own writing style that I immensely enjoy. Rather than create drama, angst, long drawn out plots with quick happily ever after endings, she gives us characters that experience real life. We see their daily ups and downs, their full personalities, their interactions with those around them, and we get to experience their emotional journey. The Clipped Wings series is one not to miss.

The Clipped Wings Series ~ ALL 4 STAR RATINGS ~

0.5 Cupcakes and Ink

1. Clipped Wings

1.5 Between The Cracks

2. Inked Armor

2.5 Cracks In Armor

Author Bio:

Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her English degree to good use by writing popular fiction. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.

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Review: Proving Paul’s Promise by Tammy Falkner- Book 5 Reed Brothers Series

Posted on 07/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Proving Paul’s Promise by Tammy Falkner

The Reed Brothers Series Book 5

Synopsis

*Intended for readers over the age of 18 due to sexual content and the fact that the heroine has a potty mouth.* 🙂

This book is part of the Reed Brothers series, but you don’t have to read them in order. This book can be read as a stand alone.

Series reading order:

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (currently free)

Smart, Sexy, and Secretive

Calmly, Carefully, Completely

Finally Finding Faith

Just Jelly Beans and Jealousy

Reagan’s Revenge and Ending Emily’s Engagement

Maybe Matt’s Miracle

He has watched her from afar…

Paul Reed has been raising children since he was a child himself, but he wouldn’t change his life, even if given an opportunity. That is, until one of his brothers says four little words that shake the foundation of his world. “She’s not a lesbian,” shouldn’t be quite so earth shattering, but suddenly the woman he loves is available, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over.

They call her Friday, and she’s hiding more than just her name…

Friday has worked in the Reeds’ tattoo parlor for four years. She’s become more than just an employee, and she loves being in the middle of something so wonderful. She treasures the way the Reeds live for one another, and she adores the way they take care of their family. She would do just about anything to be part of it, if not for the fact that she doesn’t deserve a family of her own. Or does she? Friday is punishing herself for her past, and by doing so, she pushes away the one man who could truly love her.

Separately, they’re strong. Together, they’re vulnerable. As a team, they rock.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

6 Star Review

by Michel

It is no secret that the Reed Brothers Series by Tammy Falkner is one of my all time favorite series. Each brother and each book has captured my heart . I love the family dynamics, dedication to one another, their compassion for others, their honest views, and interactions with their inner circle of friends, aquaintances, business associates, and extended family. Once the Reed Brothers take someone into their fold, they are fiercely loved.

The Reed Family consists of 5 brothers. After the death of their mother and their father’s abandonment they did everything to keep their family together. These five young men grew from teens to strong young men on their own. They held onto the values they had been taught as children and learned many more as they fought to keep their family together. They have survived many trials and tribulations. Through it all they had each other’s backs. One had cancer, one was a convict, one had special needs, one has their hopes to finish college and become a professional ball player and one has been the father figure that gave up his hopes and dreams to keep their family together. He promised his brothers that their life would turn out okay and did everything within his power to keep that promise. That brother is the oldest of the Reed clan and the one they all look to. Proving Paul’s Promise is the book that finally gives the oldest Reed a chance at his hopes and dreams.

Paul sacrificed his youth, his dreams, and his own happiness to raise his younger brothers. His long time girlfriend broke up with him because she didn’t want the responsibilities of the Reed clan. He is a single father dedicated to his little girl. He has watched his younger brothers grow from boys to men. He has stood strong when sickness and death threatened one of his brothers. He fought to keep the two youngest, the twins , on a positive path that would lead to bright futures. Although one became a convict, he still turned out to be successful in life because of the values Paul instilled in him at a young age.

Paul has watched three of his brothers struggle with their lives and chase their dreams. He has watched them find their true loves and start families. Only one brother is still single and in college. He has the apartment to himself and at loose ends. He still runs the family tattoo shop. In that shop is the one thing he wants more than anything. That is Friday. She has become an extended member of the Reed clan. She has seen their ups and downs. She loves them as if they were her own family. She secretly loves Paul but refuses to do anything about it. Her life is too screwed up. She has turned her back on her own family. How can she possibly have a relationship with a man when she can’t even handle her own life and relationships. Especially with a man like Paul, who is dedicated to his family no matter what. Paul promises her he won’t let her down, he will always have her back, and he will love her no matter what. Can she accept everything Paul has to offer? Paul has always kept his promises and never turns away.

I absolutely loved this book. Tammy Falkner showed vulnerabilities in two very strong people. She showed the readers a very different side of Paul Reed that made us love and respect him more. Of course we got to see how the Reed clan’s lives are moving forward and growing. As always it is a fabulous read.

This book can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I would highly recommend reading the series. It has been on my favorites list since the summer of 2013. Each and every book has been a 5 + book.

I can’t wait for the last brother, Sam’s book. I have a feeling Sam is going to be on his toes and baking up a storm to win his own love for life.

The Reed Brothers Series

1. Tall, Tatted, and Tempting

2. Smart, Sexy and Secretive

3. Calmly, Carefully, Completely

3.25 Finally Finding Faith

3.5 Just Jelly Beans and Jealousy

3. 75 Reagan’s Revenge

4. Maybe Matt’s Miracle

5. Proving Paul’s Promise

About Tammy Falkner:

Tammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she wrote three books for Sourcebooks as Tammy Falkner, featuring Regency Faeries, and just began her first New Adult adult series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: A Wedding At The Blue Moon Cafe by Cate Masters

Posted on 07/16/2014 by shellbellereads

A Wedding At The Blue Moon Cafe

By Cate Masters

Synopsis

Never look back. Clarissa Hartman left her miserable life behind the day she graduated high school, the same day she turned 18. Driving for days, the road led her to Marfa, Texas. Right away, she knew she’d found home. Seven years later, she’s found her place in life plus the one thing she never expected to find: love. Dylan Wall’s everything she ran away from. So why can’t she stay away from him?

Never give up. Dylan Wall is at the top of his game. His PR firm’s sought out by brand name companies, but he’s so busy spinning everyone else’s reps, he doesn’t realize his personal life’s taken a downhill turn. Deep down, he knows that somewhere, the perfect someone is waiting for him. The woman who’ll accept him for who he is – if he’s ever able to reveal it. When he lands in Marfa for his best friend’s wedding, Clarissa’s sharp tongue puts everything in a different perspective. She draws out a side of himself hidden away for too long. She’s everything he wants, in the wrong package. So why does she feel like home?

In Marfa, appearances are deceptive. Discovering the truth beneath the surface is the first step toward finding yourself, and joy.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Kristyn’s Review

Clarissa is a tatted up waitress/ artist. She is beautiful but damaged by her brother’s death and her parents refusal to accept her the way she is. She wants a guy to love and to accept her the way she is. But so far she hasn’t had much luck.

Dylan is a guy in search of the picture perfect life. Which to him includes success, money and all the women he wants. When he see’s how love transformed his friend he can’t help but be skeptical. He hasn’t even felt that way for a woman and doesn’t want to be tied down. He views marriage as a shackle that signifies the end of life. But something about Marfa changes him slowly but in the most meaningful way.

Dylan was such a douche at the beginning of this book. He was so hard to like. He was such a frat boy as Clarissa called him. But he was redeemed by the end. His transition almost seemed a little too quick and easy but I’ll let you decide that when you read it. Clarissa was an artistic free spirit. She was likeable and a strong personality. They make an unlikely pair but the writer makes it work. This book is for the HEA lovers who like to see the hard to catch guys, tamed.

Author Bio:

Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. Most days, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.
In 2010, the Pearl S. Buck Foundation awarded her short story first place. In 2005, Pennwriters awarded her second place in its annual Short Story contest. Her novels, novellas and short fiction have been published by Decadent Publishing, Lyrical Press, Book Strand, The Wild Rose Press, Eternal Press, Whiskey Creek Press, Wild Child Publishing/ Freya’s Bower. Her flash and short stories are published with The Battered Suitcase, A Long Story Short, Dark Sky Magazine, Cezanne’s Carrot, The Harrow, Flesh from Ashes, Quality Women’s Fiction, Phase, and The Writer’s online edition. Her freelance articles have appeared in The Sentinel, Carlisle.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Book Review

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Review: When Day Breaks by Maya Banks – KGI Series – Book 9

Review: Cracks In The Armor by Helena Hunting – Clipped Wings Series-Book 2.5

Review: Proving Paul’s Promise by Tammy Falkner- Book 5 Reed Brothers Series

Review: A Wedding At The Blue Moon Cafe by Cate Masters

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