New Release + Excerpt + Review: The Deep End by Kristen Ashley – The Honey Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/09/2017 by shellbellereads

✮✮✮A delicious world of erotica, BDSM with alpha-subs and their Dommes, and a gripping love story…Welcome to The Bee’s Honey! The first book in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Honey Series, THE DEEP END is a seductive and rich lovestory. Order your copy today! ✮✮✮

Fall into THE DEEP END and order your copy today!

About THE DEEP END (Erotic Romance Releasing March 7, 2017):

Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are committed to fulfilling a woman’s every desire…

Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him hungers for the lifestyle offered by this exclusive club. Here, no boundary will be left untested…and one’s deepest fantasies will become an exquisite reality.

When Amélie invites Olivier to surrender, she gives the alpha submissive what he craves. Soon they both find themselves falling harder than they ever anticipated—but as their connection deepens, the truth about Olivier’s past could destroy everything…

Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

GooglePlay | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM

Excerpt

She slid out of the booth with murmurings of “good night” and “have fun,” taking her stiletto-heeled-sandal-shod feet with the will of steel her mother had begun the process of instilling in her and her training as a Domme had completed.

She could not have her legs give out on her and she could not expose her nervous anticipation.

And she wouldn’t.

But, God, she had not felt like this in years. That sub she’d spied or she’d had who was so promising or such a transcendent experience to play with that she could barely control her own reactions to exploring that promise or again feeling the wholeness, togetherness, oneness with another.

She moved in his direction, no game playing. She didn’t even glance at Stellan in his booth.

Amélie didn’t participate in those games, not ever. There was no reason for her to be coy with a sub.

And she moved with the gait and bearing that it was solely her mother who’d ingrained in her in the sporadic times they’d had together, doing it with an unrelenting fervor that it would take the threat of death to force her to move any other way.

Chin up. Shoulders straight and slightly back. A sway of her hips so subtle, it was elusive. Long, confident strides.

Amélie could walk a catwalk.

She could also make a specimen she was approaching get so hard his cock was aching by the time she made it to him.

She hadn’t even gone halfway when he sensed her approach and she was gratified that his response was instantaneous.

He pushed from the wall. He turned fully to face her. And she felt his eyes drop not with the respect a sub owed a Domme, but to take her in from sandals to hair.

Then his gaze locked on hers and he didn’t look away.

He didn’t look away.

He watched her approach not like he was taking the risky liberty he was taking but like it was his God-given right.

Amélie felt her clit quiver.

She arrived at him, stopping several feet away, knowing that the minute her body language made it clear she was going in for the capture, most eyes in the room, if not all, were on her.

She did not care about this. Not that she’d ever care about this (which she wouldn’t), but because, now close to him, she found to her enchanted surprise, he was not big.

He was colossal.

A mighty beast.

A magnificent beast.

Exquisite.

He was not six foot five. He was six-six, more likely six-seven. A mountain of compacted muscle encased in a very fine, very expensive suit.

Taking him in, in proximity, she wanted him more than she’d already wanted him. She wanted no boundaries. She wanted everything. Her diverse skill set, experience, imagination, creativity, and if it came down to it, sheer determination and grit, she’d utilize it all to wring him dry in a way he’d contemplate murder in order to have the opportunity to come back for more.

She was on the verge of speaking when he did.

His direct gaze appreciative, and arrogant smile curving his full lips, he asked, “How you doin’ sweetheart?”

She froze.

Full eye contact. Speaking without being spoken to. Using an unconsented and unearned endearment.

The already damp gusset of her panties soaked to the point her wet crept up the silk of her front and back sides.

But her brows snapped together, her censure clear, and her lips ordered, “Follow me.”

Michel’s Review

The new Honey Series is quite different than what avid Kristen Ashley fans have come to expect from her books. This new series explores a completely different type of romance genre that Kristen Ashley usually writes, it leans more towards erotica romance. It explores the world of BDSM and the Honey Club. This takes a bit of a different approach, a hot alpha male in the role as a sub. A man who has two distinct sides to his personality that normally would contradict each other. So how can this possibly work in a romance. Romance readers lean towards a dominant alpha male who takes charge at all times, especially in the bedroom. Somehow Kristen Ashley pulled it off and made Oliver a swoon worthy hero in his own right. As for his dominatrix, Mistress Amelie, she is a little harder to connect to.

Most of this story revolves around the sexual relationship between Oliver and Amelie. The reader doesn’t get to experience much of their life and relationship outside of club. In my mind, that is the true test of the strength of their commitment to one another. I personally would of liked experiencing more of the dynamics of their lives outside of the club.

The Deep End was a bit more than an erotica romance. There was a bit of mystery and intrigue that revolved around the club but it was not the focus of the story. I think this is a book that each reader needs to judge for themselves. It took me out of my comfort zone but overall was a good story. Kristen Ashley made it work.

_______________________________________________

About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST * INSTAGRAM

New Release + Excerpt + Review: Cole by Tijan

Posted on 03/08/2017 by shellbellereads

He was the leader of the mafia. I was about to fall in love with him, and his name…Cole Mauricio.

***

Cole

By Tijan

Buy: Amazon US / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis:

I shouldn’t have remembered him.

He was just a guy who walked through a restaurant. I didn’t know his name. We never made eye contact. There was no connection between us at all.

But I could feel him.

The tingle down my spine. The command in his presence. The snap of tension in the air around him. That was the first time I saw him, and I was captivated.

The second time was different.

He was in the mysterious back elevator of my apartment building. Our eyes met for a fleeting second before the doors closed, and I was staggered. My breath was robbed. My senses on high alert. My body hummed.

That was just the beginning.

He was the leader of the mafia. I was about to fall in love with him, and his name…

Cole Mauricio

Excerpt

Once inside the elevator, I stood to one side, watching him. He returned my gaze.

We still did not touch.

My chest tightened, hoping no one would call the elevator at that moment. We sailed past the lobby, the second floor, and stopped at mine. I put in the code, and the doors opened to my home.

I drew in a breath, filling my lungs again. God, it was time.

Stepping out with shaky knees, I bypassed the light switch. The full moon lit up my entire floor. I went to the kitchen and paused at the island. “Did you want something to drink?” I caught sight of the tequila and wine on the counter. There was more than enough.

Cole stepped up behind me and followed my gaze. “Were you going to have a party?” he asked, his breath coating the back of my neck.

I shivered, closing my eyes for one delicious moment. “I stocked up. I thought a friend was coming over tonight.”

His hand rested on my back, nudging my sweater aside to touch my skin. “He?”

“She. Sia.” I looked over my shoulder. He was so close. “She stood me up for a date.”

A faint smile showed. “I need to send her a thank-you card.”

“Please don’t sign it.”

“Why not?”

I turned around, easing my back against the island. Cole placed his hands on either side of me, trapping me in place.

“Because she’s slightly obsessed with you, though she’s in love with someone else now. She could circle back,” I joked.

“Me?”

“We saw you one night.”

“When?” He leaned away, but his hands remained on the counter. It was like he was giving me breathing space on purpose.

“At Gianni’s. We went there the night I moved in.”

He didn’t move, but I could feel him pulling away. A protest started in my head, but I bit back the words. He didn’t reply. He was waiting for me instead.

I continued, “You came in with a bunch of men and went upstairs. That was it.”

His eyes narrowed. “Did you talk to anyone?”

“What do you mean?”

“The staff?”

“About you?”

“About anything.”

My forehead wrinkled. “Sia networked with the hostess. They exchanged cards. Sia said the girl was a model. She recognized her from the Gala. That was it. Oh, well, another server sat with us for a drink later on. But they mostly talked with Sia about the Gala and about photographers—stuff like that.”

He relaxed, his hands loosening their hold on the counter. I was scared to ask what he was so worried they’d told us.

“I don’t know who you are.” I lifted a hand, placing it on his chest. His heart was racing, just like mine. My mouth parted in surprise. “If that’s what you’re worried about.”

He glanced down at my hand and held still. He was thinking something over. I held my tongue, worried it was me, that he was second-guessing this night for us. I wanted to tell him there was nothing to worry about, but it sounded ridiculous. I really had no idea. So I waited it out, my heart pressing against my rib cage.

When he looked back up, the hunger was in his eyes again—dark, primal, and more evident than ever. He took my hand and leaned in, closing the distance between us. With his other hand, he cupped the side of my face. “I wasn’t second-guessing this. I want you to know that.” His touch was tender.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Something else, but it wasn’t you.”

“This is one of those moments where you wish you could tell me, but you can’t? Not yet?”

The corner of his mouth lifted. His eyes moved from mine to my lips. “Something like that, yes.”

“Mmmm-hmmm,” I started to tease, but then his head dipped down, and his lips were on mine.

I gasped. The pleasure was immediate. His mouth was gentle, but as he felt my body’s reaction, he applied pressure. His touch grew more demanding, then I was kissing him back. I wanted more. Someone groaned. That was me.

His hand slid around to the back of my neck. He held me in his grip as his mouth explored mine, opening over me and slipping inside. My hands grasped his shoulders, just holding on. All I could focus on was his tongue. I met his with mine and reveled in the sensation. But it wasn’t enough. Need shot through my whole body.

My hands slid under his shirt and moved over his back and shoulders. His body was just as powerful as his presence. I felt the shift of his muscles. They trembled under my hands. The feeling was intoxicating. I had power over him, and I wanted more. I wanted to see how much power I actually had.

Pulling back, I studied him.

He was panting lightly. So was I.

I could see him wondering what I was going to do, so I reached back to the counter and started to lift myself. His hands caught the backs of my thighs, and he lifted me the rest of the way. Now sitting on the edge of the island, my legs parted, and he was back between them. His mouth went right to mine.

I couldn’t get over what I was doing. I didn’t care.

I didn’t think I would care the next day, the day after, or however long this lasted. I had no clue. I only knew I had one night. One long night.

Michel’s Review

For fans of Mafia romances, Cole by Tijan is the next read to put on your list. It has everything the reader wants this type of book. Intrigue, mystery, a bit of darkness, and sizzling hot chemistry between the characters.

For the past year Addison Bowman has been living in a world of grief after witnessing her husband Liam get run down by a drunk driver. She has been unable to move on and get her life started again. She’s going through the motions but not really living her life. After a suggestion by her best friend to move out of the house she shared with her husband to a luxury apartment in the Maucurio Building. This move is exactly what she needed to kickstart her life once again. When she meets Cole Mauricio, the owner of the building, her life is about to change once again.

Cole Mauricurio is the only surviving member and head of the Mauricio family. He’s highly guarded and protected by his men. He keeps his secrets well hidden and guarded. When he meets Addison, he didn’t expect the attraction to go beyond the physical sense.

As their relationship begins to become deeper, Cole’s secret and connection to Addison’s past could destroy it all. He would do anything to protect her. Even if it means losing her. Once Addison finds out the truth about his real identity and connections, she will have to choose what comes next in her life. Is she willing to continue feeling alive or will she walk away from the new life she has started?

Tijan once again delivered an enthralling mafia romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. The twist and turns lead the reader down a road of intrigue and the unexpected. There was also a cameo appearance by Carter Reed that validates the direction of this story. I loved the characters but felt like I needed more information about who Cole Mauricio really was. I would of liked to have experienced more from his POV. Overall it was a really good book and I would highly recommend it.

_____________________

I didn’t begin writing until after undergraduate college. There’d been storylines and characters in my head all my life, but it came to a boiling point one day and I HAD to get them out of me. So the computer was booted up and I FINALLY felt it click. Writing is what I needed to do. After that, I had to teach myself how to write. I can’t blame my teachers for not teaching me all those years in school. It was my fault. I was one of the students that was wishing I was anywhere but at school! So after that day, it took me lots of work until I was able to put together something that resembled a novel. I’m hoping I got it right since someone must be reading this profile! And I hope you keep enjoying my future stories.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Surprise Release… Logan Clay Forbidden Rockers Box Set by Sarah Robinson

Posted on 03/07/2017 by shellbellereads

Logan Clay Forbidden Rockers Boxed Set

By Sarah Robinson

Buy: Amazon

ABOUT THE BOXSET:
The complete Kindle Unlimited Bestselling series, Logan Clay: The Forbidden Rockers is newly available in a boxset, including all three novels in the series: Logan’s Story: A Prequel, Her Forbidden Rockstar, and Rocker Christmas. This rockstar romance series tells the story of Logan Clay, the lead singer of rock band, Haven, as he falls in love with the stage…and the woman of his dreams.

Before the lights, stage, and music, Logan Clay was just a boy from the poor side of town trying to take care of his mother while chasing his dreams. All he needed was one chance, one big break to show the world everything he had to offer—and Gina Vile offered that to him. Little did Logan realize when signing that contract, he also signed his soul over to a woman who only saw him in terms of record sales.

Caroline Sanders doesn’t care one bit who Logan Clay is, and he liked that. A lot. The way she put him in his place and didn’t want a thing from him had Logan’s head spinning, and his heart pounding. He sure as hell wants her, but convincing her to take a chance on him requires risking everything he worked for…including his music.

A chance at love he never thought he’d have.
A chance at freedom he’s not sure he even deserves.
All he’s ever wanted was…a chance.

__________________________________

Sarah Robinson is the bestselling
author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A
native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is
just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo
of rescue and foster animals.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Release Blitz: Hot Stuff by Carly Phillips – Hot Zone Series

Posted on 03/07/2017 by shellbellereads

The Hot Zone Series from Carly Phillips is available now!!!

The Hot Zone Series
by Carly Phillips
Genre: Contemporary Romance

hot stuff2_amazon

Hot Stuff ( Hot Zone Book 1)

He’s about to find out … She’s not just one of the guys.

Annabelle Jordan and her two sisters were orphans in frilly dresses when they went to live with their sports-lawyer uncle in his world of locker rooms, bookies and gambling. Now the girls are publicists in their uncle’s firm, The Hot Zone.

Despite her upbringing, Annabelle is all woman. She’s naturally drawn to real men—like her latest client, businessman and former football legend Brandon Vaughn.

The chemistry is potent, undeniable, irresistible. Annabelle soon realizes that Brandon is much more than just another jock. And that she’d better hold on tight if she doesn’t want to lose her heart.

Start the Series With Hot Stuff Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2n0RErW

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/wGgMQg

iBooks: https://goo.gl/cEhBwZ

Nook: https://goo.gl/Yv6u2M

Kobo: https://goo.gl/r9G50W

Google Play: https://goo.gl/Nq6Ft2

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/Fh1DNN

SBPR-CP-HZ-AdAN

Grab the Rest of the Series!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2lK23qP

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/XspFCP

iBooks: https://goo.gl/cEhBwZ

Nook: https://goo.gl/Lk1Ff1

Kobo: https://goo.gl/RdGsy0

Google Play: https://goo.gl/dMjoLP

Meet Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels, including the Indie published, Dare to Love Series. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers.

6-1p0a8410_1

Connect with Carly:

Sign up for Carly’s Newsletter at: http://www.carlyphillips.com/newsletter-sign-up/
Sign up for Blog and Website updates at: http://www.carlyphillips.com/blog
Sign up for Text Updates of New Releases: http://tinyurl.com/p3upm5s
Friend Carly on Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage
Hang out at Carly’s Corner! (Hot guys & giveaways!) http://smarturl.it/CarlysCornerFB
Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlyphillips
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips
Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Catching Carly by Emma Hart – Barley Cross Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/07/2017 by shellbellereads

My name is Carly Porter… And I’m really good at bad decisions.

How do I know this, exactly? Well, not including the time I accidentally bleached my eyebrows or sprained my ankle changing a lightbulb…

I had sex with my best friend’s brother.

Zeke Elliott has been a thorn in my side for eleven years. A very sexy, very tempting, very freaking annoying one. With big…hands.

And now my clitoris has a crush on the guy.

Seriously. I can’t look at him without my vagina performing accidental kegels. Which would be fine, but he’s Cain’s brother. I hate him. He’s off limits, right?

Right.

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA | B&N | iBooks

I close my eyes and slip one leg out of the window.

Everybody can see my panties.

Not that anyone is here, but I just know everybody can.

This is horrible. And it hurts.

I’m never dating again.

I’m going to buy fifty cats. They’ll never make me climb out of a bathroom window.

“You’re looking at my underwear, aren’t you?” I ask, unfortunately pausing with my legs wide open.

“No.”

“Liar.”

“It’s nice underwear.”

“Oh god.” I swing my other leg down a little too quick.

My dress rides up.

Right over my ass.

And my feet can’t reach the crates.

Zeke chuckles.

“Help me, you pig!”

More laughter.

“I’m gonna be stuck here forever. Oh my god.”

The bathroom door opens.

Can this get any worse?

A fifty-something woman I don’t recognize freezes in the middle of the restroom.

I smile sweetly.

She eyes me suspiciously before shuffling into a cubicle.

“Get me down!” I hiss, kicking my legs. “Now, Ezekiel!”

Something scrapes and knocks together.

“Still so hot when you call me that. Especially when your ass is out.” Thud. “All right, sweetcheeks. I’ve got you.”

“Sweetcheeks? What is wrong with you?”

“Look, you can hang there all night bitchin’ at me if you want, but it’s not my bare ass in the middle of the alley. As much as I’m enjoying the view.”

“Oh my god,” I groan. “You swear you’ll catch me?”

“I swear.” His fingertips brush against my bare legs.

My shudder is disguised by the trembling of my arms as I lower myself down.

Zeke’s fingers trail up the outsides of my thighs until he grasps my waist. “Let go.”

I freeze, tensing up.

“Carly, let go. I have hold of you. I won’t drop you.”

Still tensed, I let go of the window ledge.

My life flashes before my eyes. Seriously. I see everything from my first memory to the moment I let go of the ledge and I squeal because I’m going to die and I know that he’s going to drop me and—

Zeke’s strong grip solidifies when he wraps his arm around my waist and holds me against him. “There,” he says calmly into my ear. “You dropped about six inches. You’re hardly cliff-diving.”

I open my eyes and look down at where his arm is pressed across my stomach. His grip is tight, and the popping veins on his forearm trace tantalizing lines across his skin.

And my dress is still around my hips.

I reach down and tug the material over my upper thighs. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He releases me, and when he jumps down from the crates, I see a flash of his cocky grin. “Nice thong.”

That explains the grin.

I clear my throat. “Thank you. It took me an hour to pick.”

“From your drawer?”

“No. From Victoria Secret. Have you seen how many panties are on that website?”

Zeke holds his hands out for me to take. “Oh, yeah. I’m wearing a pair right now.”

My lips curve slowly as I step down onto the ground. “Interesting. What type? Brief? Thong? Boy short? V-string?”

He blinks at me when I put my shoes on. “Why do you need so many different types? It’d be much easier if you just wore none at all.”

Tracey’s Review

Carly Porter has been besties with Brooke Barker and Cain Elliot for years. But, Zeke, Cain’s big brother? Not so much. More like frenemies, with the emphasis on enemies. Except for that one time, the time that Carly and Zeke, well, you know…

I was ready for CATCHING CARLY the minute that I finished BEING BROOKE. I fell in love with Brooke, Carly, and their crazy families from the small town of Barley Cross, GA, and wanted more ASAP. Well, thank you, Emma Hart, for feeding my addiction, and for doing so with such a sexy, lively, laugh-out-loud book. I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect story for Carly and Zeke, and I loved every single word.

Trying to keep the ‘hook-up that never happened’ firmly in the past and convince herself and everyone else that she can’t stand Zeke is a lot of work. Mostly because, whenever the two of them are in the same vicinity, it’s like spark central. Seriously, the chemistry between these two is in-your-face hot, and a lot obvious. And, I mean, really, why fight it? When you find someone that has your number the way that Zeke has Carly’s, it’s all over anyway. If they can weather the online dating hell, crazy senior citizen parties, and persistent exes, and still come out wanting to spend time together, it’s meant to be.

Emma’s sassy snarky dialogue and quirky and one-of-a-kind characters are on point here, as usual. If a book has me laughing so hard that family members come running to see what’s so funny, it’s a winner, and CATCHING CARLY had me laughing a lot. And, let’s not forget the steam factor. Emma’s got that down to a science, and she did not hold back. I think that I may have mentioned that the connection between Carly and Zeke is pretty combustible? Well, yeah, so keep that fan handy, because you’re going to need it…

As expected, CATCHING CARLY is 4.5 stars’ worth of love, laughter, and HEA that I would not hesitate to recommend to other readers. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Barley Cross and the people that live there from Emma, because these characters are just wonderful.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

___________________________________

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies—usually wine—and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

SIGN UP FOR ALL NEW RELEASE INFO!

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Release Blitz + Excerpt: Riot by Tillie Cole – Scarred Souls Series – Book 4

Posted on 03/07/2017 by shellbellereads

Stolen by the Arziani Georgian crime mob as a child, 152 was raised and conditioned to be a Mona—the most subservient of the Arziani Blood Pit slaves.

Gorgeous and kind, she has been and under the imprisoning influence of the Type B drug and under the command of the Blood Pit Master’s sister, Mistress Arziani, for most of her life, until the Master calls her back home to Georgia.

He wants her under his total control, and Master always gets what he wants.

But when 152 is gifted to the Blood Pit’s fearsome champion death match fighter as a prize, 152 suddenly finds out that the men who appear most brutal, may just own the kindest hearts. And love may be found, even when living in hell.

Freedom, family, love, 152 will have to fight for what she wants and ultimately make an impossible choice.

LUKA

“The real world isn’t ready to handle our reality. How could they accept that the gulags, the drugs, and the Blood Pit are real? It is the stuff of nightmares. How could they believe that males are being raised as killers, for sport and greed?
“Worse, it would surely implicate the Bratva and my people in too many ways. We can fight the police and the system here in our city, but we can’t take on the whole world.” Zaal shrugged and tapped the map of the Blood Pit. “We need a way in. We need a solid plan, and we need it fast. I won’t have our freedom jeopardized. I won’t have what I’ve found with my Talia taken away from me, after being without her all of these years.” He raised his brow. “And we know you won’t give up Kisa. We need to act, Luka, and we need to do it soon.”
Lifting the glass of water sitting beside me, I brought it to my lips and drained it in one motion. Zaal stood up. As he passed by, he pressed his hand on my shoulder. I didn’t move until I heard him leaving my house with Talia, who had been sitting with Kisa.
Pushing back from the table, I got to my feet and walked down the hallway. In the living room, Kisa was waiting for me on the couch, hand lying on her swollen stomach.
She took one look at me, her face sympathetic. Silently, she held out her hand. I took it in an instant and dropped to the couch beside her. Kisa fell against my chest and her hand landed on my stomach.
She didn’t say anything. Once I’d fought through my pride, I admitted, “I can’t see a way to defeat Arziani.” The minute I had confessed what was torturing my mind, a heavy weight lifted from my chest.
Kisa froze, then tilted up her chin to meet my eyes. I stared down at my beautiful wife and sighed. “They run a damn fortress, solnyshko. Arziani seems insane from what Valentin has said. He’s deluded, thinks he’s some kind of king, some Roman Caesar. The king of his prisoners. Males, just like me, he drugs them and forces them to fight on until they die. Kids plucked from families and or- phanages, made into his monsters.”
I ran my hand over my tired eyes and asked, “How the hell do we stop him? How do we even breach his Blood Pit?”
Kisa sat up and brought her face to hover above mine. “You’ll find a way, baby. I trust you, we all do.”
I shook my head. “And that’s the problem,” I said harshly. “Everyone expects me to work this out. Everyone expects me to find a way in and execute a plan to bring Arziani down.” I pressed my hand to Kisa’s pregnant stomach, to our baby she was carrying. “But more than that, I need this Arziani to be fucking killed. I need to cut off the head of the snake. Everything, everything we have all been through starts with Arziani. The gulags, his contact with the Durovs. Levan Jakhua worked with Arziani, using Anri and Zaal as his prototypes. Then we found out how he keeps so hidden—by using drugged killers as assassins. They take out anyone who is a threat.”
Kisa blinked, then blinked again when what I was saying hit home. “You believe he’s coming for us. You believe that now we know about him, he’ll send another Valentin.” Her words were not a question. Because she knew what she said was exactly what I’d been thinking.
An ache caved in my chest, and I leaned in to run my lips over hers. “If he came for you. If someone took you away from me . . .” I couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Stop,” Kisa said, moving back to press her finger over my lips. I took her hand in mine. My mind took me back to the gulag.
I could still smell the dankness of the cells. I could still smell the richness of the blood spilled hourly in the ring. I could still feel the heavy veil of death that draped us all, waiting to strike, waiting to deliver another soul to hell.
“Luka, lyubov moya, come back to me.”
I gasped as I heard Kisa’s soft voice cut through the memory. I tightened my grip on her hand. Once again I looked down to her stomach. My teeth clenched together, then I said, “I have to find a way to take him down. I can’t, I won’t, have our baby brought into this world knowing that the male who condemned me, us all, to that life is still breathing, still stealing children from homes, forc- ing them to be killers.”
A tear escaped Kisa’s eye to fall to our clasped hands. “Luka,” she whispered, “this man scares me more than anything else in the world.”
Dropping my forehead to rest against hers, I replied, “That’s another reason why he needs to be put out of our misery. I want our version of a normal life. I want this Bratva life with you, with my new brothers and our families. But as long as that prick lives, it can never happen.” I paused. My hand, still on Kisa’s stomach, felt a tiny kick.
My eyes darted to my wife’s stomach. Kisa laughed a single watery laugh. She covered my hand with her own, just as our baby kicked again.
Leaning forward, Kisa pressed her lips to mine. When she pulled back and I saw the love she had for me written on her stun- ning face, I knew I had to remedy the Arziani problem quickly.
I had two months until our child came into this world. What that world would look like depended on me.
A world free from any threat to our lives. That meant Arziani dead.
His guards slaughtered.
And the Blood Pit burned to ash.

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Author Links

Web Facebook Twitter Instagram Amazon Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Unwritten by Jen Frederick – The Woodland Series – Book 5

Posted on 03/06/2017 by shellbellereads

Unwritten

Woodlands Series – Book 5

By Jen Frederick

Release Date: March 6, 2017

Buy : Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

After years of trying to hit it big with his band, Adam Rees’ dream is
finally about to come true. A new lead singer brings with him a hot
tour invite, but with a catch—his sister has to come with them.
Despite an off-limits edict, Adam is instantly attracted the smart and
beautiful Landry. But if he wants to claim his woman, it might be at
the expense of all his ambitions.

Landry Olsen has had success at every stage of her life, except when
it comes to men. She’s put her heart on the shelf, but one look at
Adam and she’s a goner. The hot rocker heats her from the inside out,
and she wants him as much as he wants her. The only thing standing in
their way of their happiness is Landry’s brother—she ruined his
musical hopes before, and she won’t do it again. Even if it means
saying no to the one guy who makes her believe in love again.

There’s no fruit more tempting than the forbidden kind…

___________________________________________

Michel’s Review

It’s been almost two years since the last book in this series released. The release of Unwritten by Jen Frederick had me jumping with pure joy. The Woodlands series is one of my all time favorite series. I have become deeply connected with all the characters in this series and was anxiously waiting for Adam’s book to release. It was obvious that Adam wasn’t ready to fall in love. After watching his roommates fall hard and find happiness, he finally sees what he is missing. He’s ready for love and settle down with one woman.

For Adam, love came around at the same time his band got their big break. They have been invited on a big concert tour that could open the door for bigger things. Meeting “the girl” right before the tour is a complete bummer. That girl being his bandmate’s younger sister is even worse. To make matters even more difficult is the girl has a ton of baggage that is out of her control. She has a dangerous stalker threatening her life. What’s a guy to do with all of that at once?

Landry goes on tour with her brother and his band because her stalker is out of jail and threatening her once again. She’s attracted to Adam but her brother has made it abundantly clear that his bandmates are off limits. She doesn’t want to wreck their opportunity for bigger things by coming between the band members.

Adam and Landry were meant for one another. Nothing is going to stand in the way of their feelings. They will just have to figure out how to deal with her brother, the band, the upcoming fame, and get rid of the stalker. Their love is worth fighting for.

I absolutely loved this book. Seeing the other side of Adam and his true personality was wonderful. He is truly a great, sensitive man that knows how to treat a lady like she is the most precious thing in the world. That in itself was quite surprising because of his manwhore reputation in the previous books. Landry was a delightful, quirky, smart heroine that won my heart. The members of the band were just as delightful. Hopefully they will get their own books too. Jen Frederick has once again written a fantastic book.

Author Bio:

Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: What I Need by J. Daniels – Alabama Summer Series – Book 5

Posted on 03/06/2017 by shellbellereads

What I Need

Alabama Summer Series – Book 5

By J. Daniels

Buy: AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

From New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes a sexy new STANDALONE novel.

Riley Tennyson has made a huge mistake.

At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Showing up to her brother’s wedding pissed off and newly single, Riley seeks comfort in solitude and an open bar, until the gorgeous and irresistibly charming CJ Tully makes her a better offer―a wild night with the master of smooth-talking where nothing is off limits.

Riley does what any single woman would do, and a connection is made. One neither one of them can ignore. But when she comes home to the boyfriend she no longer thought she had, Riley buries her secret and begs CJ to do the same.

Forget about each other. It was a mistake. That’s all it was… right?

Desires are hidden. Distance is kept. Until one night CJ makes the ultimate sacrifice, and Riley can no longer avoid the man she can’t stop thinking about.

Not with him sleeping down the hall…

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

Michel’s Review

I went into this book completely blind. I have not read any of the other books in the Alabama Summer Series by J. Daniels. I didn’t realize that What I Need was the fifth book in the series. This book can easily be read as a stand alone novel. I can honestly say that I want to read the rest of the books in the Alabama Summer Series. The cast of characters is colorful, dynamic, and entertaining.

Riley Tennyson shows up at her brother’s wedding newly single and a whole lot of pissed off. Her only solace is the open bar and endless stream of Tequila. Needless to say Tequila opens a new can of worms for Riley. That can of worms is the swoon worthy CJ Tully. The result is a wild night neither will forget.

Riley and CJ try the friends thing but it’s just not working. CJ not only has a body Riley is lusting for, he is truly a great guy with the patience of a saint. Maybe it’s time to rethink her new mantra, after all he is sleeping down the hall.

Needless to say this book had the J. Daniels magic. A smoking hot hero who has a heart of gold and a quirky heroine that wins your heart supported by a great cast of characters that help this couple along. They will both muddle through all the reasons they shouldn’t fall but in the end they realize they fell in the very beginning. J. Daniels adds her special blend of comedy, fun, and emotional moments that make her books special.

I absolutely loved What I Need and am ready to read the previous books in the series.

_______________________________________

J.Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Sign up to receive her newsletter and get special offers and exclusive release info: http://authorjdaniels.com/newsletter/

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: All The Frogs In Manhattan by Carrie Aarons

Posted on 03/05/2017 by shellbellereads

Title: All the Frogs in Manhattan

Author: Carrie Aarons

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 5, 2017

Blurb

You know how Cinderella had the whole glass slipper, pumpkin carriage, fairy godmother thing?Yeah…with foot-destroying stilettos, Uber, and a Twitter horoscope, my life is far from a happily ever after.In fact, instead of Prince Charming, I end up dating every slimy, scaly, brainless frog in the kingdom of Manhattan. And by frog, I mean all of the stereotypical bad guys that Mom and Lifetime movies warned you about.

The meathead player.
The mommy’s boy.
The namedropper.
The cheapskate.

If they suck at relationships, I’ve probably kissed those cold, clammy lips in the hopes of finding love. Until one day, when one man with commitment issues offers to help me find the Romeo to my Juliet.

But what happens when the frog, who was never supposed to turn into a prince, kisses you at midnight? Ok fine, he propositioned me for some afternoon delight after brunch, but not everything can be straight out of a fairytale.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

99c for release day only

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

__________________________

Michel’s Review

When I was younger and single, I can remember the difficulties in the world of dating. It was beyond frustrating. I always found something wrong with most potential prince charmings. My mother always said ” you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you will meet your prince”. So I muddled along, kissed a bunch of toads, finally found my imperfect prince charming and am living our version of happily ever after.

Carrie Aarons delivered a delightful story that illustrates exactly how difficult the world of dating can be. From the mama’s boys to the manwhores. Add the dating apps to the mix and the dating world becomes even more disastrous. Sometimes the characters are so lost within all the muck, they fail to recognize a good thing when it’s right in front of their faces. When the switch finally turns on, the romance is pure and delightfully imperfect. In the end love is the only thing that matters. There is no guideline or directions. It’s about learning to compromise and give more of oneself.

I absolutely loved this book! I highly recommend All The Frogs In Manhattan by Carrie Aarons.

________________________________

Author Bio

Author of romance novels such as Red Card and the Captive Heart Duet, Carrie Aarons writes sexy, swoony and sarcastic characters who won’t get out of her head until she puts them down on a page.

Carrie has wanted to be an author since the first time she opened a book. She loves spinning tales that include dapper men, women with attitude, and the occasional hunky athlete.

When she isn’t in what her husband calls a “writing coma”, Carrie is freeing up her jam-packed DVR, starting her latest DIY project, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, who is more than happy to watch sports while his wife plots love stories.

Author Links

FACEBOOK

TWITTER
AMAZON
GOODREADS
FACEBOOK GROUP

New Release + Excerpt: For His Eyes Only by Lexi Blake

Posted on 03/03/2017 by shellbellereads

FHEO available now

A night he can’t forget

Five years ago, Nick Markovic found himself consumed by his quest for vengeance. The one time he managed to find peace was in the arms of Hayley Dalton. Being with her was like bathing in sunlight, and he ached to feel that again, but he couldn’t. He gave his oath to Hayley’s cousin Desiree, his partner at McKay-Taggart and Knight, that he’d never let his darkness infect Hayley’s innocent world.

A spark she can’t put out

It was years before that Hayley offered everything she had to Nick. After that one amazing night, all she wanted was to be his forever. Unfortunately, Nick’s reaction was to walk away from her and never look back. The warm and caring man she’d discovered was gone, and after Des’s death, he’d only grown colder. But when Hayley finds herself in mortal danger, she’s forced to seek protection from the man who broke her heart.

A flame that threatens to consume them both

Haunted by the women he failed, Nick can’t allow himself to grow close to Hayley again. Running to stay ahead of the powerful forces that endanger their lives, they travel from the lush Garden in London to the glittering lights of Rio. As the threat against her becomes clearer, he realizes that to keep her safe he must confront the demons from his past, even if it costs him a future with the woman he loves.

Amazon | Amazon UK | iBooks | Google Play | Barnes & Noble

FHEO teaser 4

Nick went back to staring at the report. “Hayley’s not mine. She was Desiree’s cousin. Now she’s my client.”

Who had been tired the night before and that was why she’d said the things she’d said. This morning she’d seemed much more sensible. After she’d had some sleep and a shower and had straightened herself up, she’d been quiet and seemingly reflective. She was very likely embarrassed by what had been said the night before.

I would get safety from murderers and I would get orgasms. I’m sorry, Nicky, you’re going to tell me how that’s a bad deal for me.

He was going to make sure she understood that his protection wasn’t based on whether or not she slept with him.

Because he wasn’t sleeping with her. He couldn’t hurt her that way again.

“So she was your old lover’s cousin,” Owen mused. “The lover you weren’t exclusive with and who wouldn’t marry you. The pretty girl who looks at you like you’re the sun in the sky is her cousin.”

“She looks at me like she would look at man who can save her.”

“I can save her.” Owen’s eyes lit up, his brows waggling. “Maybe she’ll look at me like that.”

Anger flared through his system. “Don’t you dare. I told you I would take care of her.”

His arms crossed over his big chest and Nick knew he’d been had. “Well, that answers the question with more honesty. You can pretend, but you like the girl. And if you honestly don’t then you need to know that the boys got a good look at her last night. If she’s going to be hanging about, she should be ready for some serious male attention.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The lads talked it over last night and decided there’s no dibs on this one. They all saw her at pretty much the same time. They looked over that dead body and saw her walking in the hall and that was when the fighting started. We all sat down and decided no dibs on her. She’ll get to pick. You should know that Sasha and Jax have decided if she picks either of them, they’re willing to share. I don’t play that way. That’s something I do know about meself. No need for you to be telling me that tale. If there’s going to be some sharing in the bedroom, it’s going to be the traditional kind between a man and a woman and her stacked best friend. That’s what I say.”

“You tell those boys to stay away from her or they will be dealing with me. They will not like to be dealing with me. I will put up with many things from them. They can poke all the corpses they like. They can punch each other. I do not care. They touch Hayley and I will be caring.”

“Wow, now you do sound Russian. A scary Russian. Still, I think if you don’t want the girl, shouldn’t she be allowed to choose? Think about it. It could be fun.”

“Are we talking about the lost boys and their battle for the new chick?” Kayla strode in, her hair in a high ponytail. It bounced as she walked, a testament to her seemingly ever-sunny personality. “I had babysitting duty last night and they kept talking about her even after lights out. Bad boys. I had a plan though. I think we make them compete in a beauty pageant. Hayley gets to judge.”

“I’m judging a beauty pageant?” Hayley followed behind Kay, and both women were followed by Charlotte Taggart and Penelope Knight. It looked like Hayley was rapidly being accepted by the women on his team.

That was not necessarily a good thing. The women on his team could create chaos like no others.

“That sounds like fun,” Charlotte said with a smile. “I think we should require Speedos for the bathing suit competition. No boring board shorts. If Hayley’s picking a lover, she needs to see some booty.”

Hayley stopped, her cheeks going the sweetest color of pink. “Wait. What?”

Penelope put a hand on her arm. “They’re teasing you, dear. Don’t worry about it. The lads will be very polite. Though you should expect some suitors while you’re here. Especially if you come down to the dungeon.”

Now he was the one flushing. “Excuse me?”

Hayley shook her head as she joined him at the table. “It’s nothing. I was just talking to the girls. Did you get the report? Penny said the Dallas office had found something.”

He was all too aware that they weren’t alone. Damon and Ian walked in with Brody Carter and Walter Bennett. The four men settled into chairs as the women joined them. Nick held out a chair for Hayley. He would have to remember that he couldn’t leave her alone for a minute or someone would be whispering in her ear, giving her ideas she shouldn’t have.

Like visiting The Garden on a play night.

It wasn’t happening.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Fall into THE DEEP END and order your copy today!

About THE DEEP END (Erotic Romance Releasing March 7, 2017):

Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are committed to fulfilling a woman’s every desire…

Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him hungers for the lifestyle offered by this exclusive club. Here, no boundary will be left untested…and one’s deepest fantasies will become an exquisite reality.

When Amélie invites Olivier to surrender, she gives the alpha submissive what he craves. Soon they both find themselves falling harder than they ever anticipated—but as their connection deepens, the truth about Olivier’s past could destroy everything…

Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

GooglePlay | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM

WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST * INSTAGRAM

Share this:

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Share this:

Share this:

The Hot Zone Series from Carly Phillips is available now!!!

The Hot Zone Series by Carly Phillips Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hot Stuff ( Hot Zone Book 1)

Start the Series With Hot Stuff Today!

Grab the Rest of the Series!

Meet Carly Phillips:

Connect with Carly:

Share this:

My name is Carly Porter… And I’m really good at bad decisions.

How do I know this, exactly? Well, not including the time I accidentally bleached my eyebrows or sprained my ankle changing a lightbulb…

I had sex with my best friend’s brother.

Zeke Elliott has been a thorn in my side for eleven years. A very sexy, very tempting, very freaking annoying one. With big…hands.

And now my clitoris has a crush on the guy.

Seriously. I can’t look at him without my vagina performing accidental kegels. Which would be fine, but he’s Cain’s brother. I hate him. He’s off limits, right?

Right.

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA | B&N | iBooks

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

Share this:

Share this:

Amazon | Amazon UK | iBooks | Google Play | Barnes & Noble

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Share this:

The Hot Zone Series
by Carly Phillips
Genre: Contemporary Romance